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Review: V7 Weapons Systems Ultra-Light Forward Assist

Uppers with no forward assist have become popular with those who are trying to trim weight from their favorite AR-15 and yet, I can’t bring myself to go without one. I can already hear you telling me why I don’t need a forward assist. I know why I don’t need one and probably even shouldn’t use it in certain situations and yet, I still think it is nice to have. So, what is a guy like me who wants to save weight but not get rid of the forward assist all together to do? You check out the V7 Weapon Systems Ultra-Light Forward Assist.

V7 Weapon Systems Forward Assist 3

Overview

The V7 Weapon Systems Ultra-Light Forward Assist looks like a typical forward assist at a glance. The biggest difference is that V7, as they tend to do, replaces as many of the forward assist’s steel components with hard coat anodized 7075 T6 aluminum as possible. In fact, the only steel left is in the small hinged tooth that actually engages the BCG. This part is hardened 4140 steel.

The result is a forward assist that weighs just 9.2 grams compared to 22 grams for a standard forward assist.

V7 Weapon Systems Forward Assist2

Observations from Use

You could save a lot more weight by just swapping your upper with a slick-sided upper but, if you just can’t let go of your forward assist, then the The V7 Weapon Systems Ultra-Light Forward Assist can shed some weight. It won’t save much weight but, when used in conjunction with other weight saving measures, it can be part of an overall weight reduction strategy.

There isn’t much to report about how the Ultra-Light Forward Assist functions. It works like a forward assist should. That is a good thing.

As far as any concern with replacing steel parts with aluminum, I would say it is a complete non-issue. I typically only use the forward assist in an administrative way which is to say I use it to follow up a press check. This isn’t exactly going to put a lot of stress on the part and it is hard to imagine what you could do with a forward assist that would really stress it. The Ultra-Light Forward Assist is made of steel in the one place that it needs to be which is where it engages the BCG.

I should also mention that, in terms of fit and finish, the Ultra-Light Forward Assist is excellent which I have come to expect from V7 Weapon Systems.

V7 Weapon Systems Forward Assist 1

Wrap Up

If you are on a quest to shave excess weight from your carbine down to the last gram and you just can’t live without a forward assist, the Ultra-Light Forward Assist is for you.

Check out the Ultra-Light Forward Assist at V7 Weapon Systems.

Review: Vigilant Gear Micro SERE Kit

I am not sure I have ever had more fun reviewing an item as I had with the Micro SERE Kit from Vigilant Gear. However, this kit isn’t all about fun. It actually packs a lot of serious capability into a very small package. How small? Small enough that you can completely cover it with a business card. In fact, you can almost cover 2 of them with a single business card!

Vigilant Gear Micro SERE Kit

Overview

The Vigilant Gear Micro SERE Kit (MSK) packs several contents into a very small package. Those contents manage to cover a lot of bases despite their small size.

The MSK contains:

  • Plastic Storage Case (2.3″ x 1.8″ x 0.5″)
  • (1) Mini Survival Mirror with IR panel
  • (2) Polymer Handcuff Key
  • (1) Ceramic Razor Blade
  • (1) Tinder Quick Firestarting Tab
  • (1) 14mm (Grade AA) Luminous Button Compass
  • (1) 6ft Length of 188LB Kevlar Cordage
  • (1) 6ft Length of Stainless Steel, Nylon Coated Leader Wire
  • (1) Spring Steel Split-Pawl Handcuff Shim
  • (1) Quick Stick Bypass Tool
  • (1) EZ Decoder Bypass Tool
  • (1) Micro Escape Tool
  • (1) Ferrocerium Rod

You can also add an optional Bogota Titan Nano Entry Toolset at the point of purchase.

Vigilant Gear Micro SERE Kit Contents

Observations from Use

There is a lot of ground to cover here. I will address each of the components individually, though likely not in the depth that they would merit as individual review items. Once the individual items have been addressed, I will speak to the kit as a whole.

Contents

The case itself is great. It is compact and seems durable. I have opened and closed it countless times while testing all the various items and the clasp has help up. It’s clear, frosted plastic construction gives you a glimpse of the contents at a glance. It is ideal for this application.

The signal mirror works well enough for such a small, light signal mirror. The reflective side is protected with clear plastic film which I recommend keeping in place until you need to use it and then retaining. I have had good luck sticking it back in place after testing. Normally, I would say remove the film so you don’t have to in an emergency but in a small kit like this the film protects the mirror’s surface while it is stowed with the other items. The reflective side (it looks like SOLAS tape or something similar) gives you low/no light capability and was a smart addition by Vigilant Gear. The mirror has a lanyard hole which is handy for a couple reasons. First, if you are actively trying to be found, you can hang the mirror around your neck with some cord so it is readily available and second, it acts as a sight for the two handed signal mirror aiming method.

Vigilant Gear Micro SERE Kit TIHK

The kit includes 2 TIHKs. These are currently the best discreet handcuff keys on the market by virtue of their small, integrated clip that allows them to be carried discreetly in a number of locations. They work especially well stowed on the rear belt loop of your pants. They work GREAT on most handcuffs but I wish they were just a hair longer so that they worked better with ASP cuffs which are quite common. The ASP cuff has a plastic housing that makes the keyway just a bit deeper. The TIHK will open them but you really have to press it into the keyway which can be difficult to do behind your back.

Vigilant Gear Micro SERE Kit Cutting Implements

The ceramic razor blade is pretty rudimentary as a cutting tool. It is sufficient for cutting some cordage thanks to its somewhat toothy edge but it is not especially sharp and it is difficult to hold. These are the concessions you make with such a small kit. It does come packed in its own tiny sleeve which is nice for preventing it from scratching/cutting the other items in the kit.

People have been starting fires with Tinder Quick fire starting tabs for years because they work. You may even be able to split this tab for multiple uses depending on conditions and skill level. This is a very nice addition to the kit because it covers one of the most basic needs in a survival situation – heat.

Vigilant Gear Micro SERE Kit Fire Starters

The included button compass is one of the nicest I have seen. Some button compasses easily reverse polarity, develop bubbles, and have hash mark covered dials which is strange because they are really only good for cardinal directions. This one developed no bubbles, held its polarity in all testing, and is easily readable. It’s an excellent little compass.

The MSK includes 6 feet of coiled Kevlar cordage with a 188 pound break strength. This can be pulled apart into multiple smaller strands which are strong enough for lashing sticks for shelter and thin enough to improvise fishing line. It can also be improvised into a saw for cutting plastic like PVC pipe or zip tie style restraints. This is the ideal, compact cordage for a kit like this. You will always be able to find a use for cordage.

The included 6 feet of nylon coated steel leader wire is just as versatile as the cordage. I suppose that someone well versed in snaring could make a snare from it. However, I like to use it for gear repairs since it can act somewhat like thread with its own built in needle. Like the cordage, you will always find ways to use this.

Vigilant Gear Micro SERE Kit Cordage

Vigilant Gear provided a second handcuff bypass option in the Spring Steel Split-Pawl Handcuff Shim. These work well on cuffs with and without anti shim measures. They will certainly work on the most commonly used cuffs. Assuming I can access the shim from where my hands are cuffed, it is fairly easy to shim a set of chain style cuffs. Hinged cuffs limit your range of motion and make things a lot harder.

Vigilant Gear Micro SERE Kit Handcuff Shim

Quick Sticks are amazing in their effectiveness and simplicity. They are used by inserting them to the back of a padlock’s keyway and then simply applying some leverage to defeat the pawl that locks the bail in place. It bypasses the keyway entirely so there is no picking skill required (though some practice is recommended). I have had great luck with defeating padlocks with a single locking pawl but not so great luck on doubles. I have heard of being done though so, on at least some padlocks, it can be done with practice.

The EZ Decoder is similar in design and principle to the Quick Stick but it is designed to open combination padlocks. You can tell the difference between it and the Quick Stick easily by remembering that the EX Decoder is much thinner. It works by inserting it into the lock through one of the small spaces around one of the combination tumblers (that is why it is so slim) and applying a bit of leverage to lift the locking mechanism. They work like a charm on the right kind of lock and it takes up almost no space in the kit.

Vigilant Gear Micro SERE Kit Padlock Bypass

The MSK includes a Micro Escape Tool which is a tiny metal saw that is thin enough to be used as a handcuff shim. The saw edge can be used to cut through flex cuffs, tape, and other non-metallic materials. It has a small lanyard hole at one end and I recommend tying some thin cord to it that can serve as a wrist lanyard (with a bit of extra slack) so you don’t have to worry about dropping such a small item. If you do this in advance, it will be ready to go when you need it.

Finally, the kit includes a small ferrocerium rod fire starter. Ferro rods are a survival/E&E kit mainstay for a reason. They work and they work regardless of weather conditions, altitude, and other factors. The Micro Escape Tool makes a decent striker for the rod and it seems to be of good quality judging by the sparks it throws. A skilled fire starter can have a fire going in minutes by using the ferro rod with the Tinder Quick tab. The ferro rod can also provide hot enough sparks to ignite natural tinder too.

Kit as a Whole

This is a well designed kit. A skilled user could use the included items to cover at least two of their basic survival needs. The cordage could be used to build shelter (though cordage is sometimes not needed for shelter). The ferro rod and Tinder Quick tab can be used to start a fire for warmth. There is room to add a water purification tablet or two which would then cover another basic need. With that said, it is important to remember that this is a SERE kit, not just a survival kit and so it is heavy on items that are used for evasion.

The tested version of this kit used small plastic baggies to hold the cordage. They were a serious pain in the backside if you ever wanted to repack the cordage and place it back into the kit. Thankfully, the current version of the kit includes small rubber bands to retain the cord. The bands are easier to use and can be used as an emergency fire starter.

The rest of the kit items are surprisingly easy to repack. You would think that with a kit this small, repacking would be a pain but it is easy and doesn’t even really have to be done in a certain order.

Wrap Up

This is a tremendous little kit that puts a lot of useful tools into a small package. It will be best suited to knowledgeable users or those who are willing to spend a little time training. No one was born with the innate knowledge of how to use a Quick Stick or EZ Decoder so it would be prudent to practice but you knew that already.

I recommend adding the optional Bogota Entry Toolset to round out your lock bypass options. They are excellent and there is plenty of room in the kit for them.

If your job puts you at risk of being unlawfully restrained, this could be a great tool for you. If you are a prepared citizen, it would be worth a look for you, too.

Review: 20$Bandit Mini Kit MK-7

The Mini Kit MK-7 is, at its simplest, an EDC organizer but to limit its use to simply carting around your flashlight, pocket knife and pens would be to greatly short change it. I have been using it for several weeks now and I am not sure I have found the limits of its usefulness yet.

20$Bandit Mini Kit MK-7 ATACS Front with Tapes 20$Bandit Mini Kit MK-7 ATACS Back with Elastic Closure

Overview

The Mini Kit MK-7 is a clamshell opening gear organizer with several internal pouches and loops. It measures roughly 5.5” x 5.5” and weighs about 3 ounces empty. It is sized to be easy to drop into a cargo pocket or a backpack pocket.

The exterior is constructed from 1000D nylon (in most cases) and features a small loop Velcro field for attaching name tapes and other identifiers. The interior is fully lined with pack cloth for additional durability.

One side of the Mini Kit MK-7’s interior features a clear vinyl pouch for storing items that you want to be able to visibly inspect while stored. The other side features a large slip pocket, several elastic loops of varying sizes, an ITW Nexus polymer d-ring, and a short slip pocket that is one of the keys to why the kit works so well (more on this later).

The entire kit can be folded closed and secured with the attached elastic band. 20$Bandit, the kit’s designer, went with this closure system over more difficult to manipulate zippers.

20$Bandit Mini Kit MK-7 ATACS Interior 20$Bandit Mini Kit MK-7 ATACS D-Ring

Observations from Use

The Mini Kit has the MK-7 designation because this is the 7th iteration of the design. That level of research and development shows in some very key features. The short slip pocket that is located at the base of the elastic organizer side of the Mini Kit is a good example of this. It is very easy to imagine that, without the slip pocket, items held in the loops would work their way out the bottom of the kit. That little slip pocket is the key to making the elastic organizer work.

The elastic loops are well sized for common items. The three largest loops are perfect for things like flashlights, folding knives, and multitools. Even larger tools like those from Multitasker will fit the largest of the loops. The smaller loops are great for pens, smaller flashlights, chemlights, spare batteries, and similarly sized items. You can always find something to store in an elastic loop.

20$Bandit Mini Kit MK-7 ATACS Elastic Organization and Short Pouch

The d-ring is located slightly inboard instead on the very edge of the kit. This gives the exterior of the Mini Kit a lower profile. If you wanted to carry your keys in the kit, this would be a logical place to clip them. I also found it useful as a dummy cord attachment point for attaching items to the kit or attaching the kit to another item like a pack to prevent loss.

I found it best to limit my use of the tall slip pocket behind the elastic loops to mostly flat items since bulkier items tended to interfere with items stored in the elastic loops, making the Mini Kit swell in size and become lumpy. This pouch worked well for spare paper money, a note pad, or other very slim items.

The clear vinyl pouch is one of my favorite features. I use it to store a small notebook that I keep open so I can read my notes without having to remove the notebook from the pouch. It could also be used for any other items that you want to be able to see easily like medical supplies or a map (it would have to be small or folded but it works).

The vinyl pouch also allows you to operate a touch screen through it. However, you would want to be very careful about what you stored opposite the device to avoid breaking the screen when the pouch was folded and stowed.

The elastic closure band stretching across the front of the vinyl pouch does obscure it a bit but it is easy to stretch it out of the way. It can also be flipped around to the exterior of the pouch to get it out of the way but it is attached in such a way that this isn’t as easy as it could be. I would like to see that changed if there is ever an MK-8 version. I should also note that this band does a great job of keeping the pouch closed without the need for Velcro or zippers.

20$Bandit sells Velcro backed tapes that can be secured to the exterior of the pouch and used to identify the contents. This is an effective, simple and, very scalable system. There are far more uses for this pouch than the available tapes would indicate. If you come up with something unique, you can simply have a tape made to match your intended use.

The quality of the Mini Kit MK-7 is good in that it is made from durable materials and sewn well enough that it will not fall apart. My particular example does show some wandering stitches and is a bit crooked in places. None of this affects the function.

Possible Uses

I think I am probably just scratching the surface here but here are the uses for the Mini-Kit MK-7 that I have tested already and that seem to work well.

EDC Organizer – This is obvious and what the kit was intended to do.

20$Bandit Mini Kit MK-7 ATACS as Range Kit

Range Tool Organizer – It will easily carry a Multitasker, Combat Optic Tool, an oil bottle, pen, marker, a note pad, dope card, and more typical range tools.

20$Bandit Mini Kit MK-7 ATACS as Cable Kit

Peripheral Organizer – The loops work great for holding USB cables, charging cables, and head phones. The other pouches can be used to carry charger components and adapters.

First Aid Kit – It works so well for that 20$Bandit sells a well-appointed Mini Medic insert that is designed to work with the Mini Kit MK-7. It is a great way to keep bandages, meds, and similar items on hand and organized.

20$Bandit Mini Kit MK-7 ATACS as IFAK

Blow Out Kit – I am mentioning this separately from the first aid kit because I prefer not to mix the two. The large elastic loop will fit most tourniquets and the other smaller ones are good for airways, chemlights, and more. You can even fit larger items like chest dressings if you are willing to fold them. It really works well in this role.

Navigation Pouch – The Mini Kit MK-7 works very well when coupled with a larger map case for organizing your navigation tools like a compass, pens, markers, notepad, grids, and other map tools. I like to dummy cord my compass to the d-ring.

Survival/E&E Kit – Just about any pouch designed to be used with EDC items will work well when used with survival items. There is plenty of storage for items to cover your basic needs like ferro rods and lighters (fire), space blankets and cordage (shelter), water treatment tablets and plastic bags (water), and then some.

Wrap Up

Basically, if you take part in an activity that requires you to keep multiple small items organized and available, the Mini Kit MK-7 will probably work for you. It has versatile, well-designed organization features that really show the benefits of having been through 7 revisions before hitting the market. The fit and finish could be better but the quality is good.

I suspect that I will still be finding uses for the Mini Kit MK-7 long after this review is published.

Check out the Mini Kit MK-7 at 20$Bandit. The A-TACS version shown here is available exclusively at PredatorBDU.

Review: Geissele SD-E

I built an AR-15 last year with the intention of using it as a light precision set up. I just wanted something that was capable of stretching the legs of the 5.56 to the useable extremes of the cartridge from a 16” barrel. A set up like that requires a quality trigger and so I set out to choose a trigger for the build.

Around that time, I was experimenting with Geissele Automatics’ Super Dynamic – Combat trigger. The flat trigger bow immediately made sense to me after use so it seemed logical that I should try the enhanced version of that same trigger on the precision build.

Geissele Automatics SDE Side

Overview

Many of Geissele Automatics’ non-adjustable 2-stage triggers can be separated into two camps: Combat and Enhanced. The internals are largely the same and come from the same proven pedigree, the SSA, but the various triggers differ in the shapes of the trigger bow. The Combat versions typically break with 4.5# total weight that feels carrot-like while the Enhanced versions of the same triggers break with a 3.5# total weight that is crisper, like a candy cane. The carrot and candy cane descriptors are Geissele’s own terminology and they describe the feel of these triggers very well.

When you start to understand all this, the Geissele naming conventions start to make sense. The Super Dynamic – Enhanced (SD-E) that is the subject of this review, reveals just about all its secrets in its name. The “Super Dynamic” portion of the name denotes the use of Geissele’s flat trigger bow and the “Enhanced” denotes a 3.5# (mine averages 3.5# on the nose) with a candy cane like break.

Observations from Use

Everything that I loved about the SD-C is present in the SD-E with the exception of about 1# of pull weight. The flat trigger bow and all its benefits are the star here. The flat trigger bow as designed by Geissele Automatics has two main benefits for me. The first is that it actually increases the trigger reach slightly, especially at the center of the trigger bow. This encourages proper finger placement. The second benefit is that it feels exactly the same from top to bottom allowing the shooter to slide their finger down to the bottom of the trigger to increase leverage. This functionally reduces the pull-weight of the trigger.

Geissele’s candy cane analogy is very fitting since it is noticeably crisper than the SD-C but still not quite like the proverbial glass rod or icicle break. The first stage take up is very light and terminates sharply at the point at which the second stage begins. This differentiation between the stages is easy to feel in spite of the fact that the second stage weighs in at only about 1.3#. The second stage of the trigger processes just the slightest hint of creep (hence the candy cane analogy) before it breaks cleanly. That little bit of creep doesn’t really register with you until the trigger is already breaking.

Geissele Automatics SDE Flat Bow

I have spent several months now with both the SD-C and SD-E. The difference between the two is easy to feel but harder to quantify since they both are basically at home in the same roles. Both offer notable refinement over a standard AR-15 trigger group. In spite of the SD-C’s heavier break, I find it to be extremely controllable and I wouldn’t hesitate to use either of these triggers in a light precision AR-15 build. The SD-E however, with its notably lighter and crisper break is even more effortless and very well suited to situations where you really want to stretch the legs of whichever cartridge you are shooting.

Basically, the SD-E is kind of like the friendlier of two really friendly, good looking twins. They are both nice to look at and have personalities to match but one is just a little easier to talk to. You can tell the difference immediately but you wouldn’t mind getting a date with either.

Wrap Up

The SD-E lives up to its candy cane-like billing and pull weight specs. It is notably more refined than the SD-C and is exceedingly easy to control. The flat trigger bow offers tangible benefits to the shooter and just might spoil you for curved trigger bows. This is a great trigger.

Check out the SD-E at Geissele Automatics and at Brownells.

Review: ALG Defense SCB

The Single Chamber Brake or SCB is the first muzzle device offered by ALG Defense, a company well known as Geissele Automatics’ value minded sister company. On paper, it would seem to deliver a lot of muzzle device for the money but does it perform?

ALG Defense SCB 1

Overview

The SCB’s name tells you a lot about it. It is a muzzle brake with a single expansion chamber. It has two massive side ports to reduce recoil and a large top port to help mitigate muzzle rise.

It is machined from 4140 steel and black nitride processed which is impressive for a device that costs just $35. I don’t often think much about the fit and finish of a muzzle device but the quality of the machining and finish stands out on the SCB.

ALG Defense SCB 2

Observations from Use

Let’s just get this out of the way up front… When it comes to muzzle devices, there is a lot of talk about concussive blast and how to reduce it so the brake is better suited to “operational” use. Do not be confused. This is a straight up muzzle brake that makes no apologies for being a muzzle brake. It will remind you of that every time you pull the trigger if you happen to forget. If you are adjacent to the SCB when the hammer drops, you can feel the concussion in your chest and you get the sensation of wave washing over your exposed skin.

That healthy concussive blast comes with quite a bit of muzzle control. Recoil is noticeably reduced though it is always difficult to quantify how much it is reduced. It also adds a measure of recoil control which I found to be surprisingly neutral given the large top port. There is some downward push for sure but it just wasn’t much as I was expecting given the design of the brake.

ALG Defense SCB 3

The downward push present with the SCB was not enough that it presented a significant obstacle for me to overcome in between shots. However, one shooter that I asked to try it who is excellent at controlling muzzle rise via technique thought it pushed too much for his liking. Two other shooters who tried it, mirrored my experience. They noted some downward push but thought the controllability was in line with other brakes that cost significantly more. Overall, everyone was very impressed.

ALG Defense SCB 4

Wrap Up

The SCB is an unapologetic muzzle brake. It holds no illusions of reduced concussive blast and wouldn’t be my first choice for a carbine that may need to be used in confined spaces. However, it offers finish, features, and function beyond what you would expect for $35. The SCB would be right at home on a competition AR-15 build.

Yes, nearly all the experienced shooters who tried it noted some downward push but the degree of the push varied by the shooter. I would prefer that no downward push was present but there aren’t many devices that manage to achieve that. I found the SCB to be very manageable and the shot timer showed faster splits versus a Vortex flash suppressor.

In a market flush with muzzle brakes, the SCB stands out for the performance it offers at a low price point. It is a good value at twice this price. If you are looking for a muzzle brake, it is hard to see how you could justify spending more.

Check out the SCB at ALG Defense.

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