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The Viking Sight

By on March 11, 2011 in Guns

The Viking Sight, from Viking Tactics (VTAC), is a new set of handgun sights that have some features that I am sure you will not find on any other set of sights.

The first thing you notice about these sights is that they have 3 fiber optics dots (1 front, 2 rear) and 3 tritium dots (1 front, 2 rear). This allows the sights to be highly visible during the day and night. The fiber optic dots are placed above the tritium dots. The fact that the dot sets are placed one on top of the other opens up some pretty interesting “hold over” possibilities for long distance shooting. The tritium front dot could be aligned with the fiber optic rear dots to provide a consistent reference point for a hold over.

In order to accommodate this dot over dot set up, the rear sight notch is cut very deep. VTAC claims that this deep cut enhances speed. It has been my experience with other sight sets that deep notches and tall narrow front sights usually do make for fairly speedy sights. The Warren Tactical Sevigny Carry sights are a good example.

One of the most interesting features to me is that the front sight is tapered. It gets narrower at the top. The tapering should give a somewhat fine aiming point. This seems like the kind of thing that would work well but I have never used a tapered front sight.

The Viking Sight is different than any other handgun sights available. Time will tell if they are successful, though I would never bet against a product designed by Kyle Lamb of Viking Tactics. I can’t remember the last time I saw a set of sights that contained so many innovations all at once.

The Viking Sight is available for the Smith & Wesson M&P series of handguns from Viking Tactics.

TangoDown Shooters Log

By on March 10, 2011 in Guns, Tactics and Training

Firearms are a lot like your car in that they are a significant investment and they require regular maintenance in order to continue functioning efficiently. Just like your car, it is difficult to ensure that your firearm is up to date on its maintenance intervals unless you are keeping quality records.

The TangoDown Shooters Log is designed to help you organize and record critical information about your firearms, like round count, notes on ammo, and optics settings. The round count is especially important since it determines when your firearm is due for maintenance. I like having a place to track changes to my optics since there have been times when I make a change, only to find that I need to restore the original settings at a later date. It might be easier to track things like this on your computer in a spreadsheet but I still like to have something that I can easily carry to the range with me.

The TangoDown Shooters Logs are available in packs of 5 on the Tango Down website.

AXTS AX762 and AX556 Lower Receivers

By on March 9, 2011 in Guns

I wrote about the A-DAC lower receivers from AXTS Weapons Systems in January. Now AXTS has introduced two new lowers that are absolutely full of new features.

The AX556 and AX762 feature the A-DAC’s right hand bolt catch that is integrated into the magazine release. They also have a number of other innovative features including a flared magazine well, extended bolt stop paddle, and texturing on the magazine well that takes visual cues from the ubiquitous Magpul PMAG.

These lowers will also be available with 45 degree selector markings to support the previously reviewed BAD-ASS-ST.

Magpul MBUS Generation 2 Now Shipping

By on March 8, 2011 in Guns

The original Magpul Back Up Sights (MBUS) were well loved for their combination of functionality and affordability. Now Magpul has released the second generation of the MBUS. Like the originals, the Gen 2 MBUS front and rear sights will be very reasonably priced and be molded in variety of the typical Magpul colors.

The Gen 2 MBUS improves on the original by adding a detent to the front sight so that the front sight post is locked in place. Both the front and rear have been made lower in profile so that they work with a wider variety of optics.

Both the front and rear MBUS can be found on Magpul’s website and should be on dealer shelves shortly.

Review: Fallkniven DC4 Diamond/Whetstone

By on March 7, 2011 in EDC, Knives, Reviews, Survival

Recently, I spent some time looking for a new knife sharpener to use when I am out in the woods. I wanted something compact, lightweight, and capable. After spending some time looking over various options, I settled on the Fallkniven DC4. At just under 4″ by 1 1/4″, it is certainly compact and it is quite light at only 3.7 ounces. I’ll share more about what makes it so capable later in the review.

The DC4 comes with a leather slip cover.

The previous sharpener that I was using utilized only diamond abrasives to hone the edge. The diamond abrasive cut quickly but it didn’t leave the edge very refined. In order to refine an edge, you need a fine sharpening stone or a leather strop. A quality whetstone or strop will polish the edge instead of just cutting the material.

The Fallkniven DC4 solved a problem for me. It features a diamond stone on one side and a fine whetstone on the other. This combination of sharpening surfaces gives you the quick cutting performance of a diamond abrasive and the ability to refine your edge on a whetstone. The DC4 also comes in a leather pouch that is not only useful for protecting the stone, but also for stropping the edge of your knife to put a final polish on it.

The diamond side of the DC4 makes short work of very dull edges.

The DC4 is simple to use. It does not require any water or oil, but it would be a good idea to clean the surfaces periodically with soap and water. If your edge is very dull, you start with the diamond abrasive. It removes metal relatively quickly so that you can reset the edge of the knife. Once you are happy with your progress, you can move onto the fine whetstone which helps refine the somewhat rough edge that diamond hones can leave. Additionally, if you want to refine the edge even further, you can use the leather cover of the DC4 to strop your edge. If your edge just needs a touch up, you can start with the whetstone or even just strop it on the leather cover.

Fallkniven does not advertise the leather cover as a strop but it actually works very well. Just put the DC4 in the cover so that you have a rigid backing and pull the edge across the surface of the leather with the edge trailing (the opposite of how you would typically sharpen, edge first). The cover has Fallkniven’s maker’s mark embossed on one side so you will want to use the opposite smooth side of the leather.

The fine whetstone side of the DC4 refines the edge and is great for quickly touching up your edge.

I was disappointed initially with how coarse the “fine” whetstone was. However, like the Fallkniven website says, it has become much more smooth over time. Mine is already quite smooth and it is getting smoother with each use.

The Fallkniven DC4 is a compact, lightweight, and capable all-in-one solution for keeping your knives sharp in the outdoors. In one small, slim package you have the ability to rehab a very dull edge, touch up, and even refine an already sharp edge. It is extremely versatile and it has become a fixture in my hiking, hunting, and even my every day carry pack.

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