Photo Recon | Military Times GearScout

Breakdown: M27 IAR vs. HK416

By: Rob Curtis

24-10-2011

Here’s a quick video showing the differences between the USMC spec’d M27 IAR and the HK416 and its compatibility with aftermarket magazines. First, there’s a little confusion about the IAR variant being considerably different than the HK416. As you’ll see, the differences are minimal. There’s no heavier barrel and the internals are identical to the HK416D. The IAR is pretty much a 16.5″ HK416D with a bunch of accessories required by the Corps. Run through the gallery below for a closer look at some of the differences and unique features common to the HK416 and the M27 IAR.

Second, there’s a question of what mags work in the gun. While I didn’t get to full function check the mags in the gun, rumors about the Surefire HCM not fitting are wrong. You can see both Surefire mags fit and fall free with no issues. I haven’t shot the 100 rounder yet, but we’ve heard the 60 rounder runs fine. Surefire’s official response is that they didn’t design the mag to work with the gun, although they have heard some samples fitting in the HK416 and some not.

I’m hoping to get some range time with the gun and a set of mags in the next couple of weeks to see how reliably the Surefire HCMs function in the HK416.

Magpul MOE K Grip

By: Stickman

17-09-2011

Photo Recon, Product Announcement

Magpul released a few new items recently, one of which is the MOE K Grip. The K Grip is more narrow than previous Magpul offerings, and has a steeper angle. For people who are familiar with PDW (Personal Defensive Weapon) concepts, this grip fills that niche in the Magpul lineup. For guys and gals wondering what it feels like in the hand, its similar to an AK grip. Smaller handed shooters, people who like smaller grips, or people who salivate over PDW grips will no doubt find this one something to like. Priced at $19.95, its something to think about if you are looking for a new grip for your M4/ AR15.

Samson Evolution Series Rainier Arms 12.0 Rail

By: Stickman

06-08-2011

Photo Recon, Photo Recon, Product Announcement, Product Preview

Rainier Arms has teamed with Samson Mfg to create a lighter weight “Evolution Series” rail. The tubular style of rail has become increasingly popular as civilian and LE shooters have decided the extra weight of a full quad rail isn’t always needed, especially when you can just drop in rail sections where you want and still have the functionality of a quad rail. With a given weight of 11 ounces including the heatsink that installs over the barrel nut, this is one of the lighter rails we’ve seen. The top of the rail system is a full-length 1913 spec rail, and Rainier Arms includes two different drop-in rail sections, which let you throw on a light and VFG if you choose. Additional rail sections are available.

Installation of the rail is simple, but you need to remember that the heatsink pieces need to be installed as shown in the pictures below. Chop off the Delta ring cap, and remove the spring, then push the heatsink pieces into place. Note the half-circle portion goes on the bottom, and the full circle goes on the top next to the gas tube. If you try it the wrong way, you are only going to get frustrated as the tube won’t slide over them. After you slide the rail in place, tighten the two screws, and you are done.

At $175, this full-length rail is worth checking out, especially if you are looking to slim down your blaster. Click the picture to check out the product specs and a video.

Below are the product specs from the manufacturer:

Description:

The Samson Evolution Series is the next step forward in free floating hand guards. Light weight and durable, these hand guards offer the perfect upgrade for 3 gun shooters, LE/Military and weekend enthusiasts alike. The 1.8” facetted O.D. offers a comfortable shooting platform for most shooters. Accessory rails can be added or removed easily to adapt the hand guard to your specific needs (units can also be mounted at 45 degree offsets). This version of the Evolution Rail is a Rainier Arms exclusive.

Features:

The thermal bushing locks onto the stock barrel nut
No special tools required for installation
The inside diameter is large enough to fit most suppressors (1.56”)
Continuous mil spec top rail
Duel anti rotation tabs
Relieved for most gas piston systems
Thermal Bushings helps reduce heat transfer to hand guard
Tube Matl 6010 T6, Bushing Matl. 303 Stainless
Mil-spec Hard coat Anodized
Weight: 11.0oz w/Heatsink
Length: 12.37″
Rails Included: QD Swivel Socket, 2 Inch Rail, 4 Inch Rail
Standard AR-15 barrel nut required; not included.

http://www.rainierarms.com/?page=shop/detail&product_id=2563

Geissele Automatics – Super Dynamic Combat Trigger (SDC)

By: Stickman

01-08-2011

Photo Recon, Photo Recon, Product Announcement, Review

Geissele Automatics is well known for highly reliable, fantastic-feeling triggers for the M4 and AR15 family of weapons. With their flat-faced “Super Dynamic” series, these look nothing like the standard triggers that we are all used to seeing in our weapons. I’ll point out that I use a Geissele SSA trigger in my duty weapon, and have for several years. It’s a trigger that breaks clean, and that I don’t bother lubing or playing around with. My SSA has 10,000+ rounds through it, but its been loaned more than a few times, and the actual count can only be guessed at. What can’t be guessed at is how well its held up, and how clean the trigger feels.

In looking at the Super Dynamic Combat Trigger (SDC), my largest question is how well the flat-faced trigger is going to feel. I’ve shot enough 1911s with similar triggers that I didn’t expect to dislike it, which is why I grabbed a handful of other people to jump in on our testing. What was the general feeling for this odd-looking little beast? Click the picture to read the thoughts and comments we came up with.

Cane & Derby Pardus AIWB review & discount promotion

By: Rob Curtis

07-07-2011

DealScout, Photo Recon, Review

Kydex-smiths, Cane & Derby are offering 20% off everything for 24 hours for every 100 friends they get on their Facebook page. The first sale starts today, July 7. The next will happen when the next century mark, and so on. So, if you want to make them sorry they ever thought of this idea, just keep telling your friends to like their facebook page as you order holsters for all your pistols and mags at 20% off.

I spent a few months comparing some new-to-the-market holsters and the Pardus Kydex Appendix Holster ($85) was in the lineup. It’s a strong appendix inside-the-waistband (AIWB) offering with some trick design that offers a lot of adjustability. You can adjust the ride height and cant by moving the BladeTech straps up or down in the rivet holes. The level of flexibility extends the use of the Pardus all the way to a 3 or 4 o’clock carry if you can’t stand the 12-2 appendix carry.

What’s unique about the Pardus AIWB is the body side contact surface– it’s not flat as you might expect on something that’s going to sit against your body. There’s a bulge down low that creates a bearing surface that mates up to your upper thigh while the upper part of the holster rides flat on your lower abdomen. This makes for a comfy ride with even a large frame pistol like the Glock. The all Kydex construction makes for an uncollapsible, thin profile and solid retention.

The stiff Kydex won’t soften over time and that’s important when carried up front where twisting and bending can make a traditional leather holster fold in ways that could interfere with the trigger during holstering. More info on the Pardus AIWB is available here.

Clint Smith Specs out the new Thunder Ranch Carbine

By: Stickman

04-07-2011

Photo Recon, Photo Recon, Product Announcement, Product Preview

Clint Smith of Thunder Ranch is well known in the firearm community, not just because of his tours in Vietnam, Law Enforcement or SWAT experience, but due to him having been one of the corner stones of the training community for a long time. Clint contacted Noveske Rifleworks and worked with John Noveske to build an ultimate carbine, one obviously designed to his specs.

We had a chance to handle the Thunder Ranch carbine, and found it handled and balanced extremely well. The light weight 14.5″ barrel (pinned Vortex makes it a legal 16″ barrel) and light weight handguard aid in the overall feel, and the weapon points on target quickly. Personally, I think it would be a shame to load the rail up with pointless add-ons, something like a Surefire X300 light, and a small VFG (Vertical Foregrip) would be as much as I would throw on the rail. Shown below is the DBAL and Aimpoint T-1 in an ADM mount, which doesn’t offset the balance. These two items obviously aren’t coming on the carbine, but they were on the model we played around with.

Features like the Gen II N4 lower receiver , PRI Charging Handle, Troy BUIS, N4 barrel (made from M249 steel and heavy chrome lining) and MUR upper receiver show this is a well laid out carbine, and not just a name slapped on a weapon.

Check out the Noveske Rifleworks website for additional information and specs.

Marine Corps weapons movements

By: Dan Lamothe

27-06-2011

Photo Recon

Marine Corps Times has several weapons-centric stories up online in the last 36 hours.

First, there’s a blog entry highlighting Military Times photographer Tom Brown’s photographs of the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle in combat. Brown and senior writer Gina Cavallaro are currently embedded with 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, the first unit to take the IAR to war.

Lance Cpl. Joshua Houck, of Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, looks through the scope of his M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle during a June 23 patrol in Garmser, Afghanistan. (Photo by Thomas Brown/Staff)

Marine Corps Times also reports the Corps is pushing forward with potential upgrades to its version of the M16A4 rifle and M4 carbine that could result in free-floating barrels, adjustable stocks and common weapon slings on both 5.56mm weapons.

Finally, the Corps will reportedly adopt optics at boot camp beginning in July. It’s labeled as a pilot program, but with the amount of momentum behind the decision, it seems likely it will become a permanent move.

Oral IV

By: Stickman

17-06-2011

Hasty Review, Photo Recon, Product Announcement, Review

Gun? Check. Watch? Check. Oral IV? What the hell….?

A few months ago we had a chance to talk with Kino Davis about new products from Warrior Wound Care. Warrior Wound Care has a new product called ORAL IV, and it is something that was of immediate interest to me both on a professional and personal level. ORAL IV is a rapid hydration fluid which comes in a 1/2 ounce plastic ampule with a twist off top which can be ingested directly, or mixed with other fluids. Since there is no real taste to it, I drink it directly without mixing.

Warrior Wound Care also has a new Wound Bandage which runs an low electrical charge through the bandage promoting faster healing, and you can look forward to an upcoming article on how well that works right here at Military Times/ Gear Scout.

Click the below image for more information, pictures, and why I’m placing an order for more of these.

Centurion Arms C-4 Mid-Length Cutout Rail

By: Stickman

24-05-2011

Photo Recon, Product Announcement

Centurion Arms C4 rails were chosen as one of our favorite new items for SHOT, and they now have a new addition to their rail family. The newest rail is the Mid-Length Cutout Rail and is designed for barrels that use a fixed Front Sight Base (FSB) and a mid-length gas system. The Mid-Length Cutout Rail extends past the FSB and allows for additional mounting space on the side and lower rails. This is an immediate benefit to guys who are using lights, as the farther out the light gets, the less shadowing we see off the barrel.

Installation of this two-piece, free-floating rail remains the same as it does with the other Centurion Arms C4 rails and is as straightforward as removing the delta ring to expose the barrel nut then removing or cutting off the hand-guard cap.

Hit the jump for the specs from Centurion Arms and lots more pictures.

HSGI Pistol Tacos

By: Stickman

20-05-2011

Photo Recon, Photo Recon, Photo Recon, Product Announcement, Product Preview, Review

High Speed Gear Inc (HSGI) has had a unique pouch series out for awhile, but a recent upgrade let us spend a little more time with them, and we’ve found the good old “Taco” continues to work well for a variety of tasks. Shown below is the pistol Taco, and as you can see, it fits more than just a pistol magazine. The elastic shock cord weaves together to interlock with the polymer sides creating a platform which swallows and retains just about anything that is roughly the same size as the pouch. The shock cord can be tightened or loosened to lock in the retention feel you desire. Items which fit include various Multi-Tools, Flashlights, 37 & 40mm grenades, single- and double-stack pistol magazines, slim-bodied smoke or similar hand-thrown grenades, suppressors (before they get hot), folding knives as well as other generic, less tactical items.

The HSGI Tacos are available as single Tacos, or double-decker Tacos built onto the rifle magazine sized models. If you look at the below image, you will see where HSGI placed angled polymer tabs on the top of the Taco to assist in guiding items in. This means you don’t have to worry about snagging the shock cord, and you can ram things into the pouch without concern. This also makes sticking items one handed into the pouch a bit easier.