Gear Reviews

In our continuing coverage of the ins-and-outs of AR-15 construction, we’re going to break it down. The rifle, that is–and the tool box. Ever seen a list of all of the parts of an AR-15? It is long. So put together a checklist, and make sure you have all the tools. If you are going to build an AR-15, you will need to be at least somewhat organized.

Nikon has taken a different approach to solving the challenge of quickly finding the right scope adjustments for a given cartridge and rifle combination. Rather than forcing the shooter to use an “average” ammo load and hoping performance from their specific rifle matches the ballistic drop reticle, they’ll customize a scope for you, your rifle, and the exact type of ammunition you like to shoot. Read our review.

G-Code and Travis Haley have partnered to design a new holster that adds a slight twist to the typical in-waist-band Kydex rig. This Kydex/suede combo can be worn in multiple positions, and has the option of a modular mag carrier that adds very little to the overall bulk.

I have come to realize that some products are worth figuring out. That was the case on my newest trunk gun project, adding an Adaptive Tactical Sidewinder Venom kit to one of my Mossberg 500 shotguns. The kit did not go on easy, which I’ll explain, and I even had to send my gun into the company. But it turned out that the issue was my misunderstanding of the directions, and a miscue of information on the phone. If you have considered buying a KSG, or some other high cap shotgun, yet you have an otherwise unused Mossberg 500 in the safe, I would seriously consider this kit, which starts at $199 and goes to fully decked out at $399. My review is of the base model with a standard forend, but as you’ll see on the company website, there is now a version with an optics rail forend, as well as some current camo pattern options. The Adaptive Tactical Venom Sidewinder is a detachable magazine kit for the Mossberg 500/Maverick 88 shotguns, with the 6 round mag tube. And after some unnecessary trepidation on my part, it works marvelously.

So, Trulock just came out with a new tactical choke and it got me thinking whether or not I should invest in one.

Let’s assume you have some rimfire rounds on hand–and I know some of you do–what should you do with them? For those of you with an M9, I’d suggest this conversion kit. If you have the ammo, it makes training with the Beretta practical and economical.

Outdoor Edge’s new Harpoon had people talking at Blade Show 2015.

Looking at Medford Knife and Tool’s 1911-inspired drop-point bowie knife at Blade Show 2015.

Looking at ESEE’s new lineup at Blade Show 2015.