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Archive | July, 2011

Boker Plus Epicenter

By on July 26, 2011 in EDC, Knives

I always like to keep my eyes on what Boker is up to, especially in their Boker Plus line. They introduced several new knives in their catalog this year, but none were more intriguing than the Boker Plus Epicenter. This is one great looking and well appointed production knife.

The Epicenter is designed by an up and coming maker named Todd Rexford. This knife is packed with features that I really like in a knife. It has 5mm thick titanium handle slabs which are contoured to fit the hand. These thick slabs also mean that the frame lock on the Epicenter is massive. The 3.5″ blade is a drop point profile that is ground from VG-10 steel. VG-10 is one of the only stainless steels that I actually like because of its combination of edge holding and ease of sharpening. The ambidextrous thumb studs are removable and the pocket clip can be placed for tip up or tip down carry.

The Boker Plus line is well known as a great value and the Epicenter should be no exception. It will be priced very competitively with other Ti framelock designs.

The Epicenter should be on dealer shelves shortly. Todd Rexford already has his first production example of the Epicenter and he seems very pleased. You can read more about the Epicenter on the Boker website.

Three Point Innovations Box-to-Mag Loader

By on July 25, 2011 in Guns, Tactical Gear, Tactics and Training

Your thumbs hate you. They are still bitter about that time you took a carbine course when it is 30 degrees and sleeting. You made them load all those mags until they were raw. Maybe you owe it to them to take a look at the Box-to-Mag Loader from Three Point Innovations.

This is a very clever device that allows you to load ammo directly from the box to your AR-15 magazines. It works with just about any AR-15 magazine and allows you to load an entire 20 round box of ammo in less than 10 seconds. It should be useful for loading loose ammo as well since you can easily just stack it into the Box-to-Mag Loader.

Sadly, it isn’t available yet, but as you can see from the video, they have working prototypes. They will be available for pre-order soon and you can get a discount by joining their newsletter. Check out the Box-to-Mag Loader on the Three Point Innovations website.

Manticore Arms NightBrake

By on July 23, 2011 in Guns

I recently reviewed the Manticore Arms NightShroud flash suppressor for AKs with 24mm threads. I was really impressed with the quality, design, and functionality of the NightShroud and very excited to finally have a premium muzzle device option for AKs with 24mm threads. Well, it appears that Manticore Arms has done it again with the new NightBrake.

The NightBrake looks visually similar to the NightShroud, but a closer examination reveals that the port design is very different. The ports on the NightShroud are obviously designed to mitigate flash, but the NightBrake’s 18 ports are designed to reduce muzzle rise in a big way. The ports are arranged so that the bottom of the NightBrake is closed to reduce stirring up dust when shot from the prone and the very top is closed to prevent any potential flash from obscuring the shooter’s vision.

One of the best things about the NightShroud is that it is lighter and shorter than every other muzzle device for 24mm threads. The NightBrake continues on that theme. Like the NightShroud, the NightBrake is about 2.5″ long and weighs about 3.31 ounces.

If you have an AK with 24mm threads on the muzzle, like the excellent SGL-21 series from Arsenal, you owe it to yourself to check out the NightBrake from Manticore Arms on their website. The NightBrake is available for purchase at Rat Worx USA.

ESEE Factory Replacement Handles

By on July 22, 2011 in Knives

ESEE users have been clamoring for years to be able to purchase replacement handle scales. ESEE has finally made this a reality. You can now purchase replacement scales for the ESEE knives, directly from ESEE.

So, if your ESEE-4 came with linen micarta scales but you prefer the canvas micarta scales, you can by them. If you have an ESEE-6 but would prefer to have the scales from an ESEE-5 with their bow drill divet, you can buy them. This opens up a whole new world of ESEE mix and match opportunities.

The handle scales are available on the ESEE website.

Review: New Short Hybrid Lever for the B.A.D.-A.S.S.

By on July 21, 2011 in Guns, Reviews

Battle Arms Development (BAD) places a tremendous amount of importance on the feedback of their users. So, when their users asked for a new lever for the BAD-ASS, Battle Arms Development delivered. The new “Reverse Hybrid” lever is the result of direct user feedback.

The new lever is referred to as the Reverse Hybrid because it is essentially the opposite of the previously reviewed Hybrid lever. The Reverse Hybrid lever is thin for most of its length except for the end which has a bump (for lack of a better term).

BAD provided me with a prototype of the new lever to try. I was able to use it on both sides of the selector during testing. On the weak side, I like how the bump worked as a pivot point for moving the BAD-ASS with your index finger. It was very easy and intuitive to use. However, the bump is in the worst possible place in terms of interference with your trigger finger. If you are used to using an ambi-safety with standard size levers it probably won’t bother you, but others may want to consider a shorter or thinner lever which, thankfully, the BAD-ASS allows.

The Reverse Hybrid really seems like it works better as a strong (or thumb) side lever. The bump really rotates naturally under your thumb. It feels like a pivot point and just seems natural. It is long enough to reach easily. I did find that it wasn’t as easy to “ride” as the standard lever which has more surface area on which to rest your thumb. I can see the draw of this kind of lever since it does seem to rotate so nicely but it just doesn’t have everything that I look for in a selector lever.

All in all, I am not sure that the Reverse Hybrid is for me, but Battle Arms Development has been very up front about the fact that this isn’t for everyone – it was specifically requested by current users of the BAD-ASS. It may be perfect for you, especially if you are a fan of the popular “star” selectors. No one can say that Battle Arms Development doesn’t respond to their customers (the best companies always do).

The Reverse Hybrid will be available on the Battle Arms Development website soon.

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