STL Shooting Enthusiasts

In the world of tactical minimalism, Blue Force Gear excels at keeping things simple. And with the Tourniquet Now! pouch it keeps the tourniquet easily within reach and available for immediate deployment aside from the larger medical kit.

The Tourniquet Now! (TKN) pouch is an open clamshell design that wraps upward to enclose the tourniquet itself. The overall material is 500D Cordura, and the pouch can accommodate any CAT-sized tourniquet or similar typed life-saving strap.

Exterior

The front exterior of the TKN pouch has a black/white “TQ” identification panel stitched into the front for clear visibility.

At the top, the fold-over lid is secured via hook-and-loop and has a Ball Loaded Index Point (BLIP) that helps provide maximum tangibility regardless of conditions.

The rear of the TKN pouch has Blue Force Gear’s proprietary Helium Whisper MOLLE mounting system made from ULTRAcomp laminate, giving it a threaded strength greater than 1000D nylon.

Interior

The inside of the TKN pouch is a nylon sleeve that secures the tourniquet once the pouch is opened. Users merely have to slide their hand down the length of the open pouch and the tourniquet slides readily out.

Specifications:

• Overall Size: 2″ (W) x 2″ (L) x 7″ (H)

The Tourniquet Now! pouch is available in Multicam (featured), Black, and Coyote Brown.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Fair (2/5): The Tourniquet Now! (TKN) pouch is listed at $29.95 which, for a dedicated pouch that provides near-immediate, simplistic access, is a reasonable price. Other market alternatives include the C-A-T Holder ($19.95) by North American Rescue, the Tourniquet Pouch ($20.24) by Tactical Tailor, or the Gen2 Tourniquet Pouch ($24) by T3 Gear. These comparisons would place the TKN at the higher end of the current market, and a most likely reason for this would be inclusion of the BLIP and Helium Whisper mounting system.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): From a comfort aspect, the TKN provided near-immediate access by allowing the pouch itself to fold away, and expose the tourniquet for easy reach. The BLIP provided easy tactile recognition, even when the pouch is placed out of direct sight. The oversized “TQ” in clear, contrasting colors made it obvious to others that its contents could be of life-saving use if the shooter should become immobilized.
• Durability – Good (4/5): The material of the TKN lends itself to the overall durability of the pouch, and gave the pouch good marks for its blend of 500D Cordura and ULTRAcomp laminate. A little wear was noted on the hook-and-loop tabs on the Helium Whisper mounting system, but this minor wear was consistent with other products using the same mounting system—nor compromised the integrity of the product itself.
• Functionality – Average (3/5): Functionally, the design of the TKN pouch allowed it to open up and fall away is a very simplified manner. The tourniquet itself also slid away easily and was not hindered by the elastic material. The only negative aspect evaluated was the length of hook-and-loop material on the lid, as it was consistently not long enough to cover the entire tourniquet once placed in the TKN. There was still sufficient material to close the pouch, but the BLIP stuck out annoyingly.
• Weight – Good (4/5): At 41 grams (or 1.44 ounces) empty, the TKN was of a lighter weight than the previously mentioned market alternatives, most likely due to its lightweight materials and mounting system. In comparison, the C-A-T Holder (2.4 ounces) by North American Rescue, the Tourniquet Pouch (2.56 ounces) by Tactical Tailor, and the Gen2 Tourniquet Pouch (2.89 ounces) by T3 Gear were all above the weight of the TKN but represented the average weight to be expected for a dedicated MOLLE/PALS pouch.

Overall Rating – Above Average (17/25)

Product Link: https://www.blueforcegear.com/tourniquet-now-pouch

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.

The Drop-In Service Trigger remains one of the longer standing trigger lines offered by Elftmann Tactical. Designed to provide service-quality reliability and function, in a drop-in, cassette type housing the Drop-In Service Trigger has an adjustable trigger pull with a crisp break.

Built by Elftmann for law enforcement and military duty, the Drop-In Service Trigger (DST) aerospace-grade sealed bearings that give it a smooth and fast trigger pull.

The spring action uses EDC machined 0.043”, double-wound, piano wire that is hardened and polished to reduce friction. This allows the DST to have an adjustable trigger pull between 4 to 7 pounds.

The trigger components (hammer, disconnector, trigger) are made from hardened steel. The trigger assembly itself is sealed inside an aircraft grade aluminum drop-in housing.

The ELF Pro Component Trigger is available in a curved or straight shoe.

Specifications:

• Adjustable from 4lbs to 7lbs without removing from lower
• Compatible to all calibers – 5.56, 9mm, .308 etc.
• Fits any mil-spec AR-15 (Standard pin size, no large pin Colt)
• Drop-Safe
• Full power hammer spring
• Disconnect allows full 1/4” width eliminating wear and double-firing
• Trigger and hammer needle bearings provide smoother and faster firing

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Fair (2/5): The Elftmann Drop-In Service Trigger (DST) has an MSRP of $259 which makes it one of the mid-range triggers offered by the manufacturer. The DST has a more robust trigger pull that can be adjusted from between 4 and 7 pounds depending on the comfort of the end user. Other market alternatives for drop-in duty triggers include the original CMC Drop-In Single Stage Duty Trigger ($167.99), Wilson Combat’s AR-15 TTU ($189.95) or Timmy Trigger’s Targa 2-Stage Trigger ($204.05). These all demonstrate that the quality and materials of various the popular drop-in type of triggers runs the gambit of cost, with the DST at the higher end of the spectrum and one that the consumer may find fair but one they must determine if it is worth the investment.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): The DST was machined to have an adjustable trigger pull with materials that gave it smooth actioning. This also provided it a definitive feel in the trigger wall’s “break” with a very consistent resistance in overtravel. From a tactile aspect, the “flat-face” of the trigger (the DST is available in both curved and flat) had a grooved cut to give it more of a surface deviation against the finger. The hard angle edges of the skeletonized trigger however were notable, and gave it an unusual wire-hanger feel rather than a solid one-piece design. It would be suggested to Elftmann to consider polishing/rounding the edges of the trigger to give it a more contoured feel against the finger. The trigger mechanism itself felt, and sounded crisp with no excess noise or movement.
• Durability – Excellent (5/5): The DST was cut from the same type of hardened steel (sourced in the United States) as the ELF Pro Component Trigger using a process called Electric Discharge Machining (EDM) which, without getting into the technical weeds, enabled the DST to have exceedingly precise and complex cuts for the highest degree of precision possible. This puts the PCT on par with some of the highest-degree of manufactured triggers on the current market made specifically for competitive use. At no point during evaluations did the skeletonized trigger bend, nor did the finish flake or stain.
• Functionality – Average (3/5): As a drop-in type trigger, all of the DST’s components came assembled and enclosed in the DST’s finished housing—this made installation extremely easy and only necessitated the included Allen key to complete. One additional element was the included set screws built into the drop-in housing that allowed the user to totally eliminate any amount of play or slop in the trigger as it rested in the lower receiver. This ensured a rock-solid position. The trigger comes set from the factory at approx. 7 pounds of pull, but was adjusted easily by the screw at the rear of the trigger housing. The hammer did remain full power regardless of the pull weight, with no loss of spring tension or light primer strike noted during live fire evaluations. One notable observation was the amount of overtravel was significantly greater than that of performance or competition triggers, with a much stiffer distance the trigger needed to travel after firing to attain reset. This is common to “duty” type triggers in that it inhibits the user from inadvertently firing out of surprise reflex. The downside being that it limits the ability for rapid follow-up shots and the shooter should be aware of that. Otherwise the trigger felt smooth and provided an expected and appropriate (or average) performance on the range.
• Weight – Good (4/5): At a weight of approx. 2.3 oz. per unit, the DST is on-par (or average) with the materials utilized, and similar to the weight of other aftermarket triggers. In comparison, both CMC and Wilson’s Drop-In triggers (3.2oz.) and the Timmy Trigger (2.3oz.) show that the Elftmann DST is lighter than some market alternatives, but in-line with other notable brands that use lightweight materials or skeletonized cuts to shave off some excess weight in the overall design. In the end the DST’s good level of light weight is something that is relatively fixed as the base material (US steel components and aluminum drop-in housing) is itself fixed.

Overall Rating – Above Average (18/25)

Product Link: https://www.elftactical.com/elf-ar-15-service-drop-in-trigger-military-law-enforcement

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 Adaptive Magwell (AM) by Lancer Systems is a bolt-on upgrade that expands the magwell opening of the standard AR-15 for easier drive of a magazine into the receiver and quicker reloads.

Made from either a single piece, or two (depending on which model of AM is selected) of machined 6061 T6 aluminum, the AM has a solid construction that ensures a high degree of abrasion and impact resistance. For the purpose of this review, the single piece AM was selected.

From the sides, the AM expands the overall width of the magwell to 1.63” across with angled interior sides to help further drive the inserting magazine inward. From the top to bottom, the AM expanded the length of the AM to 3.02”.

The Lancer AM’s angled funnel directs magazines into the magwell regardless of approach angle or cant. This can decrease reload time and improving reliability under stressful or adverse conditions.

It should be noted the AM is not compatible with Magpul’s Gen3 PMAG’s due to the Gen 3’s robust over-travel stop.

Specifications:

• Designed for milspec AR-15 rifles and standard forged lower receivers with removable trigger guards
• Includes rubber gaskets for a snug rattle-free fit
• Compatible with most standard M4/M16/AR15 pattern magazines

The Adaptive Magwell is only available in a matte Black (featured).

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Average (3/5): At an MSRP of $115, the Adaptive Magwell (AM) (either single piece or two-piece) is made from a solid block of T6 aluminum for maximum strength and durability. The AM is perhaps one of the larger non-polymer magwells on the market and will resist all but the most serious abrasion, impact, or chemicals. In comparison, the Armaspec Rhino ($20.90), MAS Defense Flared Magwell Adaptor ($44.99), Sylvan Arms Adaptor ($54.99), or Cobalt Kinetics Magwell Extension ($75) show just how diverse the market is in design. It should be noted while the AM is one of the most expensive AR-15 magwells available, it is also one of the largest, durable, and functional. As such, the cost balances against those factors to give the AM an average scoring.
• Comfort – Excellent (5/5): Once installed, the AM was very lightweight and did not negatively affect the balance of the rifle. The pronounced size of the AM’s flared edged, and how it bolted into the lower receiver, made for an excellent and very solid mount with zero movement. Indeed, the AM was solid and large enough that it also doubled as an additional magwell grip surface while holding the rifle.
• Durability – Good (4/5): Made from 6061 T6 aluminum, the AM offered an expected level of durability from an alloy specifically designed for maximum abuse. The AM exterior was struck approximately 10 times on each side with a rifle magazine, in addition to repeatedly feeding magazines into the rifle over a 30-day period. The only impact to the AM itself was minimal surface marring to the exterior surface coating, but not to the extent to compromise the sub-layer of metal. The exterior appeared to have a thin matte black powder coat, and as the only negative point to the AM’s durability, it would be a recommendation to Lancer to examine improving the AM’s exterior paint hardening process or consider an alternative exterior coating type.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): What set the AM apart from the more inexpensive magwell adaptors on the market was its size as related to function. The AM measured approx.. 0.856” tall with an interior cavity at approximately 1.623” across which, once mounted, gave the slanted interior a wide slope by which to direct magazines into the center of the magwell. Regardless of approach angle, cant, or speed in which magazines were driven into the magwell, the AM directed all magazines where they needed to go and ensured proper alignment. This was especially of interest to shooters approaching training from a competitive aspect as it allowed further speed in magazine transitions without worry of where the magazines feed ramp/lips were angled. In many of the aforementioned market alternatives, their design amounted to basically a plate that sat under the magwell, and provided only minimal surface area. This could translate to potential magazine hang-ups or damage to polymer-framed designs. Thus, while the AM is one of the larger/bulkier adaptors, its size fits a specific purpose and one that gives an overall good function for those looking for an added accessory to help speed magazine transitions.
• Weight – Average (3/5): At 0.25 pounds (or 4 ounces) the biggest influence to the AM’s weight was simply due to the principle atomic weight of aluminum, which is fixed and directly related to the overall design. While measures could have been taken to perhaps shave down the AM to save weight, the impact would have been a negative to its intended function. In comparison, the Armaspec Rhino (1.73 ounces), MAS Defense Flared Magwell Adaptor (2 ounces), Sylvan Arms Flared Magwell (2 ounces), or Cobalt Kinetics Magwell Extension (5.5 ounces) place the Adaptive Magwell at the higher end of weight, but appropriate (or average) for its size and function.

Overall Rating – Above Average (19/25)

Product Link: https://lancer-systems.com/product/adaptive-magwell/

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.