Monthly Archives: May 2025

Weapons

Golden Age of Tactical Lever Actions RIfles

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It was back in 2012 that I was pushing the concept of the Tactical Lever Action Rifle. The reason being was that California and other States were really mad at the AR-15 and the Lever Action Rifle was a lower profile option that was legal pretty much everywhere. The lever action is also a platform that was on day one, designed to be a Tactical Rifle. What do I mean by that? I mean the Lever Action was designed to be a rifle used in Conflict. The first ones were chambered in rather small calibers, had large (for the time) capacities and if you remember your history… Came out and gained popularity during the Civil War where some units acquired and outfitted everyone with those Lever Action Rifles.

Often called a “Cowboy Assault Rifle“, its purpose was crystal clear, and today things are no different. In fact, it’s better. We’re in a golden age of Lever Action Rifles. Everyone that makes a Lever Action Rifle – makes a version, or several versions that are dedicated to just that purpose. Conflict Resolution. Maybe even less Fighting Rifle and more Fight Stopping Rifle. They are coming out of the gate with features we only dreamed about back in 2011. Handguards with light mounts. Out of the box with ghost ring sights, optic rails, and even threaded barrels for making it un-loud. We can get rifles with these configurations in chambered in Pistol Caliber Cartridges from .38 Special, all the way up to .500 S&W Magnum. And rifle cartridges from .30-30 on up to .45-70.

Henry, S&W, Marlin, Winchester, Browning, Rossi, Mossberg, Patriot Ordinance Factory, Taylor, Chiappa, Uberti, Pedersoli… And I’m sure there are other brands out there… So many great options to choose from, regardless of what flavor you want. And companies such as Henry who had only ever made more traditional styled rifles… are no making them in Black, with those tactical upgrades already on the gun, in the box, straight from the factory.

Back in 2011 I think it was… these options didn’t exist. At that moment when I had to replace a broken stock on my then “Green Marlin”, the only option for a light weight stock, was Ramline. Here’s that rifle wearing that stock, with a rail on top, and a Red Dot. This configuration wasn’t the first, but it was one of them. One of the first “Tactical Lever Actions” in appearance as well as function.

Nowadays, things that require Customization can now be ordered off the cuff…

The problem with these builds is that they tend to delete those characteristics that make a Lever Action so delightful to use. The slim nature that makes it easy to grab and run with… The narrow profile that makes them easy to slide into and out of rifle sheaths… the light weight that lets them come up on target quick and easily.
The advantages they give are good though. Still sleaker than an AR or AK type. Lower profile so they stow nicely. Quicker to operate than a bolt action. And generally they are punching bigger holes than AR’s.
Another Downside to the Tactical Level Action. You used to be able to get into one and start building your setup for as little as 500 bucks. Now days a new one is going to cost you 1200 to 2000 and any and all Used Lever Action Rifles have all been scooped up.

Gear

5.11 Tactical’s moab 3

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5.11 Tactical’s MOAB 3 “Sling Pack”. Inside I’m carrying a Springfield Armory Echelon 4.0c, on the outside I have a Benchmade SOCP dagger, and a Crusader Weaponry Patch. That’s it. Not my wallet or keys, or folding knife. Being worn as the name implies… “Sling Pack” is what 5.11 calls it… You can carry it like this. Can. And it’s okay in doing so if you’re driving. But in walking, jogging, and actually living like a human… The MOAB 3 doesn’t quite work. The weight of the pack is going to strive to follow gravity. This means it and its sling are going to rotate, and this will twist things up on you. And that means you will be constantly adjusting this pack to put it back to where you want it to be. Telling it to “Stay” doesn’t work. The MOAB 3 doesn’t listen. Now, if you include in the cargo manifest 1 or 2 or 3 loaded spare magazines, then the fidgeting is magnified accordingly.

If you were thinking of one of these, now is the time to snag one. 5.11 has a 25% Off sale. Normally, 50 bucks, I paid $40.22. The pouch has 2 pockets. One main, with plenty of room for a Glock 19 sized pistol… And the smaller front pocket with some low effort organizing, but I’m not sure what for. Maybe some ear pods. You can keep a pen and wallet in there, a couple spare mags… And that it. It’s small. Remember when I said 3 spares? That was beyond optimistic. The MOAB 3 is very small. And with that, there are some limitations. If you want more room and capacity, I suggest the MOAB 6, which is designed as an actual Sling Bag. They retail for about 80. If you want a chesticle pack, I suggest the Skyweight Chest Pack. They come in two flavors. Utility for 45 dollars, and Survival for 33.75. The molle webs on the Survival might prove to be more useful, for less money. But the utility is a bit lower profile. If you want to wear the MOAB 3 as a Fanny Pack, you certainly can… But I suggest the COVRT Select Pistol Pouch. It’s a lower profile design that doesn’t scream “Tactical! I’ve got a pistol!”

The other downside to the MOAB 3 is the strap its self. The buckle is nice, but the strap is just a hot mess. I don’t see myself wearing this thing at all, for any reason. But is it a lost cause? Did I waste my money? No… Not really. Because it can attach nicely and securely to another pack. Like my RUSH 24. If you have a pack that has molly webbing, you can attach the MOAB3 to it for some added storage. That’s a nice touch that other 5.11 sling bags don’t have. Yes, it can be a Backpack for your Backpack. Backpack Inception. I don’t mean to be down on the MOAB 3, it’s a cool little Pack and it just might fit you bill perfectly. Best Use for this? Put your TQ and First Aid Kit in here and put a Red Cross patch on the Front. This is almost PERFECT for that. But for carrying a loaded pistol in it? Sub-Optimal due to the Slower Nature of trying to draw from this thing thanks to the recessed zipper and covering lip.
So yes, it’s a cool little unit, but not for what 5.11 wants you to think it’s for.