Archive | Reviews

Review: Mayflower Research & Consulting APC

I have never had to wear one professionally, but in my experience, smaller is better when it comes to plate carriers (PC). There are, however, limits on how small a plate carrier can be. The size and shape of the armor plate constrains how small manufacturers can make their plate carriers. The PC has to be large enough to hold the plate. There is no way around that. So… smart gear manufacturers concentrate on making the plate carrier smaller in the right places. Mayflower R&C is certainly a smart gear manufacturer and they push all the right buttons with their APC.

Mayflower R&C APC

APC with chest rig attached

APC with chest rig attached

Overview

The APC, or Assault Plate Carrier, is a plate carrier that has been designed with a few important principles in mind. It must be lightweight and it must allow a high degree of mobility while still offering a large amount of real estate for carrying gear. To that end, the APC is just about as compact as it can be while still having a PALS compatible cummerbund. I suppose it could be more compact with a simple strap style cummerbund but would limit its load carrying capability.

Speaking of load carrying capability, the APC is designed to allow you to attach a Mayflower R&C chest rig to the front. Other chest rigs with the proper hardware configuration may also work. This is one of the key reasons that I chose the APC (more on this later). The ability to clip on a chest rig lets you scale up the load carrying capability of the APC with just 4 clips instead of spending time moving PALS compatible pouches around.

It looks good coming and going. This is the back.

It looks good coming and going. This is the back.

The APC comes with 3D mesh shoulder pads that have Velcro secured panels that allow you to route wires and hydration tubes. The shoulder straps are placed higher and closer together than on any other carrier that I have tried (more on this later).

The cummerbund can accept 6×8 side plates or soft armor panels. It is secured to both the front and rear plate pocket via typical Velcro flaps. The rearmost several inches of the cummerbund are constructed with a double layer of heavy duty elastic to allow the cummerbund to flex and move with the wearer.

The front plate pocket features a small PALS field on the top front. This PALS field is also covered in loop Velcro for attaching patches and identification. Behind this PALS panel is a small integral admin pouch with interior elastic loops for organization. The lower part of the front plate pocket has a typical 6 column by 3 row PALS field. There is also a “kangaroo” pouch behind the 6×3 PALS field which can accept an optional 3 M4 mag carrier.

Mayflower R&C APC with KPMI

SKD Tactical KPMI installed in cummerbund

The rear plate pocket has full PALS coverage. Both plate pockets have room for both hard and soft armor. There is a Velcro strap system inside the plate pocket that allows you to adjust the ride height of the plate inside the pocket.

Most models of the APC are constructed from 500D Cordura Nylon. However, there is a relatively new Multicam Lite-Lok option which makes an already lightweight plate carrier even lighter.

The front of the shoulder straps has bar tacks at the stress points and a large box stitch on the back.

The front of the shoulder straps has bar tacks at the stress points and a large box stitch on the back.

Observations from Use

You are never going to forget that you are wearing a plate carrier, but the APC does a better job of any that I have tried of staying out of my way. I said earlier that smart gear makers make their carriers small in the right places and the shoulder area of the APC is the perfect example of that. The straps lack hardware on the front and are located higher on the plate pocket and closer together than on typical carriers. This effectively clears the shoulder of obstructions, allowing you to shoulder your carbine relatively naturally which is pretty amazing if you think about. I don’t need to place the buttstock of my carbine on the plate with the APC. I can actually place it on my shoulder relatively easily. Amazing.

The shoulder pads themselves are very low profile and work well though the APC is quite comfortable without them. The pads have seams that go all the way around the perimeter. In my time with the APC I found that these seams can rub against your neck if you aren’t wearing a collar. So… wear a collar or remove the shoulder pads. Eventually, either the seams softened with use or my neck got used to it.

This flap on the shoulder straps can be used to secure tubes and wires.

This flap on the shoulder straps can be used to secure tubes and wires.

I have plate carriers that let me adjust the plates to ride as high as the APC does, but I don’t have any that do it as comfortably as the APC. Often, with the plates adjusted to ride as high as they should, a plate carrier will cut into your neck/throat when you lean forward into an aggressive stance. The APC is sized well enough and the plates are so well secured that I have yet to feel the plate or plate pocket creeping up onto my neck. The APC is compact enough and rides high enough that it does a great job of staying clear of your belt. It works in conjunction with a battle belt better than any PC I have tried.

The APC can accept most of the available accessory cummerbunds from Mayflower R&C. Eventually, I would like to try the mesh cummerbund but the one that comes with it is so good that I am not sure I will ever get around to it. The elastic sections at the back of the cummerbund are what make it great. The elastic allows enough flex for a forgiving fit and room to breathe when you are huffing and puffing without feeling like the APC is too loose.

The cummerbund can be adjust via this clever overlapping Velcro system. Here is spread out.

The cummerbund can be adjusted via this clever overlapping Velcro system. Here it is spread out.

Here it is overlapped. This offers quite a bit of adjustment.

Here it is overlapped. This offers quite a bit of adjustment.

The integral admin sleeve at the top of the front plate pocket is one of those features that sounds nice to have in theory but it is kind of a pain in practice. The pocket sits up so high on your chest and is pulled so tight with a plate and soft armor backer in place that access and capacity are limited. It will hold small items but I mostly just forget it is there. The APC doesn’t really need it to be great.

The admin panel's location and size make it difficult to use.

The admin panel’s location and size make it difficult to use.

I wanted to build a plate carrier that scaled up from a nearly slick configuration all the way up to being able to carry 4-6 mags without much work. In order to accomplish that, I placed a BFG Ten-Speed Helium Whisper Double Pistol and Single M4 mag pouch on the front. These pouches lay completely flat when I don’t need them. I placed 1 SKD KPMI pouch in each cummerbund. The KPMI are a perfect fit for the cummerbund and allow me to carry two M4 mags off the front of the plate where they are still very accessible but add no additional width to the front of the PC. They are also perfectly positioned to work with the chest rig when it is clipped in place. The result is a rig that can carry 2 M4 mags with no additional bulk on the front, 3 M4 mags when you utilize the BFG pouch as a designated reload pouch, and that scales all the way up to 6 mags when the chest rig is attached (4 in the rig + 2 in the KPMIs). It’s like magic but better.

The plate pockets have room for hard and soft armor with a strap to adjust the ride height.

The plate pockets have room for hard and soft armor with a strap to adjust the ride height.

Chest rig integration is fairly straight forward with the optional Slick Clip kit. However, donning and doffing is negatively affected when the chest rig is installed. You can get the hang of it eventually but it can be a bit of a pain. Donning and doffing without the chest rig in place is easy and drama-free.

There is no padding in the plate pockets but I found it surprisingly comfortable to wear with stand-alone plates. That said, it is far more comfortable with soft armor backers installed behind the plates.

The APC has a typical flap secured cummerbund.

The APC has a typical flap secured cummerbund.

Wrap Up

There is definitely a lot of to love about the APC. I love how lightweight and compact it is, how it moves with me, how high it rides while still remaining comfortable, how easily it scales up or down based on my needs, and how it just stays out of my way in general. I certainly haven’t tried every PC on the market, but the APC is far and away the best plate carrier that I have used.

I purchased my APC from Appalachian Training and Mike, the owner, was a huge help in walking me through the sizing and other considerations.

Review: PWS Triad

In the time that it takes you to read this sentence, 10 new AR-15 muzzle brakes/compensators will have come to market. That may be a slight exaggeration, but there is certainly no shortage of options currently available with new ones coming frequently.

The PWS Triad is one of the more unique devices to come down the pike in recent history. It lacks the multitude of small holes or large side ports of most devices that claim to help control muzzle rise. In fact, it looks like a fairly run of the mill 3 prong flash suppressor. So, can a device that looks like a flash suppressor perform like a compensator? Read on.

PWA Triad

Overview

The Triad isn’t a compensator or muzzle brake. It is a flash suppressor that helps control muzzle rise. Most hybrid devices (devices that both suppress flash and muzzle rise) tend more toward a muzzle brake in terms of design and function. The Triad is more like a flash suppressor in terms of design and function.

The flash suppression is accomplished via 3 large prongs not unlike other flash suppressors on the market. The muzzle rise reduction is accomplished by extending the slot between the prongs at 1:30 position (from the shooter’s point of view) back a bit further. I am sure there is also some internal shaping/magic that also helps.

Observations from Use

There are really two ways to judge the Triad. You can judge it on its flash suppression and on how it reduces muzzle rise.  I will address each separately.

The Triad is a good flash suppressor. It is not quite as effective as the best flash suppressors on the market, but, remember, it has an additional trick up its sleeve. I would say in my limited dusk testing, that it suppresses flash better than an A2 on a 16” barrel. It is a bit better performing than something like a YHM Phantom. It sounds like I am downplaying its performance as a flash suppressor but that is actually quite good – better than any other hybrid device that I have tried. I should also note that it doesn’t ring/ping like some pronged flash suppressors.

DSC_0895

Your impressions of how effective the Triad is at controlling the muzzle will likely vary depending on your skill level as a shooter. Those who do an excellent job of controlling the muzzle rise of an AR-15 through their use of grip and stance will find that the Triad may actually force the muzzle down a bit. It seems that devices attempt to steady the muzzle one of two ways – they either try to trap the muzzle in space (by venting gases out both sides or fairly evenly around the device) or vent gases up to force the muzzle down. The Triad is definitely in the later camp.

I actually liked it quite a bit. While it doesn’t keep the muzzle as steady as something like a PWS FSC556 would, it does offer an extra degree of control without any real additional sound or overpressure… or at least none that was noticeable to the shooter or those beside the shooter. That is the real story here. PWS has managed to create a device that helps control the muzzle without all the negative side effects. That alone makes this a noteworthy device to me.

Wrap Up

The Triad isn’t the best performing flash suppressor. It isn’t the best performing compensator (it isn’t really even a compensator at all). However, it is one of the best functional combinations of the two that I have used. This is an impressive device in terms of its all-round performance. If you are looking for a device that offers some muzzle control, but flash suppression and over-pressure/concussive blast are a concern for you, the Triad should be on your list of devices to try.

I got my PWS Triad from Brownells.com.

Tools That Tame Taper Pins

I know a lot of you are building AR-15s right now. I recently got an email from a reader who was having their patience stretched thin by some stubborn gas block taper pins that they were trying to remove in order to install a new free float rail. They wanted to know if I had any tips. Well, in addition to saying something about getting a bigger hammer, I passed along these two handy tools…

l_080000252_1

The Brownells AR-15 FRONT SIGHT BENCH BLOCK is tremendously handy for 2 reasons. First, it makes it impossible to try to drive the taper pins in the wrong direction which can make a project go from bad to worse in no time at all (ask me how I know). Second, it does a great job of supporting the front sight base so that you can really put some elbow grease into driving out the pins.

p_827530320_1

Regular punches can work with taper pins but they frequently deform the ends of the pins. They also have a tendency to walk off the rounded ends of the taper pins. The STARRETT – TAPER PIN STARTER has cupped ends that let you really bear down on the pins with less fear of deforming them.

These two products will make your life a lot easier even if you rarely swap rails. Check them out at Brownells.com.

Review: Laser Devices DBAL-D2

The new class of infrared lasers freely available to individual customers, Class 1, has brought once out of reach technology straight into the waiting hands of serious end users. One of the best offerings in this new category is the DBAL-D2 made by Laser Devices, Inc. In short, you are getting the same piece of gear the military is using, made at the same factory, but with less powerful eye safe lasers. What an opportunity!

LDI DBAL-D2 Class 1 IR Laser

Overview

The DBAL is a class 1, multi function, dual beam, IR/Daytime visible weapons mounted aiming laser with an effective range of approximately 250 yards. This capability is about the maximum usable range for even the newest PVS-14s, etc.  Integral to the unit is a very powerful and widely adjustable IR illuminator with a range of approximately 800 yards.

IR/Daytime lasers are slaved, which makes zeroing a snap during daylight hours. Included is a rugged, self adjusting QD lever/attachment fully compatible with any modern rail setup. This waterproof, 12.5 oz piece of equipment is powered by a single CR123 battery with a lifespan of one hour on the highest setting.

LDI DBAL-D2 Class 1 IR Laser Rear

Observations From Use

I purchased a DBAL-D2 with the daytime visible green laser from the very helpful folks over at Tactical Night Vision Company, and received it after an admittedly lengthy wait. I paid the premium for the green laser as it is daytime visible to about 100 yards. The red version is only visible to about 25 yards, which is a little short for my desired 50 yard BZO. I mounted this product on a BCM 16″ middy with an Aimpoint T1, Larue free float rail, Inforce WML IR/White light, and other appropriate accessories.

I found the function controls of this laser to be fairly intuitive with positive adjustments and an easy to remember layout, which is invaluable in the dark. While a rugged tape switch is included, I found it unnecessary as a momentary/constant on rubber clickie switch is conveniently nestled into the 10:30 rail position (if the device is mounted in the recommended 12 o’clock position). The INFORCE WML is a perfect companion here as it’s well sized for an unobtrusive 9 o’clock mount and contains a back up IR illuminator.

LDI DBAL-D2 Class 1 IR Laser Mount

LDI DBAL-D2 Class 1 IR Laser with WML

I spent a fair amount of time familiarizing myself with this piece of equipment in my night time back yard so that my first “dark” range time would be fairly seamless. I can’t stress how important this is to avoid fumbling and humiliation during later training. All I can say about the illuminator is that the power and range of focus is nothing short of amazing as viewed through my helmet mounted PVS-14. After a very easy and pleasant daytime zeroing session I was ready for a night fire evaluation!

The green daytime visible laser is powerful enough to be used as a backup sight to the Aimpoint, even in bright sunlight. I’m not sure how much I would revert to this, but it is a nice option. So far during testing I’ve had about 9 trouble free months with 4-500 rounds downrange. I have to slightly alter my hand placement because of the amount of real estate required on the top rail, but for what I’m getting it’s a great trade off.

LDI DBAL-D2 Class 1 IR Laser Adjustment

The only (minor) suggestion I have to offer after this evaluation is more user friendly lens covers. My rifle is not subjected to super hard use and I found that it was just easiest to remove them completely. I’m not sure how possible it is, but it seems that some kind of clear sacrificial cover would be a nice option.

My dark range/time constraints limited me to a 100 yard no light evaluation on 2/3 IPSC targets. It was very satisfying to confirm the accuracy of the slaved laser system and I was easily and consistently able to hit these targets in full darkness with no adjustment besides what I had already done during daylight zeroing. I’m looking forward to testing myself and this gear at some point in the future at a night fighting tactics course.

LDI DBAL-D2 Class 1 IR Laser Narrow Illum

100 yards, illuminator tight focus

LDI DBAL-D2 Class 1 IR Laser Wide Illum

100 yards, illuminator wide focus

Wrap Up

This excellent piece of equipment is not stand alone, and, as a result, careful consideration must be given towards proper integration with a weapon and night vision device. I spent months looking at options and I carefully arrived at the decision to purchase this DBAL. Every time I’ve used it has been confirmation of a right decision. I highly encourage you to take advantage of the availability of this class of lasers, which only came about by a lot of tireless work and industry partnering by the folks at TNVC. Check it out for yourself today!

LDI DBAL-D2 Class 1 IR Laser Top

An Ode to the QD Micro Flush QD Sling MOUNT-N-SLOT

Some manufacturers seem to take sadistic joy in providing rifles with no useful sling mounting points. They get their jollies by selling you a rifle that you have no hope of ever mounting a sling to in any sort of realistic way. Thankfully, the sling mounting gods smiled on us when they handed down the idea for the QD Micro Flush QD Sling MOUNT-N-SLOT to Impact Weapons Components.

IWC QD Micro

The QD Micro Flush QD Sling MOUNT-N-SLOT is the kind of thing that every Tactical Handyman should have a few of laying around waiting to solve a problem. Once you install one, you will start looking for more guns to drill holes in to install more. They are extremely easy to install and their design makes them very versatile.

I have used several of them to add slings to Magpul MOE Hand Guards. In fact, if you aren’t using one on your MOE Hand Guards, you are nuts. I have used them on Troy TRX Extreme Rails (they fit in the vent holes perfectly), A1 and A2 style AR-15 buttstocks, a GWACS CAV-15 Lower, AK front hand guards, AK buttstocks, and several other polymer rifle stocks. If you can drill a 1/2″ hole where you want the sling mount and access the back with a hex key, you can install one of these sling mounts.

IWC QD Micro in MOE

The QD Micro Flush QD Sling MOUNT-N-SLOT might be the least sexy thing Impact Weapons Components makes, but it is probably their best product and that is saying something. Check out the QD Micro Flush QD Sling MOUNT-N-SLOT on ImpactWeaponsComponents.com. Remember to use the discount code “triggerjerk” for 5% off at ImpactWeaponsComponents.com.

IWC QD Micro in Troy Alpha

Powered by WordPress. Designed by Woo Themes