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Archive | June, 2012

Tromix Bolt-On Oversize Charging Handle for the AK

By on June 19, 2012 in Guns, Tactical Gear

When I reload an AKM (or any AK variant), I drop the buttstock of the rifle down under my arm and roll the magazine well in toward my center line. This makes visually guiding the magazine into the magazine well easy but it means that I am essentially operating blind when I reach for the charging handle. It would be nice to have a larger target for my hand when operating by feel like this and that is essentially what the Tromix Bolt-On Oversize Charging Handle provides.

The Bolt-On Oversize Charging Handle bolts directly on to the AK’s charging handle without modification. Tromix states that it will work with any AK-47 and it is available with a smooth or checkered surface. The Bolt-On Oversize Charging Handle should make the charging handle a bit easier to operate at the expense of adding some bulk and weight.

Check out the Bolt-On Oversize Charging Handle at Tromix.com.

Snake Hound Machine RLTW

By on June 19, 2012 in Guns

Snake Hound Machine LLC is a relatively new custom shop that deals with the AK family of rifles exclusively. It is operated by Owen Martin who also writes the blog, AllAK47.com. Their first offering is the Recon Lightweight Tactical Weapon or RLTW.

The RLTW starts with a hand picked (or customer provided AK) that Owen then tunes and refines. The AKs are checked for head space and general straightness. They are straightened if required. Then Owen installs a G2 trigger group that has been polished and tuned to have a shorter trigger pull. The bolt carrier and receiver rails are polished to improve the feel and cycling of the rifle.

The RLTW also receives a number of high quality bolt on parts. These parts include an Ultimak M1-B scout rail, VLTOR buffer tube with Magpul CTR stock, Tech-Sights, a US PALM AK BattleGrip and more. Many of these are parts that I use on my personal AKMs.

The result is a AK that Snake Hound claims is capable of very good accuracy (1-2 MOA). Each rifle is provided with a test target to verify this.

Check out the Snake Hound RLTW and Haus of Guns for a review of the RLTW.

Battle Systems Marker Panel, Individual, LW Mk1 Release Dates and Information

By on June 18, 2012 in EDC, Survival, Tactical Gear

We have mentioned the Battle Systems Marker Panel, Indvidual, LW (MPIL) here before as we looked forward to its release. Now, we finally have the release dates for this lightweight, compact day/night capable marker system.

This Multicam Mystery Ranch Crew Cab would be tough to spot without the MPIL affixed to it.

The MPIL is designed to replace the legacy VIS-17 panels which are used by ground combat elements for communicating with other ground personnel or air elements. The VIS-17 panels need to be cut down and modified in order to be useful but the MPIL comes ready to work. It is already a handy 17″ x 17″ size and weighs about 1 ounce. It can be folded down to a package that is about 2.5″ x 2.5″ x .5″. There are  sides, international orange (blaze orange) and fluorescent pink, each with a color matched Velcro square in the center which allows the user to attach IR reflective markers (available as an option) for low light/no light use. The tie downs at each corner allow the MPIL to be affixed to your gear or connected to other MPIL via carabiners (National Molding Poli Binas will be available at the time of purchase).

All of this functionality makes for a versatile piece of gear for military personal or any outdoor adventurers. These panels have a place in any kit and are useful for getting found and staying found. Jon L and I are working on a full review of the MPIL.

The MPIL doesn't take up much space.

Battle Systems is initially releasing what it calls the Mk1 version on June 24th. This initial version is about 80% Berry Compliant and it features OD green tie down loops at all 4 corners. The coming Mk2 version will display changes including 100% Berry Compliance and Coyote Brown tie down loops. The best part about this Mk1 version is the special price. They will be available for only $14.99 (the Mk2 version will cost $19.99).

Check out the MPIL at Battle System’s website.

Maximizing Your Fitness: Running

By on June 18, 2012 in Tactics and Training

Running is the foundation of many people’s fitness programs. It’s great exercise and is an effective way to build endurance. However, it’s also easy to get into a jogging rut. If your workout has consisted of the same ol’ plodding paced jogging route for far too long, then please let me offer some suggestions!

Now, my favorite type of running just so happens to be plodding along at a jogging pace and there’s nothing wrong with doing that on some days. However, below are some drills/CrossFits I use to break out of that rut and push myself past old limits. I always recommend timing yourself and recording the results in a notebook. It’s great accountability and progress tracking. Try mixing in some of these specific courses of exercise to your current running regimen and enjoy!

Sprint 100M 10 times with a one minute break between sets.

Run 400M 8 times with a 90 second rest between sets.

Run 800M 4 times with a two minute break between sets.

Run 800M forwards, 400M backwards and repeat without rest. (Yes, you’ll feel silly, but you won’t believe the burn)

Run a 5K as fast as you can. (This works best with some hills, off road portions, and if you’re going against someone faster than you)

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