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Review: Manticore Arms SAGE Trigger Guard

I have been a big fan of Manticore Arms going back to their introduction of the NightShroud Flash Suppressor. They make some of the finest (and most reasonably priced) muzzle devices available for the AK family of rifles (and AR-15s too) but recently, they have been rounding out their product line to include more non-muzzle device items including the new SAGE Trigger Guard.

Manticore Arms SAGE Trigger Guard

Overview

The SAGE is a pretty straight forward piece of gear. It replaces the standard AR-15 trigger guard and provides a larger, more glove-friendly opening around the trigger. Manticore Arms sent me the AR-15/SIG 556 with M4 style lower version of the SAGE Trigger Guard. They also make a version the SIG 556 with side folding stocks.

Observations from Use

Installation is pretty straight forward but you should read the directions. The large pin goes in the hole closest to the grip while the short pin (an extra is provided) goes into the hole closest to the magazine well. A short pin is used because you can only access the front pin from one side on the AR-15. To uninstall, you simply tap the front pin all the way in which will allow the trigger guard to drop free. Then you can tap the pin out of the trigger guard so that it can be reused. It is important that you do not use a longer pin in the front hole (the one closest to the mag well). I would rather see something like a small set screw used here but the current set up works.

Manticore Arms SAGE Trigger Guard Colors

From left to right: Black, OD Green, Foliage Green, FDE, Desert Tan

This trigger guard will inevitably be compared to the Magpul MOE Enhanced Trigger Guard and I would say that it compares very well. Both cost about the same (the SAGE will typically cost about $0.25 more). Both come in a variety of colors. Both match the contours of the lower well. The SAGE matches the interior curves of the trigger area of the lower perfectly while the Magpul part matches the angle of the mag well opening.

The Magpul MOE Enhanced Trigger Guard is going to be a better color match for most accessories and it installs a bit more easily. However, SAGE works better at the two reasons you would consider a trigger guard like this in the first place: it allows more room for your gloved finger and it fills the annoying gap in front of the grip more completely. Functionally, I prefer the SAGE.

Wrap Up

There are no surprises here. The SAGE Trigger Guard just works and it works very well.

Check out the SAGE Trigger Guard on Manticore Arms.com.

Review: Vigilant Gear Titanium Entry Card

Vigilant Gear has their now has their own version of the Titanium Entry Card. I was recently given the opportunity to review the ITS Tactical version, so I was glad to have the chance to check out the very different Vigilant Gear version.

Vigilant Gear Bogota Entry Card Package

Overview

The Vigilant Gear Titanium Entry Card is a complete suite of Bogota Rakes, pick, and tensioner all wrapped up in a titanium credit card form factor. Titanium is chosen for its low magnetic signature which makes it more discreet than a steel pick set can be. It also makes the set fairly lightweight and corrosion resistant.

The set includes 6 individual lock bypass tools: 5 picks or rakes and 1 tension wrench.  The picks/rakes include a classic short hook, Bogota Single, Bogota Double, Bogota Triple, and Bogota Sabana. The tension wrench is double ended and is designed to work well for top of keyway tension techniques. A Tyvek sleeve is also included.

Vigilant Gear Bogota Entry Card

Observations from Use

The Vigilant Gear Titanium Entry Card is one of the most complete credit card type pick sets that I have seen. The tool selection is wide and varied. An advanced user should be quite happy with their ability to choose the correct rake for the task at hand. Novice users will still find themselves at home with the Bogota Triple, short hook, and reasonably forgiving tension wrench.

The tension wrench is one of the better ones that I have seen in a set like this. It is cut into the card at an angle to maximize its length. I find that longer tension wrenches tend to be more forgiving. You don’t have to be as heavy handed with them and that is a big plus when you are feeling your way around inside a keyway. You wouldn’t choose this tension wrench for a kit of dedicated professional lock bypass tools but it is quite good considering the form factor.

It is to be expected that the tools in this kit are a bit rough. A standard set of Bogota Rakes exhibit a high level of polish that allows them to move quickly and easily in the keyway. The rakes in the Vigilant Gear Titanium Entry Card can’t be polished to the same extent because of the constraints of the form factor. They have a level of finish that is consistent with their purpose as a last ditch tool. You will find that they do smooth a bit with use so don’t be discouraged if they are somewhat difficult to move in the keyway at first.

Vigilant Gear Bogota Entry Card Sleeve

Wrap Up

It is inevitable that the Vigilant Gear Titanium Entry Card will be compared to the previously reviewed ITS Tactical Titanium Entry Card. Now that I have time with both of them, they are actually quite different. The Vigilant Gear version has a wider variety of more advanced tools while the ITS Tactical version is a bit simpler. The Vigilant Gear version is more a single use item while the ITS Tactical version doubles up on all the tools. Because the Vigilant Gear version is more a of a single use item, they were able to shoehorn in a better tension wrench.

The Vigilant Gear Titanium Entry Card is impressive in its variety and completeness. I like having all of these choices at my fingertips.

Check out the Vigilant Gear Titanium Entry Card at VigilantGear.com. Stay tuned to JTT for a chance to win one!

Vigilant Gear Bogota Entry Card Tools

Review: OC Tactical Hearing Protection Cover

Electronic hearing protection is one of the best investments you can make if you do a lot of training. Nothing beats being able to hear range commands and instruction while simultaneously blocking out loud sounds that can damage your hearing. However, the pads that come on the headbands of many headsets seem to be an afterthought that weren’t designed for the realities of high volume training.

I have a Sordin headset that has a leather (or leather like) cover that gets nasty when exposed to rain or sweat, so I contacted Mike at OC Tactical who is well known for his Hearing Protection Covers.

OC Tactical Hearing Protection Cover

Overview

OC Tactical Hearing Protection Covers look pretty simple but there is a lot going on underneath the nylon. The main structure of the Hearing Protection Covers is made from either coated 330D or 500D nylon. This keeps the weight down while offering a durability upgrade versus the original covers.

The underside of the covers, which is the part of the cover that contacts the wearer’s head, has a Dri-lex pad that is backed with foam. This provides a bit of low-profile padding and moisture wicking to keep the wearer comfortable.

All of the edges are bound with folded nylon material and they come standard with a 5”x1” strip of Velcro on the top for affixing a name tape. However, since OC Tactical is a true custom shop, the Velcro can be left off if you don’t need it.

Installation is easy. You just fold the cover around the headband of your hearing protection and it secures with Velcro. Depending on the model of hearing protection that you are using you may or may not need to remove the original pad. OC Tactical makes covers that are sized to fit over the thin leather covers found on some Sordin models which means you don’t have to cut off the original cover. In fact, OC Tactical has patterns for any model of Sordin headset, many Peltors, and the Howard Light Impact Sport headsets.

OC Tactical Hearing Protection Cover Open

Observations from Use

The first thing that you will notice when using these covers is that they offer an immediate improvement in comfort. A little bit of padding goes a long way here and they handle moisture much better. That goes for moisture from your head in the form of sweat and moisture from weather conditions.

I shoot with a bunch of guys who use Sordin hearing protection so it is really nice to have my headset immediately identifiable by the cover. OC Tactical offers a staggering amount of color and camo pattern options so you shouldn’t have any problem making your headset stand out.

I did find that the cover bunched up a bit when initially installed due to the fact that the cover is a straight piece of material being installed on a curved headband. However, it relaxed and wore in over time. There are still some bunches but they are minimal and I don’t notice them at all when wearing the cover.

OC Tactical Hearing Protection Cover Installation

Wrap Up

I wasn’t at all happy with the leather-like cover on my Sordins. OC Tactical’s Hearing Protection Covers were a great solution for me. I already made the investment in quality hearing protection so it made sense to go all the way. I highly recommend these covers.

Check out the OC Tactical Hearing Protection Covers on OCTactical.com. The site says they are out of stock, but they can be ordered.

Low-Pro Products Light Mounts

A few years ago the light mounts from Danger Close Consulting were really gaining traction in professional circles. Unfortunately, they seemed to disappear as quickly as they came on the scene or at least that is how it appeared to me. What I didn’t know at the time is that the mounts that Danger Close Consulting sold were actually made by AMS Machine and they pre-dated the Danger Close Consulting brand. Thankfully, AMS Machine is now selling these mounts under their own brand – Low-Pro Products.

Low-Pro Products has several light mounts available but this review will deal specifically with 2 of my favorites – the Offset Flashlight Mount Scout and the Short Projection Flashlight Mount.

Low-Pro Products Scout Light Mount

Low-Pro Products G2 Light Mount

Overview

The two light mounts in this review are very different in form since they are designed to mount two very different lights but they have more in common than you can tell at a glance. The Offset Flashlight Mount Scout is designed to mount the Surefire Scout series of lights and the Short Projection Flashlight Mount can mount a variety of lights depending on the size. My sample is designed to mount lights with a 1.032” diameter like the Surefire G2 (there are also models for the Surefire E series and standard 1” lights).

Both are machined from aluminum with a black hard anodize finish. Low-Pro Products mills away as much as of their mounts as is possible without sacrificing strength so you will find large voids in both mounts that reduce weight. Both mounts also hold their respective lights very close to the rail. This is a hallmark of Low-Pro Products… hence the name.

Both mounts are made from a single piece of aluminum. There is no rail grabber that must be tightened to grip the rail. Instead, the mount slides onto the rail and there is a single set screw that pushes the mount away from the rail to keep tension. The screws have a small rubber pad on the base that helps it grip and prevents marring and loosening under recoil. It is a simple and very strong mounting system with an absolute bare minimum of moving parts. Prudent users will apply a dab of thread locker to the screw.

Low-Pro Products Scout Light Mount Top View

Observations from Use

The thing that I most wanted to know is that these were still the same mounts that I have come to know and love. I am happy to say that they are. Those of you who knew and loved the Danger Close Consulting offerings will find that all of the same quality and functionality that loved in the DCC mounts can be found in the Low-Pro Products mounts.

These mounts are extremely lightweight yet still very durable. Their lightweight may take you off guard at first. In the case of the Short Projection Flashlight Mount, it is actually lighter in weight than common plastic light mounts on the market. The Short Projection Flashlight Mount weights only 1 oz and the Offset Flashlight Mount Scout weighs only .8 oz.

Low-Pro Products G2 Light Mount with Vert Grip

Both mounts hold the lights very close to the rail. They are more low profile than most. In fact, the hold the light so close to the rail that the light may actually bump up against some rail covers. I had to remove a few sections of rail cover behind the Short Projection Flashlight Mount to leave room for the tail cap. The tailcap that I use is slightly oversized and would not install with the rail covers in place.

These mounts fit well on the Ultimak AK rails. They are low enough on the top of the rail to stay out of your sight picture and place the light well for support side thumb activation.

Low-Pro Products G2 Light Mount Top View

Wrap Up

These are great mounts and I really glad to see them out there on the market again, readily available. They are light weight, durable, and very low profile. Their design is strong and simple… elegant even.

Check out the Low-Pro Products and AMS Machine website. Their products are currently available at Grey Group Training.

Review: GWACS Armory CAV-15 MKII Polymer AR-15 Lower Receiver

The CAV-15 Lower (and eventually the CAV-15 MKII) from Cavalry Arms was the first commercially successful polymer lower receiver for the AR-15. It was either the best thing since sliced bread or a complete waste of time depending on who you ask. I have always wanted to try one but I feared that I had missed my chance when Cavalry Arms was shut down a few years ago. Thankfully, I got a second chance when GWACS Armory purchased the CAV-15 MKII molds and IP in order to start producing these lowers again.

GWACS Armory CAV15 MKII

Overview

The GWACS Armory CAV-15 MKII lowers are nearly identical to the original ones manufactured by Cavalry Arms. These lowers are made completely from polymer and have an integrated grip and A1 length stock. They utilize a standard AR-15 lower parts kit and any standard upper receiver group. Nearly every part will interchange except the CAV-15 MKII uses proprietary take down pins. The GWACS Armory version features a new, thin, hard anodized butt-plate that makes it slightly shorter than the original.

The original CAV-15 MKII was popular for 2 main reasons – light weight and wide variety of available colors. Its polymer construction make it lighter in weight than a standard receiver with an A1 stock by about a pound and lighter than most standard receivers with a collapsible stock by a smaller margin (.2 to .4 pounds depending on the stock). The polymer construction also allows these receivers to be made in just about any color and a wide variety of them are already available.

GWACS Armory CAV15 MKII Ejection Port Side

GWACS Armory CAV15 MKII Trigger Guard

Observations from Use

When I first found out that I would be testing the CAV-15 MKII, I spent some time figuring out how to best configure an upper to utilize in testing. This lower has an integrated fixed stock and light weight which I felt made it well suited to hunting and competition applications. So, with the help of Brownells.com, I reconfigured an upper, that I had already established as reliable, into a relatively light weight and practical rifle competition or hunting AR-15 upper to use on the CAV-15 MKII.

This lower really is light weight. I put it in the hands of other shooters during my testing and many of them commented on the weight as soon as it was in their hands. Its light weight is immediately noticeable if you spend time around AR-15s. If I was building an AR that I expected to be lugging around creation in search of game along with everything I needed for several days in the bush, I would I definitely give this lower a look so I could save some weight.

The integrated fixed stock looks pretty standard but it is kind of interesting internally. There is no aluminum receiver extension. The buffer rides directly on internal plastic rails. These rails create a lot of void space inside the buffer tube that allows for debris to stay clear of the buffer which, theoretically at least, could enhance reliability. This system has been tested past 50,000 rounds and it holds up fine.

GWACS Armory CAV15 MKII Buffer Tube

GWACS Armory CAV15 MKII Guts

I should also mention that the buffer tube is sized to use carbine buffers and springs even though, externally, it looks like it would use a rifle buffer and spring. This seems like a small thing but it is actually a great feature when you consider the variety of weights that carbine buffers are available in. This makes it possible to tune your buffer weight more easily based on variables like ammo choice, gas system length, etc.

The grip is comfortable. It has some nice contours and a subtle thumb shelf. GWACS Armory gave the polymer a light pebbled texture that is actually quite grippy. If you need more grip (I didn’t) you can add a Hogue Hand-All for GLOCK, a bit of bicycle tire inner-tube, or you can stipple it.

While this lower wouldn’t be my first choice if I ever expected to use it while wearing armor, I was somewhat surprised to find that it actually worked pretty well even with the fixed stock. I normally like to shorten my stock a bit when using a plate carrier but this slightly shorter than A1 stock was fine for me as long as I was wearing a carrier that would allow me to get the stock into my shoulder pocket instead of putting it onto the armor. The aggressively textured aluminum butt plate helped quite a bit. It absolutely locks the stock in place. There will be no slipping with this butt plate.

GWACS Armory CAV15 MKII Buttplate

Many of the features that cause people to automatically dismiss the CAV-15 MKII are the same features that make it a viable (maybe the only viable) polymer lower on the market. The integrated stock and grip make it difficult to customize and a collapsible stock is very nice to have if you wear armor. However, if these items weren’t integrated, this lower would be prone to the same breakage that is seen in other polymer lowers that exhibit where the grip screw and receiver extensions screw into the lower. The CAV-15 MKII has a reputation for being very strong. At least one was run over by a truck accidentally and it continued to function.

The magazine well is nicely flared and allowed every magazine type (multiple generations of PMAGS, Tango Down ARC mags, and GI mags) that I tried to drop free easily. As nice as the mag well is, it does seem like there is enough meat there that it could be flared even more aggressively.

My sample does have some fit and finish issues. There are several places where there is quite a bit of flashing left behind from the molding process including the bottom of the trigger guard, bottom of the grip, and the bottom of the magazine well. So far, these have only been cosmetic issues however, it would be nice to see at least the mag well cleaned up to a great extent to reduce the potential for magazines to hang up during a reload. You can tell that great care is taken to remove the flashing in more visible areas but the less visible parts need some work.

GWACS Armory CAV15 MKII Magazine Well

GWACS Armory CAV15 MKII Take-Down Pins

The take down pins that came with my sample have very poor finish. One of them appeared like it may have been used before. The black finish is worn off and the pins are left showing quite a bit of bare metal now. Most of this finish wear comes from the fact that they are very difficult to inset and remove on my sample lower. I couldn’t do them by hand at first and while they have gotten a bit looser over time, they are still quite tight and a tool is often needed to drift out the rear pin.

NOTE: GWACS Armory has addressed the issue with the finish on the pins. All lowers now ship with improved pins that do not have these finish issues.

The CAV-15 MKII as delivered gives you very few good sling mounting options if you plan on using a modern 2 point sling or single point sling. If you aren’t handy, your best bet is to get in touch with Trooper-Gear who makes a sling specific to this lower that works well. If you are handy, you can easily modify the lower with an Impact Weapons Components QD Micro MOUNT-N-SLOT (remember to use the discount code “triggerjerk” for 5% off) to serve as a rear sing mounting point. There are also a variety of other home brew solutions out there that are very easy to execute.

GWACS Armory CAV15 MKII QD Micro MNS

The IWC QD Micro MOUNT-N-SLOT is an excellent addition to this stock.

It would be interesting to see GWACS Armory introduce CAV-15 MKIII lower that featured improved sling mounting options, a shorter butt stock, a more vertical grip angle, and a more aggressively flared magazine well. Something like that could weigh even less and better support a more modern stance or shooters of smaller stature.

Wrap up

I guess you could say that the CAV-15 MKII surprised me. I originally thought that the fixed stock would limit its usefulness for certain applications, but I found that it performed admirably even when wearing armor. There are some nagging fit and finish issues and the take down pins on my example are extremely tight, but the lower still performed. I honestly didn’t think that I would like it as much as I do.

Those who write the CAV-15 MKII off without exploring applications that these lowers excel at are missing out. This shouldn’t be the first choice for a SWAT cop, but if you need a reasonably priced AR-15 lower that will keep weight to a minimum, these are definitely worth a look.

Check out GWACSArmory.com. If you enter the discount code “JERKINGTHETRIGGER” at check out, you will receive a 5% discount. GWACS Armory can usually ship a lower to you within about 4 days of receiving your FFL info even in today’s high demand market!

Disclosure: This lower was provided, free of charge, to me for review by GWACS Armory.

Special thanks to Brownells.com for providing some of the items used to complete this review.

GWACS Armory CAV15 MKII Roll Pin

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