Eve Flanigan

Sub Compact Walther PPQ Review

March 20, 2019 By Eve Flanigan Leave a Comment

SC (Sub Compact) Walther PPQ Review

Walther Arms rolled out a new iteration of their PPQ handgun series in 2018, the PPQ SC. It surely leaves lots of people who purchased concealment/range crossover guns in recent years wishing the SC would’ve been around sooner.

The PPQ SC (subcompact) is a polymer-frame, striker fired 9mm. It has a 3.5-inch barrel, is 4.4 inches tall without a magazine, and is 1.3 inches wide. It comes with one interchangeable backstrap panel that lengthens the distance from palm to trigger.

walther ppq review — **An interchangeable backstrap panel, one of many custom-esque features on the PPQ SC.**

There are a few sight options for this little gun. I had the opportunity to test the LE edition, which has a luminous, three-dot sight setup to keep the sights visible no matter the conditions. The rear sight is adjustable for windage.

**The luminous night sights are easy, day or night.**

This little gun is big on user-friendly features, especially for the left-handed shooters who’ve been largely ignored in the handgun market, save for numerous companies offering an ambi mag release. The SC has that, in the form of a kit to change the mag release from right- to left-hand bias.

The polymer grip is molded such that the mag release is easily reached by most thumbs without breaking the firing grip, and it’s positioned and tensioned so as to be easy to press. A ridge of molding just under the release shields it from many sources of unintentional mag-releasing, such as from a seat belt or pressure against a soft-sided holster. It’s a superb design.

It also has an extended slide lock lever on both sides. There’s no stretching or adjusting for most shooters to engage or release the lever. It’s easy to operate for either function, and always sent the slide forward with sufficient force to put a round in battery when I wanted it to.

LH operation — **Operation is a breeze for left-and right-handed shooters thanks to well-planned controls.**

An advantage for all shooters, particularly those of the southpaw persuasion, is the PPQ SC’s extra-large ejection port. Not only does this reduce overall weight, it makes unloading and malfunction clearing a breeze.

Since this is the subcompact model of the PPQ series, we might assume it’s made to conceal. And the two 10-round mags that come with the gun are more or less concealable. One’s flat, and one has a pinky extension.

But get this—Walther throws in an extended, 15-round magazine that makes the SC look and feel like a full-size range gun. I’ve loaded all three mags with various brands of ammunition and different grain weight bullets, both hollow point and full metal jacket. The mags fed every kind of ammunition without a hiccup.

Functionally, this handgun is straightforward to operate. There is no safety that requires the user’s deliberate action to turn on or off, aside from a typical trigger block that’s disengaged when the trigger is correctly pressed.

There are two internal, built-in safeties also. Field stripping is akin to the simplest systems on striker-fired handguns out there, with the notable exception that Walther made the takedown buttons easy to operate.

field strip SC — **The takedown procedure on the PPQ SC is beautifully simple and easy.**

Trigger operation is smooth and consistent. There’s a modicum of slack on the first shot, a definite but not thick-feeling wall and very little roll to get to the 5.6-pound break. A short half-inch or so of travel is all it takes to get back to a definite, crisp reset. It’s one of the nicer triggers on the polymer handgun market.

Recoil is minimal, in part thanks to the 1.3-inch thickness of this little gun. It absorbs shock well, especially when the 15-round mag is inserted. That’s surprising considering the SC’s relatively light weight at 21.2 ounces, sans ammo.

In addition to the generously sized ejection port, reloads are made more efficient by the mag release mechanism. It doesn’t just release the magazine; it ejects it forcefully, regardless of load condition. To my mind, this is a great trait in a firearm owned for purposes of self-protection or match shooting. When the mag’s run dry, allowing it to linger in the mag well is a real disadvantage.

Handling the gun is comfortable for this writer thanks to the slight traction-inducing design molded into the grip, and good deep serrations on the slide, fore and aft of the ejection port. Shooters who struggle with slippery, sweaty hands will likely find it lacking in the traction department, but I really like the easy-to-clean, shallow textured pattern.

A formal accuracy test wasn’t done; however the gun was hitting a four-inch plate at 15 yards with good consistency using a hold that favored low. It’s more accurate than a self-protection gun has to be.

Is there anything not to like about the PPQ SC? The only fault I can name on this gun is its thickness. It would be a challenge to conceal in comparison to many 9mm concealment guns that are slimmer. However, it’s also one of the very few that holds 10+1 rounds.

The upside of that thickness is that it helps make the SC very controllable during multiple-shot sequences. What it doesn’t have in barrel/slide weight, it makes up for to some degree by giving the shooter something they can really grab onto.

Walther doesn’t publish MSRPs. On a price search via Davidson’s as linked directly from the Walther Arms site, the best local price I can find Is $567—at a store three hours away. Truly local prices are in the low to mid $600s.

Mags — **You like mags? You get mags. Three of them.**

The Walther PPQ SC is an exciting development in concealment guns, showing what’s possible when a company gets out of the routine and seeks to build a gun that addresses many common complaints about operation of handguns currently on the market. In my book, it’s a winner.

Check out our in depth Handgun Ballistics Chart. If you liked our SC Walther PPQ Review, check this carry gun review out next.

Dara Holster Review

January 8, 2019 By Eve Flanigan Leave a Comment

canik tp9 holster — Dara makes holsters for mainstream and many offbeat brands, like Canik.

Dara Holster Review: out of the box, into the match

Folks who train and shoot with me regularly know I have a fondness for a certain brand of range holster for myself and students, and for myself, a certain pistol that’s a little—as one friend puts it, Bohemian. I can’t help that the Canik TP9 SA fits my hand like a glove and won’t stop being reliable.

Problem is, that certain brand of holster isn’t available for my go-to pistol. Not enough of ‘em on the market, a company rep explained. So when I found a company that makes an offset, drop holster for my gun, I was over the moon.

Santa was true to his word, delivering a Dara brand competition holster under the tree. With two months of range work now under (well, actually on) my belt, I can vouch that this company is a great alternative to some of the bigger names, for more reasons than making a holster for offbeat brands.

First, some backstory. The Canik is sold new with a perfectly functional, Serpa-style knockoff with the user’s choice of paddle or belt attachment. It’s a setup that mostly serves me well, except in some situations.

It’s not allowed in certain classes and schools due to the Serpa’s embattled safety legacy. While those concerns are almost entirely based in operator errors, the holster’s got a bad rap in some sectors. During winter months, a drop holster is a great way to keep a jacket closed and still be able to shoot. And during certain drills that demanded extreme speed, defeating the level 2 retention device was costly.

This holster hangs low and easily pairs with a heavy winter coat or body armor. It’s helped short-waisted me draw faster compared to a higher-mounted, Level 2 holster.

Stumbling upon the Dara website, I found the solution. Among their offerings is a dropped and offset action sport holster, and among the available fits was the TP9 SA. Yes! A three-year search had just come to an end.

This model is made to order, down to details like belt width, color, sight height, light-bearing, and there’s even an accommodation for extended mag releases. As the name implies, this holster was designed for match shooting and slide coverage is minimal, to accommodate an RMR and facilitate a fast draw.

It’s made for speed, alright, but I was more concerned about whether it would retain screws and hold up to my rather physical days at the range, which entail carrying targets and armloads of gear, as well as some ground work like shooting in prone.

So far, this Dara competition holster has proven itself tough. It has six screw-in attachment points between the belt mount and holster, three high and three low. At first, I thought the retention was a bit tight, so I gave the retention screws a half turn counter-clockwise.

I dabbed a bit of Loctite on them after the fact, not expecting it to do much good as I’d not coated the threads. That was over a month ago, and the screws have maintained their new setting. Likewise, none of the attachment screws has offered to loosen, something I’ve come to expect while breaking other brands’ belt holsters in.

Six points of attachment between the holster and mount mean this thing isn’t budging or coming loose.

I’m hard on gear, often carrying too many things and squeezing into tight spaces loaded down. When the Dara holster is pressed against the ground or a solid object, I feel a slight flex in the setup, and it has yet to indicate it might crack under weight. Of course, it’s still relatively new, but I’ve used it hard, and so far, so good.

The outer texture of the Dara is slightly rough, the finish matte. It does tend to cling to dirt, but for tactical purposes, is not reflective. The lower gun position makes it easy to wear with a coat and/or body armor, while keeping the gun accessible.

This holster has indeed eliminated the problems associated with the stock holster. I can get to my gun with a zippered winter coat on, and the draw is fast as it should be, enabling me to pass a certain federal qualification my friends and I use as a skills check.

A low-cut slide enclosure aids a fast draw and accommodates an RMR sight.

If I were to change anything about this holster, it’d be to shorten the drop just a bit, say 0.75 inches or even less. It’s just long enough that I must consciously, firmly press the muzzle end of the gun toward my leg at the moment the drawstroke begins. That’s safer than it sounds, as the gun is still holstered in that moment. It’s a minor annoyance, but if I forget to press, or on the occasion I’ve loaned the rig to another, it’s easy to almost pull oneself up by the belt rather than snatch the gun out of the holster.

At $104, and currently on sale for $99, the American-made Dara is a step above competitors’ match holsters, and fairly priced. This gun holster has a two-week production window because it’s a custom order. Dara makes many other Kydex holsters in a variety of configurations and for a broad range of handguns. Lots of Inside–and outside–waistband models are available and ready-to-ship. Prices for those are $55 and up.

dara holster review — A low-cut slide enclosure aids a fast draw and accommodates an RMR sight.

If you’re looking for a custom Kydex holster for a match or carry gun, this is one company worth checking out. Dara sold the holster featured in this article at full price with no disclosure it could be a media topic.

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All photos by Team HB.

A five-point checklist to pick the right tactical flashlight

October 28, 2018 By Eve Flanigan Leave a Comment

Most violent crime happens after dark. As a gun owner, you’re responsible for every projectile that leaves the muzzle. In some situations, lighting up an area with a weapon-mounted light is risky even negligent. It’s only logical, then, to own a good tactical flashlight—preferably more than one. A firearm kept for protection should be accompanied by a flashlight, at least at home and in the car.

Not all flashlights are up to the task of target identification or other emergency applications like signaling from a distance. Here are five points to look for as you shop for your first, or next, tactical torch.

Brightness
This is the most important factor. For most residential applications, look for a lumen rating of 70-100. Brighter than that, and most indoor spaces reflect too much light off walls, mirrors, and such to see well.

Higher than 100 is usually necessary for lighting up most backyards and the area around your car if you have to pull over at the roadside. To light up the world as far as 100 yards away with sufficient illumination to identify targets, choose 700 lumens are higher.

Lumen rating and price are almost always positively correlated at around 300 lumens and above. Under that, prices vary depending on other features. If the light has no lumen rating on its packaging/advertising, it’s not going to be bright enough for consistent target identification and other tactical or hunting purposes.

Be aware that some companies’ claims of illumination at seemingly impossible distances, like 700 meters, is only sales talk. Exaggerations are not uncommon in flashlight marketing.

Pressure switch, preferably tail-cap variety
Here’s a feature that separates good from not-as-good where tactical use is concerned. The term pressure switch indicates the light can be turned on and off with simple pressure from the thumb. If the light is dropped, or pressure released during an encounter with a violent criminal actor, it simply goes off, making it impossible to accidentally cast light on you. This is also an advantage when hunting legal game at night.

A pressure switch can also be “clicked” to stay on, like a normal flashlight. But the pressure option is a highly desirable one.

tac light — **The author considers a tailcap pressure switch essential.**

This type of switch is nearly always accompanied by placement at the tail end of the light, opposite the bulb. I prefer this type as it saves having to consume time and effort searching for a side-mounted switch.

Options—more isn’t always better
My favorite tactical lights have three modes—reading brightness, full brightness, and strobe. For outdoor chores, range, and self-protection applications I use them for, this is all I need. A strobe isn’t necessary, but a handy gadget for unwanted guests, especially in the event your bad guy is under the influence. Its confusing effects can purchase valuable seconds.

Even with just three modes, I often find myself cycling the strobe mode when It’s not wanted. Imagine the trouble a student had when he showed up for a timed nighttime drill wielding a light that could cycle through these plus several filter colors, i.e. blue for blood tracking, red for reading, and so on. He finally ditched his full-featured camping/hunting light and borrowed a much more boring but practical one for shooting.

Color and brightness options are very useful in some situations. In general, the light kept for defensive use should be relatively simple.

Some lights have a bezel end for use as a kubaton-like striking tool. All but the smallest of flashlights can become a back-up weapon. Here again, purpose-made tactical lights, with their aluminum or steel allow housing, will hold up better than plastic.

Power source
Powering a tactical flashlight is easier than dealing with the bulky D-cell batteries of yesterday’s lights. Streamlight’s Protac 2AA runs on, surprise, AA batteries and is more than bright enough for indoor use at 250 lumens. It’s a good example of an economical, but good quality power tactical flashlight.

Want really bright light? Choose a torch that’s powered by CR123A batteries. These batteries are usually a mail order item, and are usually more than twice the price of dime-store batteries. They produce light that’s free of the yellowish tint that’s visible in most comparisons between traditional battery-powered lights and these.
The downside? When they’re depleted, they check out with little or no warning. If you choose CR123A power, have some backups on hand at all times. First Tactical’s small TriTac and the LA Police Gear EDC are two with this battery type I own and use and have been very pleased with.

Rechargeable batteries are another option. I’ve not had the best of luck in the longevity department with these batteries, though it’s possible they’ve improved overall since my early trials with them.

Some companies offer lights that can be powered by either battery type—really an ideal option. People who are very light-sensitive may find they prefer the somewhat softer light emitted by traditional battery power. Rechargeable batteries are becoming more common, and also more reliable than in the past. My own experience is limited to one “imitation” tactical light (no pressure switch, no lumen rating). So far it’s run about two hours on a battery charge before starting to dim, but it’s still working.

Ease of carry
The shape and size of light you choose should depend on your desired use. I prefer a longer light for shooting drills, as it makes the light easier to retrieve from my armpit during reloads. Alternatively, First Tactical’s Small TriTac includes an elasticized thumb or finger loop that’s easy to index without even looking at the light, allowing me to run reloads without the light leaving my support hand.

DIY wrist or digit lanyards are a fine addition to a tactical light. It’s wise to craft one that allows the light to fall away easily when the hand is relaxed, though. Having a tightly attached object to your hand can spell disaster if the light gets caught in some object or if an assailant grabs and pulls the light.

light retention — **A retention device is preferred, but should be one that can easily break free. This ingenious loop on a First Tactical light even allows me to do reloads without fear of dropping the light.**

Your hands are unique and what’s comfortable for you in terms of the light’s girth may vary depending on task. I find short lights easier to hold onto while performing property chores, but a long, skinny light less distracting while shooting, yet annoyingly easy to lose when carried in jeans pockets.

Really—I’m not kidding
I can’t count the number of students who’ve shown up at class, despite having been provided a couple basic parameters for an acceptable range light, with something that seemed bright in the store, often a multi-LED bulb model. On the dark range, the light fails to help the shooter see whether the subject on a paper target just 10 yards away is holding a weapon. While it’s easy to believe whatever marketing language is on the “tactical” light packaging at your local Everything Store, take this message as a recommendation to try a light that fits the five traits mentioned here. You owe it to yourself to be able to identify a threat quickly and accurately.

Target ID — **Target identification is critical. Have a light that can do the job.**

Savage 10 BA Stealth Evolution Puts Long Range in Easy Reach

September 12, 2018 By Eve Flanigan Leave a Comment

In 2018, Savage Arms released a re-interpretation of its excellent 10 BA Stealth rifle, already a long range standout. The new horse in the stable is called the Savage 10 BA Stealth Evolution, a long winded, but fitting name for a rifle that can easily transform a casual shooter into a long range performer.

Thanks to its size, the Evolution is more at home on the bench or in a predictable sniper’s hide than afield. At 11 pounds and 48.25 inches long with the stock fully extended, this is one heavy rifle—which makes shooting that much sweeter, as its sheer heft serves as a recoil minimizer. In addition, the threaded barrel comes standard with a three-slot compensator that further dissipates rearward momentum.

**Compared to the original 10 BA Stealth (top), the Evolution is ready to stand up to the big calibers available.**

They kept the fluted, floated barrel design of the original, but the Savage 10 BA Stealth Evolution’s 24-inch carbon steel barrel has an 8 5R twist in the 6.5 Creedmoor chambering which I was provided for testing. The updated twist is specialized for greater bullet stability over long distances, by putting less bite into the projectile. That didn’t make intuitive sense until I learned that solid brass bullets are becoming commonplace in the long range competition and recreation arena.

In a redux of their approach to the Stealth, but with a very different appearance, Savage chose some out-of-house components combined with trusted in-house ones. Drake Associates makes the Evolution’s receiver and handguard, as with the original Stealth. However, this one’s finished in brilliant bronze. A combination of M1913 rail and M-Lok along the handguard offers ample room for attachments. A sling swivel stud still appears up front, serving me as an attachment point for a bipod, a near-necessity on this rifle.

**The Drake Associates receiver and handguard are finished in bronze cerakote and contribute great rigidity.**

Borrowing again from industry leaders, Magpul’s PRS Gen 3 stock brings up the rear. This big, beefy stock provides plenty of adjustable support for shoulder and cheek. I could do without the audible click-click-click of the adjustment dials but am thankful that my relatively small frame can get correctly positioned behind this big gun thanks to the stock.

Savage chose a Hogue pistol grip for this rifle, in a continued demonstration of using the industry’s best components. And likewise, the Evolution sports a Savage bolt action system, three-position tang safety, and the proven Savage AccuTrigger. For those not in the know, this single-stage trigger is user adjustable and features a safety block lever similar to those on a Glock pistol. Out of the box, the Evolution trigger was set light—2.13 pounds according to my Lyman trigger gauge. It’s perfect for bench shooting at this setting, along with the AccuTrigger’s clean and easy break.

The Savage 10 BA Stealth Evolution requires a great scope to realize its potential. Bushnell provided their excellent Elite Tactical LRTSi 3-12x. This scope, like the AccuTrigger, has proven itself on the long range, playing a big role in helping make some cherished memories of the long range. The scope mounts easily on the generous length of M1913 rail atop the Evolution, an extraordinarily stable design that had me ringing steel at 575 yards within a couple minutes of establishing zero.

Bushnell LRTSi — **Bushnell’s Elite Tactical LRTSi 3-12x scope is a proven choice for long range and good match for the Evolution.**

This is a sub-MOA shooter, capable of half-inch groups at 100 yards. Ammunition does count, and our testing showed American Eagle Open Tip Match 140 grain, which unfortunately has been discontinued, and Federal Gold Medal Berger 130 grain performed with the greatest precision. The headspace control system used by Savage, in which individual barrels are fitted by hand to their own action and bolt. In this way, Savage achieves a custom touch and commensurate accuracy and consistency from their rifles.

**Shooting the Evolution, topped with a good scope, is a real joy. It put me on target fast!**

Having tested the original 10 BA Stealth in the same 6.5 Creedmoor caliber, I expected the Evolution to be super-accurate. What I didn’t expect was how fast it would take me from zeroing to 575 yards, easily and with superb accuracy. This rifle truly puts custom, match-grade performance in a factory package, at a price that’s within reach for more shooters than a custom package. Look for the Evolution in 6.5 Creedmoor to be priced around $1,450 at local outlets. The rifle is also available in .223 Remington, 6mm Creedmoor, .300 Winchester Magnum, and .338 Lapua, with some features differing from those described here.

Savage Evo — **Handsome, isn’t it? It backs up the looks with high precision.**

Leupold Mark 5 scope: sweet for the long range

August 27, 2018 By Eve Flanigan Leave a Comment

scoped ar-15 — **A Savage MSR Recon plus a Leupold Mark 5. This powerful scope made the little AR easily reach small targets at 600 yards.**

Leupold has long been recognized as a producer of quality hunting scopes. Until recently, I was unacquainted with the company’s offerings of tactical riflescopes. In a range test of their new Mark 5 3.6-18 x 44mm scope, I found some great features that are competitive and, in some ways, better than comparable models.

Using a 20 MOA rail mount provided by Leupold, the big scope was installed on a Savage MSR Recon, an AR-15 with a 16-inch barrel. The Mark 5’s 33mm tube and housing for the 44mm objective lens cleared the Picatinny rail with room to spare. A 7075 aluminum housing makes this scope a light 26 ounces for its size; the Recon was perfectly manageable with it.

Leupold rifle scope — **The big 44mm objective lens, with a 35mm tube in 7075 aluminum housing, makes a lightweight but serious scope.**

Approximate zeroing was first done at 25 yards, and having confirmed that rounds were landing on paper, final zeroing was done for 100 yards. Windage was near perfect out of the box. Considering the 20 MOA base and rather diminutive caliber, it was little surprise that elevation required substantial adjustment. In fact, it provided an opportunity to operate one of the scope’s modern features—zero stop adjustment knobs.

For those unacquainted, zero stop dials allow for the windage/elevation knobs’ dials to read -0- in sync with the shooter’s chosen actual zero. This trait of quality, modern tactical scopes makes going back to the last known zero faster and easier, and eliminates a lot of guesswork in the field—assuming a body remembers to return to true zero after making more than a full revolution.

Operating the elevation turret is a joy. It locks down so it can’t be inadvertently moved, but is easily pulled up to rotate. The windage turret is covered by a screw-on cap, a mixed blessing. The cap’s matte surface hides the setup’s white dials, making it less visible in a tactical or hunting situation. But adjustment means unscrewing and keeping track of the cap. Since windage in the field changes dynamically with wind and is normally a hold, not a dialed-in change, the cap is good protection. The picky side of me doesn’t like the mismatched look, but looks really don’t matter!

The Mark 5 as sampled, with the Tremor 3 reticle, has mil-to-mil adjustments and reading, which is to say both the reticle hash marks and windage/elevation click values are set to metric, AKA milliradian, mRAD, or mil, increments. Each smooth click on the elevation knob equals a 0.1 mil adjustment at 100 meters. This is another trait of today’s advanced long-range riflescopes, and much easier to use than many made during the transition of the long-range scope market, in which a milling reticle and minute of angle (MOA) dials were combined on the same scope.

While it’s an intellectual leap to move from the traditional American MOA system to mRAD, it’s even more challenging to keep the hands operating MOA dials while the eyes read mils.

Speaking of the reticle, the Tremor 3 model on the sample scope is now among my favorite “milling” reticles. It’s set on the first focal plane, another advantage for the shooter as the relationship of hash marks to target doesn’t need to change to stay accurate as magnification is altered. Additionally, first focal plane reticles are easier to “read” on target at long distances and/or high magnification as compared to more traditional second focal plane reticles. Not every reticle in the Mark 5 series is on the first focal plane.

The Tremor 3, a Horus design, is both richly detailed and easy to read at distance. Instead of just hash marks, its X axis has bubble-shaped gradations too, which largely eliminate the need to mentally count “one-two-three-“ and so on when trying to locate a hold, for example 2.5 mils left. Using the Tremor 3 is as intuitive as current technology can make a reticle. It’s as useful in and detailed in terms of precision as the Horus H9, also available on the Mark 5, but faster to use. That’s a huge advantage in the field where targets don’t stand still forever.

A more traditional crosshair reticle called the TMR, the Horus H9, and another “Christmas tree”-like milling reticle, the FFP-CH, are all options on the Mark 5. An illuminated version of the TMR is also an option. Although I didn’t test the others, it’d be hard to persuade me away from the Tremor 3 after this test—it offers the best features of them all for precision rifle work, save for illumination.

The glass on this scope is clear and without perceptible flaws, as we’d expect from Leupold. A side parallax adjustment is included; at 600 yards I could perceive little difference when moving it off the infinity setting, so left it there.

Throw lever — **3.6-18x makes for powerful magnification. A throw lever makes it easy and fast to change magnification while staying on target.**

Within 15 minutes of installing the Leupold Mark 5, the little Savage Recon was hitting a 12-inch gong with near-boring reliability, with 55 grain FMJ, in a variable 8- to 12 mph wind. The Mark 5 enabled this AR to perform at a high level with average ammunition, in a short time. On the long-range precision rifle this scope is built to match, paired with only a basic understanding of ballistics, incredible results are within reach for just about any shooter.

The Mark 5 is priced in the ballpark of other precision riflescopes of this type, with the advantage of a wide range of reticle choices. The sample scope, is priced at $2,729.99. The bottom of the price range features the non-illuminated TMR reticle, at $2,399.99, and the same reticle, in the illuminated version, is represented at the top, $2,989.99. Actual retail prices will vary, like this one found on Amazon for under $1,800.

FAB Defense KPOS Scout stretches Glock power

July 12, 2018 By Eve Flanigan Leave a Comment

KPOS and 17 — **The FAB Defense KPOS Scout under a Glock 17–truly a compact package!**

Anyone who’s been around Glock fans for a while is likely familiar with some version of the refrain, “I wish Glock would build a rifle.” Thanks to a couple manufacturers, including FAB Defense of Israel, Glock owners won’t have to wait a lifetime—or even more than a couple weeks.

FAB Defense designed the KPOS Scout, an aluminum and polymer shroud that slips over and around the slide and frame of most Glock pistols to create a short-barreled rifle (SBR). Ported models aren’t excluded from use with the Scout. The sample shown in this review fits the Glock 17 and 19.

You’re likely thinking “fine, but an SBR is NFA-regulated, and the waiting period for registration is a heckuva lot longer than two weeks!” And you’d be correct, of course. Add a 16-inch barrel to this kit, though, and you’ve got yourself a Glock rifle that’ll add some accuracy, and a lot of fun, to your plain ol’ Glock.

With the 16-inch barrel by IGB inserted in the Glock 17, assembly looked straightforward enough—but the included instructions and all but one of the very few online tutorials lacked a vital piece of information about moving a non-obvious tab at the rear of the receiver portion of the stock out of the way. Knowing that, installation was quick, easy, and free of fiddling with tiny parts that are easily lost, putting the Scout a notch above at least some of its competition in this department

Glock 17 with IGB barrel — **Glock 17 with a 16-inch IGB barrel**

The KPOS Scout upper is formed of 6061 aluminum. Bridging the ejection port is a 1913 Picatinny rail. Up front, a fat flash hider of sorts extends a couple inches (exact length depends on which model Glock is inserted) beyond the real muzzle, making its mean look just a little more so. The false muzzle device also inspires a serious warning in the product manual to not place the hand closer to the end than the foregrip.

Speaking of the pistol grip-style foregrip, it’s part of what makes this setup cool. It folds rearward, flat against the upper, for storage or transport. When folded, it also acts as an effective trigger protector. It flips down and is ready for action with just a flick of the wrist. The foregrip is well textured and, while it’s quite unnecessary for recoil management, it provides an important and tactile index point for a device that may well be used in dark conditions. FAB Defense outsourced here; the foregrip is by FGGI.

An AR-style charging handle, sans a lever, performs the task of racking. The Glock’s grip and fold-down foregrip offer two points of manual contact. Shoulder contact is via what Fab Defense calls the lower, or folding stock.

This skeletonized stock folds nice and flat against the upper, making the package very compact and easy to transport. A pushbutton release allows to unfold and lock into place in full extension. A stylized butt and hiking boot sole-like pad round out the tactical appearance. The hard rubber butt pad makes for a solid point of contact and looks great. It’s a little surprising there’s not a molded polymer butt, which would make the Scout even lighter than its already light 1.44 pounds, without a firearm installed.

Buttstock — **A padded buttstock borders on overkill, but gets an “A” for being compact and cool. The sling swivel is handy**.

Other useful features are a sling swivel and loop on the upper where it meets the stock. FAB Defense kindly provides a bungee-construction single point sling with the Scout. On each side of the forend is just enough rail to attach a light or other device. These small rails are placed well forward so as not to impede handling, as well as minimizing the shadow cast by the false muzzle device if the kit is used with a light.

All the features of this device come in a very compact package. The Scout is just 6.70 inches tall, 12.84 inches long, and 2.87 inches wide. With the stock deployed, the length increases to 21.34 inches, shoulder to flash hider. The width decreases to 2.36 inches with the stock open. Keep in mind, these are maximum dimensions for the largest parts of the device. It’s truly compact in comparison to most carbines and even mot SBRs.

Folding grip — **KPOS Scout with stock deployed. With the G17 in place, it’s easy to see why there’s a warning about keeping mitts off the forend in front of the folding grip.**

The KPOS Scout isn’t the first Glock carbine conversion on the market, in fact DownRangeDaily covered this kit by CAA in December 2017. The KPOS Scout is a variation on this theme, but has its own unique look. Unlike the CAA Micro Roni, the Scout comes in a choice of four colors to contrast or match black: gray, olive drab, desert tan, and of course all black.

Accuracy shouldn’t be affected by firing the Scout with a standard Glock barrel, though the addition of a stock can certainly help operator stability, and thus enhance accuracy at distance. As a baseline, our best five-shot group with Speer Gold Dot 147 grain ammunition at 25 yards, from a bagged rest and seated shooter position, was 2.1 inches—an impressive result for a “naked” Glock, but the way it was obtained is unrealistic for any practical purpose.

With the 16-inch IGB barrel on board, the accuracy test was repeated in the same manner, first with Federal 115 grain aluminum-cased ammo—this inexpensive option was supposed to be a baseline for zeroing the Aimpoint Micro red dot, but turned out the best group. Here are the results:

Load Five-shot group size

Federal aluminum FMJ 115 grain 1.5 inches

Sig Sauer Elite Match 147 grain 3.4 inches

Precision Delta PDP Pro 124 grain 4.0 inches

It’s possible that heat, both ambient and shooting-related, played a role in this test. The rounds were fired in order of grain weight, from lightest to heaviest, on a 100-degree day.

**KPOS Scout and G17, right view. The stock stays folded unless released by a push button.**

With an NFA permit and pistol in place, the KPOS Scout makes an extremely portable pistol that handles like a carbine. With the longer barrel, the NFA requirement is negated and the user can enjoy a true dual-purpose tool for target practice and home defense.

The FAB Defense KPOS Scout isn’t easy to find in the States, but is available by order from Israel. Currently ZFI, Inc. offers it for $299.95. ZFI knocks 10 percent off for customers who register on their website. American-based distributors are needed. Potential dealers should contact ZFI for information.

Exos Gear range bag: upscale features at a moderate price

June 19, 2018 By Eve Flanigan Leave a Comment

**Don’t let the slim appearance fool you, this bag can expand to hold quite a lot!**

The title encapsulates my thoughts on this bag by Exos Gear, but I’ll back that up here with actual consumer information.

Exos Gear is a small producer of accessories that I’ve become quite fond of for their style and durability. Having experienced the company’s gun belt, tactical backpack, and the first edition of the bag featured here, I’ve come to respect these products as they’ve served me well as companions for an active lifestyle.

This gun bag has outside dimensions of 17 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 8 inches deep, without excessive loading. The main compartment is accessed from an easy-pull, double-zippered flap on the top, and is 12 inches long, 8 inches wide, and 8 inches deep. A stiff, padded divider serves as an organizer for this compartment. A strip of elasticized webbing, with stitched-down sections that can secure up to five pistol magazines, is sewn onto one side of the divider.

**Ready to burn some ammo! Elasticized webbing on the divider makes for good organization and fast retrieval of magazines.**

On each long and narrow side of the rectangular bag is a separate zippered compartment, one with a mesh pocket inside. On one narrow end is loop material for your favorite morale patch. One long side is finished with MOLLE, making the bag quite expandable as attachments are added. I put a FlatPak tourniquet carrier on there to keep critical first aid close at hand.

**On the outside of the bag is my tourniquet, installed on MOLLE for fast access. On the narrow side panel is a place for a patch.**

On the other long side is a subtle, matching Exos Gear emblem, handsome and classy. The company doesn’t expect its customers to be walking billboards, and to me that’s more appealing than in-your-face logo marketing.

An adjustable, padded shoulder strap is included. It attaches with easy, handsome snaps that appear to be well built for their job. There are two nylon carry handles that can be joined together with a Velcro wrap. Also on top are two Velcro loops that make it easy to carry bulky objects like ear pro securely but out of the way of the bag’s interior.

A feature I really love are the zippers and their pulls. The zippers are heavy-duty all around. The pulls are teardrop-shaped, about two inches in size, and covered in a soft plastic that makes them easy to use in a hurry, allowing for lots of leverage with little effort. Being a big fan of products that allow for gross-motor operation, these are a winner in my book.

**Thoughtful, practical features include heavy duty zippers and easy-to-use pulls.**

The bag is made of water-resistant 600 denier nylon and trimmed with black webbing. Dirt brushes off easily. The interior of the main compartment is smooth, padded, nearly luxurious.

For those familiar with the first rendition of this bag, produced only in bright “kitty pink,” Exos Gear has responded to consumer feedback and installed a stiffening board on the bottom floor. It keeps the bag from sagging, contributing to both better function and appearance.

What the Exos Gear range bag doesn’t have is “feet” to keep it off the ground. While there are nylon webbing panels across the bottom, providing some protection, I’d like to see more.

**A view of the side compartment with mesh pocket, and the velcro loop on top for adding to the payload.**

**Exos Gear says this is a best-selling color. The new floor plate keeps prevents a saggy bag.**

This is one handsome and very useful range bag. It comes in black, gray, and pink. For all its intelligent features and good construction, I’d expect the price to be upwards of $50. As of this writing, the listed price is $39.99, but a sale on the Tactical Intent distributor site brings the price down to a crazy-low $24.99. After said sale is over, they can be found on Amazon for $35 and free shipping. Even at full price, this bag’s a bargain, and should provide many years of good service.

Blackhawk Leather Holster Review: Brand New MBoss

May 12, 2018 By Eve Flanigan Leave a Comment

Rock that pistol with a new Blackhawk Leather Holster, the MBoss

Lovers of leather holsters and tactical gear have more to love now, with the May release of this brand new to market Blackhawk Leather Holster, the MBoss, custom made for their favorite major-brand handgun.

The MBoss is constructed of Italian leather, and is black, with two belt loops. It’s slightly reminiscent of traditional pancake holsters. But it’s not entirely traditional, not at all.

The test model, which fits either a government- or commander-size 1911, is just 4.3 inches at the tallest point with a scalloped profile that makes most of the holster less than 4.0 inches tall. Its slim profile thus makes it a wearable, functional showcase for a handsome firearm. I think it makes the inherently sexy 1911 profile even more attractive.

A single piece of thick, finished leather is sewn in a loop shape with heavy-duty stitching to form the MBoss. The finish is a combination of smooth, finished leather and a finely-stamped pattern that’s definitely a modern profile while granting a nod to the traditional basket weave look.

This holster features a sight channel that accommodates and protects the front sight during holstering and drawing. Its open bottom doesn’t give direct protection while worn, but it does create a cage-like barrier around the slide that prevents direct contact by the vast majority of outside objects.

For its trim design, the MBoss has great retention while the leather provides non-marring contact with the gun. There’s an adjustable retention screw to get the fit just right.

There’s a visible, traditional pancake belt slot on the Blackhawk MBoss, plus a hidden, double-stitched belt loop on the body-facing side. On that loop is stamped the brand and firearm model the holster’s made to fit, as well as the month/date of manufacture. The only visible branding is a subtle, stamped Blackhawk shield, with no lettering. No brand-pimping here, just class.

I paired the holster with an Exos Gear gun belt and my commander-size Sig Sauer Nightmare. The belt is 1.5 inches wide and 0.20 inches thick, a tight fit with the MBoss. The double-layer, visible belt loop on the holster is thick and will surely be easier to manipulate after some break-in. Despite some assertive pulling required to install it on the belt, the belt-holster combo is secure and comfortable when worn.

For kicks, I also tried the MBoss installed on a flimsy vinyl fashion belt. The secure feeling the rig had on the Exos belt was gone; the weight of the pistol, which rides high in relation to the holster, pulled the grip out so it felt like it was flapping as I walked. Wearers with more robust midriffs might not experience the same, but I wasn’t comfortable with so much motion in the gun. I ditched the idea of wearing this holster with a crappy belt. Besides, the MBoss is too nice-looking to pair with a belt of substandard quality.

With the grip well exposed, drawing from this Blackhawk Leather Holster is a breeze. There’s no problem getting a full firing grip while the gun is holstered—a trait I seek in any holster because it shortens the time between the draw and putting rounds on target.

This is a holster that walks a perfect line between a tactical and traditional appearance. It would make a great choice for the carbine user who’s updated their black rifle with a wooden stock, or for the detective who needs a professional, courtroom-ready look that’s also fit for patrol. And it’s great for anyone who wants to showcase a beautiful handgun with a presentation-quality holster, right on their hip.

The equestrian aspect of my life has developed the habit of judging leather not just by appearance and texture, but smell. Aromatic leather is indicative of good materials and a slow, quality tanning process. Cheap leather smells like urine, having been tanned in it. This holster has the lovely scent of a tack shop.

Early press releases from Blackhawk indicate an IWB version of the MBoss, with a snap belt loop or metal clip similar to that of their Premium Leather Holster, will be available in the future also.

I have no disagreements with the MBoss, but I do hope this Blackhawk leather holster will eventually come in a dark and/or medium brown in the future. For now, it’s doing a fine job of making both traditionalists and tactical types do a double-take to see if it’s Kydex or leather. It’s leather, but won’t ever be mistaken for your grandpa’s holster.

MSRP is $79.95. Availability is sparse as of this writing, and it’s not yet listed on the manufacturer’s website. If the splash Blackhawk gave this holster at the May 2018 NRA convention is any indication, it should show up at your favorite sporting goods supplier soon.

Glock 19 Tritium XS F8 Night Sights Review

May 8, 2018 By Eve Flanigan Leave a Comment

xs f8 sights — **Checking out the new F8 Night Sight set by XS Sights.**

XS F8 Night Sights Review

As a longtime concealed carry practitioner and instructor for the past several years, I’ve seen lots of gadgets on guns. Most, in my estimation and in the eventual admission of the people who spent hard-earned money on them, are a waste of said money at the least.

At worst, these add-ons, replacement parts, and what-nots are a hindrance to safe or effective operation of the gun. But there is one gadget I’ve experienced to be worth the investment—night sights.

Well-known night sight maker XS Sights recently sent me their newest product for trial—the F8 Night Sight set. These sights are a step ahead of some others on the market, keeping up with consumer demands and product evolution.

F8 Tritium Night Sights are currently offered for many popular models within brands, including Glock, Sig Sauer, Smith & Wesson, FN, Springfield Armory, and Walther. For this test, I tried them out on a Gen 4 Glock 19, to see how these night sights would stack up.

Installation was straightforward. I installed the front sight myself. A front sight tool is included with the sight kit, but I find a competitor’s tool, the Truglo Glock/Walther front sight tool, has a grip surface that’s bigger and easier to use.

The entire front sight removal and installation took five minutes, most of which was consumed with obsessing over whether the rather long F8 sight was straight. A bubble level would’ve been a good thing to have on hand, but it came out fine.

A friend with a sight pusher tool installed the dovetail rear sight. That was a 10-minute process not including getting out and putting away tools.

XS Sights includes a resealable vial of thread locker in the package, making the kit complete. There’s enough in the container for multiple sight jobs.

With the sights installed, I was struck by how tall they are in comparison to the stock ones. The F8 Glock 19 Tritium night sights should easily manage the transition to suppressed shooting; they’ll easily clear the larger footprint of a suppressor. But my interest is mostly defensive shooting; and that’s the dedicated purpose of my Glock 19. Would these sights work for that too?

Turns out, they beat stock sights for defensive purposes, despite the bulky appearance. Those who like to practice racking the slide using the rear sight for leverage, i.e. if the shooter only has one working hand, should be pleased.

The extra-wide gap in the rear sight’s U-shaped notch facilitates fast target acquisition. XS Sights claims it also allows more ambient light in to illuminate the non-tritium but reflective outline material of the front sight.

Speaking of the front sight, it’s quite unique. Around the tritium center is a large, blaze orange ring. It’s impossible not to have fast focus on the sight with it in daylight, and impossible to mistake which sight is which. The single dot at the bottom of the rear sight makes figure eight shape when the sights are correctly aligned.

intuitive front sight — **The orange-and-tritium front sight attracts the eye intuitively.**

Because the sights are rather tall, I expected a significant change in point of impact when holding center on target. I needn’t have worried about that. Just like the sights on most combat-ready pistols, a six-o’clock hold for precision shots becomes necessary only at distances longer than 15-20 yards.

I was also pleasantly surprised that the sights fit just fine into molded holsters, including the G19-specific Spetzgear holster I like for this handgun.

holstered glock 19 — **The tall sights fit in this Spetzgear holster, no problem.**

In the dark, the XS F8 Glock 19 Night Sights are suitably bright and easy to distinguish from one another. The front sight appears as a green orb and the rear is a vertical line. They glow green, with the front sight appearing more the size most are accustomed to seeing, not the over sized circle that’s visible in the light.

F8 Night Sights by XS Sights are a great choice for anyone considering a sight upgrade on their defensive pistol. With a 10-year, no-questions-asked warranty, the $142 price carries a lot of value.

Have you tried any of XS Sights before? Let us know in the comments below. Make sure you check out our list of the top 22 pistols, next.

Exos Leather Gun Belt Review

April 12, 2018 By Eve Flanigan Leave a Comment

Glock 43 holster — Brown Exos belts with and without stitching. The one with stitchng has been worn semi-regularly for a year.

Need a great gun belt? Check out Exos

Exos Gear won me over some years back when I first tried out their backpack. It’s held up well and is still a staple in my hiking gear. So I was excited when, a year ago, Exos offered up their Amish-made bridle leather gun belt for testing. Like the pack, it’s still going strong.

Here is a leather gun belt that oozes good taste, with options for looks that are urban, woodsy, or somewhere in between. It can’t help but be sturdy too, with .205 inches in thickness and 1.5 inches in width, comprised of two layers of 14-ounce bridle leather.

Underside view. Branding is minimal and Chicago screws keep the buckle securely attached.

The leather is treated with tannins and preservatives that lend a satiny finish on the outside and a matte but rough-out texture on the body-facing side. It’s fastened to the buckle with something any western riding enthusiast will appreciate—Chicago screws. They guarantee a solid bite, unlike snaps which can tend to come undone.

The steel roller buckle makes adjustments easy. Even after a year of wear using various holes depending on the rise of my pants and how much pizza I’d consumed, there are no crease marks on the holes of my brown stitched belt. After several days of hard duty on the range, with a competition holster, double mag pouch, and tourniquet holder attached, it has finally developed a slight crease on where the belt travels under the center and rear belt loop. But otherwise, it’s held up remarkably well and still looks new. The stitching has never offered to fray.

Adjustment holes on this belt are intelligently spaced at 0.75-inch intervals, making adjustments for IWB carry easy and customizable.

concealed carry belt — The belt works for OWB or IWB carry.

There is no visible branding during wear, something those who don’t care to be walking ads will appreciate. On the body-facing side, where the belt and buckle join, “Exos Gear” and the size in inches is stamped.

Speaking of sizing, Exos keeps it simple. Just measure from the middle of the buckle to the hole you use when wearing your holster on or under your current belt. Even-numbered increments, starting at 32 inches for a 28-inch waist, up to 50 inches for a 46-inch waist, are available.

exos belt — Underside view. The unfinished leather is still smooth enough to never catch on clothes.

Wearing this belt under a shirt for concealed carry, I usually push the buckle a bit to the left to keep the gun from pushing it out even farther, creating a curious mountain shape under my shirt. But that’s true of any belt, in my experience, for a smallish person doing appendix carry. No one’s going to inspect a gig line under an untucked shirt, after all.

The belt I’ve been wearing is the summer tan model with stitching. Other colors of this leather gun belt are black and chocolate brown. All of these can be ordered with or without stitching from Tactical Intent or other online outlets.

Stitching on all colors is white, with the exception of the black belt, which has matching stitches. A fellow writer recently chose the brown, no-stitching model. It’s more subtle in appearance than any of the stitched models, aiding the discreetness of his AIWB carry. If you can’t find the model you’re looking for on distributor Tactical Intent’s website, try their Amazon listing for this belt. The price at Tactical Intent is $34.99; or $39.84 with free shipping at Amazon.

The Exos gun belt is American made, durable, good-looking, and makes a great gift for anyone who wears a sidearm, open or concealed. Love your Second Amendment.

Eve Flanigan

SC (Sub Compact) Walther PPQ Review

Dara Holster Review: out of the box, into the match

<img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-2991" src="//i2.wp.com/gunnersden.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/A-sturdy-belt-makes-the-fit-more-secure..jpg?resize=800%2C600&#038;ssl=1" alt="blackhawk mboss" width="800" height="600" data-recalc-dims="1">

Rock that pistol with a new Blackhawk Leather Holster, the MBoss

XS F8 Night Sights Review

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