Just yesterday I mentioned the Banshee Defender System from Victory Tactical Gear and Shellback Tactical. I commented that I wasn’t aware of any formal testing of the RTP26225 plates that are included in the package. Lo and behold, Victory Tactical Gear posted a video about the plate yesterday evening. It isn’t what you would call formal testing but it is a good baseline for the plate’s performance.
Our friends at Shellback Tactical have partnered with Victory Tactical Gear (VTG) to offer a package deal, the Banshee Defender System, that includes two of VTG level IV stand-alone plates along with a Shellback Tactical Banshee Plate Carrier. The package sells for $480. I haven’t seen any formal testing of these plates but, for what it’s worth, the anecdotal accounts of their performance have been good. I can also relate that the Banshee is a reasonably comfortable PC for stand-alone plates, even single curve plates like these, since the plate pockets are padded.
Check out the Banshee Defender System.
I am sure that you have heard by now that the TSA will be allowing certain types of knives on flights within the USA. Before you get too excited, you should familiarize yourself with the rules because they are quite restrictive. I know there are knife makers working feverishly to bring new designs to market that are purpose built to meet the TSA’s regulations, but in the mean time, you may want to pick up something that already meets the criteria.
Blade HQ had the good idea of creating a section on their website that catalogs the knives that they carry that meet the TSA’s criteria for carry on. The pickings are somewhat slim right now but I expect that this list will grow once manufacturers can get geared up for new TSA worthy designs. Check out the TSA Approved Knives section at Blade HQ.
If you are looking for a weekend project, check this out. Hill People Gear has instructions for a really slick little backpacking stove on their website. If you build one, let me know how it turns out!
Source: Hill People Gear
Most modern firearms can be dry fired without risking parts breakage but that doesn’t mean it is good for them. That poor breech face and firing pin/striker gets beaten and battered every time you pull the trigger. A snap cap can go a long way toward cushioning the blow and it is best to use them during dry fire practice. Unfortunately, the clear plastic snap caps that have a spring dampened primer don’t feed well in semi-autos, the anodized aluminum ones get torn up by the extractor over time, and they are all expensive. The Tactical Handyman knows that there is a better way. The best snap caps are the ones you make yourself!
This is going to be easy. We are starting with really good dummy rounds, the S.T. Action Trainer Dummy Rounds. These are great because they have real brass cases, are loaded with brightly colored fake bullets that completely fill the case, and they don’t cost much. When we are done with them, they will still be really good dummy rounds but they will also be snap caps. You will also need some RTV Silicone which you can find in the automotive section of your local hardware store, a toothpick, and a sharp knife.
Just to recap, you need:
I said this was going be easy and I wasn’t kidding. You should be able to do these in large batches.
This photo shows the progression from empty “primer pocket”, to overfilled, to trimmed.
When you are done, you will have the best of all worlds – a great dummy round that is also a great snap cap. These can be used to train malfunctions on the range or to make your dry fire trainer safer for you and easier on your gun. Every shooter needs a supply of good snap caps.
You can get your S.T. Action Trainer Dummy Rounds at TacStrike.
