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The EDC Tool Roll: Doc Allen’s VersaTool

By on May 9, 2017 in EDC, The EDC Tool Roll

The EDC Tool Roll is a feature on Jerking the Trigger in which we profile various every day carry worthy tools. The tools shown aren’t multi-tools but rather real tools, that by virtue of their compact size, light weight, usefulness, or unique functionality, can find a place in any range kit, emergency kit, or every day carry bag.

Feel free to comment on the tools that you carry so we can all learn! The discussion on these posts has been very valuable so far.

I’ve owned a Doc Allen’s Versatool for more than 12 years. I bought it while I was in college and have been using it ever since.

The VersaTool consists of 3 main parts and several accessories. There is a bit adapter that allows it to accept standard 1/4″ hex bits. The bit driver is attached to a 1/4″ socket adapter so that when the bit adapter is removed, you can install 1/4″ drive sockets. Finally, the socket adapter is attached to a steel loop for a handle with detents in several positions. This configuration allow the VersaTool to be set up inline like a typical screw driver, like a t-handle screw driver, like an offset handle screwdriver for the most torque, or fold neatly in half for storage.

Even after all this time, I still like this tool. It packs small thanks to its folding design but it can still offer reach similar to a full size screwdriver if you use the extension. The offset handle position is angled slightly which makes it comfortable and easy to put a lot more torque into a faster than you typically can with compact bit driver. The ability to use sockets is a huge plus.

The tool also includes a number of bits in a bit carrier, a bit extension, and a small black pouch to carry it all. The quality seems to be very good. Everything is made of steel and mine still works like new after 12 years.

Where to Buy: I purchased mine from CountyComm. They only carry the “Pro” version but the only difference appears to be the addition of some extra bits and another bit carrier. The price is right at less than $11 and I can never resist picking up a few other gadgets when I order from CountyComm.

Alternatives: I carry my Fix It Sticks (click to read about them on The EDC Tool Roll) more often than any other dedicated driver now. I like the ability to store 4 bits on the tool and switch between them extremely quickly.

Do you have a compact driver that you prefer? Tell us about it below.

GunfightersINC Solace Hybrid IWB

By on May 8, 2017 in EDC, Guns

The GunfightersINC Solace Hybrid IWB is different than most hybrid holsters on the market. Sure, it has the kydex-on-the-front-leather-on-the-back format that makes hybrid holsters so comfortable but also has a handful features that are less common.

It is significantly more compact than most hybrids thanks to it’s CAD design holster mold and single clip design. The leather backer is only as wide as the kydex front panel making this hybrid similar in size to an all-kydex holster.

The Solace also features a fully enclosed trigger guard with retention points on both sides thanks to a kydex wing that is riveted into the holster. Many hybrid holsters lack the firm, positive retention that only being completely enclosed in kydex can provide. This allows the retention to be consistent regardless of the tension on the leather backer.

You can check out the Solace at GunfightersINC.com.

The OTHER Reason to Carry a Spare Magazine

By on May 3, 2017 in EDC

“If you need more than X rounds, you shouldn’t be there in the first place!”

“If you can’t solve the problem with X rounds, you shouldn’t be carrying a gun!”

“What do you need all that ammunition for?”

I don’t actually carry a Makarov, but if I did, I would use this Black Rhino Concealment mag pouch to carry a spare magazine.

If you have ever discussed the idea of carrying a spare magazine in some circles, you have likely heard one or all of the above statements. People often struggle with the idea that you might have to empty an entire magazine and then load new one before continuing to shoot in a defensive situation. If the commonly stated statistics about how many times people shoot in the “average” gunfight are to be believed, they may be right to be a little incredulous… or at least they would be if increasing your firepower was the only, or even the most important, reason to carry a spare magazine.

What causes the majority of malfunctions in a good quality firearm? In my experience, that would be magazines that decide to go rogue and bad ammo is in a not too distant second place. You often can’t tell which mags and ammo are the bad ones from looking so the best way to fix a magazine or ammo problem is to get rid of the offending magazine/ammo and replace with new magazine/ammo.

Think about how you fix a double feed. After you rip out the current magazine which is likely bound in the gun under significant tension because of the rat’s nest in the chamber, would you rather reinsert it or grab a fresh magazine from your belt? I know what I would rather do.

The above statements miss the point, or at least part of it. Increased capacity is only one of the reasons to carry a spare magazine. The other reason is to correct a malfunctioning firearm. Think about it.

If you keep a rifle at hand, consider some way of keeping a spare magazine on the rifle like a magazine coupler (Springer Precision shown) or FastMag.

Now Shipping: Magpul AKA KOA Apparel Collection

By on April 26, 2017 in EDC

To give back to the Recon community in an homage to Magpul’s history, we designed the AKA KOA line of apparel. AKA KOA is the nickname given to Alpha Company 3rd Recon Bn (USMC Hawaii) by its Commanding Officer, Kent Bradford, in the late 1980s. Loosely translated, it means “Shadow Warrior” in Hawaiian. While it was intended to symbolize the military capability of the unit, it fast became the call sign for Alpha Company’s other skill set, making the most of the Hawaiian island lifestyle during the off hours.

A portion of the proceeds from the AKA KOA Clothing line will go to the USMC Reconnaissance Foundation. The foundation provides assistance to wounded Reconnaissance Marines and Marine Reconnaissance families. For more information about the foundation, please visit www.reconfoundation.org.

Magpul AKA KOA Line

Crowdfund This: Exotac nanoSPARK

By on April 24, 2017 in EDC, Survival

Exotac already has a huge feather in their crowdfunding cap. Their Kickstarter campaign to launch the fireSLEEVE was a huge success. Now they are looking to catch lightning in a bottle a second time with a new crowdfunding campaign for the nanoSPARK.

The nanoSPARK is functionally similar to spark wheels included in many survival kits going back to the Vietnam war era and before. It is very much like a lighter without a reservoir for lighter fluid. The user turns the gnurled wheel which grinds against a flint, creating sparks. It’s a proven method for creating sparks in a wide variety of environmental conditions.

Exotac’s penchant for bomb-proof design, understanding of usability, and knack for building in slick features is what sets the nanoSPARK apart from other sparking devices. The nanoSPARK is machined from aluminum and has a look that fits right into the rest of the Exotac line. It is large enough to hold, small enough to carry, and weighs only .6 oz. It has on board, water-proof storage for tinder (supplied with tinder) and makes use of common lighter flints.

Check out the nanoSPARK on Kickstarter

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