Kinetic Development Group Sidelok Modular Optic Mount
Kinetic Development Group has once again brought a much needed solution to the market through the Sidelok line. This latest addition allows the user to quickly change optics throughout various weapon platforms with ease and without losing accuracy.
The new KDG Modular Optic Mount is based off the proven Sidelok family of quick detach optic mounts, and features the same user-friendly, toolless design. KDG set out to design a Sidelok mount for all common, tube-style optics that will offer more user-configurable options than what is currently available from competing QD mounts. The Modular Optic Mount currently comes in three configurations, with ring sizes for 1”, 30mm and 34mm tubes.
The mount is offered with a user removable cantilever bar, in which the rings securely mount. This bar runs parallel to the weapon’s bore, and is ideal for all semi and fully automatic carbines, rifles and DM style firearms. KDG plans to release a separate 20 MOA bar in the future, for those that might require the added elevation for particular optic or application.
The matched front and rear rings are CNC machined, and wire EDM cut to be as precisely concentric as possible. The upper and lower ring remain matched for the duration of its production, and feature witness marks for assembly in the form of recessed dots. This allows the user to match the proper ring to its base, and ensure the mount is as truly aligned as possible. The rings themselves can be adjusted forward or back to the user’s preference, to avoid interference with large front objective bells, turret adjustment knobs, and rear magnification adjustment collars. The rings themselves bolt into a track system to facilitate this adjustment. The same track system allows the user to purchase and install separate rings in the future, should they decide to change to an optic with a larger or smaller diameter tube. This feature will save the shooter or organization money, as the majority of cost is in the base of the unit.
The SMOM is available for three different scope diameters: 34mm, 30mm, 1″.
For more info please visit: kineticdg.com/product-category/sidelok/
Images and details from Kinetic Development Group
Arsenal Democracy SOPMOD Hybrid
We have been following Arsenal Democracy for quite some time now and the SOPMOD Hybrid seems to be the newest AR-style rifle around the block.
The company based in Freeport, Florida has been implementing new materials and designs to some of the most popular platforms, from the AR to the Glock pistol. The innovations come from a SF veteran who really seems to know how to tweak and enhance firearms. 
The latest addition to their line of products is the SOPMOD Hybrid, a lighter version of their successful AD16. It is currently available only to active US military only. Here are some of the key features of this rifle:
- 416R Stainless Steel Match Barrel Available in 10.5″ CQB, 14.5″ Patrol or 16″ RECCE (with a guarantee of 20000+ Rounds)
- V7 Inconel gas tube specifically intended for sustained Full-Auto fire
- AD-16 Gen 2 Upper Receiver
- Ambidextrous Controls
- AD-15 rail System, available both in M-Lok and KeyMod
- Geissele SSA-E or S3G Triggers
- Magpul furniture
- Cerakote finish in Graphite Black, OD Green, FDE, Patriot Brown, AD Gray
For any further information visit: ArsenalDemocracy.us
Images from ArsenalDemocracy.us
Urban Survivor Loadout
- Suunto Traverse Alpha
- aLokSak w/ Medkit
- Gerber Impromptu
- Gerber Order
- Oakley SI Detcord Cerakoted
- S&S Precision Vlites
- S&S Precision Manta Strobe
- IR Chemlight
- Smartphone with Magpul Case
- LokSak ShieldSak RFID pouch
- Steiner T824
- Gerber GhostStrike
- Glock 19
- Streamlight TLR-1 HL Tan
- SureFire E2D Defender Ultra
Peli/Pelican 1450 Tan | Review
High quality hard cases are a vital piece of equipment for maintain the best reliability of your tactical or sporting shooting gear. When you store a gun (possibly clean…) inside a Peli Case, you know for sure that it is going to operate the next time you use it.
Some may argue that soft cases are more flexible and versatile. In our opinion, the whole gear should be stored in both hard and soft cases. When it comes to weapons, scopes, electronics and precision items the hard case is the obvious choice; but for soft-goods and tactical/outdoor equipment in general soft cases provide the best flexibility.
Pelican offers a very wide gamut of products, from SD memory cases to rifle cases to even large cases for aircraft replacement parts; which provides a protective solution tailored to the operator’s needs. In addition to this Peli provides the cases with multiple inserts such as “Pick and Pluck” foam, regular foam, padded inserts (ideal for cameras and electronics in general) or simply empty. The foam inset helps booth helps with keeping all the equipment nicely organized and protects any fragile items from accidental bumps. In this article, the 1450 case is provided with the “Pick & Pluck” foam insert.
The watertight gasket protects the content from dust, sand and water. All pelican cases have proprietary valve that allows the pressure to be stabilized equally between the inside and the outside of the case. This particular feature may not seem important but is vital both for very fragile electronics and for operating at different barometric excursions.
The handle is rubberized and heavy duty, allowing to comfortably carrying a hefty load. Peli cases are designed to exceed military requirements, in both protection and practicality. The locking mechanism is tough and reliable; and when on the move all of the components quietly sit in position, leaving an almost invisible sound footprint. It is safe to say that all of the material used in the construction of this product are of very high quality.
The hinge’s action is smooth and reliable; we have extensively used this case in bad weather, mud and sand and there has never been an issue opening the lid. The quality of the foam inserts utilized is also high; even after long range sessions the heat of the weapon did not affect the integrity of the material. The pick n pluck design allows the user to quickly and effortlessly cut the insert with the best layout for the specific content or mission. It also supports the weight very well.
For a gun owner this product serves as a vital piece of equipment. There is, in our opinion, a huge gap between your gun being store in a safe at home and pointed towards the target at the range; this is the area where a mobile and lockable safe storage system comes into play.
A hard case is one of the most secure places to store a firearm when on the move, especially in a car. It is possible to fly with a weapon, these days, it is mandatory that it is stored in a lockable hard case. In our opinion, whether at the range or on duty, your pistol should be in a Peli Case as soon as it exits your holster (of course this applies also to long guns).
We believe that this product can apply to the lifestyle of the all of the members of the gun community, from the Elite Operators, to the Hunters, to the Competitive Shooters or simply to the gun enthusiasts. These high-quality hard cases provide protection to the equipment as well as safety in the surroundings; it is vital that all weapons must be stored inside such cases, especially when on the move. For a long time our equipment will have a very safe place to stay, inside a Peli Case.
Velocity Systems | Light Weight Plate Carrier
The LWPC is designed with maximum versatility and speed in mind. The ability to conceal this plate carrier allows the operator to maximize the effectiveness of this platform even in uncertain environments where low-profile is the number one priority. The possibility to unzip a Jacket and attach a placard with all the mission specific equipment really makes the transition from low-profile to high-profile just a matter of seconds. The ability to change configuration in a brief period of time allows the end user to quickly adapt to the specific situation as the environment changes. The biggest feature of this plate carrier, aside from its incredible light weight, is the versatility and modularity provided by the SwiftClips. Velocity Systems and MayflowerRC have, for a long time, believed in the concept of a modular armor and load bearing system that shared the same support structure. For many years we have seen great redundancy in the operators’ equipment; a popular set-up used to be a standard chest rig worn on top of a low profile armor carrier. At the time the only alternative to this system was the bulky PALs webbing/MOLLE plate carrier (which required a lot of time to reconfigure pouch by pouch) but it would not provide the ability to quickly change set-up (from 5.56 to 7.62 or to mission specific role) like the chest rig and plate carrier combination.
To this need Velocity Systems and Mayflower RC have responded with modular placards and chest rigs that would provide the operator with the comfort of a single piece of equipment while having the versatility of multiple pre-configured modular set-ups.
In our opinion, there is a substantial difference in the set-up of this product in the various applications of agencies and civilian use.
For a military or agency type of application this product would be suited for some sort of low-profile operation in which the operator would be required to constantly wear armor, comms and, perhaps, a medical kit. The low-profile nature of the carrier would quite possibly be unnoticed but would offer protection and the ability to attach a fully equipped chest rig placard within seconds.
As for the civilian use, we think that this system could offer much more versatility that a standard MOLLE vest. The use in a civilian application would, hopefully, be for a shorter period of time and it would not require the user to wear comms and med kit on a closer level. In an event in which the civilian should respond with armor the medical kit and radio would probably store within the placard itself. The MOLLE version allows to carry 6×6” armor side plates and offers 6 columns of PALS webbing attachment.
This is why we find the MOLLE version of the cummerbunds more suitable for low-profile operations and the elastic (lighter and slicker) cummerbunds for civilian use. Off course, the interchangeability of them will allow the user to configure it to the mission requirements. The low profile nature of the elastic cummerbunds would also allow a concealed carry citizen to use his/her inside the waistband holster at the three o’clock position without any interference with the plate carrier itself.
The lower half of the front of the plate carrier is covered with loop Velcro, stitched right into the front flap. On the sides of the upper portion are the two SwiftClips, which can be removed. There is a low-profile admin pouch, also stitched with a loop Velcro panel. If you happen to have the Multicam version of this plate carrier, as we do, the “admin” and back loop Velcro panels visible from the outside are matched with the camo pattern.
It was a pleasant surprise to see that this Light Weight plate carrier has all of the features of “Standard” plate carriers. Often times, due to the weight reduction, companies tend to “lighten” the adjustability and user-configurability, not Velocity Systems and Mayflower R&C. The cummerbunds can be adjusted both from the front and from back panel. For primary fitting, it is possible to regulate on the back panel the position of the cummerbund, the end of which is provided with both hook and loop Velcro on each side; this ensures the stability and the overall ruggedness of the product. For field adjustment (or secondary adjustment), it is possible to fit the size by lifting the dedicated front panel. On the market it is usually is rare to see two fully spec’d adjustment points on such a lightweight platform.
The top straps are also adjustable, allowing fitting the perfect height of the plate carrier (on a side note, please stop wearing your plate carriers low, you know who we are talking about…). The top strap is provided with a cushioned sleeve, for load bearing comfort and cable routing. We only wrote cable and not hydration tube routing on purpose, this plate carrier is meant to be lightweight and therefore used in atypical (or asymmetrical warfare) type of scenarios such as urban and low-profile application in which there should not be the need of “field” requirements like continuous hydration on the move. If the possibly of attaching a panel or an hydration bladder is an important characteristic we suggest checking out the other plate carriers from Velocity Systems and Mayflower R&C like the SCARAB.
Both the stitching and the material used are impressive. The attention to details and the well thought design differentiate this product from a market full of plate carriers that have become almost a commodity without any peculiar feature. Velocity Systems uses 500-denier Cordura fabric for the outer layers; this provides high mechanical properties while still maintaining a low-weight discipline.
Velocity Systems and Mayflower R&C proudly use materials and workmanship that are 100% made in the USA.
For more information, please visit: VelSyst.com
G-Code | Soft Shell Mag Carriers
Softshell Scorpion is the next evolutionary advance of the variable compression pouch concept. A hybrid that combines unconventional materials, construction methods and features in a way that elevates function and performance to new levels. By combining an exoskeleton outer frame with an inner soft shell, a seamless balance between rigidity and expansion is achieved. This balance ensures the most positive retention on your magazines while still allowing instant access when sourcing your reloads. Likewise, Softshell Scorpions are completely modular and interchange with the entire family of G-Code carry accessories. No matter your carry preference or tactical application, Soft-Shell Scorpion pouches are configurable to meet your mission needs.
Rifle mags: Softshell Scorpion rifle pouches fits all AR series magazines, any AK magazine and all variations in 7.62×51 (.308). Softshell Scorpion pistol pouches come in two sizes, tall and short. Both sizes fit single and double stack magazines. However, depending on your weapon and your preference, two sizes are offered to ensure the user can acquire the proper purchase on the magazine when accessing the reload.
Other advanced features include:
– Flared surfaces on all four sides of the pouch opening allowing smooth, blind insertion of the mag into the pouch.
– Molded channels and recesses that control and protect the binding cord and eliminate snags and wear.
– Front torsion plate is engineered to direct pressure down through the Softshell forcing its inner friction surface to make positive contact along the length of the magazine. With minimal adjustment to the cord, the holding power of the pouch can be multiplied through the designed leverage in the system. Additionally, the cross bars of the rifle mag pouches front torsion plate allow pistol mag pouches to be stacked at variable levels on the rifle pouch.
– The back plate is molded to include threaded brass inserts allowing the rapid change of mounting accessories.
– Superior materials include Super-Tough Nylon frame components and a Santoprene molded Softshell. In addition to extreme strength and durability, these materials absorb no moisture and gain no weight when exposed to water.
– Hybrid construction method of stitching the frame to the Softshell eliminates unnecessary bulk and weight. Weighing in at just 3.3 oz. Softshell Scorpion rifle mag pouches are among the lightest available yet give no compromise in durability, function, or features.
– Launching with the Softshell Scorpion line are the first of our NEW (Patent pending) R-series and P-series mounting clips that further expand your mounting and carry options. The R-2 and P-2 Operator Belt Mounts deliver a phenomenally stable and dependable mounting system that is designed specifically to interface with G-Codes Operator belt 1.75 ” (May not work with other belts). Likewise, R-1 and P-1 clips with PALS platforms (body armor, belt) and R-3 and P-3 clips with most other belt systems (Coming Soon!).
– Standard and custom color combinations are available.
– G-Codes Life-Time Warranty and reputation for superior quality.
– Patent pending.
For more information please visit: G-Code’s Website
Haley Strategic Partners|D3CRX
The Haley Strategic D3CR (or Disruptive Environments™ Chest Rig) has been, since its first release, one of the most adaptable and versatile Chest-Rigs on the market. After the release of the first version that allows to carry 4 rifle magazines (both STANAG and AK 7.62 x 39mm and 5.45 x 39mm) they have focused on the 7.62 NATO and 308 market with the D3CR-Heavy. These products have always shared many features in their designs, both structural and pouches placement.
With the latests addition in the line HSP will provide the user with a parallel option to the original D3CR.
The new Disruptive Environments™ Chest Rig X mainly features a different configuration of storage capabilities; they have substituted the bungee multi-purpose pouch with two Multi-Mission pouches. This modification creates a much more streamlined set-up and provides the user with more options -regarding the carry of multi-tools, hand-held flashlights and sidearm magazines. The Multi-Mission pouch houses magazines of the most popular single-stack and double-stack handguns keeping very good retention with both a bungee cord and a magnet.
The new chest rig borrows the X nomenclature by the new X-shaped harness design; conceived for added comfort in prolonged uses and for further user-adjustably. The D3CRX does not preclude the use of any Haley Strategic Accessories.
The D3CRX is available in Black and Tan for $180 and in Multicam and Multicam Black for $ 185.
For more information please visit Haley Strategic Partners‘s website: haleystrategic.com/equipment/chestrigs/d3crx
Streamlight TLR1-HL: 800Lumen Weapon Light | Review
The most important accessory for your firearms (both pistols and long guns) is quite possibly an illumination tool. Uncertain firepower will almost always lead to trouble, if either you miss your target or you shoot at something you were not intending to destroy. A simple and quite inexpensive solution for this problem is a weapon-mounted light (or WML). This tool will usually provide a tactical advantage, and, most importantly, will take away the uncertainty of where those rounds go.
Unfortunately, even nowadays, many gun owners think that the only applications of weapon mounted lights are in the military and Law Enforcement field. In reality, this tool is almost mandatory for low-light/no-light engagements, especially for civilians. One of the most important applications for such a tool is home defense, a scenario in which almost every gun owner can see himself or herself involved.
In this article, we are mainly going to focus on personal defense applications for civilians: both home invasions and concealed carry. Statistically, vastly majority of attacks occur by nighttime; the intruders or attackers utilize darkness as an advantage, so a flashlight is a vital tool.
For many years, the use of a handheld flashlight in conjunction with a handgun has been the choice for many professionals. The benefit of having a separated handheld light is that you do not have to point a loaded weapon at the possible threat that you are investigating on. While the main cons is of course the impossibility of any one-handed weapon manipulation, which also excludes any long gun application.
Utilizing a WML on a handgun also allows the operator to work both on the light-switch and on the trigger with a single hand, which is essential when wounded or when helping others to safety.
The preferred method used, in the past few years, by many professionals has been the application of both weapon mounted and handheld lights used simultaneously. This will provide the tactical and practical advantages of the weapon mounted light and the safety of the handheld (for all those further investigations on possible “false alarms”, you really do not want to point your gun at the neighbor’s dog that somehow has escaped…)
A weapon mounted light, according to many military and LE users, has to be as simple as possible in order to be operated effectively. While many hand held flashlight have on average 5-7 features (between strobes, brightness levels and special functions), it is mandatory that a weapon mount light only has two
functions: Momentary ON and Steady ON (some people use strobe, but we are not really huge fans).
The operator should not have to focus on the light instead of on the threat while cycling through the light’s functions. Streamlight has applied a very interesting rotatory switch to their weapon mounted light. It can be worked with both the trigger finger (index) and the support-hand’s thumb. If toggled
clockwise it will provide steady ON mode, while momentary only if toggle anticlockwise. This is a very simple and effective solution that requires very little training and practice to be operated. The light comes with the strobe mode pre-installed; if you want to disable it, quickly toggle 9 times the momentary on and keep it pressed on the tenth. This process will able or disable the strobe function.
Streamlight offers the latest version of their TLR-1 HL model with a single 800 Lumen output. The light is powered by two lithium CR123A batteries and it has a runtime of 1.75 hours. The light-beam generated by this light’s LED appears to be very versatile for both indoor and outdoor engagements. A glass-like material prism refracts the light through itself providing the internal light enhancement properties and making the whole product much more rugged
than those using a metal-like reflective mirror. The “spill” of the outer circular beam has a very wide angle making the TLR-1 HL an ideal light for close quarters combat and for peripheral vision, while the very hot center provides a very good “throw” with an approximate reach of 300m, a necessity for distant target acquisition and engagement. At these distances, it is probably going to be mounted on a long gun. Below are two examples of the light beams at 25m and at 50m in total darkness (the camera is in the same position).
The Streamlight TLR-1 HL comes with 4 mounting accessories for Glock, Beretta 90Two, S&W pistol and 1913 Rails. The aftermarket accessories for this light include a remote switch and a dedicated door-switch for rifle applications. If you are interested in purchasing only one weapon-mounted light to be alternated between your handgun and your rifle this is just the right product for you. Most other weapon-mounted lights on the market are offered only as water-resistant while the Streamlight is IPX7 Waterproof.
The light comes in three different colors: Black, Flat Dark Earth and Flat Dark Earth Brown colors; in this article are shown the FDE and Black models.
For more information regarding the Streamlight TLR-1 HL weapon mounted lights please visit:
Urban Survivor Blog 