Gear Reviews Part 2 of 3

Part 2 covers fore grips, sling mounts, and various items that attach to weaver/picatinny rail. Included are mostly things I consider keepers, but also a few pieces of junk to avoid. I’ll keep it brief and try to link to sites with reviews for additional info. When included prices are rounded to the nearest dollar.

AR-15 Low Profile Vertical Fore Grip Aluminum. This is a quick release grip, had a storage area that’s well sealed, and I think it was around $20 or $25 from CTD. Aside from being a little heavy, this is a great grip for the price. If your weapon isn’t too heavy, I recommend this.

Tacstar Front Folding Gun Grip, $24. Difficult to get on the rail, took five minutes to get it back off the first time, so expect some saw/file work to make it fit right. The grip is comfortable and folds either direction, but rattles. I’m luke warm on this one.

OD Green Polymer Vertical foregrip Battle Grip 1913 Picatinny or weaver Rail Configuration, $8. About what you’d expect for eight bucks, but comfortable and solid enough, and I prefer it the to the folding grip above, especially if you’ll put in on something and leave it there awhile. Also good as a backup or loaner grip.

Tapco AR-15 Low-Profile Mini Vertical Forward Grip, $20. This is just a good grip and at an ok price – highly recommended. This knock off is of the same quality for a bit less.

UTG Low-Profile Deluxe Universal Picatinny & Swivel-Stud Bipod, $26. This bipod is outstanding for the price. Functional, solid, and rugged. I’ve been using one for a couple years and have several around the house. It attached to picatinny rail, but includes an adapter to attached to sling swivel studs. Back in the day when he used to do more of the short, useful gear reviews, Nutnfancy did one on this bipod.

TMS Rail Mounted QD Quick Detach Push Button Sling Swivel w/ Base. I got mine for about $12 a set, looks like they’re going for $17 now. These are nice if you want to move your sling around to different rifles. Of the set I got, one of the push buttons took a few seconds to set and could come out if it didn’t, so quality control may vary.

AR-15 Quick Detach Sling Swivel UTG Leapers Solid Steel 1 1/4″ Sling Loop Picatinny Mounting Base, $12. Does what it’s supposed to do, great price, recommended. Like a lot of UTG stuff it’s make of steel and heavy, but that’s why it’s tough.

AR-15 .5″ High 5.7″ Long 13 Slot Low Profile Riser Mount UTG Leapers Picatinny Rail Quick Detach Riser Mount, $8. Got this so I could put my Eotech 512 up a bit higher than co-witness – but the knobs that hold this to the rifle interfere and the red dot can’t be mounted! Not good for a 512, you may have better luck with other optics.

UTG 11mm to Weaver Adapter, Adjustable, $9. This clamps to .22 caliber or airgun rifles with the narrower 11 base so you can attach a red dot or use regular scope rings. Very nice if you want to move scopes around to try them out on different rifles. It works exactly as advertised and you can’t beat the price, recommended.

UTG Full Size G36 Picatinny Rail Set, $13. I used these rails to attached to various synthetic stocks that didn’t already have them so I can attached grips, bipods, lights, etc. Does the job, fair quality, won’t break the bank.

Gear Reviews Part 1 of 3

Over the last couple of years I’ve purchased a lot of gear. The list got longish so I’ll break it into three parts. Part 1 covers holsters, slings, mag pouches, etc. Included are mostly things I consider keepers, but also a few pieces of junk to avoid. I’ll keep it brief and try to link to sites with reviews for additional info. When included prices are rounded to the nearest dollar.

Fobus Roto Thumb Break Holsters, $37. I’m not a big fan of Serpa holsters as rocks and dirt can jam the button and effectively lock your pistol in. I do like these Fobus holsters, that hold with retention and also have a thumb break if extra security is needed.

Deluxe Universal Horizontal Shoulder Holster by UTG, $14. Surprisingly this turned out to be a decent shoulder holster. I don’t plan on using it a lot, but thought I should have one just in case, maybe I want to have easy access while on a long drive, etc. Well made and comfortable enough, definitely not pricey.

ModGear Fanny Pack Concealable Pistol Holster. Got this for trips to national and state parks after the law changed a few years ago. I’m not a fanny pack kinda guy, but like the shoulder holster, wanted the option. It’s well made and can hold a full-sized pistol and extra magazines.

ModGear Glock Ambidextrous Holster. I needed a spare generic holster so tried this. Unlike some other ModGear stuff I’ve been pleased with, this was kind of a piece of crap. Doesn’t seem well made, snap never worked right (fixable with pliers, but can’t be trusted). Only upside is that the mag pouch is removable.

ModGear Fold Out Dump Pouch, $12. These things are great, my brothers and I have a bunch. Compact and out of the way until needed, attach solidly, well made, and they don’t flop around. We also use them to hold shot shell or loose cartridges for the Mosin Nagant.

ModGear Triple Pistol Mag Pouch Holds Three High Capacity Mags, $12. Well made, simple, not too pricey, we have lot of theses in OD and coyote brown.

Ace Case Shoulder Magazine Pouch Holds Six 30-Round Magazines, $14. Another good buy. This holds three mags on either side, AR and Mini-14 mags fit fine, not sure about AK. Could also put a radio, etc. in one pouch. Got this when my SHTF concept was to grab the rifle and throw on the mag pouch (rather than a vest).

Cobra One Point Sling Quick Detach Snaps on Both Sides. I didn’t care for this, especially for anything heavier than an SU-61C. Probably a good buy for standing in one spot or if you really like single point, but I keep it only as a backup.

Speedy Two Point Sling Universal Fit and 1 1/4″ Nylon Webbing, ~$20. I have a few of these, ok webbing and easy to adjust, well made. Black is fine, the OD green is a bit bright, not sure about the tan/coyote.

MOLLE II Desert Triple 3 Mag Ammo Pouch, $8. Tough, cheap, does the job, can attach things to the outside (another of the same, pistol mag pouches, etc.). The only thing I don’t like is the color, but it’s still a great deal for the price.

UPDATE: Forgot to include the Blackhawk Spec Ops Holster, ~$40-65. This holster sits lower than a hip holster but not as low as a normal drop holster, it’s about in-between. I really like it, but it’s not something you wear to the mall or even the range (I prefer the Fobus for that). The flap will protect in inclement weather, brush, etc., but can be kept open. For me drop down holsters flop around if running, I just don’t like them. Coats or a vest can interfere with a hip holster. This holster take care of both those issue in my experience. Also see the Nutnfancy review which will run this to ground.