The Magpul RSA is now shipping. The RSA is a forward sling mount that is purpose built to work with the Magpul MS2 sling but it will work with similar slings like the Emdom Gunslinger as well. It provides an attachment point for transitioning your sling quickly from single-point configuration to two-point configuration. It is low profile enough and light weight enough that it won’t get in your way when not in use.
The Magpul website has all the details.
If I spend a day on the range working with my Glocks, it is not uncommon for me to come home with some “race tracks” on my hand. Glocks do not have much in the way of a beaver tail to prevent your hand from riding up too high when using a high, thumbs-forward grip. The slide can cut the web of the shooter’s hand as it reciprocates which results in slide bite or “race tracks”. Many gunsmiths offer beaver tail modifications for the Glock that are achieved by adding material to the frame and shaping it. This permanent modification is effective but may not be practical for some users (police officer’s who can not modify their duty weapon, preventing warranty issues, etc).
Image courtesy of Grip Force Products.
Grip Force Adapters seek to solve the issue of slide bite and alter the grip angle of the Glock with one inexpensive and easily installed (and removed) addition to the grip. The Grip Force Adapter is basically a “drop-in” beaver tail for your Glock. It prevents the web of your hand from contacting the slide rails. It also fills in some of the very pronounced curve of the Glock grip’s backstrap which results in a more vertical (1911 like) grip angle. It does increase the trigger reach a bit so it may not be for everyone.
You can check out the Grip Force Adapters for all 4 generations of Glocks at the Grip Force Products website. Stay tuned for a full review in the coming weeks.
Tactical pens are very popular these days. In fact, they are probably too popular according to the TSA website. So, while tactical pens are certainly cool to look at, they are no longer a very discreet self defense option. They also tend to be relatively expensive.
The Zebra 701 is nearly as beefy as any other tactical pen on the market however, it features far more utilitarian styling. It is not a tactical pen but it is certainly built strong enough to handle the same kinds of hard work as a tactical pen (the truth is that just about any pen can be used in the manner of “tactical pen”). The 701 features mostly metal exterior construction and with the addition of the switch spring retainer from a Zebra 402, it will have completely metal exterior construction. This pen can even be modded to accept Fisher SPR4 pressurized ink refills (which sounds like a great Tactical Handyman post, stay tuned).
The best thing about the 701, is that it can be found locally at office supply shops for less than $8. If you are looking for a much more discreet option to a “tactical” pen, check out the Zebra 701.
Lost Mountain Iron Works (LMIW) makes some of the most feature rich knife sheaths that you will have see. It really isn’t fair to call them sheaths because that doesn’t begin to scratch the surface of their functionality. They are really more like packs that also happen to hold a knife.
LMIW offers some very full featured sheaths.
They have three models that serve various sizes of knives. The Works Pack is essentially an organizer style pack that accepts a kydex knife sheath. It allows to build a compact, knife-based survival kit. The interior features mesh pockets that let you stash your gear but still be able to see it. The Works Pack also features an external pocket. There are also elastic loops on the exterior for lashing additional gear. A tool hanger allows you to attach a small tool like a fire steel. The entire pouch can be attached to a larger pack, chest rig, or any thing else with MOLLE webbing. This pouch might be the ultimate E&E kit.
The Works Pack from LMIW
The interior of The Works Pack allows the user to organize their survival gear.
LMIW also makes two longer sheaths for larger fixed blades – the Footlong and the J. Holmes. These sheath feature a kydex insert for holding the knife and two large external pouches. The pouches are sized to hold Altoid sized tins or several small items. They are also MOLLE compatible.
All the LMIW sheaths are MOLLE compatible.
The NukoTools Punch Ring actually looks relatively innocuous.
The NukoTools motto is “Leave an Impression” and the Punch Ring certainly lives up to that motto.
The Punch Ring is a discreet, last-chance impact tool that is designed to make punching more efficient and devastating. To use it, you simply place your index or middle finger through the large hole and make a fist. It features a sharp chisel edge on the front that comes to a slightly rounded point. This sharp edge extends forward of the user’s fist when the tool is gripped properly. This edge will cause deep bruising and lacerations when it contacts flesh. It serves to concentrate the force of the punch over a much smaller area which causes more damage. This edge also makes the Punch Ring useful for raking the face rather than just punching.
The back of the Punch Ring is wide (about 1.25″) to spread the force of the impact over a larger area of the user’s palm. The Punch Ring is thinner (.214″ thick) than some knuckle type impact tools but that may be a price you pay for such a compact and discreet tool. This rear edge can also be used when to inflict pain when trapping , squeezing, or raking your opponent’s arms, face, and ears.
One side of the tool is left smooth which helps you to index the tool, even when you can't see it.
The NukoTools logo is just as clever as the tool.
To fit with its discreet mission, the Punch Ring is made from G10. G10 is a laminate material that is extremely durable and non-metallic. One of the sides of the Punch Ring is textured which can help you index the Punch Ring without actually being able to see it if you are carrying it in your pocket. Every corner of the tool that will come in contact with the user’s hand has been carefully beveled to reduce discomfort. The Punch Ring also has a small hole that allows you to attach it to your keys or add a lanyard.
I used the punch ring on various materials that I could get my hands on. The edge is sharp enough that it can be used to cut paper and packing tape. It is surprisingly sharp. It sinks easily and deeply into several layers of corrugated card board. Dry wall gives way readily. Even soft wood is no match for the punch ring. The thin material that the Punch Ring does cause some discomfort to the palm when really getting behind a punch but it did not injure me in any way and it serves to keep the tool concealable and discreet. It is important to remember that this is a last-ditch option. There was absolutely zero damage to the edge from any of the materials that I used the Punch Ring on.
The corners that will contact the user are nicely beveled for comfort.
The leading edge is beveled to cause maximum discomfort for the person on the receiving end.
If you are looking for a compact, light weight, discreet, tool that will give you an edge in a sticky situation then the NukoTools Punch Ring may just be for you. Check them out on the NukoTools blog. These would make perfect stocking stuffers!
If you want to learn more about the effective use of tools like this, I highly recommend reading and attending training from Modern Combative Systems.
Familiarize yourself with the legality of such tools in your area before purchasing.
