Tag Archive | Urban

Triple Aught Design: New Products for 2017

Triple Aught Design has released some interesting new products in the past few weeks. In the past we have had the opportunity to field test TAD products and we have been amazed by the exceptional attention to detail and quality and by how each piece of clothing or equipment is designed for a specific task and environment. From urban to rural they have it covered, with style.

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Blue Force Gear: Pistol Belt Pouches | Review

Blue Force Gear Belt Pistol mag Pouch Urban Survivor Blog

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.

Blue Force Gear Belt Pistol mag Pouch Urban Survivor Blog

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.

Blue Force Gear Belt Pistol mag Pouch Urban Survivor Blog

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.

Blue Force Gear Belt Pistol mag Pouch Urban Survivor Blog

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.

Blue Force Gear Belt Pistol mag Pouch Urban Survivor Blog

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.
Blue Force Gear Belt Pistol mag Pouch Urban Survivor Blog

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.

Blue Force Gear Belt Pistol mag Pouch Urban Survivor Blog

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.

Blue Force Gear Belt Pistol mag Pouch Urban Survivor Blog

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.

Steiner Optics Tactical Binoculars T824

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.

Steiner Optics Tactical Binoculars T824 Surefire E2D Defender Ultra Gerber Order Gerber MP1 Oakley Cerakote Ballistic Detcords Glock 19 Gen 4 Streamlight TLR1 HL Tan

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.

Steiner Optics Tactical Binoculars T824

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.

Steiner Optics Tactical Binoculars T824

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.

Steiner Optics Tactical Binoculars T824

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

ShotShow2016: Blue Force Gear

Last year we published a brief article about the release of the Dapper Organizer kit from Blue Force Gear: urbansurvivorblog.com/2015/10/23/blue-force-gear-dapper-kit/

Here are some picture of it from Shot Show 2016.

Blue Force Gear Jedburgh Pack Multicam OD Green Shot Show 2016 Blue Force Gear Jedburgh Pack Multicam Shot Show 2016

The Dapper Organization mainly revolves around the Jedburgh pack. This medium-small sized pack is very discreet and well thought. It comes in different color variants: black, coyote brown, od green, multicam and wolf with an MSRP of $ 140.

Blue Force Gear Dapper Organization Shot Show 2016

The inside of the pack is almost completely covered with loop-Velcro which allows it to be extremely versatile and customizable  by the user. Blue Force Gear offers a very wide line of accessory for this platform (or any other pack with loop velcro) both for tactical and everyday applications.

Blue Force Gear Dapper Organization Shot Show 2016

 

After the wide success of the Ten-Speed MOLLE pouches Blue Force Gear has decided to expand this technology to the belt system, and we are very glad to see it. This relatively new line is dedicate both to covert and overt shooters that like to run a minimalist belt system.

Blue Force Gear Belt Pouches Shot Show 2016 Blue Force Gear Belt Pouches Shot Show 2016 Blue Force Gear Belt Pouches Shot Show 2016 Blue Force Gear Belt Pouches Shot Show 2016

 

The latest innovation in sling-attachment technology is the U-loop. It allows the sling to be attached to virtually any weapon system out there (even the more exotic ones) with a silent and reliable system. Forget tools and screws because the U-loop doesn’t require much effort to be attached/detached, it’s a quick one hand operation.

Blue Force Gear U-Loop Shot Show 2016 Blue Force Gear U-Loop Shot Show 2016

 

BFG has now expanded the color lineup to the new Multicam patterns Arid and Tropic.

Blue Force Gear Sling Multicam Tropical Arid Shot Show 2016

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

Shot Show 2016 TNVC Tactical Night Vision Company Shot Show 2016 TNVC Tactical Night Vision Company Shot Show 2016 TNVC Tactical Night Vision Company Shot Show 2016 TNVC Tactical Night Vision Company Shot Show 2016 TNVC Tactical Night Vision Company Shot Show 2016 TNVC Tactical Night Vision Company Shot Show 2016 TNVC Tactical Night Vision Company Shot Show 2016 TNVC Tactical Night Vision Company Shot Show 2016 TNVC Tactical Night Vision Company

 

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. Shot Show 2016 TNVC Tactical Night Vision Company Shot Show 2016 TNVC Tactical Night Vision Company Shot Show 2016 TNVC Tactical Night Vision Company Shot Show 2016 TNVC Tactical Night Vision Company

Here is their line of weapon mounted visors, both thermal and night vision. Shot Show 2016 TNVC Tactical Night Vision Company Shot Show 2016 TNVC Tactical Night Vision Company Shot Show 2016 TNVC Tactical Night Vision Company Above is their new weapon mounted dual-switch that works with 1913 rails and Keymod or M-Lok sections.

Shot Show 2016 TNVC Tactical Night Vision Company Shot Show 2016 TNVC Tactical Night Vision Company Shot Show 2016 TNVC Tactical Night Vision Company Shot Show 2016 TNVC Tactical Night Vision Company Shot Show 2016 TNVC Tactical Night Vision Company Shot Show 2016 TNVC Tactical Night Vision Company Shot Show 2016 TNVC Tactical Night Vision Company

For more info please visit tnvc.com

 

ShotShow2016: Magpul

Shot Show 2016 Magpul Magpul MOE SL-S Stock

Shot Show 2016 Magpul Shot Show 2016 Magpul Magpul SL-K Stock

Shot Show 2016 Magpul Shot Show 2016 Magpul Magpul Hunter 700L Stock

Shot Show 2016 Magpul Magpul PMAG D-60

Shot Show 2016 Magpul Magpul PSR Gen3 Stock

Shot Show 2016 Magpul Magpul UBR Gen2 Stock

Magpul Core Gloves

Shot Show 2016 Magpul Shot Show 2016 Magpul Shot Show 2016 Magpul Shot Show 2016 Magpul Shot Show 2016 Magpul Shot Show 2016 Magpul

Magpul Daka Pouches

Shot Show 2016 Magpul Shot Show 2016 Magpul Shot Show 2016 Magpul Shot Show 2016 Magpul Shot Show 2016 Magpul Shot Show 2016 Magpul

ShotShow2016: Industry Day at the Range

KRISS USA – SPHINX

01Kriss01P

KRISS Vector GEN II CRB Enhanced 9×19 in Combat Grey (w/ Trijicon MRO)

01Kriss02P

KRISS Vector GEN II SBR 9×19 in Combat Grey

01Kriss04P

KRISS Vector GEN II SMG 9×19 in FDE (w/ Trijicon MRO)

SPHINX SDP Compact Sand Duty 17rds 9x19

SPHINX SDP Compact Sand Duty 17rds 9x19

SPHINX SDP Compact Sand Duty 17rds 9×19

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SPHINX SDP Standard Black 17rds 9×19

SILENCERCO

Silencerco Handgun

SilencerCo Maxim 9 (featuring Glock magazine)

02Silencerco02P

Omega Titanium Rifle Suppressor

Osprey Micro Rimfire Suppressors

Osprey Micro Rimfire Suppressors

02Silencerco05P

Hybrid Suppressor

Hybrid Suppressor: compatible with calibers ranging from 5.56mm to 9mm, .45–70 GOV to .458 SOCOM

SilencerCo Omega 9K

SilencerCo Omega 9K

Omega 9K Suppressor: 9mm and 300 BLK

 DANIEL DEFENSE

Daniel Defense Daniel Defense

Integrally Suppressed AR-15 featuring light-weight KeyMod rail.

Daniel Defense

AR-15 featuring Magpul M-Lok platform

Daniel Defense

Leupold 

Leupold D-EVO

D-EVO and LCO Setup

IWI

IWI Galil ACE

IWI Galil ACE

IWI x95

IWI x95 in Olive Green

IWI Tavor

IWI Tavor in FDE

COBALT KINETICS

Cobalt Kinetics B.A.M.F. OD/Black

AIMPOINT

Aimpoint Micro T2 w/ Magnifier

Aimpoint Micro T2 w/ Magnifier

Aimpoint Micro  T-2 with Magnifier

Aimpoint CompM4

Aimpoint CompM4

BARRETT

Barrett MRAD

Barrett 98 B

Barrett 98 B

Barrett MRAD

08Barrett02P

Barrett REC7 Gen 2

CMMG

CMMG Mutant 47

CMMG Mutant 47

FN Herstal USA

FNH M249 s

FNH M249 semi-auto civilian ready belt-fed

FNH M240 B

FNH M240B

Heckler & Koch

HK MR762

Heckler & Koch MR762

Oakley Cerakote™ SI Ballistic Det Cord

Oakley SI Cerakote Ballistic Det Cord

Eye protection is probably one of the best precautions to take both on the field and on the range. After lots of eye injuries suffered by many during deployment, the DoD has decided to take measures against this big issue. Companies like Oakley have revolutionized the materials and the manufacturing process in order to meet these ballistic requirements. It has been many years since the US Gov. has issued the first Oakley Ballistic protective goggles and since then Oakley has produced different variants for different missions.

Oakley SI Cerakote Ballistic Det Cord

The SI Ballistic Det Cord sunglasses are the latest addition in Oakley SI’s line of eye protection. The low-profile design meets the requirements of many covert operations, while still having that “Oakley DNA” for aggressive environments and when things go south.Oakley SI Cerakote Ballistic Det Cord

With the constant presence of threats in high risk environments, asymmetrical warfare seems to be the keyword of this century. In the last few years brands like Oakley SI, who have always equipped armed forces, have found themselves designing and manufacturing more discreet products for the tactical market.

Oakley SI Cerakote Ballistic Det Cord

The lens placement on the Det Cord is slightly different from the usual sunglasses (aside from the ballistic protection). The frame design allows the lenses to sit very close to the user’s face, providing a very wide field of view. It also shields sunlight from any direct contact with the eye, above or beneath the lenses.

This design seem interesting also when speed is involved; with the lenses positioned so close to the user’s face the Det Cord appear to give some very good protection also from dust and wind.

Oakley SI Cerakote Ballistic Det Cord

Oakley has designed these glasses with the tactical operations in mind. The thin construction of the ear stems allows the glasses to be comms compatible (or ear pro). Not having this feature would lead to the loss of the seal of the muffs, causing them to lose any hearing protection capability. A thinner design of the frame is also very important if an helmet is worn. If you are carrying a ballistic helmet with night vision, lights and accessories attached you will end up with quite some weight; so it is important to have a secured and comfortable fit.

Oakley SI Cerakote Ballistic Det Cord

The DetCord are manufactured to conform to the ANSI Z87.1 – 2010 requirements.  To meet the ANSI Z87.1-2010 rating the eye protection must exceed specific high mass – high velocity tests and provide continuous lateral coverage. Most competitors on the market don’t provide lateral coverage; the presence of a “+” after Z87 will assure the lateral coverage compliancy.

The DetCords high purity optical-grade polycarbonate also meet the ballistic fragmentation MIL-PRF-32432 required by NATO forces and DoD.

Oakley SI Cerakote Ballistic Det Cord

To enhance the performance of the product under stress Oakley has applied a very interesting material for the nose-piece. It’s always annoying when, under stress, sunglasses (or even worse eye pro) slip down on the nose because of the presence of liquids on the skin. To solve this issue Oakley has applied a rubberized material on the nose piece, and even after some pretty hard use it does not seem to come off.

Another issues that, with other optics, appears on similar activities is fogging. This phenomenon is due to the body heat and moisture condensing in small drops on the lens itself. When shooting it’s usually frequent to have fogging in the winter when utilizing a rifle or a carbine; usually after some sort of dynamic action. We have had the opportunity to test this product from late summer until now and, due to the coating applied to the lenses, we haven’t had a sigle issue.

The this version comes with Cerakote applied to the entire frame. This superficial finish enhances the anti-reflection capability of the Det Cord and it also provides longevity to the surface of the frame. When used in conjunction with helmet systems and comms usually eye-pro and sunglasses get scratched a lot, the application of Cerakote prevents this from happening.