Promoting Shooting?
The concept that guns are bad needs to be corrected!
In Canada, more acutely in Ontario, the display and use of firearms in an entirely legal manner has under gone many years of social engineering and regulation. Gone are the decades past when you and your other high school buddies brought their .22LR rifles to school for show and tell. Gone are the years past when the schools had rifle clubs and small shooting ranges established on school property. Gone are the days of being able to show off your firearm to friends and neighbours as a source of pride and safe recreational activity.
Or is it? Some are trying to break out of that mold, such as outgoing and publicized events like the following:
TPF had the chance to attend the East Elgin Sportmen’s Association’s (EESA) 11th Annual Open House, which was held just this weekend on the 11th & 12th of June. Being TPF’s first time at EESA, it was an awesome event to see the numbers of EESA club members which helped make this event possible. Now in its 11th year of running, the EESA Open House has continually grown and helped promote shooting for exactly what it is. A fun enjoyable recreation when performed safely. Safety is always the number one priority, with having fun a very close second. TPF talked to literally dozens of people and when asked how much they were looking forwards to the day, or how they liked their time at the open house; the answers were ALWAYS with smiles and positive attitudes.
Jennifer Eichenberg has a BUSY day feilding EESA membership questions.
EESA’s current president, John Evers, is a stalwart supporter of promoting shooting and encouraging people to at least know about firearms by experiences such as that offered during the EESA Open House. While appearing to be overwhelmed by the sheer scale of organized chaos involved in running the open house, TPF talked to a few of the EESA members present and they agreed that the passion that Mr. Evers has is one of the top ten things that are required to make this sort of event successful. John’s skills and passionate disposition to firearms has him running several high profile roles including being a Regional Director for the CSSA and a successful media personality for firearms related issues. John has been quoted as saying that the EESA Open House is “The best weekend of the year for me.” At the end of day two of the event, he and his crew of volunteers are spent physically. Emotionally, they all love it as the event allows them to bring smiles to the faces of others and it is immensely satisfying to teach new shooters how to have fun with firearms in a safe environment.
Day one of the Open House was not the best in terms of weather with a small smattering of rain imposing itself, but when all was said and done, nearly 80 people were lined up at the entrance waiting for the event to open at 10:00am Saturday morning… Taking a quick tour around the facilities proved to be very enlightening. The various ranges were appropriated for various firearm groups. Indoor facilities were strictly for Handguns while the 85m range was dedicated to smallbore and air rifles. At the 100m range, dozens of firearms were available for use in some of the more popular calibres currently used by the shooting community Exotic and larger calibres, such as the incomparable .50BMG were located at the 300m range. By the end of the first day, the numbers showed that 586 people came through the gates to attend the open house.
A youth tries out a .223 rifle
Never shot before, a .22LR starts him off.
The second day of the open house was less wet, but was several degrees colder during the day and the wind picked up significantly. That did not discourage the multitudes of people from flocking to the gates of EESA to have their chance at shooting one or more firearms. Not surprisingly some of the most popular firearms were AR-15’s (Of which there were at least 3 at the 100m range). Add in the additional rifles chambered in .223 Remington and it was a foregone conclusion that by 3:30PM on Sunday, there was not a single un-fired round of that calibre remaining at the entirety of EESA.
The rack is missing over a dozen rifles being used by attendees
Just a listing of SOME of the firearm calibres that were being offered:
- .177 Pellet, .17 HMR
- .204 Ruger, .22 LR, .22 WMR, .22-250 Remington, .223 Remington
- .270 Winchester, .30-30 Winchester, .308 Winchester, 7.62 x 39mm
- .300 Winchester Magnum, .300 Weatherby Magnum, .30-06 Springfield
- .338 Lapua, .375 H&H, .45/70 Government, .50 BMG
- 9 x 19mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, .44 Remington Magnum, .50 Action Express
- AND MORE!!! (including the tons of 12ga)
The lineup at 100m, typical for the entire open house
For a chance to try Trap was well attended.
Just a sampling of rifles available at the smallbore section
The most convincing aspect of how much people are enticed into trying these events is obvious by the line ups for the various ranges. The longest line ups were for handguns with some people waiting nearly 90 minutes to have their chance at firing a handgun for their very first time. Their was a separate line up to shoot the custom .50 BMG rifle at the 300m range and you could hear that shot clear across the length of EESA’s property. Despite a steep cost per shot there was no shortages of takers to try out the giant .50 BMG rifle with line ups usually being thirty or forty people in length.
By the end of day two the weather was thankfully cool, the volunteer’s bodies were tired and feet sore, and the sense of another great Open House at EESA was evident. Day two’s final tally posted a record 829 attendees for a weekend total of 1415 people who attended this year’s 2011 EESA Open House. What a remarkable event dedicated to getting the public to come and try shooting for the very first time and educating those who attend that the use of a firearm can be a great source of fun and recreation.
Littering the ground, the aftermath of the EESA Open House is purely clean up...
Update: June 14th, 2011. Total round count during the 2 day event, 63565 rounds of ammuntion. That is an average of 45 rounds of ammuntion PER attendee!
Ultrasonic Cleaners – Hornady’s case cleaning alternative!
Through the years the author has used many brands of reloading equipment, all dependent on the direct application of what was being loading for. The only constants in those reloading efforts were that a beam scale was utilized to check powder load weights and a tumbler to clean the spent brass. (TPF uses the common incorrect term of weight as “load mass” sounds very odd to nearly everyone that reloads). Today “weighing” of powder is not the topic for today, but brass cleaning is. Currently there are a multitude of methods which exist for cleaning brass; such as the following:
- Vibratory Tumbling – Dry (Media can be corncob, walnut, ceramic pellets, etc…)
- Rotary Tumbling – Dry or Wet (Dry media as above, or liquid based with other waterproof cleaning media such as stainless steel pins)
- Chemical Cleaning – Wet (A common method is soaking in an acidic based solution like vinegar, warm water rinse and air dry)
- Manual Cleaning – N/A (Polishing inside and outside via brushes, scrubbing pads, and cleaning cloths)
- Ultrasonic Cleaning – Wet (High frequency sound waves through a liquid solution)
Out of these listed the most efficient in terms of time and efforts are the use of tumblers with dry media setups due to the level of effort required from the individual cleaning the brass. Manual cleaning is by far the cheapest solution, but also requires the greatest amount of efforts and can be nearly impossible with some smaller necked rifle calibres (imagine trying to manually clean the inner walls of a 22-250 case). In this installment of TPF we look at a specific product family from Hornady; Ultrasonic Cleaners as offered by one of the leaders of reloading companies.
Hornady's Lock -N- Load Sonic Cleaner
Hornady started the launch of their ultrasonic cleaners back in the beginning of 2010 with the Lock -N- Load Sonic Cleaner. With a 0.95L (1.0 qt) capacity and a 5 level duration timer, the Sonic Cleaner can clean your volumes of spent brass to new levels with ease. Described as being able to hold 200 pieces of .223 Remington brass or 100 pieces of .308 Winchester, the Sonic Cleaner has a decently sized capacity, although many dry tumblers can hold more. The benefit to water based cleaning, is the elimination of fumes and dust particulate which can occur when dry media types are used, and the ever elusive clean primer pocket can be obtained without any consideration of media size, nor are plugged flash holes an issue.
LNL Sonic Cleaner parts basket
Hornady’s marketing would have you think that the Sonic Cleaner creates “microjets” of water in the stainless steel tank which blast off the carbon, dirt and grime from the brass. The true definition of how ultrasonic cleaning works is as follows:
Ultrasonic cleaning is the rapid and complete removal of contaminants from objects by immersing them in a tank of liquid flooded with high frequency sounds waves. These non-audible sound waves create a scrubbing action within the fluid. The ultrasonic energy enters the liquid within the tank and causes the rapid formation and collapse of minute bubbles: a phenomenon known as cavitation. The bubbles, travel at high speeds around the tank causing them to implode against the surface of the item immersed in the tank in an enormous energy release, which gently lifts contamination off the surface and innermost recesses of intricately shaped parts.
100 pcs of .308 Win
.308 in the Sonic Cleaner
DISCLAIMER! Ultrasonic cleaning does not mean that cases will be shiny and bright in finish, just clean. If you want bright gleaming cases, you will need to either play with the contents of the liquid solution used in order to get the desired results, or perform a post dry tumbling once the cases have been dried after ultrasonic cleaning & rinsing. Hornady recommends using one tablespoon of “One Shot Sonic Clean Solution” for every quart of water and states that three full cleaning cycles (3 x 480 seconds) should get most brass clean. TPF reads this performance meter as being in regards to spent brass which is collected at the time of firing opposed to that which would be classed as range brass which has been exposed to elements and is more than likely tarnished and possibly even corroded. TPF decided to perform two tests.
Test Number One:
Primer pockets before cleaning
This consisted of 100 pieces of various headstamped .308 Winchetser range brass. This brass consists mainly of maintained reloading brass plus a dozen or so pieces of range brass in various levels of condition. All brass was deprimed prior to being immersed and subject to the cleaning process. As Hornady claims, 100 pieces of .308 does indeed fit into the basket for the cleaning tank, in fact stacked right, you could get probably 105-110 pieces. Three (3) sessions of 480 seconds (24 minutes total) were done using One-Shot Sonic Clean – Case Cartridge Solution, mixed with tap water in the ratio described on the bottle (40:1). Once the trio of cleaning cycles were completed the basket filled with brass was removed and drained into the Sonic Cleaner as best as possible and the and the brass was flushed with hot water to clean off any remaining cleaning solution.
Primer pocket after 24min
The results were impressive and what was expected. Non-range brass came out extremely clean with much of the carbon removed from the primer pockets and the internals of the case. In some instances the outside of the cases had bright/shiny spots at various points on them, which TPF attributes to the vibrational forces rubbing cases together. In the case of range brass, it too was cleaned of all carbon, and as expected, basic surface discolouration and corrosion areas wer indeed cleaned of all dirt and deposits, but the visual appearance shows how the solution is not meant to make brass pretty. As evidenced by several pieces of range brass, the cleaning does NOT remove tarnish and discolouration unless it is strictly from accumulated surface grime and debris. Rusted areas are still corroded, but all loose scale and corrosion does get cleaned off the case surfaces.
Internal of .308 after cleaning
Range brass is physically clean even if still showing discolouration.
Test Number TWO:
.40 S&W & the LNL Sonic Cleaner
Nearly 200 pieces of .40 S&W, all Speer headstamp. All brass was maintained reloading brass with no range brass included. The cleaning solution from test number one was reused and made up for with additional tap water. Unlike the previous test, all brass had not been deprimed which meant that the primer pockets would not get full cleaning action due to the cup and anvil being in place. As was done with the previous test, the brass was cleaned with three (3) sessions of 480 seconds (24 minutes total) in the Sonic Cleaner and then were rinsed with hot water. The results show how well the Lock -N- Load Sonic Cleaner removes carbon deposits left from burning powder.
- .40 S&W after 24 minutes
TPF has added a very basic and simple video which hopefully shows the noise levels and cleaning action of Hornady’s Lock-N-Load Sonic Cleaner.
The only real drawback is similar to that of wet tumblers, rinsing and dry time for cases. In the case of ultrasonic cleaning, capacity is an issue as well and that is usually due to the mass of the cleaning solution (Water is actually quite heavy). On the topic of capacity, Hornady also has a Magnum version which triples the capacity of the Sonic Cleaner. However, that is for a separate review…
Hornady’s Lock-N-Load Sonic Cleaner does indeed get brass clean, inside and out, and while other mixtures of cleaning solutions are available on the internet, the factory solution seems to work pretty well. The LNL Sonic Cleaner has an MSRP of $134.12 USD from Hornady, but is available at all firearm stores that stock Hornady products. The Hornady ‘One-Shot ‘ case cleaning solution makes approximately 32 batches of solution and has a MSRP of $25.00 and has availability akin to the Sonic Cleaner.
As always, TPF poses the question to our readers to make the determination for yourself:
Hornady’s Lock -N- Load Sonic Cleaner – Tactical, Practical, or Fantastical?
ATI’s Akita Adujstable Hunting Stock – One stock for all?
Advanced Technology International (ATI) has been making aftermarket accessories for many years. Especially in the market of plastic/polymer aftermarket stocks for all sorts of classic military rifles such as SKS’, Enfields, and Mosin Nagants. They also dabbled into the tactical aftermarket for shotguns with top folding stocks as well as collapsing stocks that were based on those used on AR15/M16 Carbines. Not content with the tactical aftermarket for popular shotgun brands, ATI decided to venture a product which can be used in the casual hunting market. A very much adjustable stock replacement set for common shotgun models. That product line is known as the Akita Adjustable Stock and currently are manufactured to be mounted on the following varieties of Shotguns.
- Mossberg 500/535/590/835, 12 Gauge
- Maverick 88, 12 Gauge
- Winchester 1200/1300/SXP, 12 Gauge
- Remington 870, 12 Gauge (& Norinco Clones)
- Ithaca 37, 12 & 20 Gauge
- CZ 712, 12 Gauge
The CZ 712 version can currently only order the adjustable butt stock portion, the other listed shotguns are covered with the basic Akita sets. However newer Mossberg’s & Mavericks (post 2006) cannot use the Akita forend due to action bars being molded into the forend tube).
Current Mossberg 500 & new 28" barrel
The Akita reviewed by TPF is Model AHS0100, which contains both buttstock and forearm and can and will be used to change-up the author’s Mossberg 500 from an old-fashioned tactical version to a more dual purpose shotgun. The current Mossberg 500 stared life as a typical 28″ version complete with wood buttstock and forend, which has for the last several years been outfitted with an older ATI set of furniture. However, all components have been kept as those at TPF are pack rats in regards to firearms related items. The only complaint the author had with the old system was that there was no adjustment for the comb of the stock. The design put the stock’s collapsing tube to such a high elevation that the author could not line up the beads with the top of the receiver. Later versions came with a wedge which allowed for the whole buttstock to be shifted downwards on assembly.
Mossberg 500 internal components and barrel options (Top Half), ATI Akita Stock Set (Mid-Left), Old ATI Tactical Stock Set (Mid-Right), Original Stock Set (Bottom)
Detail of Akita Buttstock
The common version of the Akita comes with multiple mounting components which allow for component mounting on a variety of receivers and action bars/forend. Thankfully the instructions provided with the Akita are simple and clear, so that nearly all shotgun owners should be able to do the conversion themselves. The Akita stock has a four position extendable length of pull that has a range between 315mm to 365mm (12-3/8″ to 14-3/8″) and is simply operated by pressing up on the recessed lever and pulling or pushing the tail end of the stock to one of the four desired lengths before releasing the lever to lock it into place. The buttstock itself includes a sling swivel stud and a decent looking recoil pad. Included on the rear stock is an adjustable cheek rest which has nearly 13mm (1/2″) of variation, and is modified by removal of two cover plugs and the corresponding screws underneath them (one on each side). Adjustment is done by pulling the rest backwards it unlocks the check piece from the adjustment grooves and then the piece is elevated to a more ideal height. Re-install the screws and replace the cover plugs. All done. This specific build required that the cheek piece remained at the factory preset which equates to the lowest possible elevation.
Detail of cheek rest adjustment, shown at highest elevation
As an individual who has had much experience mechanically and with machines, the entire process for converting to the Akita was very simple. On top of the brand adaptors for the buttstock and the additional spacers/mounts for the forend, the Akita kit also included a sheet metal key/wrench to use on the forend retaining nut. HOWEVER! There were two areas which the author can see as being problematic for the DIY individual.
- First was the actual mounting of the rear stock to the receiver. In order to install the stock you need to remove the butt place/recoil pad, then remove the adjustment lock, and slide off the back portion of the collapsing stock to expose the mounting area for the remaining front portion of the stock. Now up to this point the efforts to disassemble and prep are very simple to do. At this point a socket on an extension must be used and is less simple in trying to align, install and torque the stock retaining bolt into the receiver. I needed to shim inside my socket to ensure the bolt did not slide back into the socket during line up and initial threading into the receiver. Second, the angle which the bolt resides during tightening is not straight and requires a very small universal or flexible extension. The author used a 1/4″ socket driver with a 6″ flex extension to install and torque the bolt. Re-assembly of the components was as simple as the initial removal.
- The second trouble spot was the installation of the forend components onto the action bar assembly. While installation of the rear portion of the forearm was easy, putting in the front portion required some small tapping with a hammer to ensure that the adaptor was fully seated. Not really an issue, but when everything else goes so smoothly…
Akita Adjustable Hunting Stock, Original and Older ATI Tactical comparison
The biggest concern now is that the author will need to relearn how to shoot without a pistol grip stock, but that is a challenge being looked forwards to. Since obtaining this product from ATI in the spring of 2010, some design changes have occurred. (Yes, TPF has stockpiling items for reviewing, many months in advance. Some are still waiing on a firearm to mount on…) A newer, more absorbing recoil pad has been included as part of the Akita Stock and there are over a dozen varieties of colouration/camouflage available as of the time of this posting.
The reviewed Akita Adjustable Hunting Stock/Forend Kit in black is available from Brownells at a MSRP of $159.99 USD, with the camouflage having an MSRP of $179.99 USD. Canadian retailers like Ellwood Epps and Al Simmons are among the many Canadian gun stores where the Akita can be ordered in all options.
Advanced Technology International’s Akita Adjustable Hunting Stock – Practical, Tactical or Fanstastical?
Original buttstock Comparison
Original forend Comparison
Older ATI Tactical Comparison
The Showdown! – Multitasker Ultralight vs. Gerber eFECT
Multitasker's Ultralight Vs. Gerber's eFECT
It was a statistical given and was only a matter of time as TPF has given an overview of both AR-15 specific tools in the past. Multitasker’s Ultralight and Gerber’s eFECT are good tools in themselves and are both quality products. However, in this installation of TPF we will be comparing the similar features of both tools and focusing on the differences between them. We will be reviewing various categories and features and giving our opinions. GASP! That is correct, TPF will be rating both on various features and details. So without further ado, let TPF’s first showdown begin!
PHYSICAL SIZE: The Ultralight, while narrower than the eFECT, is longer by nearly 25mm (1″) and is heavier by nearly half again.
Carbon Scraper, Ultralight on left
TOOL ARMS: Ultralight 4, eFECT 6. However, two of the eFECT’s arms are for attachments.
- Front sight adjustment tool. The eFECT has a switchable bit for either 4 or 5 prong AR-15 front sights, where the Ultralight only comes with a 4 prong (A2) version.
- Carbon scraper. The Ultralight has a design which is dedicated to cleaning of the bolt from the AR platform, where the eFECT has a large, very effective scraper for any long linear areas.
- Flat screwdriver. Both tools have a large flat tip screwdriver, the eFECT’s being mounted to have a decent reach for tight fits. The Ultralight’s version is meant more for surface usage (tightening of slotted nuts and screws for attachments). Both can double as an additional carbon scraper.
- Attachment arms. The eFECT has two (2) with female threads versus the single male threaded version of the Ultralight.
- eFECT ONLY: A dedicated push pin arm.
- Ultralight ONLY: First. Part of the screwdriver arm incorporates a butt stock castle nut wrench for field tightening of the aforementioned nut. Second, as briefly mentioned, the one arm is a dedicated 1/4″ hex bit driver.
Screwdriver, Sight Tool, Dental Pick/Otis Attachment (eFECT on left)
LOCK MECHANISM: For each trio of arms on the Gerber, there is a spring loaded sliding lock. Simple and reusable for both sides. The Ultralight uses a combination of lock styles for each individual arm.
CONSTRUCTION: The eFECT is comprised of stainless steel sheet metal for the liners and the stamped punch and screwdriver arms. The remaining 4 arms are cast and held together between two polymer panels. The Ultralight is made from stainless steel and all major components are machined and/or wire EDM’d. The entire package is wrapped in G-10 fiberglass panels and includes a wire EDM’d pocket clip.
Ultralight (l) vs eFECT (r) - Sheaths
INCLUDED ACCESSORIES:
- eFECT: A Molle compatible sheath. The reversible front sight bit and the dental pick and bristle brush for the attachment arms.
- Ultralight: A Molle compatible sheath. The A2 sight bit, plus 10 more common bits for the 1/4″ hex driver. Only comes with the dental pick attachment, but is far more robust than that of the eFECT’s.
COST: Multitasker has an MSRP of $74.99 USD versus $79.99 USD for the Gerber eFECT.
So now we do the comparison showdown.
- Physical Size – eFECT wins. While the size and heft of the UL makes a more solid and secure feeling tool, the mass alone makes the eFECT the winner for a carried item.
- Tool Arms – Ultralight wins. The quantity of tool arms does not quite overcome the sheer robustness and versatility of the UL. The included pick on the eFECT is pitiful compared to the robust one that comes with the UL. Besides, how many OTIS connections can you use at once anyways? One. The bit driver alone puts the UL over the top in this category.
- Lock Mechanism – Tie. The UL has very solid locking devices for each of the four arms, but there are 3 different types. The eFECT has a lock for each set of three arms and they are identical. Simplicity versus strength results in a tie.
- Construction – UL from manufacturing edge. Both tools are well conceived and manufactured for light maintenance work on the AR platform, the detail to the processes used for construction goes to the UL. Both would most likely hold up to long term everyday usage, and I’m positive that people will break the UL more often due to misusing the castle nut wrench, however, the eFECT has the appearance and feel of being made as cheap as possible through the use of stampings and castings.
- Accessories – UL hands down. The inclusion of 10 additional driver bits (with many more customs ones being created) gives the thumbs up to the UL.
- Sheath – eFECT, barely… The Gerber eFect sheath is more compact and velcro closing which is good for storage and mounting comfort. The UL sheath is bulky due to the size of the tool and the accessory bits and is a snap enclosed pouch with a more rigid construction. Comfort edges out apparent robustness.
- Cost – UL. Cheaper by $5 USD is pretty self explanatory.
CONCLUSION: Now if you are looking for a smaller more comfortable tool that will still do nearly everything needed for routine maintenance on your AR-15, one would be hard pressed to go wrong with the Gerber eFECT. However! The higher quality manufacturing and the apparent versatility over the eFECT coupled with a lower MRSP make the Ultralight TPF’s chosen winner.
WINNER of the first Tactical, Practical & Fantastical Showdown – Multitasker’s Ultralight
TPF's Choice!
The Canadian Shooting Sports Association – aka CSSA
I joined the CSSA nearly 5 years ago because of a series of events beginning with a desire to find out more about guns and reloading.
Now I have owned various firearms for just over a decade. I’ve since bought firearms and resold them to other licensed individuals all across Canada. I still have my first shotgun sitting in a corner of my gun safe. That Cooey 840, single shot, break-action shotgun has actually shot more flats of 12ga than any other shotgun I have owned since, although my Mossberg 500 is soon catching up. When I bought that Cooey at my first firearm auction, I paid $12.50 for the shotgun and $25 to the government to register it. At that time I had unwittingly given up being a trusted Canadian Citizen by becoming an official firearms owner here. The path of who I am today started there…
The chain of events started in mid-2005 when I was looking for reloading data for my newest acquisition; a dedicated moose rifle chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum… Up until then I had a couple shotguns and a pair of well used .22’s. During the google searching I came across a link to a post in an online forum. That post gave me the beginnings of the reloading bug and a desire to learn even more about all the different firearms out there. That forum was Canadian Gun Nutz, aka CGN. Finding CGN turned out to be both a blessing and a curse, as I began to learn more and more about all sorts of firearms, accessories, reloading, and events, I started to realize just how little actually knew about firearms and realized how much the legislation involved in firearms ownership was geared specifically to deter people from wanting to own or possess them. During the next few months I began to learn about the political side of “gun control” and the decline of firearms owners due to the cost and confusion surrounding the firearms act brought in by 1995’s Bill C-68. It was here that I first came across the organization called the Canadian Shooting Sports Association, or CSSA for short.
In 2006 I had an opportunity to attend the SHOT Show as a guest of a friend I knew… The Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show was like a new world to me at the time. Firearms of every shape, size, and calibre was present at the show; from pocket purse pistols, to over/under shotguns worth over $100K apiece… On a whim I decided to attend a gathering in what would become a pivotal point in my life. During the week of the SHOT Show I attended a small gathering hosted by the CSSA. There I met Tony Bernardo, the #1 pro-gun lobbyist in Canada, after talking to him and a couple of others from the CSSA who were in attendance, I joined up on the spot.
The CSSA is the arguably the best pro-firearms organization available in Canada. From their lobby efforts at all levels of Canadian government as well as on the international stage, the CSSA has done extremely well for the limited manpower, and limited finances available for them. Starting in 2000, from a merger of the Ontario Handgun Association and the Ontario Smallbore Federation, when it was deemed that an effective National Voice was required to protect and enhance the rights of the Canadian Firearms Community. Over the years I have found myself more and more in agreement with the actions and activities promoted by the CSSA and since then I have progressed through the ranks of the CSSA. I started as just a member and worked through being a Field Representative, to a Regional Director, and recently elected to the Board of Directors itself. It has been five years since that fateful meeting and since then I have done things and met people I would never have thought possible to do, all in the name of being a Pro-Firearms Advocate.
Some of the things which I have done since:
1. Traveled across the country on behalf of the CSSA, and represented firearms owners across Canada.
2. Meeting the Prime Minister of Canada. Not just once, but several times.
3. Have written and had published hundreds of letters, articles, and reviews associated to firearms.
4. Met and befriended many like-minded individuals, many of whom I would trust my life with.
5. Met the current and past presidents of the NRA, and many other firearms prominent celebrities.
6. Interviewed and conversed with many, many others I would have never otherwise dreamed of approaching, such as actor Thomas Jane (HBO’s Hung, Punisher).
In truth, since that meeting, I have become more self-confident, self-aware, and outgoing, and in my opinion, a much better person.
I love my family and friends, they are the reason I joined the CSSA and decided to volunteer much of my free time. I want my children to be able to do the following:
1. To allow them the ABILITY to use all firearms in a safe responsible manner. If firearms are inaccessible and verboten, nobody can enjoy them legally.
2. To allow them the CHOICE to use firearms if they desire. It is a choice of the individual to use firearms in a responsible manner. If they choose not to use firearms for fun, sport, sustenance, and/or defence; that is their choice. Do NOT assume make that choice for others.
It is these primarily reasons why I am in this fight to protect and enhance our rights in Canada. Help support our efforts. Join the CSSA today!
And a ringing endorsement by Brian Lovig from the Daily Split!
Gerber Answer 3.25 – SAO with attitude!
Gerber's Answer - SAO
Several weeks ago, TPF did a review of SOG’s Flash II. Today a look is given to a version available from another manufacturer; Gerber Legendary Blades. Gerber’s Answer is a spring assisted opening knife, self catagorized as being a “Clip Folder” and appears to be constructed with durability in mind. Gerber SAO’s use what is trademarked as the F.A.S.T. system. From Gerber’s website; F.A.S.T. is “a proprietary name that stands for Forward Action Spring Technology: Spring assisted blade opening mechanism designed for Gerber by custom knife maker Butch Vallotton.”
Slider in "Locked" Position
With handles crafted from black anodized aluminium, textured inserts (read skateboard tape) for additional non-slip gripping and sporting an 84mm (3.3″) nitrided stainless steel blade , the very ergonomic Answer has a substantial mass at 153gr (4.9 oz). There are only two controls on the Answer, the first being a saftey/release slider which determines the available actions of the blade. From the closed position the slider can be switched front and back with nearly zero effort. When the red dot is exposed by shifting the slider towards the pivot point, it signifies that the knife safety is disabled (red dot meaning “armed”) and is GTG (“Good to go”) for opening. When not showing the “armed” dot, the blade is locked into position, irregardless if it is in a closed or open position. In the open position the slider forced into away from the blade pivot and must be actuated in order to release the blade for closing.
The second control is the dual thumb studs on the blade itself for ambidextrous opening which is very simple to acomplish. Use the thumb stud to manouver the blade open to a point where the F.A.S.T. mechanism takes over and locks the blade into open position. Compared to the aforementioned Flash II, the Answer’s opening speed is not as fast, but feels much more solid as it locks into open position which may be a result of not using any obvious polymer/plastics in construction of the knife. The pocket clip for the answer in NOT reversible and is located at the blade pivot, on the opposit side of the slide pivot. This means that when the Answer is clipped into your pocket, the blade pivot side sticks up (AKA Tip Down position). The EDC knife of TPF’s author sits in the same fashion, but some individuals may not desire that orientation.
Gerber's Answer 3.25 SAO Knife
The Answer itself has few variations. The model reviewed has a drop point straight edged blade design, however, a sister model of the same blade length and mass is offered with a Tanto blade shape incorporating a partially serrated edge. Two other versions of the Answer also exist. The Answer SM is a smaller version of the model reviewed here with a 71mm (2.8″) blade and massing 81gr (2.6 oz). The Answer XL is the tanto version enlarged to a 102mm (4.0″) blade and massing a hefty 218gr (7.0 oz).
More branding. "Gerber" on the spine
The Gerber Answer 3.25 reviewed (model# 22-01971) has a MSRP of $72.99USD and is available at a great variety of knife stores across Canada. Like SOG, Gerber allows prospective customers to purchase many (if not all ) products direct from the Gerber website. The SM and XL versions list for MSRP’s of $63.99USD and $84.99USD respectively.
Gerber Legendary Blades: Answer 3.25 – Tactical, Practical, or Fantastical?
What a roller-coaster…. Post Election!
Well it was 6 weeks of utter chaos and lack of sleep so TPS apologizes for the delay in posting any new reviews. Helping our local Conservative Party of Canada candidate try to be re-elected for a third term. Some of the activities are as follows:
- Hundreds and hundreds of lawn signs installed (including TWO on my front lawn)!
- Canvassing several hundred homes across 96 km^2 (37 miles^2) of riding.
- Dropping literature at several thousand apartments in the riding.
- Attending several local region all-canadate debates
- Attending several local region campaign rallys (including 3 with the party leader, Stephen Harper, present).
- The letters written to the various newspapers.
- Scrutineering on election night to ensure fair & impartial accounting of the votes.
That doesn’t even include the 40 hours a week I work to earn a living, nor the dozens of hours and weekends volunteering for the CSSA during the same 6 week stretch. In the end a victory the Conservative Party of Canada. On May 2nd, 2011, for the election of Canada’s 41st Government, 14,720,580 individuals cast their votes to elect a 308 seat parliament. With 61.4% voter turnout, the CPC won 54.2% of the seats for a clear majority government.
With a majority mandate, the much discussed, heavily debated, Long-Gun Registry should be finally removed after years of promises and a multitude of attempts in a minority government. That means a WIN for the Canadian Firearms Community, and a great first step to responsible, effective firearms legislation which penalizes criminals, not those of us who are law-abiding at heart.
My MP (Member of Parliament), Harold Albrecht, defeated all challengers handily (by over 17,000 votes above either of the two major challengers). However, on what should have been his greatest day of triumph, tragedy struck. After a great leisurely day, Mr. & Mrs. Albrecht finished dinner and were preparing to attend the CPC gathering hoping for a victory party to ensue… Mrs. Albrecht, claimed a sudden severe headache and then passed into unconsciousness. 38 hours later, Mrs. Betty Albrecht passed away from spontaneous intracranial hemorrhaging, more commonly known as a brain aneurysm. When he could have been celebrating his third term elected, Harold and his family were surrounding Betty at a Hamilton hospital, praying for her.
I am sure you will understand that if I state, I would have rather lost the riding than have such events happen to such a great individual. I have only known the Albrechts for the last 5 years, and I am a better person for knowing Harold, Betty and their selfless family. Thank you Harold, for your values, commitment to family, and above all else, your unyielding devotion to your beliefs.
Betty Albrecht, 1952 – 2011
To give you an understanding of how much Betty was loved:
On Valentine’s Day in 2008, Albrecht rose in the House of Commons to pay tribute to his wife.
“While the list of those who have influenced my life and encouraged me along my journey is a long one, there is one person to whom I am most indebted and who deserves great thanks on this very special day: My wife Betty,” he said.
“I will never be able to thank Betty for her faithful commitment over the past 36 years, but today I want her to know how deeply she is loved. I am grateful that God has blessed my life with her as my best friend and wife.”
The two days of visitations had over 1200 individuals attend. At the funeral, several dozen other MP’s and their spouses attended the funeral of Betty Albrecht on their OWN volition. Plus add in Prime Minister of Canada as well as the dozen or so local politico’s (mayor’s councillors, MPP’s, etc…) should give you some idea of how well-respected and loved Harold and Betty were in the community and in Ottawa. The church holding the funeral, regularly seats 900+ people. They had stackable chairs against each other in the aisles and another room opened up downstairs to allow more people to be in attendance, to accommodate nearly 1200 people attending to pay their respects and show their love and support to the Albrecht family… Betty will be missed by many, but never forgotten.
SOG Flash II – It is quick…
In between the author’s federal party volunteer work, getting taxes complete, paying employment, and shooting hobbies, as well as family on top of that; TPF is pleased to be able to take a look at SOG’s Flash II, assisted opening knife. The model we are looking at today is the black polymer handled, drop-point, straight-edged version; specifically the FSA-8.
SOG’s Flash-II
SAO knives (Spring-Assisted-Opening) are perfectly legal in Canada. As has been described to the author by those with far more knife knowledge than TPF; as long as you have to mechanically or physically move the blade before the spring takes over and finishes opening the blade to full extension it is 100% good to go. Ones that do not move the blade are the automatic, and ones which you can open with the “flick of the wrist” or through centrifugal force are considered prohibited devices. So your old 1980’s lock-back knife that is loose to the point that the blade falls out of the handle when you hold it certain ways is a bad thing in Canada. Our laws make about as much sense as giving a murderer three-for-one credit for time served while waiting for trial…
Single cap screw for reversible clip & safety lever
Back to the SOG Flash II. The knife uses the patented SAT opening mechanism (SOG Assisted Technology) for its mechanism for completing the opening once the thumb stud on the blade is engaged. It is fast and solid in operation. The model reviewed was equipped with black Zytel handles and includes a reversible pocket clip. This clip actually protrudes past the handle and allows for the knife to be carried in one’s pocket with the most minimal visual clues. As SOG states, the clip allows for “the lowest, most discreet carry possible.” TPF has to agree, and the clip is mounted to allow for minimal hand repositioning or manipulation, when withdrawing it from the pocket and opening the blade.
Now for the operation of the Flash II. Opening the blade is a two-part process. Firstly the safety must be manipulated into the unlocked position, which is denoted by a bright red indicator. This safety appears to have a detent as it does require a decent amount of effort to shift and there is a noticeable mechanical “unlock/lock” when used. The safety was included as an additional measure to prevent unwanted blade opening, which sounds like a CYA statement to TPF. The opening of the blade is accomplished only through the use of the blade mounted thumb studs mounted on opposite side of the blade itself. For closing of the blade, the pivoting stud located in the handles is pulled back and unlocks the blade, allowing for closing. This pivoting stud is easy to use and allows for one-handed closing by using the thumb to unlock the blade and then pressing the back of the blade against any object, such as a pant leg, and into the closed position.
The most basic version of the Flash II
Both the safety lock and the blade release are located on the same side of the knife, the only true issue with the knife is if you reverse put the pocket clip. Manipulation of the safety looks as though it would become much more difficult due to how close the clip sits to the safety lever. The 89mm (3.5″) stainless steel, straight blade is housed in the encompassing and surprisingly comfortable and firm grips. At 97 grams (3.1 oz) this knife masses very light for its size due to the thorough use of Zytel.
SOG Specialty Knives and Tools has numerous variations available for this knife including tanto shaped blades, black TiNi coatings, partially serrated edges and numerous colour options for the handle similar to the SOGZilla reviewed earlier by TPF. Also available is an aluminum machined handle version which increases the Flash II’s mass to 131 grams (4.2 oz), and a rescue version which has a serrated sheep’s foot contoured blade with a black or orange Zytel handle.
The SOG Flash II reviewed (FSA-8) has a MSRP of $75.00 USD and is available at a great variety of knife stores across Canada. SOG’s website can help prospective buyers to decide on the option they like best and even purchase it direct, but be aware that shipping costs may be unbelievably high. Most versions of the Flash II have MSRP’s under $90 with the exception of a few select configurations which top out at nearly $145.00 USD.
SOG Specialty Knives and Tools’ Flash II – Tactical, Practical, or Fantastical?
Multitasker Tools – Ultralight
Anticipating the tool...
Earlier TPF reviewed another weapon specific tool from Multitasker. The TUBE. It was a purposely engineered piece of kit that was meant to allow for a simple, multi-purpose, EDC for basic routine maintenance of the M16/M4/AR series of rifle platforms. The next step in evolution for Multitasket Tools? The Ultralight!
The Ultralight is a small self contained multi-tool akin to the Swiss Army knife, with one specific difference. Where a tool with clumping may contain five to six small stubby tool arms for each full size one, the Ultralight has only four tool arms… TPF can hear the collective question from you; What do you mean only four tools? Is it some sort of scam? Talking to Multitasker Tools, TPF was able to learn a couple things about the design ideals and ethics (yes we said ethics) of Multitasker Tools. Mr. Shane Keng was able to shed a bit of light on the subject and the following points give a basic summary of the reasoning behind the choices and decisions in regards to the company’s engineering practices.
- No quality will be sacrificed. That includes high quality, custom manufactured bushings. It is not a contest to make the most profitable tool by using cheaper materials, but the best tool out there from a quality standpoint.
- Clumping of tools is sure sign of not having a defined audience and it detracts from strength of those tools both in functionality and aesthetics.
- It is not a race to see who has the highest tool count on their product. That is a marketing gimmick and Multitasker prides itself on thorough engineering and use of focus groups for designing the best tool for the purpose audience.
It is evident by looking at the Ultralight that Multitasker Tools takes those guidelines to heart. Stainless steel components coated in a matte black oxide finish and wrapped by nicely patterned G-10 panels. Those chosen four arms are impressive and solid, both in construction and function. From upper right and going clockwise (as per image):
Extended and showing it all.
- Arm 1: The Scraper. The scraping arm is very similar in design to the removable one on the TUBE, in that it is rounded to fit the radius of the M16/M4/AR15 bolt carrier and can, if needed to, be used as a bolt hook (Not recommended by the manufacturer, but is mentioned by them). Thumb stud opening, and liner-lock release.
- Arm 2: The Cleaning Arm. Brandishing an #8-32 male thread, this arm come with the proven and effective cleaning pick by Multitasker. The threaded nature of this arm allows for usage of a multitude of cleaning options to allow for cleaning a firearm from bolt group to flash hider and pretty much everywhere else. This arm is opened with a thumb nail slot and locked in place using a second separate liner-lock.
- Arm 3: The Bit Driver. Yet another common and extremely useful addition for any serious maintenance it the 6.4mm (1/4″) magnetic hex-bit driver. Akin to its smaller cousin (the TUBE), the Ultralight comes with an A2, four prong sight adjustment bit, and unlike the TUBE, come with an addition set of 10 other common bits. Opened simply by and operators fingers due to the size of the component part (and the 4 prongs work well for is using gloves), this arm has a substantial spine lock that is anything but weak.
- Arm4: The Wrench. This is the key component which sets the Ultralight apart from most of the other multi-tools. The receiver extension nut, aka Castle Nut, wrench. Multitasker insists that it is meant for field fixes. However, the construction of this tool in itself makes TPF believe that you could easily over torque the castle nut with this tool. Also includes an 8.0mm(5/16″) flat screwdriver on the end of the wrench. Opened using a protrusion/lug of the wrench and another strong spine-lock to keep it in open position.
A small lanyard loop and pocket clip complete the Ultralight itself, but it also comes with a black nylon, belt pouch which is also Molle compatible. This pouch has an internal pocket, securely containing the plastic carry strip which holds the 10 additional driver bits. With physical dimensions of 108mm x 25mm x 19mm (4.25″ x 1.0″ x 0.75″) and massing a mere 180gr (7oz), the Ultralight is no more obtrusive than a typical Swiss Army knife as compared to earlier…
Ready to store and be carried.
For those interested in Multitasker’s Ultralight, it can be ordered from Brownells for $74.99USD.
Multitasker’s Ultralight – Tactical, Practical, or Fantastical?
Gerber eFECT – Weapons Maintenance Tool
For those who have never once gone camping or have next to zero experience with blades of any type, Gerber is just the name of a prominent baby food manufacturer. Fortunately that Gerber isn’t the one being looked at today.
Gerber Legendary Blades has been around in one form or another for over seven decades. over these years, knives manufactured by Gerber have been used in nearly every possible application ranging from kitchen cutlery, issued military equipment, wilderness survival, to EDC companions. They have run the gambit.
The Gerber eFECT : Weapon Maintenance Tool
However. . . Most multi-tools are not geared towards specific purposes. Despite being released into production over a year ago, the Gerber eFECT (yes that is the proper spelling and punctuation) seeks to fill the perceived gap for routine field maintenance of your AR15 rifle platform. The eFECT is a 113gr (4.0 oz) tool whose tools are blackened stainless steel and comes with a simple black, Molle compatible,Velcro closing, sheath. Sporting a compact size, 32mmx25mmx90mm (1.25″x1.0″x3.5″); the eFECT is very small when you compare it to many of today’s available multi-tools.
The eFECT is a multi-tool which contains three lockable tool arms on each side. Now these tools and attachments include the following:
- Arm 1- The carbon scraper which is very robust and simple in design. A cylinder with 1/4 of the length removed for creating the scraping edges.
- Arm 2- A long pin punch to help disassemble your upper and lower halves of your AR platform.
- Arm 3- Tool attachment (Female threaded 8-32), complete with a nylon brush which is threaded into the aforementioned screw thread.
- Arm 4- Tool attachment (Female threaded 8-32). Only this one has a removable wire pick for cleaning the hard corners.
- Arm 5- Large flat screwdriver which doubles as a scraper.
- Arm 6- A mounting stud for a magnetically attached A1 & A2 front sight adjuster.
Displaying all six arms and their features
All arms are lockable in the fully extended position via two short sliding lock mechanisms; arms 1-3 and arms 4-6 respectively. By locking an arm out, a solid working platform for that specific tool/attachment is created. The arms themselves are easily opened through the use of either a large finger nail hook or the shear physical size of the arms themselves. The eFECT was designed to fully interact with many Otis cleaning products as attachments to facilitate further care and maintenance of your AR series firearm. All of the eFECT’s arms and attachments allow for the care of a multitude of other black rifle platforms.
An Otis/Gerber cleaning combo
Recently; Otis technologies had announced that they will be offering, in conjunction with Gerber Legendary Blades, a full cleaning kit which incorporates the eFECT with several additional Otis attachments.
The Gerber eFECT weapons maintenance tool is available at Brownell’s for a retail price of $79.99 USD.
The choice is as usual up to you, the reader. Is the Gerber eFECT weapon maintenance tool Tactical, Practical, or Fantastical?
Great…. Another Election…
Whelp… I know it has been a couple of days, but what a surprise.. Another election… Now I’ll state up front that I am a Conservative supporter, they have many ideals which appeal to me more so than most of the other parties. How you choose to vote and your reasons are entirely your own.
That being said, here in Canada there are really only a select few registered parties whom are not anti-gun in some form or another. Yes a CPC policy plank is to get rid of the long gun registry. However, anyone who thinks that every CPC MP is agrees with that is blind to a fault in regards to the CPC. That being said, the CPC are the only party is not anti-gun.
The Liberals have campaigned in the past to ban handguns, and ban semiautomatic firearms.
The NDP have stated that handguns have no place in urban areas.
Let me state that firstly both parties are spewing complete and utter BS when it comes to the typical anti-gun rhetoric. “If it only saves one life!” is a common phrase used by the anti-gun proponents to appear to justify their anti-gun crusades. Yet when it comes to spending coin to keep our military alive, they scream it’s a colossal waste of money. hypocrites! The Liberal Party of Canada, backed by the NDP and the Bloc state that $35 billion is too much money for F-35 fighters. Excuse me?
The current aircraft of the air force is the F-18 Hornet whose design is over 30 years old. $35 Billion dollars for 65 aircraft over 30 years. That includes spare parts, support structure and training to both fly and maintain the aircraft. In 2009, Canada spent $20.5 billion on its military forces or 1.3% of Canada’s GDP. Now to put that into perspective, an Airbus 320 passenger plane costs nearly $100 million apiece and another $8 million annually on maintainance costs for a simple slow moving people mover. 65 X $108 million = $7 billion alone, not including the training, support staff, and replacement parts… Wait a minute… Where is the level of overspending????
Obviously the blatant use of single figures not broken down is a common tactic used to bridge suggestions to an audience; $35 billion sounds worse when you do not state it comes from $1.16 Billion per year in spending. This is especially rich coming from the Liberals, who sent our military over to the deserts of Afghanistan, knowingly into harm’s way, and equipped with GREEN uniforms and NO transportation. Oh yeah, that is right, the LIBERALS cancelled our helicopter order back in the 1990’s.
I really don’t care if you believe in the “mission” our forces have over in the sandbox, I do believe that everyone should support our troops 100%. That means the best training and equipment possible. Please ensure that you support our troops by stopping by HERE.
I would rather the members of our armed forces return home to their loved one in embraces of hugs and smiles than in draped boxes. YOU can help that.
Please get out and vote. These men and women who are sacrificing their innocence, risking their lives and combatting evil as carrying at great tradition of prottecting Canada so that we can have the freedoms and choices not available in many other societies. Voting for our elected leaders is but one small part of that legacy, please honour it.
To keep it back to a firearms related topic, many businesses across Canada, which sell firearms and accessories support our troops. Darren Cole @ One Shot Tactical comes foremost to mind. To our troops abroad and at home, keep safe and godspeed.
SOG SOGZilla – A basic folder.
As stated in the previous post, TPF was given the opportunity to review knives and multi-tools from several manufacturers over the upcoming weeks and months. First up is a basic level folder offered by SOG Specialty Knives and Tools, more commonly known just as SOG.
SOG - SOGZilla
A basic knife with a lock back folding blade, the SOGZilla comes in two sizes, large and small with blade lengths of 96.5mm(3.8″) and 82.6mm(3.25″) respectively. Both sizes feature nearly identical characteristics from a design standpoint. Since TPF received a small blade version, that is the focus of this review.
SOGZilla with blade locked open
The SOGZilla folder has been out now for a couple of years and has been marketed as a cost-effective folder for EDC usage. There are several design features which stick out at prospective owners of this knife. With a fairly large profile spear point blade and a back lock design, the SOGZilla doesn’t win any technology contests but sticks with classic, well proven, designs which have been in use for a long, long time. Some added features bring this knife into a more accepted design with modern knives. The addition of a broken loop/hole on the spine of the blade is meant for one-handed opening and can be accomplished with some practice. The Zytel plastic handle, sporting a version of the SOG logo, makes for a lighter mass knife and creates a decent grip pattern which, in conjunction with the finger grooves, makes it feel secure to hold.
SOGZilla reversible clip detail
Another nice feature about the SOGZilla is the reversible pocket carry clip held in place by a single screw assembly. Coming in a variety of colours and available with optional partially serrated blade or black nitride coatings, the SOGZilla has several variations to choose from. At 125g (4oz) the small blade SOGZilla is a relatively lightweight knife, although the large blade is slightly heavier at 150g (4.8oz) with an additional stainless steel handle option adding another 25g (0.8oz).
The following is a video (without sound) showing the SOGZilla features and general lines of construction.
SOG’s SOGZilla is available at many knife stores across Canada, both online and at retail locations, as well as direct from SOG themselves. MSRP for the reviewed SOGZilla is $43.00USD and ranges up to $55.00 MSRP for the larger bladed, Stainless-Steel handled version.
SOG Speciality Knives and Tools’ SOGZilla – Tactical, Practical, or Fantastical?
Blades and Multi-tools – EDC and otherwise…
S&W Spec-Ops knive & SOG Power Pliers
Lets be frank. I am not a knife guy. I will be the first person to tell you that, when it comes to any sort of blade or edged tool, I have very little experience and knowledge in regards to quality and metallurgy. Like many people, knives are simple tools to have around in case it is needed. As such, knives with price tags in the several hundred dollar range ar just as effective to me as those in the tens of dollar range. I’ll take a multi-tool over a knife everyday for usefulness. That being said I do carry both a knife and a multi-tool for every day carry (EDC). An SOG multi-tool has been a part of my wardrobe for over a decade and having it on my belt was part of my morning ritual and basically second nature, it has seen several countries and logged many thousands of kilometers with me. It has even been mailed home from the airport twice in recent years due to its common place at my side. The knife is newer to me as I only started having one for EDC in the last couple years.
Backgrounder:
This year at the SHOT Show, I meandered to the SOG booth in order to see about donations for fundraisers for the CSSA and while there I asked them if they could tighten my nearly 15 year old set of SOG Power Pliers. I had since worn out the awl and the blade to a bluntness best described as spoon-like, and the whole assembly was loose enough to give a balisong (butterfly knife) a run for it’s money in ease of opening. SOG surprised me by offering a brand new version to replace my old version (which still had Patent Pending on the handles). I accepted, and after a couple of weeks feeling naked with out the familiar tool at my side, a new one arrived. With it was a note stating that the donations for the CSSA were coming and that some sample products to review were as well.
The SOG booth was not alone in offering to let me review their products, and in every single case I told them that I was not that knowledgeable with blades. They all seemed to want to make me into a knife guy. I do pride myself in having an open mind and always seek new knowledge, and so it was with very little hesitation that I accepted their offers.
Upcoming in future TPF installments are coverage of blades and multi-tools from companies such as SOG, Gerber, and CRKT amongst many others. Stay tuned!
Ammo Vault – A advance in ammunition storage systems?
Whether a hunter, target shooter, or just a plinker; many people like to have their preferred load with them in a plastic lightweight ammo containers or pouches. Whether it holds a half dozen rounds, or several dozen; shooters seem to like the semblance of organization and protective value derived from ammunition containers. Two of the biggest names in this area are MTM and Frankford Arsenal, with a multitude of re-branded versions available as well (J&J, RCBS, etc…).
The traditional 20 round slip-top case
The specific version being discussed today on TPF is the 20 round slip-top style of ammunition container. A simple effective design to protect ammunition from casual abuse and the elements. The simple slip top design is also biggest problem of these boxes as people have had their ammunition spilled due to instances where the top slides off due to poor friction, container orientation or even mis-handling. Add into that the inability to compensate for bullet lengths and thereby risk tip damage from moving in the container and from container impacts.
Knowing this, Frankford Arsenal has decided to enter a new design into the ammunition case market which prevents such from happening. Introduced as the Ammo-Vault, this container has designed in many features that eliminate the major flaws and problems of the traditional slip-top design.
Features:
- Constructed from impact resistant materials to survive multiple drops without cracking or breaking.
- Includes a foam insert to protect bullet tips and to reduce, or even eliminate, rattling.
- Has a locking feature which prevents inadvertent top separation.
- Adjustable height for secure storage of many calibres and OAL.
Cutaway of the new Ammo Vault
Now the Ammo Vault reviewed here is the medium length version, designated the AV-RMD-20, and the list of calibres it supports is impressive at 70 designated calibres. However! Individuals such as myself, have different loads and overall lengths dependent on the firearm’s feed type, the bullet mass, let alone purpose for the ammunition. As such TPF measured the approximate working dimensions for the Medium Ammo Vault.
The Ammo Vault (AV-RMD-20) will hold 20 cartridges whose have a maximum case diametre of 12.7 mm (0.50″) and an overall length ranging from 61mm-90mm (2.4″-3.5″) long. That means that very common calibres such as the .22-250 Rem, .243 Win, 6.5x55mm Swiss, .308 Win, and including the .30-06 Springfield (and child cartridges) will fit into the Medium Ammo Vault. At the longest listed dimension, the AV-RMD-20 is secured by a single set of teeth on the container. You CAN put in cartridges shorter that what is previously listed (such as .223 Remington) but they will rattle around and not be secured in place by the foam in the top. Obviously with the foam contained in the top portion of the container, bullets are to be placed in with tip “up”, but if unconcerned with tip protection, rounds like iconic .30-30 Win will fit in this case if stored “tip-down”.
The AV-RMD-20 with .308 & .30-30 snap caps
The Ammo Vault for medium length cartridges has $9.99USD MSRP and is available from many Canadian retailers who carry Frankford Arsenal products.
Frankford Arsenal’s Ammo Vault – Tactical, Practical, or Fantastical?
Toronto Sportsmen’s Show – March 16-20, 2011
March 16th:
Well, I’m going to head down to the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show tonight and for Thursday through Saturday, I’ll be helping man the CSSA booth and promoting said organization. I’ll be editing this post as the days progress and uploading an image or three from the show.
OH! Don’t forget to grab the $2 off coupon available from the CSSA HERE. Yeah it’s only $2 off the $19 admission fee, but $17 is better than $19.
March 17th:
CSSA booth across from air range
Well, spent the day volunteering for the CSSA Booth, barely got to wander around and see what was around. As always I have tons of fun interacting with people and promoting the CSSA. Add up a dozen or so new members and a few dozen bits of CSSA swag. I forgot my media card reader however… Maybe send my loving wife to FutureShop for one…
So on day one of my participation, I had brought down a couple rifles to display at one of the two CSSA booths. Displayed both of my late uncle’s hunting rifles, a Savage 99E (.308 Win), and a 1960’s era Weatherby Vanguard (.300WM). The latter is all original and immaculate. It drew in many of the hunters who admired those beautiful lines of the Weatherby and the classic lever goodness of the Savage.
March 18th:
Once again showed up for volunteering with the CSSA. I really seem to enjoy talking to people about the CSSA. While I doubt I could ever be a media face/debater for the CSSA like Tony B. or John E, it is always fun for me to engage in face to face discussions. In addition to the above mentioned rifles, today brought out the M-1 Garand with a couple en-bloc clips and a bayonet. Amazing to see so many younger people stop and admire the Garand. Call of Duty and/or Medal of Honor video gamers who got to see the real thing. Considering I bought the Garand specifically because I wanted to see if the “P-TING” of an ejecting en-bloc was true from my playing of CoD, I cannot fault these gamers at all. Busy day and once again, another 10AM to 8 PM shift, made for another long, yet rewarding day. Since the CSSA provided IPSC with a spot right next to one of the CSSA booth in the hunting hall, I was able to have a great conversation with Pat Harrison for nearly 45minutes. What a great person to talk to about training, action shooting and camaraderie of the shooting community. I think he thoroughly enjoyed himself in promoting IPSC in such a venue.
Had one individual come back around near 8PM and us (CSSA) packing up, just so they could hold an actual Garand. Always happy to oblige.
March 19th:
CSSA booth in the "Hunting Hall"
Never did get around to getting a flash card reader… Today was my last volunteer day for the CSSA, once again brought out the three rifles, and the Garand once again was the most popular. Worked the booths from 10PM to 3PM and finally had a couple hours to wander the show and ended up buying a nice hoodie and a flag for “Support Our Troops”. By the end of the third day, my feet were done, voice was to a point that I couldn’t yell, and I was thoroughly sick of dragging my gun case with rifles back and forth… Glad my part is over and even looking forwards to the next one.
Some people may say the show is not as good as it once was, and my response would be that change forced a reboot of sorts. I do miss the old facilities (Parking is 5x better and the single floor layout is so much nicer to navigate), but I’m happy because otherwise there would not be a Hunting Hall due to former Mayor Miller’s ideological idiocy.
Multitasker Tools – TUBE
In this installment of TPF we take a peek at specific purpose tools meant for the AR-15 platform. Whether you have a old slab side Colt from the Vietnam era, or a brand new tricked out Armalite, these tools may interest you.
Multitasker has made three different levels of tools specifically for the AR-15.
- TUBE Parts
- The TUBE
The TUBE, Ultralight, and the company’s self named Multitasker, are their different levels of tools geared towards the field maintenance of the popular AR-15. At the 2010 SHOT Show, I was fortunate to talk to Mr. Shane Keng of Multitasker and talked to him about their AR platform specific tools and conduct a review of them. In today’s review we will be looking at the simplest product offered by Multitasker; The TUBE.
A simplistic description of the TUBE is an aluminum pen-like chassis with two removable aluminum caps. The caps are threaded on utilize o-rings which prevents the caps from coming loose and getting moisture inside the tool. The upper cap with the retaining clip has a built in pin pusher for AR upper/lower take down. The spring steel retaining clip doubles as a small (3/16″) flat screwdriver. The lower cap is plain and has no additional features.. Breakdown of the chassis of the TUBE has two distinct areas. The upper part contains a magnetic 1/4″ driver socket which comes with a removable A2 sight adjustment tool (4 prong). The lower part incorporates a male threaded #8-32 mounting for the included carbon scraper and hook shaped steel pick, but also allows for a variety of cleaning attachments to be used such as those from OTIS. The TUBE can be carried like a pen in a pocket when assembled (scraper and pick contained in the lower cap), or in a Molle loop with the clip holding it securely. At under 2oz in mass, it is very lightweight.
- Expansion Kit
TUBE Expansion Kit:
Offered as well is a small carrying case with internal pockets and a ten piece 1/4″ bit set. While without a loop or other fastening device, the expansion kit makes an already specific tool have far more potential applications. Made with a fairly sturdy nylon covered case and a heavy duty zipper for securing the case close, the expansion kit is rugged and built for abuse and every day carry wear.
For those interested in Multitasker’s TUBE, you can order it from Brownells. Where the TUBE and it’s accessory package are listed for $39.95USD and $19.99USD respectively.
Multitasker’s TUBE – Tactical, Practical, or Fantastical?
P.S: Some images of how much can be stored in the accessory kit. Included: Multitasker TUBE, expansion case w/bit pack, chamber flag, .223 chamber brush, 24″ wire Pull, 3 lock-up swabs, .22 bore brush , dry lube, and a bore reflector.
Reloading labels – a DIY project
Ahh reloading.
To many, reloading represents the ultimate method of increasing accuracy for their firearms, to others it represents a very cost effective means of obtaining greater volumes of ammunition to shoot. For a select few reloading is a time when they experience a form of peaceful serenity and effectively tune out the stresses and tribulations of everyday life.
My uncle who taught me about reloading fell into that third group of people. He reloaded to get away from work, wife, kids, and basically was able to lose himself in meditation for several hours every so often. It was more than a science to him, it was a means to escape and focus on something that gave him peace, tranquility and satisfaction. I have inherited binders of loading data that my uncle used but found out that while he was very good at reloading he was not as thorough as I would have liked. A 3″ D-Ring binder loaded full of calibres, bullet weights, and trajectories. The problem was however that not anywhere did these loads indicate primers, powder type and mass/volume, nor even brass types. I had a binder full of very nice information that I could not duplicate. My solution? A reloading label as shown. I use them on every MTM case (and other bullet box) I own.
Why bother you may ask? If, like myself, you reload for a dozen or more calibres and have different loads for each dependent on the purpose, suddenly you can have literally 30 to 40 different combinations. And as no two guns shoot identically, for each subsequent chambering of said calibres, you are adding another set of load data. Now if you are not planing for accuracy, and face it, 3-4 MoA is acceptable for most hunting out to 200m (roughly 18-24cm impact area), then a single generic load that shoots adequately is perfectly fine.
Some however seek the elusive 1/4 MoA or better accuracy, and in some competitions, where brass is segregated by mass, brand, and number of times reloaded, then labeling loads becomes far more important. As you can see the reloading label I use includes all sorts of information that can be used by the most basic to the most advanced reloaders.
For myself, I usually start with reloads #1-5 already filled in, as I seem to acquire a lot of range brass and who knows how many times it was shot. Feel free to use my label, or make one for yourself.
A DIY Reloading Label – Tactical, Practical or Fantastical?
It was about time.
You heard it right. Due to changes in the magazine frequency and the newsletter contents that I contributed to, the articles just were being written far more often than were being published in print media. So this is the first entry in what hopefully will become the basis of a continuous and informative media listing of reviews and product displays of items which are AVAILABLE to the Canadian Market.
Most firearm related sights focus on the firearms themselves. TPF will focus on the extras, the accessories, the complimenting bits and pieces, and will give a personal (hopefully unbiased) opinion. That does not mean we will never look at guns, but they are just a single aspect of the firearms industry.
On behalf of the Canadian Shooting Sports Association, thank you for visiting TPF, and I hope that you enjoy the articles and reviews, maybe learn something new or interesting. I would hope that if you are not already, that you become a member of the premier firearms advocacy group in Canada, the CSSA!
Tactical, Practical & Fantastical 