At SHOT Show this year, I wanted to check out the Plate Carrier from High Ground Gear in person and when I was at their booth, I noticed this very interesting sling on display.  This sling was their Ring Sling.  After speaking with Mike and exchanging business cards, I went on my way to see what else there was at SHOT.  To my surprise, a Ring Sling showed up in the mail a few months later for TGL to review.

The Ring Sling itself is made up of a larger bore para-cord, a short shock cord with a non-locking carabiner, and a HK Hook.  You also have the ability to adjust the sling’s size and HGH allows you to connect the sling to your Plate Carrier by a Velcro attachment point.

High Ground Gear Ring Sling

Putting the sling on, I noticed that the two attachment points moved very smoothly along the sling.  Once the M4 was clipped into the HK Hook, I did shooting drills with the M4 on my dominant right shoulder, and I found that transitions to my left shoulder were smooth.  As a one point sling, it worked extremely well.

HK Hook Connection Point

Now, I went to see how it operated as a two point sling.  I used it in this mode when there were brakes in the training.  I took the barrel of the M4 and placed it through the carabiner and shock cord loop.  And, I also used only the carabiner to hold the barrel.  As a two point sling, you have those two mounting options.  Both worked extremely well and held the M4 firmly.

Shock Cord and Carabiner

Carabiner connected into a shock cord loop

You can also take your primary weapon and put it behind your back, and then use the carabiner to hold the barrel.  This is a great way to hold the weapon while moving, handling a person, or climbing.  I liked using that position as I traversed several flights of stairs. And you also have the ability to weave the supplied Velcro tail into your Plate Carrier.

Mike from HGG demonstration holding the M4 on the back – SHOT 2013

Velcro “Tails” to weave into your Plate Carrier

If you are interested in getting more information or buying The Ring Sling, head over to High Ground Gear’s website.

–Eric

The post High Ground Gear’s Ring Sling appeared first on The Gear Locker.

Gun Media has done their research, they have talked to the right people, looked at the right guns and gear and putting that time in has shown.

Mk16

The game is gong to give you the ability to build your own teams and customize their loadouts. Once you have done that, you can then plan and execute their missions against the bad guys.   As you progress through the game, you will have the ability to open and unlock new gear and guns.

If you are interested in keeping up with the game, you need to head over to their website and Facebook page.

To keep you excited and interested about the game.  Here are some more gun pics

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The post Breach and Clear appeared first on The Gear Locker.

Magnum’s MACH 2 Boots

The MACH 2 Boots are the lightest boots that I have ever tired, they weigh in at just about 12 ounces per boot!  The light weight comes from the use of a microfiber product called Clarion combined with synthetic leather. This gives the boot a great appearance when on duty, or on the range.

The soles of the boot are Vibram and worked extremely well during the winter here in New England.  We were able to test them in the snow and ice and the boot’s treads gave us a excellent hold to the ground during those snowy and icy dates.

Vibram Soles

The boot’s foot bed help with shock absorption by utilizing Magnum’s M.P.A.C.T. system.  I have also noticed that it helps keep the smell down when the boots are being stored.

For testing, we took the boots and used them for the entire winter for hiking and some range training.  During this time, I tried to get the boots dirty, and the synthetic leather kept clean no mater what I threw at them.  When conducting running drills, the Vibram Soles and the M.P.A.C.T. system helped keep the vibration to a minimum and my ankles did not feel any strain or stress when I changed directions.

One thing that is a pet peeve of mine are laces that will not stay tied or when the ends fall apart.  This has not been the case with the MACH 2s, and there is a very nice lace pouch that you can utilize.

If you are looking for a pair of black(Or Tan boots that you can use for the range, or the at muster, then you must look at the MACH 2s from Magnum.

The post Magnum MACH 2 Boots appeared first on The Gear Locker.

When you want to bring your training to the next level or train how you fight and not want to us your Ballistic Plates, because you do not want to damage them.The guys over at Team Wendy understood that, and they came out with the ESAPI Non-Ballistic Training Plates (and side plates).

Team Wendy Training Plate

Now that you have the ability to obtain the training plates, you can put your Ballistic Plates aside for the times that you do need them. The TW Training Plates weight in at 5lbs each and measure 8.75 inches x 11.75 inches and they can be easily inserted into your carrier (for us, it is our HSGI Weesatch).  They are a colored in a bright blue, and this is to ensure that you cannot grab these in case you need to use your Ballistic Plates.  The plates are made from a Polyurethane material that makes them virtually break proof.

TW Plates and HSGI Weesatch

Once we received the plates, we took out the Weesactch and within 5 minutes had the front and rear plates inserted. We then hit our treadmill for some winter training.  The first thing that I noticed was my Weestach fit better and all of the slop was gone.  And with the plates each weighting 5lbs, the rig felt centered and evenly balanced.  Wearing the rig as I hit the treadmill has become a standard part of my winter routine.

If you want to bring your training to the next level, and train how you fight, you must check out the Team Wendy ESAPI Non-Ballistic Training Plates.

The post Team Wendy ESAPI Non-Ballistic Training Plates appeared first on The Gear Locker.

TGL:  What does NVG Stand for?

Eric:  NVG stands for Night Vision Goggles. Units that were before 2000 are called PVS7 and it is a goggle system that allows you to look out of both eyes.  Today, people use units called PVS-14 and they allow for one eye to be used and the other eye to be in the natural light.  This is why you now have the term NOD – Night Optics Device.

The PVS-14 units are the current standard for the US Military today, and they are called Generation 3 (Gen 3) due to the development of the fiber optic bundle that allows them to be setup as a monocle. They are very light, and durable.  The PVS-14 unit has additional fail safes, and the ability to turn the unit “on’ and start using them.

Underside of the PVS-14

TGL: What are the different Generations?

Eric:

Gen Zero – When you need an IR light to see when using the unit.

Gen One – Vietnam Era Night Vision.

Gen Two – Biggest leap in Technology since the Vietnam War. You no longer need an IR light to assist you.  Night Vision is now appearing on weapons as scopes.

Gen Three – Units that are from early 2000 thru today

Gen Four – Myth.

TGL:  What are the different model types?

Eric:  The PVS-7 model can only be used as a goggle.  It is hard to use a weapon, or drive a vehicle while wearing them.  This is one reason that people have gone to PVS-14s. The PVS-14 unit is more versatile, allowing for users to wear them, use them as binoculars (when you double them up), add a magnifier and use them on a weapon.

PVS-23 with mount

The US Military also uses the ANVIS-6.  They are flight goggles that have been specially built for vehicles.  They do not make a good field goggle and you cannot change the gain on the unit.  The lens has a filter built into it that allows a driver to see the dashboard.

NVGs with IR Laser

TGL: What should you look for when looking for a unit?

Eric:  The biggest factor is the amount of money you want to spend for a unit. The budget will reflect the grade and quality of the unit.  As a good rule of thumb, if you have tried the Gen 3 units, you will not want to buy an inferior unit.  I suggest that you buy the best unit you can afford.

If on a budget, I recommend that you do not buy Russian made NVG/NODs.  The quality is cheap and poor, and they do not have a very long life expectancy.

If you decide you really want a pair of NODs.  You need to do your research (and read this article) and find out which type of unit works for you.

When looking at different units. Make sure you look at the units and if the price is too good, it probably is.  It might mean sub-standard units, Russian Technology inside a US Style body, or stolen US Military equipment.  You need to ask questions about the unit. When was it made? How long has the current owner used it?  Ask about the tubes, how many hours are on them?  What is their condition? And ask about the unit’s lenses.  And finally, avoid eBay and Craigslist.

Buying a Night Vision unit is best done in person through a dealer.  They will check your ID and ask you to sign a document that you will not sell/send them outside the US because they are ITAR restricted.

With some manufactures charging up to $10,000 for brand new units (i.e. certified for flying at night), looking for a refurbished or blemished unit can be an excellent option.  Units in this category will do the same job as your brand new units for a much lower price point.  The price will depend on the types of blemishes or if the user is willing to forgo some options.

TGL: What is the price ranges for units?

Eric:  If buying a good quality device and has a new body, and all bells and whistles. Look at spending between $3,000 to $4,000 for a unit on the civilian market.

A blemished unit can be in the $1,800 to $2,000 range if the blemish is very slight.  If you want goggles, you will need to spend in the range of $8,000 to $20,000 for them.    And if you want the PVS-7s, you can spend about $1500 per pair.

TGL:  When looking for units, which items could you live without?

Eric:  The manual gain knob is something that you can leave off, when searching for your device if you are looking for unit that is brand new. Don’t believe in the bells and whistles.  You don’t need it.

Unit on the left has Gain Control

And remember that the Rhino mount with a good helmet is extremely good and will work very well. Keep look out for surplus, you never know what you can find.

NVG Mounts

A few items that you need to remember: you need an IR light source (IR Laser, or IR Light).  This will greatly assist with the use of your new device.  Also, you need natural light for optimal use. When using them indoors, an IR light or laser is a must (And remember, never shoot it into someone’s eyes)

The post Night Vision Goggles – Tips for buying your own unit appeared first on The Gear Locker.

Ops Core Test Photo
Helmet Ops-Core HB80
Manf. 2012 Serial No. ?, Size S/M
Test Nov 2012 arma Suisse testcenter Thun/CH
Test Methode: VPAM-KNB (VPAM APR 2006-14.05.2009)
9mm Luger / 415m/s / Distance 5m
Backface Deformation 41-56mm

As promised, here is the reply from Ops Core:

Eric,

Thank you for contacting us.

As noted in our catalog, our HB-80 based helmet is rated at 1,200 fps (or 366 m/s) for 9mm V0 (at 0° obliquity) with a back face deformation of 25.4 mm, so it is not surprising that that this helmet sustained more damage when tested at 415 m/s (or 1,362 fps), which is well above the rated velocity for that threat.  It is interesting to note that the photo does not show a complete penetration even at this higher test velocity.  It is also unfair for us to comment on a picture as we have no knowledge as to how the test was carried out (test procedures, environmental conditioning, set-up, etc.) or why the helmet was tested at higher than its rated velocity.

The standard procedures used to test Ops-Core helmets as well as a majority of ballistic helmets throughout the world requires that the helmet is mounted on a clay filled headform to measure the extent of shell backface deformation.  The clay headform as well as the fitting pads play significant role in simulating the energy absorption of the projectile striking the helmet.  The backface deformation is measured on the clay headform (not the helmet shell) to assess the trauma potential to the human head.  To make an accurate assessment of the ballistic resistance and deformation potential of the composite requires that strict controls are applied to all test conditions to ensure repeatability and accurate measurement of the damage after the ballistic event.

It is also very important to understand how different materials behave during the ballistic event.  Polyethylene ballistic composites deform very differently than their aramid counterparts, in that they have a very high modulus of elasticity in addition to high strength, which makes them particularly good at absorbing energy from projectiles, but may look much worse visually after impact.  Aramid helmets will have similar deformation characteristics during the event but rebound rather than permanently deform after the shot which changes the appearance of the after impact damage.  This behavior is generally only visible with high speed imagery.  A simple example might be examining an airbag after it deployed and then deflated.  From its visual appearance it likely wouldn’t appear to have done much to protect you – as you are looking at it thankfully for having done its job.

Ops-Core works very closely with its customers to match shell design to protection level and carries out extensive verification testing to ensure that these standards are met continuously in production.  We are proud of our record of protecting warfighters worldwide who have chosen our products to meet their high standards for comfort and performance.

Ops-Core Team

= = = = = = = = = = = =
Viktoria Rogers
Ops-Core, Inc.
Marine Industrial Park
12 Channel Street #901
Boston, MA 02210

The post OpsCore Helmet Test Photo appeared first on The Gear Locker.

Designed by a member of the SOF community and weighting in at just under 1 ounce, the clamp is made out of Kydex with a Velcro backing, and a cut out to attach to a MOLLE/PALS Webbing. If you are using a Nexus PTT (2.375” L, 1.125” W, 2.625”H) or a TEA PTT (2.75” L, 1.625” W, 1.125” H), then MATBOCK has a version of their clamp that will work for you.

MATBOCK PTT on my HSGI Weesatch

To install your PTT, you first need to remove the alligator clip from the back of the PTT and then bend the MATBOCK PTT Clamp open and fit your PTT inside the clamp. The first thing you will notice is that your PTT button is protected by a “cage”. Don’t worry, the “cage” is only a finger nail in length, and prevents  that “hot mic” feature that occurs when gear and PTT meet at the worst times..  We noticed that once installed, it did prevent “hot micing” and that a very welcome feature to members of your team that no longer have to hear unneeded chatter.

Cage to prevent “hot micing”

The Velcro backing allows you to mount your PTT for either left handed or right handed use. And, you are no longer looking for a piece of MOLLE webbing or a area of your PC to mount it. The  MATBOCK Clamp gives you more options. We have now mounted next to our Marz Admin Pouch, and find it a very affective location.

Velcro Backing and MOLLE slot

You can purchase the MATBOCK PTT Clamp directly from MATBOCK for $40.00 and are available in Multicam, Desert Digital, and Digital Woodland.

The post MATBOCK PTT Clamp appeared first on The Gear Locker.

Orginal S.O.E. Gear gives the man in the field several options to hold batteries or the MS2000 Strobe.  Recently, we had the chance to take a look at a few of their helmet pouch options.

The first pouch that we looked at was the NSW Helmet Ballast Pouch.  This pouch was designed in colloaboration with members of the US Navy Special Warfare group.  OSOE said that the pouch was made to help prevent the helmet fron shifting foward because of the weight of PVS-14 or PVS-7s

OSOE NSW Helmet Ballast

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What we really liked about this pouch was you have storage space for your MS2000 Strobe, and you have 12 battery slots for CR123 and AA/AAA Batteries.  The Strobe Pouch has an opening that allows the user to operate their strobe without having to remove it.  The pouch itself is made from 1000D Cordura and has plenty of Velcro to secure it to your helmet.  When we attached it to our Ops Core, it was on there extremely solidly, and the you could feel the extra weight acting as a counter balance to a heavy item (i.e. NVGs).

NSW Balast Pouch with Battery Tray Out

Next we have the OSOE Strobe Pouch. It is also constructed from 1000D Cordura, but unlike the NSW Helmet Ballast Pouch, the Strobe Pouch only carries your MS2000 strobe. It is not worn the helmet, but has 4 rows of PALS/MOLLE to allow you to use a MALICE Clip  to attach it to your rig.  We noticed a nice littile feature – a strip of Velcro on the inside of the pouch.This is a nice touch to keep the strobe from moving around and, if you have Velcro aready on your strobe, a great way to secure it.

OSOE Battery Pouch

If you are lookingfor a way to to hold batteries, OSOE also has you covered. First up is their Battery Wallet.  This pouch is also made with 1000D Cordura (we are seeing a theme here) and allows you to hold 4 CR123 batteries.  You can mount it to your gear with a MALICE Clip or just keep it in a pouch on your ruck, great bag, or admin pouch,  We liked it because it was small enough to put into a pouch, but you could  always find it.

OSOE Battery Wallet

And finally, if you need to carry a lot of batteries, OSOE has for you their Multi-Type Battery Pouch.  This pouch is also made of 1000D Cordura and allows the user to hold up to 12 batteries (CR123, AA, or AAA).  The pouch can be attached to a belt or a piece of gear via a velcro  attachment point on the back of it.  We could this be an excellent pouch to keep on you to keep all of your battery operated device going when away from your staging area.

Multi-Purpose Battery Pouch

OSOE makes some bulletproof gear and they have a lifetime guarantee for all of the pouches that we reviewed today.  If you want to check out these pouches for your next OP, or to see what other items OSOE has. Please check them out at their website.

The post OSOE Strobe & Battery Pouches appeared first on The Gear Locker.

The first group (Kydex/molded polymer) makes you pick specific model fitment upfront, and has modern retention and safety features.  Unfortunately, you are stuck with your choice and have to repurchase for each model sidearm you use.

And the second group (sewn Nylon) touts a “universal fit” yet lacks many modern retention options for security, and sometimes comfort.

Bushido Tactical of Orlando, Florida has recognized that the modern tactical shooter shouldn’t have to compromise, and has combined the featured of both of these groups into their new M.I.R. Holster.

M.I.R. Holster

The Holster

The M.I.R. (Modular Interchangeable Retention) holster combines a familiar sewn nylon outer shell with removable Kydex inserts to accommodate multiple side arm models in a single holster. With the M.I.R. system, you do get the best of both worlds; positive unrestrained retention from the custom Kydex inserts, and safety features like a thumb-break traditionally found on “universal” fit holsters to combine safety and quick weapon presentation in the same package.

Kydex Insert

For our review, we recieved both a Colt 1911 full frame model and a Glock 19 insert and with both inserts we were presented with familiar draw, controls, and most important: muscle memory across both handguns… and that’s the selling point.  With the mantra of “Train as you fight” that’s the core of  modern firearms instruction, this holster allows you to set it up once and simply change inserts to accept the side arm you are using for the mission.

Our Test Subjects

When it is time to change the holster out, the inserts swap out fast with the removal of 2 Allen screws; Bushido even supplies the correct key as well as a built-in loop on the leg straps to store the key on your rig.  In fact, the only downside we could find is that the standard frame and light series model holsters do not accept interchangeable inserts.

Allen Key

So, if you have a Glock 19 with a Surefire light, you won’t be able to use the same carrier for the 1911 Government insert.  This is due to the different retention points for the Kydex on light mounted weapons (retains on the light) and non-light mounted weapons (retains on the trigger guard) But, all light models are interchangeable amongst themselves, as well as non light models, so this isn’t a deal breaker.

Testing

After 2 full days wearing the rig, we found that it was very comfortable.  In fact, there were many times that we simply forgot it was there, even while practicing run and fire drills.  This is mostly attributed to the unique soft elastic leg straps that Bushido uses as well as the very low profile.

Leg Strap

The straps hold the side arm tight to your leg, but had a good range of “stretch” so not to cut off circulation or impede crouching, squatting  or fast movements.  And, if the drop-leg configuration isn’t your thing, you can even adjust the M.I.R. to be configured as mid rise.  This is definitely not a one-trick-pony holster.

The retention is a 2 part affair.  On the outer holster you get the familiar adjustable snap thumb break, while the inner model specific Kydex insert allows for a fast retention under high stress.  For those that have the need to airborne operations whether it be fast roping or parachute operations, you can add a bungee to the lower retention hole and have the 3^rd retention option that should make the jump master happy.

Bottom Line

With the modularity, light weight and comfort boxes checked; in our humble opinion the M.I.R. is a drop leg holster that stands out from its peers.  Even with the non-cross compatibility of light and no light versions, the M.I.R. line offers more options in a single platform that any other holster we’ve tested to date.  And because of that, we give it a The Gear Locker recommendation for anyone in the market for a tactical holster.

You can find the Bushido Tactical M.I.R holster and all of the modular inserts and accessories at their website

The post Bushido Tactical’s M.I.R. (Modular Interchangeable Retention) appeared first on The Gear Locker.

When I first saw the IPC video on YouTube, I was blown away. My first impression was, “Man, that is cool! Why didn’t someone think of that earlier?” Leave it to the creative minds at Agilite to figure out a fast and effective way to get a casualty out of an unsafe environment.

When I got the IPC for review, it took me a minute to figure out how to slide the straps into place but once I got that figured out, it was quick and easy. Just like any gear you get, get it out, try it out and figure out how it works before you need it.

The IPC comes in three colors, Black, Coyote Brown, and Red.  Nylon webbing with padded shoulder straps and plastic buckles comprise the carrier. To put it on, ensure the casualty is lying on the ground on their back. Elevate their legs and place the straps underneath their legs with the flourescent  indicator mark on the lower strap midline with their body. Secure the leg straps and then slide the upper strap up the victim’s torso as high as possible. This will create the shoulder straps. In a seated position between the victim’s legs, place the shoulder straps over your shoulders and adjust as necessary utilizing the large adjusting buckle on the lower right strap. Then secure the sternum/chest strap. The next step is where you need to take extra care not to injure yourself and/or the victim and hope that the victim isn’t too heavy for you to lift safely. (you may want to have a spotter or two handy) Grab the victim’s arm close to you and roll over onto all fours. This will place the victim on your back like a backpack. Slowly transfer the load to your legs and lift with your legs, like a squat, while keeping your back as straight as possible. Move out!

Extra care must also be taken when ducking through low-hanging areas (their head may not clear the obstacle) and when going down stairs (their legs may drag). In the course of testing this product out with my co-workers at SIG Sauer Academy and my kids (ranging in ages 21 to 7), I found it easy to deploy and utilize.

In addition to a tactical environment, other considerations for this product include back country skiiers, hikers, campers and hunters. This could allow evacuation of a victim from rough country with minimal effort.

On the tactical side, I’ve even heard reports from other branches of service who have this in use who have modified the victim carry and now have them on facing the rear so that if conscious, they can now pull rear security. It’s kind of like having your own personal tactical trunk monkey!

Whether on the battlefield or campground, the IPC from Agilite fills the bill when it comes to quick, efficient casualty evacuation and it’s found a home in our gear bag here at Dark Angel Medical HQ.

The post AGILITE IPC (Injured Personnel Carrier) appeared first on The Gear Locker.