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Review: Manticore Arms NightShroud

The NightShroud from Manticore Arms is a flash suppressor that is designed for the AK-74s and AK-47s, like the excellent Arsenal SGL-21, with 24mm threaded muzzles. It is an excellent alternative to the ubiquitous AK-74 brake that is most commonly found on AKs with 24mm threads.

I found the NightShroud while I was looking for an alternative to a muzzle brake for my SGL-21. I wanted something quieter than the AK-74 style brake that came standard on the SGL-21. I quickly found that, since the SGL-21’s muzzle has 24mm threads, my options were extremely limited. Thankfully, one of those limited options was the NightShroud.

The NightShroud is very cleanly machined from 8620 steel and then finished with a slightly shiny black oxide. It certainly looks and feels well made. It features 8 indentations all the way around the collar so that you can tighten the NightShroud all the way down to the muzzle and still engage the locking detent. This is the type of feature that takes some extra machining but the results, a solid muzzle device with little to no wobble, are worth it.

I really just wanted something that was quieter and the NightShroud is certainly quieter than the AK-74 brake. However, it is the better part of an inch shorter and a bit lighter in weight!

AK-74 Brake NightShroud
Length (inches) 3.21 2.46
Weight (ounces) 3.60 3.30

The NightShroud does a great job of suppressing flash as well. It elimated the amount of flash that is visible from the shooter’s position. Only a very small, thin bit of flash is visible from beside the NightShroud. The performance is pretty impressive.

So if you own an AK-74 or an AK-47 like the SGL-21 with 24mm threads you should definitely check out the NightShroud. It is an excellent option in spite of the fact that it is one of the very few options.

The NighShroud is manufactured by Manticore Arms and can be viewed on their website. I purchased my NightShroud through Rat Worx.

Note: The Manticore Arms website cautions that the NightShroud may not fit some rifles like the SGL-21. I believe that is old information. The version that I recieved has a longer collar so it will fit a wider variety of rifles as evidenced by the longer overall length and heavier weight than those listed on the Manticore Arms website. The version that is now shipping is the an improved model that should fit most AKs with 24mm threads. However, you may want to contact Manticore Arms or Rat Worx to verify that the NightShroud will work with your rifle.

Update: AR15.COM Ambidextrous Billet Lower Receiver

Earlier this week I wrote about the AR15.COM Ambidextrous Billet Lower Receiver. Since that time I have been given more details regarding the lower. The details are impressive to say the least.

As I mentioned in the original post, the selector markings are made to work with either a 45 or 90 degree selector. The buyer will be able to choose between the BAD-ASS and the BAD-ASS-ST.

It will come with the Magpul MIAD grip. The purchaser will be able to choose which Magpul stock they want (UBR, CTR, etc).

The excellent 4.5Lb Geissele 3 Gun trigger will come standard. It is a special version that has the AR15.com Bolt Face Logo engraved on the hammer.

As if all of this isn’t enough, there are still more details and an official announcement to come.

Mesa Tactical Urbino Tactical Stock

The Urbino Tactical Stock from Mesa Tactical is made for both Remington and Benelli shotguns. This new stock should make Benelli owners especially happy since there is a distinct lack of OEM and aftermarket stock choices available for the Benelli line.

The Urbino Tactical Stock has a shorter 12.5″ length of pull. I find that shotgun stocks are generally too long so the shorter length of pull is a positive. The stock also features several sling mounting options and a rubber sleeved pistol grip. It accepts an optional LimbSaver recoil pad which should help ease the pain of high volume shotgun training. Mounting optics like micro Aimpoints have become more popular on shotguns, and the Urbino has an optional adjustable cheek piece to accommodate these optics.

The Urbino Tactical Stock looks like it will be an excellent option.

AR15.com Ambidextrous Billet Lower Receiver

I don’t have many details yet but pictures of the upcoming AR15.com Ambidextrous Billet Lower Receivers have been released.

Image courtesy of AR15.com

Roger at Battle Arms Development tells me that these lowers have unique selector markings. The pictogram that represents the “fire” selector position is engraved at 68 degrees from “safe” rather than the standard 90 degrees. This makes the markings compatible with 90 degree selectors like the BAD-ASS and 45 degree selectors like the BAD-ASS-ST (Short Throw).

This will be the first lower receiver on the market that will be compatible with both the excellent 45 degree BAD-ASS-ST and the 90 degree BAD-ASS. I will share more details as they become available

TangoDown Vickers Tactical Glock Slide Stop

Glock 17RTF2 with Vickers Tactical Magazine Release and Slide Stop

The Larry Vickers designed, TangoDown produced magazine release for Glocks is one of my favorite Glock add-ons. Given my experience with the magazine release, I have been very excited to try the new TangoDown Vickers Tactical Slide Stop for Glocks which is now available.

The problem with most extended slide stops for the Glock is that a right hand shooter’s support hand can unintentionally contact the slide stop when the shooter is using a high hand grip. This unintentional contact can cause the slide to lock back before the magazine is empty or prevent the slide from locking back when magazine is empty.

The Vickers Tactical Slide Stop is designed to give a fairly large amount of surface area without being so overly large that it is prone to contacting the support hand. It has a fairly aggressive texture that makes it very easy to operate, even with gloves. Other slide stops extend to the rear of the Glock to provide more leverage. The Vickers Tactical Slide Stop extends out from the frame to provide a “shelf” that the thumb can press down on in order to release the slide.

I have one of these in hand for an upcoming review and so far I am really impressed.

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