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Review: Multitasker Twist

By on October 10, 2016 in EDC, Guns, Preparedness, Reviews, Tactical Gear

My very first tool from Multitasker Tools was the Multitasker TUBE and I still use it to this day. It’s unique pen-like form factor and ease of carry have made it a staple of my range kit. The TUBE was eventually discontinued and there was no similar tool available until Multitasker released the Twist. Does the Twist fill the shoes of it’s predecessor, the TUBE? Let’s find out.

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Overview

The Twist is a pen shaped multitool that is machined from 6061 aluminum with a hard anodized finish. Many of its tools are useful in broad applications but the tool is specifically designed to aid in field weapon maintenance and cleaning.

The top cap of the Twist features two nibs for adjusting Aimpoint Micros. The top cap also features a heavy-duty steel clip that is not only the key to keeping the Twist handy but works as a flat blade driver for adjusting optics or other tasks. If all you had was the Twist’s top cap, you could adjust almost any modern optic!

There is a standard 1/4″ hex shank bit driver under the top cap. By default, this is loaded with a front sight adjustment tool but it can accept any standard 1/4″ hex shank bit. The Twist comes with a selection of bits in a rubber holder.

The bottom cap features a recessed 8-32 male thread that accepts Otis Cleaning Kit components or any of the three tools found under the bottom cap: a pin punch, a radial carbon scraper, or a dental pick.

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Observations from Use

The Twist makes a great first impression. The box that it comes in is very slick and you may actually want to hang onto it for storing your Twist when you aren’t using it.

The selection of tools on the Twist is more complete and more modern than those found on the TUBE. I especially like having the Aimpoint Micro turret adjuster accessible without having to open the tool. This makes for very quick and easy adjustments of the most common type of Aimpoint I own.

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My two favorite things about the TUBE are still intact in the Twist and I am very happy to see that. First, the standard 1/4″ hex bits are a necessity. If you have a tool that doesn’t use the standard size bits, ditch it. I like knowing that I can walk into any hardware store and buy the exact bit that I need so that I can customize my bit loadout to match the firearms I’ll be using on that day. I should also mention that the Twist is actually a very good driver unlike pliers format multitools which can be a little bit of a pain to use for this purpose.

My second favorite thing about this type of tool is the pen-like form factor. The shape and the included steel pocket clip mean you can stow this tool anywhere and it will be more accessible than any tool without a clip could be. I generally clip it in my pocket or into a single column of PALS webbing. This means I don’t have to dig in a pouch or pocket to find it. That is really nice when you are trying not to be that guy in a carbine course but you need to make a quick adjustment.

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All of the included tools work well. The dental pick is well shaped for fishing out cotter pins that you can’t quite get your finger tips on. The pin punch is useful for starting stubborn take-down pins or pushing pins on a Glock. The scraper is not quite as sharp or stout as the one on the TUBE but it works and it is more versatile. The front sight adjustment bit on the Twist appears to be more stout than the one on the TUBE and I appreciate that.

I believe that it is a very good idea for shooters to carry some kind of tool that is specific to their rifle in the context of training – especially paid training. If you can’t fix your gear and keep it running, you are wasting your own money and possibly the other student’s time. I strongly recommend the pliers format Multitasker tools for this application all the time. However, if you are on a tighter budget or already have a good multitool that serves you well, consider adding something like the Twist to your range kit. It has AR-15 specific tools that you will find handy in the context of a carbine course and a form factor that keeps it at your finger tips.

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Wrap Up

The biggest strengths of the Twist are its excellent bit driver and its form factor. It is always easy to reach for thanks to its shape and the clip. The standard bit driver lets you tailor the tool to your application. This really is a worthy successor to my beloved TUBE.

You can check out MultitaskerTools.com for more information about Multitasker Tools. The Twist is available from Brownells and other great retailers.

Disclosure: The Twist was provided to me by Multitasker Tools for review.

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Multitasker Twist (foreground) shown with my original Multitasker TUBE.

Review: Special 1404 Sling from Blue Force Gear

By on October 7, 2016 in Guns, Reviews, Tactical Gear

I have had the chance to use one of Blue Force Gear’s Special 1404 Sling since July of this year. As you may recall, this sling is somewhat expensive due to the nature of its small production run and the custom hardware it uses. Blue Force Gear was fully aware of the perceived cost of this sling so they offer it with 2 free QD swivels to help add value.

I don’t normally comment much on cost, choosing instead to let you make your own judgements on value. However, in this case, the cost is integral to the story of this sling and it will come up in the review.

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Overview

The Special 1404 Sling is very much like a regular Vickers Sling (VCAS) with a few changes. It has the soft touch webbing that you are used to from Blue Force Gear, the quick adjuster with contrasting pull tab, and the general bomb-proof quality you expect.

Most of the differences center around the use of 1.5″ webbing for the rear part of the sling instead of the standard 1.25″ webbing. This transition from 1.25″ webbing at the front of the sling, to 1.5″ webbing at the rear, requires a custom machined piece of hardware. In fact, every piece of hardware on this sling is machined from aluminum and hard anodized in a FDE-like color.

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Observations from Use

The idea with the Special 1404’s wider webbing is to spread out the weight of the rifle, making it more comfortable to wear over a longer period of time – sort of like a padded sling without the padding. It works to some extent but it is difficult to say how much. I used this sling with some of my heavier rifles and found that it was a slight improvement over the regular VCAS but a padded VCAS was still preferable for a heavy rifle – no surprise there.

I think this particular sling shines on rifles that are already somewhat light in weight and I don’t mean ultra-light rifles. This sling adds an extra measure of comfort on a rifle in a 8 lb and less range. That is where this sling really shines because, unlike a padded sling, it is able to provide that extra comfort without the bulk of padding.

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I used Blue Force Gear slings long before they were an advertising partner here on JTT. I always preferred their webbing and the simplicity of their quick adjuster – push to tighten, pull to loosen, easy. This sling has all that. If you have never tried Blue Force Gear’s webbing, borrow one from a friend and see what I mean. It is thick with rounded, comfortable edges and a soft brushed feel that seems more like soft cotton canvas than harsh nylon. The Special 1404 Sling has that same webbing.

It also has the quick adjust slider with contrasting pull tab. The simplicity of this system continues to be the strength of the VCAS slings and it works just as well here. This also happens to be the best looking slider I have seen yet on a Blue Force Gear sling. It’s machined aluminum and sports an FDE, hard coat anodized finish.

So, does this sling live up to it’s cost? I say it does and I’ll explain. A standard VCAS without padding and the metal hardware option costs $65. If you add two QD sling swivels, you add another $34 for a total of $99. The Special 1404 Sling comes with swivels, has even nicer hardware, and the benefit of the wider webbing for $105. It isn’t as expensive as you think when you actually do the math… at least at MSRP. The gap does widen a bit more if you consider a standard VCAS at a retail establishment but BFG is still delivering value for that increased cost.

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Wrap Up

I like the Special 1404 Sling but that shouldn’t really be a surprise because, under the slick hardware and wider webbing, it is a well proven Vickers Sling – my preferred sling. It works and it is really, really nice. Blue Force Gear delivers value for the cost of the sling so it doesn’t feel like a waste, but I would never fault someone for choosing a standard Vickers Sling over this.

You can check out the Special 1404 Sling at Blue Force Gear.

Disclosure: This sling was provided to me, free of charge, by Blue Force Gear.

Northwest Shooting Sports Expo Becomes TRIGGERCON

By on October 6, 2016 in Guns

By all accounts, the first ever NW Shooting Sports Expo held last month was a great success. Now it’s organizers are already pushing to make it even better for next year and they’re giving it a new name – TRIGGERCON.

NW Shooting Sports Expo becomes TRIGGRCON – Tactical Research Innovation Guns and Gear Review Convention

After the hugely successful inaugural year of the NWSSE with 4000 registered attendees and nearly 80 vendors, the most frequently asked question was about its future.

With all of the positive feedback we received during the show, we’re not at all surprised that all of the vendors we’ve contacted that were in attendance this year have already recommitted for 2017 such as; Mega Arms, Vortex Optics, Falkor Defense, Agency Arms, Battle Arms, Noveske to name a few. We will also be welcoming AXTS Weapons, Phase 5 and many new participating manufacturers for 2017.

We will be changing the name from NWSSE to TRIGGRCON (Tactical Research Innovation Guns and Gear Review Convention) to better reflect the atmosphere and purpose of the event. TRIGGRCON is an exclusive selection of the top, innovative small arms companies and auxiliary manufacturers showcasing their new products and accessories. Manufacturer selection will be by invitation only and limited to an intimate number not to exceed 150 companies. There will be a media range day for live fire demonstrations and show times that are reserved strictly for media. TRIGGRCON is also open to the general public during all other show times so enthusiasts can have direct access to the elite manufacturers that participate in the show.

For 2017 and its immediate future, the convention location will be in Tacoma Washington. However, we are exploring possibilities for other cities for possible expansion.

U.S. Optics Launches New Site

By on October 6, 2016 in Guns

U.S. Optics has launched their new website at USOptics.com. The new site features improved navigation and organization along with an easy to use interface for customizing several of their scopes.

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Tyrant Designs CNC Introduces the LWP (Light Weight Pro) Grip

By on October 5, 2016 in Guns

Tyrant Designs CNC is showing off a new grip, the LWP or Light Weight Pro Grip, and it’s their lightest yet.

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Tyrant Designs CNC, an industry leader in high end, aftermarket AR grips announced that they have released their new line of grips, the LWP Grip. Available in black, red, blue and grey the Lightweight Pro series is CNC machined from a single piece of aerospace grade aluminum. The grips weigh in at a surprisingly light 3.4 ounces, thanks to some weight savings by milling out the entire inside of the grip as well as addition holes on the top.

“The Lightweight Pro tips the scales at 3.4 ounces and is lighter than the majority of available grips currently on the market. ( Yes we mean polymers too) ! We set out to create the lightest, most ergonomic grip on the market without compromising the structural integrity and quality. It is CNC machined from a single piece of aerospace grade aluminum and has a knurled back strap for additional adhesion. It instantly gives the operator the confidence needed in any weather or scenario, all while maintaining the consistency needed for a light weight build. Despite its lightweight it is incredibly durable and does not feel flimsy in the hand. If you are looking for the perfect grip for your lightweight build, look no further than the LWP!”

Tyrant Designs CNC is an AR accessories manufacturer based just outside of Chicago. They have had several successful designs for AR pistol grips and have plans to expand to foregrips as well as other AR accessories this year.

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