Concealed Carry Holsters By ArmedCivilian556 (Contact On YouTube)

      When it comes to concealed carry holsters, your choice will be affected by variables such as; style, comfort, ease of use, and retention. It's a lot to consider when deciding what to purchase, and generally many of the holsters on the market today can be split into two categories.... tactical and practical. Tactical types are great in the way of retention ( usually consisting of one or more lock points to disengage to draw the weapon). But in all honesty, unless you plan on open carry or kicking down doors during a raid, I'd avoid the tactical type holsters. They are typically larger and offer nothing in the means of concealment. On the practical side, you may find one that is comfortable. It may look stylish. Maybe it fits your body correctly, resulting in reduced printing (visible object under clothing). Perhaps it holds the sidearm securely even under shock test without the use of any external or mechanical retention systems. To find one with all of these attributes can be next to impossible, unless you take it out of the packaging and try it. Keep in mind, employees and by-standards alike usually frown upon an individual waving around a sidearm, and trying on holsters like it's the Filene's Basement Running Of The Brides Sale. In reality, most holsters end up in a shoebox graveyard because they don't have all of the things you were looking for in a concealment holster... until now.

     I was first introduced to ArmedCivilian556 (AC), when browsing YouTube for videos regarding concealed carry holsters. After watching his videos showing his product line, I realized that his holsters (which he demonstrated and gave a detailed description) looked well made and practical. Could they be that good? I was skeptical. After a little research I decided to contact him by message through YouTube. My first impressions were great. He can make holsters for virtually any make and model, and I thought, "Here's a guy, your average guy, who has come up with a product that is well suited for it's purpose." We emailed back and forth for a while before I ended up with the CX2 and the Inside the Waist Band (IWB) holsters in desert digicam for the Glock 19.

     When I received them,the first thing I noticed was the shape they are designed in. They are contoured to fit the body. After trying them on and feeling how comfortable they were, I looked at the fit / finish and the practicality. These holsters are well made, with strong grommets and a durable kydex type material. The coloring in the desert digicam pattern is nice, resembling the desert Marine pattern (MARPAT). All of the edges are smooth, and are matched up exactly (no overlapping edges). Light in weight, both offer excellent concealability. The forward cant is a good angle, and is smooth on the draw and re-holster. While they may not have an active retention system, the natural forming in the holsters hold the sidearm secure (creating a passive retention system).... even through a shock test. The dimensions of the CX2 are about 6.25"L X 4.5"H. The IWB is about 6.25"L X 3.75" H. The IWB has an adjustable ride height (and cant if you stagger the clip positions). The IWB also came with a small hex wrench for adjustments. I recommend using blue thread locker to secure the screws after final fit and adjustment.

     Overall, these are the first holsters that I will be using on a regular basis. I'm 5' 8", and about 180 lbs. I'm not a big guy, and AC's holsters make the Glock 19 practically disappear!

     So, if you are looking for a reliable and easy to use holster for concealment; look no further. Check out ArmedCivilian556 on YouTube for his full product line, and see what he can do for you! AC really works hard at earning your business and keeping it, by providing great customer support and products that won't let you down. Hey, AC...... keep 'em comin'.

Thanks for reading,
-Rhody

The IWB Holster

          

The CX2 Holster

                                                                  AC's video showing the models:
                                                                          CX2, CX3, and CXS

SOG Auto Clip - An Inexpensive Quality Field Blade

     The SOG Auto Clip has a name that may be initially misunderstood. "Auto clip" does not refer to an automatic deployment, nor the clip point design. It actually refers to the pocket clip this knife is designed with. The clip has a pivot point, and is tensioned with a spring. This allows it to keep constant pressure on the material it is secured to, and won't loose its clamping force over time like conventional steel clips. Another unique feature in its design is the ambidextrous thumb studs for deploying the blade. They are adjustable along the spine of the blade, allowing the user to change the location. Two great features you won't normally find on an inexpensive knife.

     Looking over the Auto Clip, I noticed that fit and finish is above the standard you would usually find on a folding knife of a similar price. For starters, this 3.5" 420 stainless clip point style blade has a two directional satin finish. There is no play in the hilt, and the lock back design has tight tolerances. I've tried a shock test to cause the blade to jump out of the lock, but to no avail. If you develop some play at the pivot point, you can tighten it with an allen wrench. The basket weave grip on the handle is comfortable, and provides good traction. There are no "unfinished" edges or lines anywhere on the handle or the blade. The lanyard hole is a nice touch.

     So how does it stack up versus my expectations.... I was surprised at the quality for the price. Being 8.25" long and only weighing 3 ounces, the Auto Clip makes a great companion for any task. SOG's MSRP is $30.00, but you can expect to find it for $20.00 or less.

     Thanks for reading,

     - Rhody

 

Be Safe, Stay Safe On Your Next Hunt

     Season after season, we go out and enjoy the thrill of the hunt. The gentle breeze carrying the sweet scent of pine and the other crisp smells that bring you back to your first hunt. The gentle glow as the sun rises and sets. The memories of past successful hunts that you will always cherish with friends and family. The excitement of bagging your best personal record.

     You see and hear movement. Your focus becomes so concentrated that you cant feel the bugs biting. The pace of your breathing quickens, and you feel your heart pounding against your chest in excitement and anticipation. You've got this shot.... your accuracy is excellent, for you have been practicing your shots all off season..

      Using your preferred sighting system, you aim your weapon, and click off the safety. You see more movement in the thick brush that lies ahead of you. What is it? A doe? That 8 point buck you were hoping to get a shot at? Wait... is that... orange? "No, couldn't be. I just saw the rear legs of a deer", you say to your self. You slowly draw the trigger back as you take your shot..... you quickly release the trigger as you see a hunter emerge hauling his buck. You quickly engage the safety and open the action. You take a deep breath as you think how tragic this hunt could have turned out. 1/16 of an inch more on the trigger, and it would have been all over. The happy memories replaced with shame and guilt. The other hunter never to return to his family.

     Sometimes we can become complacent when it comes to hunter safety. However, we all must try to stay focused on keeping each other safe. Accidents happen, but are they preventable? I'm not writing this to persecute those who have been involved in hunting accidents. This is being written to remind us how important it is to hunt safe. This past fall season, we've had three hunting accidents in New England area that have made the news.

     -In Massachusetts, a hunter accidentally shot and wounded his neighbor, who was walking her dogs.

     -In Vermont, a hunter accidentally shot and killed his friend. He then turned his rifle on himself.

     -Here in Rhode Island, a hunter was accidentally shot and killed by another.

     My thoughts and prayers go out to family and friends of the victims, and the hunters who took the shots. These incidents should remind us all to look out for our and others' safety while we enjoy our hunts. Wear your orange. Keep your safeties on. Keep you weapon unloaded untill ready to fire. Identify your target and know what's beyond it. These are just some of the things to keep in mind the next time you go out, and that we should teach to future generations.
     Stay safe, thanks for reading,
     -Rhody

Henry Repeating Arms - Lever Action Octagon ( Frontier Model )

     The Good, The Bad And The Ugly, True Grit, and The Rifleman........ remember the feeling you had watching classic westerns as a kid? The thrill, excitement and adventure? You can feel it again and shoot all day without breaking the bank, with Henry's Frontier model H001T.

     The Frontier really captures the American spirit with fine craftsmanship and quality. It is 38.5" in length, with a weight of 6.25 pounds. Chambered in .22 caliber, it handles long rifle, long, and short cartridges interchangeably. The tubular magazine is loaded by sliding out the inner magazine tube (attractively made of brass), and dropping the cartridges in a shaped cutout. To close, simply push the inner magazine tube (spring is inside) back in and lock into place. Henry's slogan of "It's a rifle that you could load on Sunday and shoot all week long", accurately describes the capacity of this rifle. It holds 16-long rifle, 17-long, and a whopping 21 rounds of short!

     This is a solidly built rifle, American made with American parts. The stock and fore end are beautifully crafted out of American walnut with a satin finish. The steel has a nice blued finish and the accurate 20" octagonal heavy barrel is stamped with brass colored letters listing the caliber on the right side, and 'Henry Repeating Arms' on the left. The muzzle is flat, smooth, and crowned. Marbles semi - buck horn sights come standard, and are fully adjustable for windage and elevation. The front site has a brass bead, and the rear sight plate features a white diamond, but can be reversed for a solid black plate. Both front and rear are set in a dovetail and easily adjusted with a brass punch.

     I've always believed that tight tolerances are a sign of a quality firearm, and the Frontier (or any Henry rifle in my opinion) is no exception. The cover comes with a 3/8" dovetail for optics, and fits tightly over the receiver and trigger group. Everything from the fit and finish of parts, to the cycling of the action is tight and smooth. The trigger is one of the best I've ever used, and while I haven't measured the break, it feels somewhere around 4-5 pounds. It breaks fast and clean with no creep. The safety for this rifle (besides the one between your ears), is operated by the hammer. To engage, start with the hammer fully lowered, draw it back about 1/4 of the way until you feel a click. This safely locks the trigger and keeps the hammer off the bolt group. Another way to engage (from the fully cocked position), is to guide the hammer down while quickly pulling and releasing the trigger... decocking the rifle. To disengage, cock the hammer all the way back, or cycle the action.

     How would I rate the Frontier over all? Excellent. As with all of Henry's rifles, the pride and craftsmanship shows in the quality. How much should you expect to pay this level of quality? Not as much as you would think. The MSRP is $425.00, with the actual cost being somewhere in the neighborhood of $360.00 and up depending where you are. Henry Repeating Arms make a variety of rimfire and centerfire rifles that are "Made in America, and priced right". If you decide to purchase one, you won't be disappointed.

     Thanks for reading,
     - Rhody

Shotgun Selection Part 5 - Action Type

     Hunting shotgun actions are broken down into three categories: auto loader, pump, and break action. I've used all of these, and have found that each has pros and cons. Keep in mind that this doesn't mean that an action is a good or bad choice, these are just my opinions based on personal experience.

                                                                 Auto Loaders
                        Pros                                                                                          Cons
      -Multiple fast follow up shots                                               -More difficult to reload than a pump or
      -Reduced felt recoil                                                                       break action
      -Last shot holds the bolt open                                              -May not cycle properly with lighter loads 
      -Multiple sight and barrel options                                        -Can malfunction if exposed to mud and other 
      -Allows you to swing smoothly with your                                   elements  
             target as you fire                                                            -Only one choke can be used at a time
                                                                                                     -Most difficult to clean



                                                                  Pump Action
                        Pros                                                                                          Cons
      -Doesn't use gas pressure to cycle, so it provides                 -Slowest rate of fire for follow up shots
             the most accurate and hardest hitting fire                    -Only one choke can be used at a time
      -Reliable manual action cycling rarely jams                       -Requires you to adjust your aim after cycling
      -Multiple sight and barrel options                                        -No notification when the last round is fired
      -Can be the least expensive action type


                                  Break Action (Dual Barrel Side By Side or Over / Under)
                        Pros                                                                                          Cons
      -Rapid second shot firing                                                      -Only holds two rounds
      -Multiple chokes can be used at                                           -Typically only used for upland birds 
             the same time                                                                 -Slowest to reload (if it doesn't have
      -Can be the most expensive to purchase                                     ejectors)
      -Easiest to clean                                                                    -Few sight and barrel options
      -Easiest to reload                                                                             

                                                       Break Action (Single Barrel)
                        Pros                                                                                          Cons
      -Great gun to learn how to make every                              -Single shot
             shot count                                                                       -Not commonly found
                                                                                                     -The slowest follow up shot

     So there you go. These are just a few things off the top of my head that I remember when comparing them. I hope this helps you decide what's best for you.

     Thanks for reading,
     -Rhody

Shotgun Selection Part 4 - Shot Shell Selection

     The type of shot shell you use should reflect what you are hunting. There are as many shot loads as there are opinions about them. Here's my take about them, and what I use.

     The length of the loads you will use depends on what your shotgun is chambered for. The hull is measured by the length after it has been fired. Standard size is 2 3/4". 3" and 3 1/2" magnum rounds have more shot in them, hit harder, but kick harder as well. I've always used 2 3/4" for water fowl and upland birds with no problems and have occasionally used the 3" magnum loads for turkey. I have tried the 3 1/2" and have decided it kicks too hard for my taste. Always shoot what you are comfortable with, and can handle safely.

     The size and amount of shot (measured in ounces) in each shell should be chosen based on patterning results and what you plan to hunt. See this link for charts regarding these. The loads I usually carry are 2 3/4" #6 and #4 lead. I typically have a modified choke inserted, and stack the rounds to fire a #6 first followed by #4(s). I found that this produces the best pattern for a close shot and farther followups.

     The material that shot is made of varies. They come made of  lead and lead free loads such as steel, bismuth, and tungsten. In this particular order, the price also increases for each box of shells. As a general rule; if you use steel or bismuth, go up two shot sizes from what you normally use in lead. Tungsten Shot size stays the same as lead due to its density. Check your local laws regarding what type of shot you can use. For example, waterfowl is lead free shot only.

     Buck shot is usually used for home defense and law enforcement applications, but some still use it to take deer. The disadvantage with this load is that it's short range.

     Slugs are the long range answer to buckshot. I've used the rifled (Foster) and the sabot slugs. The difference between the two is this:

     Rifled slugs are designed to be fired from a smooth bore barrel. The rifling formed in the slug catches the
     resistance of the air, and causes it to spin.

     Sabot slugs are encased in a plastic sabot, and are fired from rifled barrels. The sabot catches the
     rifling in the barrel, and the spin gives you a highly accurate long range shot.

     Thanks for reading,
     -Rhody

Shotgun Selection Part 3 - Chokes And Patterning

     When firing a shotgun you should have a pattern of shot that is the proper density to provide a humane and quick kill. This is done by having the appropriate choke setting, and using the ammunition that you will hunt with.

     The choke on a shotgun comes in different sizes, allowing the hunter to determine what percentage of shot (density) they want to hit the target area. Shotguns come in two choke designs; a fixed setting at the end of the muzzle that can not be changed, and a screw in that allows you to change the choke tube sizes.

     So how do you know what setting you have? On a fixed barrel, the type of choke is stamped into the barrel usually a couple of inches above where it meets the receiver. For the screw in tubes, look on the side of them.

The type of choke determines the density and range of the load.

     When patterning, try different load and choke combinations and factor in the distance of your shot. Here's a list of the steps I take when patterning:

          1. Check for an appropriate backstop.

          2. Place 30" circular targets at 10, 20, 30, and 40 yards spaced a few feet to the side of each other so
              that each shot fired won't show on the other targets.

          3. Use the same loads and chokes I will be hunting with.

          4. Fire one shot into each target, aiming at the center point.

          5. Collect the targets and check the density of each group.

     If you have a good grouping of pellets ( I prefer about 3 pellets per sq. inch) in the 30" circle, that is an effective range for that choke and load combination. Remember that at shorter ranges, the diameter of your shot pattern will be smaller and the grouping will be tighter.

     -Thanks for reading,
       Rhody


     



    

     

Shotgun Selection Part 2 - Stock And Fore End Materials, Length Of Pull

     The material that the stock and fore end are made of differs between makes and models. Some are offered in a wood, and others in a synthetic polymer. What you choose should reflect your personal preference based on looks and durability. 

     A wood stock and fore end add a classic beauty to any shotgun, especially if its a high grade walnut. However, it does requires extra care and cleaning to keep it looking like new. Because of the added weight, it will absorb more recoil than synthetic parts. Wood can chip, splinter, crack, and discolor if it's not cared for properly. Mink or boiled linseed oil does wonders on finished and non finished wood in terms of weatherproofing, and restoring the original finish. If you should happen to put a dent in the wood, here's a couple of tips for repairing it:
Place a washcloth over the dented area. Use an iron on a medium setting and steam the damaged area, checking every couple of seconds for effect.
Another way to repair a dent is to place a drop of water on it and let it set overnight.
Both will cause the compressed wood to swell, and the dent will remove its self.

     Synthetics is the most durable material that stocks and fore ends are made of. They are weather proof, and don't require the upkeep that wood does. These parts are lighter than wood, so you will feel more recoil. They are also available in different camouflage patterns. Since I enjoy hunting in inclement weather, I'll tend to bring a synthetic over a wood model.

     One more important thing I need to add. The length of pull (LOP) needs to be measured correctly to fit the shooter. To do this, simply grip the shotgun like you would fire it, and place the butt in the crook of your arm. If you can comfortably reach the trigger, this is the correct LOP. Many manufacturers offer Bantam (youth) models with shorter LOP's that are designed to fit smaller shooters. Others offer inserts for the stock to adjust the LOP  Most shotguns come with a standard LOP of about 14.5" which is designed around the average adult. Remember, if the LOP doesn't fit right, it won't be comfortable and may not be safe to shoot. You can injure your shoulder if not fitted properly, and may have problems controlling the muzzle.  

    Thanks for reading.
     - Rhody

Shotgun Selection Part 1 - The Barrel

     Selecting a barrel comes down to what you want in it's design, and what type of loads you want to fire. They come as smooth bore or rifled, and have a fixed choke or screw in choke design. Some may be ported to decrease felt recoil. You can get a single barrel model ,or a dual barrel that comes as a
side by side or an over / under. Here's a few things to consider when choosing a barrel or shotgun.
      

     In regards to length, think about the environment where you will find your game. A longer barrel is more difficult to move with in heavy brush, but gives you more weight and balance when swinging through a bird and taking a shot. Shorter barrels are lighter, have greater mobility, and can be comfortably aimed longer.

     Sights are another consideration. Most come with a single or dual bead as the standard sight. The single bead allows you to properly point the gun. The dual bead works by creating a figure eight (8), with the front bead on top and the mid bead on the bottom when you aim. High visibility fiber optic's are great open sights as they capture the natural daylight and glow, allowing the hunter to see their sight picture in low light conditions. The cantilever barrel has a rail built on to it to accept a sight system such as a reflex, holographic, or a scope and is rifled to fire sabot slugs.


     The chambering of the barrel will be designed to handle different shell sizes. You have the standard 2 3/4" loads, and Magnum loads that are 3" and 3 1/2" in length. The larger the shell size, the harder its going to hit your quarry. However, keep in mind the recoil will hit you harder too. Always check to see what size shells  the shotgun is designed to fire.

     Thanks for reading,
     - Rhody

Remington 887 Nitro Mag review

     Earlier this year, I wanted a shotgun that was durable, could handle all of the available load sizes, be able to endure the elements for long periods of time and it also had to have a mid bead. The Remington 887 Nitro Mag was the answer. The 887 is pump action and chambered in 12 gauge and can handle 2 3/4, 3, and  3 1/2 inch loads.

     The first unique thing I noticed about the 887 was the ArmorLokt design. This polymer coating encases the barrel and the receiver, making it highly rust resistant. The magazine cap, stock, fore end, and trigger housing are also polymer, as is the interior of the receiver (a pleasant surprise). It has a Hi-Viz front sight with interchangeable light tubes, the barrel comes with a modified Rem Choke and I bought it with the 28" solid rib barrel (also available in a 26").

      When I was at my FFL dealer, I noticed some things: the action release wasn't on the side of the trigger guard like my model 870. Located in front of the trigger guard, I found it to be easier to manipulate than the 870's design. The trigger group is easily removable.
The action is smooth, locked up tight and has a rotating lug, and the bolt assembly has a sliding shield on it.
Another great thing about the design is the extractor, which slides along the inside of the receiver and is spring loaded. The concept being that regardless of the shell length, it will eject as soon as the front end clears the breech.
The exterior design is molded for gripping the 887 well, even with heavy gloves on. The SuperCell recoil pad is a noticeable improvement over the standard hard rubber or polymer ones that are found on some other models. The molded swivel studs are a nice addition as well. The fore end has more side to side play than I'm use to, but doesn't affect the operation, and when I shouldered the 887 it pointed and swung well.

     So, how does it handle in the field? 
Excellent. My last hunting trip took place in a variety of environments, giving me a perfect testing ground. While I was out it was scraped against thorns, trees and rocks, dropped in the mud, and I cleaned it by sloshing it around in a stream. No problems occurred during the firing. The only thing missing that day was freezing weather and precipitation, which I look forward to.

     Overall, I'm pleased with the 887. It's rugged and reliable. The price wasn't bad either, starting at around $400. Remington has done a fine job with this model, but still lacks the availability of accessory barrels. To my knowledge, the only one available for purchase is a rifled deer barrel with open sights. Hopefully they will have others available soon.

     Thanks for reading,
     -Rhody