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Review: IWC SCAR Charger

By on April 24, 2013 in Guns

Impact Weapons Components is releasing their latest product today – the SCAR Charger. I have had the chance to spend some time with a couple of the prototypes of the new charging handle and I was able to put it in the hands of other shooters to get their thoughts as well. So far, it has been universally well received.

IWC SCAR Charging Handle with OEM

Overview

The IWC SCAR Charger is a drop-in, all metal replacement for the standard SCAR 16 and 17 charging handle. It is machined from 4140 steel and Melonite treated for durability and corrosion resistance. This charging handle is designed to offer increased surface area for operating the charging handle and increased clearance of optics and other rail mounted accessories while weighing within 1/10th of an ounce of the original part so cyclic rate is not affected. The charging handle can be mounted so that it either curves up or down (down works best to clear optic mounts).

IWC SCAR Charging Handle

Observations from Use

The main thing that I wanted to see in testing was how well the IWC SCAR Charger cleared optics. The charging handle is located just below the top rail on a SCAR. This proximity to the rail can put your knuckles in peril if you aren’t careful, especially if the charging handle is on the same side of the SCAR as your optic mount’s throw levers. IWC designed their charging handle so that it curves away from the rail (or up toward it if you choose to install it that way). I can confirm that it does provide an extra measure of clearance between the throw lever and top rail mounted optic.

IWC SCAR Charging Handle Optic Clearance

The SCAR Charger seems like a pretty large target when you are using it, especially if you are used to the original SCAR charging handle. The original isn’t bad. The IWC version just offers more surface area.

I like that the SCAR Charger is subtly shaped to lock onto your hand when you are operating it. The both sides of the charging handle have a slight curve that matches the profiles of your fingers or side of your palm. This curved or hooked shape reduces the likelihood that your hand will slip off the end of the charging handle during operation.

IWC SCAR Charging Handle Top View

Everyone that tried the new charging handle was pleased with the additional optic clearance and surface area, but one shooter was especially pleased with the projected price which is $34.95 (before your discount as a JTT reader). He had already spent considerably more for a different charging handle to address some optic clearance issues.

Wrap Up

The IWC SCAR Charger does what it set out to do. It makes the charging handle a larger, easier to grasp target and it gives additional clearance for items mounted on the top rail. It manages to do both of those things at a price that is quite a bit lower than its competition.

The SCAR Charger is available at ImpactWeaponsComponents.com. Remember to use the discount code “triggerjerk” for 5% off your purchase.

IWC SCAR Charging Handle Mounted Up

New Images of the Emerson Knives Hummingbird TSA Compliant Knife

By on April 23, 2013 in EDC, Knives

Emerson released a few new images of the latest Hummingbird prototypes. The Hummingbird is a stout little knife that is purpose built to fit the new TSA regulations around air travel carry-on knives. The prototypes show a variety of pretty wild handle scales. I definitely like the idea of the knife actually stating the measurements and that it is TSA compliant on the scale but it remains to be seen whether this will be an option on the production version. Hopefully, they will also be available with the black G-10 scales that we typically associate with Emerson Knives.

Check out EmersonKnives.com.

Note: There is late news that the restriction of carry-on knives on planes will stay in place, at least temporarily, which may negate the need for the Hummingbird.

Emerson Hummingbird New Images Emerson Hummingbird New Images 2

Ka-Bar TDI Master Key

By on April 23, 2013 in EDC, Preparedness, Survival

Ka-Bar’s collaboration with TDI has been a successful one. Until now, most of their offerings haven’t strayed far from the original Ka-Bar TDI fixed blade. However, the Master Key is definitely a departure from their past offerings.

ka-bar-tdi-master-key-black-2484-large

The Master Key is part knife, part pry bar, part nail puller, and part improvised face rearranging device. It is made from .25″ thick 1095 Cro-Van which is a steel that Ka-Bar is able to get the most out of in terms of toughness. Its design is not all that dissimilar from any flat pry bar on the market except for the cutting/chopping edge on one side. It also comes with very functional looking sheath.

This looks like a great addition to a BOB or vehicle emergency kit. Check out the Ka-Bar TDI Master Key at BladeHQ.

BCI Defense

By on April 23, 2013 in Guns

BCI Defense Rollmark

If you read here often, you know that I encourage people to buy products from small businesses when possible. Buying from local small businesses is even better. I try to do this whenever I can and it has served me well over the years. That is why I am thrilled to see a start-up AR-15 manufacturer in my general neck of the woods.

BCI Defense makes lower receivers for AR-15s and they plan to eventually expand into other firearm related products. They have been profiled a couple of times in their local news – most recently for making their first delivery to Midwest Gun Exchange.

Check out BCIDefense.com and the BCI Defense Facebook Page.

BCI Defense Lower

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