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
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
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.
ShotShow2016: KRISS USA
For Shot Show 2016 KRISS has released the Gen 2 Vector, now also available in 9 x 19 mm. The Vector Gen2 has a Cerakote finish available in many different colors: Black, FDE, OD Green, Alpine and Combat Grey. The KRISS Vector GEN II is more ergonomic with a redesigned trigger, a short throw ambidextrous safety lever, and a more comfortable pistol grip.
The caliber change between the .45 ACP to the 9 x 19mm doesn’t require any tools, and it takes a few seconds. After releasing three pins the whole lower receiver assembly come apart and you simply swap it with the other one.
KRISS Vector GEN II SMG in 9mm FDE and KRISS Vector GEN II SDP in 9mm BLK.
KRISS Vector GEN II SMG in 9mm BLK and KRISS Vector GEN II SBR in 9mm FDE.
KRISS Vector GEN II CRB Enhanced in 9mm Combat Grey and KRISS Vector GEN II CRB in 9mm BLK.
KRISS Vector GEN II SDP with stabilizing brace in 9mm BLK.
KRISS Vector GEN II SBR in 9mm Black and KRISS Vector GEN II SDP in 9mm Olive Drab Green.
Throughout 2016 KRISS will also release the Vector Gen 2 in other calibers. The lower receivers and the complete firearms will then be available to the public in .45 ACP, 9×19 mm, 9×21 IMI, .357 SIG, 10mm and .40 S&W.
For more information please visit KRISS USA Website.
ShotShow2016: M+M Industries
One of the most innovative products displayed at Shot Show, this year, came from M+M industries. The American AK manufacturer is now presenting on the market the next step in the evolution of the Kalashnikov’s design. We haven’t had the chance to shoot this rifle yet, but form an engineering point of view it seems to be very promising, with increased reliability, accuracy and attachment options.
The M10, the previous version of this rifle, was sent to more the 250 experts in 2015 for a field test. Now, the M+M engineers have made some minor changes and adjustments based on the feedback they have received. This platform will be available in 7.62 x 39mm.
The difference between this product and other US-manufactured AK platforms is that instead of jamming an AK mag into an AR15 (we have seen these atrocities way to much at the show this year) or just rebuilding the AK with almost the same processes used in Soviet Russia in the 50s they have adapted the Kalash concept to the production systems of the 21st century. New technologies, like for example 3-axes CNC machining, allow the production of fewer but more complicated components, reducing slacks and weak points. This is a lighter, easier to maintain, more accurate and more reliable system that still fires the 7.62 x 39 round.
As you can see from the image below these are the components of the two weapon systems, on the right is the standard-design AK and the left is the new M+M model 10X.
We really can’t wait to get our hands on one of these rifles.
For more information please visit M+M Website.
ShotShow2016: SureFire
This year at ShotShow SureFire has released an interesting new multi functional product: the FirePack 1500. This product attaches to the users smartphone and is connected to it via wireless comms. This allows to utilize the Firepack both as a 1500 lumen flashlight and as a flash for you smartphone camera, all through the app installed on the phone. It could also be use as an external battery to charge your phone.
The other EDC new product from SureFire is the Sidekick. This keychain-attached compact flashlight is able to deliver up to 300 lumen and will cycle through three brightness settings with the use a single button. The Sidekick will also come with a retractable string for secure use.
Two very interesting product of the EDC line are the Titan and Titan Plus.
Surefire has extended the product line with the Intellibeam technology to the Fury, Lawman and Scout lights.
As for weapon-mounted light there will be more models with the capability of White-IR LED.
The product that has revolutionized the market of CCW weapon-mounted lights is the XC-1. This light is mainly designed for weapon with a size similar to the Glock 19. At the show it was mounted on a 1911 from Wilson Combat, not too sure about that.
The X-300 Ultra has now the mounting interface of the X-400 and has been powered up to 600 Lumens.
ShotShow2016: Daniel Defense
2001-2016 Daniel Defense has been manufacturing high-quality firearms for 15 years, both for military and civilian markets. This year at Shot Show they have launched their anniversary rifle to commemorate this milestone. This product will be available in 223 for around $ 3000.
Along with the “Fifteen Years” rifle they have released the brand new DDM4 V7. This rifle comes in 5.56 NATO with a 16″ cold hammer forged barrel and 1:7″ rifling twist. The V7 features also the new MFR x5 rail systems with M-Lok and QD sling attachment points. On the range this rifle seems perfectly balanced. The mid-length gas system, the DD improved flash suppressor and the weigh just over 6 lb really deliver an incredible shooting experience.
The other new rifle that has debuted at the show was the DDM4 ISR Gen2 in 300 Blk. The Integrally Suppressed Rifle features a 9″ barrel with a pistol length gas system and 1:8″ rifling twist. Although the barrel length is under 16″ the ISR is not to be considered an SBR due to the fact that the suppressor installed is welded in position; so instead of a two tax stamps it needs only one. The rail system is MFR XL with KeyMod interface and it covers almost the whole barrel+suppressor length providing better control for weapon manipulation and more space for accessories. The MSRP of the ISR Gen2 in 300 blk is $3050.
Daniel Defense has also introduced a foldig-stock version of the MK18.
The MK12 and the DDM5 V1 were also at the booth, and we couldn’t resist the temptation of taking some photos.
ShotShow2016: TNVC
Tactical Night Vision Company is the most reputable night/thermal vision company on the market. They are truly experts on the matter, here is part of our experience at their booth. Enjoy
This is the new M-TEK Flux Carbon helmet. It features M-Lok rails, Wilcox L4 Shroud and a new shape for enhanced protection and comfort.
Here is their line of weapon mounted visors, both thermal and night vision.
Above is their new weapon mounted dual-switch that works with 1913 rails and Keymod or M-Lok sections.
For more info please visit tnvc.com
S&S Precision SlingClip
Shooting with a One-Point sling is certainly very comfortable, but when it’s time to sling the weapon system having a Two-Points really makes everything easier. This accessory allows to quickly change your configuration without having to handle any QD or clip interface. S&S Precision has had for a long time another similar product but this really seems slick and low-profile.
It is designed to fit most standard 1” slings and it effectively turns your single point sling into a two point sling with a simple flick of your thumb.
Specs and Features:
-6061 Aluminum
-New low-profile design
-Skeletonized design with fewer components
-Integrated hand stop/finger groove design
-Works in cojunction with single point sling systems (1” width) to secure weapon
-KeyMod & M-LOK versions available