video | Military Times GearScout

Hands on – FirstSpear Tubes & 6/12 range demo

By: Rob Curtis

17-01-2012

Product Announcement, Show Report, video

Ronnie Fowlkes of FirstSpear gave me a hands-on demo of their new Tubes technology at the Elite Defense “Occupy The Range” event at SHOT Show 2012. I took the opportunity to ask a few questions about the system and to put a few rounds downrange while wearing the kit. I used a SCAR 16 to check for interference and/or discomfort and found there was none. The Tubes stand off enough and are positioned low enough that it didn’t come close to digging into my chest or collarbone. Check out the video here and standby for a followup on the 6/12 pouch attachment system and platform.

VTAC Rifle 2.0 announced

By: Rob Curtis

16-01-2012

Product Announcement, video

Kyle Lamb and Smith & Wesson update the VTAC Rifle with new Geiselle trigger, Troy rail, more.

“I told you, Axe goes everywhere with me…”

By: Rob Curtis

15-12-2011

Product Announcement, video

I’m not sure what’s more newsworthy in this video, this Sgt. First Class double amputee getting under canopy or the fact that he’s jumping with his military working dog, Axe. The canine harness, made by Harpoint, is called the Hardpoint Multi-Purpose Insertion Dog Vest. It’s a $450, mil-spec rig designed to keep dog and handler safe and secure in the hairiest environments.

Salute: Kitup via Gizmodo

I bet this guy owns a Ninja Glock.

By: Rob Curtis

07-12-2011

Training, video

You can’t make this up. I dare you to highlight one single redeeming quality of this training video. (Aside from the sweet ponytail on the skinny guy wearing the 80′s Yakuza henchman uniform.)

Breakdown: M27 IAR vs. HK416

By: Rob Curtis

24-10-2011

Photo Recon, video

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.

Safariland’s 6354DO- Awesome holster, horrible name.

By: Rob Curtis

21-10-2011

Product Announcement, video

[UPDATE 12/16/2011: It's been a while but I just heard from Safariland that the mini-red dot Glock-o-licious 6354DO is compatible with the Trijicon RMR. The sample we had was a prototype and the production version has a larger cutout to accommodate MRDSs whether milled into the slide or mounted on dovetail adapters.]

We featured the new Safarliand 6354DO holster in the latest GearScoutTV episode above and mentioned that you’ll need to be explicit when ordering this holster. I have yet to make any sense of Safariland’s naming convention, but suffice it to say that if you look for a “Safariland 6354″ you’ll end up with a holster, but not the right one. The “DO” is important and it refers to the requirement of the original customer that it be compatible with the Docter Optic. Below are SKUs you’ll need to use to get one of the new Safarliand DO, dual-pivot series holsters. The only dealer that has actually stocked these is Grey Group. So if you want to save yourself some trouble, just call them and Ramia or Scarlett will take care of you.

Since we produced the video, Safariland and Trijicon got together and found that the RMR will work with the dovetail mount using the light bearing version of the holster. They are working through fit issues with the non-light bearing version, though, and Safariland will hopefully declare RMR compatibility soon. (The fit issue comes from the RMR’s unique shape. The two “horns” on the optic’s top are there to absorb shock and protect it during a drop, but they present a square-ish profile that doesn’t fit the holster’s rounded sight recess.)

These holsters are special order items and are not cataloged. They are available for commercial sale via special order. Any Safariland Dealer or Distributor is able to order these but they will likely not be aware of these holsters. The following part numbers may be helpful. The only way to order one of these holsters is with the exact part numbers listed below. All of these holsters come mounted to the Quick Locking System (QLS) 19 fork and have no other mounting provisions included. Other mounting platforms are available but not factory installed on the holster.

6354DO-83-701-MS19 Glock 17/22, Optic, Multicam, RH, QLS fork only $155.00 MSRP
6354DO-832-701-MS19 Glock 17/22, X300, Optic, Multicam, RH, QLS fork only $170.00 MSRP
6354DO-683-701-MS19 Glock 34/35, Optic, Multicam, RH, QLS fork only $155.00 MSRP
6354DO-6832-701-MS19 Glock 34/35, X300, Optic, Multicam, RH, QLS fork only $170.00 MSRP
6354DO-83-702-MS19 Glock 17/22, Optic, Multicam, LH, QLS fork only $155.00 MSRP
6354DO-832-702-MS19 Glock 17/22, X300, Optic, Multicam, LH, QLS fork only $170.00 MSRP
6354DO-683-702-MS19 Glock 34/35, Optic, Multicam, LH, QLS fork only $155.00 MSRP
6354DO-6832-702-MS19 Glock 34/35, X300, Optic, Multicam, LH, QLS fork only $170.00 MSRP

These are various mounting options with the QLS receiver factory attached as well as a couple of miscellaneous parts:

6004-27-55 SP10 small leg shroud, Drop Flex Adapter, QLS22, ambi, tan $90.00
6004-16-55-MS22 MLS16 MOLLE fork with QLS22 receiver, ambi, tan $35.00
568BL-1-551-MS22 Concealment paddle with QLS22 receiver attached, RH, tan $31.00
568BL-1-552-MS22 Concealment paddle with QLS22 receiver attached, LH, tan $31.00
567BL-1-55-175-MS22 Concealment belt loop with QLS22 receiver attached, 1.75″ belt loop, ambi, tan $26.00
6070UBL-55-2-MS22 Mid-ride tan UBL, 2″ belt loop, with QLS 22 receiver, ambi, tan $40.00
6075UBL-55-2-MS22 Mid-ride tan UBL, 2″ belt loop, with QLS 22 receiver, ambi, tan $40.00
3004-1-55 Extra leg strap only, elastic, ambi, tan $18.00
71-1-55 Universal Magazine pouch, 1.75” belt loop, tan $15.00

Pat Rogers talks up his EAG/BCM Carbine

By: Rob Curtis

03-10-2011

Product Announcement, video

Pat Rogers himself explains why he chose to collaborate with Bravo Company Manufacturing and gives a rundown of the mid-length EAG Tactical carbine. The $1995 gun’s (or $1225 upper’s) HUGE feature list is on the jump.

Mystery Ranch BASE takes the weight off

By: Rob Curtis

27-09-2011

video

Here’s Kent from Mystery Ranch demoing their new, dead-simple and relatively inexpensive armor support system called “BASE” (Body Armor Support Equipment) at Modern Day Marine Expo, 2011. The system– belt, strut and PALS adapter will run you about $150 and should be out inside a couple of months.

We have our own look at the SERPA

By: Rob Curtis

24-09-2011

video

The maligned SERPA has been showcased in plenty of videos, but instead of simply parroting what’s out there without any trials of our own we took the holster out and shot a little video to separate some of the hype from the hazard.

First, I looked at any issues that might arise when using the trigger finger to release the weapon. I found that pulling up on the gun before depressing the retention release paddle seizes the paddle in place. The upward tension of the pistol’s trigger guard wedges on the retention arm nub, making it almost impossible to depress the paddle without first letting up on the gun. This explains how people end up having to forcefully jerk the gun out of the holster which can lead to their finger curling into the trigger. Not a problem provided A) your pistol has a safety and B) you always remember to put it on.

Second, small bits of gravel can get under the retention release paddle and lock it up. The back is cut out to allow debris to fall out, but in my brief test I found a pebble that finds its way into the button slot can get wedged in and only come free after a few seconds of jostling the holster. I think our pebble was crushed by the lever after pushing on it a bunch, a tougher rock my have hung in there longer. Either way, something so small as a pebble suddenly becomes the focus of your fight and you will loose SA dealing with it.

Third, I looked at the break strength of the platform. Pistol retention was excellent. The holster never gave up the gun under some spirited tugging. But the overall platform can be compromised. I found tearing the holster off the platform was very difficult, but it’s doable. Others have come to the same conclusion. With the pistol on the dropleg platform, the platform itself spun with the twisting motion and made it pretty much impossible for the twist-tearoff to succeed. But, on the belt loop platform, it was difficult but possible to tear the holster from the mount when using the Blackhawk quick release system. I can’t say there’s much likelyhood of a bad guy easily tearing your holster off unless he’s faaaacking huge AND you’ve got the SERPA mounted on an exceptionally stiff belt.

So, of the three issues that have set the Internet alight, I’m comfortable saying that the first two are valid concerns. The last, the holster snatch, is a stretch.

(And, yes, if you’re wondering, I did take this as an opportunity to try out the Vertx Gunfighter Storm. The shacket, as I’ve dubbed it, is designed to be worn tucked in like a shirt so it doens’t interfere with access to holster, belt mounted gear, or pockets but provides the environmental protection of a light, soft shell jacket. Shirt + Jacket = Shacket.)

How not to clear an FTE.

By: Rob Curtis

23-09-2011

Learn, video

Tip: Slam the buttstock into the ground while pulling the charging handle in an effort to free a casing from the chamber.*

*Good tip, but our hero learned the most important part the hard way; when using a collapsible stock, close the stock first. On the upside, pain is an awesome teacher. That’s one lesson he won’t forget.

Sure we could make fun of the guy. But, posting this just saved a few of you from a busted finger.

Hands on – FirstSpear Tubes & 6/12 range demo

VTAC Rifle 2.0 announced

“I told you, Axe goes everywhere with me…”

I bet this guy owns a Ninja Glock.

Breakdown: M27 IAR vs. HK416

Safariland’s 6354DO- Awesome holster, horrible name.

Pat Rogers talks up his EAG/BCM Carbine

Mystery Ranch BASE takes the weight off

We have our own look at the SERPA

How not to clear an FTE.

Contact GearScout

Recent Comments

Categories