It’s always easy to talk about the specifications of a pistol, but how does it perform especially against a pistol that has been around for a while. And how much do you know about the relatively new Ruger 57 pistol? Paul Harrell decided to take on both the Ruger 57 and put it head-to-head against the older FN57. How do you think it did?
The Ruger 57 in 5.7×28 made its debut in 2019. For this review, Paul wanted to directly compare the Ruger to the FN Five-seveN, which has been around for a few decades. Each pistol was shot with the same ammunition and at the same set of targets as the Ruger.
Paul Harrell set out to do a full comparison between the older FN57 and the newer Ruger 57 pistols. He put both through the tests and came out with the Ruger 57 slightly above the FN.
For the first test, he wanted to shoot each pistol at the same distance with targets that were side by side. For the Ruger, the shots were a good group, if a bit low. The FN, on the other hand, was high and out of the center circle. The main reasoning, according to Paul, is that the Ruger has adjustable high visibility and fiber optic front sights, but his FN has non-adjustable sights.
Paul stated the Ruger 57 has high visible sights with a fiber optic front sight that supposedly helps you get on target faster. In this test, he did say that the Ruger did get on target faster but not at any great amount.
He further elaborated on the sights saying that his FN originally had adjustable sights when he received it. But after many trial and error rounds, the sights would never hold zero once it was repacked. His solution was to swap out the sights to non-adjustable sights, which obviously cannot be adjusted on the range. The Ruger sights, on the other hand, didn’t seem to lose zero even when hit with his hand repeatedly.
In talking about the Ruger sights being highly visible, he said that this would be helpful for getting on the target faster. He set up two targets side by side and shot both pistols from 7 yards switching between the left and right targets. He said that given the shots, the Ruger was only slightly better, questioning is it “enough of a difference to make a difference?” Ultimately it comes down to what you think about that test.
The Ruger 57 pistol has a retention pin for disassembly whereas the FN requires the hammer to be forward (that also needs to have the mag safety engaged before it will come forward) before the slide can be removed. But Paul states that both pistols are easy to take apart.
Paul then went on to talk about the disassembly of both pistols. The FN needs to have the internal hammer forward, and to get it forward you need to have a mag to trigger the magazine safety. Once the hammer is forward, the small button disengages the slide, and it comes apart. The Ruger, conversely, doesn’t need a magazine for disassembly as it has a retention pin to remove the slide. It only has a few extra steps and it’s pretty negligible as both are pretty easy to take apart.
He also talked about the relative triggers for the pistols. Both have a single-action autoloader system, a considerable amount of creep, and what he refers to as slop before a round will fire. He actually calls out a lot of different synonyms for crappy before settling on abysmal. But at least both pistols are the same in that regard.
Later, Paul tested both pistols in a chronograph and found that both median readings were within a few numbers of each other. So, he turned his attention to what he called his meat test.
One of the things that probably didn’t need to happen, according to Paul, is shooting a meat target. The test fully showed that that the 5.7×28 round isn’t as impressive as other rounds.
He used pork ribs, chips, grapefruits, another set of ribs, t-shirt material, and fleece backing to see how the round behaves. He found that while he had good penetration of the round, the overall performance was not as impressive as rounds such as 45ACP.
In the end, Paul says the discussion comes down to two important points:
Cost
Reliability
With the FN57 coming in with a price tag over $1,000, the Ruger is considerably cheaper. In regard to reliability, Paul did say that he only had around 200 rounds through it but has yet to have a single malfunction, something that the FN never achieved. Which for a new pistol, is pretty impressive.
Like many commenters said, the video was extremely well done and informative, even with the distraction of watching him pull pistols and magazines out of his pockets like some gunpowder fueled Mary Poppins.
High Speed Gear recently announced the release of their Core Cummerbund to accessorize their Core Plate Carrier.
Core Cummerbund. [Photo courtesy of High Speed Gear]
About the New High Speed Gear Accessory
High Speed Gear announces the Core Cummerbund accessory to customize the already top selling, Core Plate Carrier.
The Core Cummerbund is the first, with more to come, upgrade to the High Speed Gear Core Plate Carrier. Available in a variety of colors, the Core Cummerbund comes in three different sizes based on the body-type of the user. The Core Cummerbund allows the user to adapt to his/her environment by adding mission-essential gear to the Core Plate Carrier such as medical equipment, extra magazine pouches, a dump pouch, and more, while keeping a minimalistic, low-profile look.
“The Core Cummerbund adds additional MOLLE real estate to the carrier, allowing the user to build their kit precisely to their needs.” said Chief Operations Officer, Bill Babboni. “Our team planned for added scalability and customization when we launched the Core™ Plate Carrier earlier this year. As with all our products…quality, functionality and versatility are key.”
The Core Cummerbund is now available for purchase by visiting the High Speed Gear website or by contacting your local Authorized Dealer of High Speed Gear and Comp-Tac products.
Core Cummerbund in black. [Photo courtesy of High Speed Gear]
Features
5 rows of laser-cut MOLLE
Durable Cordura nylon laminate
Webbing straps allow for adjustment
Integrates with attachment features on the Core Plate Carrier
Side-release buckle closure
Core Cummerbund in MultiCam. [Photo courtesy of High Speed Gear]
The Core Cummerbund is available in 2, 4, or 6 rows. There is a sizing chart on their website that walks you through how to properly measure. There are six colors available, black, coyote brown, LE blue, Multicam, Multicam black, and OD green. The 2-row version is $40.00 and both the 4 and 6-row versions are $43.00.
Today, Springfield Armory announced the release of a new model to their line of 1911’s, available in either an ultra-compact 3″ with a 9+1 capacity configuration or a 4″ version with a 10+1 capacity.
About the Ronin EMP
[Photo courtesy of Springfield Armory]
Springfield Armory is proud to announce the newest addition to its award-winning family of 1911’s — the Ronin EMP. Combining the popular features of the Ronin series of pistols with the CCW-ready Enhanced Micro Pistol (EMP) platform, the result is a potent and packable EDC partner that offers the smallest 1911 in the world.
The patented EMP stands apart in the 1911 market, having been specifically engineered around the 9mm cartridge and its overall shorter length than rounds such as the .45 ACP and 10mm. Rather than simply shortening the barrel and slide like most compact 1911 pistols, the EMP also shortens the frame of the pistol fore to aft. As a result, the pistol is not only shorter and more compact, but also has a reduced grip radius for both enhanced comfort and concealability.
Now, the EMP gets the Ronin family treatment. The Ronin EMP features an attractive two-tone finish, made up of a carbon steel slide with a hot salt blue finish and satin silver Cerakote finish on the lightweight aluminum frame. Additional Ronin features include Crossed Cannon wood grips, a fiber optic front sight paired to a Tactical Rack rear sight, extended beavertail grip safety with memory bump, and much more.
[Photo courtesy of Springfield Armory]
“The EMP has long been a popular CCW pistol for 1911 fans, due to its incredible ergonomics and easily concealable dimensions,” explains Steve Kramer, Vice President of Marketing for Springfield Armory. “And now with the new Ronin EMP, shooters get one with all the benefits and features of the Ronin series of 1911 pistols.”The EMP Ronin is offered in two variants — an ultra-compact 3″ with a 9+1 capacity, and a 4″ version with a 10+1 capacity. Like all Springfield Armory 1911-style pistols, the Ronin EMP pistols feature forged steel construction in their slides and barrels, as well as forged alloy frames. The result are pistols that are lightweight and packable, yet also ruggedly durable. MSRP is $849.Designed and built for a lifetime of EDC service, [these] pistols offer 1911 enthusiasts a highly refined handgun with unparalleled durability and strength — and all in a package offering CCW-ready performance.
Today, Weatherby announced the release of its new bolt action rifle, available in multiple cartridges.
The Mark V Hunter
Mark V Hunter Bolt-Action Rifle. [Photo courtesy of Weatherby]
Bringing a wealth of chamberings to the legendary Weatherby Mark V platform, the new Mark V Hunter is also fitted with a freshly-designed stock. Echoing the shape and ergonomics of the Mark V Backcountry 2.0 family of rifles that debuted earlier in 2021, the Hunter’s polymer stock features the same trim, flat-bottomed forend, ambidextrous palm swells, aluminum pillar construction and is finished in a Granite Speckle.
Threaded 1/2×28 for use with a suppressor or brake, the Mark V Hunter’s barreled action is sealed under a shell of Cobalt Cerakote, shielding it from the elements. A deeply-fluted bolt with removable knob not only trims a little weight and helps clear dust and debris, it also reduces the bearing surface within the action resulting in smoother operation.
Mark V Hunter Bolt-Action Rifle top. [Photo courtesy of Weatherby]
The Mark V Hunter is available in a wide range of cartridges, both Weatherby Magnum chamberings as well as American classics. Designed to be the world’s strongest action, the Mark V has a signature multi-lug bolt system inspired by the interrupted thread style of lockup. Available in both Standard and Magnum action sizes, the Standard employs a six lug design while the beefier Magnum uses nine locking lugs, enabling these actions to safely chamber the hottest commercially-available cartridges on the market. Other safety features include three rings of steel around the base of the cartridge when it’s in battery, a fully-enclosed bolt shroud and three gas relief ports in the bolt body to vent pressure in the case of an ammunition failure.
Guaranteed Sub-Moa Accuracy
All Mark V rifles are guaranteed to shoot a 3-shot group of .99” or less at 100 yards (SUB-MOA) from a cold barrel when used with Weatherby factory or premium ammunition.
Triggertech Trigger
TriggerTech’s trigger provides true zero-creep break, extremely short over-travel, and is externally adjustable. Precision cut stainless steel components ensure consistent trigger pulls from shot to shot in a safe, reliable, and corrosion resistant package.
Cerakote
Cerakote is the industry leading thin-film ceramic coating. The Cerakote unique formula enhances physical properties including wear, corrosion, and chemical resistance while improving impact strengths, and hardness.
54 Degree Bolt
The shortest in the industry (as compared to typical 90 bolt throw). Allows for faster chambering on follow-up shots and greater bolt-to-scope clearance.
Mark V Hunter Bolt-Action Rifle. [Photo courtesy of Weatherby]
The Hunter has an MSRP of $1,499.00 and you can visit their site for purchasing information.
The ability to shoot consistently well is one of the most elusive and coveted goals of any defensive or competitive shooter. It provides both the technical advantage and skill-building platform upon which to further expand your shooting abilities. What steps can you take to consistently shoot well?
A common adage you often hear in the professional firearms training community is “First time is luck, second time chance, and third time is skill.” Traditional shooting standards such as the Bill Drill, the Wilson Five-by-Five, and the like, require the shooter to perform five or more consecutive repetitions Why? Because it demonstrates consistency in repeat shooting performance.
Bill Wilson, creator of the 5×5 drill, as a young, competition shooter. Photo credit: Wilson Combat.
The first step toward this coveted goal is to straight-up admit to yourself that you’re not yet at the skill level that you want to be. If you were, then you would be able to demonstrate it. Although that’s a jagged little pill to swallow, it is essential to find the motivation, discipline, and commitment required to reach that next level.
Only after you can hold yourself personally accountable (self-motivation, discipline, and commitment) may you then embark on that journey up the proverbial stairway to performance. Adopting this mindset, unleashing your motivation, engaging your discipline, and standing firmly in your commitment affords you the opportunity to pursue the lofty and worthy terminal objective of earning consistency.
Consistency in shooting well can be defined as “your ability to repeatedly perform at a known skill level.” In meeting the expectations of this definition, there are three steps that you can take to help develop your abilities to shoot consistently well: familiarity, comfort, and confidence.
1. Familiarity
The first stride on the road to repeatedly perform at a known skill level is to become intimately familiar with exactly what that level is. To find this line of demarcation is to differentiate between what works and what doesn’t work. Applying a correct shooting process is what works.
When you follow a shooting process such as “bring stability to alignment and break the shot without disturbing that alignment”, you find that it works every time. Completing each of the subprocesses within that process (minutiae) is what makes good hits and in acceptable times.
Should you take a mental approach such as ‘try to go fast’ or ‘try to be more accurate’ then you are trying and not shooting, something which is not recommended as part of your regular training regimen along with anything else that may pull you away from following the shooting process.
Clear your mind of all but the mental focus needed to stay in the shooting process. Know what works and what doesn’t work.
Understand the shooting process, test the process, trust the process, and the more times you apply that same process without error, the greater your familiarity in applying what works.
2. Comfort
Once you have built this familiarization and can instinctively discern “right” from “wrong” — that is, doing what it takes to make that shot versus not doing what it takes to make that shot — you have established the yellow and white lines on the long and winding road toward comfort.
Why is comfort is such a critical step in the process? Under duress, you will default to your lowest level of comfort to ‘guarantee’ the shot.
In a defensive situation or in the heat of competition, you can’t afford to be reckless and push past your headlights so far that the wheels fall off your shooting process, and you crash. The converse is also true — you can’t be too conservative at the expense of time. The sweet spot is somewhere in between the boundaries of a guaranteed hit and the edge of your comfort zone.
The goal, of course, is to always step outside your comfort zone by pushing that envelop into uncharted ground. Forcing the wheels to fall off and learning from each mistake affords you access to uncharted territory. Once you have walked all over that new real estate you have moved that boundary marker a bit further, and in doing so have expanded your comfort zone.
Any shooter willing and able to put the work in needed to shoot well, must at some point also be willing to depart their comfort zone.
You can only step outside your comfort zone once you have set and identified its boundary markers.
3. Confidence
After identifying your comfort zone, it is strongly recommended by the best in the industry to push past your comfort zone. As per multiple world championship competition shooter Rob Leatham: “get comfortable being uncomfortable.”
Upon attaining the confidence of identifying the markers of your skill level, the very next step is to assert the resulting confidence as a tool to push past those markers in reaching for that next level. You can only accomplish this task after you have built the familiarity and in doing so have attained confidence at your prior skill level. Without setting the bedrock of confidence you are not afforded the foundation upon which to build your next level of performance.
The top shooters use confidence as a power tool to push beyond their comfort zone to move into, and become familiar with, that uncharted territory. Building confidence is a necessary and incremental step in moving away from shooting at lower skill levels and toward shooting well.
Becoming intimately familiar with the shooting process and its minutiae is a required step in expanding your comfort zone.
Once you have established that zone and the ensuing confidence it produces, then challenge yourself to push past those boundaries and shoot consistently well.
One of the most important considerations in preparing for personal combat is resiliency. Pioneered by United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), combat resiliency training is officially known as Preservation of the Force and Family (POTFF). The POTFF mission is to optimize operations, mission readiness, longevity, and performance through integrated and holistic human performance programs designed to strengthen the force and the family.
Combat resiliency is best described by a quote from USSOCOM Commander General Richard Clarke, “Humans are more important than hardware. By investing in our people, ensuring a trusted, capable, diverse and committed force that is ready to meet any challenge.”
USSOCOM Commander General Richard Clarke. (Image source: Free Press Journal)
What mission-essential core concept can be gleaned from USSOCOM POTFF and applied to your life that can further develop combat resilience? Taking a proactive and holistic approach to operational readiness via physical training, psychological perspective, and contingency planning.
Physical Training
The military is world-renowned for setting the standard for physical prowess. Going as far back as the ancient Spartans and the Roman legions all the way up to and including today’s Special Forces, operators are recognized for their superior discipline and commitment to combative competency.
What’s the one thing that separates the military and law enforcement from the average non-sworn civilian? Training. What’s the differentiator between the regular defense department and specialized units? Training. What separates the best defensive or competitive shooters, NASCAR drivers, and fighter pilots from their lesser-skilled counterparts? Training.
If you want to further develop your combat resilience, you cannot forgo training.
If you want to be proficient at any physical skill, training is an absolute necessity. It is the differentiator and is what separates you from everyone else in line at the grocery store. Whatever your chosen skillset, if you want to further develop your combat resilience, you cannot forgo training. All physical skills are perishable and like speaking a second language or playing a musical instrument it takes a long time to develop and a short time to attenuate. If you don’t use it you lose it. Once you’ve gained that specific physical skill, the onus is on you to sustain it.
Psychological Perspective
As humans, we share common worries in life. That anxiety and stressors can and do attenuate combat resilience. Such worries can include financial or job security, relationships, and health, to list a few of the most common.
Worries about job security can develop because of internal pressures such as difficulties with upper management, performance issues, and the like. External pressures such as the economy or the resurgence of an economically debilitating pandemic can cause those worries as well. Addressing these issues one at a time and to the best of your abilities — even if it’s just discussing them with family and friends — can alleviate some of that anxiety.
Strained relationships can also throw a monkey wrench into your combat resiliency as family plays a critical role in support and survival infrastructure. Identifying and alleviating the issues that place strain on a relationship are what allow you to place those otherwise-occupied units of attention toward operational readiness.
Health can cause a significant amount of psychological turmoil and must be set forth as a priority. In terms of surviving a violent physical altercation, it is the highest priority. We’ve all heard the phrase “When you have your health you have everything.” Nothing rings truer as we grow longer in the tooth.
One of the most sobering quotes on the importance of prioritizing health is passed on to us by none other than His Holiness the Dali Lama:
“Man sacrifices his health to make money. Then he sacrifices his money to recuperate his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived.”
Contingency Planning
As failure is not an option, we all want to plan for success, but even the highest trained warriors understand the importance of contingency planning.
A contingency plan is a backup plan to your primary plan. Otherwise known as “Plan B” a contingency plan is designed specifically for future unforeseen and undesirable events. It is a proactive measure to ensure things transition as wrinkle-free as possible. In the event of a real-world threat, a contingency plan can be utilized as an additional means to apply control to unpredictable conditions.
Contingency planning is essential to resilience as it helps you to prepare for unforeseen situations. (Image: Steve Tarani)
The strategic advantage of having a contingency plan is that when “Plan A” begins to unravel you’re not wasting valuable time trying to create an alternative game plan from scratch when your backup plan is already made and can be immediately deployed.
Your contingency plan significantly increases adaptability, affords additional opportunity, and provides a previously determined means of risk mitigation — all of which significantly contribute to your combat resiliency. Creating a contingency plan is not any more difficult than crafting your “Plan A.” You need to be prepared for a wide range of possible scenarios playing out and be ready to circumnavigate the proverbial hurdles that may be placed in your path.
Recommended practices to help you with your contingency planning include a thorough situational assessment. Relevant and accurate information allows you to make educated decisions. Set achievable objectives and then list the steps to reach those objectives. Ask the opinion of others with similar or even greater experience and background. Educate everyone in your group such as family, friends, and even neighbors if they may be involved in your planning. Review the details with all involved, specifically those who have designated roles and responsibilities, and ask them to repeat it back to you in their own words so that you know there is a clear understanding.
General Clarke’s quote is an accurate assessment – humans are more important than hardware. Taking a proactive and holistic approach to operational readiness via physical training, psychological perspective, and contingency planning further enhances your combat resilience and that of those nearest you whom you are committed to protecting.
Gone are the days when red dot sights (RDS) were thought of as gimmicks for competition shooters or aiming aids for handgun hunters. Today, they’re used by everyone, including gun owners who carry handguns for self-defense purposes.
As with any purchase, sorting through all of the details and features can be daunting when you’re trying to decide which is the best one for you. It helps when there are side-by-side comparative reviews, and for that purpose, Nick at DEFCON Creative reviewed three compact pistol red dots in a video series. While usually opting for concealed carry of a full-sized pistol, Nick says he carries a compact pistol during the summer. Thus, the appeal of the smaller optic for a smaller pistol. He wanted to see the different options available and see what worked best for him.
I want to take a deep dive into each of the most popular/widely available Red Dots for compact handguns and come up with my recommendation for the best all-around option to put a dot on a slim gun.
The sights he reviews in this series are the Springfield Armory HEX Wasp RDS, the Trijicon RMRcc, and the Holosun 507K X2.
Which one is best? Here are the three video reviews with notes, followed by the final video with Nick’s conclusion.
Review: Springfield Armory HEX Wasp RDS
By Kat Ainsworth
In this first video review, DEFCON Creative checks out the Springfield Armory HEX Wasp RDS, covering its performance, usability, and various thoughts on RDS.
DEFCON Creative reviews the Springfield Armory HEX Wasp RDS. (Photo credit: DEFCON Creative)
Why would you want a pistol red dot?
There are a lot of benefits to running your carry gun with an RDS:
Rapid target acquisition
Broader field of view
Low-light use
Accuracy
Co-witness with iron sights
Faster follow-up shots
What do you need to know about the HEX Wasp RDS?
The Springfield Armory HEX Wasp RDS. (Photo credit: DEFCON Creative)
DEFCON Creative gets into a fairly lengthy review of this red dot, which is fantastic for viewers. They had the following to say about a few of its features and its overall performance:
“The dot is a 3.5 MOA red dot. [Springfield Armory] claims a two-year run time. I’ve only had this gun for maybe six months…and obviously, the dot is still working. [The website] says it is IPX7 waterproof. I don’t get wet…often, but it’s super nice to have.”
He also mentions that the brightness adjustment is auto-dimming and Springfield says it’s a parallax-free lense. “I thought most dots…would be parallax-free. There would be distortions, but I don’t see a lot of…parallax in a single lens red dot.”
The magnification is 1X and that is always on. MSRP is $299.00.
Running the Springfield Armory HEX Wasp RDS at the range. (Photo credit: DEFCON Creative)
Performance
Getting into his experience with the HEX Wasp, he points out some features.
The lens isn’t super-big. There isn’t a gigantic field of view like on a Trijicon SRO or even a standard-sized RMR, because it is more compact. It does, however, seem to have even more tunnel vision than some of the other compact options.
Still, he says it’ is acceptable, especially for a compact gun. He points out that the engagement distance needs to be taken into consideration. It’s unlikely that you’re going to try and shoot this gun at 50 yards. You could, but that’s not really the purpose of a compact gun.
“This is the gun I carry in a fanny pack when I go running. [So] it is compact, but it is enough to be able to reach out and see at…closer engagement distances….I have no problem picking up the dot and actually seeing the target”
Watch the full review:
HEX Wasp Features
Springfield Armory lists the HEX Wasp RDS features as the following:
“Designed for low-profile, direct mounting, the HEX Wasp is perfectly suited for compact applications like today’s concealed carry pistols and offset rifle mounting.”
3.5 MOA Dot, Red
.5 MOA Adjustment (90 MOA Windage and Elevation)
CR2032 Battery Included – 65,000 Hours
Glass Lens, Scratch Resistant / Anti Glare Coating
Springfield Micro Footprint (Shield RMSc)
6061 T6 Hardcoat Aluminum Housing
Always On, Auto-Dimming
IPX7 Waterproof
.95″ W x .86″ H x 1.6″ L
0.7 oz
(2) sets of screws included
Operating temperature certified from -40F to 158F”
Trijicon RMRcc Pistol Red Dot Review
By Patti Miller
In his second video review, Nick was able to get his hands on a Trijicon RMRcc and with the help of a borrowed Sig 365, he ran it through its paces to get a better picture of it.
Nick from DEFCON Creative wanted to see what options were available for his compact carry. The Trijicon RMRcc pistol red dot sight seemed to check the boxes and he likes the optic despite its price tag.
Key specs of the RMRcc
Specifically designed as a concealed carry option, essentially a baby version of the RMR Type 2
Two options for the red dot – crisp 3.25 or 6 MOA
Up to a 4-year battery life
Snag-free design that’s designed to be beaten up
Positives
According to Nick, the RMRcc overall is a smaller version of the Type 2 RMR with the most durable open emitter dot optic. With a narrow body, it can be mounted on a 1911 or 2011, as well as on compact pistols. He is also impressed at the different brightness and night shooting modes. Even though he doesn’t find the brightest setting particularly bright, he did say that it was bright enough to handle the Texas sunlight. Additionally, the optic has two different button lockout options so you won’t go accidentally mess up your settings when you are carrying.
The RMRcc pistol red dot boasts many different brightness levels, including one that seemingly is bright enough for the Texas sunlight, according to Nick at DEFCON Creative.
The RMRcc is meant to be used for shots less than 25 yards because it is a concealed carry model. But if you require a bit more from it, it has a tactile 3MOA adjustment per click that doesn’t use a proprietary tool to adjust for homing your shots with ease. The exterior is also a familiar shape so, worse comes to worst, you can use the top notch of the optic for an approximate last ditch back up sight. Essentially, if you like the RMR Type 2 optic, you’ll like the RMRcc.
Negatives
There are a few things that Nick doesn’t really like about the RMRcc pistol red dot sight. For one, it uses a proprietary footprint, which is also different from the RMR full size. In order to mount the optic, you’ll need to mill the slide or use an adapter plate. Also, because of the size of the optic and how the slide has to be milled to accept the optic, you won’t be able to co-witness with the stock sights. Nick goes on to mention that the actual shape of the window itself is not great for shooting out over 25 yards.
One negative that Nick talks about is the optic’s proprietary footprint that requires either an adapter plate or the need to mill the slide.
Another feature of the pistol red dot that he’s not thrilled with is the bottom mounting battery. To swap out the battery you have to unmount it, replace the battery, re-Loctite the screws, remount, and rezero. With the 4-year battery life, it might not be a big deal to most, but because he swaps out all batteries in his optics every year on his birthday, it’s time-consuming.
Nick’s last negative for the RMRcc is the price, at a $695 MSRP. He says that while that price is pretty normal for a Trijicon, it can easily end up doubling the overall price of your pistol in the end.
In conclusion, Nick likes the Trijicon RMRcc. He says it is a very good pistol red dot option for a compact concealed carry optic. In his opinion, it’s worth the price tag but just know you’ll have some extra work that comes along with it.
Review: Holosun 507K X2 Red Dot
By Kat Ainsworth
In part three of this micro RDS review series, Nick goes over the Holosun 507K X2 RD. If you’ve ever wondered about the Holosun brand of optics, now’s your chance to learn.
Holosun 507K X2. (Photo credit: DEFCON Creative)
What do you need to know about the Holosun 507K X2 RDS?
This RDS has a lot of nice features like a 50,000-hour battery life and 12 different brightness settings. In fact, it’s even night vision compatible in two of those settings. Holosun designed the 507K X2 as a purpose-driven optic, and that purpose is defensive use in all light settings. Unlike some red dot sights that are restricted one way or the other, this one appears to be versatile and tough.
So, what does DEFCON Creative have to say about it?
Quite a bit, here are some of the highlights:
Durability
Nick says, “I did not expect this to be durable but I have had zero issues with this in the same round count [when reviewing others like the Trijicon] RMRcc…this housing is very, very durable. I don’t go dropping it over 500 rounds, but it has done the job for me.”
The Reticle
The Holosun 507K X2 has a 2 MOA dot and a 32 MOA ring, and it comes in red or green. Nick notes that the green has a lower battery life, saying, “I just don’t like green dots. The red is what I go with [which is nice] because the ring…gives you something easier to pick up.”
For example, if you are brand new to red dots and this is your first dot on a gun, you might have some difficulty finding the dot at first. With the extra ring around the dot, you’ll be able to see the top of the ring if you’re a little low, and then you can bring it up.
What else did Nick have to say about the Holosun 507K X2? You’ll have to watch the video to find out.
Bottom line?
The Holosun 507K X2 was Nick’s favorite of the trio of brands they tried out for this particular RDS series. Is it right for you? The only way to find out is to try it. It can take some time to learn how to use an RDS instead of iron sights. Remember, you can always get RDS-height irons and co-witness, but it’s worth the investment of time and effort. Having a good RDS in your collection is a great idea for any dedicated shooter.
Running the Holosun RDS on the range. (Photo credit: DEFCON Creative)
Specifications
MRS: Circle Dot; 2 MOA Dot; 32 MOA Circle
Up to 50,000 Hours Battery Life (Setting 6)
12 Brightness Setting: 10 DL & 2 NV Compatible
Convenient Tray Battery Compartment
Parallax-free & Unlimited Eye Relief
Designed for CCW
IP67 Waterproof
Shake awake
Multilayer reflective glass
Light Wavelength: 650nm
Reticle Color: Red
1X Magnification
CR1632 Battery
Window Size: 0.58″ x 0.77″
Dimension:1.6″ x 0.98″ x 0.95″
Weight: 1 ounce
Housing Material:7075 T6 Aluminum
Surface Finish: Anodized
Adjustment per Click: 1 MOA
Storage Temperature: -20℃~65℃
Working Temperature: -20℃~51℃
Submersion: IP67
Vibration: 5000G
Compact Red Dot Showdown: Which one wins?
By Kat Ainsworth
To conclude the series, this final video summarizes all three hands-on reviews, objectively breaking it all down by category.
Trying to choose a red dot? DEFCON Creative is here to help. (Photo credit: DEFCON Creative)
Which Red Dot Sight is Best?
DEFCON Creative tried out a number of RDS to find out which worked best for them. He assigns a winner to each categories, finally calling out one of them as the best.
The chart used by DEFCON Creative to compare the various RDS. Which one do you think won? (Photo credit: DEFCON Creative)
Here’s the lowdown on their initial impressions of the first two factors, usability and battery life:
Universality
He points out that there aren’t a lot of guns that come from the factory pre-milled for a red dot. However, it is becoming more common.
I think within the next two years, every gun is going to come with at least the option for milling.
In the Universality category, the [Springfield Armory] HEX wins because it uses the Shield RMSc footprint which is compatible with several platforms including the Springfield Hellcat, Sig Sauer, and Bul Armory 2011s.
The Shield RMSc is, up to this point, the most universally-used footprint. So the HEX Was is going to be the most universally fit dot.
The Holosun almost made it, being very close to the RMSc footprint, “but you’re still going to have to get a plate because they’ve changed it just enough to make it aggravating. You’re either going to have to get an adapter plate or you’re going to have to get your slide milled.”
As for the RMRcc, “Trijicon just said [forget you all]…just like they did with the RMR, the RMRcc uses its own footprint. [Right now] I don’t know of any guns that have the RMRcc [milled] standard. So you’re going to have to use an adapter plate, or if you have a Glock with the MOS system, get an MOS plate for [the RMRcc].”
The first point goes to the Springfield HEX.
Battery Life
Things get a little wonky in this category when you take in factors like low vs. high settings, and the differing phrases the companies use to describe how long the battery is going to last.
Springfield says the HEX Wasp will run over 65,000 hours on its lowest setting, but “In the real world…it’s going to be like 17,500 hours….[approximately] 2 years on this, in real-life applications.”
Trijicon says the RMRcc battery offers 4 years of illumination, but “I don’t know what brightness setting that’s going to be on. It comes out to [about] 35,000 hours.”
Ultimately, Holosun wins in this category, because the company says the 507K X2 RDS will run up to 50,000 hours at brightness setting Six.
So how does the rest of the chart fill out, and which Compact Red Dot Sight is the winner? You’ll have to watch the final video in the series to find out!
Which red dot sight is best for you?
Bottom line? Red dots serve a purpose, and odds are good they’d be useful for you. As with any gun or gear, choosing the best RDS for you comes down to your needs. It has to serve the specific purpose for which you intend to use it, whether that’s for your everyday carry gun or for range use, and it has to fit your gun.
All aftermarket plates are not being made for every gun and RDS out there. There are quite a few factors to take into consideration. There are a lot of RDS on the market, though, so it’s a good idea to do your research. In order to narrow it down it’s a great idea to watch videos like this one from DEFCON Creative.
Do you have a favorite RDS? Tell us about it in the comments below.
CrossBreed Holsters announced the release of their Rogue System recently. It is available in both right and left hand, though they are out of stock for lefties at the moment. Standard is Magpul FDE (Cerakoted), but there are four other choices for some additional dollars, as well as several add-on options.
Rogue System with firearm and magazine. [Photo courtesy of CrossBreed Holsters]
About the Rogue Holster System
The next evolution of CrossBreed Holsters is NOW! CrossBreed revolutionized the holster market with the release of the SuperTuck and has focused on producing the finest hybrid holsters available since, but the time has come to start revolutionizing the holster market once again.
For years your favorite all-kydex holsters have had specific features that you like, such as an attached magazine carrier, adjustable retention, different clip options, or even a concealment wedge, leaving you to have to choose which features were most important to you…. but no more! The Rogue Holster by CrossBreed Holsters is the perfect combination of many of the features that you’ve come to love, all in the perfect holster setup. Featuring…
Detachable magazine carrier so you’re always ready for the fight.
Adjustable retention so you can easily adjust the holster for a smoother draw or more security.
Concealment claw for a more discreet carry.
Multiple clip options and locations for a fully customized fit.
Adjustable cant for the perfect draw angle
Rouge System holster. [Photo courtesy of CrossBreed Holsters]
For the longest time you had to pick between your holster being comfortable or other options you look for, but unlike many all-Kydex holsters the Rogue Holster keeps comfort at the forefront while not sacrificing options and it shows with many of its features, including…
Multiple clip options for desired carry style, height, and location: the Rogue Holster can be worn strong side, appendix, or even cross-draw with our OWB loops.
Adjustable clip mounting locations allow the clips to be adjusted for higher or lower carry positions
The curved design allows the holster to slightly wrap around your body, making the holster less noticeable in your waistband.
The Rouge holster. [Photo courtesy of CrossBreed Holsters]
Sig Sauer’s line of MCX pistols and rifles has attained an almost cult-like status thanks to its versatility and reliable function. The MCX Patrol in 5.56 NATO is one of the rifles of the line, and it’s the focus of this video review from TFBTV. Interested in learning more about the MCX line, or about gas piston rifles in particular? You’ve come to the right place.
TFBTV reviews the Sig MCX in 5.56 NATO. (Photo credit: TFBTV)
Sig MCX Features
It’s always nice when someone reviewing a rifle (or any firearm) gets into the details of a particular gun, and that’s exactly what’s done in this TFBTV review:
“So, the Sig MCX was actually designed in 300 BLK and intended to be used with a suppressor, so you have a setting for subsonic ammo as well as supersonic ammo.
“It’s got some pretty nice features, like an [ambidextrous] magazine release and large, oversized bolt catch/bolt release as well as [an] ambi safety and an ambi charging handle. Now, I did find the [ambidextrous] charging handle does kind of get in the way with the mount on the Sig Bravo Four optic they sent over. Now, I admit that I would like to see this [KeyMod handguard] in MLOK, but that’s just my preference; the KeyMod is just fine.
“The folding stock allows you to pack the gun in a place you would not normally be able to put an AR with a 16-inch barrel. I actually quite like it a lot. You do get a brass deflector and a forward assist but it is made out of some sort of plastic material, but I’m sure it’s fine.”
Check out the video to learn more about the Sig MCX and how it performs on the range:
What are some uses for the Sig MCX?
This specific Sig MCX is the Patrol, chambered in 5.56 NATO. Its 16-inch barrel means it is technically a carbine, not a rifle, and also means it’s going to be easier to manipulate. There are a lot of solid reasons to have a gun like this on hand:
Home defense
Truck gun
Hog hunting
Range time
CQB (close quarters battle) work
The Sig MCX has a KeyMod handguard. (Photo credit: TFBTV)
Interestingly, the Sig MCX is not an AR, it just looks like one. This is a gas piston rifle with a rotating bolt, which is a bit different and preferred by some shooters. It’s proven itself to many shooters as an accurate, reliable gun – the entire MCX line has done that – so it’s no surprise it’s so popular.
5.7×28 has been around for years, thanks to FN. Even so, some people are just now discovering it thanks to some newer products from CMMG, like the CMMG Banshee. The gent over on the VSO Gun Channel thinks you should take a good look at the 5.7×28 and even stacked it up against the ever-popular 5.56×45 in a short barrel configuration. He addressed the round and explains why you should give it a go if you haven’t already.
Admittedly, the 5.7×28 is an uncommon round.
It was designed for the FN P90 rifle with fast-burning powder, but lots of people do not enjoy the stick magazine that goes with the P90. With the release of the CMMG 5.7 magazine, it allows your AR rifle to shoot 5.7 — with a 5.7 upper, that is. But how would the 5.7 compare to the 5.56?
VSO really wanted to compare the .22lr, 5.7×28, and the 5.56×45 as the 5.7 falls in the middle. Ultimately, he excluded the .22lr round because it’s a non-combat rimfire round, even though commenters of the videos say that .22Mag or 9mm would be a better comparison. VSO goes on to say that .22lr is outdated and has been riddled with reliability issues throughout the years. The 5.7×28 round is a centerfire cartridge that has a higher quality projectile as well.
The VSO Gun Channel did a comparison between a short-barreled 5.56×45 and a standard length 5.7×28 CMMG upper, which are roughly the same length on an AR platform. Between the two, he still likes his 5.56 but thinks the 5.7 option is good for secondary targets.
The magazines from CMMG have the same general appearance as an AR mag, but hold 40 rounds of 5.7×28 ammo. They have a small texture on the front of the mag and hold the bolt open on the last round but don’t fall free. Then why would you want to run them in an AR? It essentially comes down to the fact that with the CMMG upper, it is more compact and lighter than its 5.56×45 counterpart—including the suppressor. When you throw in having a lower papered as an SBR (short-barreled rifle for those that don’t know), having the upper adds to the overall latitude of configuration options for the firearm, including full auto if applicable.
VSO wanted to compare the short-barreled 5.7 to both .22lr and 5.56×45. However, he deemed the .22lr inferior, with its notorious reliability issues. But one commenter of the video thought that a 9mm and 5.7 comparison would be better.
The 5.7 round has a reputation of being one that screams. The cartridges are designed to shoot out of the short barrel and CMMG has options for either a 5” or 8” barrel length. VSO decided to use barrel lengths that were similar for the 5.56 and the 5.7. Whether or not it’s obvious, the suppressors are different. The 5.7 round can be shot through a smaller rimfire suppressor (in most cases) whereas the 5.56 would need a rifle suppressor.
Testing the Rounds
VSO compared the two rounds during the day and the night. The night testing showed the light signature of both the 5.56 and the 5.7 was significantly lower when shot suppressed vs not suppressed. However, the 5.7 had far less signature in both applications. Then he did something that was either brave or idiotic when he shot two rounds of 5.56 through his Bowers USS .22lr suppressor. Thankfully nothing crazy happened.
One of the tests VSO performed was testing the light signature at night. While both options had smaller signatures while suppressed, the 5.7 had significantly less.
Major Positive take-homes
The 5.7 configuration is shorter overall length than the 5.56
5.7×28 ammunition is more compact and lighter
Suppressors designed for 5.7×28 are generally lighter and smaller
Less recoil thanks to the lighter reciprocating mass in the operating system
Package is good to deal with secondary or tertiary targets
The 5.7 was designed by FN to shoot out of a short barrel with a fast-burning powder and a softer punch. But most people don’t like the stick mag of the FN P90 so when CMMG came out with their 5.7×28 upper and mag options, it opened the door to more people to enjoy the round in an AR platform.
Downsides of 5.7
Ammunition is not super common and may take some calling around to find it in local stores.
Not all ammo loads are created equal and he recommends either Vanguard Outfitter or FN57 branded ammunition.
In short, the 5.7×28 is a great compact option and even a majority of the commentators of the video agreed. Even so, he’ll probably stay with the 5.56×45 as his primary option.
