Tag Archives | AR-15

Review: UW Gear Bandoleer

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.

ALG Defense AR-15 Triggers

I love a light crisp trigger as much as the next guy, but the truth is that many match triggers just aren’t suitable for firearms that may be used in defense of one’s life. When it comes to general utility or defensive AR-15s, I am advocate of using a mil-spec trigger group since many match triggers are far too fragile to counted on. Unfortunately, purchasing a mil-spec trigger group is a bit like playing the lottery. You might hit it big with a reasonably crisp 6 pound trigger pull or your might loose the farm with a crunchy 10 pound trigger pull. Thankfully, you don’t have to play the trigger lottery anymore.

ALG Defense is a new company that is starting to change what people expect from mil-spec triggers. They are a spin off from Geissele Automatics, so you know they know a thing or two about triggers. ALG Defense benefits from Geissele’s know-how and experience but they are separate companies with separate product lines. Geissele Automatics focuses on bomb-proof match style triggers and ALG Defense’s first two offerings, the ACT and QMS Triggers, are more along the lines of improved mil-spec triggers.

ALG Defense QMS

ALG Defense starts with quality trigger parts from a quality supplier and then tunes them to be smoother and crisper than your typical mil-spec trigger group. The end result is a trigger that offers a smooth, crisp trigger pull that weighs in at around 6 pounds (not lower than the mil-spec 5.5 pounds). This is all accomplished without changing the geometry of the trigger’s engagement surfaces (fragile geometry is part of what makes some match triggers unsuitable for defensive use) and with mil-spec trigger springs which are included along with improved trigger pins. So, you get a very clean and usable trigger without having to sacrifice the durability of a mil-spec trigger group.

The ACT (ALG Combat Trigger) is the flagship model. It is not only honed, but also HardLubed for increased surface hardness, wear resistance, and lubricity. It has a distinctive steel gray appearance as a result of the HardLubing but this can be painted to dull the appearance if desired.

The QMS (Quality Mil-Spec) offers incredible value. It starts with the same premium parts and is then tuned for consistent performance.

I plan on spending some quality time with both triggers, but initially these triggers seem like just the ticket for shooters who can’t or won’t use dedicated match triggers in their ARs. It is really nice to have a mil-spec trigger group on the market that offers some performance and consistency over the typical trigger group that comes in your lower parts kit. Stay tuned to JTT for a full review of both triggers.

Check out ALGDefense.com for more information. You can purchase your own ALG Defense trigger at Brownells.

UW Gear Mag Pouches

Now you can add the same great retention, speedy access, and reliable simplicity of the Minuteman MKII Chest Rig pouches to any MOLLE platform. UW Gear has adapted their great Minuteman MKII Chest Rig pouch design to stand alone magazine pouches. The new pouches have all of the same innovative features of the chest rig pouches including the flap closure design and sewn in drainage hole.

Left to right: AR-15, AK-74, AK-47

The new UW Gear Mag Pouches are available in a single magazine and double magazine configuration and they are available for the AK-47, AK-74, and AR-15. They can be mounted to any MOLLE platform via Tactical Tailor MALICE clips or similar mounting devices. These should be especially well suited to plate carriers and armor.

Left to right: AR-15, AK-74, AK-47

You can check out my previous review of the Minuteman MKII Chest Rig for more details on how these pouches work and what makes them unique. Head over to UWGearInc.com to order your own UW Gear Mag Pouches.

AR-15 on a Budget: Where to Spend and Where to Save Without Sacrificing Function

You’ve decided to purchase an AR-15 for self-defense and high round count training courses. That is just the first of many decisions that confront the new AR owner. These decisions can be nearly overwhelming, especially if you are on a budget. So how do you get a top quality carbine that you can count on to protect your life and to stand up to high round count training without breaking the bank? It’s all about knowing where to spend more to get quality and functionality, and where to save money while still maintaining quality and functionality.

The AR Itself

This is one place to make sure that you spend enough money to get something that is going to work for you. I always recommend BCM, Daniel Defense, Colt, and lately I have been impressed with Spike’s Tactical as a high value brand. All of these brands do the little things that tend to add up to a quality carbine.

Buying a complete carbine from one of the manufacturers above is probably the most surefire path to reliability but purchasing a complete upper to drop on to a lower that you built yourself can save you some cash. If you do, go the complete upper route, buy one from the manufacturers listed above and build your lower with the best quality lower parts kit that you can find.

Most of what makes an AR reliable happens in the upper. Make sure you buy a quality upper and bolt carrier group. I generally recommend a 16” carbine with mid-length gas system and a flat top for its all-around utility, longer hand guard to support various shooting styles, and shootability. When all is said and done, expect to have at least $700-1000 just in the bare bones rifle.

Sights

One of the easiest ways to save money is to stick with the standard front sight base as your front sight and avoid the temptation to add an extended hand guard with folding front sight. The standard front sight base can also be a reliability and durability increasing choice if it is properly pinned with taper pins. The taper pins are an extremely durable way of attaching your front sight and serve to pull the front sight base down tight to the barrel to form a tight gas seal.

You can save some money at the rear sight as well. If you are going to mount a red dot type optic like an Aimpoint, consider using a fixed rear sight. Many people get worked up about having folding sights thinking that they won’t be able to see anything past the sights but that generally isn’t the case (especially if your red dot is set up for lower 1/3 co-witness). Fixed sights like those from Troy or LaRue can be a high quality, rugged alternative to a folding sight.

If you actually need a folding rear sight, check out the Magpul MBUS. This folding plastic rear back-up sight is an excellent value and costs about half of what other folding sights cost. Yes, it’s plastic but it is also a back-up sight (as in not your primary sighting option).

Trigger

If you are building a home defense carbine that will see some high round count training, just stick with the standard fire control group that came with your quality rifle or lower parts kit. The trigger will likely not be as crisp and light as a match trigger but it will be usable, have durable sear geometry and reliable primer ignition, and have a strong reset. Match triggers are nice to have but are unnecessary on a non-precision rifle, especially if you are just going to mount an Aimpoint on your carbine. This is a good place to save money.

Stock

There are a ton of really slick stocks on the market that can be really tempting. You may want to consider if you actually need an aftermarket stock or if the standard stock is good enough (it probably is). You can save a ton of money by sticking with whatever stock your carbine comes with. If you can’t articulate why a new aftermarket stock will work significantly better for you, don’t buy it (this applies to just about anything you are considering buying for your rifle).

It is a good idea to spend some money on a real mil-spec receiver extension (buffer tube) if  your carbine didn’t come with one (it will if you stick to the brands listed above). Most “mil-spec” receiver extensions on the market are just mil-spec in dimensions, not materials. So, be careful when you buy. A soft aluminum non mil-spec receiver extension can cause headaches down the road.

Hand Guards

Hand guards can be one of the most expensive upgrades to your rifle which means they can also be a place to save a ton of cash. It is important to remember that hand guards aren’t just for holding – they are a means to mount a sling, a light, and potentially something like a hand stop or vertical grip. I consider a sling and a light to be absolutely necessary on this type of carbine.

Free float hand guards don’t have to cost a ton of money but there are cheaper options than even the cheapest free float hand guard. Weigh your needs carefully. If this was a precision rifle then it would make sense to drop some money here but we are talking about a defensive type carbine so you may not actually need to free float the barrel. You can always add one later if you find that the lack of one is holding you back (unlikely).

The cheapest, but still very functional, set up is to use standard hand guards. You can attach your light to the front sight base using something like the light mounts from Midwest Indsutries and attach your sling near the delta ring with a Blue Force Gear UWL or IWC QD Micro Sling MOUNT-N-SLOT.

My favorite budget set up is to use Magpul MOE hand guards with IWC products to mount my sling and light. This set up will also allow you to add a vertical grip like the Magpul MOE MVG or handstop like the IWC Weapon Control MOUNT-N-SLOT. I have actually come to prefer a set up like this over most railed hand guards. It is relatively inexpensive, light weight, very durable, and there is no need for extras like rail covers.

Muzzle Device

This is a great place to save money. Most uppers are going to come with a muzzle device installed and typically that is going to be an A2 flash suppressor. The lowly little A2 doesn’t get a lot of respect but it is actually a pretty decent muzzle device. It suppresses flash reasonably well (especially if you are using good ammo), it isn’t terribly loud, and it reduces muzzle climb a little bit.  The close bottom on the A2 also keeps swirling dust to a minimum when you are shooting from a prone position. The A2 is quite compact compared to most muzzle devices on the market. If you are on a budget, keep the A2. It isn’t exotic but it works.

Grip

If you can make the standard A2 grip work for you, then keep it. There are few things that you can do to enhance the standard grip without spending any money. Many shooters find that simple grinding off the finger groove is a great improvement. You can also heat stipple the grip if you need more traction.

If you need something a little more hand filling, it is hard to beat the Magpul MOE line of grips. The MOE line probably has something that will work for you at a reasonable price.

Magazines

The AR-15 magazine has come a long way over the years. Magazines like the Magpul P-MAG and Tango Down ARC magazine work tremendously well and don’t cost that much. The new Troy Battle Mags cost even less and are getting good press. However, those old aluminum GI mags are still the value leader. You can buy aluminum mags with upgraded followers and springs for $8-10 each. Polymer seems to be the way of the future for AR mags, but the aluminum mags work better than ever with their new advanced springs and followers.

Optics

There really isn’t much money to be saved here. A poor quality optic will ruin your day just as fast as a poor quality carbine. I prefer Aimpoints over anything else for this type of carbine. You can shop the secondary market to save some cash or go with one of the lower priced models. You will not regret spending some money on your optic. Don’t skimp on the mount either.

Lights

There is quite a range of quality and price when it comes to lights. I have been very impressed with the Streamlight PolyTac LED line of lights for use as budget friendly carbine lights. You will probably spend more on your light mount than you will on the PolyTac. The Surefire G2 and G2X lights are other favorite lights that don’t break the bank. All of the lights mentioned happen to be fairly light weight as well.

Don’t Buy What You Don’t Know

I don’t want to fool you into thinking that building a carbine the way that I have outlined is inexpensive. It is a significant investment. However, there are specific areas of the carbine where you can spend less and still have full, or even enhanced, function. There are also places where you can save money by not spending anything at all.

Here is a rule of thumb: If you can’t explain a part’s purpose or why it will help you significantly better, don’t buy it. Beyond that, if you haven’t shot your rifle in its current configuration to learn what works and what needs improvement, don’t buy any thing new until you have. Not buying things that you don’t need is the best way to save money when it comes to AR building.

Build Your Dream AR15 Today

VTAC Quick Detach Ultralight Vertical Grip

The new VTAC Quick Detach Ultralight Vertical Grips (UVG) offer hard anodized aluminum construction with the weight of polymer (just 3.8 ounces). This is accomplished by aggressively milling away excess material to leave a functional frame of a vertical grip. It is designed to be compact but still long enough to be a functional grip.

The UVG features rattle free internal battery storage for 2x AA or 2x CR123 batteries. The batteries are retained via a clever o-ring set up that is easily user replaceable if it starts to wear out. Batteries are watertight on their own so water tight storage is not necessarily needed.

The DLOC QD systems allows the UVG to be installed and removed on your rail without tools.

Check out the UVG on the VTAC website.

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