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Review: Kel-tec KSG

By on October 27, 2011 in Guns, Reviews

The following review and pictures of the KSG shotgun were contributed by Greg Carlson of Carlson Comps.

It all started at the Kel-Tec booth at Shot Show 2011. It was love at first sight. There it was, the KSG, surrounded by a sea of eager shooters of all kinds. Finally after a tedious 10 minute wait, I got my turn to hold and examine it,and, during some discussion, I offered to design a muzzle device for the KSG. Months later, I finally got my test unit X01XX and, with prototype muzzle device in hand, I hit the range with the coveted KSG from Kel-Tec.

The KSG out of the box.

The anticipation for the KSG has built to a fever pitch and the bull pup did not disappoint. I found the shot gun to be extremely maneuverable and easy to manipulate. As with any new firearm, the ability to properly operate the platform is up to the operator to learn, and the ease at which this can be accomplished reflects on the firearm. The KSG is like any other 12 ga. – hard hitting and meant for a specific purpose. However, unlike other shotguns, the bull pup configuration is a very compact package that features dual magazine tubes with a combined capacity of 14+1.

I would like to focus specifically on a couple of key factors in this review. One is the use of a vertical grip and the other is the selection of an optic. The installation of a vertical grip on the fore end seems natural along with the installation of some type of optic on the top rail.

The KSG configured with an Aimpoint H1, Tango Down Stubby Vert Grip, and single point sling.

Vertical Grip Considerations

Let’s discuss the vertical grip option. Carbine shooters will have some adjustments to make when they transition to the KSG with a vertical grip. The KSG requires forward pressure on the fore end at all times while discharging the firearm. This is the opposite of how many shooters train to shoot a carbine with the vertical grip being used to pull the carbine into the shoulder. If the shooter does not keep forward pressure on the KSG’s vertical grip, it can inadvertently cause the shooter to short stroke the gun, causing a round to only partially eject or partially chamber.

I recommend the tried and true push and pull method when learning how to shoot any standard pump shot gun. With this method the KSG becomes increasingly user friendly. The shooter must work out, through training, the quirkiness of pushing forward on the vertical grip and pulling back into your shoulder with the pistol grip. This will greatly enhance the manipulation and controllability of the shot gun. It also forces your arms down, another plus of the grip placement. The purpose and grip discipline on the KSG is quite different than with a carbine. This will absolutely need to be addressed when training with the KSG.

The KSG, and all pump actions, work well with a push/pull technique. Note the short overall length.

Sighting Considerations

I would also like to discuss to the optic and mount for testing. I used an Aimpoint H1 with American Defense low QD mount. Mounts that are designed for use on an AR-15 flat top are too tall for use on the KSG. Cheek weld improves greatly when a lower mount is used. Cheek placement is an important factor when shooting the shotgun. As a rule of thumb, one’s optics prove more useful when mounted as close to the barrel as possible. Simply having the optics mounted slightly lower will increase your mount on the gun and improve your overall ability to operate the weapon.

In the KSG’s current configuration, I found no real use for iron sights. The top rail is so short that sight radius is very limited. The weight and bulk of the iron sights is not necessary on a shotgun when using an Aimpoint. Rather than mounting iron sights, shooters would be better served with a vertical grip, compact weapon light, single point sling, and an optic like an Aimpoint in just about any situation.

The Carlson Comps Enforcer looks right at home on the KSG.

The Carlson Comps Enforcer Muzzle Device for the KSG

The Carlson Comps Enforcer Muzzle Device was made exclusively for the KSG in conjunction with Kel-Tec. My Carlson Comps Enforcer Muzzle Device for the KSG was designed for breaching. It is specifically made with the intent of close quarters work. It features a four slot design and the business end incorporates contoured edges designed to offer a solid hold on the door, yet still allow the operator to shift or reposition the muzzle slightly as needed. The Enforcer is designed to be snag free. The Enforcer has also has proven to reduce recoil and minimize the flash signature of most 12ga. ammo that was tested. The Enforcer will be available through Brownells just prior to the release of retail sale of the KSG.

The KSG comes with a threaded muzzle and cap. The Enforcer can be installed once the cap is removed.

Overall Impressions

Overall, the operation, function, and manipulation was smooth and sensible. I used a variety of ammunition during testing and the weapon performed exceptionally well. Grouping was consistent at close ranges as expected. I tested the KSG out to 25 yards which is within the range of most CQB applications. The following ammunition was used during testing:

  • Winchester 12ga 2 ¾” #7 shot Lot#25X3TJ25
  • Remington 12ga.2 ¾” #8 OOBK Lot#L21SA524
  • Remington 12ga. 2 ¾” #9 OOBK Lot#L26TA525
  • Federal 12ga. 2 ¾” 1OZ. Rifled Slug Lot#117H631
  • Brenneke 12ga.2 ¾” 1OZ. Rifled Slug Lot#36309013

Greg Carlson shows the business end of the KSG.

Operating the magazine selector efficiently took some getting used to, but once I developed a rhythm it became second nature. I found the action to be short, smooth and positive. The KSG balanced well, and I found loading and unloading to be convenient and similar to that of other pump shotguns. The trigger was crisp and better than average for a shotgun. The safety was easy to read and to operate. Recoil was a little tough but tolerable. The KSG employs an 18.5 cylinder bore barrel, which is externally threaded and sits atop twin 7 round capacity magazine tubes. The KSG has an overall length of 26.1” and weighs 6.9 pounds (empty). I would also like to point out that the KSG is rated for steel shot and rifled slugs and that it can accept 2 ¾” or 3” shells. Breakdown and reassembly of the KSG was simple and easy with the removal of two push pins. The KSG fits the intended niche and satisfies every need I would have in owning a shot gun in this configuration.

I would like to thank Brownells for their continued support in providing accessories for testing.

Check out the KSG on Kel-Tec’s website.

– Greg Carlson USDOJ Special Operations/Breacher (Ret.), Owner Carlson Comps

 

Review: Benchmade Safety Cutters

By on October 25, 2011 in EDC, Knives, Reviews, Survival, Tactical Gear

Hopefully, most of you reading this blog right now are in the habit of carrying a first aid kit when you are shooting and, hopefully, you have at least some training on its use. If you do carry a first aid kit with some regularity, you are likely familiar with the ubiquitous medical shears that are a part of so many kits. These shears are, with few exceptions, cheaply made but passable for clearing obstructions like clothing and gear from a wound site. Those shears have been used for years, but, as with most pieces of gear, eventually someone gives us something better. The someone is Benchmade and the something is their Safety Cutters.

The 8 Hook sheath is on the left and the 7 Hook sheath is on the right.

Removing the Safety Cutter from the sheath is easy. Just lift the flap and pull out the cutter.

Some Background

To really appreciate the Benchmade Safety Hooks, you have to first understand what they replace (or at least supplement). Shears, medical shears, EMT shears, or whatever else they might be called are both a blessing and curse. On one hand, their design allows them to cut through some incredibly durable materials. This is often demonstrated by cutting a penny in half. However, their cheap construction can render them useless in a matter of minutes. They often dull very quickly – even after cutting just one pair of pants. They can flex and bend. They aren’t comfortable to use for strenuous work and can fatigue your hand very quickly. They can also take quite a long time to cut through some material or to make long cuts like in the case of a pant leg. In spite of all of that, you will still find a pair in any serious first aid kit because they work, at least for a while.

A Better Way

Benchmade Safety Hooks represent a better way to do many of the tasks that you would traditionally complete with shears. They are easier to carry, easier to use, faster, and they last nearly indefinitely.

I own several of the 7 Hook/Safety Cutters and 1 of the 8 Hook/Safety Cutters. They weigh about the same as a set of shears but are much more compact and easy to carry. Benchmade Safety Hooks come with a sheath and in the case of the 7 and 8 Hooks, they come with a MOLLE compatible sheath. The sheath is simple and effective. It retains the Safety Cutter with a hook and loop secured flap and a secondary elastic band. In the event that the flap catches on something and is pulled loose, the elastic band can retain prevent the Safety Hook from being lost. The sheaths even come with the MALICE clip that is necessary to mount it.

The sheath mounts easily with a provided MALICE clip.

Even if the flap is accidentally released, the elastic loop serves as secondary retention.

Using a Benchmade Safety Hook is easy. “Grip it and rip it” has never been a more appropriate phrase. As soon as you have one in hand, you know how to use it. You hold the grip area in your hand and hook whatever you wish to cut with the hooked end of the cutter. Then it is simply a matter of pulling the hook through the material. The hooks are so sharp, that this takes very little strength and effort.

I stated above that the Safety Cutters are faster than shears and you may be wondering how much faster. I compared a brand new set of shears that had never cut anything with a brand new 7 Hook/Safety Cutter by using each to cut from cuff to waist on an old pair of BDU pants. The shears did the job in a respectable 46 seconds while the 7 Hook zipped through in less than 4 seconds. Not only was it faster, but it was considerably easier. 4 seconds is a lot faster than 46 seconds.

The 7 Hook made it through these BDU pants 42 seconds faster than brand new shears.

Benchmade has tested their Safety Hooks for hundreds of cuts and while they do eventually get harder to cut with due to dulling, they will last many more cuts than a pair of shears. The 440C Safety Cutters are hardened to 58-60 Rockwell and the edges are refined to a high polish. It is amazing how long the edge lasts. If it does start to dull, you can simply return it to Benchmade with a small fee to cover return shipping and they will bring it back to life for you. You can also maintain it yourself if you are handy with strop compound. I use compound loaded into a thin leather strap to keep the hooks sharp. Harsher abrasives like ceramics or diamonds should not be used.

What Will They Cut?

I have used the Safety Hooks to cut all of the mundane stuff like tubular webbing, first aid tape, pant legs, para-cord, and heavier rope. However, what is most impressive is how they cut more difficult items like multiple layers of 1000D nylon in a chest rig and even a leather work boot.

This chest rig opened with an 8 Hook like it had a zipper. The straps were also cut easily so the rig would fall away completely.

If you need to access a chest wound, the Safety Hook can be used to strip away clothing and even gear. It zipped through no less than 3 layers of 1000D nylon and a layer of MOLLE webbing in one pull when I tested it on an old chest rig that I had laying around. Searching for buckles is wasted time when you have a tool like the Benchmade Safety Cutters.

Even tough leather work boots are no match for the 7 Hook.

If you need to clear a boot, don’t waste time trying to untie the laces, loosen the boot, and then remove it. Simply pull the cutter straight down from ankle to sole and then forward toward the toe and the boot falls away (you don’t need to cut both sides). It only takes a few seconds and it is amazingly easy to pull the hook through multiple layers of leather and fabric.

Even thicker items like climbing rope can be cut with these Safety Cutters. You simply start the cut with a small rocking motion to get into the inner layers and then pull. It’s easy.

Conclusion

Both the 7 Hook and 8 Hook Safety Cutters are excellent. The 7 Hook is more compact and its foam rubber grip is more comfortable and easier to use with gloves. I think it is the better all around choice, but some users may prefer the more nimble feeling and slightly longer reach of the 8 Hook. There is also a newer version of the 8 Hook that integrates a carbide glass breaker which really adds to an already excellent tool.

These Benchmade Safety Cutters outclass every similar product that I have ever tried. They represent a huge improvement over shears for first aid tasks. They are so reasonably priced (especially considering the sheath and MALICE clip) that it makes sense to own at least two of them so you can be sure to have one even if the other is sent out for sharpening. They work so well and are so easy to carry that there is almost no excuse not to add one to your kit today. I consider them among my most important pieces of first aid gear.

You can check out the 7 Hook and the 8 Hook along with all of the other Safety Cutter models on Benchmade’s website.

Review: Fiocchi 7.62×39 FMJ

By on October 17, 2011 in Guns, Reviews, Tactics and Training

To my knowledge, none of my AKs have ever digested a single piece of brass cased ammo… until recently. The folks at BulkAmmo.com offered to send me some Fiocchi 7.62×39 123 gr. FMJ for testing and I jumped at the chance.

This Fiocchi 7.62×39 123 gr. FMJ features boxer primed brass cases. The boxes are marked “Made in Hungary.” I was given 2 boxes that contained 20 rounds each which isn’t a lot of ammo for a test but I was able to form some immediate opinions.

My first impression was that the ammo looked much, much nicer than the typical AK fodder that I shoot. The cartridges were clean and seemed to be consistent in overall length (not always the case with some 7.62×39).

When shooting, my impression was that it seemed a bit hotter (sharper recoil) than some of the steel cased ammo that I typically shoot. This was also seen when I checked the targets since the Fiocchi ammo’s point of impact (POI) was higher than that of the typical steel cased ammo that I shoot. I am actually very pleased that this is the case since much of the steel cased ammo on the market is under-loaded. There were no signs of over pressure.

The ammo was also noticeably more accurate than what I typically shoot. In the target picture above, there are two groups. The photo above shows two distinct groups. The lower 8 shots were shot relatively quickly from a rest at 50 yards. Accuracy was good save for the two pulled shots at 3 and 4 o’clock. I made some adjustments, slowed down, and fired a final 3 shot group (I generally prefer 5, or better yet, 10 shot groups, but I was out of ammo). Those are the 3 shots that you see around the bull. The rifle used was a converted Saiga with an Aimpoint H1 mounted on an Ultimak rail. This rifle shoots well with good ammo and the Fiocchi proved to be good ammo.

It looks nice and it shoots well, but I was probably most struck by how clean it was. This ammo is not nearly as smoky as much of the steel cased 7.62×39 that is on the market. It also doesn’t smell as bad. Steel cased ammo often smells terrible, almost like cat urine, when it is being shot but the Fiocchi smells normal. With the lack of smoke and smell, it should come as no surprise that this ammo shot much cleaner than steel cased ammo. There was very little clean up to be done after 40 rounds of the Fiocchi versus 40 rounds of steel cased ammo – granted, it was just 40 rounds but the difference was noticeable.

40 rounds is a small sample size with which to form an opinion on the quality of ammo, but the hallmarks of quality are there. This Fiocchi 7.62×39 ammo is clean and consistent externally, it features boxer primed brass cases, it shoots accurately, and doesn’t leave a mess. It is definitely a very different and much better experience than what I am used to with the typical steel cased ammo on the market.

You can check out this Fiocchi 7.62×39 and other 7.62×39 Ammo at BulkAmmo.com.

Disclosure: This ammo was sent to me by BulkAmmo.com, free of charge, for review.

Review: SEREPICK Executive Kit

By on October 10, 2011 in EDC, Reviews, Survival

The Bogota Entry Tools and Bogota Titan Entry Tools are not only some of my favorite pieces of gear that I have ever reviewed but they are also the most popular pieces of gear that I have ever reviewed in terms of page loads. Once you actually use them, it is easy to see why they are so popular. They work extremely well. These Bogota Entry Tools allow someone with no lock-picking experience to bypass locks with just a little practice.

The new SEREPICK Executive Kit pairs the Bogota Entry Tools with 2 handcuff shims, a diamond wire blade, and a svelte case to create a very attractive, very simple, and very effective set of E&E tools. All of these tools are extremely simple to use and very effective. In this review we will take a look at each of the components individually.

Bogota Titan Entry Tools

The Executive Kit comes with the Bogota Titan Entry Tools. The “Titan” in the name indicates that these are crafted from titanium. Since I have already reviewed these before, I will just hit some of the high points. Please refer to the full reviews of the Bogota Entry Tools and Bogota Titan Entry Tools for more detail.

The Bogota Titan Entry Tools are well suited to this set due to their titanium construction. Titanium is a fitting material for a set that is designed to be so elegant. Titanium is non-ferrous which makes these tools very difficult to detect on their own (the handcuff shims and diamond wire blade are ferrous so they may be easier to detect). The extreme corrosion resistance of Ti makes it well suited to a kit that will be carried often and used little. The Bogota Titan Entry Tools are the heart of this kit.

Handcuff Shims

If you have never used handcuff shims, you will be in for a wake up call. They can be used to open nearly any set of handcuffs unless they are double locked. They are extremely effective and extremely easy to use. In fact, they are easy enough to use that, with just a little practice, they can be used behind your back.

The shims are made from spring steel so, while they are extremely small and thin, they are fairly tough. I used the same shim to open cuffs over and over again with no deformation or damage to the shim at all. The spring steel also provides the right amount of rigidity and flex that is needed to force and finesse the shim into the ratchet mechanism of the cuffs. Other handcuff shims that I have used have not held up nearly as well as these from SEREPICK.

To use the handcuff shims, you must first know which side of the cuffs has the ratchet mechanism. This can be determined by touch or visually by locating the key hole or ratchet teeth on the swing arm. The ratchet mechanism will be on the same side as these items. Then it is a matter of simply inserting the shim in between the swing arm and the ratchet mechanism to disengage the teeth. Once the shim is in place, the cuffs will fall open.

Diamond Wire Blade

The 70mm diamond wire blade is a very interesting and versatile addition to the kit. It is probably the easiest piece of the kit to use but it also requires the most patience. It is just what it sounds like – a piece of fairly rigid wire that is impregnated with diamond dust. The result is a tiny blade that can be used to saw through anything that is less hard than diamond, which is just about everything.

I used the diamond for a number of tasks to get a feel for its capabilities. I used it to do the initial opening of a an AK-47 rear sight before switching to wider file to finish the job. It worked quite well for this, much like the diamond jewelers file that I typically use for the task. I also decided to cut through a hardened steel 1/8″ hex wrench with a timer running. It took about 25 minutes to get about halfway through and just under 50 minutes to get to the point that it was compromised enough to bend and break.

That is a long time, but this is a last ditch item. It is actually quite impressive that a short piece of wire and some diamond dust can cut through hardened steel. The applications for this are nearly endless.

SEREPICK Executive Case

The case itself is really impressive. It really sets this kit apart as a classy item that is worthy of its “executive” moniker.

It is made from bicast leather and features 3 cells – one cell for each tool. The tools are retained by a flap that tucks into a band to close. The flap is tapered to make it easy to tuck into the band.

Conclusion

The SEREPICK Executive Kit can get you out of ugly situations and looks good in the process. It builds on the capabilities of the Bogota Entry Toolset with two additional tools that are equally as effective and simple to use. It is so slim, small, light, and cool that it would be at home in anyone’s briefcase, EDC bag, or E&E kit.

Check out the SEREPICK Executive Kit on the SEREPICK website.

Disclosure: The item was provided to me by SEREPICK, free of charge, for review.

Review: Advanced Outfitters MASHed Toe Tag

By on October 3, 2011 in Reviews, Tactical Gear

Nametapes are a really handy way to mark an item as your own. Nametapes with hook and loop backing are even handier since they can be easily be placed or removed. However, they require that the item that you wish to mark has a loop material panel to affix the nametape… unless you have a Mashed Toe Tag from Advanced Outfitters (AO).

The original AO Toe Tag was a simple strip of webbing with hook material on it and a paracord loop on one end. The paracord allowed you to attach the Toe Tag in a number of different ways. Not long ago, I was looking for something similar to a Toe Tag but with an attachment method that was easier to use than paracord. Kevin at AO suggested an ITW MASH hook and the MASHed Toe Tag was born.

I sat down with my calculator and determined that the MASHed Toe Tag has 4,004,658 different uses and I may have missed a few. Seriously though, it is very useful. You could use it to mark your range bag when you are in a carbine class, to mark your luggage, or as a keychain. In fact, it would turn your keys into a pretty useful flail if you use it as a keychain. I have used mine on the bag that I take to work everyday and as a way to mark an ammo can so that I can recognize my gear at a glance.

The MASHed Toe Tag gets even more useful with the addition of a reflective nametape. 1800NameTape actually makes nametapes that are embroidered on 3M reflective material. If you combine a reflective nametape with a MASHed Toe Tag, you now have a really great way to find your gear, even in the dark.

So, while 4,004,658 uses may be an exaggeration, you will probably find at least a handful of uses for the MASHed Toe Tag. It is one of those inexpensive, simple, handy gadgets that you will wonder how you lived without for all these years.

You can contact Advanced Outfitters through their website, on Twitter, or on the Usual Suspect Network.

Stay tuned for more AO goodies. I am currently working on a long term review of the Khyber 1.5 Belt.

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