Categories
Rifles

Addax Tactical Gas Piston AR-15 Upper

Addax Tactical AR-15 gas piston uppers.
Addax Tactical AR-15 gas piston uppers.
Addax Tactical AR-15 gas piston uppers.

There has been much talk about improving the AR-15/M-16 with a gas piston system rather than the direct gas impingement system in use since the 60’s.  Companies like the Ruger have attempted to capitalize on this trend by producing gas piston rifles such as the SR556.  If you already own an AR or two, you can retrofit your gun with a piston system, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars.

Addax Tactical makes a gas piston upper for the AR-platform called the ATAC-GPU or Advanced Tactical AR Carbine Gas Piston Upper.  Addax Tactical states the ATAC-GPU “utilizes a specially designed, self regulating, long stroke piston system for enhanced dwell time and lower recoil.”

The ATAC-GPU is manufactured with mil-spec and match-grade parts, and Addax Tactical says it is built tough enough for all law enforcement and military applications.

Available options for the ATAC-GPU include Vltor MUR upper receivers, cold hammer forged 16″ barrels, 10.5″ – 16″ mil-spec barrels, compensators, flash suppressors, and a variety of Cerrakote finishes.  Addax offer the uppers in 5.56 (aka .223) and 6.5 Grendel and 6.8 SPC.  Prices start at $875 and go up depending on what options you want.

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Update:  This specific system is not currently available from Addax Tactical.  Other AR-15 piston uppers are available from Addax and other companies.  A quick Google search can help you find a system that will work for you.  I do not know if this system will be coming available in the future, or if this is a dead product now.  If someone has any insight into this piston upper situation, please add to the discussion in the comments section below.  I know I would like to know more information, and I’m sure other readers would like to hear about it as well.  Also, if there is anyone who is running one of these uppers now, let us know how you like it.

Categories
Handguns Holsters

On Quality Holsters and Guns

kramer_holster_iwb
These Kramer IWB holsters have an excellent reputation for quaility, comfort, and security.

One of the Internet arguments that never seems to die is whether you should carry a pistol with a cartridge in the chamber.  The argument against carrying with “one in the pipe” is based on the idea that it is unsafe to do so.  People are concerned about “accidental” discharges while it is carried, or if the pistol is dropped.

I’ll be completely up front and tell you that with a quality firearm, quality holster and competent owner, the handgun should be carried with a cartridge in the chamber if you are carrying for self defense.  In most instances, a self-defense situation involving the use of deadly force develops far to quickly for you to draw your weapon and then work the slide before being able to employ the handgun.

But is it safe to carry a cartridge in the chamber?

In my mind, there are three components to safely carrying a handgun: the firearm, the owner, and the holster.  When all three parts are of sufficient quality, and in place, a handgun can be carried safely with a cartridge in the chamber.

The Firearm

A quality firearm will not discharge when dropped.  Modern handguns of quality construction are designed to be carried with a cartridge in the chamber.  These firearms incorporate some type of “drop safety” into the contruction of the firearm.  Some guns use a physical block that moves out of the way when the trigger is pressed.  Others use light firing pins with heavy springs to prevent the pin from ever generating enough energy in a fall to sufficiently strike the primer.

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Categories
Optics and Sighting Systems

Crimson Trace LG-375 Lasergrips for the Taurus Judge and Tracker

Crimson Trace LaserGripsCrimson Trace announces the latest addition to the Taurus revolver line-up is now available. The new Model LG-375 fits both the Taurus Judge and Tracker models and offers an ergonomic and comfortable grip designed with the advantage of an ergonomically located laser with the proven performance you’ve come to expect from Crimson Trace.

The LG-375 offers a rubber overmolded construction for comfort during extended shooting sessions and the instinctive activation that is synonymous with Crimson Trace.

The new LG-375 features an integrated two-piece design for easy installation, snap-in battery retainers, and generous relief in the side panels to facilitate speed loaders along with a master power switch. The Lasergrips are sighted in for 50 feet at the factory but can be zeroed in at different distances by using the windage and elevation adjustments.

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Categories
Rifles

Magpul PMAG AR-15 Magazine

Magpul PMAG

Magpul is known for producing some of the most talked about tactical gear in modern production.  Whether it is the FMG-9 machine pistol or theBushmaster ACR, Magpul always seems to be involved in the latest, coolest tactical gear.  The Magpul PMAG is no exception.

The PMAG is Magpul’s polymer AR-15 magazine that has proven to be one of the more popular AR magazines on the market.

The PMAG comes in two basic models: standard and MagLevel.  The MagLevel features a clear plastic window on the side of the magazine and a painted magazine spring that allows you to get an approximate round count with the weapon still in the rifle.  The standard PMAG comes in 20 or 30 round versions, while the MagLevel PMAG is 30 round only.

The PMAG has waffle-style texturing on the body of the magazine to enhance your grip.  The body of the mag feels solid, but not too thick.

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Categories
news

TAPCO AR-15 Polymer Magazine

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There are a wide variety of AR-15 magazines being made today.  Long-time firearm accessory manufacturer TAPCO makes their own polymer AR-15 magazine that they believe meets the needs of many shooters.

Designed after interviewing military members, law enforcement officers, and citizen enthusiasts, the TAPCO AR-15 magazines are solidly built, reasonably priced, have a number of nice design features, and are available in four colors.

img_7003Overall construction of the magazine feels excellent.  The body of the magazine feels very strong.  In fact, as compared to virtually all other polymer AR-15 magazines, the TAPCO seems the most solid.  The follower slides smoothly through the magazine.  There are no noises from the follower or spring when the magazine is shaken (loaded or unloaded.)

The body of the magazine has a wide, waffle-style pattern for obtaining a good grip.

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