Latest Posts

AR-15 Laser Engraving

Firearms

Looking for something new and cool to do to your new AR-15? It has no performance impact, and doesn’t do anything to help accuracy; but I think it definitely looks cool! Check out laser engraving!

I recently got access to a laser engraver and decided I would put my company logo on the “blank” side of my Coronado Arms lower. I think it’s a cool personalization and really makes the gun stand out as mine. Also, the laser engraving on anodized aluminum just looks sharp!

What do you think? What would you put on your lower if you could get something engraved?

WARFYTR Equipment – Rifle Magazine Carrier

Reviews, Tactical Gear

I recently got my hands on a new product from the company WARFYTR. This is their Rifle Magazine Carrier that uses a self-locking design that allows the magazines to be stored in the hanging position and “oriented to the weapon”. This is intended to speed up reloads as there is less movement of the magazine required. It also uses adjustable universal mounts that will fit belts up to 2″ and will also fit in MOLLE/PALS webbing on tactical vests and other equipment. The clips can also be set in 3-different positions and are ambidextrous.

This model currently only works with USGI 5.56×45 NATO magazines, but I’m told a PMag version is in the works for 2014.

In the playing around that I did with the carrier, I didn’t have any retention issues, even when running and jumping around with it. The magazines snap in, and you give them a twist and pull to remove them. The “latching mechanism” that is in the carrier is designed for specific magazines. Because of that, you will have to use carriers specifically designed for the magazines you will be using. This limits them over say, a pouch, but I don’t think that will be much of an issue in the reality of things.

This really looks to be an innovative product for shooters; I can definitely see it used in 3-gun competitions and other high-speed applications. It may not fit the bill for all users, but it’s definitely worth taking a look at.

You can pre-order them on the WARFYTR website. Give them a look and let me know what you think!

Pictures and a YouTube video from WARFYTR below.

Vortex Razor HD – 1-4×24

Gear, Optics, Reviews

I recently got the opportunity to get my hands on a Vortex Razor HD 1-4×24 scope. This is pretty much one of the top of the line optics from Vortex, and I have to say I really like it. It’s a little on the heavy side at just over 20 ounces. Other than the weight, it is a great optic. The fit and finish is awesome, it feels very well put together, and everything just feels like quality. There are no loose turrets or anything like that.

The “precision-etched” reticle is on the first focal plane (FFP), this allows for reticle to remain in proportion for the entire magnification range. This is a little strange at 1x (you cant see much of the reticle detail, but not that you need much more than an “X” at that magnification). But at the full magnification, the reticle and all of its detail is crystal clear. I’m a fan of FFP reticles, especially for longer range applications.

Here are all of the specs on the Optic from the Vortex website.

Magnification 1-4 x
Objective Lens Diameter 24 mm
Eye Relief 3.9 inches
Field of View 94.5-24.2 feet/100 yards
Tube Size 30 mm
Turret Style Tall Uncapped
Adjustment Graduation 1/4 MOA
Travel per Rotation 24 MOA
Max Elevation Adjustment 200 MOA
Max Windage Adjustment 200 MOA
Parallax Setting 100 yards
Length 10.3 inches
Weight 20.2 ounces

I would definitely recommend checking out one of these optics, the price point is on the high side, but if you need a great 3-gun optic, I would definitely suggest taking a look at them. You can pick one up on Amazon or at your favorite optics dealer.

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Android A13-MID Driver Installation

Computers

If you have ever used a “generic” Android device for development, you have probably had to go through the process of trying to find random Windows drivers or hacking your way through a bunch of hoops to get the device to work. The bottom line is that the Google USB drivers only support specific devices, and if you want to develop with cheaper (or other) devices, you have to do some monkeying around to make them work.

Here is what I have found as a simple way to get them to work (on Windows systems, specifically Windows 8.1)…

Step 1

Connect up your generic device and get the Hardware IDs. To get the Hardware ID, after connecting your device, Right click on This PC in a Folder window and click Manage. Select Device Manager and then open your Android device. It should have the yellow exclamation point next to it. From there, select the Details tab, and then Hardware IDs from the drop down list. You should see something that looks like USB\VID_18D1&PID_0003&MI_01. This is the Hardware ID that you will need, copy and save it.

Step 2

Open up the android_winusb.inf file located here, C:\Program Files (x86)\Android\android-sdk\extras\google\usb_driver. This file contains the driver device details, etc.

NOTE: You will have to open the file as Administrator to be able to save your changes.

Once you have the file opened you should scroll through and find the section titled [Google.NTx86] and [Google.NTamd64]. At the bottom of each of these sections you will need to add the following lines, these tell the system that the drivers support your hardware. You will want to change the Hardware IDs to match the ones you found in Step 1, if they are different.

;Generic
%SingleAdbInterface%        = USB_Install, USB\VID_18D1&PID_0003
%CompositeAdbInterface%     = USB_Install, USB\VID_18D1&PID_0003&MI_01

After you have that information added and the file saved you are ready to move on to the next step.

Step 3

In Windows 8/8.1 (and 7 if I remember correctly), the OS will only let you install signed drivers, and because we made changes to the driver files, they will no longer install. So to get around this we have to disable driver signature verification. In Windows 8/8.1, you can do this by following the information on this site, howtogeek.com.

Once you have disabled the signature verification, you can attach your device and update the drivers. To do this you go into Device Manager, Right click on the device and select Update Driver Software…. From the update driver window, select Browse my computer for driver software and then enter the path C:\Program Files (x86)\Android\android-sdk\extras\google\usb_driver. Then, click Next and the driver software should be installed, if everything in Steps 1 and 2 were completed correctly.

Now you should be able to see your device when you attempt to run a project from Eclipse and the device should show as an Android Device in Device Manager.

Mechanix Wear M-Pact Gloves

Gear, Reviews, Tactical Gear
Mechanix Wear M-Pact Glove

I recently picked up a pair of Mechanix Wear M-Pact gloves; I’ve heard good things about them from multiple sources so I figured why not give them a try!

The M-Pact gloves have the “PORON XRD Extreme Impact Protection” on the palms and a rubberized padding on the back of the gloves. They will, no doubt, offer great impact protection.

From an initial review, I like them, but I have a few concerns about them. Mainly that the grip “bunches up” a bit when I make a fist or try to grip anything. Basically I have to press my palm agains my pistol grip, then close my fingers. Otherwise I end up with a bit of bunched up material, and it causes my grip to be off a little. It could be my issue with sizing, but we will see. I need to get some more use out of them before I make a real decision. I just know they don’t “feel” as good as my old gloves.

Also, the trigger finger has a stitch over the end of the finger, that makes the sides a little wider than I would like. I think over time that will wear down and flatten out. It’s not a really big issue, but it is worth noting. If you are planning to use them on a firearm that has a small trigger guard, it may interfere.

Other than those little gripes, that could be related to sizing more than anything else, they seem to be well made gloves that I think I will get some good use out of, one way or another.

Just for reference, the old gloves that I have been using are some generic Firm Grip construction gloves that I picked up from a local Home Depot. They were cheep, but lasted 2 or so years and have worked really well. If you don’t like the Mechanix gloves, or are in the mood to try out something else, check your local home improvement store, they usually have something that will work well.

Check out the video below for the full review.

Smith Optics – Aegis Echo Glasses

Reviews, Tactical Gear

I recently got my hands on a new pair of Smith Optics Elite Aegis Echo protective glasses. I’ve used the original model Aegis glasses for quite some time and have been very happy with them. The new Echo series incorporates a redesigned frame that is made of spring steel and is only .6mm thick on the ear pieces. This allows for easy use with over the ear, ear protection. Check out the video below for the full review!

 

Specifications

  • PivLock Lens Interchange Technology allows for fast lens exchange
  • Super thin alloy temples fit cleanly under ear pro without breaking the seal
  • Temples are moldable for the best fit
  • Meets US Mil Spec MIL-PRF-31013 and ANSI Z87.1 standards
  • Designed for extended wear – eliminates pressure points
  • 100% protection from UVA/UVB rays
  • Compatible with all Aegis lenses
  • Tapered Lens Technology corrects distortion
  • Anti-fog and scratch resistant coating on all lenses
  • Available as a complete kit or as a replacement frame
  • Good fit for hat size 7 1/4 or greater

Color Options

  • Black
  • MultiCam
  • Tan

Check out all of the details over at Smith Optics Elite.

If you are interested in picking up a pair, you can order them from Amazon.

 

Velocity Systems Light Weight Plate Carrier

Reviews, Tactical Gear

I recently was able to get my hands on a Velocity Systems Light Weight Plate Carrier in Multicam. I was looking between a few models, but this one seemed to have the most reasonable prices (that I could find) and worked the best with the gear that I already had.
The Velocity plate carrier uses a SwiftClip system that allows for easy adding of various other equipment such as the Haley Strategic D3 Chest Rig, something that I currently use. So this allows me to have a full plate carrier setup or just a chest rig with the same load out that only requires using a couple of clips and some Velcro to change between.
Here are the specs for the carrier from Velocity’s website.

  • Made with 500 Denier Nylon Cordura® outer material
  • Made with 400 Denier Nylon Packcloth inner material
  • Integrated admin pouch on front plate pocket
  • Cumber-bunds made of light weight mesh for air flow
  • Utilizes Velocity Systems new patent pending SwiftClip™ attachment system to don/doff chest rigs and additional equipment.
  • Colors: MC = MultiCam, CB = Coyote Brown, BK = Black, call for others
  • Sizes: Small/Medium, Large/XLarge

Overall, the fit and finish on the carrier is awesome. Everything is double stitched and appears to be very well made. Also, the Velcro seems to be very high quality and should last a long time.

For a detailed review, check out the YouTube video below!

BLACKHAWK! CQB/Riggers Belt

Reviews, Tactical Gear

A quick review on the BLACKHAWK! CQB/Riggers belt; the belt, so far, has been amazing! I’ve used it through multiple trainings and through various shooting activities and it’s worked flawlessly.

It was noted on various websites that the sizes run small, but if you are truly a size 33″ or smaller waist, the small belt will probably work for you without any issues. I ordered the normal size, for up to 41″ waists, and it’s a little bit big. It wraps over a little far and gets in the way of my holster so I have to fold it under the belt loop. If you take a look at the video review, you can see what I’m talking about with this.

Bottom line, this is a great belt. If you are in the market for a new shooting belt, it’s definitely a great choice.

Here are the basic specs:

  • 1.75″ webbing
  • 7,000-lb. tensile strength (solid colors) or 5,000-lb. tensile strength (MultiCam®)
  • Hook & loop secures running end

Check out the video review below for more details! Thanks!