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Review: DuckBill Tactical Grip for the AR-15

By on January 20, 2011 in Guns, Reviews

The A2 grip that comes standard with most AR-15s is functional but has some well known shortcomings. These shortcomings are the reason that it is usually replaced and discarded not long after someone purchases an AR-15. The DuckBill Tactical Grip takes the best of the A2 grip and adds a few improvements that address the shortcomings of the A2 grip.

The most glaring problem with the A2 grip is that is leaves a gap between the trigger guard retention “ears”. This gap wears on the knuckle of your middle finger and by the end of a day on the range, it can often leave a blister. The DuckBill Tactical Grip has a rounded projection that extends to cover this gap (I assume this is the “duckbill” that gives this grip its name). It allows you to drive your hand high into the grip without tearing your knuckle apart on the trigger guard gap. It is a very simple solution that is very comfortable.

The standard A2 grip has a rest or bump on the front strap that sits between the middle finger and ring finger of the user. This finger shelf does nothing but get in the way for me. It prevents the hand from riding as high as possible on the grip. The DuckBill Tactical Grip does away with it.

Some users find the A2 grip to be too short. They end up gripping the A2 with their little finger wrapped over the flare at the bottom of the grip. The DuckBill Tactical Grip adds some extra length which should correct the length issues for most users. It is long enough that I have about a 1/4″ of usable space sticking out below my hand so those with larger hands should have plenty of surface to grip.

Like the A2 grip, the DuckBill Tactical grip has checkering on the sides and vertical grooves on the back to enhance grip. However, the DuckBill also has a very fine pebbled texture applied to the front strap. This is one of my favorite things about the grip. The pebbling adds a surprising amount of extra grip without being hard on the hands at all.

If you are a user who appreciates the form factor and shorter trigger reach of the A1 or A2 grip, you will love this grip. I really like the simplicity of it. It is very comfortable to use. I can drive my hand very high on it and the extra grip texture is very well executed.

The DuckBill Tactical Grip is available in black and OD green. Check it out the DuckBill Tactical Grip website.

These grips were provided free of charge for review.

Hornaday 7.62×39 123 Grain SST

By on January 19, 2011 in Guns

Finding quality self defense ammo for an AK-47 can be difficult. The vast majority of the 7.62×39 ammunition available to shooters in the USA is imported ammo of questionable quality. Thankfully, Hornady is offering a steel cased 123 grain 7.62×39 load that features their excellent SST bullet.

The SST bullet utilized by this load offers more than adequate penetration and expands readily thanks to its polymer tip. The round is probably capable of better accuracy than most AK-47 rifles so accuracy will not be a concern. This load has a published velocity of 2350 FPS which is pretty close to the standard Russian M43 load. Everything points to this being a very effective choice for those who are looking for defensive ammo for their AK.

Check out the Hornaday 7.62×39 123 Grain SST on the Hornaday website.

Ruger 10/22 MOLLE Magazine Pouch from Retro-Tactical

By on January 18, 2011 in Tactical Gear

I have been looking for something like this Ruger 10/22 MOLLE Magazine Pouch from Retro-Tactical for years. I often lash my 10/22 to my backpack when I go camping or hiking. It would be very convenient to be able to carry a couple of spare magazines for the 10/22 in an easy to access pouch.

In the past, I used a belt mounted speed-loader pouch to carry the magazines but carrying magazines on my belt interferes with the waist belt of a backpack. Now, with this pouch from Retro-Tactical, users will have the option of mounting the pouch to the MOLLE waist belt or on other surface of the pack with MOLLE webbing.

Unique pouches like this are one of the biggest reasons I like to patronize custom gear makers. A 10-22 magazine pouch might be too much of a niche product for a large gear maker to undertake, but a more nimble, smaller custom maker can serve these niche markets. There is also tremendous value in being able to communicate directly with the person making your gear. Before you buy from the big guy, consider purchasing from one of the smaller and tremendously talented custom gear makers.

Check out the 10/22 Magazine pouch at Retro-Tactical.com.

Customize a Benchmade Griptilian

By on January 17, 2011 in Knives

The Benchmade Griptilian is a modern classic. Its rock solid lock, hand filling ergonomics, light weight, durability, and reasonable price have made it a very popular choice among many knife users.

The Griptilian has been offered in many configurations over the years but now Benchmade is letting you decide exactly how you want your Griptilian made. Benchmade’s new “Customize a Griptilian” page lets you choose everything from scale color to blade steel. You can even add custom laser engraved text and images.

I would like to see more knife manufacturers offer this type of service.

Customize your own Griptilian at the Benchmade website.

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