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

Condor Exo Plate Carrier (XPC) Review

The rise in body armor among the civilian population has been trending upward the last several years due to a variety of factors--economic fears, lower cost of armor (especially soft panels and steel plates), and a better understanding of the capabilities of these systems have all helped in the proliferation of civilian owned/used body armor.

Most plate carriers or body armor systems on the market are marketed toward the military/LE community however; the features and prices reflect it as well.    One offering out now on the lower end of the cost spectrum is the Condor XPC.   It comes to market around $60-90 and claims to offer some of the features of the top notch offerings out there so I snatched one up to see if it's true.

Pros:
-Cost.  It's probably going to be the driving factor for most folks looking at this rig.
-It can be used with just soft armor, plates, or a combination of the two.
-Available in black, tan, OD green, and multicam.
-Hook and loop sections on the front and back for nametapes, patches, ect...  These sections can still be used with MOLLE compatible accessories.
-Fully adjustable cumberbun.
-Did much better in my drag test that I expected honestly.
-Adjustable shoulder straps.
-Shoulder strap padding is better than some of Condor's previous offerings that I've seen.
-Comes in S/M (takes 10x12.5'' plates) and L/XL (takes 10.5x14.5'' plates)

Cons:
-I'm not a fan of the mesh interior lining.  They say it's for cooling but I'd prefer some normal cordura for increased durability.
-The hydration tube loops seem like they don't integrate well into the design.  I'd like to see them redesigned.
-There is a map pouch in the front.  It doesn't fold down like many other carriers though.  That's probably just a personal preference thing however.
-I have a bunch of plate carriers; the stitching on this isn't as heavy as some of my high end carriers--no doubt about it.  But, for most non-military folks it'll likely hold up just fine.   Time will tell I suppose.


Here's a review/overview video with some shooting, a drag test, a discussion of the features of the carrier, and just my thoughts on it overall:

Ameriglo I.C.E. EMS Claw Rear Sight For Glocks

The CLAW rear sight was designed to aid in one handed manipulations and it does just that.   I've had it on my Glock 19 for a while and here's what I've found.

Pros:
-It really grabs onto hard surfaces to aid in one handed racking of the slide
-Standard heights for Glock (large and small frame), and M&P pistols
-Black nitrided finish for durability and hardness
-Cost.  It's only $24 for the rear sight.   Tough to beat that.


Cons:
-I'd like to see serrations on the rear of the sight but that would likely add cost.   It's a trade off I suppose.

Here's a video with some shooting, close up shots of the sight on the gun, and my overall thoughts one the sight: