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Troy Nav Stock

By on February 2, 2011 in Guns, Tactical Gear

It has become very common for those who carry both an AR-15 and a GPS to attach the GPS to the stock of the AR-15. This is usually done in a field improvised way or by using a wrist strap that is also designed to attach the GPS to an AR-15 stock. The most common GPS device used for this application the Garmin Foretrex 401. It’s compact size make it ideal.

Troy has a clever solution that does away with the field improvisation. The Troy Nav Stock actually has a Foretrex 401 embedded into the stock. It is mounted upside down so that the user needs only to glance downward and roll the rifle slightly to view the display or operate the GPS. The Foretrex utilizes a patch antenna that will function very well even when the unit is upside down in this manner.

This is specialized gear that not everyone needs but it definitely a clever solution for those who do need it.

Image is property of Troy Industries.

Next Generation Arms X7 – Gray is the New Black

By on February 1, 2011 in Guns

Next Generation Arms (NGA) is about to unleash a new AR-15 pattern rifle called the X7. The X7 is what an AR-15 would look like if every part was scrutinized, modernized, and optimized for function. It combines innovative features and premium parts to make a rifle so unique that can’t even be called by the name “black rifle” – it’s The Gray Rifle.

The list of features on this rifle is impressive and it seems that nearly every part has been tweaked in some way to increase function. The hand guards are slim to allow a large variety of grips. The 6 and 9 o’clock rails on the hand guards have been set back slightly from the end of the hand guard to allow for an extended support arm grip. The magazine well is cavernous to speed reloads and give more space for the fingers when clearing double feeds. There are integral QD sling mounts in the optimal locations – on the fore end near the receiver and on the center of the receiver end plate. Ceramic coatings are used through out for extreme corrosion resistance and easier maintenance. The barrels are made by Noveske and are guaranteed to hold 1 MOA. I could go on but I think you are starting to get the picture.

It should be no surprise that a rifle this well appointed, this well thought out, and this innovative is the result of input from some of the best trigger pullers in the industry. NGA had independent advisers like Mike Pannone, Ed Santos, John Farnam, and others helping them throughout the process of bringing this rifle to market.

The X7 won’t be cheap but it is definitely going to be impressive.

You can read more about the X7 on the NGA website.

Image provided by Next Generation Arms.

Convertible Slings from Tactical Link

By on January 31, 2011 in Guns, Tactical Gear

Jerking the Trigger first showed you the 2 to 1 Point Triglide (AKA The Triglide) from Impact Weapons Components about 1 month ago. Since that time The Triglide has made some serious waves in the industry.

Tactical Link is the first company to unveil new slings designed specifically to leverage the unique functionality of The Triglide. They have introduced two slings: the Convertible Sling and the Convertible Bungee Sling. Tactical Link is already well known for their excellent sling mounts that utilize push button QD sling swivels. So, incorporating The Triglide into slings made specifically for use with their sling mounts is a perfect fit.

Both slings allow the user to quickly and easily transition between 1 point and 2 point configuration. If you need extra maneuverability you can configure the sling as a 1 point. As soon as the need arises for more stability, you can transition on the fly to a 2 point configuration. These slings give you the best of all worlds. You can tailor these slings to your specific requirements at a specific moment.

You can read more about these slings and other great sling products at Tactical Link’s website.

Jute Twine – Para-Cord’s Old School, All Natural Cousin

By on January 29, 2011 in Survival, Tactical Handyman

Cordage is an important part of any Tactical Handyman’s EDC (every day carry) or survival kit. The cordage of choice in these types of kits is often para-cord due to its compact size, decent tensile strength, multiple uses, and relatively low price. I carry para-cord whenever I am in the woods just because it has come in handy so many times, but, recently, I have found myself using jute twine just as often.

Jute twine can be used for many of the same survival applications as para-cord.

Jute Twine is useful for many of the same tasks that you would typically use para-cord like lashing branches when building shelter, or stringing up a tarp or poncho. In fact, I have found that it stretches less than para-cord under load. I actually prefer it for keeping the lines on a tarp shelter taught even though I might have to double up the lines to keep them from breaking on windy days. It weighs less than para-cord and costs less too.

Jute Twine’s versatility comes from the fact that is an excellent fire making aid. It can be shredded easily with a knife or sharp rock. Once the jute twine is sufficiently frayed it can be lightly folded into a bundle that will readily catch fire when it catches a spark. You can also add small wood chips, twigs, fatwood, pine resin, shredded bark, or other tinder to the  jute twine to make a tinder bundle. A few feet of jute twine and a ferro rod make an excellent fire starting combination.

Cut a short section of jute twine.

Shred the twine by mincing, scraping, and slicing with your knife.

Roll the shredded twine into a bundle. You can add other tinder to the bundle if you wish. This bundle will readily catch a spark like those from a ferro rod.

Sadly, jute twine is not perfect. It is not as strong as para-cord and it can begin to rot in just a few days, especially if it gets wet. The ends can also fray very easily and can not be melted to control the fraying like para-card. However, given its versatility as both cordage and a very efficient fire making aid, there is definitely room for several feet of jute twine in anyone’s kit.

Review: NukoTools GBi

By on January 28, 2011 in Reviews

The NukoTools GBi (or Grin and Beat It) is a discreet impact tool that will make you smile right before it bloodies your face. At first glance, it appears to be a cute,  stylized skull but further investigation reveals that it is actually an effective set of 2 finger “knuckles”.

The GBi is hand made from G10 which is an extremely durable, non-metallic material. It is very compact at about 2 1/4″ in diameter and 3/8″ thick. The edges of the GBi that will be in contact with the user’s hands are carefully radiused for comfort while the impact area of the tool is kept sharp to maximize discomfort. The surface of the GBi is hand ground in a shallow random pattern that gives an attractive textured look and serves to create sharp random edges on the teeth. The texture is very subtle, very clever, and very effective.

The GBi is easy and intuitive to use. You simply slip two fingers through the “eyes” of the skull so that the teeth are facing out from your hand. The index and middle fingers or the middle and ring fingers both work well. Once the GBi is slipped into place the top of the skull should press into the palm to support the 2 fingers at impact. It can be used to punch, scrape, gouge, and even deliver pain by grabbing and squeezing the wrist, arm, etc. of the person you are defending yourself from.

Unfortunately, the GBi doesn’t really fit my hand well. Even though the finger holes are the same size as the excellent NukoTools Punch Ring, the extra thickness of the GBi makes it very difficult to put on and take off my fingers. The size of the GBi will not accommodate larger finger holes so oblong finger holes might be the only way to give more clearance for users with larger hands. Oval or oblong finger holes are a good idea on knuckle type impact tools anyway. Also, the GBi is just a little too small to fully reach my palm. This leaves the finger unsupported at impact. Norman at NukoTools told me that he may bring a slightly larger version of the GBi to market. I hope that he does because that would make this tool even better.

NukoTools has more information about the GBi and all their other discreet impact tools on their blog.

If you want to learn more about the effective use of tools like this, I highly recommend reading and attending training from Modern Combative Systems.

Familiarize yourself with the legality of such tools in your area before purchasing.

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