Guns & Gear

Welcome back to another edition of Concealed Carry Corner. Last week, we discussed some of the most popular carry positions and what works best for people. If you happened to miss that article last week, be sure to click the link here to check it out. This week, I want to take a look at some of the newer carry bags on the market and how to set them up for use in daily life. I will occasionally get messages from people asking what the best method is to use a backpack or bag as a daily carry bag. Let’s take a closer look at setting up a carry bag.

Long before you had to put up with my ramblings on TFB, I was - and still am - someone running a gun store as my day job. Nestled in central Minnesota where the winters are long and our waistlines are longer, I have been a family-owned gun store manager going on 15 years. In this time, I have seen all manner of ridiculous customers, firearms, and my fair share of haggling, bartering, and deal-making. If you want to get top-dollar for your gun that’s aspiring to be sold, then there are several things you should do to ensure maximum moolah!

The appalling assassination attempt on former president and current candidate Donald Trump has been dominating the news cycle. By now you have probably seen pictures and videos of that event. One of our own, Pete, wrote a very good article covering the security situation and looking at this event from the perspective of a former Secret Service agent. This article is not going to opine on those matters, but we will look at the guns and gear of the United States Secret Service (USSS) from the events of July 13th.

Headed to the range? Or to the duck blind or the deer stand? The new Field and Range gun cases from Federal Ammunition will keep your rifle or shotgun safe and protected while you’re on your way.

Garmin’s Xero C1 chronograph is the hottest chrono on the market, but Annex Defense is making it even better. The new rubber protective case adds an additional layer of insurance around these $600 pocket chronographs. Let’s look at the available models.

Welcome back to another edition of Concealed Carry Corner. Last week, we talked about carry bags and when it’s appropriate time to utilize a carry bag. If you happened to miss that article, be sure to click the link here to check it out. This week, I want to look at some of the worst things I have seen out in public when it comes to carrying a concealed handgun. Whether it’s someone just starting out and learning how to carry a gun or someone just flat out doing wrong, it’s a good learning experience to talk about some of these mistakes so more can avoid them down the road. Let’s take a closer look at things to not do concealed carrying.

The new RUK AK magazine adapter from Occam Defense brings standard AK mags to the Ruger American bolt-action rifle. Rather than the standard Mini-30 mags, which can be expensive and hard to find, AK mags practically grow on trees and tend to be more affordable (as long as you aren’t buying rare ones). Let’s check it out.

Geissele won a contract to supply new rifles to the US Border Patrol back in 2022. Well, those models are now available for purchase directly from Geissele. Let’s take a look at the various models and their features.

Garmin made some real shockwaves when it introduced the Xero C1 Pro Chronograph. It fits the advanced technology of a radar chronograph into a handy little pocket-sized tool with a simple setup and operation. Let’s see if it lives up to the hype.

A while back, Leapers reached out to the crew at The Firearm Blog and asked if anybody would be interested in reviewing one of their new 1-8 LPVOs. I was particularly intrigued by this, as I was not aware that Leapers/Integrix was creating military spec optics, and I thought that they only made scopes for airsoft guns or pellet rifles. I have already done a first impressions piece on the INTEGRIX IX8 1-8X28 LPVO that you can read here. I will be briefly going over the specs here so if you want more of that information, check out the first impressions piece.

Griffin Armament makes a variety of silencers and related accessories. One of the most interesting is their A2 Adapter. It allows any silencer with 1.375×24 rear threads to mount to standard AR flash hiders. I got my hands on one and tried it on several different guns, and thought my experience would be worth sharing.

When it comes to revolvers, Smith & Wesson is one of the names associated with quality revolvers but as semi-autos are taking over more and more of the market, I have a few of their various revolver models, but never dove into any of the 686 variants and decided to dive into a new model and give it a proper shakedown. Brownells had a 3″ 686 Plus model on sale and I decided to snag it for this review. Let’s take a closer look at the Smith & Wesson 686 Plus Deluxe.

Welcome back to another edition of Concealed Carry Corner. Last week, we talked about small semi-auto pistols versus revolvers and the benefits of both systems. If you happened to miss that article, be sure to check it out by clicking the link here. This week, I want to talk about a topic we all know but rarely address when it comes to actually training with your carry gun. Of course, people go out and shoot at the range but most times it’s everything but the gun they carry daily. Although it’s probably one of the most important items to practice with, most of us pick full-size options instead of training with our actual everyday carry gun. Let’s take a closer look at training with your carry gun.

In this interview at EnforceTac 2024, James Reeves sits down with Unity Tactical to dive deep into their groundbreaking product, the Unity Gas Cap. This innovative accessory, designed for SureFire Scout-style weapon lights, brings the future of switching technology to the forefront with its LINK™ System USB-C capabilities. The Unity Gas Cap stands out for its robust performance, offering near-zero-loss output and reliable, repeatable activation. Made from high-impact polymer, it ensures durability in the toughest environments. Join us as Unity Tactical shares insights into the design, functionality, and myriad of benefits this cutting-edge product brings to tactical and professional users. For more details on the Unity Gas Cap, visit Unity Tactical’s website (https://www.unitytactical.com/gascap/).

Filmed against the backdrop of Enforce Tac 2024 in Nuremberg, Germany, James Reeves engages with Zastava Serbia representatives to uncover the intricate details of the M21 BS. This short-barreled version of the iconic M21 rifle is engineered for superior performance in close combat and urban operations. The video provides an overview of the M21 BS, including its technical specifications: the rifle features a shortened barrel length of approximately 300mm, enhancing its maneuverability in tight spaces. The M21 BS operates on a gas-actuated system with a rotating bolt, ensuring reliable cycling and accuracy. It is chambered for the 5.56x45mm NATO cartridge. Viewers will gain insights into the M21 BS’s enhanced durability features, such as its chrome-lined and cold hammer forged barrel.

In this IWA/Enforce Tac special episode, James Reeves got a sneak preview of the new gear for 2024 from top-shelf Austrian manufacturer, Black Trident. The emphasis in this video is on new soft goods, in particular a very clever IFAK and some mag pouches that are anything but plain old magazine pouches. Check this episode to see what the Austrians are cooking up.

Welcome back to another edition of Concealed Carry Corner. Last week, we talked about cover garments and how they can help carry in various situations. If you happened to miss that article, be sure to click the link here. This week, I wanted to talk about a topic that can improve your shooting skills drastically without firing a large amount of ammunition. Dry firing is one of the most effective and affordable ways to practice skills without firing any live rounds. Let’s take a closer look at excelling at dry firing.

Welcome back to another edition of Concealed Carry Corner. Last week, we took a look at normal problems people will have when it comes to carrying concealed. If you happened to miss that article, be sure to click the link here to check it out. This week, I want to take a bit of a deeper dive into the world of cover garments. When it comes to carrying concealed, there are a number of things that can make carrying a better experience or worse depending on your carry gun and clothing choices. Having a good cover garment can make life much easier. Let’s take a closer look at getting cover garments down.

Welcome back to another edition of Concealed Carry Corner. In the last installment, we talked about carrying with layers when the weather starts to get colder. If you happened to miss that article last week, be sure to click the link here to check it out. This week, I want to take a look at a few different aspects of carrying that people will naturally work through. I recently was teaching a few students in a basic fundamental course and a number of students were asking questions that reminded me of when I first started carrying many years ago. Let’s take a closer look at some normal problems for carrying concealed.

Palmetto State Armory (PSA) had a ton of new things in their main booth at SHOT Show 2024. Some are in production now, while others are merely concepts at this time. Let’s take a little virtual tour through those items.

Welcome back to another edition of Concealed Carry Corner. Last week, we talked about different styles of iron sights on carry pistols if you happened to miss that article, be sure to click the link here to check it out. This week, I want to look at something I often struggle with during really cold temperatures like most of the northeastern part of the country is dealing with currently. When you start to have 3-4 heavy layers on your body, it can be tricky to grab a concealed firearm quickly. Certain carry positions as well as a few different techniques can make it easier to draw. Let’s take a closer look at how it can be tricky carrying a concealed gun with layers.

In our last edition, our poll showed that you, the readers, by a razor-thin margin decided the Taran tactical pistol set was fudd crap.  

Welcome back to another edition of Concealed Carry Corner. Last week, we took a look at various ways to carry while using an ORV. If you happened to miss that article and want to check it out, be sure to click the link here. This week, I wanted to take a look at various iron sight options for people who carry concealed. Depending on the sight choice, it can offer various advantages compared to other options. Let’s take a closer look at iron sights for carry guns.

In my last article on the K.43 I said that if I was able to get my grubby paws on an SVT-40 I’d do a comparison of the gas systems. Well, after getting extremely lucky on a GunBroker listing, I’m able to do just that.

Viridian has a new combination light laser unit for concealed carry pistols. The C5L Micro combines a green laser with a 550-lumen light. It is sized to fit on the most popular everyday carry guns.

The new Burris FastFire C is an RMSc-footprint red dot designed for concealed carry. It features a 6-MOA dot reticle, powered by a bottom-mounted standard 2032 battery with 25,000 hours of battery life. Let’s take a look at the other features of this red dot.

Welcome back to another edition of Concealed Carry Corner. Last week, we talked about how small guns aren’t always the best option when carrying them daily. If you happened to miss that article, be sure to click the link here for more information. This week, I wanted to look at another topic that can apply to a lot more people than just the offroad community. Whether it’s riding four-wheelers, side-by-sides or jeeps, the idea of carrying a concealed firearm while you enjoy the great outdoors makes a lot more sense than it initially sounds. Let’s take a closer look at how to conceal in an ORV.

LA Police Gear has been around since 2001, and they have established their own brand in addition to supplying other popular brands of duty gear to law enforcement and citizens. The LA Police Gear Terrain Flex Jeans are a departure from duty gear that ventures straight toward the concealed carry market that features NINE pockets, but without looking tactical whatsoever. As a longtime concealed carrier, I can say that the LAPG Terrain Flex Jeans answers questions that should’ve been asked a long time ago. Let’s dive into these pocketses.

Magpul is back again with another new DAKA product. This time it is the DAKA double pistol case. It stores two handguns, magazines, and small tools in a layout that roughly resembles a laptop case.

The new Bergara 6mm GT Competition Rifle is one of, if not the, first factory-produced rifles in that caliber. It is designed for out-of-the-box PRS or NRL match use. With only a scope and a bipod, it is ready to compete with what was once only a custom caliber.