Elzetta High Output Bravo Flashlight

Earlier this year Elzetta mentioned on the forums that they were going to come out with a high output light to compete with the slew of high end light makers that have come out with 500 lumen and up lights this year.   Well, it's a reality now with their 650 lumen Bravo model and 900 lumen Charley model.   Here's what I've found so far with my Bravo model…

Pros:
-The light just screams quality.  All the components are top notch as is the fit/finish.   All operations are smooth and have positive actuations when used.
-650 lumen output in the 2 cell, 900 lumens in the 3 cell model.  The AVS head automatically senses the power source and the output generated corresponds to the power (i.e. 650 or 900 lumens)
-Uses an acrylic lens vs reflectors for softer edges on the beam pattern (see video for a demonstration).  The lens is field replaceable without tools and apparently different lenses are in the works (like a larger flood version).
-Cree XM-L2 LED
-Elzetta designs their lights to be interchangeable.  So, you can pick the tailcap, to include tapeswitch models) you want.   There are several models to choose from though.   They also have 2 bezels (crenellated and standard) and two bodies to choose from.     If you have the old ZFL-M60s you can just purchase the high output head and get the same performance.  
-Fully potted electronics so shock/impact will not have any influence on output or reliability of the light.  These lights have a reputation as the toughest lights in the world and I believe it.
-Lights come lubricated/greased where they should be and have o-rings on the head/tail for use in wet environments.
-100% made in the USA.
-Springs are used on the head/tail for shock resistance so you won't have the light flickering under recoil should you mount it on a gun.
-The beam has a bright hotspot.  Spill is generous with good flooding as well for peripheral vision (again see video for example).


Cons:
-Really the only one I can think of is Elzetta states not to use 18650 batteries with it and some folks will be very put off by that.
-Price is roughly $190-235 depending on the options you chose.   But, as I stated above the quality is top notch.

Here's a video with some shooting, beam comparisons with other lights, a demonstration of the properties of the light, and my overall thoughts on it:




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HG3oCwKibQY

Tapco Intrafuse AK Mags

Lots of folks like to piss on TAPCO (even me from time to time) but I'm a fan of their G2 AK trigger and their mags have always functioned fine in my rifles but seemed to have one problem---they'd break.    Each time it was the locking lug but unfortunately I didn't do reviews back in those days and have no footage of it.   So, I decided to try to test these mags on film and here's what I found:

Pros:
-Reliable.  As stated above, I never had function issues with TAPCO AK mags.
-Cheap.  If you follow the deals these mags can sometimes be had for $6-9/ea
-They count as 3x 922r parts and are made in the USA
-TAPCO has always stood behind their no questions asked warranty in my experience.
-The texture of the mags provides a good gripping surface when removing from a pouch/pocket.


Cons:
-No metal lining or reinforcements.

Here's  a video with some shooting, multiple drop tests of both the '47 and '74 variants, an overview of the mags, a dirt test, and a short diatribe of what I think of them overall:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfMgrofafdc

Magpul MOE 1911 Grips

Many 1911 fans have been requesting that Magpul produce a set of grips for a while now.   Apparently after Magpul's trainers joined the chorus of folks requesting the grips they got busy and the MOE grip panels are the result.   Here's what I've found with them:

Pros:
-Ergonomic.  The relief cut does aid in activating the mag release without having to shift your grip
-They have a 'medium' texture.  Not so aggressive that it will fray clothing but they will provide a good gripping surface with wet, sweaty, or bloody hands
-They fit well with magwells but also look good with guns without a magwell
-Compatible with ambi-safeties
-Thin.  Only .25'' wide at max.  This could be a pro or con I suppose but it is an important note
-Cost.  The MSRP is only $20

Cons:
-Only available for full size frames currently

I do like these grips overall and they'll be staying on one of my 1911s.   Here's a video with some shooting (TRP and Range Officer used in the video), a close up and comparison of the grips and their features, followed by what I think of them overall:

BCM Mod 3 Gunfighter Grip

The move toward more vertical AR grips probably isn't going anywhere due to the way many firearms schools/instructors are teaching a more squared up stance for firing while standing/kneeling.    The more vertical grips offer a different (some say less stressed and I would agree) wrist angle when firing from those positions.  Here's what I've found with the Mod 3 Gunfighter grip from BCM.

Pros:
-Good grip texturing on the sides of the grip combined with the lines on the front provide a good positive grip
-Price.  The Mod 3 retails for $18
-It has a rubber storage hinged cover for storing gear inside it
-Comes with a tab in front for covering up the area where a traditional AR trigger guards have a tendency to rub on your finger.   It also works with a wide variety of billet lowers and the Magpul trigger guard
-I like the beavertail for being able to get my hand up high on the grip
-It's 1/4'' wider in from side to side than Mod 1/2 grips so it fills your hand better which I prefer as I have relatively large hands

Cons:
-The tab on the trigger guard seemed like it was 'pushing' back against the grip when I was installing it. It probably wouldn't be an issue at all as others have said it wasn't with their set-ups.   But, I relieved it a little on my rifle to make it fit without pressure
-With all of these more vertical grips the rifle will point lower with the same grip angle of your shooting hand (shown in the video).   It's not really a 'con' per se but it's something I noticed when I first started shooting with the grip on the rifle


All in all for $18 it's certainly something folks should consider if they're looking for a new more vertical angled grip on their AR pattern rifles.

Here's a video demonstrating the different angles and how it stacks up compared to the Magpul MOE grip with is probably the most common replacement grip for the standard A2 grip out there:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJOsvZTgTOE

Serbian M70 O-PAP AK-47 Variant

The M70 O-PAP is flying off the shelves these days due to the known quality of Zastava rifles, the cost, and because Century seems to be importing them by the boatload.    Here's what I've found with mine:

Pros:
-100% reliable
-Fit and finish are excellent for the price point it comes to market at
-Cost.  It's around $600 most places and some have it even lower
-Cold hammer forged barrel
-Everything (safety, top cover, gas tube, ect...) is tight.
-Accepts all standard size com-bloc mags with no more wobble than is normally found on '47 variants
-Imported with correct double stack bolt
-Utilizes the bulged, RPK style, front trunnion
-Comes with 2 steel surplus mags
-I was able to get consistent 3-3.5'' groups with it with a variety of commie steel jacketed ammo
-The grip isn't the best but it's certainly better than the standard 'peg' grip; at least to me
-The prevalence of these Yugo/Serbian rifles in this country has led a lot of accessory companies to make parts for them as well as standard AKM variants.

Cons:
-It weighs just over 8 lbs unloaded
-Barrel is not chrome lined
-Many parts (stock, optics rail, handguards, ect....) are non-standard for AKM pattern accessories)
-Some folks report 'cheek slap' from the stock.  I discuss/demonstrate how to avoid that in the video below however

All in all it's an excellent rifle for the money.    Build quality is on par with the higher end AKs yet it's priced on the lower end of the spectrum.   Function is great and with a little cleaning up of the wood it would look pretty good to boot.  

Here's a video with a bunch of shooting (day/night), a discussion of some of the unique features of the rifle, an accuracy test, and an what I think of it overall:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x-fDRqPeCwc ≈                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Gen 3 Glock 26

The Glock 26 is one of the most popular carry guns for good reason.   I've been carrying the Gen3 G26 for a long time and here's what I've found.

Pros: 
-Reliable.  The gun has had 0 malfunctions
-Accurate.  For s subcompact gun it's relatively easy to shoot well. 
-Durable   
-Easy to maintain 
-TONS of aftermarket support.
-Accepts 15, 17, and 33 round factory magazines 
-Glock's customer service is excellent
-Cheap replacement parts, should you ever need them 
-Low Bore Axis resulting in a soft shooting gun, especially for the weight.
-Easily modified to fit the shooters' preferences
-Requires very little cleaning/lubrication to run reliably 
-Carries well but you still have a 10+1 capacity.



Cons: 
-Most shooters will not be able to get amore than 3 fingers on the grip.
-Comes with a serrated trigger (even the US models)

Here's a video with some shooting, a size comparison with the CM9 & S&W Shield, and a discussion of the pros and cons of the gun.

ROSCH Works SL1

The SL1 by ROSCH Works is a combination front sight and weapon light in one lightweight, very well thought out, rugged, compact, and ergonomic package.     I've had it for a little over a month now and ran it on two rifles both during the day and night.    Here's what I've found so far….


Pros:
-Well thought out.  Mounting, operation, and zeroing are simple and straightforward.
-It's probably over engineered.   7076 T6 aluminum body.   Finished with type III anodizing and cerakote on the body/tailcap.    Type III anodizing only on the bezel.  Steel components (sight post/bolts) are melonited for corrosion resistance and surface hardening.
-Malkoff driver.   CREE XP-G2 6200k temp output.    It's a good balance of throw and spill.    The spill is especially impressive (see video below).
-Mounts to any 1913 style rail.
-O ring sealed on the front and back end for water resistance
-3.2oz (with single CR123 battery), 3.4'' length
-Comes with hex wrench and sight adjustment tool along with loctite.   Loctite isn't needed due to the design but out of blind obedience to my old platoon sergeant I loctite everything anyway….
-250 lumen output with a 50 minute run time (at that output; it will run with a diminished output much longer).
-Mounts up at the 12 o'clock position.
     -Usable from cover/barricades
     -Low likelihood of snagging on slings/gear
     -Shadowing at the 6 o'clock position
     -Easy activation with either hand
-Cost.   $235 shipped which in my opinion is very reasonable for the quality of the components you get and what it would cost for similar components (front sight, light, possibly a mount) of similar quality.
-Constant on, momentary on, and lock out are the modes.   Very simple which under stress is generally your friend.

Cons:
-The tailcap design may lead to flickering under recoil of heavy calibers.   I didn't experience it on my 5.56 ARs nor did I get it when hitting the buttstock on the ground but ROSCH Works says it can happen so I'll take their word for it.
-The standard tailcap is not compatible with aftermarket tailcaps.
-ROSCH Works is developing a tailcap adaptor which will be compatible with Surefire E-series tailcaps.  This will fix the issue above (if it's perceived as an issue).    It will also allow for pressure switches to be ran.

All in all, it really is a great product and it seem like ROSCH Works has a winner on their hands with their first product released to the marketplace.    In the video below I do a little shooting (day/night), discuss & demonstrate the features of the light, and go over what I think of it overall:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=831Orr78sts