I have good news for fans of the midlength gas system and the color, Flat Dark Earth (FDE). The FDE Midlength MOE Hand Guards from Magpul are starting to find their way to dealer’s shelves.
I have been using a set of the black ones as a test bed for products from Impact Weapon Components and I can’t enough good things about these hand guards.
One of the best things about the previously reviewed Multitasker TUBE is its ability to use standard 1/4″ screw driver bits. This lets the user easily tailor the TUBE to their specific rifle. However, most 1/4″ bits are very short which makes reaching inside the grip to reach the grip screw tricky. There are extended bits available but they can be difficult to find for anything but Phillips or flat head fasteners. This obviously won’t work for grips that use hex fasteners.
The alternative to the extended bits is an extension. An extension will allow you to take advantage of the near endless array of short 1/4″ bits. These extensions are available in several different lengths but a 3″ extension should be sufficient for reaching the grip screw. I purchased the extension from a local hardware store for less than $2 and it tucks away easily in the Multitasker TUBE Expansion Pack carrying case.
I can’t take credit for this idea. I originally saw Ryo mention the extensions in his excellent review of the TUBE on AR15.com.
The extension gives more than enough length to comfortably access the grip screw.
The extension tucks away unobtrusively in the Multitasker TUBE carrying case.
Check out this new patch from I Kick Hippies, makers of the SLAP. If you look closely you can see a SLAP blended into the design in a very clever way. The motto, “THERE IS NO WEAK SIDE”, couldn’t be more perfect for a sling mount like the SLAP which is designed to optimize itself regardless of which side you are shooting the rifle from. The patch is available in a black/gray/white color scheme that looks very sharp and a Multicam color scheme.
Derek at I Kick Hippies provided me a with a pile of these patches, so stay tuned for a giveaway.
Image provided by NUKOTOOLS
NUKOTOOLS is a maker of unique, innovative, and reasonably priced impact tools. The tools are designed to be discreet, last-ditch defensive tools. Each one is hand made from G-10 which is a non-metallic material that fits the discreet mission of the tool.
The Punch Ring (shown in the image above) is the most compact of the three tools that NUKOTOOLS makes. It can be easily carried on a key ring so that you always have it with you. It is extremely easy to use but, as with any defensive technique or device, it is more effective with training. The user places their middle finger through the hole in the center and then makes a fist. The chiseled edge protrudes forward of the fist and serves to concentrate the force of the punch. The broad base presses against the palm to reinforce the fist. Stay tuned for a full review of the Punch Ring.
You can view the full line of NUKOTOOLS on their website.
You should research the legality of these tools before carrying them.
I like tools that are simple, easy to carry, and multi-functional. The new ESEE Navigation/Survival Card is certainly all of those things.
The card is made from clear plastic and comes with a Tyvek protection sleeve. It features map rules and UTM corners for the most common map scales found in the USA. It also features a compass rose with 22.5 degree increments, a list of ground to air signals, and other useful survival related information.
The best thing about the ESEE Navigation/Survival Card is the form factor. It is business card sized which makes it perfect for storing in a wallet or small E&E/Survival kit. It wouldn’t be your first choice on an orienteering course but its convenient size makes it more likely that you will have it when you really need it. This card, coupled with a button compass or small baseplate compass would make a somewhat imprecise, but very usable combination.
This card, like all other great tools, is simple and versatile. It also happens to be very inexpensive. Check it out at the ESEE website.
