All posts by Soda_Pop

Don Hume Leather Holsters, Pretty Darn Good if you ask me

WeDon Hume Holsters found out about Don Hume Leather Holsters much in the same way we find out about other products, customers ask us on the phone or in our store if we carry them.   Once we started testing out the various CCW holsters we had access too, the sales went through the roof and so many people told us they they heard good things about them and wanted to know if we could get more of them in.  Well, we did an haven’t looked back, some leather holsters especially from Desantis and Galco are very nice looking but you are going to be paying almost double for a similar holster and price points are pretty important in this industry, people just don’t want to blow a whole bunch of money on something if they don’t feel the need to.

Glock gun holsters are probable the biggest sellers and the H715 style Don Hume IWB holsters are the ones in highest demand.   I have several of the jit holsters and and an H715 for a j-frame revolver and they have do me well.   Glock handgun holsters, Sig Sauer handgun holsters and the 1911 are probable the most widely asked about in our store and the H721 belt holster with the exposed slots for the 1911 and Para Ordnance p14 are always on order with Don Hume Holsters.    We have had a few people say the finish wore off on them but that is something that when it’s tucked inside the waistband and you don’t have to report to someone complaining about your uniform isn’t going to be a problem.   Their pocket holsters have also been big sellers.  If price points matter to you check out Don Hume Leather Holsters the next time you need a gun holster.

Top

What 1911 Magazines should you buy? Try our number one selling Wilson Combat ETM Magazines

Wilson Combat Magazines1911 MagazinesWe get a lot of questions from our customers and often they are telling us what we should stock in our store.   When we get asked enough times we usually take a serious look into who is making it and determine whether it just a fad, or if it is something new, improved, or a really versatile accessory.    We’ve always known that Wilson Combat Magazines were a product to stock but there are still so many types of magazines with different base pads, Magazine Specifications, Wilson Combat 6rd 1911 Magazines, Wilson Combat 7rd 1911 Magazines, 8rd magazines or even the 10rd Magazines are often sought after from our Competition Shooter and IDPA customer base.

The most popular 1911 Magazine right now is the Wilson Combat ETM Magazines which have pretty much replaced the Wilson Combat 47D 8rd Magazines that were popular for years.    Some have their preferences in what kind of Base Pad pad they should have whether it’s the Wilson Combat Magazines with the standard .350 base pad so they have a little something to grab on the magazine to clear it, normally a competition shooter wants this, or a lower profile base pad.  When  you get into concealed carry, sometimes those extended base pads or non-flush fitting 1911 magazines can cause the gun to snag t-shirts or clothing while CCWing  your firearm and you may want something else.  If you are in the situation  you just want to try something else or are a first time buyer there’s something about the Wilson Combat ETM Magazines that people like so maybe that’s what you should consider.

Top

New items in stock, Boogie Sport, Tan and Multicam

Smith Optics Elite Boogie RegulatorBoogie Regulator Clear LenseBoogie Sport MulticamThere are plenty of ballistic eyewear options out there from ESS and WileyX and I have used several of them in the past but always eventually lost them or when they got scratched up I just tossed them.  There’s nothing worse than have protective eyewear that is there to protect you from protectives but it’s got scratches or smudges on it that inhibit your ability to see clearly.   I have friends that tell me they don’t like buying expensive eyewear because they end up getting scratched and wear out just as fast as the cheap stuff.  We’ll unless you are only driving around with it in a car, if you don’t stow it in a proper case or watch where you put it down, that does happen and just like footwear and clothing, things are going to wear and need to be replaced.   While I wouldn’t say the Smith Optics Elite boogie regulator and the newer Boogie Sport Goggles are for firing range use, they are a very inexpensive ballistic eyewear that you should consider in  your range bag.

As I sit here comparing the two Ballistic Goggles, the Boogie sport that is priced at $60 seems to just be $20 more for a more practical head strap.   We’ve sold alot of the Boogie Regulators but many people came back for the Boogie Bungie Cord because the strap the Smith Optics Elite Boogie Regulator came with didn’t fit every head size or they needed a different strap to fit around whichever helmet they were using, which is actually the selling  point due to it’s versatility with Military or Law Enforcement Helmets.   There are so many helmet designs out there that certain eyewear just doesn’t cut it, and now that night vision is so common having a lower profile tactical goggle means less clunking and scratching.  The Boogie Sport and Boogie Regulator areLenses meet US MIL-DTL-43511D goggle impact level so unless you need the Bungie Cord, the best first time buy should probable be with the Boogie Sport Goggles, and the next thing to consider would be whether you want a Clear Lense, Ignitor or Gray.   The Boogie Sport has Tan Strap, Black Strap and Multicam Straps.   An excellent option for Airsoft Training.

Top

Identifying Threats, Law Enforcement Perspective, Military, Hunting and Self Defense

Eotech SightsThere is a saying that I learned in NRA Firearms Instructor Training that, “there is a Lawyer attached to every bullet” and this is something I bring up as soon as someone shows the slightest sign of complacency.   Lately I have been getting more calls for people to come to their home for a security evaluation and often people are saying they want a firearm in their home.   100% of the  time these people  have either never fired a gun or know nothing about ballistics and that bullets pass through walls, and, in Urban Environments, that means it’s highly likely that someone else in an in the neighborhood will have a whole in their wall too.  Situational Awareness is the first thing  you need to have an knowing how to avoid being a victim.   The Travon Martin case was the worst possible way to handle neighborhood concerns about crime.  A properly trained Police Officer goes into a low light situation with a flashlight and normally has less lethal devices available before every needing to draw a firearm.  They deal with the same or possible more, when using their firearms.

Several years ago we had some customers that served in Iraq they said that Aimpoint and Eotech Sights were preferred optics, but one of the problems with them is they had zero magnification and they had trouble identifying trip wires, IED wires running across the ground ect.   With Police Officers identifying the difference between a knife, cell phone or a firearm can mean a Civil Lawsuit if your SWAT Team doesn’t have the ability see the difference from 25-50yds.  From a hunting standpoint, accidentally shooting another hunter or taking a deer that is not legal to harvest because you thought you saw antlers and it turned out to be branches from a tree behind it.   Little things like a small set of binoculars that is on your tactical vest, inside your closet might help you know if it’s your neighborhood kid cutting through your yard to sneak back into it his parents house, or if it’s a prowler looking to break into your home.

Top

Versatility of various Tactical Jackets and Concealed Carry Jackets

Tactical Softshell Tactical JacketsWe search the internet for new products all the time, especially when customers ask us if we stock a particular item and we don’t have any idea what it is.   There is always something new coming out each year, but there are plenty of products that get discontinued and it’s not always that it was not a good product, sometimes it just doesn’t catch the wave and from a Corporate production and sales situation, it’s aCCW JacketWaterproof Jacketll about dollars and cents.   The Woolrich Elite Barn Coat was a neat idea and looked good but lots of people called us up asking about whether or not it had a liner or was  insulated and not surprising it was discontinued that year because the company didn’t get it right.  Our primary clothing line is now the Tru-Spec Tactical Clothing and given there long history of dealing with the Military, they do a much better job of keeping traditional looks but updating certain features like snap buttons and better zippers.

Probable our biggest selling jacket years ago was the old Sig Tac Jackets but like many products, the entire product line seems to have disappeared.   This Winter was one hell of a winter and if you were one of the ones that picked up the Tru-Spec Element Jacket you probable got your money’s worth in the first 2 weeks of 2014.   Up in the Northeastern United States it’s not always necessary to wear a heavy winter coat, but having one in your arsenal is thinking ahead.   There are several Tactical Soft Shell jackets out there from Propper to Condor and Tru-Spec but our customer feedback told us the Tru-Spec outerwear had enough products to cover us for Fall, Winter and rain coats both insulated an none-insulated so check them out if  you are looking for something new/

 

 

 

Top

Multiple Options of Combat Shirts available from Tru-Spec

Combat Shirts We have been expanding our product line with Tru-Spec, mostly because it really attracts the largest customer base, from Law Enforcement to Private Security as well as the average gun owner that just wants to carry a his everyday carry products and know it’s going to be the same spot.   The 24/7 Series tactical pants are a staple in our showroom but there are several new things that we have been stocking.   The Multicam Black combat shirts as well as the the Tactical Response Uniform pants in All Terrain Tiger, Multicam, Urban Digital and many more.   Several SWAT Teams and tactical teams in our area have been using both the stand Combat Shirt as well as the 1/4 Zip Combat Shirt and The 1/4 Winter Combat Shirt.

Multicam for the most part has been steadily replacing all of the Digital Camouflage patterns that have been available for the last 10yrs.   At first some may find spending $89.95 or $99.95 for a Multicam Shirt to be expensive, but the most expensive shirts have features built into them that all add to the cost.  If you don’t want elbow pads built into the shirt then skip the Tru-Extreme shirts and move on to the 1/4 Zip Combat Shirts, but Multicam and Multicam Black all cost more for a reason and from our experiences these don’t fade like many of the cheaper products you’ll find in Paintball stores.   The Polyester Cotton Ripstop products are all generally less expensive than the 50/50 Nylon Cotton shirts so make sure you look over all of the material and pattern designs and figure out what you really want.

Top

The Glock 42, holsters and sight options

Elite Survival Systems HolstersIt’s safe to say that the Glock 42 is the big hit this year and everyone is scrounging to pick one up.   Hopefully, Glock Inc. designed the gun right and there aren’t any recalls on it, but in my opinion I doubt they’ll hav a problem putting a .380 pistol out there.   From what we are gathering, the gun is a hot item, but hardly anyone out there makes a holster for it yet.   New pocket guns seem to be the big draw because smaller usually meant more fragile and high maintenance, but technology seems to be advancing and that is changing.   We carry a lot of different Kydex and Leather gear, but  Elite Survival Systems tactical nylon gear is a staple in our product line because there are so many variables out there that the Elite Survival Belt Clip Holsters are the quick fix for our customers that walk in and just need a holster.

The belt clip holster is an ambidextrous holster and all  you need to do is pop the clip out and switch sides depending on whether you are right handed or left handed.   It is possible to use these Elite Survival Systems holsters as an outside the waist holster and for under $22 bucks, it’s a very versatile option.   They were the first ones to get the LCP holsters with the Crimson Trace Laser and are often a multi gun holster option.   Depending on the climate you are in, leather may not be a good idea because we’ve seen plenty of people rust out screws or barrels due to corrosion.  These are extremely popular holsters for Kahr Pistols, Ruger LCP, Ruger LCR and small to medium frame semi-autos.

Top

Not much of a need for gun cleaning rods

ThereHoppes BoresnakesRifle CleaningHandgun CleaningHandgun Cleaning6 are a lot of things that haven’t changed much with shooting firearms, but the way things are cleaned has changed.   Gun Lubricants are mostly non-toxic anymore and they are much better at doing more than keeping a firearm running, they also help do what gun cleaners did and also help protect rifles and handguns from corrosion.   I have gone through a few gun cleaning rods, all 3 piece ones, and it’s always the 22 caliber rifles that do in those devices.   If you put the wrong cleaning patch on the rod you are going to get it stuck halfway in the barrel and might even not be able to pull the rod out.   Not all firearms can be cleaned with a cleaning rod properly, the M1 Garand,  and Mini 14 and Ruger 10/22.   Sure if you want to clean it from the muzzle you can but that’s not the direction the bullet goes and isn’t recommended.

The only firearm that I don’t use a device like this in are my revolvers because I do find that I need a pistol cleaning rod to brush out the cylinder whenever I am shooting all lead bullets because the Hoppes Boresnakes just don’t seem to get it all.   There are always reasons to have more than a few gun cleaning tools around but it’s also important to make sure you use the correct caliber sizes and don’t force it.    I am presently using a 22 Caliber Boresnake on my AR15s, Ruger Mini 14s and Marline Model 882 and Ruger 10/22.   Just soak the top of the snake just ahead of the bristles and drop the cord through the barrel and pull.

Top

New Product from Smith Optics Elite Eyewear Coming Soon

Smith Optics Elite EyewearBallistic EyewearShooting GlassesSafety GlassesWe have gone back and forth about which ballistic eyewear we should be carrying in our store because just like our tactical clothing lines,  It’s hard to stick to one brand because there are so many preferences, seasonal changes and situations that one can be in that the same person make choose different brand shirts and pants and outwear.   We always listen to what our customers are asking for and what we know is going to be a  staple product line and with what we’ve seen in the last year, the Smith Optics Elite product line has become more and more accommodating to what our diverse customers need.   The Boogie Regulator and the Boogie Sport can be had for $40-$60 for airsoft, paintball, motorcycle riding or jumping but that’s just the beginning.

Dropping $80-$95 on a kit might sound expensive but always keep in mind the costs of mishaps on firing range, not only are medical bills going to add up, how life altering is it going to be if you loose an eye or loose a level of vision from just a particle getting into them.  We all know how annoying and uncomfortable getting dust or an eyelash is but Ballistic Eyewear is just like putting on a flak jacket or stab resistant vest.  If you are in a dangerous situation you need the right safety equipment and it’s not something to skip out on.   In the coming weeks we will have a fresh new product line from Smith Optics Elite that, if  you checked them out before and it didn’t work for you, we have several new Protective Sunglasses and the Aegis Echo, and Eyeshields available in standard and Compact and now the new Boogie Sport and and Pivlock designs.

Top

Translucent Magazines vs. Windows what’s the advantage?

Lancer AR15 MagsCalifornia Legal 10rd MGLS2320-01-1If we could offer an alternative to Magpul PMAGS, off the top of my head, I can’t think of anything but Lancer Magazines.   These seem to be extremely popular with competition shooters because the Translucent body helps them know what they have left in a magazine but in the real world, I don’t think counting bullets matters that much.  There are considerable differences between something like the Magpul window 30rd AR15 magazines and the Lancer, though.  Lancer magazines have steel feed lips and the PMAGS do not.  This is something that was somewhat of an issue with the Gen 2 PMAGS in extreme cold in Afghanistan because the plastic feed lips, at high altitudes and sub zero temperatures were cracking.   The Lancer claims their magazines hold up below ZERO and up to 150 Fahrenheit so that should prevent anyone from thinking they are “plastic” magazines.

One thing you have to consider if you are looking to add to your collection is whether or not a certain brand is going to work in your gun and the mags will drop free.   There are plenty of guns out there that are setup for USGI Magazines that may have issues with other brands, Lancer Magazines, Magpul, Thermolds,  but you have to think about what AR15 magazines are being used out there and is your firearm up to modern specs and should you modify your magazine release or just change brands?   There is some truth to “out of spec” magazines not dropping free, but you really need to do some testing in each of your firearms to know for sure if it works for you.   There are 556 and 7.62 magazines from Lancer with the clear mags.  The ability to count bullets on a magazine may not mean something to you but it “may” help you to know if you got plenty left or if you need to do a tactical reload.

Top
1 26 27 28 29 30 192 Page 28 of 192