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Review: Echo Nine Three Dual Mode Sling (DMS)

By on June 26, 2012 in Guns, Tactical Gear

Slings can be very simple. Some do little more than tie your rifle to your body. Slings can also be very complex with various sliders, clips, buckles, tabs, adjustments, and more. The Echo Nine Three Dual Mode Sling (DMS) is neither very simple nor very complex. It splits the difference by offering fairly basic sling functionality with a dash of modern features.

Overview

The Echo Nine Three DMS is a sling that designed to work with the Echo Nine Three Sling Plates and the standard front sling attachment of your typical AKM. It attaches via HK style snap hooks. It also offers the ability to configure the sling as a 2 point or single point sling on the fly via a piece of custom hardware that acts as a hub and allows you to attach the front snap hook to the sling itself.

The DMS is a bit different in concept than most 2 to 1 point convertible slings. Most of them are built to be 2-point slings that can function as a 1-point when needed. The DMS is designed to be a 1-point that can function as a 2-point. The 1-point functionality is the emphasis of the DMS. As a result, the 2-point sling functionality is pretty basic.

This custom piece of hardware is the key to the dual mode functionality of the DMS.

Observations from Use

The hardware makes the DMS sling work. The HK style snap hooks work very well with the AK front sling mount and the Echo Nine Three Sling Plates. They also work very well with the custom hub hardware that Echo Nine Three uses to give the DMS its 2 to 1 point functionality.

Converting the DMS to 1-point configuration is as easy as attaching the snap hook to the hub.

The DMS sits very comfortably in both configurations but really shines as a 1-point sling. It is successful as a 1 point sling thanks to how well the snap hook interfaces with the custom hub piece. The hub has straight sections instead of being rounded. These straight sections seem to encourage everything to lay flat and hold the 3 intersecting sections of the sling at comfortable angles.

In 2-point configuration, the DMS is basically just a strap. It lacks any type of quick adjustment that would allow transitions. This is due to the 1-point first design of the DMS. 2-point configuration basically just serves as a more stable carry option. If the user thinks they will need to do a lot of transitioning from shoulder to shoulder, they should put the DMS in 1-point mode and transition to their hearts content.

The DMS is designed to work with the standard AK sling mounting point at the front…

and with an Echo Nine Three Sling Plates as the rear mounting point (though it will work with any application that will accept snap hooks).

The webbing that I used has somewhat harsh edges. I carried an AK using the sling for full day of training and several other shorter sessions without issue but some users may find the edges of the webbing to be harsh against their skin. On the plus side, the webbing is fairly slick which allows it to slide easily as you manipulate your AK.

There were no durability issues at all with the DMS except for the paint wearing off the snap hooks which is to be expected. The construction quality is excellent with heavy stitching and box stitches locking everything in place. It is hard to imagine that this sling won’t last a long, long time.

I did find that the tri-glide that is used to adjust sling length can slip a bit as you are donning the sling – especially if the sling is in 2-point configuration. I am not sure if this is happens due to the tri-glide or because the webbing is fairly slick. It doesn’t slip while the sling is in use and the webbing is pulled tight. It really only happens when you are donning the sling. It happened enough to be mildly annoying. Thankfully, the tri-glide slides well enough that it is easy to adjust even when you are wearing the sling (if you lift the AK slightly to give the sling some slack).

Echo Nine Three DMS in 2-point configuration.

Wrap Up

The best thing about the DMS is its simplicity. Even though it has the modern 2 to 1 point convertible feature, it is still very simple in its individual configurations. The custom hub hardware works very well with the snap hooks and the DMS itself works very well with the Echo Nine Three Sling Plates. If you are primarily a 2-point sling user, then the DMS may not be for you. If you are primarily a 1-point sling user but are looking for something with a more stable carry option, then this will be right up your alley.

Check out the DMS on Echo93.com.

Solar Tactical MFER AK47 Magazine Funnel

By on June 15, 2012 in Guns, Tactical Gear

It takes time and practice to develop a fairly smooth, reliable, and repeatable AK-47 reload. If you try to go faster than your training will allow, it is very easy to end up fighting your way through a stinker of a reload. That is why the new MFER AK47 Magazine Funnel from Solar Tactical has piqued my interest.

I know almost nothing about it other than its main purpose is to act as a flared magazine well or mag funnel not unlike what you might find on a 1911 or Glock. The flat, non-beveled magazine well of the AK-47 can be easy to miss when you are really hustling and even a small miss can result in the magazine entering the well slightly canted which causes binding. The MFER appears as it could make reloads more forgiving.

The MFER AK47 Magazine Funnel is made from polymer and has stainless steel hardware. It attached to your AK with modifications to the rifle itself. It will fit most AK-47s and AKMs, including Saigas. It will not fit standard Yugoslavian AKs.

Check out the MFER AK47 Magazine Funnel on SolarTactical.com.

BCS AK47 Chest Rig

By on May 24, 2012 in Tactical Gear

The Beez Combat Systems (BCS) AK47 Chest Rig has now been around for about a year. In that time, it has seen use in Africa, Iraq, Afghanistan, and other countries around the world.

There are a few key features that seem to be the reason for the popularity of this rig. First, it is very low profile – low profile enough to wear over a plate carrier without excess bulk. Second, the buyer can choose whether they would like a 3, 4, 5, 6, or even 7 magazine configuration. Third, the pull forward design of the harness makes adjusting the rig easy, even while you are wearing it.

BCS continues to listen to end user feedback to refine this design. Check their post about 1 year with the AK47 Chest Rig on the BCS Blog.

Review: UW Gear Bandoleer

By on April 30, 2012 in Guns, Tactical Gear

I have had the pleasure of trying out the UW Gear Bandoleer for both the AR and AK for the last several months. In that time, I have grown pretty fond of them. They have really impressed me with their low profile and versatility beyond just their intended purpose. These are more than just grab ‘n’ go rigs.

UW Gear Bandoleers for the AR (left) and AK (right)

Overview

The UW Gear Bandoleer is a pretty straight forward design. It is basically just 3 magazine pouches with a shoulder strap and a waist strap. The magazine pouches are secured in the pouches with UW Gear’s ground breaking flap closures (see the UW Gear Minuteman MKIII review for more details on the flaps). The pouches also feature UW Gear’s clever sewn in drainage holes.

The body of the Bandoleer is constructed on 1000D nylon. The shoulder strap and waist strap are constructed from comfortable 1.5″ webbing. All of the usual details that I have come to expect from UW Gear are present like box stitching wherever the webbing meets the bandoleer, rounded corners, straight and even stitching, and quality hardware throughout.

The UW Gear Bandoleer uses the same excellent pouches as the Minuteman MKII chest rig.

There is enough room to easily clear Magpuls no matter how you have them attached.

Intended Role

The UW Gear Bandoleer is designed to function as a grab ‘n’ go or quick reaction rig. It is quicker to don than a chest rig and offers more concealability. This rig is designed for when the fight comes to you and you just don’t have a lot of time to react. It is the type of rig that you might want to store right next to the rifle that you use to protect your home and property. It is perfect for use with a truck or tractor gun.

I know there are people out there who are bound to say something like extra magazines are overkill in these types of scenarios. However, it should be remembered that carrying extra magazines is not just about carrying extra ammo. Extra magazines are an essential part of clearing malfunctions. If at all possible, you should always avoid reinserting the same magazine that you just malfunctioned – hence the need for spares.

Back of the UW Gear Bandoleer

In Use

Much of the versatility of the UW Gear Bandoleer comes from the different ways that it can be worn. I can quickly throw the shoulder strap on and then go, only fastening the waist strap if there is time. It can be worn low on the support side so that it doesn’t interfere with a side arm worn on your weapon side. It can also be pulled around toward the wearer’s front where it serves as a sort of chest rig.

When pushed to the side or even slightly behind the hip, the Bandoleer conceals easily with a light jacket or even a button up shirt. This concealability really makes the UW Gear more than just a grab ‘n’ go rig for me. I can see a lot of value in having a way to very discreetly and securely carry rifle magazines in certain situations that an armed citizen may encounter.

Retrieving a magazine from the UW Gear Bandoleer will likely feel like second nature to those of you who are used to belt rigs. The Bandoleer rides low and is positioned much like pouches on a belt rig (though slightly higher). This is an extremely fast place to draw from even with the full coverage pouches.

The waist strap can be wrapped around the body of the pouch for more streamlined storage so you have less straps to deal with when donning the Bandoleer. It unravels easily with just a tug when you are ready to fasten it around your waist.

The waist strap can be wrapped when storing the UW Gear Bandoleer.

Crossing the straps like this at the rear will keep them in place but still allow you to free them with just a tug.

UW Gear places a side release buckle on both straps. This makes it very easy to doff the rig, even in an emergency.

It can be difficult to remove a magazine from the rig if the waist strap is not buckled. The entire rig seems to lift as you try to lift a single mag. This is more pronounced with curved AK mags and less of an issue with the straighter AR mags. It can be overcome with a small shake or by sharply jerking the magazines out of the pouch. The moral of the story is that you should be fastening the waist belt if you have the time because this will cure the issue.

You can cinch the UW Gear Bandoleer down pretty tight and it will resist shaking while moving. However, it will never be quite as locked down as a chest rig. This isn’t a dig on the UW Gear Bandoleer but rather an observation of all bandoleers. They are not meant to take the place of a dedicated fighting rig.

UW Gear continues to impress.

Conclusion

While the UW Gear Bandoleer is great as a grab ‘n’ go rig, its concealability and variety of discreet ways that it can be worn make it more than just an emergency rig. I continue to be impressed with the quality and thoughtful designs that UW Gear offers.

Check out the UW Gear Bandoleer for the AK-47 (and AK-74) and the AR-15/M-16/M4.

Note: The Bandoleers shown are early models. Current production models have 2 SRBs instead of 4 and use 1.5″ webbing for both straps.

Review: Echo93 V1, V2, and V3 Sling Plates

By on April 2, 2012 in Guns, Reviews, Tactical Gear

Mounting a modern 2 point or single point sling to an AK pattern rifle can be a bit of a pain. This is especially true for the rear sling attachment point if you don’t want to settle for the one that is located on the rear of the buttstock. Thankfully, there are innovative companies out there like Echo93 who offer solutions like their Sling Plates. The Echo93 Sling Plates take the pain out of mounting a sling to your AK.

I recently received the Echo93 V1, V2, and V3 Sling Plates for testing. I used each of the three in a mix of multiple range trips and dry fire practice. In that time, I learned a lot about each individual version. In this review, I will talk generally about all of the Echo93 Sling Plates and then focus down onto the 3 specific plates that I had to try.

Overview

The Echo93 Sling Plates are extremely simple and I mean that as high praise. They are simply powder coated steel plates that mount under your pistol grip and provide a loop to which you can attach a sling. The steel that Echo93 uses is nearly 1/8″ thick. There are no moving parts – just a single piece of steel. You aren’t going to be able to break or wear out these sling mounts.

Installation is extremely easy. You simply remove your grip. Then you place the Echo93 Sling Plate on your receiver so that the grip screw can pass through the square hole in the sling plate and so that the sling loop is on the desired side of the AK (all 3 of the tested Sling Plates are ambidextrous). Then reinstall the grip. The sling plate has two tabs that slip onto either side of the trigger guard to prevent it from spinning. If you know how to use a screwdriver, you can install an Echo93 Sling Plate.

Echo93 V1, V2, and V3 Sling Plates

Observations from Use

The Echo93 Sling Plates are sold as a single point sling mount but they work extremely well as the rear attachment point for 2 point slings as well. I like to mount the rear sling point of my 2 point slings as close to the rear of the receiver as possible. This gives a greater range of motion than is possible when mounting the sling near the rear of the buttstock. This is especially important if you, like me, drop the butt of the gun under your arm and bring the magazine well into your “work space” on reloads. Mounting the sling in this position also allows your to transition from shoulder to shoulder without dropping an arm out of the sling when quick adjust slings like the Blue Force Gear VCAS or VTAC.

You will definitely want to give careful thought to your AK variant, your grip type, your stock configuration, and your hand shape when choosing which sling plate to order. Obviously, if your AK precludes the use of a certain version of the Echo93 Sling Plate, you will want to avoid that particular version. Grips that drive the hand very high and into the receiver will effect the feel of some of the plates (more on that later). Some of the Echo93 Sling Plates will not work with folding stocks so pay attention if you own a folding stocked AK. Users with thick hands will want to pay careful attention as your hand may come into contact with the sling plate and this may or may not be an issue for you (more on this later).

The powder coating holds up fairly well but the inside corners of the sling loops will loose their coating quickly from wear. This is a purely cosmetic issue and it does not alter the function of the sling plate in any way. It is simply unavoidable when you have metal hardware rubbing on the loop.

I tested these sling plates with HK style snap hooks and ITW Mash Hooks. Both worked very well. Any type of metal hook type hardware should work well with Echo93 Sling Plates.

The Echo93 Sling Plates are very, very thick (nearly 1/8″ thick). This makes them very rugged but I can’t help but wonder if they couldn’t be made thinner. I suspect they could be quite a bit thinner and still be more rugged than they need to be while saving some weight and cost. As they are now, you will never be able to break or bend one in the normal course of use.

In all my testing, I was unable to get any of the plates to spin. The simple tabs that are cut into the plate to lock it on the trigger guard work perfectly. There is also enough wiggle room to allow for quite a bit of variation between AKs.

It seems like there is some effort to break the corners a bit so that they aren’t very sharp. This is a nice thing considering that the top of your hand may be contacting this sling plate frequently while firing.

V1

The V1 is one of my favorites but there are going to be some people who just don’t care for it. The V1 allows the sling to slip from one side to the other as you transition from shoulder to shoulder with your AK. It accomplishes this by placing the loop on the center line of the AK, just above your hand.

If you are using a standard AK grip, your hand might not contact the V1 but if you are using a grip that forces your hand high like the US PALM AKBG then you will definitely contact the sling plate and sling hook. It isn’t really the sling plate that you will notice, it is the sling hook that is attaching your sling to the plate that will rub your hand. This has been a non-issue for me through 2 live fire sessions and several dry fire sessions but if you have meaty hands, you will want to take note.

V1 with Sling Attached

You can see how the V1 and the sling hardware can contact the shooter's hand. This was a non-issue for me.

V2

The V2 was my least favorite. It lacks the side to side versatility of the V1 though it still allows easy transitions and it was the most noticeable during live fire. It can also preclude the use of side folding stocks (and all under-folding stocks) depending on which side the stock folds to and whether the shooter is left or right handed.

The sling loop on the V2 is pushed out to the side of the receiver, directly over your thumb knuckle (right handed shooter). This can cause the sling hook to rub and bump your thumb during manipulations. This effect is magnified by using a grip that drives your hand higher than the standard AK grip. I don’t have huge hands but I do have thick thumbs.

V2 with sling

The V2 caused the sling hardware to rub my thumb. It didn't really work for me.

V3

The V3 is a sort of variation on the V2. It also pushes the loop out onto the side of the receiver but it also turns it up away from your hand which made it great for me. It also allows quick transitions in spite of the higher sling positioning. However, it also precludes the use of some side folding stocks (and all under-folding stocks) depending on which side the stock folds to and whether the shooter is left or right handed.

This is easily the least noticeable and therefore the most comfortable of the 3 sling plates that I tried. If you have thick hands and a fixed stock AK (or side folder that folds to the opposite side as the sling loop) you will love this sling mount.

The V3 moves the loop up and away from the shooter's hand making it very comfortable.

V3 with sling

Conclusion

I love these mounts. They place my sling exactly where I need it for how I work with an AK. There are really no other mounts out there that do this (except for the knock-offs, so buyer beware). Some of the variants are not going to work for some people or some rifles, but there are now 7 different version of the Echo93 Sling Plates so every shooter should be able to find something that works for them.

You can get your own Echo93 Sling Plate at Brownells or direct from Echo93.com.

Disclosure: These Sling Plates were provided to me free of charge by Echo93.

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