Last couple days I have been packing my Glock 22. This is the $200 dollar Rescue Glock that I saved and rebuilt. I have to say that it’s becoming one of my favorite handguns. The chop-job I gave it, cutting it down to G23 size was a big help. The stippling job also helped. It fits remarkably well in my hand.
But I think what makes it carry so well though… is the holster.
Jason from Consealment Solutions put a rig together for me that I just love.
I was going to write up a review here… but it wouldn’t to it justice. I’m going to have to show you. Video Review is coming.
Category Archives: Gear
Nexus 7 Update
So the Droid developers just pushed an OS update for the Nexus 7 Tablet. From 4.1.1 to the shiny new 4.1.2. All that I’ve seen different is that I can go “Landscape” at the desktop screen. They have said that it contains some minor bug fixes as well. But the download was over 31 Megs worth. That seems to be a rather substantial download to go Landscape and fix a few bugs.
But something did happen there under the hood. This new Jelly Bean seems to be a bit quicker than before and it seems to be a bit better on the battery. It has taken what was a good little Tablet, and made it better.
Now that I’ve been using the Nexus 7 for awhile now, what are my impressions? Well, it could use a few key features for the next version. A Memory Card Slot would be slick. User Replaceable batteries is another. Or the option of getting an Extended battery would be great too. I like the size, but I’d happily have it twice as thick if it had more battery run time. As it is, the battery life is great. I can go 2 or 3 days with normal use or all day if I’m pounding it.
It can do a lot of things. Email, WordPress, Tapatalk, all your normal Droid features. Mainly it’s a Communication Appliance for me. But what makes it especially handy for me is that I can connect it to a Blue Tooth Keyboard and then use if for actual writing. Like what I’m doing with it right now. When done, it goes into the Tank Bag and the Nexus rides in a Pelican Case, in the Tank Bag as well. Not a full sized backpack like my Laptop has to ride in. I really like that bit. Being a Motorcyclist, size is everything to me. And this little 7″ unit is about perfect. It’s big enough to read magazines on it just fine, while not being obnoxious like some other tablets I’ve seen. It has a very good Wireless system and gets a better Wireless system than several tablets that I’ve seen.
I’ve found the Nexus to be very useful and I like it. It’s not a Laptop Replacement, but it handles many of my computing needs.
Trunk Monkeys
I’m concerned about Trunk Monkeys right now. The term comes from the funny videos on YouTube, just go there and look it up. It’s amusing. But what’s not so funny is the job of Rear Security and the guys that have to pull this slot. They are called “Trunk Monkeys”. This is not an easy job to pull if you get tasked for it. Reason being, you get told to be the Trunk Monkey, you jump into the back on an SUV and it’s pretty much up to you to make the best of it.
You can see these Trunk Monkeys are in the back with gear, tools, an unsecured spare tire… No safety, no protection. These Trunk Monkeys are hanging it out on the line more than anyone else in the detail.
This is one of the most famous Trunk Monkey photos out there, as this one is US Secret Service. I’m not giving anything away as this one has been out there for years now.
Now, of the Trunk Monkey is lucky, he’ll at least have a seat or something. But again, very little protection for the Agent in the back.
This guy has a seat and a weapon mount to help him do his job better. Maybe a seatbelt, and some upgraded body armor…. but again, the protection is minimum his movement in the vehicle is minimum. The fronts of the vehicles are protected with bullet resistant glass. The backs? Not so much, and especially not if the rear window is opened.
I’d like to see an armor plate on that weapon mount. Something to help deflect some incoming fire.. I’d like to see a swiveling seat on a slider so the Trunk Monkey and can move side to side to better engage and avoid threats.
AGV K4 Explorer
I’ve gone through a few helmets in the last couple years. Some of the changes were necessary due to impacts, others because of fit issues. I have a very “Oval” shaped head. It’s more Lycan than Human. So most helmets just don’t fit right.
HJC: These lids are starters, nothing I’d go back to. It fit fine at first, then after it started breaking in it got loose. It was loud, poorly vented, and heavy. But it was cheap.
Scorpion: Very Good fit and finish. I like it. Mine was the EXO-400, one of Scorps lower cost lids, but it was great helmet all the way around and I’d not hesitate to get another one. But the 400 was shaped more oval and the higher end Scorps are more round, so they wouldn’t quite fit me. Which is too bad, because I really like them.
Bell: Great venting. Light. Killer looks. I really liked this helmet save for two things. Loud as hell and it was crushing my awesome roman nose. Mine was the Vortex Siege helmet. If you are in a hot location, and have a normal shaped head, this is an awesome lid. Just wear your Ear Buds, Ear Plugs, or if you are completely deaf you’ll be fine. See, the lid as some exhaust vents right behind your ears. So what happens is as you get moving, drag behind the helmet creates a vacuum and it pulls air through the intakes and out the exhaust ports, creating the sound of a hurricane inside your head. But it moved a lot of air and kept me cool through the hottest part of a High Utah Summer. The constant nose smashing however drove me nuts and I had to get something different.
AGV: Valentino Rossi can’t be wrong. The Gear Geeks at Revzilla turned me on to AGV for the head shape, so I checked out the K4 selection. This is an upgrade over the classic K3 lid, so it’s more aerodynamic in shape, quieter, lighter, better fit… This bucket has everything I wanted. The graphics I picked are the “Explorer” pattern with an old school compass… which spoke to me. It reminds me of why I ride. It’s not for the sheer speed (That I do enjoy) but for the freedom to get out and Experience The Ride. Adventure Riders have a slogan, “Ride The World”. And that’s what I want to do. Get out there and see it… be there… take it in. It’s a beautiful thing.
My next helmet? Well, my next lid is going to be a Dual Sport type helmet, sporting that long sun visor, which I have found would be a good thing. Smoked shield. Longer shape. I’m thinking the Icon Variant helmet. Icon is known for crazy graphics, but the one I like is called “Battlescar” which is basically no finish, just the fiber from construction, some sealant, and a clear rubberized coating over that. It looks badass. It’s not just about the looks though, it’s one of the few Dual Sport helmets that has a visor that doesn’t create lift when you are at speed (80 MPH for example) so I can ride it on my Sport Tourer or my Enduro.
AR-15, Ergo Grip
On my Facebook page, I have a picture of me hold my AR-15 rifle. Here it is:
The most common question that I’ve been getting isn’t about the gun, the sights, the sling or stock… or the “Man, looks like you lost some weight!” No, the question has been hitting me up the most is about the pistol grip. Yes, it’s a simple hardened rubber grip from Ergo Grip. Nothing fancy. No storage in the hollow cavity. Just a simple grip.
“But why?”
Because I like it. I don’t need my pistol grip to be a Modular System. I don’t need it to do anything. I just want a good feeling pistol grip to hold on to when I’m shooting my rifle. Because that’s what it’s for. No, it’s not MagPul and I know MP now has a new Rubber Coated MOE grip… and its fine. I just like the Ergo better. And it’s 10 bucks less.
This also comes as a change of ideology with me. I used to be a big fan of “On Gun Storage” for things like spare batteries and maybe a small bottle of gun oil. (Not that I need it since I use Slipstream) or maybe even a spare firing pin or whatever. I’m not anymore. Most guys like me, Gear Whores, will wear more than enough pouches and bags and even pouches for bags… that we can carry more than enough stuff so we don’t have to put it in our gun so we don’t lose it. I’m at the point now where I don’t want anything on my gun that I don’t absolutely have to have. If the batteries are not connected to anything vital, I don’t want them in my gun. That goes for other spare parts. I can keep that stuff in a pouch and leave my gun lighter and easier to use. Especially if I’m rocking a Single Point Sling. I don’t need the extra weight cutting into my neck.
Back to the grip. The main reason I’m not using a standard A1 style pistol grip is that they are too small for my hands. When I grab the grip, my finger goes all the way around the trigger and I can touch the receiver. I need more space at the backstrap to put my finger tip on the trigger where I want it. The Ergo grip does just that and feels good in the hand. I can shoot more comfortably with it in different positions, because it feels like I have better control of the weapon. This is what it’s all about.
Goodbye Mark
Our friend Mark Craighead at Crossbreed Holsters has passed away.
You guys might not have known Mark, but he was a great guy and a champion of the second amendment. He invented the Supertuck holster, which many other companies in the Industry quickly aped due to it’s superior design.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family in this time of pain and sorrow.
Gun Guy Code
I think we need to come up with our own code… Instead of outing ourselves by wearing Gun Company Logo stuff and all that related jazz. We wear Fishing brand hats or something like that. I’m into Motorcycling… So how about Adventure Touring gear? Huh… Come to think of it, that’s not a bad idea at all. It’s certainly tactical enough to make work, but looks like you are more interested in finding a bathroom, an iced tea, and a sammich so you can get back on the road/trail.
The Speed and Strength jacket called “Call to Arms” is a great ADV jacket that can work dual purpose for us. And don’t you love the name?
Gunguy Cool
It’s called Contractor Chic, or Gunguy Cool, or whatever you want to call it… Gun Guys (if you are reading this blog, you might be one) have taking a distinct liking to dressing like they just got back from an Iraq Contractor Job. Tactical pants, vests, and gear are often worn by the fans of this look.
Sometimes, it’s not a good idea. Sometimes it calls unwanted attention to you.
It used to be Fanny Packs or Photog Vests. Now it’s Maxpedition, Opsgear and Infidel hats. Guys, we’ve created our Uniform and we stand out.
This is not a good thing. For the guy in that story, sure he screwed up. But he’s not a Bad Guy and was planning no evil. He was guilty of not getting permission to exercise his constitutional rights. Oh well… We do live in a Sheep State. If you don’t act like a Sheep, your wrong. So should be look like Sheep Dogs? I am thinking maybe not so much in the weeks to come.
TankVest.com
I’m a fan of something called TankVests… check them out there at TankVest.com. Adding your Gear Packing Accessories to your Bike like that, that’s brilliant. Completely brilliant. It’s one of those Forehead Slap things. How come this hasn’t been out there for 20 years?
I want of these for my KTM. Unfortunately they don’t make then for the 525 MXC… And there is not a lot of call for it since that bike has been discontinued by KTM. If you have a 525 MXC and are near West Virginia, or could ride over there on your machine… TankVest might be able to make us a set! Cool eh?
If you have a KLR650 though… Just get one. They are making something pretty cool and it’s a good company that can use some support. So check them out!
Gear Alert: Primos Light
I’m a gear whore when it comes to some things… especially Lights. I love a good flashlight. Primos has an interesting new Weapon Light out now. It’s designed for Night/Low Light Predator Hunting. Check it out.
It seems fairly large for a weapon light, but it has some good qualities that make it worth a look. Rechargable is a nice feature, as is the 220 Lumen LED head, and a 5 hour run time. A High Low switch would be able to extend that life cycle by double I’m sure.
On the side is a small dial switch that turns a red filter to give you a 220 Lumen white light, or red light as the situation warrants it. Well, maybe not red… more light a soft pink. The white light is nice and bright, but I’m not sure our example is 220 lumins. Maybe half of that… but it’s still nice and bright.
It has a very narrow profile and could potentially do very well on the side of a Quad Rail, or on the top with a rifle with a fold down flush front sight post. However, this light from Primos has a couple problems I’m not real pleased about…
The mount is crazy tall. It’s designed to clip to your 1″ Hunting Scope Body, and be able to rise above the scope’s objective bell and such. Which is find for what it is… but a low picatiny mount would give this some nice tactical applications, not just hunting.
The light does come with a pig-tail switch. But if you have charged batteries in the light, the light is on. When you attach the pig-tail switch, you can then turn it off. Oh, it also turns off if you plug it in to recharge… but then you can’t have the pig-tail switch plugged in when you do. This retarded power on/off thing is a deal-breaker for me on the light for my purposes… but might be just fine for yours, so it’s worth looking at. I think to make this light more ulititarian would have been to include a simple freaking ON OFF BUTTON. Also, it’s not water proof. WTF was Primos thinking here? Fix these issues and give it a low profile pic mount and you could have a heck of a good Weapon Light for the Tactical Shooter, not just the Critter Shooter.