GhostGun Pistol Build

When Aero Precision announced they would be doing the Ghost Gun lower after CA Senator DeLeon's hilarious display of ignorance I decided I was going to get one to build an AR pistol on. So when I ordered the PewPewPew lower I grabbed a ghost gun lower also and began looking for the right parts and upper to put into this build.

I had contemplated building an upper but everywhere I looked the shorter barrels were sold out or way out of my price range. Finally I came across the Adams Arms 11.5" Basic Carbine complete piston upper on GrabAGun.com and the price was well within my budget. Even though it came with the standard hand guards installed I wasn't too bothered by that since the Magpul MOE hand guard will work with a piston system and drops right in. 

I know there will be some people that will ask why I did not go with the 7.5" upper, I will answer simply with I like the 11.5" barrel length and the fact that it is a carbine length gas system not a pistol gas length.

In the picture above you can see almost all of the parts that were used in this build, from the PWS Pistol EBT to the Troy fixed sights this build has had a good chunk of time and thought put into it. Sure there were a ton of other options out there but I am very pleased with how well this all came together.

I used the PWS Pistol Enhanced Buffer Tube for the build, I was impressed with how well it mounts up to the receiver and not having to to tighten down a castle nut was a huge plus! The overall quality of the EBT is awesome, you can tell that there is a ton of care put into making them and there is a ton of pride taken by the people at PWS. Installing the EBT showed me just how much better it was over the rest of the tubes that I have used before. Instead of guessing how many turns it would take to hold the detent correctly there is a notch in the tube that sits around the detent while allowing the tube to sit just a bit further in the threads. One of the other things that I really like about the EBT is there are QD sling mounts built right into it, just one more added bonuses to an already well made buffer tube.

The lower parts kit that is installed came from JoeBobOutfitters.com, it is actually sold under the JBO brand name which is great to see. I swapped out the stock mag release with the ODINWorks XMR (zombie green) this is one part that I have used on a couple rifles now and have had the pleasure to run before they were released, it's a quality part from a great company. 

The sights are Troy Fixed Battlesights, the front is the traditional M4 style and the rear is the Dioptic style (which I have come to like after using a few times.) While I would have preferred to use the folding sights I am very happy with how these fixed sights look and fit on the pistol. 

When you take the upper off the first thing you will notice is the Hiperfire Hipertouch 24, with the heavier of the toggle springs installed. I have been using the Hiperfire triggers since December and have run around 500-600 rounds through the 24 and 24C, both have been great performers. I decided to use the 24 in this build because there is no real reason to run the faster of the two triggers in a pistol. The reset is very positive, and the trigger pull is very light with a nice crisp break which makes this a great piece of the overall build. 

Overall I had a lot of fun planning this build while waiting on the lower to get to my FFL, it of course was even more fun to build the pistol and then take it out to the range and shoot it. I am looking forward to getting my hands on a Sig Sauer SB15 to install while I wait for the SBR tax stamp paperwork to process.

One thing that I will say is that when building a pistol or buying a pistol, look into a quality compensator. The A2 flash hider that came on the Adams Arms upper just doesn't cut it for the muzzle flip that the shorter barrel creates, which on top of not having a stock to shoulder can be a bit uncomfortable but not uncontrollable. Having a quality compensator would help smooth everything out and make it more controllable overall.

Initial Thoughts: Bobster Alpha Goggles and Prowler Deluxe Glasses

(Alpha Goggles)

Recently I began looking into playing airsoft with a few of the guys that I work with and realized that I was going to need a good set of goggles to protect my eyes better than the normal safety glasses I would wear to the range. I remembered seeing the Bobster Alpha goggles during SHOT Show and the fact that their pricing is among a normal persons budget intrigued me. 

So I hit up their site and started checking out the different types of safety goggles and glasses they had available. There were 2 pairs that I found that should work great with the metal mesh masks that I will be using during game play (don't need to lose a tooth to a bb haha). The first pair are the Bobster Alpha goggles, and the second pair are the Prowler Deluxe. Both pairs provide awesome coverage of the eyes while both being ballistically rated, and come with both clear and tinted lenses.

(Prowler Deluxe)

The clarity of the lenses, and the total viewing area on both pair of the glasses is very impressive. The Alpha goggles give an almost completely unobstructed view compared to some of the other goggles I have tried on. The Prowler's also have a great viewing area and are a bit more comfortable to wear since they do not sit on your face like goggles do.

Both pairs are comfortable, however neither pair are something I would wear outside of the airsoft play area. However one of the guys that I work with has deployed with his Infantry unit and when he tried on the Alphas he said he would take them over the ones he was issued any day.

I am really looking forward to using both sets over the next few months and seeing how well they perform. I know a few of the guys have had issues with their goggles fogging up during games, especially since gameplay is all indoors. 

Specs from Bobster

• 
  
• Alpha Goggles:
• Frame Color : Black
• Frame Convertible : No
• Frame Finish : Matte
• Frame RX Ready : Yes
• Frame Temples : N/A
• Warranty : Lifetime against Manufacturing Defects
• Lenses Interchangeable : Yes
• Frame Foam Type : Anti-microbial foam
• Frame Material : Soft Rubber
• Lens Coatings : Anti-fog, 100% UV Protection
• Lens Color : 2 Sets: Anti-fog smoked & anti-fog clear
• Lens Material : 2.5mm Polycarbonate
• Lens Upgrades : Coming soon
• Other included Accessories : 2 Sets of Lenses (Anti-fog Smoked & Anti-fog Clear), Fire Retardant Anti-reflective Sleeve, Microfiber Pouch, MOLLE Carry Case
• Rx Limitation : +/- 10
• Special Features : Fits well under ballistic helmets, Fire retardant strap and anti-reflective sleeve
• Standards Met : ANSI Z87.1-2003 +, MCEPS/ Military Ballistics Impact Standards, CE EN166
• Storage : MOLLE Carry Case

      Prowler Deluxe:

      PROWLER BALLISTICS EYEWEAR, Z87 & MIL-PRF, BLACK FRAME

Pursue superiority with this ANSI Z87.1-2003+ eyewear made of black, military grade nylon frame. The Prowler® offers maximum versatility with removable temples and goggle strap for quick conversion and side shields add strength against flying debris. The Prowler® eyewear system includes an anti-fog smoked lens which exceeds the impact requirements of the stringent military ballistics test, MIL-PRF-31013. The open cell foam absorbs perspiration while a microfiber carry pouch is included.

The Evolution of my EDC

When I first started carrying concealed my EDC left a lot to be desired, it literally consisted of a gun and a holster. Sure I carried a pocket knife but it wasn't the best for EDC. I had never really taken the time to plan out what should be carried in my EDC, I just tossed a gun and knife on and thought I was good to go. 

However as time has gone by I have put more thought into what I should have on me at any given time. What I am allowed to carry at work is completely different than what I carry outside of work, and this is something everyone should take into consideration. 

On a typical day at work or outside of work there are 2 main things that you can find on my person. The first is a knife, something that is both useful for self defense as well as utility work. Which this recently has become the Boker Coye Ridgeback or the QTRMSTR B.A. Baracas, both are sturdy blades which are easy to quickly deploy. I have spent a decent amount of time with both of these knives figuring out which ways I can deploy them best and where on my body they conceal best while remaining easily accessible. 

The second item you will find is the Olight M10 Maverick flashlight that I recently purchased. For awhile I was carrying a flashlight that was given to me by my dad, and while it was a decent flashlight the size of it made it hard to carry in a pocket. The Olight M10 is small, lightweight, and has a pocket clip that keeps it readily accessible. 

At first I didn't carry a flashlight because my phone has one, however as I have read and studied more on self defense I realized that my phone would really only be useful to make an emergency call. Having a pocket flashlight that has a very bright light comes in handy in many different situations, from finding something I dropped outside, to clearing my house. It is important to have a light that you can trust and I have found the Olight to fit the bill for me.

Outside of work I carry my gun, lately I have switched between the Glock 19 and Glock 42 (which is in a very long review run). The 19 is being carried appendix in an Alpha Concealment Appendix IWB holster which is minimalistic and very comfortable. The 42 currently does not have a Kydex holster, instead it is being run in a DeSantis SofTuk holster while it waits on the PHLster holster that I recently ordered for it. 

When I first began carrying I didn't carry an extra magazine for the 19 because I figured since it holds 15 rounds that would be enough. However that mindset also changed as I studied more on self defense and also took the CFS class, what I have learned taught me that I should carry one or two spare magazines with me for the worst case scenario. Once spare magazines are available for the Glock 42 I will be picking up a few more to carry with me.

Some of the other items that have found their way into my EDC are the Bastion LLC battery back up, iPhone charging cable, and a small kit of bandages plus a few other small medical items. 

One of the biggest reasons I have decided to add the battery back up to my EDC is because my phone tends to drain it's battery about as fast as it charges sometimes. I would have loved it if I had the backup during SHOT Show when I was using my phone to take pictures, post updates, and text/call the people I was trying to meet up with and around noon my fully charged battery was down to 30%. I could only imagine how much it would suck if I was somewhere without phone access and my phone died, leaving me unable to use it in an emergency.

While this is not a comprehensive list of items that should be in an EDC kit, it is a list of the items that I have found to work best for me, and as I explained I have added items as time goes on. The most important thing is to know which items you will personally need, and have trained with. Also never forget that an EDC kit does not replace important things like situational awareness and common sense. While the goal is to be prepared for something bad, it is best to remain aware and keep yourself out of bad situations.

One more very important thing that I have learned, and I know it is something that is stressed over and over. Train with what you carry, wether you are training with your knife, stun gun, pepper spray, or firearm. Your skill is perishable, muscle memory will fade, and familiarity with an item will too. 

I am sure that my EDC will evolve more as time goes on, and I receive more training; but at this point I am comfortable in knowing that the items that I currently carry are items that I could use in a bad situation to give me an advantage and a chance to live.

The Boker Coye Ridgeback

Recently I had the opportunity to pick up a Boker Ridgeback which is a Bill Coye design, this was a blade that has been on my short list for the past year but every time it would be in stock on one of the blade sites it sold out before I could get one. This time www.BladeHQ.com received a shipment in and I was fortunate enough to place an order before the dreaded sold out took the spot of "add to cart".

While this blade isn't a Coye custom it is still true to the Ridgback design and feels just as good in your hand as the real thing. The handle is very well made and while I have heard some people say they would prefer an extra 1/4" to 1/2" in handle length, I personally like the way it sits in my hand and also how well it conceals when in its sheath along my belt line. 

When you open the box from Boker you will find the blade, a Kydex sheath, and a belt "mount" for the sheath. The first thing I suggest to do is get a different Kydex sheath for it, or at the very least add soft loops to it instead of using the mount it comes with. 

The weight and the feel of the blade is awesome, it is very stout for its size while remaining just the right size for utility use and being used as a self defense weapon concealed on you. The G-10 scaled handle is smooth yet offers an awesome amount of gripyness that it won't easily slip out of your hand if it's sweaty. 

The blade is sharp, but it's factory sharp not custom sharp. Which is fine for everyday use but I personally like to have my blades as sharp as possible because they will continue cutting for a longer period before they wear down.

Overall my initial impression after carrying and using this blade for the past week is very positive, it is one that I will continue to keep as my EDC blade and I am looking forward to getting a lot more time with it and putting it to good use.

If you have the opportunity to pick one up when it is in stock I highly suggest you do so, you will not regret it. 

A New Year's Resolution Worth Keeping

A New Year's Resolution Worth Keeping

Coming into 2014, most people made a New Year’s Resolution to “better” themselves for the coming year.  Most of those resolutions are about fitness, clean eating, and healthier life styles. Having worked in the fitness industry for years, I know how many people ACTUALLY stick to those resolutions. Here’s a resolution that most people fail to think of, but should in the forefront of their “New Year/New Me” plans; self-defense.
One of the first things you learn as a woman is that to properly defend your fragile self, from a more able bodied male, you should stick your car keys in between your fingers and attempt to punch/slash at your assailant. This is a pretty flawed method, because it works on the premise that you either have the keys in position BEFORE an attack, or are able to accomplish this goal DURING the attack. Improvised methods of self-defense are great, but this is one that can lead to just as much pain and suffering placed on you, as your attacker.
The first thing you should do is get some type of training under your belt. There are plenty of people out there that are teaching proper techniques on how to defend yourself with guns, knives, pepper spray, and unarmed combatives. In this quick post, I’ll highlight a few items that can be found on my person on a daily basis. All of these items are available for purchase through the company’s websites, and each item I've been lucky enough to take some form of training with. The training aspect is something I can’t stress enough. While plenty of people defend themselves day in and day out without any formal training, I’d rather have some knowledge and practical idea of how to use each item rather than end up as a statistic.

(Phone included for 2 reasons: size comparison for all the other items and in the event of an assault or robbery, you want to be able to call 911 and offer the police and emergency medical services as much information as possible. Items listed clockwise from top right.)

Coye Knives Ridgeback

An amazing, fixed blade self-defense knife. Hand made in Oklahoma, this blade is meant to be carried along the belt line. It’s small enough to be discreet, but larger enough to get a full one handed grip, and is SUPER sharp.

 (www.coyeknives.com)

Spyderco Delica 

Smaller, folding knife. Spyderco makes one of my favorite folding knives for self-defense. They’re relatively inexpensive, rugged, and fit nicely in your pocket. They can be deployed easily, and training blades are readily available.

 (www.spyderco.com)

ASP Key Defender

Multipurpose, discreet, handheld defense. Works as a kubotan, impact device, or with the flip of the lock, can deliver 2 Million Scoville Heat Units of police grade pepper spray. Hangs conveniently on your key ring. (www.asp-usa.com)

CRKT Minimalist

Another, small fixed blade knife. Much smaller than the aforementioned Ridgeback, but also more discreet due to it’s size. Can be adapted to hang from a lanyard around your neck, or also ride on your belt line. Small, and sharp, great for hot weather carry. 

(www.crkt.com)

Smith & Wesson Tactical Pen

Light weight and discreet. This pen can be used as a striking implement or as a writing tool. Convenient pocket clip and comes in a variety of colors.

 (www.smith-wesson.com)

De-Cap-A-Turtle
Small, discreet, hand held device. Works as an impact device with a semi sharpened face for striking anf cutting. Also works to open beer bottles in a pinch.


All of the items listed above take time and practice, both to learn how to use, and to carry. When you’re carrying something on your body every day that you’re not used to, it takes a while before you “forget it’s there”. I fidgeted with these items for some time before finding the sweet spot. Now I can’t imagine going out of the house without at least one on my person. One of the items I didn't list is the firearm I carry. Firearms take a lot more getting used to, and require more confidence to carry. I will cover that in a later article though. If you stay true to one resolution this year, it should be to take self-defense seriously. We are responsible for our own safety, as well as the safety of our loved ones.

Olight M10 Maverick

During SHOT Show I had the opportunity to stop and check out the Olight Booth and talk with them about the lights that they are offering. When I got back home I needed to order a light to put into the holder that I received from ODINWorks, so I looked around a bit and found the M10 Maverick. When I ordered it I thought it was the right size for the holder, but when I received it I realized it was much smaller than I had originally thought so it could't be used in the holder. It was however the perfect size for pocket carry with my EDC setup.

Some specs on the M10 Maverick:

Weight:1.9 oz

Length:3.7 inches

Bulb:LED

Lumens:350

As I stated above this light was far to small to fit into the mount that I had, but it's size makes it perfect for an EDC setup. With the tail cap button it is very easy to switch the light on and off, the tail cap switch also allows you to easily switch the light to strobe mode. The white button you see in the picture above gives you the ability to switch the light between 3 different modes of brightness. 

While the 350 lumens is extremely bright I find myself using the middle brightness as it is not so bright that it makes my eyes strain in the dark. 

There have been a few flashlights that I have owned, some have been extremely cheap and not held up and others on the expensive side and also have not held up. The Olight M10 flashlight is in the middle ground for pricing, with an MSRP of $59.99 you can easily find one for under $45 and the quality that you receive is very nice. The overall finish of the flashlight is clean, and the square checkering makes it easy to keep a good grip on the light. The pocket clip that comes with it is also very sturdy, and holds very well to both the flashlight and my pockets.

So far I have been impressed with the Maverick and look forward to putting it through some paces over the next few month. I really like the size and weight of the flashlight, and am also very happy with how easy it is to switch between modes especially since it is a separate button that allows you to do so on the fly.

Make sure to check back as there will be more posted on this light as I continue to carry it and put it to use over the next few months.