Aker Leather Flatsider XR13 Holster Review

I was recently approached by the good folks over at Aker Leather about testing out some of their products. After a few friendly correspondences, they had one of their high quality leather holsters at my front door for me to tote my Glock 26 around with..... The Flatsider XR13 Holster, to be exact.

Our approach to this popular holster genre is extra comfortable because it’s flat on one side! Using our special method, this holster is molded in fine leather to fit one’s handgun with 100% of the holster pocket formed away from the body. At either side of the holster pocket are curved belt slots that cooperate to provide stability on the belt with unparalleled concealment. Inside the holster is a full-length molded sight channel. The strapless design is backed up by an adjustable tension screw that does double duty as a trigger guard stop. The special dual-plane muzzle is suited to both standard and shortened barrels. Available for popular semi-autos.

Aimpoint Hunter H34L Review

I can't do an in depth review on this optic because I didn't have the chance to shoot it before I had to send it back to Aimpoint. I really had high hopes of taking this red dot hunting with me this season, but I actually was not able to get my hands on the correct mount to put this on my bolt gun. So, I just wanted to tell you about my hands on experiences with the Hunter H34L and let you know my impressions from getting to play around with it in the limited capacity that I did.

New Crimson Trace Lasergrips for Gen 4 Glocks

Crimson Trace has recently introduced their new line of Lasergrip models for the Gen 4 Glock full-size, compact, and subcompact 9mm and .40 caliber pistols.

These Lasergrips are a solid one piece polymer design that weigh in at a miniscule 0.5 ounces on my postal scale. They feature the smallest laser diode that has ever been offered, and is fully adjustable for windage and elevation. The new Glock Gen 4 Lasergrips are zeroed at the factory for 50'. They run on two #2025 batteries (included) and offer a four hour battery life. They also feature a master on/off switch to preserve battery life when the unit is not needed.

Aimpoint Micro Review

Here is the review I wrote that was published over at AmmoLand not too long ago. Enjoy!

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I recently had a box show up at my front door from the good people over at Aimpoint. Inside said box was a sample of one of their tactical red dot sights... the Aimpoint Micro.

Now, I will start off by saying that over the years I have logged a good bit of trigger time with what seems like the entire spectrum of red dots. From the el cheapos to the higher dollar combat ready models to just about everything in between. However, this would turn out to be the first time that I would actually get to have any range time with any of the products offered by Aimpoint.

My first impression upon opening the box was that it seemed like a pretty solid little unit. Fit and finish is nice, and it just seems really well made when you hold it in your hand and give it the once over. When I held it up to my eye I was literally blown away at the quality of the glass. Its amazingly clear.

Crimson Trace Lightguard Review

Here is my write up of the new Crimson Trace Lightguard that appeared over at AmmoLand.com last week. Enjoy!

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Its always interesting to take a look back at the firearms industry and see which guns and gear have carved out the path things have taken over the years. It wasn't too long ago that the mere idea of mounting lights and lasers to firearms was an almost inconceivable notion... Once people did start mounting weapons with lights and lasers it was almost comical. Duct taping a Maglite to your rifle was pretty much the best option you had available.

Fast forward to today's time and you are hard pressed to find a firearm that can't be equipped with a laser or light option, and Crimson Trace is one of the primary reasons why that is the case. It pretty much goes without saying that Crimson Trace has had a huge impact on the gun industry over their relatively short 17 years of existence. They have changed the way we view personal defense and tactical firearms as well as the training and tactics that goes along with it. They have changed the way manufacturers design their guns and how they are marketed to the public, and law enforcement... and now they have just launched a product to the marketplace that I believe will once again be a game changer. I think that very shortly down the road we are going to see that the Crimson Trace Lightguard is going to do for handgun mounted lights what their innovative approach to lasers has done for handgun mounted lasers.

Reviews

The gang over at My Gun Culture has been churning them out like.... well... whatever witty phrase that should go here but that I just cant think of right now.

Here is their look at the Bushnell Zoom Red Dot

Here are all the other ones they have been working on.

*Obviously they have gotten themselves an intern.

Para-Cord Two-Point Rifle Sling by GunsForEveryone.com

I have actually been in the market for a two-point sling as of recently... which is, IMO, the only way to go for a fighting rifle... Well, I stumbled across the fact that the guys over at GunsForEveryone.com actually roll their own from para-cord. They somehow found it in their gracious hearts to send me one as a nice little freebie.... unsolicited, I might add.... Sweet!

Full review after the jump:

Kel-Tec KSG Review

Matt has a wonderful look at the Kel-Tec KSG as written by Greg Carlson of Carlson Comps. Nice pics too.

Aimpoint Micro

The crazy crew over at My Gun Culture has a review of the Aimpoint Micro.

LaserLyte K-15 Carbine Green Laser Review

I recently had a package show up at my front door from the good people over at LaserLyte. Inside was a product sample of their K-15 Carbine Green Laser.

Before I get into talking about this, I will go ahead and point out that it also comes in tan too (that’s “flat dark earth” for you tactical types).

Review: MGI Rate and Recoil Reducing Buffer

I recently had a package show up at my door from the good people at MGI. Inside was one of their most exciting products... Their Rate and Recoil Reducing Buffer (RRRB). MGI produces a wide variety of parts and accessories as well as complete weapon systems... but this one particular product has greatly intrigued me from the first time that I had heard about it.

Via the Haus: Taurus Judge Public Defender Polymer Review

Review: Armory Racks Secure and Carry Handgun Storage Rack

I recently had a box show up at my door from the good people at Armory Racks. Inside was the very first offering from their brand new company (a division of RJK Ventures, LLC) which is based out of Aliso Viejo, California... the Secure and Carry Handgun Rack.  These products are in fact so new, that they only recently started shipping earlier this month, but you can look for an expanding product line to be available soon after this initial product launch. These racks are a very well thought out design that is aimed at solving the major underlying problem that all of us gun nuts have... Too many guns and not enough storage space!

The Secure and Carry Rack measures in at 4 3/4" high x 16 1/2" wide x 8 3/4" deep. They are very well made and come with a limited lifetime warranty (which you wont need). They are constructed of a rubbery/plastic coated metal rack with protective plastic caps for calibers .32 and larger (the caps are removable for smaller caliber handguns). They are also equipped with sturdy full-sized carry handles on each side to facilitate safe and easy carrying from place to place. You can store up to eight handguns per rack and the optional accessory tray fits nicely under the racked guns to allow you to store and carry even more gear, mags, ammo, etc.

These racks have a ton of uses... Of course, they are a phenomenal way to maximize space inside of a gun safe. By turning your handguns vertically Armory Racks create abundantly more room for storage while at the same time maintaining a functional space in which you can easily access your handguns. There is no digging through stacks of plastic gun boxes to get what you want. These racks keep eight handguns conveniently located and provide you with the ease of "grab and go". Turn the racks sideways inside your safe and you start talking about getting a really high volume of handguns into your storage space. 

48 handguns on 6 Armory Racks. This fits in 16 1/2" of space.

Another way these racks provide great functionality for the average consumer is the way they make carrying up to eight handguns so simple and easy. Gonna be shooting a bunch of handguns on your next trip to the range? Take the Armory Rack along with you to set on your shooting bench and you wont have to worry about space or damage to your guns. Do you need to carry a bunch of guns over to your work bench for cleaning or maintenance? Rack em up and carry them all at once. Heck, just buy an extra rack and accessory tray to leave on your work bench as an incredibly useful way to organize things while you are working. Solvents and oils are not going to effect the rack or the accessory tray one bit.

The Armory Racks also really shine as a way for gun shops or dealers at gun shows to show off their firearms in a display case or on a counter top. You can quickly and easily run a cable lock through the rack and each handgun's trigger guard.... making for a really cool way to do a Blue Gun display to show off lights/lasers.

So, if you are looking for a great way to add some much needed storage space to an already over crowded gun safe or you need the functionality and versatility these racks can offer, head on over to the Armory Racks website and give them a look. Armory racks are simple and effective. They are a quality product that will provide you with a lifetime of handy storage and organization, and they make a really great looking display for retail environments.

*You can also check out Armory Racks on Twitter and follow them on Facebook.

Gel tests galore

Golden Loki has some really nice gel tests for several pocket pistol calibers up to 9mm. These are very well done, and most importantly are done with small carry pistols. If you carry a small gun, then you need to spend some time checking these out.

Review: LaserLyte RSL Rear Sight Laser for Glock

The good people at LaserLyte recently sent one of their newest lasers my way.... the Rear Sight Laser which is now updated to come with a night sight option.

What first jumps out at you when you see this laser is that they have completely incorporated this laser aiming devise and the power source into the rear sight of the firearm. With the RSL you are essentially completely replacing your stock OEM sight with an all new sight constructed of high carbon steel. That by itself is a great feature, and one that is going to appeal to a whole bunch people. This unique design feature means that you wont have to worry about finding a new holster that will accommodate your new lasered up firearm.... If your favorite holster fit your gun before you installed this new sight, it will certainly fit the gun afterward as well. Thats a big savings of time, money and comfort.

Review: Crossbreed Supertuck Deluxe Holster

Alternate Title: Yes, this is the most comfortable holster that I have ever worn.

Like me, you have probably heard the endless hype about Crossbreed Holsters being the most comfortable holsters out there. I have read it all over the Internet and have heard Crossbreed push this mantra in their own advertising. Up until this point, I have always just written it off as pure Kool-Aid... well, I am here to tell you that the hype is real!

Not too long ago, I decided that I had heard enough. I wanted to get my hands on a Crossbreed and find out for myself just what all the hype was really about. A few weeks back,  the good people at Crossbreed Holsters were happy to facilitate that for me and a box soon showed up at my door with a brand new SuperTuck Deluxe Holster inside that was sized just right for my main carry gun, the Glock 26.

My first impression of the SuperTuck was that it was without a doubt a quality holster that was very well made. The SuperTuck is composed of a generous piece of high grade leather backing that is nice and thick, as well as a perfectly constructed Kydex retention rig to hold your firearm in place. To round it all out, the belt attachment clips are all steel and are sturdy enough that I dont think you are ever gonna have to worry about the spring not securely holding your holster in place.

This holster is specificly designed with comfort in mind. The huge 9 inch wide and 7 inch high leather backing does a remarkable job at displacing the weight of the firearm. It also rides up high enough behind the gun to keep the slide/beaver tail from digging into your side. The steel clips are each fully adjustable to allow the user to modify their placement. Each clip can be repositioned at any of the four mounting holes that come standard... and if you really wanted to, you could just break out a drill and add a new hole anywhere in the leather that you wanted. With this level of adjustment, the user can uniquely adjust the holster for cant and height to what ever feels most comfortable to them. The holster is also very concealable. The Glock 26 holster they sent me measures in at a hair over 1 inch thick. That goes a very long way towards being comfortable during extended carry.

The other great thing about this holster is that it is truly tuckable. Yes, I have been looking for a holster for a very long time that would actually be tuckable without making me look like a schlub. Most "tuckable" holster on the market dont really allow you to look properly dressed when you have your shirt tucked in. Your shirt will always - repeat, always - look like a bunched up mess and be all kinds of messed up right at the point where the holster is located on your body. Not good if you are wearing a gun at the office or in any other environment where you have to inconspicuously carry while having a tucked in shirt. The SuperTuck solves this dilemma without any problems, and while wearing any style of pants or shirts. The only "tell" you will have are the two inconspicuous clips on your belt... and people really have to be in the know to have any idea what they mean. 

I have been pretty much wearing this holster every chance I could get since it arrived, and yes it is wonderful! I seriously can not say enough good things about this holster. It is by far the most comfortable I have ever been while wearing a real carry gun. The sizable leather backing does a great job at displacing the weight, and is probably the biggest reason why you can literally wear this holster all day long. It doesnt matter if you are sitting, standing, are behind a desk, in a car, walking long distances, or what have you... this holster makes you often forget that you are carrying inside the waistband.

The only down side of this holster is that you do have to take the time to strap it on. You cant just slide this holster into your pocket, or just shove it into your waistband and be out the door in under a minute. You will have to unhook your pants, properly tuck your shirt (undershirt at the very least) and then properly place the holster where you want it on your body. I also do feel that it is necessary to wear an undershirt with this holster if you are going to be wearing it for hours on end.

So there you have it... Just as the old adage goes, if you want to be comfortable then you have to get yourself a good holster... And the Crossbreed proves itself to be second to none! So if you are sick and tired of not being comfortable while carrying concealed then head on over to the Crossbreed website and check out all the various models they have available. They are without a doubt one of the best holsters on the market today. 

Many more photos here 

Video: Haus of Guns reviews Thompson

LaserLyte Rear Sight Laser

Go check out my guest post of this over at the Laura Burgess Blog

Review: Crimson Trace Pro-Custom Chainmail III Lasergrips

I had a box show up at my door recently from the good folks at Crimson Trace. Inside said box was a gorgeous set of Lasergrips for the 1911... Their all new Pro-Custom Chainmail III pattern Lasergrips.

From the first time you lay eyes on these new grips, they just scream awesome. They have one of the most unique looks Crimson Trace has ever done, and they really stand out and make people take notice. They have a gray and white print which I think looks very much like carbon fiber. They are also accentuated by a black rubber insert that provides extra grip as well as houses the activation button. The new Chainmail III pattern really dressed up this classic blued Colt National Match, but they would look great as well on an all stainless 1911 or especially a two-toned version:

The new look of the Chainmail III is definitely a home run, but to me the most important thing is functionality... and Crimson Trace did not disappoint in this department. Quality is exactly what you would expect from an industry leader like Crimson Trace. Of course, installation was quick and easy. If you can replace the stock grips on your 1911, then you can install a new set of Lasergrips in no time flat. The laser comes from the factory sighted for 50 feet. Once on the gun, I only had to make a small adjustment to get lined up on the sights. You may or may not have to adjust the laser further at the range, but that will likely depend on your chosen load and the distance at which you want to zero.

These Lasergrips shoot like a dream. Activation is handled in the very familiar Crimson Trace style. A small activation button is located on the front of the grip and inside of the black rubber insert. It is of course very intuitive and an absolutely ideal laser activation method for concealed carry/personal protection. Simply put, when you grip the gun with a firm shooting grip your laser will be activated. Its that simple.

So what's the bottom line?

Crimson Trace has once again put out a winner. These Lasergrips are a great example of why Crimson Trace has been the benchmark of the industry for the past 15 years. The Pro-Custom Chainmail III is a quality product which provides an awesome look and a world renowned laser aiming devise. Like all Crimson Trace lasers, this is one of the brightest red lasers that I have seen. It measured in at about half an inch at across the room distances, and is visible even on the brightest of days. 

So far, I have put exactly 100 rounds through this gun with the Lasergrips installed and have seen no movement in my initial zero whatsoever. In fact, there are no problems at all to report. These things are so well made that they are pretty much idiot proof (no smart comments from the peanut gallery, please)... just put them on the gun, sight them in and then you can pretty much forget about them until its time for a battery change (which is about 4 hours of active on time, BTW).  

Another big plus of these (and all of Crimson Trace's 1911 grips) is that there is no need to go out and buy all new holsters. Since these grips completely replicate stock 1911 grips there is no cost incurred in having to find compatible holsters. So, if you are looking for a laser to put on your 1911 head on over to the Crimson Trace website and check out all the various models they have available. They are one of the best on the market today. 


*More pics available here

XD(M) 45 acp

Shooting Times tests and reviews it........... here