Tactical Gear Review

I've made several recent changes to the site.  There are some bugs still but getting it figured out I think.

1. I've disabled the previous forum and review module.  Full integration is beyond me at this point and right now, given the low usage of both of those features previously I've decided full integration is more important to me right now.
2. Added a new TGR Fireboard Forum.  This forum should completely integrate with the rest of the site allowing some pretty neat features.
3. Added Discussbot which allows a link to be placed at the bottom of every posting.  Clicking on this link creates a topic in the TGR Fireboard Forum for discussion on that posting automatically.
4. All previous forum users have been migrated over to this new site and TGR Fireboard Forum.  You may have to do a password reset as that part appears a little flakey but your username and e-mail should have come over successfully.  Please do a password reset and login before you post in the TGR Fireboard Forum.  Currently the forum is wide open allowing anyone to post registered or not.  I don't expect to leave it in that state for very long, just for a short period of troubleshooting.  If you weren't registered in the previous forum, please take the time to complete a registration for this one.

Think that is about everything.  Have several things I want to try to implement in the near future but one of the biggest is to open the front page and categories up for other tactical bloggers to post.  I never intended this to be a one man operation and if you would be interested in doing a little "tactical blogging" please get in touch with me and let me know that.

Please let me know if you see any problems with the new site or areas for improvement.  I'm always interested.

Thanks!

Monty  (GLMontyWV at tacticalgearreview.com)

In an effort to bring this site back to it's roots (primarily a blogging site for Tactical Gear) and to hopefully increase participation on the main page as well as in the discussion forums and the review module, I have done a little redesigning of the web site. For the most part the forums and review module will remain the same, that is unless someone comes up with some great ideas on how to make thing better, I'm all ears. The main change will be the front page of the web site and I hope that I can get back to blogging several posts a week on interesting looking, new and existing, tactical gear when I run across it. If anyone would like to help out in this endevor I would be more than happy to hear your suggestions.

So take a look around, let me know if anything is broke or needs tweaked please let me know and I'll see what I can do. Also if anyone would like to help me out with tactical blog posts on the main page, please let me know and I'll see what I can do to get you started.

THANKS! Monty

I've got one of these that I paid twice as much for and it is worth every penny. At this price I'm certainly considering a second or even a third. Won't last long.

http://www.lapolicegear.com/tabaoutbagsa.html <<<Link goes to main page now, appears they are sold out.

RUGER® SR9™ PRODUCT SAFETY WARNING AND RECALL NOTICE
DO NOT USE YOUR RUGER SR9 PISTOL

We have determined that some Ruger SR9 pistols manufactured between October 2007 and April 2008 can, under certain conditions, fire if dropped with their manual safeties in the "off" or "fire" position. The pistols will not fire if the manual safety is in the "on" or "safe" position.

We will retrofit all Ruger SR9 pistols starting with serial number prefix “330” (330-xxxxx) with these new parts at no charge to our customers.

Click to go to Ruger site for more information

A quick comparison of the physical specifications of the Ruger LCP and the Kahr PM9.

Is the size and weight savings of the Ruger LCP over the Kahr PM9 worth trading down from a 9mm to a .380ACP for a pocket pistol?

What about that difference in price? Looks like you could have a LCP in both front pants pockets for the cost of a PM9.

I've had my eye on the new Ruger LCP .380 pistol ever since it was introduced at SHOT.  Smaller and lighter than my j-frame .38 but with 2 more rounds, faster reload, possibly a better trigger pull and better sights.....well ok, the sights suck but so do the j-frame's so no loss there.  Saw my first one this weekend at a scalper's price of $499 but it was the ONLY one I saw at the show.  At Ruger's MSRP of $330, this should be a real bargin in my book if it proves to be as reliable as the earliest reports are suggesting.  I plan on looking for one within the next month or so after the initial rush has passed a little.

From Ruger's web site....

Now Cold Steel is pleased to give these real American Heroes a knife named in their honor and expressly designed to serve them—the American Lawman™. Built like a proverbial tank, it’s comfortable in the most extreme environments and will shrug off the harshest abuse like water off a duck’s back. This is one super tough knife that can be relied on, even in life or death situations.

Flipping through a recently purchased handgun periodical I ran across this violation against the sense of sight from EAA Corp (at least they had the good taste to not list it anywhere I could find it on their web site).

Slide mounted safety on a single action with what looks like less grip angle than a 1911.

The ad says, "Built Right...M88: All Steel, with the Natural Curves & Feel You Want, Because Thin Just Ain't Right."

I probably should have looked at the Hi-Point site first but I'll go ahead and label the EAA M88, Ugliest Handgun of 2008 (so far).

Anyone have a challenger for the title?

Just ran across this very interesting 12 GA self defense round and would be very interested in hear about anyone's experience with it or other opinions.

12 Gauge Centurion Law Enforcement Multi-Defense Buck

Centurion Multi-Defense Buckshot provides a shell with unique characteristics. It is loaded with a combination of one .650" (65 cal.) round ball and six #1 buckshot pellets, this specialized shotshell offers a shell for extreme defensive situations. Its round ball provides maximum penetration and knockdown power and its buckshot increases target impact points. This is the best dual load buckshot on the market today.

Available here http://ammunitiontogo.com/catalog1/product_info.php?pName=50rds-12-gauge-centurion-law-enforcement-multidefense-buck&cName=12-gauge-buckshot

If this isn't the best choice for a 12GA self defense shotgun please let me know what is and why.

Have never bought from them but this looked like a pretty good deal, wanted to pass it on.

Gear Up For Your Favorite Spring Activities!
Use coupon code (snop08-5) for an additional 5% OFF discount

The ATK Law Enforcement (LE) Resource Library is a resource that can not be ignored by any serious student of tactical ammunition. Showcasing Federal and Speer LE ammo on their web site, categories include the following.... 

Catalogs (not only Federal and Speer ammo catalogs but also a shotshell and .223 rifle data books)

Images and Logos

Technical Bulletins (Want to know the difference between .223 and 5.56? They got a bulletin on that!)

Wound Ballistics (And I quote from their web site "ATK — Speer® and Federal® — pioneered the use of Wound Ballistic Workshops as a service to police departments nationwide. Utilizing the rigorous FBI Ammunition Testing Protocol, firearms training officers are able to test ammunition side-by-side in order to make informed decisions on the duty ammunition their department will carry." There are 10 different workshop reports there available for download!)

Ballisitics (Full ballistics tables and charts for about ever serious load in the Federal and Speer catalogs.  Want a side by side comparision of all of Federal's different weighted 9mm loads?  You can do that.)

Go check out the ATK LE Resource Library.  I think you will be quite impressed with the abundance of information available there.

A recent question I read elsewhere on ammo storage and some of the responses got me to thinking about stocking guns, mags and ammo. In my mind it makes little sense to stock 100 mags or 20,000 rounds of ammo for a single rifle. Instead of more and more mags and ammo you probably need some extra rifles (and everyone should have at least one backup and probably some spare parts) and ones that use the same mags and ammo as the first is probably a plus.

So for the newbies that come by here that are buying their first serious combat/fighting rifle…..how many mags and how much ammo at a minimum and then how many mags and how much ammo until you reach that point of where it makes sense to add the second rifle?  And then at what point do you add the third rifle and so on and so on?

For me, off the top of my head….one rifle, a minimum of 10 mags and 2000 rounds of ammo. When the stock of mags and ammo is doubled, add a second rifle and you’ll have the minimum for both your main and backup rifle. The point where the third rifle is added is a little cloudy in my mind, never made it that far. Of course number of able members in your household and such would effect how you look at the whole subject.

Thanks, Monty

Engineered with Amber-Bright™ optics that quickly help you distinguish between a brown tree and a brown critter, the Trophy® riflescopes have been heralded by hunters as the ideal scope for the autumn deer woods. With multi-coated optics for increased brightness in low-light conditions, the avid inner hunter in you will be most satisfied. No question about it, they're designed to excel during the day's most important times.

• Features
• Multi-coated optics
• Amber-Bright™ high contrast lens coating
• 100% waterproof/fogproof/
  shockproof construction
• Dry-nitrogen filled
• CR2032 battery

http://www.bushnell.com/general/riflescopes_trophy_73-0132P.cfm

Very good price  $138.95 from Optics Planet

http://www.opticsplanet.net/bushnell-trophy-1x32-riflescope-730132p.html 

Picked up one of these at the gunshow today to try out.  Anyone have any experience with these? 

The Polymer Magazine (PMAG™) is a lightweight 5.56 NATO, M-16 compatible magazine. The PMAG™ features a pop-off storage/dust cover that alleviates pressure from the magazine feed lips, allowing for storage of loaded magazines without risk of feed lip creep that often causes malfunction in standard aluminum magazines. PMAG™ utilizes a resilient stainless steel spring for corrosion resistance.

There appears to be a lot to like about this new weapons light system from Safariland: 65 lumen LED, inexpensive AAA batteries, built in belt clip.

It seems the light locks onto the rail through the action of flipping the light up to the side, unlock by flipping it back down. Although this seems to be a pretty simple on/off system I have to wonder if it will stay locked on when you need it to stay locked on or too easily unlocked from the rail through the thumb pressure on the switch and/or the recoil of the pistol and possibly the fingers/thumb bumping down the light in recoil. Will be interested to see real user experience with this system. Looks to be about $100 for the light and mount combo or a very reasonable $35ish for just the mount if you have you own approx 1" light you want to use. (I see LA Police Gear is stocking them)

From Safariland....

Rapid Light System (RLS™)

With the new Safariland Rapid Light System (RLS), you get a professional-quality hand-held light and gun-mounted light all in one. You can clip it onto your belt, hold it in your hand, or quickly mount it to your gun for an instant tactical advantage. There’s no need to buy an expensive holster to carry a light-mounted gun. No reason to carry a second primary light. You will always have a bright light whenever and wherever you need it. It’s the only light you need. Period.

1. Ambidextrous
2. Super-bright LED technology (65 lumens) — bright enough to be your primary light; Prism Reflector System penetrates light up to 350 feet
3. 3 AAAs provide over 50 hours use—no expensive proprietary batteries needed
4. Integral clip for easy securement to belt or garment—no dedicated light mount holster needed
5. Fits most handgun models that incorporate an integral rail system—also mounts to rifles and shotguns that have a picatinny rail
6. Quickly transitions from standard flashlight to tactical illumination
7. Can be operated with either thumb, or change to other side to operate with trigger finger; Push button provides controllable on/off illumination of target to minimize loss of handgrip, sight picture and exposure
8. RLS mount will accommodate any hand-held compact light in the range of .970" (24.6mm) - 1.060" (26.9mm) in diameter
   
   Can be ordered two ways: RLS™ Light/Mount System and RLS™ Mount only.

http://www.safariland.com/rls/index.aspx

From their web site, Veridian green laser sights appear to be currently available for the S&W M&P, Springfield XD, Taurus 24/7 and Walther P-22. All of the models appear to be styled to match the pistol they are made for such as for the S&W M&P below.

All models except for the P-22 are priced at $299 with the P-22 listing at $199. I'm not sure what would keep one from using the cheaper P-22 model (which appears to have identical specifications) on another model pistol as the P-22 appears to have a standard accessory rail.

The Ready-Fire MODE Buttstock Ammunition Pouch securely mounts to any fixed buttstock shotgun, putting up to eight rounds of 12 gauge ammunition on the weapon for instant, hassle-free access. A sling mount on top of the buttstock allows the weapon to be carried in a ready-to-fire position, which reduces arm fatigue and increases troop safety. The pull-tab on cover flap allows quick and easy opening.

• Dura-Lastic shell loops securely hold up to 8 rounds of 12 gauge ammo in place.
• Fits shell lengths up to 3 1/2".
• Wide Spaced loops specially designed for use while wearing gloves.
• Full length top flap keeps ammo clean, dry and out of harms way.
• AR-10 measures 7.5"x6"x1.78"
• M-16 measures 7.5"x6"x1.828"
• M-4 measures 7"x5.5"x2.121"
• AK measures 9.5"x6"x1.78
• Shotgun measures 2.5"x7.5"x6"
• Backed by Spec.-Ops. Brand’s unique lifetime guarantee

Patterned after the classic Galil design, the AK Folding Stock is manufactured for stamped receivers. Ideal for use in vehicle operations or confined spaces, our AK Folding stock greatly reduces the overall length of the weapon. When needed the stock easily deploys to the open position and locks for a rigid shooting platform. Constructed of military-grade composite for years of use. This item is marked as “TAPCO USA ” and counts as 1 U.S. Sec 922R compliant part.

http://www.tapco.com/proddesc.aspx?id=ee04b49c-5e27-4de0-9b93-d4522d1a7682

I have recently purchased a nice condition Romanian SAR-1 AK47 style rifle. I know where it came from and I know it works well so my mind has immediately turned to what can I do to make this a better rifle. I see the AK47 pattern as an excellent platform to build upon so I've done a little web browsing and I've done a little magazine reading and I've come up with several accessories that I can see as being an improvement over the stock rifle.

Here is what I have been thinking, why don't I let the members (and lurkers) of TacticalGearReview.com (TGR) help me out in deciding on how to tacticize this new rifle. I'm going to throw out a few of the items I've got my eye on, leave it open for comment and suggestions for a little while and then I'm going to let the members vote to decide on what the first improvement to this rifle is going to be. I'll obtain that item, test it, and review it here on TGR. Then we can vote on the next one and so on and so forth until this rifle is properly accessorized.

So without further delay here are a few of the items I've had my eye on. Please leave me your comments and any suggested additions to the list so we can get ready for stage 1 of the voting.

Poll is at the left, go ahead and vote for the first upgrade for this rifle or click "Read More" to read the whole article with descriptions and pictures of all the upgrades.

Found on the Backwoods Home Magazine web site (I'll be getting my issue)....

Backwoods Home Magazine's May/June 2008 issue (No. 111) is about 2 weeks away from being delivered to subscribers' mail boxes, so I guess it's not too early to reveal that it is a Special Preparedness Issue intended to help readers weather what we see as a severe and prolonged economic slump in America. I think it is the best issue we've ever produced.

For only the second time in our 18 1/2-year history, the new issue will be 16 pages longer than our usual 100 pages. It is intended as a mini-guide to help readers cope with a recession coupled by inflation -- stagflation -- in which jobs are lost while prices for the basics in life, such as food, go up. We don't know how bad things will get, but we are not optimistic. This issue shows our pessimism and provides articles on how to prepare yourself to cope with this economic squeeze.

Why whyNOTbarackobama?

This is not where I saw myself several months back. Around the first of the year, before either party's nominee was determined, when it seemed like Hillary was a lock and the Republican race was crowded, I was a staunch RON PAUL supporter. Ron Paul was always a long shot and I didn't expect for him to be around in November but I remained firm in my support as I think that his ideas are the real "change" that this country needs. Then a few unexpected things started to happen: the Republican race quickly thinned out and nobody's favorite John McCain became the obvious nominee. Hillary started to look like less of a lock as long-short Brack Obama unexpectedly pulled even with her and then pulled out in front.

I stated publicly several times before the Democrat ticket was determined that I would not vote McCain just to keep Hillary out of the White House, I would remain committed to Ron Paul through November. If Obama got the nomination though, I did not think I would be able to sit by and allow him to be elected.

Well that's where we are now and this is where I am. As for why I am against Obama....well I'll just let my blog speak for itself. I hope you'll take the time to stop by and check it out and also forward the link to all your friends so come this November they will know whyNOTbarackobama!

Thanks! Monty (http://whyNOTbarackobama.blogspot.com/)

The presidential primary season is finally over, and it is now time for gun owners to take a careful look at just where apparent nominee Barack Obama stands on issues related to the Second Amendment. During the primaries, Obama tried to hide behind vague statements of support for “sportsmen” or unfounded claims of general support for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms.

But his real record, based on votes taken, political associations, and long standing positions, shows that Barack Obama is a serious threat to Second Amendment liberties. Don’t listen to his campaign rhetoric! Look instead to what he has said and done during his entire political career.

FACT: Barack Obama voted to allow reckless lawsuits designed to bankrupt the firearms industry.

FACT: Barack Obama wants to re-impose the failed and discredited Clinton Gun Ban.

FACT: Barack Obama voted to ban almost all rifle ammunition commonly used for hunting and sport shooting.

FACT: Barack Obama has endorsed a complete ban on handgun ownership.

FACT: Barack Obama supports local gun bans in Chicago, Washington, D.C., and other cities.

FACT: Barack Obama voted to uphold local gun bans and the criminal prosecution of people who use firearms in self-defense.

FACT: Barack Obama supports requiring law-abiding gun owners to register their firearms.

FACT: Barack Obama refused to sign a friend-of-the-court brief in support of individual Second Amendment rights in the Heller case.

FACT: Barack Obama wants to eliminate your Right to Carry.

FACT: Barack Obama was a member of the Board of Directors of the Joyce Foundation, the leading source of funds for anti-gun organizations and “research.”

FACT: Barack Obama supported a proposal to ban gun stores within 5 miles of a school or park, which would eliminate almost every gun store in America.

FACT: Barack Obama voted not to notify gun owners when the state of Illinois did records searches on them.

FACT: Barack Obama voted against a measure to lower the Firearms Owners Identification card age minimum from 21 to 18, a measure designed to assist young people in the military.

FACT: Barack Obama favors a ban on standard capacity magazines.

FACT: Barack Obama supports mandatory micro-stamping.

FACT: Barack Obama supports mandatory waiting periods.

FACT: Barack Obama supports repeal of the Tiahrt Amendment, which prohibits information on gun traces collected by the BATFE from being used in reckless lawsuits against firearm dealers and manufacturers.

FACT: Barack Obama supports “one-gun-a-month” sales restrictions.

FACT: Barack Obama supports a ban on inexpensive handguns.

FACT: Barack Obama supports a ban on the resale of police issued firearms, even if the money is going to police departments for replacement equipment.

FACT: Barack Obama supports mandatory firearm training requirements for all gun owners and a ban on gun ownership for persons under the age of 21.

http://www.nraila.org/Legislation/Federal/Read.aspx?id=3991

Since I identify with the people who fall into Barrack Obama's elitist description about of people of faith who keep firearms I'm not very happy with Barrack Obama's recent remarks.

He said something to the effect that us rednecks cling to our guns and our religion when we get frustrated and I would like to take umbrage to these remarks. My faith goes much deeper than his superficial explanation and I love my guns even when I'm not frustrated.

And I am not by myself. I was going to church and shooting guns before Mr. Obama was even born and come from a long line of good people who have been doing it for generations.

To me this latest Obama blunder only helps reveal the depth of condescension the far left wing of the Democrat party has for the folks out here in flyover country.

Mr. Obama's remarks are insulting to a lot of folks. It's kind of like Abraham Lincoln said, "God must love the common people because he made so many of them".

His remarks make me think that Obama doesn't know the people of this country very well. I'm sure he knows the jet set and the Hollywood bunch, the limousine liberals and the save the whales, kill the babies crowd, but does he think that the ordinary people don't count? Does he think that they're so stupid that they don't know who he's talking about when he says these things? Does he think their opinions aren't important? Apparently.

How can a man stand in front of America and tell people what he wants to do for them and have so little respect for a whole segment of the population. In fact, a very large segment. Does that mean that he would only represent the high-minded liberal ideals of the far left and ignore the rest of us?

What kind of Commander and Chief would he make if he doesn't respect the very people who make up the lion's share of the armed forces.

You may say I'm over reacting, but I'm getting sick and tired of him making these elitist statements and saying that he had been taken out of context or some other flimsy excuse.

After his wife's remark about not being proud of this country and his pastor's statements calling America the U.S.K.K.K.A. and his own statement about not wanting his daughter punished with a baby, it makes me wonder what kind of a man Obama really is and what kind of a president he'd make.

Would he be an antigun advocate pushing the effort to take the firearms out of innocent citizen's hands? Would he not respect the religious beliefs of America, not taking them into account in his agenda?

I really don't know much about the man and neither does America. He basically came from out of nowhere and as the facts come out little by little, they don't make a particularly confident picture.

I have a great fear that if our military gets broken by another president, this time we're not going to have time to fix it again and what that spells for America, I don't even want to contemplate.

Oh well, I guess I'll grab my gun and go to church.

Pray for our troops

What do you think?

God Bless America

Charlie Daniels

April 14, 2008

http://www.charliedaniels.com/soapbox-2008-041408.htm

God Bless Charlie Daniels and God Help Us If Obama Is Elected!!! - Monty

Obama Comes Out Against Concealed Carry

By Amanda Carpenter

Thursday, April 3, 2008

Barack Obama is embracing anti-gun policies in the run-up to a Democratic presidential debate scheduled on the one-year anniversary of the Virginia Tech shootings.

“I am not in favor of concealed weapons,” Obama told the Pittsburgh Tribune. “I think that creates a potential atmosphere where more innocent people could (get shot during) altercations.”