RECOIL 29 – New Products

It finally happened. Geissele made a single-stage trigger. We’ve been shooting one since October, and we can sum up the feel in one word: instant. The break is immediate and clean. Geissele specs it at 3.5 pounds, but ours breaks at 2.9. There’s zero roll, then about a millimeter of overtravel — maybe less. Reset is authoritative and just as fast; a couple millimeters reengages the sear surfaces. Geissele uses a full power hammer spring, so no worries about light primer strikes that can be an issue with single-stage triggers, even on military primers. As far as single-stage safety, there’s a sear catch on the hammer lobe to arrest the hammer in case the trigger loses contact with the primary sear in a drop. For guys who tried the Geissele Super 3-Gun but went looking for something more crisp and with less travel, here it is.

Make:
Geissele Automatics
Model:
Super Speed Precision
MSRP:
$240
URL:
www.geissele.com

SureFire’s compact pistol light checks off a lot of boxes; small, light, rugged, easily sourced battery, instinctive activation. For many, that’s enough. But some folks wanted a laser and SureFire is ready to oblige with the XC2 weapon light with integrated laser. To keep the switchology simple, the upgraded version includes a red laser that’s activated whenever the white light is turned on. Best of all, the size and output is the same as the non laser-bearing XC1. It loses a few minutes of runtime, but it still runs on an easily available AAA battery for 1.25 hours. Geeks might want to know the laser wavelength is 635 nanometers at 5 milliwatts, but all that means is it’s red and it’s not restricted to military or law enforcement use.

Make:
SureFire
Model:
XC2
Brightness:
200 lumens
MSRP:
Approximately $400
(not finalized at press time)
URL:
www.surefire.com

There are all sorts of add-on anti-cant devices for precision shooters, but few are as simple, rugged, and compact as the Precision Bubble Level. Since it mounts on a Pic rail instead of clamping around a scope, it’s a lot smaller and simpler than many. And, it’s also plug ’n’ play; no need to rotate and level it to the scope as you would on a scope-mounted device. It’s highly visible, right in front of your non-dominant eye for fast level checks without taking your eye off the reticle. Made from 6061 T6 aluminum, the housing will protect the bubble level from harsh treatment. The best part is the price, though. The Bubble Level is less than $30. That’s a pretty good return on your precision investment.

Make:
Hoptic USA
Model:
Precision Bubble Level
Weight:
0.5 ounce
Colors:
Black, FDE
MSRP:
$30
URL:
www.hopticusa.com

Getting caught without a set of backup iron sights (BUIS) on a rifle is like eating dessert before the entrée. Sure, you can do it, but it feels wrong. If you’ve got a few guns in rotation, BUIS for all of them can get pricey. Griffin’s Micro Modular Sights give you the ability to run a single set of sights on a few guns in multiple configurations to suit your use. Need BUIS on a DMR build? Put the M2 sights on the offset bases. Lefty? Rotate the offset plate and screw the sights on. Running a straight 14.5-inch? Use the standard, 12 o’clock M2 bases. The sights are made from Melonited, 17-4 stainless and ordnance-grade steels weighing 2.5 ounces. The rear peep sight is windage adjustable and the front uses the familiar adjustable A2 sight tower. Available in parts or as a complete kit.

Make:
Griffin Armament
Model:
Micro Modular Sights
System Weight:
2.5 ounces
MSRP:
$185 (includes sights and both 12 o’clock and offset plates)
URL:
www.griffinarmament.com

Really Right Stuff (RRS) is a well respected player in the high-end photographic tripod market. It entered the shooting sports arena this year with the introduction of its SOAR (Sport Optics and Rifles) line of tripods and rifle-friendly heads and also jumped into the optic mount aisle, with its own mix of exacting performance and pleasing aesthetics. RRS claims its slightly elliptical Adaptive Scope Tube Profile holds scopes more securely than traditional round rings. The 7075 aluminum mount has a built-in bubble level with glow-in-the-dark backing, a scope leveling system, optional mount caps for adding Pic rail, and skirted ring caps that align the rings for easy installation and (for the visually oriented) “eliminates unsightly air gaps between the base and caps.”

Make:
Really Right Stuff SOAR
Model:
Uni-Block Scope Rings
Weight:
7.9 ounces
Scope Height Options:
1.5 or 1.25 inches
Incline:
0, 20, or 40 degrees
Scope Compatibility:
34mm bodies
MSRP:
$338
URL:
www.reallyrightstuff.com

Named after a type of Roman gladiator who used two swords, the Dimachaerus was created by martial artist C. Despins as a CQB folder that could stab, slice, strike, and open quickly — all with one hand. Why? So he could wield two simultaneously, of course. While the large ring might remind you of the karambits featured in Issue 28, it’s used here not only for index-finger retention but also to activate the blade in a variety of ways (check out the videos on Max Venom’s website) and to open beverage bottles (score!). With the razor-sharp 154CM-stainless blade closed, the Dimachaerus delivers excellent hammer-style strikes and forward thrusts. While the button-lock aluminum handle is Cerakoted and ergonomic, we would have preferred G-10 scales. Plus, this unique design requires plenty of practice if you intend it for daily carry — especially if you’re not knife-fighting trained. Still, we dig Despins’ outside-the-box design and aesthetics. The Dimachaerus is dual-wield worthy indeed.

Make:
Max Venom Product Group
Model:
Dimachaerus
OAL:
10.15 inches
MSRP:
$310
URL:
www.maxvenom.com

This thing makes us giggle. We aren’t suggesting anyone buy a $50 bottle opener. But, we love anything that will antagonize the “Dude, that’s stupid, I could make that in my basement, it’s not worth it, only an idiot would buy that, my $2 opener works fine, my 1911 is all I need” crowd. Is Yeti trolling? Dunno. We do know that this is perhaps the finest hunk of metal ever to meet the cap of one of our Yuenglings. Performance-wise. The little stainless-steel beast makes light work of removing the toughest pop-tops on the planet, and — should things turn dire at the tailgate — a ¾-pound bottle opener doubles as a decent pain-compliance tool.

Make:
Yeti
Model:
Brick Bottle Opener
Weight:
0.75 pound
MSRP:
$50
URL:
www.yeti.com

Razor’s AMG line of made-in-the-USA optics gains a new member with the release of the Razor AMG UH-1 holographic weapon sight. Details on the new optic were a bit scarce at press time, but we know Vortex worked hard to eliminate light emission from the front of the unit, window distortion, and provide bombproof durability. Vortex says the unit will have best-in-class battery life, running on either a micro rechargeable LFP 123A or a CR123 battery, and will feature shatterproof, multi-coated lenses, a watertight chassis, and an argon-purged interior for reliable operation in humid or wet environments.

Make:
Vortex Optics
Model:
Razor AMG UH-1
MSRP:
$700
URL:
www.vortexoptics.com

Change is good, we’re told. We’re not sure what that means, but we think it has something to do with a roll of quarters loaded up in one of Mean Gene Leather’s coin purses. This is the kind of change that can go places other, more conspicuous weapons can’t. And, it packs a wallop. Made of quality leather in the USA with a brass zipper and snap, the Hot Tamale will hold up for years and age with grace. The purse is designed for carry folded over a belt and is secured with a directional snap that’s easy to release in a hurry, but it won’t pop off by accident. Be a force for change.

Make:
Mean Gene Leather
Model:
Hot Tamale
Capacity:
$10 in quarters
Colors:
Black, five different shades of brown
MSRP:
$36
URL:
www.meangeneleather.com

Mystery Ranch founder and lead designer Dana Gleason approaches every product as a function-before-form project that always manages to outperform expectations in all aspects, be it performance, comfort, or durability. These new Mission Duffles look to embody the same overbuilt goodness we’ve come to expect from the Ranch. TPU-coated, 1,000-denier fabric holds your gear while a large U-shaped zipper provides easy access to the contents. If the shoulder strap and handles aren’t going to cut it for your trek from the baggage belt to the rental car, deploy the hidden shoulder straps. There are also a slew of pockets inside and one on the outside to help you keep fresh clothes from laundry-ready fare.

Make:
Mystery Ranch
Model:
Mission Duffels
Capacities Available:
38, 53, 90 liters
Colors:
Black, Nightfall, Redwood
MSRP:
$130 to $190
URL:
www.mysteryranch.com

The new Arc’teryx Drypack 25 is a bomber haven for your gear, no matter what you’re up against. A 725-denier Cordura laminate construction forms a completely submersible waterproof shell that provides strength and abrasion protection. A marine-grade waterproof zipper opens to the main compartment that’s got a Velcro panel for customizable organization and a smaller zip pocket for headphones and dip. The shoulder straps are wide, spreading out weight, and the load-bearing hip belt can be removed. There’s even an oral inflation valve to set the bag to float or maintain buoyancy underwater. It’s a true over-the-beach assault pack, capable of shielding anything from a manpack radio and ammo to a MacBook and spare skivvies.

Make:
Arc’teryx LEAF
Model:
Drypack 25
Capacity:
25 liters
MSRP:
$599
URL:
leaf.arcteryx.com

If you’re sick of paying overweight baggage fees when you fly with your sensitive items protected in a hard-sided case, check out the new line of featherweight Air cases from Pelican. Instead of blowing half your baggage allowance on the hard case itself, the largest, 70.5-liter Air 1615 case (shown) weighs about 25 percent less than a similarly sized traditional hard case while giving up nothing in terms of protection and features. The shell is made from a lighter weight polymer, while the body mold is also optimized for weight savings compared to legacy Pelican cases. It still has a purge valve, easy snap clasps, padded handles and smooth rolling wheels. It’s available in a few interior configurations.

Make:
Pelican
Model:
Air 1615
Weight:
14 pounds (empty)
MSRP:
$340 to $512
URL:
www.pelican.com

Right turn. Slam! As that steel target slides from one side of the pickup truck bed to hit the other, maybe you’re regretting passing on that factory bed liner. We’ve been there. That’s why we’re interested in the new BedTred Ultra bedliner. The base is a sort of super dense, plastic-like surface backed by ¾-inch-thick, impact-absorbing (and knee-friendly) foam. The whole waterproof, dent-resistant, and non-slip thing comes in four pieces, each molded to perfectly fit your truck’s nooks and crannies. BedRug says installation is faster and easier than field stripping a Ruger Mark III. Once in place, you’ve got a flat, textured surface that’ll keep your cargo from sliding around and wrecking your paintjob, or itself.

Make:
BedRug
Model:
BedTred Ultra
Material:
Engineered polypropylene surface with ¾-inch non-absorbent foam backing
MSRP:
$399
URL:
www.bedrug.com

Who knew there’d be an arms race in the belt market? Boxer Tactical’s Apogee belt is a American-made product that seeks to combine pants-holding prowess with a healthy dose of strength, style, and adaptability. The belt’s heart is the low-profile, fully machined, ratcheting buckle. Cut the 1.5-inch BioThane belt to fit your waist then screw the teeth down to secure one end in the buckle. The other end slides into the ratcheting buckle where it can be released with one finger under the tab (try that with a Cobra buckle.) The BioThane will easily support a full-size pistol without folding, yet it’s easily cut to size with kitchen shears. The buckle is easily swapped between belts of different lengths for different uses, as well. It’s a slick, over-engineered, over-built product — and we love it.

Make:
Boxer Tactical
Model:
Apogee Belt 1.5-inch
Buckle Colors:
Black, brown, silver
Belt Colors:
Black, coyote brown, wolf grey
MSRP:
$99
URL:
www.boxertactical.com

Bleeding to death sucks. Watching helplessly as someone bleeds to death also sucks. Blue Force Gear’s new Micro Trauma Kit Now! prepares us to deal with both sucky situations. This isn’t a boo-boo kit filled with Band-Aids, aspirin, and tweezers. No. The MTKN! is meant to deal with serious bleeders. This tiny package — not much larger than George Costanza’s wallet — is meant to treat gunshot and stab wounds. The insert holds a bevy of life-saving gear and slides out of its sheath from either side, ideal when mounted at the small of the back. A laser-cut cross displays a user selectable red, black, or reflective/glow-in-the-dark insert that can be swapped based on the mission profile. Choose either belt or MOLLE mount.

Make:
Blue Force Gear
Model:
Micro Trauma Kit Now!
Colors:
Black, coyote brown, MultiCam, OD green, wolf gray
MSRP:
$68 ($200 with medical supplies)
URL:
www.blueforcegear.com

Make no mistake, if knowing is half the battle, knowing how to look good is at least part of the other half. Get on with it with these new shades from Smith Optics Elite line of ballistic eye protection. Baked onto the lenses are all kinds of performance “anti” coatings, including anti-smudge, anti-reflection, and anti-scratch. The lenses themselves are available in a standard gray ballistic, more exotic polarized, and Smith’s own ChromaPop+ lenses that the company says makes the world appear sharper with truer colors than O.G. tinted lenses. This is all on top of Mil-spec and industrial-level protection for your peepers.

Make:
Smith Optics Elite
Model:
Discord
MSRP:
$119, $159, $229
URL:
www.smithoptics.com/us/

Stains. Whether working in the shop or the kitchen, it doesn’t matter. It’s going to happen. We are slobs. Don’t lose another garment to the gremlins. Fight back with a snazzy apron from EraThr3. This isn’t your gramma’s pie-baking dainty; it’s a shop-grade, waxed cotton canvas buddy that’ll break in like your favorite pair of jeans. Wide straps and big D-rings keep things comfy, and there are a whopping eight pockets for everything you need to keep at hand while working on your blaster/meal/bike/biohazard cleanup.

Make:
Erathr3
Model:
Utility Apron
Colors:
Gray, Tan
MSRP:
$88
URL:
www.erathr3.com

First Tactical is jumping into the watch market with a lineup of tactical timepieces. First up is the Canyon Digital Compass, which should be a hit with those who begrudgingly use reading glasses. The face features a non-microscopic font for the date, big-ass numbers for the time, and a cool second “hand” that reminds us of an Atari race car circling the track. It’s water resistant up to 100 meters, and the digital compass is a nice backup to a lensatic compass. However, it’s just a few millimeters shy of being as big as those obnoxiously humongous Diesel watches — low-pro it is not. While the rotatable polymer band is vented, looks good, and has rulers on its backside, its angular edges dig into our wrist. Still, the Canyon is a well-built watch with great functionality and an easy-to-read interface. Available in black, coyote, and olive drab. Stay tuned for a full review in our sister publication’s website at OFFGRIDweb.com.

Make:
First Tactical
Model:
Canyon Digital Compass
MSRP:
$140
URL:
www.firsttactical.com

If you’re like us, you like to shoot — bullets, bourbon, and photos. That’s why the Freelance from Hazard 4 caught our eye. It’s a 15.4L sling bag that’s made with both types of shooters in mind. You can swing it quickly from back to chest, allowing quick access to your digital Canon or your hand cannon. There are MOLLE cutouts on the Velcro patch field on the outside and movable dividers on the inside. Plus, there are three external pockets, including one that’s hard-shelled to protect sunglasses or other valuables. It features a thermoformed back, a padded sling, and multiple grab handles for comfort. Available in black or coyote. Now, if only the Freelance had a slot for Mr. Jim Beam ….

Make:
Hazard 4
Model:
Freelance
MSRP:
$158
URL:
www.hazard4.com

We get the feeling that the guys at Hults Bruk take their time in getting things right. After all, it’s only been 319 years since they opened their doors, so there was no need to rush into adopting newfangled designs like an American pattern felling ax, which didn’t come onto the scene until about 1800. Noted wilderness skills instructor Dave Canterbury partnered with the Swedish forge to create this magnificent example of the blacksmith’s art, and after using it to demolish several mesquite trees, we can attest to both the quality of its edge and the effectiveness of its straight, 32-inch handle.

Make:
Hults Bruk
Model:
American Felling Ax
MSRP:
$239
URL:
www.hultsbruk1697.se

If you’re one of those guys with an EDC list as long as your arm and you wish Mystery Ranch made pants, then this might just be the jacket for you. With the ability to stuff an astounding amount of gear in its 30 voluminous pouches, you can stash multitudinous iThings, as well as your favorite gat in a quick-access, hook-and-loop-lined pocket. For those concerned with identity theft, there’s an RFID-proof storage compartment for your passport and wallet. Best of all, there’s no need to look like you’re about to embark on a fishing expedition, or do battle with nihilists.

Make:
SCOTTeVEST
Model:
Enforcer
MSRP:
$475
URL:
www.scottevest.com

NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOIL

For years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included).

Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.

You want this. Trust Us.