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Review: Lanco Tactical GripStop

By on September 12, 2014 in Guns, Reviews

It’s part vertical grip. It’s part hand stop. It’s part barricade device. It’s GripStop.

Lanco_Tactical_GripStop_Mod1_side

Overview

GripStop is a hard anodized aluminum forward grip that can be used on a number of different long guns. According to Lanco Tactical it was “designed by a former USMC combat veteran to fill the void between using a vertical grip and hand stop.” Basically, GripStop’s unique shape allows the user to vary the way they grip it and makes it ideal for use as a barricade stop or support for awkward shooting positions.

It is available in 2 different versions that cover most hand guard types. The original GripStop mounts via two bolts on 2 3/8” hole spacing and can be adapted to a number of different hand guards including most of the various “universal” free float tubes, KeyMod, and anything you are willing to drill the necessary holes in. It weighs 2 ounces

GripStop Mod 2 is a rail mounted version that can be mounted to any standard 1913 Picatinny rail. It weighs 3.1 ounces.

Lanco_Tactical_GripStop_Mod1_bottom

Observations from Use

I have been using an original GripStop (from before the KeyMod compatibility was added) since around the time it was introduced. I like it so much that I also purchased GripStop Mod 2. Both have served me very well. While their attachment method differs, they are nearly the same functionally so this review can cover both.

The key to GripStop’s success is its unique shape. It should be obvious from the pictures but if you picture half of a skateboard half pipe turned upside done, you will have the basic shape. The leading edge of the curve is parallel with the bore and close to the hand guard while the trailing edge is perpendicular to the bore. This shape allows the user to adjust how the grip feels by sliding their hand forward and back.

If you prefer a “C Clamp”/thumb over grip like you might typically use with a handstop, you position your hand further forward on the GripStop, bringing your hand more in line with the hand guard.

If you prefer a thumb forward grip with a less flexed wrist position, you position your hand further back on the GripStop. This feels more like a typical thumbs forward grip with a vertical grip.

You may just find yourself somewhere in between and that is part of the strength of the GripStop. It supports just about any grip.

Lanco_Tactical_GripStop_Mod2_side

That way that you can vary your grip also has the benefit of allowing you to place GripStop just about anywhere on a rail or on a rail of just about any length. Hand stops and angled grips like Magpul’s AFG work best when mounted closer to the muzzle on longer rail because, in general, a thumb over grip will be more comfortable and provide more benefit with the support arm extended. GripStop can adapt to just about any position on the rail because you can adapt your grip to just about any angle.

Both versions of the GripStop have large ribs machined into the curved portion. These serve to enhance grip. They are large enough that they don’t feel sharp on your hand and the gaps between the ribs bite into barricades very well. You can plant the GripStop on a barricade and really lean your weight in behind it to control recoil.

The rear face of the GripStop is completely vertical (perpendicular to the bore). This allows you to hook it against a barricade and pull back with the strong to control recoil or to hook it on your forearm in awkward shooting positions like “brokeback prone.” The ability to hook the forearm or push against the forearm brings a lot recoil control and stability to these awkward field positions.

GripStop’s weight is a potential fly in the ointment for some users. At over 3 ounces, the GripStop Mod 2 weighs 3 times as much as a typical handstop. The direct connect GripStop weighs only 2 ounces but that is still more than a smaller handstop. I suppose there are a few ways to look at that. I have chosen to purchase one in spite of the weight because I appreciate the added functionality that comes with it. I think the functionality justifies the weight. You could also say that if you are using a quad rail instead of a more trim universal hand guard, you probably aren’t overly concerned with weight. Still, it would be nice to see some additional weight reduction efforts if possible.

Lanco_Tactical_GripStop_Mod2_bottom

Wrap Up

GripStop bridges the gap between vertical grips and hand stops. It does a good job of offering the best of both along and a range of functionality that lies somewhere between the two. It is basically the chameleon of forward grips and should be able to fit anyone’s shooting style while also giving them some options that they may not have had before.

Check out the Lanco Tactical GripStop.

Review: UW Gear Swamp Fox MKIII

By on September 11, 2014 in Reviews, Tactical Gear

I have spent the last several months getting to know the new, MKIII version of the SwampFox Chest Rig from UW Gear. When they first announced the MKIII version, UW Gear told me that this chest rig is more durable, lighter weight, more comfortable, and easier to produce than the MKII version. Those types of claims require some investigation, especially when they are messing with my favorite chest rig!

UW_Gear_Swamp_Fox_MKIII

Overview

The Swamp Fox MKIII is a chest rig that is available in specific versions for AR-15s, AK-74s, and AK-47s. The majority of the rig is constructed from 1000D Cordura nylon and is available in a wide array of colors and camo patterns.

It still retains much of what made the Minuteman MKII great:

  • The unique and functional pull tab flap closures are still intact though now they have a more compact, rounded shape.
  • The sewn in drainage gaps at the base of the magazine pouches are still there.
  • The webbing reinforcement of the magazine pouches is still there though now it has been beefed up.
  • The “H” harness is still well shaped and is now even more comfortable.
  • The rig can still be adjusted to ride very high without fear of buckles interfering with the buttstock of your carbine.

Some of the differences are noted about but other notables include:

  • All edges are now closed with binding tape rather than folded and sewn. This is probably the most significant change and the one that has streamlined the production process more than any other.
  • There are 2 columns and 3 rows of PALS webbing on the sides of the rig rather than the 3 columns that the standard MKII had.
  • The magazine pouch flaps are now reinforced with 1.5” webbing rather than an extra layer of Cordura.
  • The harness is constructed from a mix of 1000D Cordura and webbing with bounded edges. It is now slightly more flexible.
MKII on left, MKIII on right

MKII on left, MKIII on right

MKII on left, MKIII on right

MKII on left, MKIII on right

Observations from Use

As I said above, I was told this new rig would be more durable, lighter weight, more comfortable, and easier to produce than the MKII version. I’ll try to address each one of these claims from my perspective based on my use of the new MKIII version.

More Durable

It is a little hard to quantify this based on my use. I still haven’t even come remotely close to wearing out my Swamp Fox MKII. On paper, I believe it because of the addition of the webbing reinforcement inside the magazine pouch flaps and the bound edges. Both of these items add reinforcement at common failure points.

The rig still shows UW Gear’s typical overbuild quality. All webbing is box stitched where it joins the body of the rig. The PALS webbing is attached with large bar tacks. Just about every component of these rigs is made with multiple layers of something be it Cordura nylon, webbing, or binding tape.

MKII on left, MKIII on right

MKII on left, MKIII on right

Lighter Weight

The scale doesn’t lie! The MKIII weighs about 16.45 ounces, which is 2.1 ounces less than the MKII version. Much of weight was saved in the new construction method for the pouches and the harness and basically comes from replacing extraneous fabric with strategically located webbing.

More Comfortable

This is probably the claim that I was most curious about. The biggest reason that I like the MKII style chest rigs from UW Gear was because of the way they constructed the harness. They used multiple layers of Cordura and webbing to create a harness that was somewhat rigid but better able to flex and twist without the bunching and gaps you see in a padding harness. It was thin and supported weight very well.

The new harness is a bit less rigid. It is still thin. In fact, it is thinner. It still bears weight well, moves well with the wearer, and the bound edges are actually a bit more comfortable against your skin.

UW Gear also adds some detail here in how they shape the harness. The shoulder straps are set at an angle greater than 90 degrees to the horizontal strap that holds the H harness together. This allows it to sit more comfortably across your back and shoulders. This detail is still present in the MKIII version.

I guess I have to admit that it is more comfortable though I do miss a bit of the rigidity of the original harness.

MKIII on left, MKII on right

MKIII on left, MKII on right

MKIII on left, MKII on right

MKIII on left, MKII on right

Easier to Produce

This one is easy to prove. UW Gear is a small shop with a unique, well-made product. They operate with a permanent backlog but thanks to the streamlined production of the MKIII, they have reduced their lead times.

You can still expect to wait 3-5 months but that is an overall reduction from where they were and that lead-time is shrinking continually.

H-harness detail

H-harness detail

Wrap Up

The Swamp Fox MKIII is an improved version of an already great chest rig. If nothing else, it is a huge win for the user that UW Gear was able to increase durability and reduce weight. The streamlined construction will also allow them to keep costs in check.

This is a worthy successor.

Check out all of the new MKIII versions of your favorite gear at UW Gear.

Disclosure: This product was provided to me by UW Gear, free of charge, for review.

Review: Parallax Tactical PXTreme FFSSR Upper Receiver Group

By on August 14, 2014 in Guns, Reviews

I have put just under 1200 rounds through a Parallax Tactical PXTreme FFSSR Upper over the last year. That isn’t an epic round count but it was enough for me to make some judgments about the value of this upper.

Parallax Tactical PXTreme FFSSR Upper Build

Overview

The PXTreme uppers are assembled by Parallax Tactical from a mix of their own in house parts and parts that they spec out to other manufacturers. I purchased one largely because of the combination of features and the affordable price ($699 for a complete upper now, $599 at the time of purchase).

The upper receiver itself is a standard forged upper with M4 feedramps. It comes standard with a BCM GUNFIGHTER Charging Handle and a PXT M-16 Bolt Carrier with an 8620 Steel MPI-tested Bolt. I opted to upgrade to a NiBX coated bolt and carrier.

PXTreme Uppers can be had with just about any flavor of Parallax Tactical rail. I went with the 15” FFSSR rail. FFSSR Keymod rails are also available.

The barrel is manufactured for Parallax Tactical by Black Hole Weaponry. There are a variety of barrel profiles available including lightweight, “RECCE”, and M4. I chose the RECCE profile which is basically a medium contour barrel with the following features:

  • 416 stainless steel
  • Melonite finish inside and out
  • 1 in 8” polygonal rifling
  • Mid-length gas system with .08” gas port
  • M4 feed ramps
  • .740” diameter in front of the gas block, .800” under the hand guards

The barrel is fitted with Parallax Tactical’s PXTreme Super Light Low Profile Gas Block. It is Melonite processed like the barrel. The muzzle is capped with a PXT Paracomp which is machined from 17-4 stainless steel and also Melonite processed.

Parallax Tactical does extensive work with CeraKote and they offer coating as an option on their uppers. This one was coated in Magpul FDE.

Observations from Use

Reliability

I cleaned this upper once and that was before I shot it. I wanted to punch the bore to make sure it was clean and clear for accuracy testing. It has been lubed properly but was never cleaned throughout the 1200 rounds test. I had a single double feed directly following the very first shot. That is the only stoppage or malfunction experienced in 1200 rounds using a mix of Black Hills Blue Box 75GR .223, Prvi Partisan 75GR .223, and Federal (Lake City) 62GR SS109. I think that qualifies as very reliable.

The gas port is on the large end of what I like to see on a mid-length but it is still within the normal range. I used this upper on a lower that was equipped with Vltor’s A5 System and it ejected everything to 4 o’clock consistently. It made nice little, easy-to-pick-up piles of brass. It was so consistent in its ejection that people on the range noticed and commented on the tight piles of brass that it threw. This is likely due to the A5 System as much as the upper but it is worth noting.

Parallax Tactical PXTreme FFSSR Upper 10 Group

This 10 shot group is peculiar in that it doesn’t have a central cluster but it is typical of the accuracy I saw from this upper.

Parallax Tactical PXTreme FFSSR Upper 5 Group

This 5 shot group was shot earlier in the testing. I almost always had a flyer or two. This was typical of multiple shooters. Note that both groups pictured showed flyers high and right.

Accuracy

This upper is solid and consistent in terms of accuracy. Eventually, I would like to try some hand loads or some more premium match ammo but Black Hills Blue Box 75GR .223 and Prvi Partisan Mach 75GR .223 both performed well. I topped the upper with a Nightforce 2.5-10X32 for accuracy testing.

During the accuracy specific portion of my testing I only recorded 10 shot groups (countless 3 and 5 shot groups were shot throughout but I only used the 10 shot groups for data). The average center-to-center distance for all 10 shot groups at 100 yards was 1.56”. That may not sound impressive if you are used to 3 and 5 shot groups but these were 10 shot groups, fired in less than 60 seconds. The smallest of the groups was printed with the Prvi Partisan and put 10 shots into 1.24”. It wasn’t unusual for the upper to print 5 shot, slow fire groups into less than 1”.

Recoil

Recoil was fairly mild – of course, it’s a 5.56 so… The A5 System and PXT Paracomp help quite a bit here. Without the A5, the recoil was noticeably sharper. I would like to see Parallax Tactical tighten up the gas port a bit because that would likely smooth out an already smooth shooting upper.

Fit and Finish

Overall, the fit and finish is very good. The CeraKote on my upper was a bit light on some of the corners of the FFSSR Rail and VERY small amounts of bare aluminum were showing through immediately. I suspect that Parallax Tactical would have made this right for me but I knew I would be wearing more of the coating off in no time at all so it didn’t bother me. Other than that, the machining is clean, the finishes are evenly applied, and obvious care went into the assembly.

Parallax Tactical PXTreme FFSSR Upper Slot

FFSSR Rail

The FFSSR Rail is very nice. I went with the 15” and in retrospect, the 13” would have been plenty for this project. I liked it quite a bit for the various ways that I tested this upper. I was able to easily rail mount a bipod to the short forward rails and, when I was off the bipod, I found the non-railed portion to be very slim and easy to hold off hand. The slots and in FFSSR are designed to accept just about any direct connect accessory for the Magpul MOE Hand Guards. I mounted an IWC Weapon Control Mount-N-Slot.

PXT Paracomp

The PXT Paracomp does its job. It has a fair amount of concussion and is flashy but almost every comp is. It is nice that it is stainless steel and Melonite processed like the barrel so there basically no reason to worry about corrosion… ever. I replaced the PXT Paracomp with a SEI Vortex, a muzzle device that is known to be very conducive to accuracy, during part of the testing. I saw no measurable change in accuracy and I think that speaks well of the Paracomp.

Overall Experience

I should mention that the guys at Parallax Tactical were really helpful when throughout my order. They answered technical questions, gave advice, made suggestions, and even provided technical drawings to illustrate dimensions. I will definitely continue to shop with them.

Wrap Up

The PXTreme Upper that I tested was not without issue. I had a small fit and finish issue and I wish the gas port was a bit smaller. However, the fit and finish issue was extremely small and I can easily live with it and the gas port is still within the normal range for mid-length barrels.

I will grant you that a sample of one is an extremely small sample but these PXTreme FFSSR Uppers seem to be an excellent value considering the components and performance that you receive for the money. $699 buys you a complete upper with a better than average barrel, very nice free float rail, Melonite processing galore, and various other quality components.

I’m impressed.

Check out Parallax Tactical’s selection of PXTreme FFSSR uppers.

Parallax Tactical PXTreme FFSSR Upper Detail

Review: MSM Wrap Holster and Wrap Multi Pouch

By on August 12, 2014 in EDC, Flashlights, Guns, Knives, Reviews, Tactical Gear

I have used a number of Velcro backed holsters and magazine pouches over the years. I have even made my own. The most versatile that I have found to date are the Wrap Holster and Wrap Multi Pouches from MILSPEC Monkey (MSM).

Overview

MSM’s Wrap accessories are pretty simple and both the Holster and Multi Pouches share a common feature set. They are made almost entirely of Velcro One Wrap which is magical stuff that sticks to itself like… well, like Velcro. This is the secret to the Wrap accessories’ versatility. You can basically origami your way into any shape you need to carry whatever you want by simply moving the parts around to fit the payload.

Each Wrap accessory also comes with a bungee retainer that is easy to add, remove, or adjust for length.

MSM Wrap G19 with LightMSM Wrap Handgun Mags

Observations from Use

The use of One Wrap for these accessories works out so well. One Wrap makes these pouches incredibly adjustable and extremely versatile because of all the different ways you can configure them. All of that is great but what really surprised me (in a good way) is that One Wrap is somewhat rigid – more rigid than what many universal holsters are made from. That rigidity makes it extremely easy to draw and reholster because the Wrap accessories hold their shape. It really is a very good material for this application.

The Wrap Holster is excellent for use with handgun mounted lights. Few universal type Velcro backed holsters work well with lights. Many will allow them to fit but unless they holster is long enough and rigid enough, the light or front sight will snag on the bottom of the holster during the draw. Again, the slight rigidity of the One Wrap material is a boon here as it prevents the light from being accidentally activated in your bag.

MSM Wrap AR Mag MSM Wrap Compact Revolver

The Multi Wrap Pouches work for handgun magazines of just about any length. They are ideal for longer magazines from full-size handguns. If you have a shorter magazine (Glock 19 and shorter), you will have be careful to draw the bottom of the pouch very tight to limit how deep the magazines sit. MSM may want to consider a shorter version in the future but I was able to make them work.

I was able to configure the Wrap Holster to work for everything from a Glock 21 with light to S&W J-frame in terms of handguns. You can set the retention as tight or loose as you want. You can easily set the Wrap accessories tight enough that you don’t need the bungee retainer for most items though it will be more difficult to insert the item. The Wrap Holster also works very well for AR-15 magazines, cell phones, Altoid tin style survival kits and other small containers, smaller battery backups for your electronics, GPS units, communication handsets, and more.

The Wrap Multi Pouches are dynamite for handgun mags, multi-tools, flashlights, Snickers Bars (You’re not yourself when you’re hungry!), and more.

MSM Wrap Smart Phone

Wrap Up

The Wrap Holster and Wrap Multi Pouch are as versatile as any piece of gear I have tried. One Wrap is a great material for this application in obvious ways and in ways that I didn’t envision until I tried them. MSM hit these out of the park.

Check out the Wrap accessories at MILSPEC Monkey.

Review: Whiskey Two-Four Loop Anywhere

By on June 30, 2014 in EDC, Reviews, Tactical Gear

Loop Anywhere from Whiskey Two-Four (WTF) is a simple way to add loop material (Velcro) to any MOLLE compatible surface. It also happens to be one of those pieces of gear that you always seem to find new uses for.

Whiskey_Two_Four_Loop_Anywhere

Overview

Loop Anywhere is elegantly simple. It consists of a piece of loop material (the fuzzy side of Velcro) that is laminated to a piece of thin, semi-rigid plastic. it is then laser cut to shape. It is available in a number of sizes based on the number of PALS columns that you need to span.

It’s unique shape makes it very easy to install between rows of PALS webbing. You just tuck the tabs into the webbing above and below. It takes just seconds to install a 4 column size Loop Anywhere once you have the hang of it.

Observations from Use

The most important thing that I wanted to verify when I first laid hands on Loop Anywhere was that it was secure. It just tucks into the webbing so I was concerned that if it was easy to install, it would be too easy to remove. I was happy to find that it is actually very secure, especially when the spacing on the PALS platform you attach it to is in spec. It takes intentional action to remove it once installed.

Whiskey_Two_Four_Loop_Anywhere_Installed

I also wanted to see how it handled imperfect PALS grids. Most gear is still hand sewn by a craftsman with a sewing machine and the spacing on the PALS webbing can vary a bit. The best maker minimize this but it is a reality. Loop Anywhere’s tabs are tapered and I found that they handle quite a bit of variation in the grid because of that.

Loop Anwhere’s backing is thin enough that you can cut it with a pair of sturdy scissors. This is handy if you want to trim a piece to fit in a spot that has an abbreviated row of PALS webbing. There is no real need to trim to it to fit between pouches because it can actually share PALS columns with other pouches.

The obvious use for Loop Anywhere is for adding ID to items like plate carriers that may not come with sewn on loop material. It works very well for this and is perfectly sized for name tapes. I also found it very useful for adding loop material to the front of an IFAK so I could add a small red cross patch to indicate the contents.

If you have large patches that you want to mount, you can use multiple Loop Anywhere panels to create a large loop field. Large patches can span the PALS webbing and should hold fairly securely but care should be taken to really press them down into the loop material to make sure they are set. This works for the standard 2×3″ sized patches that are so common.

My favorite use for them is to help convert a plate carrier to accept clip on chest rigs and panels like the TLMP from Beez Combat Systems. I have a Mayflower APC that I like quite a bit but it is an earlier version that lacks loop material on the cummerbund flap to mate with the hook material on the best of mountable chest rigs. Loop Anywhere allows me to quickly add loop material right where I need it on the flap.

Whiskey_Two_Four_Loop_Anywhere_on_PC

I think the best thing about Loop Anywhere is its flexibility. It can be used in so many ways and so many places. If I was a gear maker I might even explore designing it into the gear I make. Instead of sewing loop material into fixed positions on a plate carrier or backpack, Loop Anywhere panels could be provided so the user can place the loop where they need it or remove it if they don’t. So much of gear these days is modular and this could be used to add another layer.

Wrap Up

Loop Anywhere is a well designed and well executed product that is easy to use and easy to find uses for. Check out Whiskey Two-Four. You can pick up Loop Anywhere from Whiskey Two-Four’s Amazon store.

Whiskey_Two_Four_Loop_Anywhere_with_Patch

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