
Debuted at SHOT Show 2020, the Shoot, Move, Communicate (SMC) Plate Carrier and its associated back panels are the brain trust of developers at Grey Ghost Gear (GGG). Under development for several […]
Debuted at SHOT Show 2020, the Shoot, Move, Communicate (SMC) Plate Carrier and its associated back panels are the brain trust of developers at Grey Ghost Gear (GGG). Under development for several […]
It was shortly after my time at Red Oktober in 2019 that I realized it would be beneficial to have a rapid “deployment” type Pelican case in which I could load up […]
Debuted at SHOT Show 2020 by Grey Ghost Gear (GGG), the Shoot, Move, Communicate (SMC) Plate Carrier has secretly been under development for several years. Bringing together some of the most advanced […]
While those of us at Saint Louis Shooting Enthusiasts are not ones to rest on our backside, the recent COVID-19 pandemic forced many of us into self-quarantine measures. Complicating matters was many […]
For those spending a day at the range, or working in a little long distance rifle work, the Range Bag by Grey Ghost Gear (GGG) offers a mid-sized bag that will allow you […]
Reinventing the Quick Detach (QD) mount, Strike Industries recently released its QD Sling Loop, in both a traditional and narrow design. Scoring 21 of 25 points possible, the QD loops did well for their excellent […]
Designed to transport protect all your valuable gear or firearms – the 1700 Case is part of Pelican’s Protector series that provides significant storage and maximum padding. Pelican continues to be the leader […]
Providing a clean and durable work surface in the field, the Field Mat is a collaborative effort between Emdom USA and Military Morons to give shooters the ability to carry accessories or […]
The 1745 Air Case by Pelican is specifically designed for full-sized tactical rifles, but can accommodate a variety of other items to fit within it. The Air series of cases continues to […]
As it prepares to make the transition to an all-metal design, the weapon-mounted lights from Inforce remain one of the more popular lights on the market for rifle or handgun thanks in […]
In mid-2018, MSA finalized its divesture of Sordin to Wikmanshyttan Safety. As a result, the longtime MSA product line of electronic hearing protection (Supreme Pro, Pro-X, and other) was rebranded back to Sordin. Talking Headsets, Europe’s largest distributor of hearing protection, updated the Sordin model with the latest technology and new features and dubbed it the SWATCOM Active8 line of headsets. Today the new SWATCOMs represent the future direction of electronic hearing protection for professional and recreational shooters and is offered exclusively at the USA and Canadian distributor for Talking Headsets, SRS Tactical.
The SWATCOM Active8 headsets feature the same housing design as the former MSA Sordin models, but with a few upgrades. While the traditional three-button functionality remains the same (ON/OFF, Volume UP/DOWN), the battery cap on the external power compartment now features an attached lanyard to prevent loss. A new battery save feature will give the supplied AAA batteries an estimated lifespan of 600 hours by automatically turning off the electronics after four hours of continual runtime. A leather headband protects the cabling and supports the ear pieces.
Featuring upgrades to its Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) and microprocessor, the SWATCOM Active 8 combines low-current audio signals with high performance cutoff that instantly compresses external sound impulses at a safe 82dB(A) level, while reducing them to 18dB level at the ear. The independent twin speakers provide 360-degrees of audio attenuation while maintaining clarity and awareness. Between the lowest and highest audio settings there are four levels of audio signal to choose from.
The SWATCOM Active8 currently comes in Green (featured), Black, Sand and Multicam.
Overall Rating – Good (20/25)
Product Link: https://srstactical.com/all-products/headsets-and-hearing-protection/swatcom-active8-waterproof-headsets.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.
Intending to give the wearer a lean, athletic tactical trouser, the Operator Pants by Canadian manufacturer The Requirements Group/Shadow Tactical is among several in its line of field apparel. The Operator Pants provide a blend of materials that gives sufficient protection in the field, while retaining comfort.
Constructed of a 60 / 40 blend between cotton and Rip-Stop polyester with Coats® nylon threading, the Operator Pant is intended to provide maximum abrasion resistance with a number of useful field features.
At the waist, the Operator Pant has five 2.5” belt loops (two in the front, three in the back) along a reinforced waistband intended to soften wear of a tactical belt and prevent pinching. The rear yolk of the waistband has an elastic section to it that allows the waistline to expand up to 1” on either side for maximum comfort.
The double button fly uses nylon bands to secure the Canadian plastic buttons to the waistline, while a YKK zipper and large groin gusset provide freedom of movement in dynamic ranges of motion.
There are four traditional pockets on the waist (two in the front and two in the rear), angled to allow ease of access, with the rear pockets secured via hook-and-loop. Each has a mesh liner interior for breathability and to keep overall weight in material to a minimum.
At the thigh is a button-secured cargo pocket on each leg with an additional, forward-facing, zipper-secured accessory pocket that is designed to be accessed while sitting.
At the knee is an integrated sleeve for knee padding, that is accessed from the interior and has a hook-and-loop closure.
The bottom of each leg ends with an interior blousing liner that can be cinched closed to prevent insects or water penetration. The outer cuff has a reinforced webbing to help maintain it from folding or fraying. Behind the calf of each leg is a small accessory pocket that is secured via hook-and-loop.
The Operator Pant is available in 18 different color varieties to include; Woodland Digital (featured), Flectarn, Russian Digital and more at sizing between Small and 2XL.
Product Evaluation Scores:
Overall Rating – Average (17/25)
Product Link: https://shadow-gear.com/collections/pants/products/rb-3111-advance-performance-pant
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.
Released at SHOT Show in 2019, the SBA4 is one of the newer AR pistol braces offered by SB Tactical, and among many along its AR, AK, and shotgun models. Highlight features to the brace include an adjustable length, a wider polymer body for increased support, and a QD mounting point that all provide improved comfort and function for shooters.
The SBA4 is intended as a follow-on to its predecessor, the SBM4, with the A4 having a more rigid forearm support sides, and a 1” hook-and-loop strap to secure the brace to the arm. However, where the A4 differs is the newer brace now accepts any 7075 mil-spec carbine buffer tube (included with brace) and thus has a 5-position adjustable length.
The older SBM4 only accepted pistol buffer tubes and was not adjustable. And unlike the older SBM4, the newer A4 brace now also includes a metal ambidextrous QD mounting point for slings forward of the buffer adjustment pin.
Fully collapsed, the A4 has a minimal length of 7.5”, while on a fully extended carbine buffer tube measures 10.25”. Understanding these measurements can become impetrative when determining the overall length of an AR build to meet ATF regulations on AR pistols.
With its wider angled polymer body, the A4 also enables an improved cheek weld for the user. This is an improvement over the SBM4, and for comparison an improvement over the smaller, thinner, and lighter Magpul CTR buttstock.
The SBA4 is available in Black, OD Green, FDE, or Stealth Grey.
Product Evaluation Scores:
Overall Rating – Average (16/25)
Product Link: https://www.sb-tactical.com/product/sba4/
***Editor’s Note: The history and ruling of AR/AK pistol braces is a sordid one. From the initial ATF ruling in 2014, the “clarification” letter by Max Kingery (then-acting Chief of Firearms Technology Criminal Branch) in 2015, and a second ATF ruling in 2017, and the most recent ATF clarification in 2019 the regulation agency has struggled to provide a clear ruling on the application of such devices. Specifically shouldering, the topic of proper use of braces has caused more internet arguments among “internet lawyers”. Currently ATF guidance as of 2019 states as follows:
“To the extent the January 2015 Open Letter implied or has been construed to hold that incidental, sporadic, or situational ‘use’ of an arm-brace (in its original approved configuration) equipped firearm from a firing position at or near the shoulder was sufficient to constitute a ‘redesign,’ such interpretations are incorrect and not consistent with ATF’s interpretation of the statute or the manner in which it has historically been enforced.”
As such, Per the ATF the use of an AR/AK pistol brace comes down to intent. Thus, accidental or “sporadic” shouldering of an AR pistol brace is not illegal. When consistently shouldered however, it demonstrates the intent to subvert regulations on SBRs by utilizing the AR pistol and brace as an impromptu work-around (and thus illegal). The same is said by adding accessories intended for precise accuracy as found with an SBR, such as scopes or utilizing irons. During the course of evaluations, any shouldering of the SBA4 was purely accidental, as efforts are made to test the brace within various range iterations to the extent of design, while still adhering to ATF regulations.
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.