A few thoughts on pistol sights

AmeriGlo Hackathorn sights on my Glock 19 slide

If you were to thumb through a Brownells or Midway catalog, you'd see an entire section dedicated to pistol sights.  Sights of all shapes, sizes, and colors can be found with a quick Google search.  Even many tactical trainers and training companies have their own sights.  "Why so many sights?" you might ask.  Well, for one thing, sights are pretty easy to change out.  Sights can also be a very personal choice.  Much like a grip material or style, a lot of people have very deeply held feelings about what type of sights they like.

For me personally, I generally have two main criteria: I want a front sight that draws my eye and can be seen under a variety of light conditions, and I want a rear sight that has a ledge to allow me to rack the slide one-handed if I need to.

The two sights that I tend to rely on are the Redback One (RB-1) sights designed in conjunction with 10-8 Performance, and the AmeriGlo Hackathorn (GL-433) sights.  The RB-1 sights reside on my Glock 17, and the Hacks reside on my Glock 19.  The RB-1 sights were my first sights that I ever changed out on a pistol, and at the time, they were ideal.  The front sight is a narrow blade with a tritium insert.  The rear sight is plain black, serrated to reduce glare, with a wide notch to allow me to pick up the front sight faster.  It has just enough of a ledge to catch the edge of a holster to rack the slide with a single hand.  The combination of the narrow front and wide rear is not ideal for longer-range precision shots, but really does lend itself to fast sight acquisition at normal self-defense ranges.  The Hackathorn sights are similar, but an improvement, in my opinion.  The front sight is still tritium, but it's surrounded by a fiber optic ring that increases the sight's visibility in brighter conditions where the tritium isn't effective.  The rear sight is similar to the RB-1, but with a slightly larger ledge.  Both rear sights slide into the standard Glock rear sight cut and are held in place with a set screw.  I used blue Loc-Tite on the set screw, but both sights fit into the sight cut tight enough that I'm not really worried about them moving.  Both sights shoot point of aim/point of impact.

Both sight sets are excellent choices, but if I had to choose a favorite, it would be the Hacks.  The addition of the fiber optics to the tritium insert really, really draws the eye, and is more applicable in a wider variety of situations.  I highly recommend them to anyone looking to replace their stock Glock sights.

Special Operations Department (SOD Gear) Para One Pants Review

I first stumbled across SOD Gear when I was looking for a smock for winter wear.  As I reviewed here, I'm a huge fan of their clothes, so when I went looking for a set of combat pants, naturally I ended up on their site again.  While there are many manufacturers of combat pants in today's world, including Crye Precision, Tru-Spec, Propper, UF Pro, Helikon-Tek, Sabre, Applied Orange, and Molay, there were a few things I was looking for that led me to purchase the SOD Para One pants over the others. 

First, the Para One pants minimize the use of hook and loop.  While hook and loop has its place, it is noisy, gathers dirt, and tends to wear out fast.  With their new uniform announcement, big Army has moved away from hook and loop as a method of closing pockets due to soldier complaints about the closures failing (the Coast Guard actually figured it out before the Army, and deleted hook and loop pocket closures after their first uniform redesign at least 7-8 years ago).  In my years in, I've worn the BDU, ACU, ODU, and Crye Precision field and combat uniforms, and I still prefer buttons over hook and loop for most applications.  Even better than the deletion of hook and loop is the use of the Canadian or NATO pattern buttons, which attach via a strip of webbing or fabric instead of the US method of attaching with only thread.

Second, the pants are reinforced in all the right areas.  High stress areas such as the pockets, belt loops, knees, and leg hem are all reinforced with Cordura nylon.

Third, the pants are cut more form fitting.  This is both a good and bad feature, but I think it weighs more heavily toward the good.  As an American, I am used to the very baggy BDU and ACU.  While it is very comfortable for low-stress wearing, excess material can present problems as well, including snagging and bunching.  Plus, for me, the standard BDU can be constrictive when kneeling or lifting my legs high.  This would seem counter-intuitive, but that's my observation.  With the tighter fitting pant, I feel like I actually have a larger range of motion.  The tighter fit does take some getting used to, though.  For one thing, the crotch just feels different.  It was never uncomfortable, I didn't experience any pinching, but it just feels a little different.  This also changes the sizing a little bit, but mostly the pants are true to size.

Fourth, the kneepads are well executed.  The pants come equipped with soft knee pads, which fit inside a hook and loop closed, Cordura reinforced pocket.  Due to the athletic cut of the pants, I found that the knee pads stayed right where they needed to through-out the range of motion.

Overall, these are some outstanding pants.  I personally like them better than the Crye pants I had previously been issued.  Customer service was also outstanding. I corresponded via email due to the time difference, but all of my questions (especially sizing) were answered quickly and to my complete satisfaction.  Some other features of the pants include a hidden pocket inside the waistband for E&E items, and padding in the waistband so that you can wear equipment on your pants belt without the need for any additional padding.  Also, the belt loops are big enough that you can run a belt with Cobra buckle through with ease.

Rear view

Front view

The Para One pants come in 11 different colors in 50/50 NYCO or Cotton, depending on the color, and can be purchased at http://www.sodgear.com/product-detail/en/sod-combat-line-para-one-pants-12-hcs.

Review of the Raven Concealment Vanguard Holster

So I've had the chance to utilize the Raven Vanguard 2 for about a month now, and I'm impressed.  You should seriously evaluate this holster if you are looking for a versatile system that allows for IWB, or off-body carry.

The Vanguard system is very different from your typical holster.  Really, you can hardly call it a holster - it's more of a trigger cover.  The molded plastic only covers the bare minimum needed, ie, the trigger and trigger guard.  It attaches to you in two possible ways: via a belt loop for IWB carry or via 550 cord or other lanyard.  This means that bulk is reduced to an absolute minimum.  When I wear my G19 IWB, it almost feels like I've just got the gun shoved in my pants.  The solid fit of the holster, however, means that it is far safer and more secure than if I actually just shoved it in.   Surprisingly it's still very comfortable, even more comfortable than some hybrids I've worn, again with significantly less bulk than your average IWB.

One of the biggest uses I think this system presents is for carrying off-body, especially for the ladies.  A lady I know used to carry a Glock in her purse.  Being a fashionable young lady, she wasn't really interested in buying a purse designed for carry, so she bought a cheap Uncle Mike's at the store, put the Glock in it, then put the whole conglomeration in her purse.  Couple of problems with that - draw time is dramatically increased and it takes up a whole lot more room.  The other option (or so she thought) would be to just place the gun in the purse bare.  I probably don't have to point out the issue with that, but I will; with a Glock (or some models of M&P, the other gun they make Vanguards for), the only thing between you and boom is the trigger safety.  Spend a little time on YouTube, and you'll see how well that works out for people.

The Vanguard answers that problem.  Simply place the Vanguard on your gun, run the lanyard (or a piece of leather, or a fashionable chain, whatever) through the grommet and a hard point on your purse, like where the straps mount, and you are ready to go.  Just make sure the lanyard is strong enough to take the pressure of your draw by dry firing at home.

There is one big disadvantage of the Vanguard - getting the gun in it.  Your gun has to be placed in the Vanguard before you put it in your waistline or your bag.  There is no re-holstering with this gun.  This could present an issue if you were to draw your firearm and then need to put it back for some reason.  A little bit of practice and problem solving ahead of time should easily mitigate that particular issue, but I do point it out for your consideration.

Overall, this is definitely a system you should consider if your needs call for a simple IWB or bag carry solution.  And at $35, it's a great solution at a great price.

Image copyright Raven Concealment

Train hard, train safe, do work.

-Woody

Raven Concealment

Shooting with gloves afteraction

So despite living in Virginia for going on seven years now, I had never really devoted any serious time to shooting in winter gloves.  I have shot in the cold before, but always wearing tactical gloves, which really provide no warmth whatsoever, but do help out with grip once your hands get a little numb.  With the high yesterday reaching freezing (yep, 32 degrees was the high), I decided that it was a good time to give gloved shooting a try.  The main impetus behind this was that I have been wearing winter gloves more and more when I concealed carry, and defending my life is not a good time to figure out what changes gloves make in my shooting style.

The gloves I used were Outdoor Research Gripper Gloves, which I had picked up at the Exchange on base.  I also have a pair of their Backstop Gloves, but I don't wear them as frequently and decided to stick with the Grippers.  Both are very comfortable, and I recommend them, although they are made in China and I would prefer something US made.

As a disclaimer, since this was my first time shooting with heavier gloves and I was wearing multiple layers of clothing, I shot from a Safariland drop holster, not from my usual G-Code belt holster.

Overall, the gloves did not make a huge difference in my shooting style.  The biggest point to take away was that because of the decreased sensitivity brought on by the gloves, I had to make a conscious effort to ensure that my trigger finger was adequately contacting the trigger.  My first few shots tended to be left of center, as I only placed the tip of my finger on the trigger.  Once I adjusted for that, things went pretty smoothly, although my draw stroke was slower, mostly due to the hood on the Safariland, which my G-Code doesn't have.  I conducted magazine changes and immediate action drills with minimal difficulty, which I think was partially due to the Vicker's extended mag release and base plates, which perform exactly as advertised.

Stay safe, train hard, train real.

Galco Ankle Glove holster review

So far in my concealed carry experience, I have utilized three different ankle holster: a Fobus ankle holster for a Ruger LCP, an Uncle Mike's holster for a CZ-82, and now the Galco Ankle Glove for my Smith.  I'll tell you upfront, the Galco stands far above the other two in terms of security, comfort, and just plain staying where you put it. 
The construction of the Galco is a neoprene band backed with sheepskin.  The holster itself is leather, and has a thumb snap retention strap that goes behind the Smith.  Some models have the thumb strap and some don't, so make sure you know which is which before you order.  Between the thumb strap and molded fit of the holster, I have no worries about the gun coming loose.  The Fobus was probably the next most secure holster (no thumb strap, but with a tight molded Kydex fit), with the Uncle Mike's in last place (not molded, with a hook and loop thumb strap).  The Galco's wide neoprene band - which is as tall as the holster itself - is easily the most comfortable ankle holster of the three.  I've worn it for 12+ hours while walking around the mall and running errands and almost forgot I was wearing it thanks to the sheepskin panel.  The Fobus and Uncle Mike's had a nylon backer to the holster, with a 1.5-2" nylon strap to secure the holster around your ankle.  The wide strap also keeps the holster in place vertically due to its snug fit.  Technically, the Galco can be worn with or without a calf stap, but I haven't needed the calf strap yet.  The Fobus had no provision for a calf strap, and the Uncle Mike's still managed to fall even with the calf strap.

Despite the wide strap and the general larger width of the revolver versus a slim .380 or other semi-auto, the Ankle glove is not overly bulky under clothes.  As long as you remember you are wearing the holster and don't allow yourself to expose the holster through your pants riding up, no one should even notice that you're wearing it.

This kind of performance doesn't come cheap, though.  My price paid for the Ankle Glove was $75, versus $33 for the Uncle Mike's and $45 for the Fobus.  When it comes to security and comfort, and having your gun when you need it, however, the extra money is completely worth it.  I highly recommend the Ankle Glove for anyone who is considering ankle carry.

My off-body carry system

Many people have written commentary on the dangers of off-body carry.  To hear some of them, the minute you decide to carry off-body, your firearm will be stolen, your dog will be run over, and your car will get totaled in a horrific accident involving a pumpkin transportation truck.

Sarcasm aside, there are definite risks to consider before deciding on any carry system, but especially one that involves not having your firearm physically attached to you.  Massad Ayoob covers some of the risks in his books, but also acknowledges that for some people/situation combinations, off-body carry is necessary, and is better than not carrying at all.  Unfortunately, I fall into the necessary category, and I would say that the majority of my carry is now off-body.  For my needs, I have adopted a three-component system made up of the High Speed Gear Armordilla, G-Code OSH holster, and the G-Code/Upstate Tactical Supply Modular Velcro Panel.

Closed w/ flap

Front view w/ flap folded back

Only about halfway full

Blackhawk speed clips attaching flap

Top entrance to concealed compartment

The Armordilla is a high-quality attaché case designed to be modular not only through its use of MOLLE on the exterior, but also through its use of a removable flap. Thus, you can configure it in a standard attaché case/messenger bag, or in more of a grab and go bag with mag/utility pouches on the MOLLE front.  Either way, there are several options for concealing your firearm.  The bag itself has a large hidden compartment lined with hook and loop on the back side with access from top and sides.  The removable flap has a back zippered compartment with hook and loop as well.  I choose to utilize the dedicated back compartment for my concealment needs. 

G-Code OSH with Modular Velcro Panel

The G-Code OSH shouldn’t need a lot of introduction, but just in case, I personally feel it’s one of the best thought out holster systems on the market.  G-Code’s entire line is designed to be modular, either through the use of their RTI wheel, or through bolt-on attachment.  G-Code’s website includes attachments for MOLLE, drop leg, paddle, belt, or shoulder holster wear.  I have been using Kydex holsters since my first Fobus in 2003-ish (I still have that holster), and the market now is pretty much flooded with them.  Just about everyone that has two pieces of foam is cranking out holsters, some of which are excellent, and some of which are just clones without a lot of originality.  While G-Code’s holsters themselves are excellent, and I especially like the tension adjustment and ability to choose with or without a shirt guard, the system is what you are really buying, and it’s worth a close look.

G-Code doesn’t sell a hook and loop compatible attachment on their site, but they have worked with Upstate Tactical Supply of South Carolina to develop two different models (RTI and non-RTI) to adapt their holsters to the popular shoulder/sling/messenger bags used by so many today.  There’s not much to say about the panel itself.  It’s very simple, but it’s very solid.  The panel is approximately 4 inches across, which provides plenty of purchase on the loop inside the Armordilla pocket.  I have the tension on the holster set on the tighter side to avoid any sort of please-ignore-the-gun-that-fell-out-of-my-bag moments, and have had no issues in my practice time with the holster slumping in the pocket or with holster movement or release during draws.  I will say that you need the little plastic spacer that comes with the G-Code to properly attach the holster to the panel.  If you try to go straight to thepanel without the spacer, you will have issues with the holster and panel interfering with each other, at least with my 1911 Commander sized holster.

As a side note, the Armordilla comes with a nylon holster.  Nothing against High Speed Gear, their stuff is quality, but given the option between a one-size fits all nylon with no retention, and an adjustable tension Kydex holster that I know will hold the firearm securely and be available for re-holstering if needed, I’m going with Kydex. 

Loop section to create gap

Concealment compartment from side access

A little trick I’m trying for my draw is taking a small piece of loop and creating a gap for my hand to break into the compartment.  The three access points are closed with hook and loop (naturally), and trying to get into it by ripping it open slows access.  With the small break created, I can insert a knife-hand and break the seal as I go in, then grip the firearm and remove whatever seal was left as I draw.  Overall, I’m a big fan of all three pieces of gear, and I think they will serve me well for as long as off-body is necessary.

Range day with the Colt .22LR Rail Gun

Colt/Walther .22LR Rail Gun

 Got a change to go to the range today (took the Sunday School class along for fun).  I actually purchased this pistol probably six months ago, I just haven't had a chance to get to the range and shoot it.  Since my primary concealed carry and full-size defensive pistol are both Colt 1911s, this was the perfect companion training pistol.  It isn't my first .22LR 1911 - I have a Kimber conversion kit - and I've had issues with cheap .22LR, including Remington and Winchester bulk boxes, so when I found some CCI Mini-Mags, I grabbed 300 rounds or so.  I'm glad I did, because it's gone now, as I'm sure everyone's noticed.  The CCI functioned perfectly, and as illustrated below, was very accurate.

10 rounds @ 7 yards, rapid fire

The pistol itself is well executed.  I prefer this particular model over some of the other .22LR 1911s out there, mostly because all of its external operational controls are exactly the same as the real Colt Rail Gun. You can accomplish all of your shooting and immediate action drills on this pistol, and they translate directly over to your .45ACP. As advertised in their literature, aftermarket parts such as thumb safeties, triggers, sears, and hammers will fit into this pistol.  You could actually do a trigger job on your .22LR just like you can on your .45ACP.  Obviously, the slide parts do not interchange with your standard .45, nor does the magazine.  Another nice feature of this firearm is that the lower seems remarkably heavy compared to a .45.  It works out, however, because the slide is aluminum and a lot lighter than a steel slide.  Overall, the total weight is pretty accurate when compared to the Rail Gun, as opposed to the slide conversion kit I have, which ends up being a hair lighter.  Also, because this gun is designed from the ground up as a .22LR, it doesn't have some of the little twitches a .45 converted to .22 might, such as failures to feed and extract.
While .22LR is currently pretty hard to find, if you happen to have a stock and don't want to shoot up your .45ACP, this gun is perfect.  I highly recommend.

-Woody

SOD Gear Operative Field Parka Review

 Initial Review

                I’ve been looking recently for a good jacket/concealment garment to wear year round in Virginia.  The un-tactical tactical vest is a bit passé to me (not quite so much as the fanny pack, but I digress), so I tried to look other directions.  My criteria were simple:

• Wearable in a variety of weather conditions, from summer heat to winter cold.
• Suitable for service as a windbreaker, with water-resistant properties.
• Capable of concealing my firearm (Glock 19 at the time).
• Capable of carrying a load, ie, blowout kit, small survival kit, magazines, cell phones, or water.

Most civilian jackets that I researched seemed sole-purpose, designed solely for warmth or keeping the wearer dry.  Pockets seemed to be ancillary, designed to warm hands or hold keys.   I’ve always been a fan of smocks, probably for nostalgic reasons, but as I researched their history and intent, I realized that they have uses in civilian life as well as their original military purposes (covered here).

                This is actually the third smock I’ve owned.  I previously had a SORD USA smock, which I sold due to some disappointments with quality and the country of origin.  I currently own a DropZone Tactical in Multicam, which I utilize as part of my cold weather layering system at work.  I had considered a DropZone smock for my civilian wear as well, but was not a huge fan of the twill they use for their non-camouflage colors, believing it too heavy for year-round wear.  After much research, I found the Italian company SOD Gear, the only manufacturer I could find that advertises non-camouflage jackets in the same 50/50 NYCO ripstop that they make their camouflage patterns in.  Knowing that smocks typically fit a little larger, I communicated with them through their Facebook account.  Despite a little bit of a language barrier, they were very glad to talk me through selecting a jacket.  I ordered online, and received the jacket within a week via DHL.

                My initial impression is that this is a very well-made jacket, with enough pockets to fulfill my every need.  There are 14 external pockets and two internal pockets.  By location, the jacket has:

·         Two zipper pockets on the upper arms,

·         Two zipper pockets on the lower arms,

·         Two button pockets on the chest, with

·         Two zipper pockets behind the button chest pockets,

·         Two button pockets on the lower front,

·         Two button pockets on the sides,

·         One large button pocket on the lower back, with additional zipper access, and

·         Two internal zipper pockets on the upper chest.

The hood has two drawstring adjustments, and the waist and hem have drawstrings as well.  The cuffs are   Buttons are NATO style, with fabric strips securing them to the jacket.  Fabric is 50/50 NYCO, with a tight enough weave to block the wind and provide light water resistance.  The jacket is cut roomy, allowing for another layer for warmth underneath (I’ve fit both the Army’s new Gen III Layer III and a Mountain Hardwear Monkey Man jacket underneath).

Velcro adjusted, and the front is zipper closed with a button wind fly.

I’ve carried a lot of stuff in it (probably too much at times).  I’ve carried blow-out kit (my full size one, not the one from the EDC pics), my S&W 442, survival kit, keys, phone, and wallet.  Oh, and I concealed my Glock underneath.  Overall, I’m very pleased with the jacket, and as the weather gets colder, I’ll probably go back to wearing it daily.  It makes a great windbreaker during the fall, and with the Mountain Hardwear underneath, it’ll keep even a biting wind in the 40 degree range off your core.

-Woody

Chest pocket showing taped button and fold over pocket

Rear pocket showing top and left side access

Chest pocket showing zipper pocket behind button pocket

Arm pocket with hook and loop patch

Lower sleeve pocket

Elbow reinforcement and pad pocket

Mesh underarm vent