Lynx Concealment Ambi appendix IWB: initial thoughts

I contacted Lynx Concealment about this prototype holster because not only is it ambidextrous, but with the malice clips you can wear it on a plate carrier or anything else with MOLLE webbing. 

Right off the bat I can see and feel real quality built in to this holster system. From the double soft loops to the rivets. It is incredibly solid. 

Even with the undercut I did on my trigger guard, it has no effect on the retention (which is firm but easy to draw) 

Above is side for the left handed shooters. 

Of course the ride height is adjustable.

Be on the lookout for another review. I will be wearing everyday to give my long term thoughts and also I will also be running it on my carrier next range trip. 

-ShipLane

Post Range: B.E. Meyers 249F Flash Hider

What an awesome opportunity we were given to test the B.E.Meyers 249F flash hider. First off let me say that the people over at B.E. Meyers have been more than awesome to work with. 

The quality of the 249F is top notch, out of the many muzzle devices I have shot with over the past few years this one has to be at the top. The flash hider is manufactured to the highest standards, and when you first get it into your hands you can tell that right away. Every small detail of the flash hider seems to have been given special attention to make sure that this flash hider functions perfectly.

During the first trip to the range it quickly became known as the "tuning fork" because after every shot that's exactly what you hear, a distinct "ring". During the day there is absolutely no flash emitted during shooting, and the dust signature is rather small also.

When we headed out to the range to do some night shooting with a few different muzzle devices I was excited to see just how well the 249F would do. I had seen a few of the B.E. Meyers promo videos and was impressed, but I still was wanting to see it with my own eyes.

We first shot an A2 Flash Hider to have an idea of what most AR's on the market would look like when shot at night. Although the video doesn't capture exactly what the eyes see it does give a decent idea that the A2 does give a flash signature, small as it may be it is still visible when it's dark.

After shooting with the A2 we swapped it out for the B.E. Meyers 249F. The first shot created absolutely no flash both in person and on video, second shot followed closely to the first and a very small spark was seen. The only thing that was kind of a giveaway as to the firing position was the tuning fork "ring". However when we moved the camera to the 25 yard mark it was very hard to tell where that ring was coming from, so there is no concern in my mind that it would give away where you are at.

Overall I was very impressed with the performance of the 249F both during the day and at night. It has moved up to the top of the list on upgrades for the SpartanTC Reviews test AR. 

Make sure to check back for the comparison video and write up on all of the muzzle devices we recently used during night shooting.

Upcoming Test and Review Range Trip

This Saturday Lane and myself will be heading out to do some night shooting. While I would have liked to use a few of the very popular flash hiders I was unable to get my hands on more than what we have already been sent or had. So this weekend we will be testing 3 different flash hiders and the J-Comp from Strike Industires. 

We will be using the standard A2 flash hider since it is what is most commonly found on factory AR's. It will be compared to the 556 Tactical StrykeHyde and the B.E. Meyers 249F, I will try my best to do side by side videos of all three so it will be easy to compare the difference between them.

(Left to Right- Stryker Comp, J-Comp, and StrykeHyde)

         (B.E. Meyers 249F Flash Hider)

As far as the Strike Industries J-Comp goes I am mainly wanting to see if the way the chambers are setup will actually help in reducing the typical compensator fire ball. While I don't believe we will see any major reduction in flash, there is always room to be surprised by a new product. 

Make sure to check back next week for the video and post range thoughts!

Vortex SPARC: Worth the money?

The Vortex SPARC has been compared to various high dollar red dots such as the Aimpoint T1, and while I'd like to say that I have been able to do side-by-side comparisons... let's be real. Like most of you I have a budget to stick to, and at just under $200 the SPARC is pretty affordable.

The SPARC has served as my primary optic for a little over a year, and overall I am very happy with it.  I set mine up to co-witness with my Magpul MBUS sights using the tallest of the 3 included mounts.  

The 1 MOA capped turrets have solid noticeable adjustments making it easy to sight in. Zeroed at 50 yards the SPARC has proven to be very accurate and fast on my rifle. Making quick and accurate 5-75 yard shots are easily done. Anything passed that and I want a bit more magnification. Which brings up the fact that the SPARC does come with a 2x magnifier. Unfortunately, it tends to fisheye at the edges enough that I don't bother to use it. Another drawback to the magnifier in my opinion is that you can't quickly switch between 1x to 2x, because it threads onto the SPARC.

One thing that has impressed me is the fact that I haven't had to re-zero it at all. That is in part due to a very solid design in regards to the optic, but also the mount. I have used many budget friendly optics in the past, and it never fails when I get out of the truck at the end of the dirt road they always had a point of aim shift. The SPARC has retained it's adjustment and functionality even after being slammed down while transitioning between firearms.

The dot on mid-low power is fairly crisp and visible even in the sun. On high power however it tends to bleed going from 2 MOA to about 3-4 MOA. Next to the brightness setting buttons there is also a night vision setting. I don't personally have any use for it, but it's there if you do.  Another plus for the SPARC are the lenses, which are very clear. I've used it in temps down to 20 degrees and didn't have any issue with the lenses fogging up.     

My only real complaint with the SPARC is that it turns on too easily.  This seems to be a common complaint from what I've read.  While it is nice to be able to turn it on quickly, I have had it get bumped on in my gun case a few times.  Fortunately it doesn't turn off as easily.  Turning it off requires you to hold the power button for about 2 seconds.  The other minor issue is the lense cover which doesn't fit well.

So is it worth the money?  In my opinion yes.  It is a durable and accurate optic with a lifetime warranty for under $200.  In that price range I would argue that it can't be beat by another similar optic.  Is it an Aimpoint T1, probably not, but they use the same mounts.

Do you have any red dots in this price range you like?

PK

Ares Armor EDC mag pouch

I bought the Ares Armor EDC mag pouch a few months ago and I must say, it has come in handy.  It is an outside the waistband (OWB), very slim line mag pouch small enough for everyday carry under a shirt. 

At 3 1/8" wide, it is the smallest mag pouch I have come across.

When they form the outer Kydex, they use a dummy round so a full mag will seat and retain properly. The quality is excellent and will last for a long time.

 The only down side I found is the belt loops. The Kydex loops ride slightly higher than the back of the pouch, which for me causes a little discomfort if I'm not wearing an undershirt. I would like to see them lower the loop flush or just below the top of the pouch. 

-ShipLane 

Everyday Carry Kinves

If there is one thing that I never leave home without it is a knife. I cannot carry to work since I work on a military installation and well we all know its a big no no to carry there. However I always have a knife on me, and it is usually one of these two that I own. 

The first blade is the Triumph from CRKT, this is one that I picked up when they were clearing them out on Woot.com, don't quite remember what I paid for it but I do know it was cheap and it looked nice so I bought it. 

When I first received the Triumph the handle was so rough that it literally wore a hole in the pocket I carried it in. Over time it has worn down and quickly became one of my favorite blades to carry because the blade is quick to deploy and extremely sharp.

The other knife that I carry often was another Woot.com purchase. This one is a Kershaw, not sure what the model is but it has a nice quick assisted blade. One of the things that I like most about this one is that I can carry it with the clip holding the knife upside down, so when I remove the knife it is already positioned in my hand for quick deployment.

So the question is, what do you carry daily?

Vortex SPARC Deal

I just ordered one of these yesterday, and am looking forward to getting some time at the range with it.

If you are looking for an awesome deal on one head over to www.JoeBobOutfitters.com and use coupon code "SPARC".

As always any order over $99 ships for free.