Archive | Reviews

Review: Midwest Industries One Piece FF Gen -2 SS-Series Rail

By Matt on May 21, 2013 in Guns, Reviews

The Midwest Industries One Piece FF Gen -2 SS-Series Rail (MI Gen-2 SS Rail) is part of the current crop of slim, lightweight, slick-sided free float rails. Many of these free float rails are so similar that, at first glance, it can be difficult to differentiate one from the other. That appears to be the case with the MI Gen-2 SS Rail until you take a look at its specification. Two specs in particular make your eyes pop out of your head – 9.3 ounces and 1.5 inches – the weight and the width. Does that have your attention? It certainly captured mine.

The MI Gen-2 SS Rail is available in several lengths (7”, 9”, 10”, 12”, and 15”). This review will deal with the 12” version though the features are identical across the entire line.

Overview

The MI Gen-2 SS Rail is a slim, lightweight, slick-sided free float tube. It features a continuous top rail across its entire length and the ability to attach accessories like rails or hand guard covers in multiple locations along its circumference. This design strategy reduces weight by allowing the end user to determine where rails are necessary. It also reduces the circumference of the rail allowing the end user to grip it more aggressively. It comes with 3 2.5” accessory rails (1 includes a QD sling swivel socket).

Midwest Industries was particularly successful with this strategy since they have reduced the weight of the rail to just 9.3 ounces (including the barrel nut) and the outside diameter to just 1.5” (excluding the top rail). That makes it one of the lightest free float tubes on the market and the slimmest one that I am aware that has an integral top rail.

The MI Gen-2 SS Rail are made from 6061 aluminum and hard anodized for durability. They utilize a proprietary barrel nut to mount the tube to the upper receiver. The tube attaches to the barrel nut with a friction fit via 2 large hex screws. The barrel nut is checkered to enhance this friction fit.

Observations from Use

You have probably gathered by now that the MI Gen-2 SS Rail is very lightweight and very slim. Until you try one of these rails, those are really just numbers on a screen. The lightweight and slim design actually translates to functionality in use. For instance, I typically like to use a vertical grip on a traditional 4 rail free float tube. However, with the MI Gen-2 SS Rail, I don’t need one because I can wrap my hand around the rail and pull the carbine back into my shoulder aggressively to control recoil. That saves additional weight. The rail is so slim that I can wrap my hand around it and touch my thumb and index finger (or any other finger).

It is easy to put the weight of the MI Gen-2 SS Rail in perspective. It weighs just 9.3 ounces including the barrel nut (before adding any accessory rails). That is the exact same weight as a standard polymer M4 hand guard with double heat shields. So, for the same 9.3 ounces, you can have a cramped polymer hand guard with no light or sling mounting options or a 12” extended rail. The MI Gen-2 SS Rail delivers a lot of functionality per ounce.

There are a host of accessories already available for these rails. Midwest Industries supports them with direct connect handstops, additional rail sections, and hand guard panels. I find the hand guard panels with an integrated handstop to be a great value. Impact Weapons Components also makes several items in their MOUNT-N-SLOT line that work (use discount code “triggerjerk” for a discount at IWC). The 1.75” diameter mounts seem to work fine despite the slight difference in diameter. There are so many accessories available for these that you can attach everything you need without having to use an accessory rail which saves even more weight.

I have 2 of these MI Gen-2 SS Rails and they have held up very well to use. The hard anodizing seems to hold up well. It often looks scratched but usually the “scratch” is just a scuff that wipes off easily. I have been able to put some honest to goodness scratches on them but that will happen when you are doing things like shooting on barricades and, you know, actually using your gear. The attachment system has been durable enough that, so far, I have had no issues with loosening, wobble, breakage, and anything else that you might be worried about.

Rails like these have a lot of application for the civilian gun owner (or anyone else). Their small diameter and light weight make them perfect for all you guys who like to build carbines “for your wife.” While the fairer sex often prefers lighter weight carbines, you should, too. That is especially true when rails like the MI Gen-2 SS Rail reduce weight while still maintaining (or even adding) functionality and great durability. Why wouldn’t you want a lighter gun if it was just as functional as a heavier one? The ladies (and delicate handed bloggers) will also appreciate that Midwest Industries does a good job of breaking the edges on the MI Gen-2 SS Rails so they don’t have the cheese grater feel that many similar products have.

Wrap Up

I really like these rails. Not only are they lightweight, slim, and durable, they are also a good value. None of the MI Gen-2 SS Rail models cost more than $190 and in most cases they cost much less than that. If you are going to drop the coin for a free float rail, you would be hard pressed to find a better value than these.

Check out the 12” Gen-2 SS Rails and 15” Gen-2 SS Rails at PredatorARMAMENT.com.

Review: Blind Horse Knives T1 (BHK-T1)

By Matt on May 20, 2013 in EDC, Knives, Reviews, Survival, Tactical Gear

I like to carry a stout fixed blade knife on my range gear at all times. I do this for a number of reasons not the least of which is that you never know when a knife will come in handy when you are outdoors. It is also useful for clearing a bolt over malfunction in an AR-15. Some trainers, like Pat Rogers, consider a compact knife to be essential support gear for the carbine.

When choosing a knife for this role, I usually shop for something that is a tool first (not an over the top “tactical” knife) because nearly anything with a sharp edge can be pressed into the role of a weapon. I also look for something that is fairly compact so I am not lugging around extra weight and so it can be carried in a number of different ways like attached to a “battle belt” or secured with hook and loop in the kangaroo pouch of my plate carrier. A compact knife is also easier to exert control over when trying to pry back the bolt during a malfunction. If you were to picture such a knife in your minds eye, it would probably look a lot like the BHK-T1 from Blind Horse Knives.

Overview

The BHK-T1 is ground from 1/8″ thick D2 steel. The drop point blade is 2 7/8″ from the tip to the scale and the knife is 6 3/4″ overall. The blade is saber ground (more on this later) with a polished convex edge. It has a small false edge at the spine that gives this knife a great working point.

The handle is large enough for my medium sized hands to have a full 4 finger grip with room to spare. The handle scales are made from nicely contoured and rounded black micarta that has been bead blasted. The scales are fixed to the blade with good looking fish eye bolts and an oversize brass lanyard hole.

The included fold-over style kydex sheath has adjustable tension and rivet spacing that makes it compatible with a number of accessories like Tek-Loks, MOLLE-Loks, Spyderco G-Clips, and similar items. The sheath came with a small Tek-Lok configured for horizontal belt carry.

The knife and sheath weigh just under 7 ounces total.

Observations from Use

I used the BHK-T1 in a number of different ways because a knife of this size and shape is useful for a number of different tasks. I used it for EDC which it excelled at thanks to its compact size and capable sheath. I used it on my range gear and, just to get an idea of how it cuts, I used it in the woods a bit, too.

I have been carrying the BHK-T1 as an EDC for much of the time that I have had it and I really like it in this role. Its dimensions lend themselves very well to a variety of carry methods from horizontal belt carry, to vertical belt carry, and even pocket carry. I like my EDC knives to have usable points and the BHK-T1 has a very usable point thanks to the swedge (false edge). The swedge really thins the point down nicely while still leaving a lot of material on the center line of the blade so the point isn’t fragile.

The BHK-T1 carries very well on my beloved BFG Micro Pack’s shoulder strap.

I also took this knife into the woods because I find that processing wood is a great test of how a knife cuts. The BHK-T1 bites into wood well for tasks like notching and making feather sticks. This is probably partially due to the edge type (convex) and partially due to the great geometry. BHK went with 1/8″ steel for this knife but by choosing a saber grind (a flat grind that only comes about halfway up the height of the blade) they leave behind plenty of material to keep the blade strong. The result is a knife that should be very durable to lateral pressure but is still thin enough to cut well. Kudos to BHK for this subtle, but important design element.

The BHK-T1 is right at home as an EDC or a compact companion in the woods but I think it really shines as a tool for your range gear. It is compact enough to carry very well in a number of different ways. I mostly carried it on my battle belt using a MOLLE-Lok. I also stuck some adhesive Velcro to the exterior of the sheath so that I could tuck it into the kangaroo pouch of a plate carrier or into the panel on the back of some chest rigs like those from Mayflower R&C. If you happen to have a bolt over malfunction (empty brass lodged between the top of the bolt and the charging handle) with your AR-15, the spine of a stout knife like the BHK-T1 can be used to pull the bolt carrier to the rear and hold it so that the charging handle can be pushed forward to release the brass. The BHK-T1 is works well for this technique but beware, the edge of any knife can suffer some edge damage if it contacts the sides of the ejection port. I didn’t notice any edge damage to the BHK-T1 when I tested pulling the bolt back with it.

The handle is grippy without causing hot spots over prolonged use. It isn’t what I would call hand filling since this is a very compact knife, but it is nicely rounded and well contoured which makes the grip comfortable and secure. The BHK-T1’s handle is neutral enough that can be held comfortably with the blade up or down and with the edge in or out. However it is also contoured enough that it gives tactile feedback as to how the blade is oriented even if you can’t see it. There is no guard but the edge is slightly offset from the handle to prevent your hand from sliding up onto the edge.

The BHK-T1 is compact enough to carry well in a pocket or the organization panel of a backpack.

The sheath is very secure, fairly compact, and very functional. Many knives come with some sort of afterthought for a sheath. The BHK-T1 comes with a sheath that is actually well suited to its intended use. You would think more knife makers would figure that out but, sadly, they haven’t. BHK nailed the sheath on this one.

Those of you who like ferro rods will be happy to know that the spine of the BHK-T1 is square and throws sparks very well.

D2 steel offers excellent edge holding capability but it can be a bit of a pain to sharpen. Thankfully, BHK really refines the edge to a high polish. I was always able to bring the knife back to shaving sharp with just a loaded strop even after cutting up a ton of cardboard after a move and time in the woods to test the knife. BHK’s D2 does seem to be a bit easier to sharpen than some that I have tried so perhaps they aren’t taking the steel as high on the Rockwell hardness scale as they could be (that is fine with me, I hate sharpening knives).

Functionally, this is a great knife but some users might find some fit and finish nits to pick. The grinds are a touch uneven, there are still grind marks on the non-cutting surfaces of the knife, and the secondary grind curves a bit where it should be straight. Absolutely none of that effects the function of the knife. The fit and finish is good where it counts. The edge is highly polished and hair popping sharp (the factory edge cut paper nearly silently), the handle is perfectly fit to the blade stock, and the surfaces that contact the hand are nicely rounded. So basically, this is made like a tool. It might be a little rough in spots but it is functional and refined where it counts.

Apart from the small fit and finish issues, there are a few things I would change. I would taper the handle just a little bit near the blade. As it is, the scales are basically just squared off which can make pinch grips a little tricky. A little bit of jimping on the spine might also be nice on a knife of this type. I find some jimping to be helpful for when you are using your thumb to apply leverage for a cut. BHK offers several custom sheathing options and, even though the included sheath is very nice, a pancake style sheath with eyelets on each side would offer a bit more versatility for mounting the knife to PALS webbing (MOLLE) even if it would add just a bit of bulk.

I added some adhesive Velcro to the sheath so that it could be secure to the back of this Velocity Systems chest rig or the kangaroo pouch of a plate carrier.

Wrap Up

The BHK-T1 is a great knife. Its dimensions make it great for EDC or for use on your tactical gear. BHK’s good understanding of blade geometry make it very stout without sacrificing too much cutting performance. It is comfortable to use, easy to carry, and it cuts like a laser. I am really impressed with this little knife.

Check out the BHK-T1 at BlindHorseKnives.com.

Review: BattleComp 1.0

By Matt on May 15, 2013 in Guns, Reviews

I have been able to test and review a ton of muzzle devices but one that I have never reviewed (though I have plenty of time on them) is the BattleComp. A few of you have even emailed me to ask if I didn’t like them. That isn’t the case at all. I have just never reviewed them. I recently purchased another BattleComp 1.0. So, while it was still looking new for pictures, I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to finally put together a review.

Overview

The BattleComp 1.0 is made from 17-4PH stainless steel. It is available with a bead blast or black oxide finish. It features a single expansion chamber and several small ports around the circumference of the device except for the bottom portion which is closed.

Most of my experience is with the 5.56 versions, though I have tried a 7.62 version. This review will deal exclusively with the 5.56 BattleComp 1.0.

Background

The BattleComp is largely responsible for the current arms race that you see taking place in the industry between muzzle device manufacturers. It was one of the first devices on the market to be viewed as a compensator that is suitable for “tactical” use and it was somewhat revolutionary in how it balanced flash suppression, muzzle and recoil control, and reduced the concussive blast that is typical of most compensators and muzzle brakes. A lot of new devices have come on the market since the introduction of the BattleComp, but it is still the standard by which others are judged as evidenced by how frequently it is used as a baseline of comparison in muzzle device reviews.

Observations from Use

There are 3 main tasks that we generally ask muzzle devices to do: suppress flash, reduce recoil, and reduce muzzle rise. Most devices will either suppress flash well or reduce recoil and muzzle rise well. Combination devices (devices with the characteristics of a flash suppressor and compensator or muzzle brake), like the BattleComp, attempt to complete all three tasks. The extent to which the device does these things and other characteristics, like over-pressure and noise to the shooter and those around him, largely determine how the muzzle device should be used. Most muzzle brakes will not be suitable for the indoor spaces you will encounter in home defense and most flash suppressors will cost you valuable seconds in competition. It is up to you to determine which task or tasks are most important to you and your mission and then choose a muzzle device accordingly.

BattleComp takes on all three tasks fairly successfully. It suppresses flash, reduces recoil and controls muzzle rise and because it manages to do these things without the dramatic over-pressure and concussive blast that has traditionally plagued compensators, it is suitable for uses that typical compensators are not suitable for, like self-defense. Make no mistake, the BattleComp is still louder than a flash suppressor. Standing in close proximity to it won’t be pleasant, but it is tolerable, especially when compared to a comp or brake with large open side ports.

I find that BattleComp does an admirable job of suppressing flash. It isn’t going to keep up with a dedicated flash suppressor but it does a good job compared to most combination devices. On a 16” barrel, it suppresses flash nearly as well as an A2 flash suppressor. This may or may not be black magic because there are other devices out there that I have tried that look similar to a BattleComp (a cylinder with lots of tiny holes) but few of them suppress flash as well as the BattleComp.

BattleComp does a great job of reducing recoil. It is true that the 5.56 does not have a lot of recoil but reducing what little recoil it does have means faster follow up shots. Recoil control is an important part of muzzle control because the rearward motion of the carbine is translated into upward movement of the muzzle as the stock hinges against your shoulder. This is why lowering the stock in your shoulder can be an effective way to reduce muzzle rise – it reduces the hinge effect.

The way the BattleComp controls the muzzle is one of the best things about it and also its biggest weakness. I find the BattleComp to be very laterally stable which I find very noticeable and very impressive. Some muzzle devices let the muzzle bounce side to side very slightly. They seem to almost dance around in a circular motion. This isn’t the case in my experience with the BattleComp. It moves only one direction and that is down. Unfortunately, it moves down more than I would prefer. The bad news is that a muzzle device that pushes the muzzle down too aggressively isn’t all that different than a muzzle device that allows the muzzle to rise – you still need to move the muzzle back on target. The good news is that the movement is very predictable and you can be extremely fast with BattleComps.

Wrap Up

The BattleComp does push the muzzle down more than I prefer and that is a fairly serious issue for me. In spite of that, I am not sure that any device has surpassed its all-around versatility and functionality which is why I still use them. The BattleComp suppresses flash, reduces recoil, and keeps the muzzle very stable. It manages to do all of these things without kicking you in the teeth every time you pull the trigger. It isn’t the perfect muzzle device (hint: the perfect muzzle device doesn’t exist, at least not without a tax stamp), but it is one of the best.

Check out BattleComp at Brownells.com.

GWACS Armory CAV-15 MKII Improvements

By Matt on May 13, 2013 in Guns, Reviews

Several months ago I wrote a review of the GWACS Armory CAV-15 MKII AR-15 lower receiver. I was actually surprised by how much I liked it. They just work and don’t seem to have the durability issues of other polymer lowers on the market.

In the review, I mentioned a few fit and finish issues that I noticed: the finish on the take down pins was so bad that they looked used before I even installed them and there was plastic flashing left in the magazine well. GWACS Armory immediately acknowledged the issues and said they would work to correct them… and they did.

I have been able to check out a handful of their recent CAV-15 MKII lowers, including a new one that they sent me to show off the improvements. The fit and finish on the take down pins has been MUCH better. The new finish appears to be a deep, black oxide that has held up very well for me. Even after being installed and removed several times, the pins show little wear and look much better than the previous ones even when they were new.

They also addressed some of the plastic flashing issues. GWACS Armory is obviously taking a bit more time cleaning up the lowers by hand after the two halves are fused. The bottom of the grip and the magazine well are much cleaner on this newest example.

All CAV-15 MKII also now come with GWACS Armory’s new distinctive buffer. It is a standard weight buffer (H buffers will be available soon as an option) that is hard anodized bright red and branded with a GWACS Armory logo. This isn’t really a functional improvement (though this buffer is of a higher quality than the one that came in my previous lower) but it does add the type of detail that rounds out a lower and lets you know that the company behind it gives a rip.

It is great to see a company responding to customer feedback the way the GWACS Armory has with these new improvements to the CAV-15 MKII. Check out GWACSArmory.com. Use discount code “triggerjerk” to save 5% off your purchase.

Review: Vinyl Tape, Coyote Brown from Battle Systems LLC

By Matt on April 29, 2013 in EDC, Preparedness, Reviews, Survival, Tactical Gear

People have been using vinyl electrical tape for years to do various “tactical” things. If you have ever used it, you know why the world needs something better. Enter Vinyl Tape, Coyote Brown from Battle Systems LLC.

Overview

Vinyl Tape, Coyote Brown from Battle Systems LLC is made from flexible, slightly stretchy vinyl. It’s tape, and it is coyote brown in color. The name says it all. That is pretty much the general overview. It isn’t until you use it, that you start to really appreciate it.

Observations from Use

I have been using this tape for over a year now. The first thing that I did when I purchased my first roll is wrap 6 inches of it around an Inka pen that I keep on my keyring at all times. I wanted to test how well the tape adhered to itself and how well it would stand up to constant wear from being battered by keys while in my pocket all day. That same length of tape has been in place for over a year. It has never peeled, lifted, ripped, or unraveled. The same keys that will scratch the anodization from aluminum, couldn’t lift the tape. That is amazing to me.

If you are used to using electrical tape to do things like secure loose webbing and straps, you are going to love this tape. It doesn’t leave any residue behind – not even a little. It doesn’t turn into a slimy mess in the heat. It doesn’t melt as readily when exposed to extreme heat and flame. It doesn’t crack in the cold. It also doesn’t stand out like a sore thumb like black electrical tape. It just works.

I have found that it is an ideal solution for securing excess straps and webbing. It adheres to itself well and can even be peeled and reused at least a few times. I have also used it to mark my AR-15 and AK magazines. I use a double wrap at the base of the magazine to make them immediately recognizable as mine. As a bonus, the rubbery vinyl texture of the tape makes them easier to grip. I also like to use it to make small containers water-resistant. If you make Altoid tin survival kits, a few wraps of Vinyl Tape, Coyote Brown over the lip of the tin will keep the contents of the container dry during downpours or a quick dunk (prolonged submersion will bypass the tape). It also serves as another useful component of the kit. I keep a bit of it in my gear at all times for gear repairs. It’s tape. You are going to find a million uses for it.

Wrap Up

It is easy to write off Vinyl Tape, Coyote Brown as brown electrical tape if you haven’t tried it and I guess it would work just fine as electrical tape. However, if you use it, the quality will be readily apparent. What makes this tape great is that it is like electrical tape in the right ways but without all the annoyances. It is just better.

Check out Vinyl Tape, Coyote Brown at BattleSystemsLLC.com.

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