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New from Insight Technology: WL1 AA Powered Weapon Light

By on January 27, 2011 in Flashlights, Guns

It was only a matter of time before someone made a dedicated weapon light that was powered on AA batteries. The someone is Insight Technology and the light is the WL1.

Insight Technology claims that the WL1 is the first tactical light to run on AA batteries. It features a quick-release rail grabber interface, 90 minute runtime, 150+ lumen output, momentary activation, strobe function, and an optional visible red laser. These lights also feature Insight’s split rocker switch which I am very familiar with from the Insight Technology Procyon and WX-150. It is a very nice system that allows the switch to function identically with both left and right hand manipulations.

While this light will run on alkaline AA batteries, lithium AA batteries will be the smart choice. Lithiums have a longer shelf life and can handle a wider temperature range. Lithiums batteries will be ideal but it is very attractive to have a light that can be run on grocery store AA batteries in a pinch.

I have been using Insight Technology products since the original M3. I have owned the M3, the M3X, the SSL-1, the Procyon, and the WX-150. If the new WL1 works as well as those lights did, it will be a very popular light.

It appears that there is some limited information about the WL1 on Insight Technology’s website. Hopefully, more information will be available soon.

New IR Lasers Available for Commercial Sales

By on January 26, 2011 in Guns, Tactical Gear

Laser Devices Inc. and Tactical Night Vision Company (TNVC) have announced a new class of IR pointers that are legal for commercial sales. These Class I IR lasers will have reduced range versus their Military/LE only counterparts, but they will still offer solid 75-100 meter performance for night vision users.

One of the biggest road blocks to non-military/LE night vision users has been the difficulty in purchasing a quality IR laser system. Now these systems have been made available to everybody, though in a somewhat neutered format. This should be an exciting development for night vision users.

TNVC is already taking orders for the following models:

  • DBAL-I2 ($966.00) – Dual Beam – Vis. Red Pointer/IR Pointer
  • EOLAD-1I ($1440.00)
  • ITAL-Classic ($678.00)
  • OTAL-Classic ($678.00)

You can read more in TNVC’s product announcement on AR15.com, on the TNVC website, and the Laser Devices Inc. website.

60 and 100 Round AR-15 Magazines from Surefire

By on January 25, 2011 in Guns

One way to reduce the time spent reloading is to do away with the reload all together. Surefire’s new high capacity AR-15 magazines seek to do just that.

The new magazines come in 60 or 100 round capacities. The magazines use an ingenious follower that allows them to hold and feed ammo in 4 columns. The 60 round magazine will fit in many standard double magazine pouches which makes them relatively easy to carry. The 1o0 round magazine is a bit unwieldy, but military users may find that the extra capacity is well worth the ease of handling trade-off.

Everyone that I have talked to who have put hands on these have been impressed with the build quality. Surefire is well known for their no compromise approach to quality and function so I expect these magazines will be well made and reliable.

You can read more about these magazines on the Surefire website.

New Ruger 22/45 Threaded Barrel Rimfire Pistol

By on January 21, 2011 in Guns

Ruger has been making some really interesting moves lately. They have introduced several firearms that really show a dedication toward tactical, self-defense, and concealed carry markets with products like the suppressor ready 10/22s, the LCP, LCR, and the new LC9. These are markets that they never would have targeted while Bill Ruger Sr. was at the helm.

Now they have announced a new version of their 22/45 that features threaded 4.5″ barrel and a Picatinny rail mounted beneath the barrel. It is available with fixed sights or a receiver mounted Picatinny optics mounting rail. This new 22/45 would be an absolute blast with a micro Aimpoint mounted on top and suppressor mounted on the muzzle.

Read more at Ruger.com.

Review: DuckBill Tactical Grip for the AR-15

By on January 20, 2011 in Guns, Reviews

The A2 grip that comes standard with most AR-15s is functional but has some well known shortcomings. These shortcomings are the reason that it is usually replaced and discarded not long after someone purchases an AR-15. The DuckBill Tactical Grip takes the best of the A2 grip and adds a few improvements that address the shortcomings of the A2 grip.

The most glaring problem with the A2 grip is that is leaves a gap between the trigger guard retention “ears”. This gap wears on the knuckle of your middle finger and by the end of a day on the range, it can often leave a blister. The DuckBill Tactical Grip has a rounded projection that extends to cover this gap (I assume this is the “duckbill” that gives this grip its name). It allows you to drive your hand high into the grip without tearing your knuckle apart on the trigger guard gap. It is a very simple solution that is very comfortable.

The standard A2 grip has a rest or bump on the front strap that sits between the middle finger and ring finger of the user. This finger shelf does nothing but get in the way for me. It prevents the hand from riding as high as possible on the grip. The DuckBill Tactical Grip does away with it.

Some users find the A2 grip to be too short. They end up gripping the A2 with their little finger wrapped over the flare at the bottom of the grip. The DuckBill Tactical Grip adds some extra length which should correct the length issues for most users. It is long enough that I have about a 1/4″ of usable space sticking out below my hand so those with larger hands should have plenty of surface to grip.

Like the A2 grip, the DuckBill Tactical grip has checkering on the sides and vertical grooves on the back to enhance grip. However, the DuckBill also has a very fine pebbled texture applied to the front strap. This is one of my favorite things about the grip. The pebbling adds a surprising amount of extra grip without being hard on the hands at all.

If you are a user who appreciates the form factor and shorter trigger reach of the A1 or A2 grip, you will love this grip. I really like the simplicity of it. It is very comfortable to use. I can drive my hand very high on it and the extra grip texture is very well executed.

The DuckBill Tactical Grip is available in black and OD green. Check it out the DuckBill Tactical Grip website.

These grips were provided free of charge for review.

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