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Best CLP? Hoppe’s 9 vs Break Free CLP, Slip 2000, Ballistol, Frog Lube, Extreme Force, Clenzoil

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Ameriglo Haven Red Dot by CLAY MARTIN

Mounted and ready

Red dots on pistols continues to be one of the strongest trends in the industry, which leads to some incredible developments. Much like electronics in other consumer spaces, it doesn’t take long for what was once only an option for the rich to make its way down to us mortals. It wasn’t that long ago that an HD TV cost a fortune, with very few brand options. Now you would be hard-pressed to find a television that wasn’t HD, including the sub $200 models at Best Buy or Walmart. As goes TV’s, now so goes slide mounted red dots.

Our test sample as packaged

Ameriglo has just introduced the Haven RDS, with two option packages. Ameriglo is best known for very high-quality iron sights, including the later generations of Glock factory night sights. Why this transition to electro-optics? Because they see the future, and while that might include irons, more and more an electro-optic is becoming the primary focus.

Included Glock Irons package

In that vein, one of the options packages is directly focused on the Glock MOS customer. The so-called Haven Carry-Ready Combo includes not just the red dot optic, but a set of optic compatible Glock iron sights. Set up together, the irons reside in the lower 1/3rd of the optics sight picture. This gives you an immediate backup in case things get squirrely. And should provide some solid piece of mind for those making the transition from just irons to red dots.

Waterproof battery box

The Carry Ready option is $439, but for many of us, the cheaper optics-only package is the winner at $379. What does that money get you? Quite a lot, I am happy to report. First of all, the Haven fits the RMR footprint. Love it or hate it, the RMR footprint is very nearly the industry standard for full-size pistols. Delta Point Pro/ Romeo 1 Pro is making some headway, but you will still find many custom slides or custom slide work is RMR only. Compatibility is a big issue but paid off for us. Our on-hand Sig P320 Norsso is cut for RMR only, but the lock-up with the Haven is perfect.

Battery box close up

The Haven features a 12 hour on plus a 12-hour after-motion activated auto-on. That is a big win, no more checking your optic twice a day to make sure it’s still working. It also has a proprietary Carry-Loc. This mode locks the optic at a set brightness and prevents the buttons from adjusting. A very real concern if your optic is going on a carry piece.

Top view

Another huge gain is the battery replacement. Now, it isn’t a huge concern since the Haven will go 1 year on constant on, or 2 years with motion activation as the setting. But it is still nice that Ameriglo has improved on the old optic reality that you had to take to optic off the slide for a battery swap. The Haven is a side-loading battery, with a very well-designed battery box. You need tools to open the battery compartment, so the chances of an inadvertent fallout are near zero. This also makes the Haven waterproof, submersible to 1 meter. Waterproof is a big deal in slide mounts, that in my opinion isn’t addressed enough. I might not plan on falling in some water, but I probably didn’t plan on being in a gunfight either. The terror of an optic shorting out when I need it most because someone spilled coffee on it is something we should all think about when making a purchase.

Large, easy controls

The windage and elevation adjustments on the Haven are both audible and tactile, but I’m going to be honest, only if you are really paying attention. I do like that they made the attempt when many other optics do not have this. But it doesn’t work out, at least not if you rocked a Ma Deuce in your youth without ear pro. This is, however, compensated for by the very clear visible adjustments to the optic. The tic marks on the outside of the screw do provide precise adjustment, and we had no problem getting perfect impacts.

Nice, bright red dot

The Haven has a 3.5 MOA dot size, which is a happy compromise on a pistol optic. It is bright enough to compensate for being on the smaller end (3 and 6 are the most common), and its smaller size makes surgical shots easier. With 11 settings and 2 Night Vision settings, you can find a good brightness for any conditions. We tested in cloudless bright daylight and had no problems.

The Haven is brand new, so we can’t say a lot about durability. However, Ameriglo is well known for making tough products, and I can’t see how this would be any different. At $379, this might be the best deal in optics today.

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Been there & seen that! Ladies & Gentlemen – A Hint on what kind of shirt NOT to wear while on the firing range!

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How to Choose the Right Holster Type For You Deciding on the right gun and holster type go hand-in-hand. by HEIDI LYN RAO

Crossbreed Modular Belly Band 1
CrossBreed Holsters Modular Belly Band
CrossBreed Holsters YouTube

One of the most common questions I am asked as a firearms instructor is, “What gun would you recommend for self-defense?” As all instructors should, I go through the pros and cons of the different actions, makes and models so that the student can make an informed decision. There is no one-size-fits-all defensive firearm.

The natural follow-up question should be, “What type of holster should I wear?” Unfortunately, that follow-up question is seldom asked. However, there are as many holster options as there are handguns. I now ask that follow-up when I am asked the first question. After discussing the pros and cons of handgun choices, I ask the student or new shooter, “How to you plan on carrying your self-defense gun?” The answer is always the same, “I am not sure,” or “I have not really given it much thought.” Decisions on the right gun and holster type should go hand-in-hand.

Outside the Waistband Holster
Outside the waistband (OWB) holsters are usually worn on the strong side of the individual. Many individuals who live in open carry states prefer the outside the waistband holster.

The most common OWB holster is the traditional belt holster. This type attaches and secures the holster to the body by sliding through the belt loops or snapping over the belt. The belt holster provides the most secure and strongest base for drawing your firearm.

Another type of outside the waistband holster is the paddle holster. This type of holster is attached to a paddle that slips over the belt and pants with the paddle inside the waistband, and the holster outside the pants and belt. These are beneficial because they can be easily removed and locked in your vehicle if entering a place where firearms are prohibited, such as a U.S. Post Office.

Outside the waistband holsters allow the carrier to access her firearm from a natural position and are easily concealed by an outer garment. This type of carry allows you to easily access the firearm from a natural position. As you walk or if you are just standing, your arms naturally hang to your side with your hand reaching near or about waist level. Carrying a firearm on your belt outside the waistband is also very comfortable. However, during warm weather you’ll have to keep that jacket or coat on if you wish to carry concealed. You’ll also need two hands to draw your firearm; one to clear your clothing and one to draw the firearm.

Inside the Waistband Holster
Like the outside the waistband, the inside the waistband (IWB) holster is usually worn on the dominant hand side of the individual. This type of holster is placed inside the waistband, next to your body. The holster is secured by clips that attach to your pants or belt. The firearm is then concealed by covering it with an outer shirt. A properly fitted inside the waistband holster provides the best concealment of the firearm with minimum printing, or visible outline of the firearm. The inside the waistband holster also usually rides higher on the hip, eliminating the need for special or additional clothing to try and conceal the firearm.

Many people report that inside the waistband holsters are not as comfortable as outside the waistband holsters. The wearer may need to purchase larger-sized pants to accommodate the extra room needed for the holster. Additionally, like the outside the waistband holster, the inside the waistband holster also takes two hands to draw. One hand is needed to clear the clothing from the holster and the other hand is used to draw the firearm.

Small of the Back Holster
There are two types of small of the back holsters. One can be worn outside of the belt and the other inside, both sitting in the middle of the small of the back. These holsters are usually attached to the belt. Small of the back holsters are easy to conceal, especially with a jacket. However, they are only comfortable when standing or walking.

The small of the back holster is a less common form of carry because there are many cons. First, it is relatively slow to draw compared to the other types of holsters. This is because your firearm is more difficult to access due to the excessive arm and hand movement needed to reach your firearm. This type of holster also tends to be very uncomfortable while seated and can be almost impossible to draw while sitting in a vehicle.

Pocket Holster
Pocket holsters are growing in popularity. Pocket holsters are small enough to fit in the front pocket of your pants. This type of holster allows for quick and easy access to your firearm. It is a very comfortable carry, whether you are sitting, standing or walking. The pocket holster is carried in the pocket on the strong side or dominant hand side. This type of holster is easily concealable, regardless of the outside temperature. It also can be carried in the pocket of any type of clothing, such as suits, jeans, shorts, dresses, etc.

There are a few downsides to using a pocket holster. The number one drawback is that it is only compatible with small-frame revolvers or micro pistols. Small handguns usually mean a small ammunition capacity. Many feel that the limited ammunition capacity is a fair trade-off for always having a firearm for self-defense. Those individuals who use a pocket holster are seldom without protection.

Shoulder Holster
Shoulder holsters are usually carried when wearing a suit, vest, jacket or other type of outer garment. It seems that everyone who has tried a shoulder holster eventually settled on another type of holster. If properly fitted, the shoulder holster can be comfortable to wear. Unfortunately, if it is not properly fitted, it can be very uncomfortable by adding stress on the shoulders or back.

The biggest benefit to a shoulder holster is that it is easy to accessorize with extra magazines, speed loaders, flashlights, etc. Another benefit is that the firearm is easily accessed by the wearer. The firearm is worn opposite of the dominant hand and can be drawn with one hand. The wearer reaches across the body with their strong hand to grip the firearm and draw from the holster.

There are several cons to using shoulder holsters. The most obvious is the need of an outer garment for concealment. The biggest obstacle with the shoulder holster has to do with safety. When teaching firearm classes, we stress muzzle control and keeping the muzzle pointed in a safe direction in every single situation. Shoulder holsters often violate this cardinal safety rule. Most shoulder holsters are positioned so that the barrel is pointed to the rear. This causes the muzzle of the firearm to “sweep” anyone or anything that is behind the wearer. Other shoulder holsters point the muzzle straight down but cause the same safety violation if the wearer bends over.

Some gun ranges and clubs prohibit the use of shoulder holsters while on the premises for this reason. The other safety issue with the shoulder holster is the act of drawing the firearm. As the gun is removed from the holster to cover the target, the firearm can sweep across unintended objects, including other individuals in the area.

Belly Bands
Belly bands are a unique style of firearm retention holsters. A belly band is an adjustable elastic band that wraps around the waist to fit any body shape or size. They are typically very lightweight and comfortable to wear. Belly bands can hold just about any pistol or revolver that is designed for concealed carry.

The belly band offers great firearm retention and safely protects the trigger. All the wearer needs to do is access their firearm by raising their outer garment with their non-dominant hand and drawing the firearm with their dominant hand. There are also belly bands that not only offer pockets for handguns and extra magazines, but pockets for other items such as a mini flashlight and nonlethal methods of self-protection such as pepper spray.

Like any firearm retention system, there are disadvantages to wearing a belly band. In hotter climates, belly bands can be uncomfortable. Some people who wear a belly band in the cooler months tend to opt for a different holster style in the summer. Another disadvantage to belly bands is that accessing the firearm can take longer than accessing from other types of holsters.

Choosing and training with your holster is just as important as training with your firearm. After all, you can be very proficient with your firearm, but if you cannot access it quickly to defend yourself when needed, you could be in trouble. All shooters, new and old, need to practice drawing from their holster. Also, just like all shooters should try different handguns to find the one that best fits their needs, they should know the pros and cons of different holsters and try out a few different options.

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Something for the Scatter Gun Folks out there

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Suppressing 9mm Carbines: Dead Air Wolfman on an AR, AK, and HK

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How do Silencers Work, and How Silent Do They Actually Make Guns?

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The Laser Saddle By Crimson Trace – Light It Up by TRAVIS PIKE

I’m an unashamed shotgun nerd, and I love all types of shotguns. This includes guns that are technically not shotguns but use shotgun patterns, shotgun ammunition, and the like. You know, those pesky little firearms like the TAC-14 and Shockwave firearms. These guns tend to be tough to aim and tough to shoot, at least compared to a stocked shotgun. Crimson Trace has your back in making that a fair bit easier via the Crimson Trace Laser Saddle.

The Laser Saddle fits onto the receiver of your shotgun or firearm and predictably gives you a laser aiming point. It saddles on, much like an ammunition toting side-saddle. It’s a rather low profile and ergonomic option to make aiming your scattergun quick and easy.

A little laser goes a long way

I’ve installed the Remington variant of the side saddle onto my TAC-14. As mentioned, Crimson Trace only produces the Laser Saddle for the Remington 870 and Mossberg 500 series shotguns and firearms. We also get the option of a green or red laser. This particular model offers the red laser variant. The MSRP is 194.99, but I purchased mine for much less than MSRP.

Inside the Laser Saddle

The Laser Saddle weighs a hair more than 2 ounces, according to my kitchen scale. Crimson Trace doesn’t publish the weight, sadly. The gun adds a hair of bulk to the receiver but not enough to make a major difference. Power comes from two CR2032 batteries, and the Laser Saddle will work for about four hours of continuous use.

The laser is a 5 Mw red dot that’s actually impressively large and very easy to see. The red dot emits from the right side of the Laser Saddle and sits right beside the top of the receiver.

It add a bit of bulk and barely any weight.

Installation varies between models, and the Remington variant utilizes the trigger group bolts to pin the Laser Saddle into place. Crimson Trace includes two extra-long bolts to make installation quick and easy. It takes no time at all to install the Laser Saddle. It took me a total of five minutes, including getting the batteries in place. The hardest part was finding my punch!

An ambidextrous “on” button sits across the top of the receiver. It sits right where the safety on a Mossberg 500 would sit. This placement ensures it’s ambidextrous and easy to access. It’s a big, tactile button that’s really easy to operate.

There is also a master-off switch that shuts the Laser Saddle down. It’s small, recessed, and it seems impossible to accidentally switch on or off.

To The Range

Making changes to the elevation and windage requires a small, included Allen key that makes it easy to zero the saddle. I zeroed it essentially to the dot and confirmed with a little buckshot live fire. Visible lasers don’t work well on sunny days and at longer ranges. Luckily the TAC-14 isn’t a long-range weapon.

See the little red dot?

At 15 yards, that big red dot is plenty easy to see on target, even on bright, sunny days. Not bad for a visible laser and perfect for the TAC-14 and its preferred range. Shooting the TAC-14 accurately has never been easier.

Boom, the dot makes it easy to aim.

Seriously, the addition of the Laser Saddle makes it super easy to aim the weapon accurately. I spent an afternoon giggling away as I used birdshot to turn clay pigeons into dust. I tossed them onto the berm and started blasting away as fast as I could. The big red dot makes it easy to aim the TAC-14 while keeping it tight to the body, which allows me to easily control the recoil.

It’s quite fun to move from target to target blast away. I like the TAC-14 because it’s somewhat tough to shoot. The recoil is rough, the lack of a stock makes it tough to control, and that creates a challenge. That challenge makes it fun, or at least it does to me.

Practical Application

Turning clay pigeons into dust is fun, but what about a more practical application? I’m glad you asked. With some man-sized targets and some 00 buckshot, I used a shot timer to record my snapshots at 10 yards. I can keep my focus on the target, and as soon as the red dot from the Laser Saddle meets the target, I know where my buckshot is going.

This makes it easy to direct accurate buckshot into the torso or head of a target with excellent accuracy. Speed-wise I can make a snapshot from the low ready with the TAC-14 in about half a second. Not bad for a pistol grip only 12 gauge firearm loaded with 1,325 FPS buckshot.

That big button is easy to press and engage.

Going from target to target is quite easy. Follow the dot, pull the trigger, and boom, you’ll land lead where you need it. I wouldn’t pick up the TAC-14 for a fight over a stocked 870, but I’d feel more confident it wore the Laser Saddle.

I never lost zero, even when using full-powered buckshot. The Laser Saddle never shook itself loose even after a few hundred rounds and remained tight and in place. That big button is fantastic and provides you with a quick and easy activation for quick on target potential. It’s a tactile button, so you know when you press it.

The Downsides of The Laser Saddle

With the Remington variant, you are utilizing the trigger group pins, and those are often utilized for attaching ammo side saddles, and the Laser Saddle limits your side saddle options. A shotgun card from Esstac or Vang Comp will work, though.

I never used vis lasers much, but I love the Laser Saddle.

I did have to choose between the Laser Saddle and the Burris SpeedBead. They won’t work together, sadly, and the Laser Saddle sits in the way of the SpeedBead, so keep that in mind. Additionally, the range is totaled out at about 15 yards on bright days. In dimmer environments, the range extends. Don’t expect to get slug range from the Laser Saddle.

Saddle Up!

The Crimson Trace Laser Saddle grants you a fantastic sighting option for your pistol grip only shotguns or firearms. There where I see this thing really shine. On normal shotguns, I’m sure it’s fine, but it really makes handling a PGO a lot of fun and much easier to aim and direct fire with. It’s worth the cost of admission just for the entertainment value it provides. Check it out and let us know what you think about the Laser Saddle and lasers in general below.

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WA Gun Owner Fury Erupts as Lawmakers Pass Magazine Ban by Dave Workman

Washington State House Democrats pushed through a ban on full-capacity magazines in a late-night vote, igniting gun owner activism. (Dave Workman)

U.S.A. –-(AmmoLand.com)- By a 55-42 dead-of-night vote, the Washington State House of Representatives has passed a ban on rifle and pistol magazines holding more than 10 cartridges (including magazines for rimfire rifles), causing outrage among Evergreen State grassroots activists who will be looking unseat as many Democrats as possible in the November 2022 election.

Senate Bill 5078 goes to the desk of anti-gun Democrat Gov. Jay Inslee, who has already vowed to sign it. Two Democrat House members—Reps. Kirsten Harris-Talley from Seattle and Steve Kirby from Tacoma—voted against the measure, breaking ranks from their majority Democrat colleagues.

The vote came about two weeks after Liberty Park Press published a revealing report about the ineffectiveness of magazine capacity limit that many readers sent to their state lawmakers.

The late-night Friday vote was hailed by anti-gun Democrat Attorney General Bob Ferguson in a tweet now posted at the Facebook page of the Washington 2022 Legislative Action Group. The legislation was introduced at Ferguson’s request by Democrat Sen. Marko Liias of Lynnwood.

“Today is the fulfillment of years of hard work from so many,” Ferguson wrote. “More than five years ago, I stood with the parents of shooting victims, legislators, mayors, police chiefs and representatives from faith communities to say enough is enough, and proposed banning the sale of high-capacity magazines in Washington state. Today, our Legislature chose public safety over the gun lobby, and I am deeply appreciative of their service. This policy will save lives and make our communities safer from gun violence.”

 

But Wade Gaughran, owner of a Bellevue gun range and firearms retail business, reacted bluntly, telling KING News, “There’s no way that an intelligent person is going to look at this law and see that it would stop or limit or change the of any kind of mass shooting.”

He predicted a surge in magazine purchasing, a notion reinforced by an announcement from at least one firm—Palmetto State Armory—announced it will prioritize orders from Washington State residents: “All magazine orders placed from Washington State with Palmetto State Armory with ship out immediately and receive priority over all other orders.”

Dan Mitchell, owner of Vancouver’s Sporting Systems, posted a “Fact Sheet” about the magazine ban, which included a depiction of the state flag with dictatorial overtones.

One activist member of the Legislative Action Group posted this message:

“The only group that can help us and that definitely will help us is the Second Amendment Foundation,” wrote Perry Singh. “They are responsible for all the lawsuits that are successful. We have a US Supreme Court that will side with us. We just need an organization that is serious about bringing lawsuits and there is no organization more serious than the Second Amendment Foundation. If you are not a member you need to join. These guys fund lawsuits and they’re really good at winning. No you won’t get a free duffel bag or a free hat but they will deliver us victories in court that we need badly.”

Another gun rights activist, Ron Fricks, responded with his own observation: “There are a lot of good organizations that support 2A rights. Perry is correct however, the Second Amendment Foundation is the best. They often work in the background, they may not get the press, but they are there getting stuff done. It is better to donate a dollar to them, then to post a million “we will not comply” post on facebook. There are over 600,000 permit holders in WA state. If each of them sent $1, or even better $10 per month to the organization of their choice, it would make a difference. Talk or act, the choice is yours.”

By no small coincidence, just hours before the House vote, SAF on Friday announced the launch of a national outreach effort to remind America’s gun owners that “Gun Rights Depend On You.”

SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan Gottlieb estimated the message—which is already appearing online at the Washington Times, Breitbart, TownHall, Newsmax, BearingArms and Drudge—will reach millions of people. SAF tells gun owners to “Demand the Courts Protect the 2A.”

“It would be a significant step forward in our ongoing outreach effort to educate gun owners that the defense of their constitutional right to keep and bear arms ultimately rests in their hands,” Gottlieb said. “Right now, we have more than 30 active court cases challenging various gun control laws on Second Amendment grounds, in several states, including California, Washington, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland. It is our intention to raise public awareness and grab the attention of various courts so these cases don’t end up gathering dust in some perpetual state of ‘pending’ action.”

A federal case challenging a similar ban in California is already seeking review from the U.S. Supreme Court. Nine states and Washington, D.C. have imposed such bans.

According to the Daily Olympian, violations of the new law “would result in a gross misdemeanor, which carries a maximum punishment of 364 days in jail and/or a fine up to $5,000.”

Gun owner reaction over the weekend was nothing short of fury. One gun owner posting at the Legislative Action Facebook page stated, “Today our legislature chose the anti-human rights lobby over public safety. Quit calling them antigun groups. Being able to possess a weapon to defend oneself from criminals and tyrants is a human right.”

Another observed, “This new law shows the depth of stupidity in Olympia. They think that some person hell-bent on killing people will suddenly follow the law because they could get a misdemeanor charge for magazine capacity. That’s insanity.”

Now, Evergreen State gun owners are saying the only cure for such “insanity” will be taking the House, and maybe the State Senate, away from Democrats this fall. How well that effort does will depend upon whether the anger now being expressed translates into voter turnout in vulnerable legislative districts this fall.

Electable candidates must be recruited, campaigns must be formed and financed, and gun owners will have to register and vote, and all of that involves more than—as Fricks noted above—posting a million “we will not comply” messages on social media.

Gun owners in Virginia did it last November when nobody expected they would. Now it’s Washington’s turn.

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What I call some good manly advertising

Bushmaster Rifle Ad Reminds Us To Ask More About Masculinity And Gun  Violence (PHOTO) | HuffPost Communities