Archive | December, 2012

AR500 Omega Armor Plate Carrier from Beez Combat Systems

By Matt on December 28, 2012 in Tactical Gear

Beez Combat Systems (BCS) has released additional information about their AR500 Omega Armor Plate Carriers. The new details include side plate carrier details and a padded spacer system.

The spacer system consists of padded strips that Velcro onto the back of the carrier. This provides padding for the heavy steel plates and additional airflow. The Velcro strips will also allow the carrier to attach to a future BCS soft armor carrier. You can read more about the design and see detailed pics at the Beez Combat Systems Blog.

Check out the AR500 Omega Armor Plate Carriers on BeezCombatSystems.com.

Review: OC Tactical Hearing Protection Cover

By Matt on December 27, 2012 in Reviews, Tactical Gear

Electronic hearing protection is one of the best investments you can make if you do a lot of training. Nothing beats being able to hear range commands and instruction while simultaneously blocking out loud sounds that can damage your hearing. However, the pads that come on the headbands of many headsets seem to be an afterthought that weren’t designed for the realities of high volume training.

I have a Sordin headset that has a leather (or leather like) cover that gets nasty when exposed to rain or sweat, so I contacted Mike at OC Tactical who is well known for his Hearing Protection Covers.

Overview

OC Tactical Hearing Protection Covers look pretty simple but there is a lot going on underneath the nylon. The main structure of the Hearing Protection Covers is made from either coated 330D or 500D nylon. This keeps the weight down while offering a durability upgrade versus the original covers.

The underside of the covers, which is the part of the cover that contacts the wearer’s head, has a Dri-lex pad that is backed with foam. This provides a bit of low-profile padding and moisture wicking to keep the wearer comfortable.

All of the edges are bound with folded nylon material and they come standard with a 5”x1” strip of Velcro on the top for affixing a name tape. However, since OC Tactical is a true custom shop, the Velcro can be left off if you don’t need it.

Installation is easy. You just fold the cover around the headband of your hearing protection and it secures with Velcro. Depending on the model of hearing protection that you are using you may or may not need to remove the original pad. OC Tactical makes covers that are sized to fit over the thin leather covers found on some Sordin models which means you don’t have to cut off the original cover. In fact, OC Tactical has patterns for any model of Sordin headset, many Peltors, and the Howard Light Impact Sport headsets.

Observations from Use

The first thing that you will notice when using these covers is that they offer an immediate improvement in comfort. A little bit of padding goes a long way here and they handle moisture much better. That goes for moisture from your head in the form of sweat and moisture from weather conditions.

I shoot with a bunch of guys who use Sordin hearing protection so it is really nice to have my headset immediately identifiable by the cover. OC Tactical offers a staggering amount of color and camo pattern options so you shouldn’t have any problem making your headset stand out.

I did find that the cover bunched up a bit when initially installed due to the fact that the cover is a straight piece of material being installed on a curved headband. However, it relaxed and wore in over time. There are still some bunches but they are minimal and I don’t notice them at all when wearing the cover.

Wrap Up

I wasn’t at all happy with the leather-like cover on my Sordins. OC Tactical’s Hearing Protection Covers were a great solution for me. I already made the investment in quality hearing protection so it made sense to go all the way. I highly recommend these covers.

Check out the OC Tactical Hearing Protection Covers on OCTactical.com. The site says they are out of stock, but they can be ordered.

Magpul Pick Two Package from PredatorARMAMENT

By Matt on December 27, 2012 in Guns, Tactical Gear

Thanks to The Great Panic Buy of 2012, there are a lot of shooters out there who are looking to outfit a new carbine. If you are looking to pick up what you need to finish your carbine, PredatorARMAMENT has you covered with their new Magpul Pick Two Package.

The package is simple. You can pick two Magpul items including MOE Stocks, MOE+ Grips, MS3 Slings, and more and you pay just $75. I always advocate getting to know your carbine on the range before you drop a ton of money on accessories, but many shooters are just going to purchase many of the parts in this package separately right away anyway. This will allow them to combine 2 common carbine additions and save money doing it. In addition, you can add other Magpul items to the package at a reduced price.

Check out the Magpul Pick Two Package on PredatorARMAMENT.com.

State of the Magazine Panic at Brownells

By Matt on December 27, 2012 in Guns, Tactical Gear

I was able to speak with a contact at Brownells yesterday regarding their magazine situation. I was specifically interested in hearing about their AR-15 magazines since many of you have been blowing up my inbox asking where to find mags.

First, let me say this. I know it is tempting to run out and buy a lifetime worth of AR-15 magazines, but I believe that you would probably be better off spending some time and energy contacting your Representatives to tell them how displeased you would be with new gun control legislation than spending time and energy tracking down magazines.

You have probably heard by now that Brownells sold a supply of magazines that would normally last them 3 years in just 3 days. Just about every magazine that they carry is out of stock. If you still want to buy, Brownells is allowing back orders at the same pre-panic prices and they have not placed any limits on how many magazines you can buy. They have handled this better than most large retailers and have even hired temp workers to help ship all of the extra orders!

They tell me that they have no idea when they will receive more Magpul PMAGs but they are holding their prices steady. Their PMAGs, like these PMAG 10 Packs are available to be back-ordered and will be fulfilled ASAP. If I am going to back order something, I like to do it from a place I trust like Brownells.

If you don’t want to roll the dice on when PMAGs will arrive, you can check out Brownells’ own USGI style mag. I have a handful of these and they are great mags. Brownells is assembling them as fast as possible and are purchasing more raw materials to continue cranking them out. There are no guarantees but these back orders may be filled relatively quickly. Check out the Brownells AR-15 Magazines.

I am very pleased with how Brownells has handled this entire ordeal. I will remember this when The Great Panic Buy of 2012 is all over and I suggest that you do, too.

Low-Pro Products Light Mounts

By Matt on December 26, 2012 in Guns, Reviews, Tactical Gear

A few years ago the light mounts from Danger Close Consulting were really gaining traction in professional circles. Unfortunately, they seemed to disappear as quickly as they came on the scene or at least that is how it appeared to me. What I didn’t know at the time is that the mounts that Danger Close Consulting sold were actually made by AMS Machine and they pre-dated the Danger Close Consulting brand. Thankfully, AMS Machine is now selling these mounts under their own brand – Low-Pro Products.

Low-Pro Products has several light mounts available but this review will deal specifically with 2 of my favorites – the Offset Flashlight Mount Scout and the Short Projection Flashlight Mount.