STL Shooting Enthusiasts

Regardless of the situation, the Punisher Response Bag (PRB) by Black Scorpion Outdoor Gear is a purpose-built Bail Out Bag (BOB) from the ground up that supports the user in any situation.

Introduced circa 2014, the quality of the PRB’s materials and messenger-bag design help ensure critical items are within reach and well secured. The PRB is built using 1000D nylon that gives it a significant level of resistance to any abrasion. It can be worn crossbody as a shoulder bag, or converted to an around-the-waist belt style.

Exterior

At the front, the PRB features three, double rifle magazine pouches that are secured via a fold-over flap affixed with hook-and-loop. Each pouch also has a drainage grommet and an elastic cuff for added flexibility and retention. The far-left pouch cover also features a small (female) hook-and-loop panel for identification patches. The far-right features an embroidered Black Scorpion PVC patch.

Both sides of the PRB have a zipper-secured accessory pocket measuring 7” (H) x 5” x 3” (D), with a full MOLLE field on the exterior. The zippers open 2/3 the height of the pocket to allow for it to be folded over when open.

On the back, the PRB has an extensive aero-mesh pad that not only provides comfort, but assists in moisture wicking. Also included on the reverse is a loop to help attach the PRB to a belt (not included).

An adjustable strap is connected through the corners and is secured using a UTX Duraflex Buckle. This allows the PRB to convert from a cross-body carrying style to an around-the-waist belt. Also included on the strap is a 9” (L) x 3.5” removable shoulder pad to add additional comfort to the PRB while worn.

Interior

The main compartment of the PRB is secured with a 12” YKK zipper that provides access to the interior storage space throughout the length of the bag. The zipper includes two sliders with paracord that allow you to secure the main compartment from either side. The main compartment’s interior has a full-length MOLLE field on one side of the pocket, and gives the PRB compatibility with accessories using the same mounting system.

A secondary CCW pocket is located just behind the main compartment, and is also secured via YKK zippers with attached paracord. The CCW pocket is lined with felt to allow for mounting of hook-and-loop style holsters or to protect its contents.

Specifications:

• 1000D Nylon
• YKK zipper
• UTX Duraflex Buckle
• HK-style key hook

The PRB measures 14″ (L) x 8″ (H) x 4″ overall and is only available in Black.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Good (4/5): At $49.99 the Punisher Response Bag costs more than the Propper BOB ($34.99) but below the 5.11 BOB 9L ($59.99) or BDS Tactical BOB ($160). Really it comes down to both design and materials as both have a direct correlation to price. In the instance of the Black Scorpion Gear PRB, the price is good considering the item is constructed of abrasion resistant 1000D nylon (which is higher than most BOBs) and has genuine YKK zippers, and its price isn’t inhibitive to the broader public.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): The messenger-bag, crossbody style of the PRB was amazingly comfortable, even when fully loaded. It was however, a bit bulky and uncomfortable when worn around the waist due to lack of padding/material on the strap itself, but could be worn so if desired. The aero-mesh fabric of the back panel helped in improving airflow around the backpanel and provided some level of moisture wicking while worn on the range. The genuine YKK zippers felt smooth and functioned without any problems. The overall nylon of the PRB was flexible and contoured well to the curvature of the body.
• Durability – Good (4/5): Short-term use of the PRB showed the 1000D nylon was very durable to normal wear-and-tear, on the range or supporting competition. It carried a variety of essential items, even to the point of overloading the bag. There is most likely a limit to the weight the PRB’s nylon can carry however, and seemed designed around the purpose of supporting a single handgun, accessories, and magazines for a single carbine. Extensive bartack stitching was noted on pull tabs, magazine flaps, MOLLE fields, and the shoulder strap base. The PRB also functioned well as a Vehicle BOB and EDC bag that further demonstrated its resistance to overall wear.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): While the PRB was clearly intended to be a Range Bag/BOB; it easily doubled as an EDC Bag carrying daily essentials/lunches/drinks, or as a Vehicle BOB for compartmentalized tools with attach MOLLE accessories. For its reviewed purpose, the PRB easily accommodated six rifle magazines and made them readily accessible in either crossbody configuration or around the waist. The only drawback noted was the hook-and-loop field for rifle magazines left only a small amount of material to secure the flap when fully loaded with six magazines, and could be improved by adding a larger/extended field. When worn, the CCW pouch was readily accessible, but hook-and-loop would have been preferred in securing the closure vice a zipper to allow for immediate access.
• Weight – Average (3/5): Weighing in at 1.75 pounds the PRB is slightly heavier than the Propper BOB (1 pound) likely due to the differences in heavier denier, but only slightly heavier than the 5.11 9L BOB (1.4 pounds) and nearly identical to the BDS BOB (1.8 pounds) both of which are closer in design and materials. Thus, due to the quantity and quality of the nylon involved, the weight of the PRB is average considering its place within the market as an immediate deployment bag and a variety of alternatives.

Overall Rating – Above Average (19/25)

Product Link: https://www.blackscorpiongear.com/products/punisher-response-bag

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.

The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the author. The views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.

Introduced in 2015, the Series 300 Boot by Propper is footwear intending to meet the exacting needs of the US military, law enforcement, and civilians. Its key elements ensure breathability, support, and positive traction for any mission or all day wear. The provided pair for review were worn for a period of over 30 days and several shooting matches.

From the top, the Series 300 is designed to meet or exceed the exact specifications of US Army Regulations 670-1, and is fully Berry compliant.

The collar of the boot is padded for comfort, while the laces and track feature a friction-resistant design. Elsewhere, each boot has quadruple-line stitching at all stress points to ensure strength and durability.

At the midpoint, the suede and nylon material allow for breathability and rapid moisture wicking in light-to-moderate moisture environments, and include nylon-coated brass drainage vents.

The foot and sole designs are the most critical in footwear and the Series 300 offers extensive features that ensure comfort and performance. The surrounding material includes a dual layer of memory foam with an antimicrobial outer later. The footbed is contoured for arch support and an active application by the wearer. The bottom interior of the Series 300 features Dri-Lex® (a moisture management lining) and Aegis® Shield (a type of coating that aids in antimicrobial defense).

Inside the sole is a polyethylene plate that gives the Series 300 rigidity and support necessary when carrying extensive loads or long-distance use. On the bottom of the sole are several unique aspects that ensure a positive grip regardless of the environment. The Vibram® dual density rubber outsole includes self-cleaning lugs that prevents the buildup of debris. The heel, outsole and toe are lined in a V40 rubber compound to resist abrasion, while the heel and toe are serrated to aid in grip.

The Series 300 Boot comes only offered in tan suede (the only authorized color/material under AR 670-1) and comes in sizes 5M to 15W.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Average (3/5): At a listed MSRP of $179.99 the Series 300 is a basic field boot with an explicit design on supporting the military. This makes the 300 components and materials of sufficient quality to meet rigorous testing and evaluation before being considered milspec compliant. It also means that the materials are appropriately priced for the quantity used (not too expensive, not too cheap). Alternative footwear that is similarly designed would be Oakley’s Field Assault Boots ($170) or Light Assault Boot ($150), Garmont’s T8 Boot ($154), or Danner’s Tachyon ($149). These were all boots that met the same AR 670-1 compliance and were of roughly similar materials. It also demonstrates the range of cost in footwear and that the Series 300 is in the higher spectrum (although not the most expensive, such as Danner’s Rivot ($339) which includes a steel toe and waterproofing).
• Comfort – Good (4/5): Worn for over a period of 30 days, the Series 300 was noted to be a soft upper boot with light ankle support. The boot’s tongue was attached and padded to boot almost to the top which made it very comfortable and aided in protecting the ankle from laces or being pinched. While not needed, the Series 300 came with Fast Fit inserts to help those needing the added support to achieve the perfect fit. The boot’s tread provided solid grip on rock and in mud, and was worn during at the Red October Match at Sparta, IL wherein it rained the entire time. While the boot was saturated on the exterior, the light moisture did not penetrate the interior and foot area. It is likely, given the nylon and lightweight materials, that the boot would become saturated throughout if worn in heavy water, such as a stream or pond, and given its padding in the sole the boot would take some time to dry out. The rigid polyethylene plate gave good arch support and held enough flexibility to allow flex when taking a knee or articulating during movement.
• Durability – Good (4/5): For durability the Series 300 boot held up well through hard use, but the suede on the exterior of the toe area and heel scarred easily (something common to boots using this type of material). This is attributed to when moving from firing positions, digging in the toe or heel to get initial traction or support. While superficial, this scarring did not penetrate to the deeper layers of the outer suede. The tread held up well over rock, sand and mud and easily cleared any rocks stuck in the lugs. The track laces held up well and did not burn the nylon laces through friction when tightened.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): Functionally, the Series 300 Boot was lightweight and wore well. Over the course of several matches and as EDC wear the boot performed admirably. The dual external material of suede and nylon had the same performance as traditional jungle or desert boots issued by the military up until the early 2000s. The drainage vents also had an adequate, if average, performance and afforded the foot sufficient breathability but did little to aid in wicking the moisture out of the boot once the material was saturated. If one recommendation could be made to Propper on improvement to the Series 300, it would be to rubberize the toe and heel (similar to Blackhawk’s Warrior Wear boot) to both add reinforcement to high stress/impact areas while further protecting the material.
• Weight – Average (3/5): Each Series 300 boot weighed approximately 1.15 pounds (or just over 18 ounces), or just about four pounds for the pair. This weight is attributed to the added elements of reinforcement built into the sole. In comparison, the Field Assault Boots (14 ounces per boot), Light Assault Boot (9.2 ounces per boot) demonstrate how some manufactures balance overall weight, with less reinforcement features or thinner material that the Series 300 had. Other boots, such as the T8 Boot (19 ounces per boot) have that added reinforcement and materials, and come in at comparable weight. These give the Series 300 boot an average weight for its features that will ensure its longevity in performance.

Overall Rating – Above Average (18/25)

Product Link: https://www.propper.com/propper-series-300r-boot.html

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.

The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the author. The views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.

Designed to maintain a low-profile appearance while giving the wearer access to their concealed carry option, the Gunfighter Flannel Jacket by Viktos can also be easily adjusted for direct sidearm access for an extended day on the range. Introduced in October 2019, the Gunfighter is a perfect solution for when the weather cools, but our threats do not.

The Gunfighter is made from an outer shell with a thick blend of 60/40 wool and polyester. The jacket’s thick cotton lining also provides additional comfort and warmth. The Gunfighter includes Viktos’ Attackposture™ design, incorporating four-way, flexible back and underarm panels that provides improved flexibility that can accommodate a variety of shooting stances.

At its front, the Gunfighter has a medium collar roll that provides moderate comfort against wind, and protects the neck from chafe caused be rifle slings or other shoulder straps. At the rear and under the collar’s roll is the phrase “Viktos Black Arms Company” which is in reference to the primary manufacturer.

At the chest are two accessory pockets secured via snap button.

The jacket’s side front has vertical zippered chest pockets directly behind the chest accessory pockets that allow for access while wearing a plate carrier. The zipper’s pull-tab consists of a small, knotted nylon cord with heat-shrink tubing.

Both sides to the Viktos Gunfighter include its Gunvent™ design, a unique, dual-zippered side that allows for immediate access to range belt or holstered sidearm while wearing the jacket.

Down the front of the jacket are six front snap buttons that provide closure of the jacket from neck to below the waistline.

Both sleeves include a low-profile cuff with thump port, while the forearms are reinforced to account for “brush bashing” through moderate vegetation. On the left forearm is a small, zipper secured stash pocket.

At the elbow both sleeves include articulated elbow panels to pad provide for flexibility and comfort.

The interior lining of the jacket has a number of features that make it ideal for concealed operations as well as every-day use. With its unique logos at the top of the back and inner left, the liner also includes two zippered cargo/carry pockets (one on each side).

Additionally, the right side of the liner also includes elastic cuffs for interior wire routing and a pass-through eyelet to the zippered chest pocket that allows for concealed communications or a headset/earbuds if desired.

Specifications:

• Genuine YKK zippers
• Heat-shrink tubing on all zipper pulls
• 1-year workmanship & materials warranty

The Gunfighter Flannel Jacket comes in Midwatch (featured) and Ranger Green, and is available in sizes Small to 3XL.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Good (4/5): At $195 the Gunfighter Flannel Jacket by Viktos brings together a unique blend of comfort and concealability that promotes an individual’s “tactical lifestyle” wherein one can be situationally aware, and look good doing it. In comparison, other market alternatives would include the Twill Concealed Carry Jacket ($149.99) by Nine Line Apparel, the Sabre Jacket 2.0 ($249.99) by 5.11 or the Ronin XT Jacket ($255) by Triple Aught Design. While all jackets involve their own designs materials, and features – there are few flannel jackets on the market and almost none consider the tactical mindset, and that is what makes Viktos’s take on outerwear so unique.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): The sizing of the Gunfighter felt it ran to the Regular sizing, designed to fit those of average build. It was very comfortable across the shoulders and had significant flexibility on the upper torso thanks to its Attackposture™ material. The articulated elbows and “brush bash” reinforcement was very comfortable and, unlike other padded elbow or forearm material, was not bulky or cumbersome. In wind and light rain, the Gunfighter’s two-part shell did well to keep the wearer dry. Since the fit ran on the Regular sizing; for the 6’2” frame of the reviewer, the sleeves fit adequately – stopping at the wrist bone when the arms were dropped. But the sleeves creeped up approximately 2-3 inches when the arms/hands were raised (reflecting the longer arm length of the individual), thus the thumb ports couldn’t be comfortably used because of the tightness and the port’s material. Viktos could improve the comfort aspect of the Gunfighter by considering a “long” design, or making the ports somewhat elastic to account for the increased arm length of other wearers.
• Durability – Good (4/5): Given that the Gunfighter made from a 60/40 blend of wool and polyester, with a 100% cotton inner shell, it had the same durability as other light jackets. There was some bartack and reinforcement stitching noted at the pockets and other key stress points that added to the jacket’s overall strength. All YKK zippers ran smoothly and did not bind, while all snap buttons provided crisp retention and break. In the time tested during daily wear and on the range, the Gunfighter’s liner did not separate and all threading held. Some excess threading was noted at several points along the edges, but appeared to be due to the machining process and unrelated to the jacket itself (nor effected the integrity of the threading).
• Functionality – Good (4/5): From a functional aspect, the Gunfighter achieved exactly what was intended, to be a comfortable and low-profile light jacket, that functioned on the range just as well as it did for EDC wear. Other tactical or conceal carry jackets, such as the alternatives noted above, have the distinct disadvantage of still appearing tactical – even when intending to appear low-profile. The Gunfighter accomplished a very effective low-profile appearance by blending the zipper lines and hardware into the color and design scheme of the jacket, and by taking on the every-day appearance of flannel. Likewise, while on the range the Gunvent™ dual zippers provided comfortable and easy access to an OWB holster, allowing the wearer to continue wearing the jacket on the range and remain comfortable despite the cold. It also allowed for one-handed access to the beltline if carrying concealed as well. The only minor issue observed was during EDC wear, the continual light friction of the hands passing over the bottom of the Gunvent™ while walking (zipped closed), caused the bottom of the zipper to continually open slightly (resolved simply by closing it again). This is a common problem with other fleece and light jackets that have a similar side opening and resolved by having a covering material (secured via snap button) over the bottom of the zipper to secure it as well as reinforce the closure. Viktos may want to consider that as an improvement in its next Gunvent™ design.
• Weight – Average (3/5): The weight of outerwear varies wildly, often attributed to a combination of materials, layers, design and hardware. The Gunfighter Flannel Jacket weighed approximately 2 pounds due to the material in the outer and inner shells. This is minimally heavier than the alternative jackets detailed above (averaging 1.5 pounds), but that is due to variance in materials and design. In the end, the Gunfighter’s weight was average for outerwear, yet still minimal and did not prove distracting or cumbersome when worn daily, or on the range.

Overall Rating – Above Average (19/25)

Product Link: https://www.viktos.com/collections/outerwear/products/gunfighter-flannel?variant=30279017496672

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.

The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the author. The views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.