This is the year of suppressors, and like everyone else I decided it was a good time to enrich my inventory. Rimfire suppressors have been a bit of a weak spot for me, so adding another rimfire can was at the top of my list. Today I bring you that story, specifically a review of the Anechoic Anechox 22 rimfire suppressor. The Anechox 22 suppressor is a titanium and aluminum suppressor, rated for the popular rimfire cartridges like .22LR, 17HMR and .22 Mag. This would fit right into my collection of various rimfires.
the Trek 22 rifle, seen here with the Vortex Razor 1-6 made an excellent host for the Anechox 22
The Anechox 22 Suppressor
This handsome little suppressor is incredibly lightweight, coming in at 2.6 ounces. Its titanium and aluminum construction is responsible for that. The suppressor is assembled with both the breech and muzzle caps threading into the tube, sandwiching baffles inside. But could this little suppressor compete with my others? Lets find out…
I did extensive shooting with both the Anechox 22 and its Pipsqueek brother on the Taurus TX22
For over a decade, Armasight has been manufacturing cutting edge night vision and thermal optics. With a diverse product line the company prides itself on products that are both designed and manufactured right here in the US. The Illinois based company is no stranger to me, as I’ve had the opportunity to use and test some of their other products. And today I bring you another one, a review of the Armasight Contractor 320 3-12X thermal weapon sight. The Contractor name seems to lean towards a military or private military application, which I am certainly not. However, I do enjoy shooting, and hunting in particular. And that seems to be what thermal sights are best for, so I am always excited to take a look at a new option.
my dog in the darkness
The Armasight Contractor 320
As is typical with thermal weapon sights, there is a lot to take in and learn after you open the box. Technology has been integrated to these products, which makes them more complicated than traditional sights. But that comes with some advantages obviously.
Lets start out simple, the Contractor 320 uses a thermal sensor to pick up heat, and shows the image on its small internal AMOLED display. So you aren’t looking through it like you would a traditional scope, you are basically looking at a tiny TV screen. You can focus the diopter to better see the display, just as you can adjust the objective (front) lens to focus the image.
the accessory rail on the side can be used for mounting lights or other accessories
There are a great deal of internal features that can all be accessed by two turrets on the top of the housing. You can cycle through the various menus to access everything from color palettes to reticle designs and zeroing to your host firearm. The unit is powered by two CR123 3v lithium cells, and the power switch is a push-and-turn knob centered on top.
the power switch requires you to push down, then turn
There are other neat features that can be used and selected from the internal menus. Video and image capture can be both manually activated to triggered by the recoil of a shot. You can also access the image stream using a USB cable or even it’s own Wifi to connect to your phone. The internal display feels like the heads-up display from a fighter jet, giving you an aimpoint, inclination and compass bearings and even rangefinding abilities.
scrolling through some of the menu’s
The whole unit mounts to your rifle using a cantilever mount than clamps to the picatinny rail of any firearm. Locking cams and steel wire tethers prevent unwanted movement or loss of caps and covers. There is also a picatinny accessory rail on the right side for attaching things like a laser or flashlight if needed.
the cable tied battery cover holds two CR123 Lithium cells
Pulling the Contractor 320 from the box, I found the familiar zippered soft case. This is a nice feature that allows you to protect this little investment while in transport. I removed the rubber lens cover, and after adding batteries I powered up the unit. A quick adjustment of the diopter made the display clear, I then dove into some of the sub menu’s picking the reticle I liked best. I tend to be black and white palette kind of guy, maybe because the first thermals I used were that way, and everything else sends me into sensory overload.
the USB-C jack for connecting the unit
I took the unit outside, in the evening cold air to see what the darkness looks like in black and white. Neighbors houses, parked cars and trees all show nicely. It was instantly apparent which cars had been recently parked and which had been there a while. The heat radiating under the cars warmed the asphalt beneath, and warm brake rotors glowed from behind wheels. As I walked the dog around the estate to do his business, I also caught some amazingly sharp images of his face so sharp I could recognize him in a line up. Of course I also caught the bright spots he left on the grass, which was helpful for safe navigation.
looking at the dog in the back 40
Mounting
With its QD clamps on the foot of the scope, it is quick and easy to install or move from one host rifle to another. This is also handy because you can remove the scope to be used as an observation device if needed. The clamps feature the hand adjustable tension, so you can adjust for a tight fit on any rail.
note the locking QD clamps to attach the Contractor 320
I decided to use the Contractor 320 on a couple different host rifles, first off I would mount it on one of my 22 rifles. This has become a pretty standard practice for me for a couple reasons. Rimfire rifles are much more affordable to shoot, and it usually takes a bit of shooting to figure out thermal sights. I figure shooting cheap ammo like .22lr during the familiarization process keeps it reasonable. Then once I have a good handle on the scopes functions, I can move it to a centerfire rifle for different purposes.
this smaller Contractor is compact enough for small guns like this custom 10/22
In the Field With the Contractor 320
I quickly found that I liked the controls of the Contractor 320. Zooming is done simply by tapping the left turret down, an the unit cycles through the zoom settings quickly with each tap. Video can be triggered by a shot, or you can just push the record button to start recording. Like most cameras, there is a blinking red dot on screen while you are recording to let you know you are capturing. Downloading the videos after the fact was as easy as plugging in a USB-C cord and connecting to my laptop.
Turning the left turret cycles through the various color palettes. This makes it simple to adjust on the go, particularly if you are having trouble picking out your target. The only thing I had a hard time with, if you can call it that, was focusing on the fly. As animals move and their distance changes, I found it a little more challenging to keep reaching up front and having to sharpen my focus. Obviously this depends on the range to the target, and how it might be moving so take that with a grain of salt.
adjusting the Contractor 320 sensor focus for the best picture
Usability
Controls on this scope are very handy, its nice to be able to quickly tap the turret to adjust the zoom setting. Or turn the very same turret to change to a different color to better ID a potential target. Using the shot induced recording is nice, but I preferred simply pushing the record button myself. With supposedly 4hrs of video space in its internal storage.
The only thing I found slightly irritating when using the scope was feeling the need to refocus the image more often than I’d like. I think this might be more of a thermal scope thing for me, as I’ve had the same issue with other units. It wasn’t a huge deal, and one I could certainly work with.
I also found it was very easy to get images out of the Contractor. Simply plugging in and moving files. With other units I’ve had, there seems to be file type disparities that make it a bit more challenging.
Optical Quality
Optical quality for thermals is heavily based on the sensor characteristics. I also have had a go on the Contractor 640 model, the big brother to this unit. I found the image quality to be better quality through that model. That is not to say this one is bad, just not as good I suppose. And for almost half the price I suppose that should be expected.
With much of nighttime hunting with thermal scopes taking place at relatively close distances, the image quality is fine. If a target was 300 hundred yards away for example, I might have a tough time telling my dog from a coyote. But at closer distances it wouldn’t be difficult.
Reliability
The only issue I had with reliability was based on battery supply. It seems that different quality batteries did not play well with the Contractor 320. I would experience auto shutdowns at times, which was irritating. I’m not sure if this is an Armasight issue or just thermals in general.
Other than that, this unit seems very robust and well built. I understand that its hard to give more than a 3 year warranty on a piece of equipment like this. Surely, with so many electronics and optics crammed together, there will eventually be an issue. I would hope that even after the warranty period, companies like Armasight would still be reasonable with repairs.
Value
Professional grade thermal optics are not cheap, so if you are looking for the most inexpensive thermal you wont find it here. With a new company popping up every day it seems, selling thermals, there are many options. The presumed safety of buying from a reputable company comes with a price tag. This one sells for around $2000 from places like Optics Planet. A browse through competitive scopes can vary in price from $800 all the way up to $4000. Which makes the Contractor 320 3-12 a pretty reasonable buy.
Great Controls- Easily adjusted on the fly and while in a high pressure hunting situation. Plenty of options for you to chose from. Even when wearing gloves.
Quality Construction- The well built Contractor 320 is fit for most any purpose. Good materials and tough finish to last.
Easy to use- Even newcomers to thermals can figure out how to use this scope effectively.
Connectivity- Controlling and adjusting the optic through the app is very nice, also allowing feature customization and recording. Streaming through the USB-C cable or the units Bluetooth/Wifi is another option.
Excellent HUD info- The Contractors heads up display gives you all the information you could want, battery level, angles, magnification, ranges and picture in picture.
Allows saving different host rifles- keeping the settings for each host rifle saved under a profile.
Cons
The battery issue I mentioned
The Armasight APP was unavailable for download while testing this unit. (if you are curious how the app works, go read my review of the Contractor 640)
cable tethers keep all the important caps in place
My Results
Using the Armasight Contractor 320 for a short to medium range carbine would be an excellent combination. Whether its for hunting coyotes on your ranch, or exterminating other pest species, this little sight is packed with features. Its friendly design makes it quick to deploy, and easily adjusted. Built tough to last through cold and bad weather, and saving video clips along the way. It’s not the cheapest option, and if you’ve made it this far, you’re probably OK with that.
Bersa has been making firearms since 1958, perhaps the only well known manufacturer from the South American country Argentina. Bersa has manufactured a variety of handguns since its inception, but today we are looking at something very new from Bersa USA. And new seems to be the trend from the company, as new handguns, rifles, and even suppressors have recently become part of their offerings. Among these new products, is our topic for today: the Bersa USA M2XI. The M2XI is a 9mm double stack 1911 handgun, commonly referred to these days as a 2011. With many companies joining the trend of these types of pistols, I was somewhat surprised to see one from Bersa, and excited to get hands on it.
I found this pistol while visiting the Bersa USA booth at SHOT Show 2026. As a bit of a 2011 fan, I had to get hands on one.
here you can see some of the M2Xi’s internal components, as well as it’s flared magwell
The M2XI uses many very familiar features for these guns. Like most other 2011 pistols, the M2XI has a polymer grip married to a steel frame. The double-stack magazines are compatible with most other 2011 options, and fit nicely into the textured polymer grip. The M2XI uses a traditional 1911 style grip safety, and has an extended beaver-tail to cover the hammer.
On top of the frame you will find a 416 stainless steel slide and barrel cut at 5-inches in length. The slide itself has cuts up front for gripping, as well as a rear grip area right under a Holosun K optics cut. A heavy profile ultra-match barrel shows through the slide cuts for those who like that look. The standard rear sight lines up nicely with a Tritium front sight easily seen through an optics as well.
Specifications
Bersa USA M2XI Specifications
Caliber
9mm Luger
Color
Black
Barrel Length
5-Inches
Action
Single Action only
Capacity
18/23 Plus One
Material
416 Stainless
Sights
Standard rear with Tritium front sight
Weight
30 Ounces
Finish
Nitride
Controlling the M2XI is done the same familiar way as other 1911/2011 pistols. Its single action operation is locked up with a dual manual safety on both sides of the frame. The slide release is located on the left-side for operating with the thumb, and it features an extended release. Making it easier to reach without breaking grip. A single mag release is located for thumb operation just behind the trigger guard.
A flat trigger is housed in the square shaped trigger guard, and in front of that you’ll find a picatinny accessory rail for mounting your favorite weapon light. I do like the full pic rail that allows you to mount a light wherever you see fit.
Unboxing the M2XI
Bersa’s M2XI comes in a nice Mission First Tactical soft pistol bag, including the typical manual, safety lock, and a couple extra Mec-Gar 18-round magazines. The soft case is a nice touch, giving a nice pistol a safe place to live and be transported.
The smooth lines on this pistol were immediately apparent. The nitride surface is very slick too, making the feel of this gun very nice. Drawing the slide gave the old familiar feeling that makes us keep coming back to this style of pistol. Its smooth operation and tight lockup felt fantastic, and only furthered my desire to get this gun on the range.
I like the aggressive texture of the grip, making the pistol easy to keep tightly policed in your hands. And while not heavy for a 2011 it is certainly not a lightweight pistol, so that grippy control is a good thing to have. At the bottom, the flared magwell aids in smooth reloads and has room enough for the large magazine extensions popular for these guns.
Mounting Accessories
I decided to mount a Holosun SCS carry optic, as it was the only available K footprint red dot I had at the moment. It dropped on the slide nicely, aligning perfectly with the recoil lugs. So with a touch of threadlocker I torqued the screws down. Everything lined up nicely, and I could easily see the iron sights right through the enclosed red dot.
I use Safariland holsters for most purposes, and the M2XI fit perfectly in my 2011 holsters. They fit a bit loose without adding a weaponlight, and for that I added a Surefire X300. With everything attached, the pistol looked fantastic, and was ready to hit the range. I grabbed a few stacks of ammo, some PMC Bronze and some Federal Champion, both 115 grain loads.
Shooting the Bersa M2Xi
My first opportunity to shoot the M2Xi were indoors. I loaded up a few magazines and in a slow cadence I fired until the mags were empty. The trigger felt great, as good as most any production gun. Recoil was predictable, though my other 2011 pistols have compensators, and have less recoil. My first exchange with this gun went perfect, and only got me anxious to try again with more ammo.
I have been shooting the M2Xi for over a month now, with various trips to the range. I have carried it daily as part of my gun belt, giving ample opportunities to draw and get plenty of handling practice. During the course of a typical day for me, I get lots of drawing and dryfire practice. As well as plenty of reloads.
That combined with a bunch of trips to the range to run ammo through this pistol have given me a great deal of familiarity with it. It wasn’t just me either, friends and family also jumped in to make sure the Bersa didn’t cool off.
Shootability
1911 pistols are well known for a near religious following. This is because of many things including the smooth reliability, grip angle, trigger pull and accuracy. 2011 pistols like the M2Xi inherited many of the same traits while actually improving other aspects. The double stack magazines that carry 9mm cartridges bring a big increase in capacity, with a very mild recoil impulse.
The Bersa M2Xi is an excellent example of smooth and mild shooting. With its textured grip in your hand, it feels glued to your palm. And the large size of the grip gives plenty of room for even large hands to hold. Shooting 9mm cartridges out of a gun this size has some pretty modest recoil, allowing you to stay on target.
The clean trigger that makes these kinds of guns so popular feels great under the finger. Sharply aimed shots are placed accurately without a huge amount of focus needed. And the short reset of the trigger means you can run through targets both fast and accurately.
The slick Nitride surface of this gun makes it slippery, so I really appreciated the deep cuts in the slide for grip. And thank goodness they were wise enough to make an optics cut from the factory, such is becoming mandatory these days.
I really appreciated the extended slide release, as with most 1911’s I frequently need to break my grip in order to reach the slide release. With the M2Xi that wasn’t an issue.
Reliability
Feeding the M2Xi from the Mec-gar 18-round magazines went flawlessly. Because I also have other 2011 pistols, I tried using the 21-round Staccato magazines, as well as the 17-round Checkmate magazines. All of them ran perfectly, and through hundreds and hundreds of rounds now, I have yet to have any failures.
The internal extractor grips the case rims perfectly, and throws the cases well clear of the action.
Accuracy
With its heavy 5-inch Ultra-Match barrel, I was expecting great accuracy from the Bersa M2Xi.
this is a typical 10-shot group fired from 10 yards using the Magtech 115 grain ammunition groups were even better when shooting PMC Bronze
My expectations were met, as typical shot groups from the Bersa M2Xi were great. Not only did it pattern very tight, but I was able to hit targets much further away than I’d anticipated.
Ergonomics
Like all 2011 style pistols, the Bersa feels fantastic in the hand. You can really tell that this design has been perfected over its very long lifetime. And you can also understand why 1911 and 2011 pistols are still popular after all this time, despite very stiff competition.
The natural flow of this pistol as it comes from the holster and presented feels excellent. Disengaging the safety has become so natural that its second nature to remove as the gun comes on target. And putting it right back into safe as soon as it comes off target.
The traditional grip safety adds a level of security, which some folks might want considering this single action only handgun is designed to be carried with a hot chamber. The icing on the cake is the optics cut, allowing those of us addicted to red dots to stay that way. The narrow top of the slide does lend itself to the smaller footprint sizes like the Holosun K or RMSc optics. That might be a good or bad thing for some folks but it doesn’t bother me. The Holosun SCS Carry red dot I used on the Bersa lined up nicely. And allowed perfect co-witnessing of the iron sights.
Value
2011 pistols are typically a bit more expensive than what mainstream shooters are used to. You aren’t going to walk into a gun shop and drop six-hundred dollars and walk out with a typical 2011. Many of the M2Xi’s peers cost significantly more, even surpassing double the price of this one. But there are also cheaper options, some of which I’ve even used and quite like. But with an MSRP just under $1500 I find this pistol’s price quite tolerable. And you can also find it from various vendors online for closer to $1300.
In my opinion, if you are looking to get into the 2011 game, this would be a great place to start. The Bersa M2Xi is nice enough to be the last pistol you ever buy, and yet affordable enough to be the beginning of a greater collection.
Pros and Cons
There is a lot to like about this pistol, and honestly few things I could come up with against it. The M2Xi is built very well, everything about it seems quality sourced and made. From it’s 416R stainless materials out to it Nitride finish the fit and feel is tight and smooth. Its heavy ultra-match barrel shoots very well and again fits into the pistol as though it was hand-fit.
a pause between shooting, if you like those WGE Razor Slim ear muffs, read about em here
Easy controls are pretty standard with 1911/2011 pistols, and these ones are no exception. The trigger is crisp and clean, the safety has just the right amount of resistance. And the extended slide release was a favorite, making me want to add one to my other pistols.
WGE Suppressor ear buds are a fantastic hearing protection option, you cant tell in this picture but I am jammin out to my favorite tunes
The accessories you can add to this gun also add some value. Optics cuts are becoming more standard, and I am quite pleased they included on here. Perhaps in the future there will be other footprint options but I’m good with the Holosun one for now. The full length picatinny rail allows you to choose where to mount your weapon light, an option some other pistols don’t have. And flawless function with all kinds of magazines is yet another feather in the cap for the M2Xi.
looking down on the optics cut, also note extended slide release
My Conclusion
The Bersa M2Xi has done a lot to change my mind about the brand, what I once considered a bargain import brand. If they keep producing products like this, I expect they will continue grabbing more customers and market share.
Bersa’s introduction to the 2011 game is a great start, with an MSRP of $1475 it is not unreachable by many. And with street prices hovering closer to $1300 I would consider it a great value. I would love it if they produced a comped model like the ones I saw in the Bersa booth at SHOT Show 2026, but I suppose that’ll come in time.
If you are in the market for a pistol like this, I would count the M2Xi into the mix. It has great performance with accurate shooting and the aftermarket compatibility American gun owners crave. All together in a handsome, well-built pistol that feels as good as it shoots.
As technology rapidly expands into every aspect of our lives, one of the popular trends in shooting optics is thermal sights. These electronic sights see heat coming off of everything around us, particularly living things. This technology has made eradicating feral animals and dispatching pests not only easier, but a 24 hour activity. Today we are taking a look at another new to me thermal weapon sight. This one comes from Goyojo Optics, a company that makes a variety of sporting devices. Our subject today is the Goyojo GRL 335 Thermal Weapon Sight.
The Goyojo GRL 335
Goyojo’s GRL 335 is a compact thermal optic, that reminds me a little bit of the a Trijicon Acog. Despite its compact size and simple operation it is still packed with a great deal of features that make it very handy.
some of the included items are mounting brackets to change position of the mounting foot
Like most modern thermal optics, the GRL 335 incorporates various color palettes to select from. As well as picture in picture, photo and video recording capabilities. With its simple four-button control panel, you can zoom in, change colors and recording settings.
You can also access a variety of different menus to adjust things like reticle type and color. And change settings for the other features like shot activated recording. Zeroing can also be done within these menus. All images are captured on a 64GB micro SD card housed in the base, right next to the USB-C charging port. What appear to be turrets on either side are actually the battery housing. The battery itself can be removed and charged externally.
USB-C charging port, and Micro SD card port
The ocular focus at the rear allows you to focus on the display. While up front, there is a blue ring around the objective you can use to focus the thermal sensor.
Specifications
Sensor Resolution: 384*288
Objective Lens: 25mm/35mm
Optical Zoom: GRL325: 3x GRL335: 4x
Digital Zoom: 1x, 2x, 3x, 4x
Display Resolution: 1024*768
Operating Time: 6-8h
Features
Picture In Picture:Yes
Photo/Video:Yes
Audio:No
RAV & Wi-Fi:Yes
Hot Track:Yes
Classic One Shot Zero:Yes
Thermal One-Shot Zero:Yes
Shot Activated Recording:Yes
The whole unit comes neatly in a zippered soft case. Included with are a couple batteries, additional rubber eye-pieces, charging cables and a manual.
Mounting and Zero
Installing this optic on a rifle is very easy using the QD clamp. Much like other high quality optics, this one has its own clamping mount, with a security lock to prevent unintended opening. I clamped the optic to the sight rail of my rifle, and set it up looking downrange.
To zero the optic, I would shoot a shot, and watch the impact. Then you can freeze frame using the zeroing menu, with the frame frozen, you can move the reticle from where it is currently, to the point of impact. It took me a couple tries, but mainly that was me figuring out the system. But after a few minutes, I had it zeroed enough for testing.
I also took the time to familiarize myself with different reticle options, and different zoom settings. Once I was on top of it, I decided it was time to head into the mountains.
In the Field
Hunting is the true calling of thermal optics, and that is where I intended to use it. Early spring has some different hunting opportunities in my part of the country, but for now I would have to settle with hunting small varmints. Squirrels and marmots and if I was lucky a coyote would be my options. The AR15 rifle I had the GRL 335 mounted to was more than enough rifle for any of those targets.
thermal scopes and suppressed shooting are like peanut butter and jelly, here you can see my Banish Speed K suppressor
Over the course of several trips, I would use the Goyojo to find all kinds of animals. Both animals I could target as well as others that I wouldn’t.
Target ID
One thing I have found about identifying target animals with thermal optics, is that the environment matters quite a bit. Using the different color pallets in the GRL 335 was also helpful. Things like rocks and tree and other things can vary in temperature greatly depending on the conditions. Oftentimes it takes a while to get used to identifying things. Particularly in the day time until you see something that is actually living and warm it can be a bit challenging to know.
My dog probably wouldn’t like knowing it, but he shows up really nice in the scope. This is approximately 120 yards away
Again, using the different color pallets available is a great tool to help in this effort. The different zoom settings also are important to understand, for both scale and detail. And I also had to stay on top of the focus of the thermal sensor, keeping a sharp focus greatly helps you recognize both targets and their surroundings.
Controls
One of my favorite things about this optic is how easy and simple the controls are. Unlike some other thermal optics, the main and most important features are all within a single button push. Making quick changes in zoom, or snapping a photo or starting video can all be done without taking your eye off the display.
Of course many of the finer features can be changed by accessing the various menus. And the central placement of the button pad right on top makes it easy to acces. The textured pad also gives tactile identification, so even in the dark you can make adjustments on the fly.
Pictures and Videos
The ability to capture shots and videos through these optics is the icing on the cake. Not only do you get to have fun hunting, but you can capture the crucial events on film to share with others. I used the capture to get stills and clips of different hunting and shooting events. By pressing and holding the X button, you get a quick toggle between picture and video. You then capture a shot or start recording using the same button.
an image looking around the neighborhood in pure darkness (before mounting to the rifle of course)
All the images are captured on a micro SD card that is housed in the foot of the optic. The MP4 files can be transferred and used as you see fit. I did have a couple issues editing and manipulating the files, but I can’t tell you if that was a problem with the files or if it was simply me not using compatible software. Either way, as you can see I figured out a way to get both pictures and video where I needed it.
Focus
Adjusting the thermal sensor focus on this unit is very easy, its location makes it quick to grab with your fingers. And I like how it is recessed in the housing to prevent it getting moved inadvertently. Adjusting the sensor allows sharp focus as close as a few feet away, and i was impressed with how clean the image could be focused.
The display also has its own twist-to-focus feature. This is handy for those who’s eyes aren’t what they once were. There is also two different rubber eye cups to select from.
Useability
I’ve already mentioned how I like the simplicity of this unit. Particularly for someone who is new to thermals. It has some pretty concise instructions, and if you follow them you will have no problem running this unit.
Battery life is great, and the fact that it comes with a charger and extra battery means you can always keep a backup in your pocket.
Value
With an MSRP just under a thousand dollars, this optic is a great value. The ony thing left to ensure its value is its durability over time. This optic makes a lot of sense for a first time thermal, as it is more affordable than other options. I intend on giving this scope a good good thrashing to see how it stands up to use, make sure you check back in the future as I will update here as time passes.
Pros and Cons
Pros
Affordable- for the price its features and function are great
Compact- small footprint means less bulk
Quick to zero- easy to understand and adjust
Image Capture- both video and still images can be recorded
Added Accessories- mounting options, eyecups and other included accessories
I really like this optic, and I plan on using it to the extend possible in my hunting adventures. I like how simple it is, and how easy it is to adjust and understand all the features and functions. Whether you plan on using this optic simply for fun, or in preparation for an impending apocalypse, it gives you a simple sight that can be used around the clock.
Handgun holsters are a bit of a guilty pleasure of mine. I really enjoy having a selection of holsters to accompany my handguns, it diversifies the way I can carry them. Today’s topic is another new to me product, and one that competes with some of my favorite holsters. That holster is the BlackPoint Tactical Slick Duty Holster, a polymer duty-grade holster designed for the professional. The Slick duty holster provides both protection and retention for you chosen sidearm.
With a molded polymer design, the Slick holster has a perfect fit for whatever model pistol you have; as long as it is a Glock, P320 or Echelon. Only duty pistols need apply here. The Slick Duty holster uses two methods of retention, first is the adjustable friction. And the second is the auto-rotating hood, actuated by pressing the release button. The button itself is tucked away discreetly between the holster and your belt, and is very obscure to the onlooker.
disassembled to show the mounting options and QLS Fork
When released, the hood folds out of the way. For pistols with mounted optics, the hood covers both the optic and the back of the slide. The two-piece hood is very robust, giving great protection to both slide and optic. Its not even a little bit exposed.
Note: here you can see the hood release button
According to the manufacturer, this holster is the result of years of feedback on holster design. And after using it I can see exactly how good ideas were incorporated into this holster. Its also compatible with other very popular brands like Safariland, BladeTech, Blackhawk, and True North Concepts. Allowing you to seamlessly add this holster into your kit.
In the Field
As I unboxed the holster, I was quickly impressed with the robust rigidity of the design. This is not some flimsy quick mold, it is a strong .125″ Kydex molded holster. The holster can be purchased with several connection options, I chose the Safariland QLS fork option because that’s what my belts use. You can adjust the cant and ride height with the mounting screws, which are all installed with thread-locker to avoid coming loose.
The Slick Duty holster snapped right into my belt using the QLS system. After making a couple adjustments on the angle, everything felt right. I dropped my Ruger RXM pistol into the holster, and it was a perfect fit. I only slightly adjusted the friction screw, mostly to reduce any slop within the holster.
attaching the holster to the Safariland QLS mount
Compatibility
I used a variety of different Glock styled pistols with this holster. Mainly my Ruger RXM with both the full size G17 frame, and the compact G19 frame. I also tried my PSA Dagger which fit slightly tighter than the RXM. Several other Glock clone pistols also fit perfectly into the holster.
I was also pleased to see that Blackpoint had left open the end of the holster. Even including an opening for threaded barrels to nest neatly in the holster.
Other Glock clone pistols like the PSA Dagger also fit nicely
Quality
I already mentioned how well built this holster is, but lets get into more detail. The .125 inch thick Kydex is much tougher than most other Kydex holsters I’ve seen. And it is fastened with quality screws and rubber grommets. The hood that covers both the back of the slide and your optic is also quite tough, not just a little flip open cover like some others. I expect you would need a hammer or large pair of pliers to break or remove it.
The two-piece hood also features a little integrating tooth that keeps the two pieces locked together when closed. In a similar fashion, the attachment point for the holster is also reinforced and uses a variety of different screw hole patterns to allow various mounting solutions.
Durability
While I haven’t used this holster as long as many others, I have been immediately impressed with it. Wearing it on a belt all day, getting in and out of chairs, vehicles, ATV’s and such has quickly proven how tough and resistant this holster is. I fully expect it will last for years even with daily wear.
Pros and Cons
For a duty minded holster, I came up with few things to dislike about this holster. Using the QLS fork as I did makes it very easy to remove from your belt for comfort during longer drives. I really like how well it protects my optic from getting contaminated. Even riding ATV’s down muddy roads where everything got messy, my Vector Frenzy red dot stayed pristine. And though I’m glad it hasn’t happened yet, I would fully expect both my gun and holster to stay put even if drove off the steep embankment.
The quick release button is covert and out of sight mostly, but is still quick to blindly hit with my thumb. All while keeping a solid grip on the pistol. Furthermore, it is only a slightly different motion than what I’m used to with my Safariland holsters that I also use frequently.
Holsters are as much about preferences as performance I suppose. After all, if you don’t like the way it fits or functions it can be annoying and even dangerous. The Blackpoint Tactical Slick Duty Holster is an excellent choice that is well worth your consideration. You will likely find, like I did, that it will meet your convenience, retention and durability requirements. With prices starting around $160 I think it is well worth the asking price, I may need to get another one that allows use with my Surefire X300…
The AR15 rifle has become the most popular and widely adapted rifle in the US. Countless variants of the rifle are available from innumerable manufacturers. Its original direct impingement design that is still used by many manufacturers pushes high pressure gas from the barrel directly into the action. As suppressors become more and more common, more folks are finding issue with the design. Suppressors add backpressure, and that means even more obnoxious gas being pushed into the action and your face. Our topic today is the Breek Arms Omni-Buster charging handle. A new product designed to reduce the gas blowback into your face while shooting.
Charging Handle Design
DI charging handles have a hook shape at the front that allows the bolt carrier to be drawn to the rear. There is a hole in the front, where the gas tube that pipes the pressure directly into the bolt-carrier.
One of the many causes of unpleasant gas in the face is caused when the bolt carrier begins its reaward movement. As it disconnects from the gas tube, whatever remaining gas flow continues out the gas tube. Which is shot right down the upper receiver and into the face of the shooter. As I mentioned, adding a suppressor only exacerbates this problem.
The Omni-Buster
Breek’s Omni-Buster charging handle is designed to reduce this flow of gas into the shooter’s face. Using different geometry on the charging handle optimized for reducing the gas coming at you.
This is done with several different design features; inside the stem of the charging handle, scalloped cuts are made that work like baffles in a suppressor to slow the movement of gas. And the stem itself is shaped to reduce gas flow coming at the shooter, feeling a slightly tighter fit as well. Additionally, the raised shelf at the back also closes space where gas traditionally would flow out towards the shooter.
the Omni-Buster shown next to a competitors charging handle
It does all this while offering oversized dual handles that lock the charging handle when not in use. The two handles are interlocking with each other, to actuate the locking jaw. This also keeps the tolerancances tight to prevent gas flow through the assembly.
But Does it work?
I do a lot of shooting, and most of it is done outdoors with not a particularly high cadence. With that kind of shooting practice, I usually don’t have a problem getting gassed out. I have noticed that I dont really need low backpressure suppressor designs in these scenarios. So in order to actually see if the Omni-Buster works, I would have to change it up a little bit.
With the rifle suppressed, I would swap between charging handles before shooting some long strings of fire. Different suppressors also create different amount of back pressure, so that was part of the shooting as well. And shooting indoors would inhibit natural air currents from taking gas away, which would make it easier to notice differences. For the most part, we used the same ammunition. But that too could vary the amount and volume of gas noticed by the shooter.
After shooting quite a bit using the Omni-Buster, I can say I definitely like it. Not only for its tight fit and reduction in gas coming in my face, but also because of the large handles. Overall it felt like there was less fumes coming out of the rifle in my face while shooting. And depending on who you are and your shooting practice, even a small reduction might be worth the upgrade.
Particularly for those who shoot suppressed direct impingement rifles, this seems like a worthy upgrade. Improving the overall experience while shooting. The Omni-Buster seems to be an even better improvement over Breek’s previous designs. Its not going to completely stop the issue of gas in the face. I’m not sure that anything truly can without changing the rifle and how it works. But little improvements are how we eventually reach perfection.
With age and time, most of us develope a larger and more refined collection of firearms. If you are rifleman like me, that means your scope inventory also develops as well. I love mid-range scopes like the 3-18 and 4-16 power range, so I have worked towards adding more of them to my inventory. Today I share one of those with you; the Vector Optics Continental 3-18X50 precision rifle scope. I am no stranger to this line or Vector Optics, my experience with other scopes is what inspired me to get this one.
The Vector Optics Continental 3-18X50
Vector Optics Continental line of scopes all incorporate most of the desired precision rifle features. The 3-18 Continental is no different, it comes with many of the things precision rifle shooters are after.
Inside the Continental you’ll find the FFP VCT-34 Reticle, a Christmas Tree style reticle with a broad grid for holdovers or making corrections. Of course it is illuminated because this isn’t 1998. The reticle is matched by a set of turrets perfect for making corrections. With 10-MRAD per rotation you get plenty of mechanical adjustment, the 1/10 MRAD clicks are very tactile and can also be heard. Both turrets can be locked by pushing in, and the elevation turret features a pop-up pin indicating which of the three revolutions you are on.
With its large 34mm tube, this scope has 44 MRAD of mechanical travel within. More than enough for what most folks will be doing with this scope. And it’s 50mm objective is still fairly compact, allowing the scope to be mounted low.
All the control surfaces feature a nice texture, allowing quick and easy adjustments to be made. The diopter at the rear sharpens focus on the reticle, and the adjustable parallax on the side allows you to sharply focus your targets.
Specifications
Magnification:
3-18x
Objective Lens Dia.:
50mm
Ocular Lens Dia.:
42mm / 1.7 inch
Ocular Lens Length:
54mm / 2.1 inch
Exit Pupil:
8.0-2.8mm
Optics Coating:
VePro Fully-multi coat
Field of View:
40.8-6.8 feet @100 yards
Eye Relief:
100mm / 4.0 inch
Length:
338mm / 13.3 inch
Weight:
820g / 28.9 ounce
Tube Diameter:
34mm
Click Value:
1/10 MIL
Elevation Range:
44MIL
Windage Range:
16MIL
Side Focus:
10 Yds to infinite
Reticle:
Etched glass VCT-34FFP
Illumination:
6 Brightness Settings
Battery Type (Not Included):
CR2032
Focus/Parallax mark:
10,15, 20, 30, 50, 100, 200, 300, 500 and infinite
Including items:
34mm Picatinny high rings (default) rings, spare common elevation turret, sunshade, instruction, lens cover and a cleaning cloth
The extra included items drive the value of this scope up significantly. It comes with an extra elevation turret that you can swap out should you not wish to use the zero-stop and revolution indicator pin. A nice pair of scope rings, a shunshade and more. All boxed up nicely in an impressive package.
Unboxing the Continental 3-18×50
I wasted no time mounting the scope, as I wanted to bring it along on one of my next shooting trips. The Vector rings that come with the scope are great, and look much better quality than the typically included rings. But, for the way I was mounting this scope they were a bit high. So instead I used a set of low Vortex 34mm rings.
With the scope set inplace and torqued, all that was left was to boresight the scope prior to heading to the range. My tool-less boresight method is easy and you can read more on how to do it here.
On the Firing Line
Once I’d made it to a firing line, it was time to zero the scope. This was pretty easy after having boresighted it. In just a few shots, I had a good zero on the rifle, and it was time to set the turrets back to zero. This is done using either a coin or even better is the included plastic tool. this prevents you from marring the finish, and overtightening the turret fastener.
Left; zero-stop setting. Top right: Unlocked elevation turret with indicator pin extended showing third revolution. Bottom Right: battery compartment installing the CR2032 lithium
With the rifle already zeroed, I also decided to set the zero-stop at the same time. This is done by removing the elevation turret, and looking at it from underneath, you turn the ring inside in the indicated direction until it stops. A tiny spring-loaded pin pops into a small hole on the inner ring, which is what stops it when you turn it. If you are using a canted scope base to get more use out of your scope’s elevation, you may need to push the little pin in allowing you to counter rotate the inner piece so you can set the turret below where it comes zeroed from the factory. For more on canted bases and why, go read this.
Once the zero-stop was set, I reinstalled the turret on zero. Giving me maximum sweep of the scopes internal movement for my corrections. You could also swap out the turret for the non-zero-stop elevation turret, if thats what you prefer.
Optical Quality
Like the other Vector Continental scopes I have used, this one had a great picture. According to the companies website, they use Schott HT lenses with their own proprietary coating. I expect that is why they look so good. Not only are the images bright and clear, but there is excellent uniformity. There are no abberations around the edge of the image.
a couple different perspectives looking at the reticle, note only center of reticle illuminates (left)
The adjustable parallax in this scope allows you to get both the reticle and target sharply defined. This is a very important aspect of shooting, particularly at further distances. For more on that topic, read: All you need to know about parallax. I guess the easiest way to describe the imagery in this scope is; it looks way better than you’d expect with this price point.
Reliability
Mechanical integrity is important for precision shooting, and this scope is very repeatable. Dialing the scope across its entire elevation range is smooth and consistent. Running boxes using the turrets show it returning back to zero every time. And as a FFP scope its also important that the turret movements match the values on the reticle. Measuring movements with the reticle and dialing the correction with the turret show the values match. At least close enough to not to notice any difference.
This is not my first Continental scope, and my others have proven to be very durable. Surviving plane trips, bouncing around in vehicles and off road vehicles. Freezing temps and the damp heat of the gulf coast. I try and avoid physical abuse of my scopes, but they do get used a lot. I have every confidence that this scope, like the others will last a long time. If I was to improve anything about it durability, it would probably be the finish. It is a little easy to scratch.
Value
I keep finding myself repeating something along these lines when it comes to these scopes; I cannot believe I paid two or three times as much for scopes in the past that aren’t even close to as good as these ones (as far as features).
The optics market has been absolutely flooded with good, great and outstanding products that cost half or less than what I used to pay for good rifle scopes a decade or two ago. You can bounce over to Optics Planet and pick this scope up for a mere four-hundred and eighty-five dollars. And if you use my discount code coldbore at checkout you can even save an additional 5%.
Pros and Cons
There is plenty to like about this scope, as I’ve already mentioned. There is one drawback to this scope, and for some its a big one. A huge majority of optics are being manufactured overseas and much of them in China. For some of you that might be a deal breaker, and for others it may not be. Rest assured though, the Chinese have upped their game significantly .
As if all the things I’ve already mentioned about this scope weren’t enough, the added value is incredible. You can buy these same included scope rings for $20 on Optics Planet, which seems really cheap. But I must say they are great looking cheap scope rings, had I not known I would have said they were at least 50-60 dollar value. And the new ones they are shipping now use the dual torx screws to secure the foot, instead of the single 1/2-inch nut. The included sunshade is also a very nice touch.
Last Thoughts
Much like my experience with my other Vector Continental scopes, this one has been an excellent experience. I could see myself putting this scope on any of my hunting rifles as you’ve seen here, or on a precision rifle that can take full use of its faculties. The medium power magnification of the Vector Continental 3-18×50 gives dexterity in use, without giving up long-range features and sharp imagery. I look forward to putting this scope to work, and I will update it as my experience continues.
Even inexpensive hearing protection is better than none. I went most of my shooting career using foamies, mainly because I wanted to spend my money on things besides ear protection. But times have changed, and I am the happy owner now of several good head sets to protect whats left of my hearing. Today we are going to take a look at one of the most affordable sets I have, the Walkers Game Ear Razor Slim Ear Muffs. These are battery powered ear muffs that amplify normal sounds so you can talk and listen to whats around you, without going deaf from gunfire.
The Razor Slim Ear Muffs
Walkers Game Ear Razor (WGE) Slim muffs are available in a surprising variety of color and even patterns. The use a wire-band spring to hold the two muffs together, padded to fit the top of your head. The unit is powered by two included AAA batteries.
The muffs use dual omnidirectional microphones to pick up sounds from all directions, and their .02 second compression time means you’ll only hear safe levels of sound. Full range speakers are used in the muffs to provide clear sounds while you are shooting. This all results in a 23dB reduction in noise.
the Razor Slim muffs kept down the noise while shooting my Custom 7PRC
Powering up the unit is done using a dial on the left side, you can simply roll it with the tip of your finger. It has definitive click when it reaches the off position, so you dont waste battery life. As you roll the dial it adjustes the volume. These also have WGE’s typical input jack, allowing you to add your own sounds to the mix. Or it can be used together with WGE’s walkie talkie attachment to enhance communication between people.
On the Range
In no time I was on the range, shooting both rifles and handguns. Even though I often shoot suppressed, the fact that other shooters don’t often requires me to wear hearing protection anyways.
With the Razor Slim muffs powered up, I could comfortably hear people talking around me on the firing line. Even little things like bouncing brass and footsteps on the dirt would come through. This gives you much better situational awareness while shooting, and that can be important around others.
Wearing the muffs for an hour here and there during the course of my shooting gave a good impression. Some other muffs often give me a headache from squeezing too hard. The soft cups of these muffs felt fine, and even sealed up over the temple arms of my glasses well. To be sure they were comfy, I even wore them around the office for a few hours.
Pros and Cons
These muff are perfectly serviceable for most shooting purposes. Whether you shoot indoor or outdoors like me, they will keep you hearing safe from gunfire. I will say this, when shooting extra large guns like the 50BMG, you may want to double up by adding some foamies underneath the muffs. I love the various color patterns, allowing you to get your own custom look. Additionally it is much less likely to get your muffs mixed up with someone else’s. They fold up nicely, and fit easily into your shooting bag.
I am not sure if my demerits for these muffs are fair. I have several other pairs of hearing protection, but they are significantly more expensive. While the others might be more comfortable, and have added tech like bluetooth, that comes at a cost.
Whereas the WGE Razor Slim muffs are obviously meant to be more for the mainstream. If you need those additional features that come at a higher price point, you can certainly look at WGE Recon or Firemax muff sets.
Unless you are some kind of professional shooter, these WGE Razor Slim muffs are more than enough hearing protection for most American shooting enthusiasts. And even if you are a professional shooter, they’d still probably work. I am going to make sure they are always in my shooting bag, in case I need them, or someone needs to borrow a set. With a street price under $60, its a small price to pay to keep your dirty shooting fingers out of your ears.
