Samson Manufacturing released this video (below) with a very funny take on the whole “ghost gun” crisis. I think they are also to be commended for inserting a serious moment where they discuss the importance of education when it comes to firearms. Much of the fear and misinformation out there is based on the fact that people don’t know what they don’t know. This whole ghost gun fiasco, while humorous, should also be a reminder of our responsibility to educate others.
I have been using the SHTF Gear Lock Loops for several months now. The Lock Loops are somewhat unique in that they are tuckable belt loops that are designed to be extremely durable and to fit many of the hybrid IWB holsters on the market. While some holster makers seem to treat their belt loop hardware as a consumable, SHTF Gear offers a lifetime warranty on the Lock Loops.
Lock Loops consist of a heavy kydex strut that attaches a coated webbing belt loop to the holster body. The belt loops are closed with the Pull-The-Dot snaps. The loops look very much like leather and can easily be trimmed based on belt size.
The kydex used in the struts is .093″ thick and doesn’t really have to flex much due to the design. After more than 3 months of use, I have not seen any signs of damage from flexing.
SHTF Gear does a nice job of softening the corners of the struts. All the corners have been broken and polished which is nice because the top of the struts and belt loops do ride above the belt where they can be pressed into your side in some situations. I never had any discomfort from contact with the struts or belt loops.
The coated webbing that is used for the loops is cool stuff. It looks very much like leather and should last a few lifetimes. It can be trimmed fairly easily but sharp scissors are a must.
I am glad to see Pull-The-Dot snaps in use here because I have never had one fail unlike other snaps which loosen up and degrade over time. If you aren’t familiar with them they can take some getting used to since they only snap on and off in one direction.
The struts are fairly long so, if you like to tuck in your shirt over your holster, it is extremely easy to do with the Lock Loops.
If I could make a suggestion, it would be to add and additional mounting hole or two on the strut. Many hybrid holsters adjust ride height via a series of holes on the leather holster body and the Lock Loops work well with this style of holster. However, some adjust the height via a series of holes on the strut and the Lock Loops may be too long for use with these holsters. If there was an extra mounting hole or two on the strut, they would be usable on even more holsters though I suppose there may be some durability issues introduced with the additional holes.
The Lock Loops are made from durable materials and, in over 3 months worth of use, they have shown no signs of wear at all. They are very comfortable, look very much like quality leather to the casual observer, and they fit a variety of holsters on the market. They have replaced the metal clips on my daily carry SHTF Gear ACE-1 Holster. If you aren’t happy with the belt loops on your hybrid holster, these are the way to go.
Check out the Lock Loops at SHTF Gear.
There may be times when you, or someone you know, needs a reminder that it is time to man up. The Gird Up Your Loins Patch from Fields Innovations can serve as that reminder.
Check out the patch at Fields Innovations.
SIONICS Weapon Systems is an AR-15 manufacturer that should be on your radar. They are known for excellent fit and finish and for getting all the little things right which adds up to a reliable carbine. Their gas ports are right. Their staking is right. Their components are rock solid. They just get the AR-15 right and they do it for some of the most reasonable prices in the industry.
One of their newest offerings is their Geissele MKII Carbine. This has many of the same specs as their other carbines with the addition of a Geissele Automatics MKII rail and gas block. The barrel is the heart of any good carbine and SIONICS uses their proprietary medium contour, mid-length, 1 in 8″ twist, chrome lined barrels with 5.56 chambers. The Geissele MKII Carbine also features SIONICS NP3 coated bolt carrier with a HP/MPI tested bolt. It also features an ALG Defense QMS trigger and VLTOR receiver extension and IMOD stock.
The SIONICS Geissele MKII Carbine is not listed on their site yet but it available for purchase as a complete upper. The complete carbine will be available soon.
Check out SIONICS Weapon Systems.
Blue Force Gear has introduced the latest evolution of the Vickers Combat Applications Sling (VCAS) – the Vickers 2-2-1 Sling. It is basically a a standard VCAS with additional hardware that provides the ability to transition from 2 point to single point configuration.
The Vickers 2-2-1 Sling utilizes a handful of already existing Blue Force Gear hardware to achieve its 2 to 1 point functionality – the RED Swivel, Burnsed Socket, and a standard push button QD swivel. The RED Swivel sewn in at the front attachment point. This is ideal when coupled with the included Burnsed Socket. I have tested this configuration before it was offered as an off-the-shelf package and found that the RED Swivel is far easier to use in the 2 to 1 point configuration than a standard push button swivel.
A standard push button QD swivel is included to be woven in at the rear attachment point. Blue Force Gear didn’t sew in this swivel so that the sling could retain some additional adjustment.
