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Precision Glam: Grayboe Stocks and Universal Mini Chassis

blog, Product review, Shooting hardware, , ,

Introduction

My first real rifle, used a laminate wood stock. Not too long after, the fiberglass craze took off, as did the mainstreaming the entire custom rifle industry. It was a radical decade or two where aluminum bedding blocks eventually turned into complete chassis with carbon and other materials added in. Big growth from many companies involved was inevitable, as was the next logical step. Today we are talking about one of those products, The Grayboe Universal Mini Chassis system, and the stocks that go with it. A relatively new product offering, that offers all the precision of an aluminum chassis, and the fit and feel of a synthetic composite stock. Because of the modularity of the UMC stock system, I decided to combine two options into a single review.

grayboe, umc, stock, chassis, universal mini chassis,
here you can see the CVA Cascade SB rifle in the Core stock, read my review of this rifle here

Grayboe and Innovation

Grayboe’s founder comes from the McMillan family, yes that one. I expect his exposure to the stock industry, as well as time spent behind rifles and in service influenced the company’s direction.

What Grayboe has done with their Universal Mini Chassis (UMC) is brilliant for several reasons. Everything in the gun industry is going to modular designs; multi-caliber rifles, interchangeable suppressor hubs, serialized fire control units for pistols and so on. Grayboe has brought that premise into the rifle stock market with their UMC stock design.

the CVA Cascade SB in the Flagstaff stock, with an Athlon Midas HMR Gen II 2-12

The Mini Chassis

The UMC is exactly what it sounds like; a minimized chassis that incorporates mounting the action against a custom machined fit. Allowing a perfectly supported action while supporting the magazine and trigger within.

the Grayboe Universal Mini Chassis (UMC), this one specific to the CVA Cascade short action

The UMC incorporated AICS magazines even for actions that used proprietary magazines in their stock configuration. They also have little options like adjustable magazine release levers. Weight of the UMC can vary depending on what action/inlay you choose, but its around 14 ounces.

the UMC once installed in the stock is indifferent from a traditionally bedded rifle stock

The UMC is only as big as it needs to be to accomplish those features, because it is then bolted into one of Grayboe’s many stock options. Currently these are the actions with a Grayboe UMC option.

  • Remington 700 Short Action
  • Remington 700 Long Action
  • Tikka T3 / T3x
  • Howa 1500 Short Action
  • Howa 1500 Long Action
  • Ruger American Short Action
  • Ruger American Long Action
  • Savage 110 Short Action
  • Savage 110 Long Action
  • Mossberg Patriot
  • CVA Cascade Short Action

The Stock Options

Grayboe’s composite fiber and impact resistant polymer stocks incorporate the light weight and strength of composites, married to all the features that shooters want. They have a variety of different stocks designed for different purposes and budgets in mind.

  • Core – Competition focused
  • Flagstaff – Hunting application lightweight
  • Halo – Hunting/crossover
  • Phoenix 2- Hunting/crossover
  • Renegade 2 (Unreleased at publication)

All of these stocks accept the UMC using two screws. That means if you have two different Grayboe stocks, you can transfer your rifle from one to the other in under a minute if you’re quick. All the UMC’s have the same external footprint, fitting any of the Grayboe stocks. And they make UMC’s for most of the popular rifle actions.

torquing in one of my CVA Cascade rifles into the UMC

The Innovative Bit

So you might have already imagined, if you have a couple UMC’s, and a few stocks, you can mix and match. This brings options to the American rifleman who lusts for customization and modularity. You could use the exact same stock on your Ruger American 7PRC elk hunting rifle and your favorite Tikka 22-250 varmint rifle. And they can be changed out quick and without needing to re-zero the rifle.

Unboxing Grayboe Stock

Grayboe recently released a UMC for the CVA Cascade short action, and since I am currently on a Cascade kick it was perfect timing. And as a glutton for modular rifle systems, I tested both the Grayboe Flagstaff and Core stocks with the CVA UMC. My two CVA Cascade rifles would both benefit from the Grayboe system. The exact rifles used are the CVA Cascade SB .65CM and the CVA Cascade Long Range Hunter 25CM, you can read the reviews of the individual rifles here.

You can buy the Grayboe stocks with or without the UMC of your choice. The different stocks come with different accessories, depending on the stock. For example, the Core stock came with spacers to adjust the length of pull. Both stocks came with M-Lok slots under the forearm to allow attachment of accessories like bipods and ARCA rails. They also have QD cups to attach slings both front and rear.

The UMC comes with hardware to attach the rifle action, as well as connecting the UMC to the stock itself. As well as some simple instructions to assemble the whole thing.

Features

These two stocks have some differing features as they are built for very divergent purposes. The Flagstaff is built with hunters in mind, while the Core is built for competitive and professional shooters. They share the footprint of the UMC, and the same stylings but are otherwise pretty different.

The Flagstaff

Keeping the weight down on the Flagstaff was obviously a priority, but it is still pretty feature rich all things considered. On the flat-bottomed forend you will find four M-Lok slots for attaching things like ARCA rails or your favorite bipod. It also has QD sling cups on the bottom front and rear to attach your favorte sling.

the CVA Cascade LRH 25Creedmoor in the Flagstaff stock

The textured grip is built at a 35 degree angle, and comb height is fairly traditional. I found that the polymer Flagstaff has a slight compressed fit when installing the UMC, adding a bit of a squeeze to it. Whereas in the carbon fiber Core, it dropped in like a machined fit.

The Core

By comparison, the Core stock has a lot going on. It can be had in either fiberglass or carbon, with a significant weight difference between them. Since it has a focus on the professional shooter, there are many added little features.

The length of pull can be adjusted using provided spacers, moving the gel recoil pad to fit the shooter. The comb height can be adjusted on the fly with a thumb-screw, keeping the luxuriously soft cheek-rest at the perfect height for your sight picture. On the bottom of the buttstock you will find a traditional butt-hook to keep the recoil pad in your shoulder pocket.

spacers are used to adjust length of pull on the Core stock

On the right side of the stock, there are threaded mounting bosses to install a HopticUSA cartridge quiver. An accessory that has become quite popular over the last few years. Up front the Core also features M-Lok slots under the broad and flat forend. It also has multiple QD cups on all sides of the stock so you can carry it different ways. The barrel channel is cut wide, to allow heavy barrel profiles often used in competition.

Grayboe CoreGrayboe Flagstaff
Weight4.5lb Fiberglass/6lb Carbon2.5lbs
MaterialFiberglass or Carbon fiberImpact resistant polymer
Barrel ChannelUnder 1.330 inchesSendero under .925
Sling QD Cups7 total front and rearFront and rear
M-Lok SlotsFull length on forend4 M-Lok slots on forend
Length of Pull12.75 min Plus .25” spacers13.5
Comb HeightAdjustable (tooless)Fixed
Overall Length32.5-inches31.5-inches

Installation

Since I got the system for my CVA Cascade rifles, I would end up installing two different rifles in various configurations. And swap both of them back and forth between the different stocks to get additional experience.

One of the first intricacies that I noticed was a necessity by the manufacturer to make each UMC fit the different action options. For example; the CVA Cascade action screws are in front of and just behind the magwell. This required an engineering solution because a traditional trigger guard like on typical floorplates would be right on top of the rear action screw.

here you can see why the trigger guard needs to be removable, the rear action screw is right under it

Unlike tang-mounted rear action screws like on a Remington 700 that go behind the trigger guard. So Grayboe’s solution was to install the trigger guard after marrying the UMC to the action. The trigger-guard incorporating the mag release are pinned in place after attaching the UMC and action.

the two roll pins that attach the trigger guard and mag release assembly. It must be attached AFTER installing the action to the UMC

I expect that other UMC’s for other actions have a regular trigger guard as part of it, or perhaps there are several differences like this depending on the action. The UMC can then be dropped right into any of the compatible stocks. There are two cap-screws that connect the UMC and the stock that once torqued down, make it into one solid structure.

tightening the UMC into the Flagstaff stock

It really wasn’t very hard at all to figure out the installation, or to swap them between the two stock options I had. I hadn’t even gotten to the range yet and I was already contemplating other UMC’s for some of my other rifles.

the Area 419 ARCA Lock rail fit perfectly on the Grayboe Core

After the installations process, its simply a matter of adding the accessories you would like for the stock. For example, on the Core stock, I installed one of my Hoptic USA cartridge quivers on the side. I was surprised that this little bonus was added, and that they even put stub-screws in to protect the threads from getting damaged or filled with crud.

Installing my HopticUSA 25 Creedmoor cartridge Quiver. inset: removing the stub-screws

Additionally, I decided to add an Area 419 ARCA lock rail to the Core stock. It is already pretty heavy (which is common for competition guns) so adding a little more wasn’t a big deal. I might add a lightweight short ARCA rail to the Flagstaff, but that one I’m trying to keep light in hopes of carrying it this hunting season.

all AICS magazines I used worked great with the Grayboe UMC

Shooting with Grayboe Stocks

Putting the Grayboe stock system to work, would take place over various trips to the range in open country of the Rocky Mountains. I like to practice where I hunt, so the Flagstaff would get used in the same rugged country where we chase deer and elk. The Core on the other hand isn’t exactly a hunters best choice, but it too would get used for some long range shooting in big country.

Ergonomics

I used just about every option there is when it comes to stocks and chassis. I don’t consider myself to be particularly picky as in general I like most of them. The Grayboe Flagstaff has a pretty traditional feel to it with some added features for handling.

Grayboe Flagstaff

The grip area has a textured pad for added purchase. And the forearm of the stock has two finger grooves running down the side, this gives your fingers something to hold on to when carrying by the stock. The rubber buttpad is nice, sticking where it should.

optics planet, hunting destination

I ended up using a Triad Tactical stock pack on the back to get better comb height. This turned out to be a suitable situation for my hunting purposes. I also used a few different AICS pattern magazines, all of which worked great.

Grayboe Core

Grayboe’s Core stock on the other hand feels a bit more like a nice leather couch compared to the Flagstaff. That should come as no surprise as most competition focused stocks have many comfort features.

shooting from the Two Vets Tripod attached by ARCA rail system

The adjustable comb is as luxurious as it is practical. Making the rifle fit you is quick and simple, and a comfortable place to rest your cheek while shooting. The vertical grip feels fantastic, keeping your finger perfectly presented to the trigger. The magazine release of the UMC is easily reached with your trigger finger, and has enough resistance to avoid being accidentally engaged.

It wouldn’t hurt my feelings if there was a touch more texture in the right spots, as most guns put into this stock are going to be heavier. A nice texture on the grip areas would help for holding tight. It was nice to carry on a sling though, without it dragging or pulling at clothing.

that is the Banish Backcountry suppressor on the Cascade SB

The wide front end of the Core stock allows you to rest the rifle on any surface it will fit, and get a good rest. Once I’d added the ARCA rail, it was even bigger around which could be a challenge for small handed individuals.

Putting the soft gel recoil pad into your shoulder feels quite suave. My two CVA’s don’t recoil very hard but if you had one that did, this recoil pad would definitely soften the blow. I also like the butthook under the stock, it allows you to pull the stock into your shoulder when you need it.

the CVA LRH in the Core stock, with a US Optics LXR 4-24 scope resting on the Two Vets tripod

Quality

Both of these stocks are quite rigid, giving that stiff platform to launch your shots from. I was surprised to find out the Flagstaff was made from polymer, I initially thought they were both carbon fiber. But even though it is made of a “lesser” material, I was quite happy with it. Minimal flex of the stock make the Flagstaff a great option, and its polymer production is likely why it is more affordable than the carbon options.

the Flagstaff stock fit nicely in my Eberlestock pack, you can read all about the pack here

The Grayboe Core stock takes it to the next level, with all the best materials and features. Everything from the finish of the stock, to the supplied fasteners and little instruction cards to help those mechanically challenged out there. The soft parts of the the Core are so nice I’d hate to take them hunting, as they might get sweat soaked or even torn hiking through brush. It does feel built like tank, if you ran out of ammo you could certainly beat your antagonists into a fine paste with it.

the Universal Mini Chassis

Machine work as seen in the Universal Mini Chassis is excellent. All the aluminum parts were nicely anodized and smooth. Both of my rifles fit perfectly into the UMC, and functioned flawlessly. You can tell they spent time designing each different UMC to interact with the action it was meant to fit. And in the CVA case, makes them work perfectly with AICS magazines.

Durability

Grayboe offers a lifetime warranty on their products, which is very comforting. It covers both craftsmanship and accidental damage for those who like to leave their rifle propped against truck tires. If you do happen to use your stock to beat someone into pâté and wear some of the finish off however, that would be considered normal wear. So don’t expect to abuse the warranty.

The only thing I found during my time with these Grayboe stocks that made me pause for durability concerns was the trigger guard. I could see somebody not being careful enough and damaging or breaking the trigger guard when in stalling it in the UMC. Again this might just be the CVA option as others are built into the UMC.

Value

If you browse some of the popular custom stock options you can find stocks that cost significantly more, and some that cost less. The Flagstaff is definitely a more affordable option, with not many less expensive options that offer an aluminum mini chassis.

The Core stock on the other hand has a lot more competition from many of the big names. Even so, the Core is not as expensive as other options. At this level, there is a lot of subjectivity and usually folks can choose based solely on their preference and looks. Many of the Core’s competitors offer similar features, but they don’t offer the modularity. That may be reason enough to choose the Grayboe option.

Pros and Cons

ProsConsComment
Strong and rigid construction(Core) Can be heavyComp guns are heavy so…
Great fit and finishTrigger guard thing I mentionedMay only be the CVA version
(UMC) Precise machineworkI’d like more exterior texture For grip areas and in general
Excellent modularity
Huge step up from original equipmentBoth stock and magazine system improved
Comfortable to carry and shoot
Excellent warranty
Great value 
Great Feature setM-Lok, QD cups, etc.
the flat bottomed forend of the stocks made it easy to improvise shooting positions

Final Thoughts

Different designs appeal to different individuals tastes, I definitely found the Grayboe products to fit into mine. I really enjoy configurable rifles, and the ability to interchange and customize them. But that is certainly not a requirement, as you can setup you rifle in one of these Grayboe chassis systems and never mess with it.

There is definitely a style to their designs, like any manufacturer. And whether one style or another appeals to you, the function of the Grayboe system is fantastic and innovative. Whether you choose to mix and match as I have, or if you are just looking for a solid stock/chassis to improve your factory rifle these will work great. They are well built, and offer great features for a reasonable price made by Americans right here in America.

-CBM

Springfield Armory, prodigy, DS prodigy, 2011, 9mm, steiner, mps, red dot, surefire, x300, vampire,

Double Stack Powerhouse: The Springfield Armory DS Prodigy 9mm

pistols, Product review, , , , , ,

Preface

I guess you could say that the Springfield Prodigy is the first 2011 to catch my eye. Several friends had mentioned the double-stack 9mm pistol in conversations, and it wasn’t long until I put hands on one myself. Now years later, after several 2011’s of my own, I am back to the beginning to revisit the Prodigy. The specific model we are looking at today is the five-inch comped Springfield Armory DS Prodigy . Springfield has long made various 1911 pistols in a wide variety of models in the traditional .45ACP, 10mm and 9mm. Forgive me if I misuse 1911 versus 2011 throughout, but for basic understanding I use 2011 to describe double-stack 9mm versions. And 1911 to describe the traditional single stack design usually in .45acp. Lets take a closer look into out subject.

Springfield Armory, prodigy, DS prodigy, 2011, 9mm, steiner, mps, red dot, surefire, x300, vampire, reload, magazine,
the added magwell flare is a must have

The DS Prodigy

With a rich history of 1911 pistols, Springfield Armory (SA) sat poised to create a fantastic entry into the double-stack 9mm market. Like most 2011 pistols, the Prodigy uses a polymer grip attached to a steel frame. A full-length dust cover also has a five-slot picatinny accessory rail for mounting weapon lights. The polymer grip module houses the double-stack magazines that hold 17-rounds or more. For 1911 traditionalists, it may seem like heresy to put a 9mm in the 1911 platform. But for those who simply love pistols it makes perfect sense. Imagine how many more world wars the 1911 could win with twice the ammo in it?

Springfield Armory, prodigy, DS prodigy, 2011, 9mm, steiner, mps, red dot, surefire, x300, vampire,

In the slide of the Prodigy, you will find a heavy match-grade bull barrel. Married perfectly to the steel slide with a fit that 1911’s are famous for. Both barrel and slide are cut for a compensator at the twelve o’clock position to keep muzzle rise to a minimum. And the slide exterior features textured cuts both front and rear, as well as SA’s AOS optics system cut for red dots. And an internal 70-series extractor is used to pull spent cases from the Prodigy’s fully supported chamber.

The model we are testing today features an added magazine flare, as well as the Steiner MPS red dot sight.

Springfield Armory, prodigy, DS prodigy, 2011, 9mm, steiner, mps, red dot, surefire, x300, vampire, disassembly, guide rod, two-piece guide rod,
the two-piece guide rod requires and allen wrench to undo from the front

Specifications

ManufacturerSpringfield Armory
Model1911 DS Prodigy
ActionSingle-action, semi-automatic
Caliber9mm Luger
Barrel Length5 inches
Barrel TypeForged stainless steel, match grade, ramped
Barrel Twist1:16″
Overall Length8.5 inches
Overall Height5.5 inches
Width1.4 inches
Weight38 oz. (empty magazine)
FrameForged carbon steel
SlideForged carbon steel
Grip ModulePolymer
FinishBlack Cerakote
Capacity17+1 / 20+1
Magazine Options17-, 20- and 26-round magazines available
Front SightFiber-optic
Rear SightU-notch, black serrated
Optics ReadyYes — Agency Optic System (AOS)
Accessory Rail5-slot Picatinny rail
TriggerApproximately 4–5 lb.
Recoil SystemTwo-piece full-length guide rod
Grip SafetyBeavertail
Manual SafetyAmbidextrous
MSRP$1632

Shooting the Prodigy DS

Over the course of several range trips, we evaluated the Prodigy, shooting it alongside other 2011 pistols as well. This gave additional insight to the performance of the Prodigy.

Shootability

As a bit of a 2011 enthusiast, the Prodigy feels like home to me. Every control is exactly where I want it, and it feels fantastic. The pistol points perfectly and feels great under recoil. One of the reasons this gun is so popular is because of its flat shooting performance. It has less muzzle rise keeping it on target for the next shot.

Springfield Armory, prodigy, DS prodigy, 2011, 9mm, steiner, mps, red dot, surefire, x300, vampire,
the Prodigy has great handling characteristics

The trigger break and reset are great, I would say not quite as good as my Staccato, but for the price it sure as hell should be better. Bigger pistols like this shoot like a dream, their heavier weight helps buffer recoil making them very pleasant to shoot.

The added flared magwell is a must have in my opinion. It makes reloads butter smooth and doesn’t affect my grip on the pistol either. The magazine release is in the perfect location, never getting hit without purpose.

Springfield Armory, prodigy, DS prodigy, 2011, 9mm, steiner, mps, red dot, surefire, x300, vampire, flying brass,

Accuracy

Using a heavy match-grade bull barrel is a luxury that 2011’s can often do. And the Prodigy pulls it off perfectly. And it shows with its great accuracy. During testing I shot a variety of 115 grain ammunition types from PMC and Federal. All of them functioned well, and typical groups from 7-10 yards would average around 1-2 inches.

Reliability

2011 magazines have much to do with the pistol’s incredibly smooth operation. You can take a fully loaded 20-round magazine and by simply sliding the palm of your hand across the exposed cartridges they will slide out neatly and all over the place.

Springfield Armory, prodigy, DS prodigy, 2011, 9mm, steiner, mps, red dot, surefire, x300, vampire, safariland, holster, gun belt, drawing 2011 pistol from a gun belt holster,
the SA Prodigy with its Surefire X300V light and Steiner MPS fits perfectly into my Safariland holster

This coupled with the low friction linear movement of the slide makes this pistol feed and cycle like a dream. You can slowly pull the slide back, and gently forward and the pistol neatly loads cartridges. The same action with a typical pistol would result in a jam of sorts, as they prefer to be fast and violent in their slamming action.

I have heard many stories from the internet, as well as friends in the industry about Prodigy pistols having issues. I’ve also heard that SA repaired them making any corrections necessary for proper function. This pistol hasn’t needed any updates or alterations, and after a thousand rounds it continues to churn along like it should.

Springfield Armory, prodigy, DS prodigy, 2011, 9mm, steiner, mps, red dot, surefire, x300, vampire, recoil, recoiling,

Ergonomics

!911/2011 ergonomics are fairly similar across the market. I expect the reason is that a pistol thats been in use for over a hundred years should basically be perfected at this point. The only gripe I have in this department is the slide release is just out of reach. Requiring a break of the firing grip. One must simply learn to handle these pistols, as its not hard to perform a reload well even with breaking the grip. Also, other 2011 pistols have extended slide releases that eliminate this issue. I also like that option.

The grip texture gives excellent control of the Prodigy, and the ambidextrous safety is easily operated with the thumb. A perfectly crisp snap is felt and heard when the safety is applied or removed.

Value

One could spend ridiculous amounts of money on 2011 pistols, there is even an entire sub-industry for high end 2011 pistols. With that said, the Prodigy is perhaps the best priced 2011 pistol from a big name manufacturer. I have others that cost a hundred or two less, but they are from manufacturers of another tier.

Springfield Armory, prodigy, DS prodigy, 2011, 9mm, steiner, mps, red dot, surefire, x300, vampire,
the Surefire X300V-B is a fantastic weapon light, read all about it here

I think the Prodigy is an excellent value in that aspect. With a street price under $1500 it is hard to beat the Prodigy’s credentials. You can certainly get better pistols, but you will pay significantly more money for them.

Pros and Cons

Smooth ShooterRequires AOS plate for optics mounting
Flat shooting with compensator
Optics ready
Accurate shooting
Great trigger
Affordable compared to others

Final Opinion

As the field of 2011 pistols gets deeper and deeper, some folks like the security that comes from a well known brand. Springfield Armory has been building 1911’s for a long time, and they’ve been around for even longer. The fact that the DS Prodigy is one of the more affordable 2011 style pistols, makes it that much more appealing. Based on my experience with this pistol, I can strongly recommend it to those looking for a double stack 9mm 1911. It offers a great value among the many different 2011’s on the market.

-CBM

Like 2011’s? Wanna check out another one that I love? Click Here

Springfield Armory, prodigy, DS prodigy, 2011, 9mm, steiner, mps, red dot, surefire, x300, vampire,

Surefire X300V-B Vampire: A Weapon Light for Night Vision

Ancillary gear, Product review, , , ,

Introduction

Weapon lights are a very valuable accessory that can sometimes make the difference between life and death. Being able to see a threat is a must have in the dark, and Surefire has illuminated the path becoming the gold standard of weapon lights. Today we are taking a look at one of their models that exemplifies their quality; the Surefire X300 Vampire weapon light. The X300V-B is a dual spectrum weapon mounted illuminator, the Vampire designation is both chilling and applicable.

Springfield Armory, prodigy, DS prodigy, 2011, 9mm, steiner, mps, red dot, surefire, x300, vampire,
the X300 Vampire on its Springfield Armory Prodigy host, also sporting a Steiner MPS red dot

The X300V-B Vampire

What do they mean dual spectrum? The Vampire has options to produce both visible while light from its LED source, as well as IR illumination. Infrared light is not visible to the human eye, so IR illuminators are often used by law enforcement and military for covert operations. IR is perfectly visible when using night vision, it looks just like any other flashlight. Whereas visible light from a typical weapon light would blind the night vision.

surefire, x300, vampire, control, dual source,

You can select which type of light the Vampire produces by simply twisting the emitter housing to the preferred light source. Then, like any X300 you can power it up either momentarily by pushing the ambi switch, or permanently by toggling the switch.

Again like other X300’s, the Vampire is powered by two CR123 lithium cells. Giving you a couple hours of working time in the dark to find your prey. With the same footprint as other X300 models and the same mounting options, your Vampire will fit neatly into your holsters and other accessories. Surefire also makes IR illuminators for rifles, you can see those here.

surefire, x300, vampire, control, dual source, sig sauer, p320, x5, legion, yhm, yankee hill machine, nitro, 9mm, suppressor,

Specifications

HIGH OUTPUT 350 lumens
IR OUTPUT 120mW / 860 nm
PEAK BEAM INTENSITY 11,500 candela
BATTERIES Two 123A lithium (incl.)
SWITCHING Ambidextrous push / toggle
HIGH OUTPUT 350 lumens
HIGH RUNTIME 2.5 hours
IR OUTPUT 120 milliWatts / 860 nm
IR RUNTIME 16.75 hours
DISTANCE 214 meters
CONSTRUCTION Aluminum
FINISH Mil-Spec Hard Anodized
LENGTH 4.0 in (10.0 cm)
WEIGHT w/ BATTERIES 4.0 oz (113 g)
BEZEL DIAMETER 1.06 in (2.7 cm)
WATERPROOF IPX7

Shooting with the X300 Vampire

Obviously, to truly test the Vampire, I would need to shoot in the dark. I’ve shot in the dark plenty of times using my other X300 weapon lights, but this would require at least one tube’s worth of night vision.

At first, I compared the Vampire’s output with my other X300’s for the visible light. Which definitely show a difference. I assume that the Vampire has a lower candela rating than standard X300’s because of the complications of dual light sources. The Vampire uses the same lens to focus both the visible light and the infrared beams.

night vision, ir illuminator, surefire X300V-B, vampire,
taken in urban darkness, tree approximately 40yds

So while the visible light of the Vampire is less than what I’m used to, there is a good reason for it. And even though it has a lower candela rating, it is still very useful in the dark.

Into Complete Darkness

Then it was time to turn out all the lights, and fire up the non-visible units. This is where the Vampire’s namesake makes sense, as there is a creepy feeling slinking around the darkness where only you can see.

night vision, ir illuminator, surefire X300V-B, vampire,

The IR beam of light from the X300 Vampire was very bright in the green glow of night vision. And for all practical purposes, it looks just like a flashlight in the dark. The difference of course is that only you can see it, while your potential prey is completely unaware as they sit blindly in the darkness. Blood coursing through their veins in the earie green light of the Vampire.

night vision, ir illuminator, surefire X300V-B, vampire,
inside building in total darkness, door approximately 7yds

Its a good idea to learn the functions of the Vampire before the lights go out. Turning the bezel of the light the wrong direction could give you visible light when you wanted IR light. That is not a good situation when you are trying to be sneaky.

Pros and Cons

While the X300 family is the gold standard of weapon lights, I am a little frustrated with its control panel. It works great as designed, but I wish they would update it. There are many other copies of the X300 that have better controls, allowing button lockouts, strobe features, and more. I wish Surefire would update the X300’s to do the same.

night vision, ir illuminator, surefire X300V-B, vampire,
complete indoor darkness, looking through building

Also if you’ll allow me another, I am not a big fan of the Rail-Lock System. While it does work, and is quick for install or removal of the light, I’ve had several of them that fit loose. Resulting in a little slop, allowing the light to rattle slightly. I much prefer the clamping style attachment that you can cinch down on the accessory rail.

the P320 X5 ready for the dark, with a Vortex Defender XL and YHM suppressor

Enough complaining already, as I still love the Surefire X300 lights. The Vampire like its non-blood-sucking siblings is built very well, and looks as good as it performs. You can tell they put a lot of work into designing and building these lights, and their function shows it well.

My Verdict

Should you get a Vampire? Well, if you don’t use night vision at least occasionally, it’s probably nothing more than an expensive cool looking accessory. But for some people thats all that matters. If you do use night vision occasionally or even frequently, then its a slam dunk. I would absolutely get an X300 Vampire as it will make your nights brighter and feel a little less creepy. And if you use night vision often, I wouldn’t even consider the standard weapon lights over the Vampire.

-CBM

Check out more weapon lights here

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Silencing the Big Bores: the Elite Iron Asset Suppressor

Product review, suppressors, , , , , , , , , , ,

Preface

As suppressors continue to become a part of normal use, competition is driving costs down and features up. That competition is leaving no area of the suppressor market threads unturned. One of the different suppressor markets is the big-bore group. ELR and similar rifles using large cartridges like the Cheytac’s, Barrett’s and Hellfire’s are particularly expensive to suppress. Entry level suppressors for these sized rifles start around 1500-dollars and go up to over 5000-dollars for the more fancy ones. Today we are reviewing a new offering from a company that has been in the business for some time. Elite Iron has been making suppressors and big bore cans long before the suppressor craze began. Our subject today is one of their newer offerings; the Elite Iron Asset suppressor, a configurable big bore suppressor available in .375, .408 or .416 bore sizes.

elite iron, suppressor, asset, .375, .408, 416, barrett, cheytac, silencer, big bore, desert tech, hti, .375 cheytac, .408 cheytac, Steiner, Steiner optics, M5, 5-25x56, muzzle brake,

The Elite Iron Asset Suppressor

No stranger to suppression, the folks at Elite Iron have been cranking suppressors out of Montana for over twenty years. In more recent years they started manufacturing big bore cans like their Alpha 50 suppressor.

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As the suppressor market has grown massively over the last two or three years, options and customization have increased with it. New unheard of companies and old names alike have offered so many new models and options that its tough to keep up. That is where the Asset comes in.

elite iron, suppressor, asset, .375, .408, 416, barrett, cheytac, silencer, big bore, desert tech, hti, .375 cheytac, .408 cheytac, bipod, rifle sitting on grassy ground,
the Asset with its simple end-cap installed

Suppressors in general have become incredibly adaptable to different purposes. Whether it be the industry standard hub mounting system, or the multi-caliber craze. Big bore suppressors being a little more expensive and specialist, are a little slower to change I suppose. But the Elite Iron Asset brings all of that into a big bore can. The Asset has two stages that can be used or removed, as well as a muzzle that can be configured with a plain end-cap or a two-port muzzle brake. This in addition to the interchangeable threaded mounting hub.

Specifications

Caliber Rating.375/.408/.416 caliber
Compatible Cartridges.300 Norma Magnum through .416 Barrett
ConstructionTitanium, 7075 aluminum, and heat-treated 4140 steel
Overall ConfigurationTwo-stage modular suppressor
Weight (Fully Assembled w/ Muzzle Brake)40 oz (2.5 lb / 1.13 kg)
Weight (1st Stage w/ Muzzle Brake)32 oz (2.0 lb / 0.91 kg)
Weight (1st Stage w/ Castle Nut Plain End Cap)27 oz (1.69 lb / 0.77 kg)
Mounting SystemDirect-thread, interchangeable thread adapters
ConfigurationsFour factory-supported configurations
Included Components1st-stage module, 2nd-stage module, muzzle brake, castle nut cap, two disassembly tools
Primary ApplicationExtreme Long-range (ELR) and Similar rifles
MSRP (Launch)$1,795

The Asset can be configured in various ways to best fit the application. I find it is a pretty large suppressor for something like a 300NM, and therefor it could likely be used in its shortest configuration if you are looking for minimal addition to the profile. Or if you are going for maximum suppression, both stages of the suppressor can be used. And the user indexable muzzle brake can be added for additional recoil mitigation. All this for an American made price comparable to many 338 sized suppressors. If the Asset sounded good, I thought this would be an unstoppable combination.

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installing the muzzle brake on the Asset, the included thread protector is a nice touch

Mounting the Asset can be done by selecting one of the many thread options available from Elite Iron. As well as several Cerakote color options including: Black, Burnt Bronze, FDE, Glacier Forge, and OD Green.

Threaded Hub options:

1″-14 TPI, 3/4″-24 TPI, 7/8″-14 TPI, 7/8″-20 TPI, M22x1.5, M24x1.0

Unboxing an Asset

Inside the box, I found the semi-disassembled Asset with a manual, tools, and the Elite Iron velvet sock to safely protect it. With such a surprising amount of options to configure, I evaluated each piece. I completed the assembly using both stages of the main can, and added the muzzle brake to the end to get the whole ensemble. They even included a threaded aluminum cap to protect the threads of whichever component you aren’t using.

elite iron, suppressor, asset, .375, .408, 416, barrett, cheytac, silencer, big bore, disassembly, sub assemblies, unboxing
the main components of the Asset, seen with a .408 Cheytac cartridge

The hook spanner wrench included can be used to tighten either of the splined rings used to attach hubs or stages to each end of the suppressor body. It is also used to tighten the locking ring when timing the muzzle brake to the firearm. Not shown is the secondary tool clamping wrench tool.

The Host Rifle

To test the Elite Iron Asset, I had only one choice; the Desert Tech HTI chambered in .408 Cheytac. The HTI is a compact platform in a bullpup configuration, it incorporates a multi-caliber option allowing the user to quickly change between calibers like .375CT, .408CT, .416B, and .50BMG. The Asset would be a perfect companion for all of those less the 50.

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the HTI 408 was outfitted with a Steiner M5Xi 5-25×56 riflescope

The model tested today has the .408 bore, which wouldn’t work for the .416 Barrett, but would for the 375 and 408 Cheytac models. And to be honest thats all that personally interests me, as I don’t care for 50’s.

With the M22x1.5 thread hub in the Asset, it was a perfect fit for the HTI’s barrel threads. After snapping the suppressor against the barrel, I visually aligned the muzzle brake before tightening the locking ring to secure it. Then it was time to just step back and take in how sexy this whole thing was.

Initial Shots

Just to get an idea of how the different configurations sounded, we ran the suppressor a few rounds in each of its stages. Short with no brake, short with brake, long with no brake, and long with brake. As you might imagine, the long configuration gave the best sound suppression.

Even in an indoor range, I found it to be tolerable without hearing protection. Though it may or may not be a bit quieter without the brake. But that of course increased the felt recoil slightly.

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The shorter configuration was a touch too loud for me indoors, but was perfectly fine in the open country where it is likely to be used. And in the open, it sounded amazing. When hearing the report of the 408 Cheytac from as close as 20 yards downrange from the muzzle it didn’t sound much different than a suppressed 5.56 or .308. For a real test in the field, we would take the whole kit into the dry deserts of the west and stretch it out.

Modularity

I mentioned the different stages you can use to configure the suppressor. These are to adapt to suppression and recoil mitigation requirements. On the breach end of the suppressor you will find a different design than most of the hub system suppressors. The first stage of the Asset is a mono-core design, and the mounting threads are actually part of of a blast chamber that threads onto the back of the mono-core.

So to change the thread pitch, you would remove the rear cap (called encapsulator ring in manual) with the tool. Then pull the entire mono-core out the back, and unthread the rearmost portion of it. You could then change it to a different thread pitch part, threading it back onto the core. Then reinstall the core and tighten the ring again. This is an interesting design, and one I expect to be a bit more stout than a simple hub that threads into the back of the suppressor.

silencer central,

Sound Suppression

A precision rifle like the HTI or any other chambered thusly would likely be used for either extreme distances or for crushing targets at closer ranges. Either of those scenarios could be enhanced by the anonymity of sound suppression. From modest distances like 800-yards, the impact of the bullet striking targets was just as loud as the shot from the rifle when heard from 100-200 yards away.

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It really didn’t give the impression you were shooting such a large cartridge when you heard it go off. The Asset made the report of the rifle sound much more like any typical suppressed rifle shot. This to me is a huge advantage over previous versions of suppressors for this rifle. In the open and arid desert we had no use for hearing protection while shooting this rifle.

Since I am but a humble rifle junkie, I do not have the expensive testing equipment to show dB readings. But Elite Iron does have them listed on their website, so I will share them here:

  • 167 dB* without a suppressor
  • 1st stage with end cap 24 dB*
  • 1st and 2nd stage with end cap 31 dB*
  • 1st stage with muzzle break 22 dB*
  • 1st and 2nd stage with muzzle break 30 dB*

Recoil Reduction

In the very first shots while testing the difference between the muzzle brake and a plain end cap it became very obvious. The muzzle brake was very effective at reducing felt recoil. While the HTI in 375 or 408 isn’t particularly heavy recoil, it was even more modest with the Asset and its brake. I would compare the recoil to something like an average hunting rifle, something I could shoot all day (provided I had thousands of dollars to spend on ammo).

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I expect the recoil reduction is perhaps a little more noticeable on larger cartridges like the .416 Barrett. Also, if you are trying to maximize the compact nature of your rifle, you can run the shorter configuration while incurring a little more felt recoil. The impact shift of the Asset seemed to have minimal horizontal shift, favoring to the right. It also seemed to be repeatable as advertised by Elite Iron, which is a big deal for those who know.

Durability

One question I have often asked myself is how durable all these modular suppressor designs are. After all, the more sub-assemblies and threaded together parts there are, the more there is to go wrong. I have made peace with the fact that it is simply worth the trouble of keeping an extra eye on all this, to get the modularity I crave. I think it would be a good idea to put indexing marks on every stage of the suppressor to be able to visually see if something begins to come loose. Something as simple as a paint pen witness mark. As I can’t fathom the gut-wrenching scene of part or all of this can going downrange.

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you can read more about that Steiner scope here in my review

The threads of each piece seem more than adequate for engagement. And the locking rings give good purchase to tighten them properly.

The Titanium and aluminum construction give the Asset its incredibly lightweight feel. I expect testing from the manufacturer would show the suppressor to endure years of shooting. Our initial shots did show a few sparky fireworks coming from the muzzle, which I have seen many times with titanium cans. This went away with additional use, as later when I watched there was no sparks shown at all. This is likely just titanium particles being ignited under the high temperature and heat of the. shots.

one of the very first shots from the Asset

Weight

So many of the big bore cans feel like an artillery shell. I totally understand overbuilding suppressors for these massive cartridges, but it seems like technology and suppressor design has shown it not be so necessary.

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I was very impressed with how light the Asset was, considering the firearms it is destined to yoke. And even with its light weight, it still did an excellent job at taming all the pressure and volume of gas expelled.

Value

I must admit, I was partially stunned when I saw the price of the Elite Iron Asset. Many of us are used to seeing price points in the 1500-1900 dollar range for even magnum cartridge ratings like 338LM or 300NM. Albeit with some bells and whistles.

With all the modularity of the Asset, I would have expected it to handily clear the two-thousand dollar mark. It wouldn’t have surprised me if the price had been $2500. So when I saw the MSRP of only $1795 I was impressed. There is an incredible amount of big bore dexterity in the Asset’s application, for the price of can that is only a tax stamp or two away from suppressors folks are using on their 8.6Blk hog rifles.

Pros and Cons

Very Reasonable PriceMany Potential Parts to Loosen
Modular DesignMaybe Some Titanium Sparks at first
Various Caliber Compatible
Lightweight for Size
Great Recoil Reduction
Various Color options
Made in America
Broad Threading Options
Excellent Sounds Reduction
elite iron, suppressor, asset, .375, .408, 416, barrett, cheytac, silencer, big bore, desert tech, hti, .375 cheytac, .408 cheytac,
Elite Iron also makes the Revolution bipod seen on the rifle here

My Verdict

If I was in the market for a .375, .408 or .416 suppressor, I would be furious with myself had I not tested this one before buying another. Those who shoot big cartridges like these are fewer than most shooting enthusiasts. But those that know a little bit about it can understand the value of a great suppressor. And those that don’t understand the value are the kind of people who don’t care about prices at all.

I think the Elite Iron Asset is exactly that, a fantastic asset for a big bore rifleman or ELR enthusiast. And a big step ahead of previous Elite Iron big bore suppressors.

-CBM

sig sauer, sig p365, p365, xmacro, comp, compensator, compact, ccw, 9mm, holosun, 407k, streamlight TLr7,

CCW Prospect: Sig Sauer P365 XMacro Comp

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Introduction

Big manufacturers like Sig Sauer offer a great variety of products, sometimes they knock it out of the park, and sometimes they don’t. But today we are taking a look at one of their popular and successful designs. The Sig P365 came out some years ago, with a new perspective on compact pistols. Since its release the P365 family has grown into more like an ant colony of models filled with different sizes, feature sets and so many variants it can be hard to keep up. Todays topic is the Sig Sauer P365 XMacro Comp, an integrally compensated version of the polymer framed pistol. With any luck, I hope to extol the benefits of this pistol to help those curious about it.

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The P365

As I mentioned, there are far too many models for me to discuss here. But its also a topic worth going a little deeper into the colony to show a little daylight. There are different sized models, different calibers, state compliant models and more. I’ve put together some of the basic variations here, just to give you an idea. In case the model I am showing you today isn’t exactly what you are looking for.

the compact grip of the P365 fits all sizes of hands
ModelBarrelGripCapacityNotes
P3653.1″Short10+1Original micro-compact
P365-3803.1″Short10+1.380 ACP version
P365 SAS3.1″Short10+1Flush sights, anti-snag design
P365X3.1″XL grip12+1Short slide, longer grip
P365XL3.7″XL grip12+1Longer slide and barrel
P365 XL Spectre Comp3.1″ compensatedXL grip12+1Integrated compensator
P365 Spectre Comp3.1″ compensatedMacro grip17+1Premium Spectre series
P365 XMacro3.1″ comp / 3.7″Macro grip17+1Full-size grip, slim frame
P365 AXG Legion3.1″ compensatedAluminum AXG17+1Metal-frame premium model
P365 Fuse4.3″Macro grip21+1Largest P365 variant
P365 ROSEVariousVariousVariesLena Miculek collaboration
P365 Luxe 3803.1″ compAXG10+1Premium .380 model
P365 DH33.7″Macro17+1Daniel Horner competition-inspired model

The P365 XMacro

Among the P365’s, the XMacro models bring more a full-size feature set to a very small handgun. Despite its narrow frame, the magazines carry 17-rounds. Which is pretty impressive for such a small gun. As a Sig-o-phile, I have long carried pistols from the manufacturer. And the P239 that I carried for nearly two decades is a little bigger and only holds 8-rounds.

LEFT: different backstrap options RIGHT: the integral compensator built into the slide

And if that wasn’t enough, the XMacro also incorporates an interchangeable backstrap system to help customize the grip to the shooter. The overall grip is surprisingly spacious and at the same time feels pretty petite.

sig sauer, sig p365, p365, xmacro, comp, compensator, compact, ccw, 9mm, holosun, 407k, streamlight TLr7,
the compensator keeps the pistol from climbing under recoil

Up top, the slide of the XMacro Comp model is optics cut to install a red dot. Fitting the RMSc footprint gives you a variety of optical sight options to install on the pistol. And at the front of the slide you will find the integral compensator. By directing muzzle blast pressure upwards, the muzzle rise is neutralized keeping the gun closer to on target for the next shot.

An accessory pic rail is located under the front of the slide, for adding a weapon light. This is a great thing to have for a CCW pistol which the P365 is meant for. And of course, like another popular Sig pistol we hear a lot about these days, the P365 has an interchangeable grip frame. The serialized part of the pistol is a removable trigger/sear pack that you can swap among a great variety of factory and aftermarket options. These are available in an impressive variety of patterns, colors, and even materials.

Specifications

SpecificationP365 XMacro Comp
Caliber9×19mm
ActionStriker-fired, short recoil
Barrel Length3.1 in (79 mm)
Overall Length6.6 in (168 mm)
Overall Height5.2 in (132 mm)
Overall Width1.1 in (28 mm)
Weight (with magazine)21.5 oz (610 g)
Sight Radius5.1 in
Magazine Capacity17+1
Frame MaterialPolymer XMacro grip module
Slide MaterialStainless steel, Nitron finish
Barrel MaterialCarbon steel
TriggerFlat-faced XSeries trigger
SightsXRAY3 day/night sights
Optics ReadyYes (RMSc / ROMEOZero footprint)
Accessory RailStandard 1913 Picatinny
BackstrapsSmall, Medium, Large (interchangeable)
Manual SafetyAvailable on select models
Included MagazinesTwo 17-round steel magazines
17-round magazines are impressive for this size pisol

With the basics covered, I figured it was time to outfit this pistol and get it on the range. I’m a big fan of red dots on pistols, so the P365 would get a Holosun 407. And because why not, I installed a Streamlight TLR7 weapon light. The two factory 17-round magazines would do just fine for my purposes, so I grabbed some ammunition to fill them up.

Shooting the P365 XMacro

Shooting the P365 was done during various trips to the range, both indoor and outdoor. We would shoot a variety of ammunition from Federal Champion, PMC, Remington, Winchester and Magtech. Mostly 115 grain ammunition was used but we did fire some 147 grain ammo as well. All shooting was done in the configuration seen, with the Holosun red dot and the Streamlight in place. This was done because that is how I would carry it and wanted to shoot it the same way.

here you can see the effect of the compensator, pushing down on the muzzle

Shootability

The thin grip of the P365 is easy to grab as well as tuck into clothing. It almost feels too small to me, perhaps I’m just used to gripping thicker frames. But this would be great for someone who has smaller hands, allowing a better purchase on the gun.

Trigger pull on this pistol is just what you’d want for a CCW pistol. Its neither light nor particularly short. But it feels pretty clean, with a defined reset and predictable break. We had not trouble keeping shots on target at 7 and 12 yards.

sig sauer, sig p365, p365, xmacro, comp, compensator, compact, ccw, 9mm, holosun, 407k, streamlight TLr7,
the Holosun 407k and Streamlight TLR7 were excellent companions to the P365

With the comped barrel, the XMacro was pretty good at staying on target. Small pistols like this in 9mm tend to be a little spicier when recoiling, the integral compensator does a good job at combatting that tendency.

Ergonomics

I mentioned the grip being almost too small for my taste, but you can adjust the grip changing out the different backstraps on the grip module. This allows you to customize the feel of the grip to your taste.

sig sauer, sig p365, p365, xmacro, comp, compensator, compact, ccw, 9mm, holosun, 407k, streamlight TLr7,
the grip feels good and comfortable in the hand

Sig’s P365 feels good in the hand, and even though I feel like this gun is a little small for my personal taste it is perfectly functional for me. There is adequate room for both hands to engage and operate the controls of the gun. And the different grip frames you can interchange increase your ability to fit.

Reaching all the controls was easy, and they are very serviceable. I was concerned the slide release might be a bit tough, but it was fine. The mag release is clean, dropping the magazine free with little effort.

the stripped P365 and its component

Accuracy

I mentioned we had not trouble keeping on target at typical CCW defense distances. At 10 yards I found I could keep groups under a couple inches. This is of course under controlled conditions, and I would expect under a stressful situation that would open up.

sig sauer, sig p365, p365, xmacro, comp, compensator, compact, ccw, 9mm, holosun, 407k, streamlight TLr7, accuracy, target,
a typical group from 10-yards

But for general CCW purposes I think the XMacro is perfectly adequate in the accuracy department. Hopefully I never have to find out.

Reliability

We experienced no malfunctions while shooting the P365. Feeding and ejecting rounds went perfectly. I did notice one thing that was slightly irritating though, with the magazine loaded to the full 17-rounds, it sometimes was a challenge to seat in the pistol. It only slightly concerns me as the resistance isn’t something I’d want to deal with in a stressful shooting scenario. But certainly worth noting, perhaps I’d just load 16 for carry. Which is still ahead of many other CCW pistols.

control surfaces were great for operating the pistol

Value

I see P365 pistols all over for as little as $499, which is pretty reasonable. The XMacro models on the other hand are going to cost a bit more. Prices between seven and eight-hundred dollars for the model we tested today are more likely what you’d pay. That isn’t unreasonable in my opinion. The added ammo capacity of the P365 is great, but incorporating the compensator is another increase in both value and performance. So if you can get into a P365 XMacro for $800 or less I think you are doing well.

the Sig P365 chewed through everything we fed it

Pros and Cons

As my gun collection increases with age, I find a tendency to have a firearm for every life situation I might encounter. And the P365 seems like one I would want to carry for a situation where needing it is likely.

sig sauer, sig p365, p365, xmacro, comp, compensator, compact, ccw, 9mm, holosun, 407k, streamlight TLr7,
the P365 gives a big presentation in a small package

It shoots well, and allows me to get hits on targets without much effort. It has the accessory options that I look for in a handgun and the capacity to give you a good chance in a defensive scenario. Its customizable will being still pretty uniform as handguns go. And unlike its P320 sibling, the P365 has a pretty good record of service. There isn’t much to say against the pistol, other than the small gripes I mentioned above.

Conclusion

The Sig Sauer P365 XMacro has spread like wildfire, and not just because of Sig’s massive marketing campaigns. People really seem to like the gun, and the way they can customize it to their tastes. Despite being mistreated like all Sig Sauer customers, I still find myself pulled to many of their firearms. The P365 is one of those, it is fun to shoot and very useful in your hands. Like any good gun, with the right training it can become your most trusted tool in life.

-CBM

Check out additional CCW pistol options here

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My Favorite 9mm Compact Pistols for Carry

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Purpose

Nine millimeter handguns have completely dominated much of the concealed carry market. That’s not to say there aren’t other great options, but 9mm seems to be what people are navigating towards. My blue-collar experience with firearms has taught me the value of a good CCW pistol that doesn’t leave you strapped for cash. Today I wanted to go over a handful of my favorite 9mm compact pistols for carry that I think are worth your consideration. Not everyone can afford to carry a CZ Shadow Compact or some wiz-bang H&K, so I tend to look at guns that I would buy or recommend to family and friends.

1791 Gunleather Ultra custom holster, PSA dagger, 9mm, ccw, concealed carry, drawing a pistol from a concealed holster,
picking a good holster is almost as important as picking the right gun, check out some of our holster reviews here

Seeking CCW Balance

When purchasing anything including guns, there is always a fine line to walk between what you want and what you can afford. When looking at CCW pistols there is yet another fine line to walk; size and weight vs. capacity. You can always find a smaller gun that is easier and more comfortable to conceal, but usually with lower ammunition capacity or diminished ballistic performance.

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Once you decide on a CCW pistol, get really comfortable using it, practice often

As we go over CCW pistol options, we will inevitably be going back and forth between these two extremes. Trying to find balance between what we can afford, what we can comfortably tuck into a belt, without loosing enough capacity. Capacity of course being paramount in a defensive shooting situation, and always on your mind when selecting a pistol.

The Gold Standard

If you ask the question about whats the best 9mm compact, your going to hear the word Glock quite a bit. And there are good reasons for it, Glock makes several good compact pistols with years of solid performance. Does that make it the best option? Maybe not, but they are certainly worth looking at.

Glock 47 9mm, glock, glock 47, 9mm, g47,

Probably the best compact option from the Austrian manufacturer would be either the Glock 19 of one flavor or another, or the slimmer Glock 43. Both are compact models, but the G19 is more like a service sized compact. Whereas the G43 is more about overall concealment. Tucking the G43 is easier because of its slim design, though this comes at the cost of capacity being limited to 6-8 rounds.

glock, glock 43, 9mm, ccw, compact, vortex, vortex defender, red dot, holding pistol down to the side,
the Glock 43 MOS with the Vortex Defender red dot makes a very small CCW

The G19 on the other hand can easily handle 15-rounds before adding +1 or 2 floor plates. And with its slightly larger frame the G19 is a great shooting platform. The popularity of these two pistols has created a massive aftermarket support, giving countless options for accessories like holsters, weapon lights, sights and more. I prefer the G19 myself of these two, mainly because of the capacity thing.

Alchemist Clones

Manufacturing the gold standard from something less is a bit like ancient alchemy. The Glock clone market has exploded in recent years, giving countless additional variations of the famous Glock design. Not only do many of them compete well with the original, but they do it for the same or lower price.

PSA Dagger

psa, palmetto state armory, dagger, dagger pistol, 9mm, glock clone,

Starting at the bottom of the heap, PSA’s Dagger pistol has exploded in popularity. Available as a compact or subcompact, the Dagger is similar enough to the G19 to use nearly its entire aftermarket support. I’ve used a Dagger extensively and find them to be very affordable without giving up capacity or shootability. Some would argue their reliability, but in my experience they are a great buy for often under $300. To see our in-depth review of the Dagger click here.

Ruger RXM

ruger RXM, 9mm, vortex Defender, tlr8

Ruger’s RXM is actually a joint project with Magpul, and with two names like that you should be able to expect a good product. The RXM is a very close clone of the G19 again, but it hides an ability to change its stripes. With its modular frame you can swap between different sized frames creating your own version of a G19, 17, or 47. Or anything in between. The RXM gives great reliability while enjoying the same aftermarket support as the Glock pistols it mimics. I have carried the RXM extensively, and quite like its performance and fit. To see our in-depth review of the RXM click here.

MR920

shadow systems MR 920, anechoic anchox 35 suppressor, holosun 507c
the MR920 looks great here kitted with the Holosun 507 and Anechoic Anechox 35

Shadow System’s MR920 is another copy of the G19. But instead of just copying the Glock pattern, Shadow Systems intended to improve upon it. Trying to improve both the performance and aesthetics, the MR920 looks as good as it shoots.

And adding to the value, the company also offers a variety of different barrel options and other features allowing you to customize your carry pistol. Allowing optical sights and threaded barrels gives you more dexterity.

The Not Glocks

Other manufacturers have also presented their own popular pistol designs for the CCW market. For the most part they are all very similar to Glocks striker fired polymer frame design. After all, if the design works, why not run with it.

CZ P10S

CZ P-10S magazine loading
inserting the 12-round magazine

The CZ P10S is a compact pistol that offers 12+1 capacity in a small optics ready pistol. I was very impressed with the performance of this pistol, and especially for the price. It can occasionally be had on PSA for under $400, which is a great deal considering its performance and heritage. The P10’s widespread use by civilians, law enforcement and some militaries give confidence that its design is both robust and here to stay. My only gripe with it is the need to buy an optics adaptor plate to run a red dot. To see our in-depth review of the CZ P10S click here.

Canik Mete MC9

canik, mc9, 9mm, holosun, 407,

Canik’s MC9 on the other hand, comes with its own selection of optics mounting plates for a variety of options. As well as different grip options, and a 15+1 capacity, all this for under $400 at times depending on configuration.

The MC9 brings its own style and design, while keeping with the design that has made all these pistols successful. It fits well in the hand, keeping just enough grip available to not feel undersized and still being compact enough to tuck. It shoots great and looks good at the same time, giving an affordable great performance. To see our in-depth review of the Canik METE MC9 click here.

Smith & Wesson Shield

The family of Smith & Wesson Shield pistols has a great variety of compact and comfortable carry pistols. I’ve carried the M&P Shield Plus a bit, and was very impressed with how slim it is, and how well it shoots with its ported barrel. Of course with such a small pistol you are going to give up some capacity. But this might be one of those I would choose for maximum concealment even at the cost of capacity.

Smith and wesson, smith & wesson, M&P, shield, 9mm, shield plus, ccw, carry, pistol,

There also seems to be a great variety in configurations and cost. Which gives you quite a few options to customize your carry. These pistols have great sights, and some direct mount red dot options. As well as manual safeties or not depending on what you want, all of these options can be used to enhance your daily carry. To see our in-depth review of the M&P Shield Plus click here.

Sig Sauer P365

We cant forget to include the P365 from Sig Sauer, a compact pistol built specifically for carrying. The P365 brings full-size capacity to a very small pistol, perhaps not quite as small as the G43 but almost.

sig sauer, sig p365, p365, xmacro, comp, compensator, compact, ccw, 9mm, holosun, 407k, streamlight TLr7, looking head on the shooter,
the Sig Sauer P365 XMacro Comp is a great pistol with both capacity and small footprint

The 17-round magazines fill almost the entirety of the grip, and yet they still managed to make an interchangeable backstrap to customize the fit. One of the great features of the P365 is that its not a P320… (pause for laughter). But seriously, it has an incredible spread of options including compensated barrels, and various other configurations. Too many to list here, but worth looking into. And even with so many options the P365 is not horribly expensive.

Much like the Hellcat coming next, the P365 really blurs the lines between compact pistols and big capacity. With reliable function, good trigger, and every option a CCW student could ask for.

Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro

Springfield Armory Hellcat Pro, 9mm, handgun, pistol, Viridian RFX11, red dot

Springfield Armory’s Hellcat Pro came to as an incredible value. It is impressively small considering its capacity. Like the P365 it seems to best combat the size/capacity balance for compact pistols. With 15 and 17-round magazine options, the Hellcat Pro brings near full-size capacity to a very small pistol. The only way I approve of increasing weight of a CCW pistol is by adding more ammo to it.

The Hellcat Pro brings a lot of firepower to a small pistol with good sights and an optics ready pistol. Smaller pistols often are a touch spicier and snappy, so be sure to try them first. And if you are one who likes manual safeties, the Hellcat has that option as well. Rounded out with a decent trigger and accessory rail, you could really do well with a Hellcat. To see our in-depth review of the SA Hellcat Pro click here.

How to Select Your Own CCW Pistol

Having evaluated all the options out there, you need to decide on your budget. As that will dictate which of the options are available to you. Once you’ve created a list of pistol options within your budget, you can start looking. A good fit for a pistol, is one that lines up as close as possible with your natural point. I love a gun that is already pointed at my target when I present it without even focusing hard. Some are better than others depending on your grip, so I would try various options before buying.

Safariland, safariland incog x, holster, iwb, owb, ccw, glock 19, ruger RXM, vortex defender, magpul,
Make sure you get a good holster for your pistol like this Safariland IncogX

After doing that, you can also see which of the options best aligns with your choice of accessories. What holster and sight options are available for it, and how you would prefer that selection went. And by the time you have evaluated all of these things, there should be at least a couple good stand-out options for you to choose from.

Concluding Thoughts

Hopefully you have found a few pieces of valuable information here. And armed with a little more information you are better suited to pick the best option for your protection. Remember that if you intend on defending life with a CCW weapon, its probably worth spending as much as you can afford for reliability.

Nearly any of the pistols mentioned here today would fit into one of my carry needs. And I would be happy carrying any one of them on any given day. Feel free to make your own recommendations in the comments below.

-CBM

Check out more pistol reviews here

Taurus, TX9, gideon omega, nightstick, TWM-30-GL

Nightstick TWM-30-GL Weaponlight

Ancillary gear, Product review, , , ,

Illumination

Weapon lights are a recent development in firearms accessories. Once flashlight technology reached the ability to put high lumen power in something small enough to attach to a firearm, the stage was set. A natural combination of bringing light to your aim point was a guaranteed win for gun owners. Allowing defensive shooting in dark places to broaden your defense. Today we are looking at another weapon light option from the Nightstick company. This model is the Nightstick TWM-30-GL, which combines a 1200 lumen LED emitter with a visible green laser.

These two features together give you a bright beam of light on your target, coupled with a laser point to aid in aiming. We’ll put this weapon light under scrutiny to see just how it can enhance your shooting experience.

Continue Reading Here

interchangeable recoil lugs make customizing the fit on your pistol

My Girsan 2311 CMXX 9mm made an excellent host for the light

the TWM-30-GL has a similar profile to the Surefire X300, and will fit most of the same places
zeroing the laser is done using an Allen wrench

the laser will only line up with your point of aim at one distance, I chose a close distance where it would most likely be necessary

the TWM-30-GL fit nicely in my Safariland holsters made for the X300
The Taurus TX9 also made a good host for the Nightstick

Specifications

  • Flashlight Lumens: 1200
  • Multi-Function: Yes
  • High Lumens: 1200
  • Low Lumens: 1200
  • High Beam Distance (m): 218
  • High Candela: 11920
  • Drop Rating: 2 m
  • Water Rating: IP-67 Dustproof/Waterproof
  • High Runtime (h): 2.0
  • Strobe: Yes
  • Laser Color: Green
  • Light Source: LED
  • Serialized: Y
  • Case Material: 6061-T6 Aluminum
  • Body Color: Black
  • Quantity of Batteries: 2
  • Power Source: CR123
  • Package Contents: Light, 3 cross-rail inserts, 2 cross-rail mounting cap head screws, Allen wrench, 2 CR123 Lithium batteries
  • US Patent(s) : 9713217
  • Warranty: Limited Lifetime Warranty

Dimensions

  • Length: 3.9 in (98 mm)
  • Width: 1.5 in (38 mm)
  • Depth: 1.5 in (38 mm)
  • Weight: 5.6 oz (159 g)
  • Head Diameter: 1.2 in (30 mm)
Howa Mini vs. Ruger american, howa, howa mini, ruger, ruger american, 6 arc, 6mm arc, comparison,

Ruger American Gen 2 versus Howa Mini: A Tale of Two ARC’s

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Purpose

As the popularity of the 6mm Advanced Rifle Cartridge (6 ARC) continues to grow, there are more and more firearms chambered in the cartridge. Two popular rifles that carry the 6 ARC chambering (among many others) are the Ruger American and the Howa Mini action rifles. Both are very popular and well built rifles, and today we will be putting the rifles side by side to see how they compare. These are the hard things I do for you, so that you can decide which one better suits your needs. Ruger American Gen 2 versus Howa Mini is a direct comparison of the two rifles, not just as 6 ARC rifles, but as platforms themselves. Both rifles are available in a huge variety of configurations and calibers, but since these two are almost direct comparisons it is a good place to take a look.

ruger, sturm ruger, ruger american, american rifle, gen 2, gen II, 6mm ARC, 6 ARC, YHM, Turbo 5.56, suppressor, turbo t2, Lucid Optics, MLX, Amend 2, shooting supported from tripod in the mountains,
most of my shooting with the Ruger American has bee using the Banish Meateater suppressor

Specifications

Lets start out with a direct comparison of some of the features. The Ruger is a newer design that incorporates many of the newest stylings and manufacturing techniques. While the Howa is a more traditional design, incorporating many of the best features learned from building rifles over the last fifty-years. Despite some of the differences they are still quite similar.

Ruger American 6ARCHowa Mini 6ARC
Barrel length20-inch20-Inch
Barrel Twist1:7.7-inches1:7.5-Inches
Capacity10-Rounds (factory)5-Rounds  (factory)
Weight6.5 Lbs6.6 Lbs
Magazine SystemAR-15 StyleProprietary
Action TypeThree-lug Rotary bolt-actionTwo-lug Rotary bolt-action
Extractor TypeSliding Plate ExtractorM-16 Style Claw
Bolt ConstructionOne-piece MachinedOne-piece Forged
Bolt Knob5/16-24 interchangeableSolid
Safety3-position plus blade safety3-position
TriggerAdjustable single stageAdjustable two-stage
StockConfigurable PolymerOne-piece Polymer
Bedding SystemPower Bedding V-blockPillar-bedded 
Muzzle DeviceRadial Muzzle Brake ⅝-24Thread Protector ⅝-24
Scope Mounting systemProprietary Rail Included2-Piece R700 Compatible
Overall Length41.25-Inches39.5-Inches
Length of Pull12-13.75-inches13.5-Inches
FinishCerakoteMatte Bluing

Howa Mini

The Howa Mini is a scaled down version of their popular M1500 short-action, the Mini version made to handle the smallest centerfire cartridge families. Basically cartridges that are made for an AR15 sized action like the .223 Remington, 300Blk, 350 Legend, the 6.5 Grendel and of course the 6 ARC seen here.

howa, howa mini, mini action, 6 arc, 6mm arc, disassembly,

The Mini is fed from a proprietary magazine made by Howa, it is a polymer 5-round that hangs out the bottom of the stock. Releasing the magazine is done with a button at the front of the magwell, while capturing the magazine in your palm.

With its two-stage trigger, the Mini gives excellent control for the shooter when breaking the shot. Its three-position safety has a safe, safe load/unload, and a firing position. All this mounted via pillars in the hard molded stock.

Ruger American

The Ruger American also has some scaled down features, but its action remains the same as other short-action Americans. Ruger designed the American to be mass produced, using similar parts for as many models as possible. The magazine well of the stock is interchangeable, meaning you can simply swap it out for a different sized cartridge.

ruger, sturm ruger, ruger american, american rifle, gen 2, gen II, 6mm ARC, 6 ARC, disassembly, stock, stock details,

Additionally, the American stock incorporates the Power Bedding V-block system that directly mates with the action. And the stock can be configured depending on the shooter, with a separate removable spacer system to shorten length of pull. You can also order different comb-height spacers to get the best eye position behind the scope.

The American’s Marksman trigger is easily adjustable, and it also has a three-position safety just like the Howa. The difference is the American is tang mounted compared to the Howa’s right side of the tang location.

If you want to go to an aftermarket trigger, Rifle Basics makes one for the MIni and there are several options for the Ruger including a Timney and Jard Triggers.

ruger, sturm ruger, ruger american, american rifle, gen 2, gen II, 6mm ARC, 6 ARC, magazine, magwell, magazine adaptor, disassembly,
the Ruger uses an AR15 style 6 ARC magazine

Using a three-lug bolt on the American shortened the bolt lift for the rifle, making it fast to operate. The Ruger bolt is timed by its bolt-stop that also acts like a key, keeping the bolt stroking inline. As compared to the Mini that uses the bolt lugs against the bolt raceway for timing.

ruger, sturm ruger, ruger american, american rifle, gen 2, gen II, 6mm ARC, 6 ARC, action and trigger, boltface detail,
here you can see some of the inner workings of the American

The sliding Plate extractor of the Ruger snaps around rims of cartridges, and a plunger style ejector throws them out of the action when the bolt is opened. The M16 claw style extractor of the Mini has more leverage as it bites into the rim, but uses the same plunger style ejector.

ruger, sturm ruger, ruger american, american rifle, gen 2, gen II, 6mm ARC, 6 ARC, YHM, Turbo 5.56, suppressor, turbo t2, Lucid Optics, MLX, shooting from a tripod in the mountains,
Shooting the Ruger from my Two Vets carbon fiber tripod

On The Firing Line

I have shot both of these rifles extensively over the past few years, and both of them serve a great purpose in this caliber. Whether it be for hunting varmints or even lighter big game animals, both of these rifles would be an excellent choice. I have had the Howa Mini longer, so don’t be surprised that I have a little more insight on the rifle.

A fine selection of ammo from Hornady

Accuracy

On my first trip to the range with the rifles, I got a fairly similar result from both. I would shoot a couple of the production ammunition options from Hornady. The 105gr Black ammo, the 108gr Match ammo, as well as a few other handloaded options. Neither of them was super impressive with the factory ammunition choices, with the Howa averaging around MOA, and the Ruger as well. But once I switched over to my handloaded 105gr loads, things changed. Both of the rifles quickly tightened up with the new source, shooting well under MOA.

6 arc, 6mm arc, howa mini vs ruger american, accuracy, target,
Here are a couple examples of typical good groups from both rifles

Feeding

Cycling the actions while on a bench at the range, I found out a lot about the magazine systems. The Ruger American uses AR15 magazines, which are metal. And though they feed fine, they are a little more sticky than the polymer lips of the Howa magazine. So both rifles fed without issue, but the Howa had a slightly smoother feel to it.

ruger, sturm ruger, ruger american, american rifle, gen 2, gen II, 6mm ARC, 6 ARC, YHM, Turbo 5.56, suppressor, turbo t2, Lucid Optics, MLX, bolt manipulation,
the Ruger American wears a Lucid Optics 4.5-18×44 rifle scope

Magazines

Conversely, the Howa magazine had its own detriments. For example, they aren’t particularly expensive and it shows. They work great but I’d be afraid that if I stepped on it they would break for sure. I’d love it if they were a bit more robust, and being as they are only five-round magazines, it seems like they should be shorter. Maybe not flush with the stock but at least less obtrusive than they are. Duramag makes a near flush fitting magazine specifically for the American you can see here.

the original setup for the Howa included the Nikko Sterling scope and YHM R9 suppressor

Triggers

Triggers on both rifles were great considering these rifles prices. I will readily admit that I did adjust both of them a little to improve the feel. But even in their stock configuration they feel fine. I love a good good 2-stage trigger, and the Mini’s 2-stage feels great to me.

If I had to pick, I like it a touch more than the American trigger. I also hate trigger blade safeties, I used to take them off my old Savage rifles back when I had them. Even so, the American trigger is perfectly fine. And after I adjusted it slightly I liked it even more, to the point I completely forgot about the the blade safety.

ruger, sturm ruger, ruger american, american rifle, gen 2, gen II, 6mm ARC, 6 ARC, YHM, Turbo 5.56, suppressor, turbo t2, Lucid Optics, MLX, Amend 2,
the mag release on the Ruger is a little bit of a reach for the trigger finger

Bolt Lift & Stroke

The shorter bolt-lift of the American seems preferable, and yet when doing most of my shooting I hardly noticed the difference. Its almost like you only notice it when you focus on it. This also depends on the rifle scope used with the rifle. If you put a large riflescope on either of these rifles, the shorter lift of the Ruger is less likely to cause occlusions with bolt or fingers when operating it. Whereas on the Howa, the bolt is much closer to the scope because of its longer lift.

howa, howa mini, 6 arc, 6mm arc, shooting prone
the Howa Mini has had the same US Optics scope on it for a few years now

Aftermarket

Support from the aftermarket is a big deal these days, and for that topic the Ruger wins. The American rifle has a host of aftermarket supporters making everything from triggers to bolt-knobs and chassis. While the Mini also has some support, it seems less prolific which makes sense. The Ruger American has been around longer, and Ruger is a massive stalwart in the industry. Howa is a lesser known brand, with perhaps a more traditional following that might be less likely to customize their rifle. That is of course changing nowadays.

Report Card

Instead of a typical pros and cons, I am choosing to give these two rifle a grade as compared to the other. To clarify, this report card is a direct comparison between only these two rifles. As they compare to each other, not against anything else which could be a big difference.

Ruger American 6ARCHowa Mini 6ARC
AccuracyA-A-
ShootabilityA-B+
ReliabilityAA
ErgonomicsAB+
ValueB+A-
Production QualityA-A-
FinishAB
Aftermarket SupportAB+
Trigger QualityA-A
Action feelB+B+
Magazine SystemB+B+
Barrel FeaturesAB+
Stock ConfigurationAB
Stock FeelB+A-
Average GradeA-B+

I was actually surprised myself when I looked at the report card between the two. Because I wouldn’t have thought there would be as much disparity even in my own findings. A great deal of the difference comes from the Ruger’s modularity and aftermarket support, which can be very subjective. As I mentioned I have more time with the Mini, and perhaps thats why I like it so much and defend its virtues.

howa, howa mini, 6 arc, 6mm ARC, deer hunting, mule deer, suppressed hunting, woman posing with a mule deer
the Howa Mini has been my wife’s hunting rifle for years now, you can read about it here

My Verdict

As you can tell by now, I like both of these rifles. I suggest that you go with whichever of the two you find more in line with your needs. For some it might just come down to brand preference. Both of them are capable of good accuracy, and both of them can be had in calibers other than 6 ARC as well. I myself suffer from terminal poly-gunism, and therefore cannot bring myself to eliminate a gun from my collection without at least a moderate disliking. Something neither of these rifles inspire in me.

Hopefully I have shed some additional light on these two rifles, enough to allow you to better choose one for yourself. Feel free to drop a comment or question, I’ll be happy to answer them.

-CBM

If you’d like to see both of these rifle reviewed individually, you can see them here:

Howa Mini 6 ARC

Ruger American 6 ARC