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Aimpoint Patrol Rifle Optic (PRO)

By on February 11, 2011 in Guns

Aimpoint introduced a new, more budget friendly, optic called the Patrol Rifle Optic (PRO) at the 2011 SHOT Show. The optic and its price ($440 MSRP) are geared toward the police market but it is already for sale to anyone (not just police).

The PRO seems to sit squarely between the now discontinued CompM2 and the CompM3. It has the 2 MOA red dot of the CompM3 but the 3 year battery life is a bit lower than the CompM3’s 50,000 hour battery life. 3 years on one 1/3N lithium battery is no slouch. It also features night vision compatibility, hard anodizing, and the extra waterproofing that is typical of Aimpoint’s military/police offerings.

This would be an attractive optic at this price point if all that you received in the box was the Aimpoint PRO itself, but Aimpoint takes it a step further by including their QRP2 mount. The QRP2 can be used on an AR-15/AR-10 flat top with the included spacer or you can remove the spacer to low mount the sight on something like a shotgun. The QRP2 isn’t my favorite mount on the market but it very functional and will serve to get the user up and running right away.

Aimpoint also includes some very slick lens covers. The rear cover has a transparent window that allows the sight to be used in an emergency even if both lens covers are closed. Since there is no window in the front lens cover, the sight functions like the old occluded eye sights when both covers are closed. It would be nice to see these become standard on all Aimpoint offerings.

The Aimpoint PRO is a really excellent value. I have already seen street prices of around $400 which is amazing considering everything that comes with the optic.

Granite Tactical Gear Modular Pockets

By on February 10, 2011 in Tactical Gear

Granite Gear, maker of excellent outdoor gear like backpacks, has quietly been making some very innovative tactical gear for the last couple of years. Some of the newest products in the their tactical line are the Modular Pockets (MP’s).

These are not unlike any other MOLLE utility pouch on the market except for two key differences. They have a rigid foam reinforced back sheet that helps the pouch keep its shape and makes for a rigid attachment to the host pack (or chest rig, belt rig, etc.). They also have compression straps to help prevent noise and shifting. The rigid backing helps prevent the host pack from bunching when the compression straps on the MP are cinched tight. I have never seen a MOLLE pouch with compression straps and when I saw these MP’s I was immediately struck by what a simple, functional, and worthwhile addition they could be to a pouch.

If you have 15 minutes to fill and you want to drool a bit, check out the Granite Tactical Gear 2011 catalog for more info on their entire line of gear.

Review: Grip Force Adapter for Gen4 Glocks

By on February 9, 2011 in Guns, Reviews

I recently had the pleasure of reviewing the Grip Force Adapter for Generation 1, 2, and 3 Glocks. I was extremely impressed so I jumped at the chance to try the Generation 4 model when Grip Force Products offered to send me one.

Gen 4 Glock without the Grip Force Adapter

The Gen123 and Gen4 models of the Grip Force Adapter appear to be very similar at first glance and, for the most part, they are very similar. However, the 4th Generation Glock frame is smaller from frontstrap to backstrap. This smaller grip really lets the Gen4 Grip Force Adapter shine.

The Gen4 Grip Force Adapter displays all the benefits of the Gen123 model that I reviewed earlier – a straighter backstrap and an extended beaver tail to prevent slide bite. However, the slightly shorter hump on the backstrap of the Gen4 Glock and the slightly smaller grip really seem to take the Grip Force Adapter to the next level. The change in the way the Glock feels and handles seems to be even more dramatic with the Gen4 grip adapter. It just seems to respond even better to the straightening of the backstrap.

Just as with the Gen123 model, the Gen4 model had a negligible effect on trigger reach. In fact, there is even less potential for issues with the trigger reach since the Gen4 Glock’s grip starts out smaller. It was a complete non-issue for me. In fact, it is hard to tell any difference in how my finger reaches the trigger. The feel of the straightened backstrap is far more noticeable than any change in how I reach the trigger.

Gen 4 Glock with the Grip Force Adapter

Gen 2 Glock with the Grip Force Adapter (Gen123)

I was impressed with the Grip Force Adapter on Generation 2 and 3 Glocks. I am even more impressed with the Grip Force Adapter on Generation 4 Glocks. The Gen4 grip just seems to respond better to the addition of the Grip Force Adapter. The Gen4 Glock and the Grip Force Adapter are a match made in heaven.

You can read more about the Grip Force Adapters on the Grip Force Products website. Also be sure to reference Jerking the Trigger’s full review of the Gen123 Grip Force Adapter for more information and photos.

Magpul Rifle Length MOE Hand Guards – Now Shipping!

By on February 8, 2011 in Guns, Tactical Gear

The the long awaited rifle length MOE Hand Guards from Magpul are now shipping. These were originally announced back at the 201o SHOT Show. There have been pictures all over the web of these hand guards being used on “dissipator” type carbines and they certainly seem to be well suited to that type of build.

They should be on dealer’s shelves shortly. You can read more on Magpul’s website.

Review: Diamondback Tactical MOLLE CR123 Battery Holder

By on February 7, 2011 in Flashlights, Reviews, Tactical Gear

Diamondback Tactical makes a slick little battery holder that solves a problem for me. I have had a CR123 battery become dented and unusable while knocking around loose in a pocket of my backpack. I have also read accounts of how CR123 batteries can heat up and vent when loose items in a pocket are able to short the battery. The Diamondback Tactical 123A Battery Holder (MOLLE) solves these problems by providing a dedicated holder specifically for CR123 batteries that keeps them protected, separate from other small items, and  easily accessible.

The pouch is simple. It is two elastic loops covered by an upper and lower flap. There are two snaps that allow the holder to attach to a single column of MOLLE webbing. It has a very small footprint so you can find room for one on any chest rig, belt rig, or back pack. The snaps allow these to be attached and detached from MOLLE webbing in just seconds.

These battery holders are a great way to keep batteries around on your training gear. You never know when you will need a fresh set of batteries to keep you on the line in a low light course. I also use them on my hiking packs so I can keep spare batteries around for my headlamp or flashlight. They are simple and effective.

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