Gear Reviews

Big companies that make thousands of holsters can afford perfect stamps that crank out flawless basket-weave. The hand stamp process is much more cumbersome and requires a maker to stamp each individual section of the weave. I’ve yet to see a flawless piece of hand-stamped leather, and these human touches are often the sign that it isn’t mass produced. This week we’re looking at the craftsmanship of Leather Creek Holsters, and we like their personal touch.

The Nikon P223 4-12×40 is an AR scope with a BDC 600 reticle and Rapid Action Turrets built around 55 grain .223 loads. In our test it held zero after being tossed loose in a truck and made a 12 inch plate an easy hit to 300 yards on the right rifle. It sold for [...]

The Eclipse Straight Drop Ambi Holster, from Blade Tech, is about as good as it gets. This holster has OWB loops for those times when comfort and/or cover are easy. With a few simple steps, the holster can be changed into an IWB holster. In this way, one holster will satisfy both needs.

There aren’t many 300 AAC Blackout specific optics on the market and I can guess why. Imagine trying to design a reticle that can accommodate the incredible variety of ballistic performance of that round. With 300 Blackout ammunition and reloading, there is no “standard” ballistic performance profile. What can you do?

Bianchi has a new holster that is pushing the limits of traditional leather. The 126 Assent is a light brown holster made from smooth grained leather, but it has a twist. The 126 is a leather shell that’s lined with thermo-molded plastic that feels like really thin Kydex. The result is a traditional look with more modern functionality.

While the Bushnell LRHS is labeled as a “tactical hunter” it has all the right features for a scope that’s meant to go the distance, whether that be on a hunting rifle, semi auto, or precision bolt gun. I was fortunate enough to get one of these scopes for testing and I put it through its paces at the range and in competition.

Thermold Magazines has a long row to hoe, but they’re intent on reshaping their image. Their mags are made in the USA, and backed with a lifetime warranty. I’ve recently taken a behind-the-scenes tour of their factory, and we’ll have full reviews up soon.

You probably know Shoot-N-C. Most shooters do. Most varieties use a black paint over a yellow background. The adhesion of the black on the yellow is just strong enough to keep it from rubbing off easily. When a bullet strikes the target, the impact knocks a hole in the paper and knocks off a ring of the black paint surrounding that hole, exposing the yellow beneath it. This all may seem fairly obvious, but it is some high-tech material science we too often take completely for granted.

The ergonomics on the IWI Tavor are hit or miss. You either love them or the gun simply doesn’t fit you. American Built Arms can help bridge the gap. Their T*Grip may turn the biggest critics of the Tavor into believers.