Gear Reviews

I just picked up a Springfield XDs 9mm from my favorite local gun shop (Carolina Gunrunners in North Raleigh). I’ve been waiting patiently for what seems like an eternity for this particular pistol to arrive, and finally today was the day! First Impressions: As you may know, Springfield ships their pistols in really nice plastic boxes, much nicer than those used by Glock and S&W. The inside of the box contained the following: The XDs …

Yesterday the FedEx guy dropped off a package for me, containing a Becker BK2 fixed blade knife. I’ve been looking for a stout knife to use in the woods, and judging by all of the reviews I read online, the Becker BK2 provided the best bang for the buck. One of the things that drew me to the BK2 is the large drop point blade. It seems that most other knifes of this size have …

There has been a lot of talk online, on various forums about using some of these cheap lights as a companion for someones concealed carry pistol, or even as a weapon mounted light. I’ve owned many of these lights from places like DealExtreme.com and other places, and while these lights are fantastic for having around the house, you must keep in mind that they are rather fragile, especially when they get hot. Something to keep …

A few months ago, I posted a YouTube video with my initial impressions on the Two Fools Leather Goods Fat Boy Belt. Since posting the video, I’ve been wearing the Fat Boy every day, both when carrying a pistol, and when not carrying (mainly when I’m at work, and cannot carry). Over time the belt has gotten better, and more comfortable as it has started to take my shape, which is something only a leather …

I’ve always preferred USGI aluminum magazines for my AR-15 over plastic mags. I like how the aluminum magazines lay flat against each other, the way they lock into the rifle, and just about everything else about them. Last night I did, however, find their weakness. Every month of so, I shoot an action rifle match at the Wake County Firearms Education and Training Center. These action matches require reloading on the move, and while executing …

After posting about my Firesteel.com fire starter, a couple of you asked about these Coghlan’s fire starters that can be found at just about any sporting goods store. I came across mine this morning, and figured I’d show you guys how it works. The idea with this firestarter is very similar to other firesteels, except this one keeps everything in one unit. Basically it’s just a firesteel glued into a piece of magnesium. This allows …

Its been a couple months since I posted my initial thoughts on the Smith and Wesson M&P 9mm Pro. Since writing about that, the pistol has become my primary competition pistol, and I’ve used it in every match I have shot since picking it up. Accuracy: Right off the bat, this pistol throws lead very accurately. At 25 yards it has grouped 5 rounds at 2.5″ or less, and in matches, I have routinely placed rounds into …

About two years back I purchased a Maxpedition Jumbo EDC Versipack to carry my every day carry (EDC) gear. I wanted a bag to carry some essentials (pistol, spare magazines, water bottle, small first aid “boo boo” kit) and a couple other things. Since receiving the bag, I’ve used it in a number of different ways, from just tossing it in the trunk when commuting, to using it as a range bag, and I’ve even …

There has been a lot of discussion around the ‘net over the past few years about the poor accuracy of many of the S&W M&P 9mm pistols. Supposedly this is because of a rifling twist rate that was too fast for the lighter bullets. Recently Hilton Yam posted on the 10-8 Performance blog that the newest, 2012 production M&P 9mm barrels appear to have a slower twist rate, closer to that of the KKM aftermarket …

I’ve been running several of the Dawson +5 Glock magazine extensions on some mags for my Glock 24 Limited gun for about a year or so. These magazine extensions are everything one could want in an extension. They are robust, well made, and they function well. These magazine extensions are made out of aluminum unlike many of the other extensions on the market that are made of plastic. I have found them to be extremely …