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 Environments Defensive Loadout
- Glock 19 gen 4 equipped with Streamlight TLR-1 HL (800 Lumen) in Flat Dark Earth color
- Two magazines with 15 rounds of defensive ammo
- Gerber Ghoststrike combat knife with Cerakote finish
- Gerber Impromptu tactical pen
- S&S Precision V-Lite
- Gerber Order folding knife with Cerakote finish
- SureFire E2D Defender Ultra flashlight
- Oakley Standard Issue Ballistic DetCord sunglasses with Cerakote finish
- Samsung Galaxy S6 with Magpul Field case
- LokSak ShieldSak RFID pouch
Blue Force Gear: Pistol Belt Pouches | Review
Blue Force Gear is well known for quite possibly the most low profile PALS-Webbing / MOLLE pouches on the market. They have put together two incredibly thin and durable materials: the military grade elastic and the ULTRAcomp laminate. The combination of these two fabrics created the well-known Ten-Speed pouches. After the great success with the MOLLE platform, Blue Force Gear has decided to apply this technology to the belt pouch. For many years, leather and Kydex were the two only material utilized in belt pouches, the only problem with these was the bulkiness and impossibility to have them “collapsed” against the body when not in use. Although Kydex remains a good option for more overt applications, the Blue Force Gear belt pouches are suited for more covert applications for both military and civilian use.
The belt-mounted line of pouches are designed specifically for:
- rifle mags (low rise and high rise pouches available)
- pistol mags
- handcuffs
- dump pouches
- pepper spray
- batons
These products serve three different category of users simultaneously: Military personnel, LE officers and concealed carry civilians.
For this article, we had the chance to test the pistol mag pouch in the two configurations: single mag
and double mag. These two mag pouches are designed to be quickly and easily accessible, even under
stress. They work with both single and double stack magazine. The high quality elastic material allows
to switch between double stack and single stack mags without losing any retention capability.
Although fast speed reloads are ideal for this type of pouch, tactical reloads are also possible with just a
little practice. The main feature of this system is that once you extract the content, the pouch collapses
on it-self reducing any extra bulk. In our opinion, this feature is ideal for EDC and CCW.
For everyday carry purposes we have found that this pouch is incredibly useful not only for pistol mags
but also for multi-tools, battery racks and flashlights.
For CCW we usually like to carry appendix or 3 o’clock (both IWB and OWB). For appendix carry the use
of a mag caddy is quite comfortable, but when carrying at the 3 o’clock position having an IWB Kydex
mag caddy at the 9 o’clock is pretty uncomfortable.
This is why we now have decided to go with the Blue Force Gear mag pouch Outside the Waist Band.
These mag pouches also work perfectly in conjunction with a plate carrier or a chest rig. They are easily
accessible also with the Blue Force Gear Trauma Kit NOW! placed right on top; both in the loading and
unloading processes.
In order to attach to the belt these pouches utilize a very versatile hook and loop system. This allows the pouch to be mounted to classic leather or tactical nylon belts of up to 2″ in width. The pouch can also be easily detached from the belt without having to take the whole system off. Attaching the pouch to the belt doesn’t require much time or effort, making it a valid option for extra emergency mags stored elsewhere. For example we always carry the single pouch on the belt with an extra Glock 19 mag, but if needed, within seconds, we can mount, to the belt, the double pouch with two Glock 17 mags that we keep in an EDC backpack.
As for all Blue Force Gear products the quality of construction, stitching and material is outstanding. The are constantly providing clever products that bring more efficiency and are lightweight, the belt pouches are the proof.
For more information on the belt-mounted line of pouches please visit: BlueForceGear.com
Steiner Optics: T824 Tactical Binoculars | Review
Steiner Optics is one of the most reputable optics companies on the market; they have been manufacturing some of the finest glasses for decades. With great attention to quality and detail, Steiner stands behind their product with extensive field-testing and quality control.
In many situations, being able to see beyond the human eye capability is key for planning and decision-making. Even if we have great-magnified optics mounted on rifles and carbines it’s not always possible to point them in any direction; especially in urban environments, where a long weapon may not be available and the binocular may be the only vision enhancement available.
Other than in surveillance and navigation, a compact 8 x binocular could be used for many other defensive tasks. From a civilian point of view, items like the Steiner T824 could be easily
carried in a EDC backpack or sling and it could be very helpful in dangerous contingencies. In an active shooter situation occurring in a public location, after having deployed the concealed carry weapon and having assessed the situation (and the distance from the shooter), a compact binocular could be utilized to provide precious intel on suspect to the first responders and the authorities.
The Steiner T824 is one of the most rugged binoculars on the market. The body is entirely covered with a rubber mold for shock absorption, while the N2 filled lenses proved waterproofness and antifogging. Quality of sight and toughness are just mandatory when dealing with companies like Steiner.
The most impressive feature of the T824 was the size of the whole product. Keeping in mind all the features that we have listed above this product is incredibly small; and furthermore easily deployable to many different situations and environments.
In the world of optics you often have to finder a compromise between size (lightweight and compact) and optical performance; the Steiner T824 provides a crystal clear 8x image in one of the smallest and lightest binocular system on the market.
The ruggedness and quality of the T824 is exceptional; after more than six months of hard everyday use it does not show any sign of weakness or failure. The rubberized coating makes this optic is almost indestructible, it has fallen several times from various heights and it did not break or scratch. The N2 filled optics are very effective against fogging, even during high intensity activities (in both freezing winter and humid summer) they keep a crystal clear transparency.
On the range this compact pair of tactical binoculars have showed to be more useful than we thought. When you are working on carbines and handguns on a flat range, you usually tend to leave the spotting scope at home; unless you are focusing on specific long-range shooting sessions. The Steiner T824 are compact and lightweight enough to be always included in your range bag and they can be very useful for some quick check on the target without having the whole range going cold.
The Steiner T824 is the smallest model (in both price and dimensions) of the line of tactical binocular. The Tactical series of Steiner binoculars include optics from 8 x 24 up to 10 x 42, available either with or without reticle.
For more information, please visit the Steiner Optics website
M+M Industries | M10X Update
M+M Industries, a true innovator among the firearms community, has released the new version of their popular M10X. This platform takes inspiration from some of the most world-renowned rifles.
There are quite a bit of enhancements and changes applied to the new M10X. They have added the Magpul MOE pistol grip and the latest Magpul Zhukov folding/collapsible stock; designed specifically for all the platforms without buffer-tubes, equipped with QD sling mounts and modular cheek risers.
The handguard has also been redesigned, with the implementation of forward QD sling mounts and more Magpul M-Lok slots on the 2 and 10 o’clock position, making the whole system more customizable and modular.
As for the barrel, the new M10X’s muzzle has been change to allow the usage of 5/8 x 24 Muzzle brakes.
All of the changes and enhancements of the new version are compatible with the older M10X system.
The overall weight of the newer version is 7.4 LBS against 8.5 LBS of the older version.
For more information on the New version of the M10X please visit the M+M Industries website
Triple Aught Design: Intercept Performance Denim | Review
Whether you are an operator overseas or a civilian carrying a concealed handgun at the mall, one of the most important aspects of urban operations is blending in. Camouflage is a interesting subject when it comes to being unnoticed to the human eye. How it works in the wilderness is clear to everybody, and we are not here to discuss that; but as soon as you reach civilization, it becomes a more complicated.
Two of the main aspects of urban “blending in” techniques are:
- Try to move with the crowds and avoid seeking any attention
- Dress casual and stay away from camo gear.
In this article, we will focus on the second category: dressing casual (or in conjunction with the environment).
As of 2016, a good portion of the world shares some common “fashions” or “dress codes”. One color or piece of clothing that is well distributed and utilized throughout the globe is denim; this makes our job at “disappearing” much easier.
In the past years there has been a good variety of jackets, button shirts and even shoes on the market specifically designed for the tactical/performance segment of the market (concealed carry or “covert operations”); but casual pants were missing from this selection.
For a long time there has been a very wide gap between tactical pants and casual denim; the first being versatile and comfortable during high performance activities but with a lack of casual aesthetics, while the second being the exact opposite. Now Triple Aught Design has made the right connection between these two much separated segments of market.
The Intercept PD pants are extremely well crafted and are made in the United States. Triple Aught Design has really focused a lot of attention in quality and design through the development of this product. The Performance Denim comes from America’s oldest working denim mill, from North Carolina, and it is woven with 1% elastane for better comfort during high performance activities.
As far as pocket usability the Intercept PD are basically a pair of Cargo pants that look like jeans; it is as simple as that. The five traditional pockets provide a classic look and feel to the product, while closer to the belt line are placed the 4 concealed pockets, designed with performance and weight bearing in mind. The close proximity of the pockets to the waist allows the user to carry heavier items (spare mags, multi-tools, flashlight, medical kits and much more) without any movement limitation, even while seated.
The Intercept PD are engineered with noise reduction in mind: instead of the classic zipper TAD has implemented a button closure of the groin (to avoid any noise of metallic moving parts) while the 9 pockets are deep and kept close to the user’s body by the elastic fabric, reducing any sort of movement of the content.
The belt loops are large and heavy-duty, which is vital for carrying a tactical belt (especially with a holster, both Inside the Waistband and Outside the Waistband). Triple Aught Design has applied hidden triple needle stitching and bartacks throughout the whole product. Applied on the two front pockets is the TAD diamond reinforcement to protect from premature wear from knives, tools or flashlight clips.
With the Intercept Performance Denim TAD is delivering a product of which the development really revolved around the operator. If you are looking for a way to disappear from the radar in an urban environment you should really add the Intercept Performance Denim to your list, they are worth each and every penny.
For more information please visit Triple Aught Design’s website: store.tripleaughtdesign.com/Intercept-PD-Pant
Blue Force Gear Trauma Kit Now! Product Review
The Blue Force Gear Trauma Kit NOW! is an emergency access medical kit that can be quickly deployed. It is designed to hold the medical contents of the Armed Forces IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit) but it can also be customized by the user to be suited for every environment.
The medical pouch is one of the most important pieces of equipment that an operator can carry. It has to withstand hostile environments, be rugged and easily accessible so high-quality is the first priority.
For many years there have been different types of medical kits on the market but most of them are not, in our opinion, suited for emergency situations. Most of these kits are organized kits designed to be attached to the webbing of backpacks or vests.
The biggest issue with internally organized medical pouches attached with PALS webbing is the difficulty with the application and the handling of the medical components. Usually, when attached on a full kit, the medical pouch tends to be mounted at the 6 o’clock position on the battle belt or on the sides of the plate carrier; sometimes in this position it is hard to look and access directly the content under the stress of an emergency.
The alternative for a long time has been to carry a standard pouch with all the medical content loose inside, which does not ensure success in finding what needed.
This new philosophy of use applied to medical kits seems to have caught the eye of both military personnel and civilians.
Blue Force Gear has decided to utilize the “blowout” system for their Trauma Kit. What sets this product apart from others similar on the market is the ruggedness and the lightweight of the pouch. After the release of a version made of standard 500 denier fabric they have decided to apply their patented Helium Whisper material. The inner supply carriage has been redesigned and constructed out of laser cut ULTRAcomp to reduce the thickness of the fabric while maintaining shape and strength.
One though shared throughout the military and firearms community is that the medical kit should be the first to put on and the last to take off. It is obvious that with this mindset the light weight and the comfort for prolonged use is ideal.
The kit can be quickly and easily deployed with the external pull tab, which contains a small weight. The medical sign color can be changed from red to black within seconds to ensure the perfect requirement for every situation or environment. It is extremely important that the content is secured to the pouch during the deployment, to ensure this Blue Force Gear has applied a very robust high quality elastic keeper.
In the assortment of the medical content we took in consideration both the needs of the standard IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit) and those of a Combat Trauma Kit. This specific pouch can be also utilized as an extensive and enhanced EDC medical kit. The internal blowout kit can be closed on itself without using the external MOLLE pouch, making it even more compact and lightweight. In the middle section is applied a panel of loop Velcro, in which we have attached the SWAT-T Tourniquet with a small piece of hook Velcro and some glue.
(1) SWAT-T Tourniquet
(1) Fox Chest Seal
(1) Quick Clot Hemostatic gauze
(30) Band-Aids (4 Sizes)
(10) Band-Aids Backup (Vacuum Sealed)
(25) Vacuum Sealed Gauze Pads
(1) Combat Elastic Bandage
(3) 3M SteriStrips
(2) Pairs of Nitrile Surgical Gloves
(1) 3M Medical Tape
(1) Aluderm Aluminum Gauze Pad (20cmx20cm)
(2) Aluderm Aluminum Gauze Pad (10x 10 cm)
(3) Burn Gel
(2) Antibacterial wipes
(1) Emergency blanket
(1) aLokSak 3″x7″ waterproof bag
(1) Hi intensity 30′ Red ChemLight
(1) Fine Point Surgical Tweezers
Medical Substances
(2) Ketoprofene
(10) Ioperamide
(2) Paracetamole
(2) Amoxilline (Antibiotics)
(2) Antihistamine
(2) Antidiarrheal
(4) Electrolytes
(4) Aspirin
(4) Ibuprofen
The Blue Force Gear Trauma Kit NOW! Is available in Multicam, Tan, Black, Wolf Grey and OD Green.
Oakley M-Frame Alpha | Now Available!
The new Oakley M-Frame Alpha is now available for purchase through OakleySI website. We have written a short preview of the product shortly after ShotShow 2016 (OakleySI Alpha). If you haven’t seen it, the Alpha consists in an Ecosystem of eyewear mounting frames that share the same lenses, this product allows the same lens both to work on a “sunglass” type of frame and on a mask. This allows great flexibility for the operator, especially with the introduction of a new, patented, quick inter-change lens system.
Of the Alpha Ecosystem it is possible to purchase the whole kit or even just a single item. There will be two main packages a soft and a tough case with many different lenses and the two mounting frames. As always Oakley will also allow to order frames, lenses, cases and the gasket separately. We really like to have the option of building our own custom kit and we appreciate the effort made by the company to let us do it.
As far as pricing goes we are not still 100% sure of the prices of each single item, but we know that the M-Flame glasses should be around $110 and the full hard-case kit should be around $300.
For more information please visit: OakleySI.com
ShotShow2016: LALO Tactical
The LALO Tactical Intruder is versatile boot designed for all sorts of action. The patented composite plate and TPU outsole offer an efficient “stealth approach” when transferring energy from foot strike to toe- off. The boot also features:
- Contoured climbing arch
- Compression molded EVA midsole and compression molded EVA insole
- Fin-lock, slip resistant, light- weight injected blown TPU outsole
- Articulating heel and outsole shape for assisting in noise reduction
- Blade resistant “SuperFabric® toe cap, 5” Microfiber H2O shedding synthetic leather upper with breathable membrane with moisture-wicking, H2O shedding antimicrobial upper lining
- Rip-stop nylon accents
- Engineered Achilles flex notch and sleek vamp profile for secure fin fit and climbing
- Gusseted tongue construction with invisible lace pocket
This lightweight cross-trainer is as light as a feather and looks as sharp on the street as it does in the gym. Features Anti-Inversion Technology, the LALO OCF Fit System, and a ceramic-coated SUPER FABRIC™ toecap. The Grinder is a mid-foot mobility shoe that shines in a variety of cross-training activities. It was engineered for dynamic, bodyweight-based agility drills and movements. It features a softer, grippier feel for multi-directional movements such as jump rope, burpees, box jumps, jumping lunges, and more. It is a practical shoe for rowing, short distance runs and sprints.
For more information please visit LALO Tactical website.
ShotShow2016: Salient Arms
SAI Glocks
Salient Arms International works on Glock models. Here they have applied:
- Slide cut + RMR cut
- Stippled polymer frame with trigger guard cut for higher grip
- Threaded barrel coated with TiN
- Drop-in trigger
SAI 2011-1911
SAI AR-15
Salient Arms AR-15 with JailBreak muzzle device and SAI handguard with M-lok slots. The bolt is coated with TiN finish and Magpul furniture.
Urban Survivor Blog 