7 Coolest Pieces of Gear from SHOT Show

Jan 23 • News • 44092

If Mötley Crüe attended SHOT Show, their smash hit “Girls, Girls, Girls” would more than likely ended up as “Guns, Guns, Guns”. Like most years, the 2015 SHOT Show was filled with all sorts of new firearms ready to fling everything from .22 to .50 downrange (and that’s not even counting the soda can launcher from X-Products). And while we’ve already started to highlight some of our favorite guns from 2015’s SHOT Show (such as our 2015 Shot Show Weapon Crushes), there were plenty of things besides guns at this year’s show that we thought were pretty damn cool.

 

 

Curious as to what was the most exciting? Take a look below for the 7 coolest pieces of gear from SHOT Show 2015:

 

 

1. Vortex Strike Eagle 1-6×24 Riflescope

 

Whether tackling 3-gun stages or stalking predators, those familiar with quality 1-6x riflescopes are undoubtedly familiar with the $1000+ price tag that generally accompanys them. Well it seems that’s about to change with Vortex’s introduction of the Strike Eagle 1-6×24 Riflescope. Easily one of the most talked about optics at SHOT, this new scope from Vortex has an MSRP of $429, meaning it should be available at retail for under $400! That’s right, a sub-$400 1-6x scope that’s backed by the Vortex name and its legendary VIP warranty.

 

As a true 1x power scope on its lowest setting, it is super easy to acquire targets with the Strike Eagle. This is due in part to the bold but not overbearing illuminated AR-BDC reticle. With its segmented horseshow pattern in the center and reverse Christmas-tree style subtensions marking 18-inch shoulder width targets from 100-600 yards, ranging and engaging targets at any distance is a breeze. We’re looking forward to plenty more hands on T&E with this optic when it launches later this year.

 

2. Leupold D-EVO Carbine Weapon Sighting System

 

So the internet just about broke last week when Leupold started posting teaser photos of the D-EVO Weapon Sighting System. Now having personally tried this sucker on an air gun simulator, I can say without a doubt it was one of the most unique optics experiences I have ever had. Standing for Dual-Enhanced View Optic, the folks at Leupold have essentially tried to combine the best of both worlds with the D-EVO. This 6x20mm fixed power scope is made in such a way where it pairs perfectly with virtually any red dot sight, giving the user both a 1x and a 6x image, with the same point of impact, by doing nothing more than moving their pupil. Yes, you heard me right – affix your 1x red dot reticle on your target, and the 6x Close Mid-Range Reticle of the Leupold D-EVO sight is on target as well. No shifting to an offset optic, no zooming in your scope. Like I said – Leupold is aiming to provide shooters the best of both worlds here.

 

Of course it will take a lot more time at the range to truly dial down this new style of shooting, but first impressions were very strong. Pretty much everyone I shared the simulator with had difficulty articulating just how much they enjoyed the experience of trying the D-EVO. However one thing’s for certain: no one walked away without a big smile on their face.

 

3. CRKT Full Lineup for 2015

 

Okay, so we know we’re kind of cheating here, but it was just too hard to pick a single knife from CRKT – because they have over 20 new blades coming out in 2015! Having gotten our hands on them all, we can say that there is pretty much something for everyone with this new lineup, from machetes to neck knives, to fixed and folders – there is a quality CRKT knife with your name on it coming out soon.

 

While there were too many to pick a favorite, we particularly enjoyed the aptly named Cling-On (first on the left pictured above). As CRKT puts it: “This is a knife you’ll keep close to your heart. Literally”. That’s because this neck knife comes with a magnetic sheath, which when coupled with the included CRKT dog tag worn under your shirt, will hang close to your body, staying snug with the dog tag v. dangling into dangerous machinery. It’s a perfect-sized utility blade that’s there when you need it and out of the way when you don’t.

 

4. Surefire Titan Keychain Light

 

 

We’ve spoken here before about the importance of EDC (Every Day Carry), and making sure you always have basic tools at your disposal. While at SureFire’s booth this week, we caught a glimpse of a new light that will most definitely be making its way into all our EDCs when it comes out later this year, the Titan-A Flashlight.

 

This little guy will be right at home in your pocket or on your key ring, meaning you never have to leave home without 125 lumens of bright LED light. The Surefire Titan-A also features a low light mode of 15 lumens, and boasts the company’s popular MaxVision Beam, ensuring your light is always well dispersed. All of this coming from a single AAA battery! Based on our conversations with the SureFire rep, users can expect 2 hours of continuous use on the low setting, and 30 minutes of use on high. Certainly something to keep your eyes peeled for.

 

5. Leatherman Tread QM1 Multi-Tool Watch

 

 

Rumors were flying the first few days of SHOT, as Leatherman announced they would be introducing something big come Wednesday. We made sure to plant ourselves in their booth for the big reveal, and boy were we excited when they pulled back the curtain.

 

Feast your eyes on the world’s first wearable multi-tool. The Leatherman Tread QM1 Multi-Tool Watch is a true blend of fashion and function, offering a stylish, rugged watch and 25 usable tools integrated right into the band, ensuring you’re never far from the bit you need. The tools included in the links of this watch include everything from a glass breaker, cutting tool, and screwdriver heads, to hex heads and even a bottle opener! To use a specific tool, you simply remove the watch and fold over the corresponding link. While it takes a little getting used to, once you flatten the band it actually becomes quite rigid, making it easy to drive that screw or break that glass. And best of all, Leatherman has confirmed that the Tread Multi-Tool Watch is completely TSA compliant, so you no longer have to store your multi-tool in your checked bag!

 

 

6. Armasight Q14 Thermal Imaging Mini Monocular

 

It seems that each year SHOT Show brings us some unbelievable advancements in thermal imaging technology, and 2015 was no exception. Enter the Armasight Q14 Thermal Imaging Mini Monocular. Coming in at under 4″ in length and weighing a mere 0.5 lbs, this is about as compact a thermal we’ve ever seen hit the market. However don’t let its small stature fool you; this device does not skimp on performance. This tiny monster packs a punch, with both 336 and 640 variations, a 800×600 LED display, digital 8x zoom, polarity control, and integrated digital compass. It includes multiple mounts, so users can easily switch between using the device as a pure monocular with the included head gear, to selecting one of the integrated reticles and mounting directly on their firearm via a picatinny rail adaptor. Overall, we could not be more impressed with the features and functions Armasight was able to pack into their new Q14 Mini Monocular.

 

 

7. Carson HookUpz Universal IS-100 Digiscoping Adaptor

 

From GoPros to “Selfie Sticks”, integration of the camera into daily life has continued to grow at astonishing rates. With most folks walking around with a high-powered camera attached to their phone, it’s easier than ever to capture life’s moments. The hunters and outdoorsmen out there know that some of life’s greatest moments can come from behind glass (i.e., binoculars, spotting scopes, telescopes, etc.), and Carson has created a way to ensure you can relive these moments for years to come with their new Carson HookUpz™ Universal IS-100 Digiscoping Adaptor.

 

While digiscoping is certainly not a new concept, the Carson HookUpz Universal IS-100 Digiscoping Adaptor makes the practice infinitely easier. No more swapping the case on your phone or buying different adaptors for different sporting optics. With a few small exceptions, this device will adjust to fit pretty much anything. Use it on your hunt in the morning, and slap it on your telescope at night to take star gazing images with your kids. The perfect tool to capture those perfect moments!

 

 

As you can see, there was more than just guns getting the attention at this year’s SHOT Show. Which one of these are you most excited about?

 

KellyB • 4 Comments on 7 Coolest Pieces of Gear from SHOT Show

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5 SHOT Show Weapon Crushes

Jan 21 • News • 40110

Plopped here comfortably in a nice SHOT show media couch, Its increasingly laborious to wrap my head around all of the firearm masterpieces I’ve laid eyes on here. Sure I could bore you with a run of the mill,  cleverly worded article about how Magpul quite literally turned the industry upside down with their latest product launches at SHOT, but where’s the fun in that? In lieu of that, I want to share with you five “weapon crushes”  that are sure to give you that warm and fuzzy feeling inside. I should warn you right now, I’m an equal opportunity weapon crusher so no matter the color, credo, or tactical operator collaboration-I like it all.

 

Houlding Wraith G2L Carbon Fiber AR-15

-Sporting looks that could easily be compared to little Ol’  brands like Mclaren or Ferrari, this featherweight honed my eyes immediately moving through the crowd. At only 6lbs, moving or manipulating the rifle is ridiculously easy.

 

C-MORE M26 stand alone 12 gauge pistol

-One word, hand-cannon. If you can’t tell from the picture above, this is magazine fed, manual action shotgun pistol. Sure it’s an AOW and I’ll probably never get the opportunity to own one but that’s exactly why I want it.

 

FN SCAR Personal Defense Weapon

-Since we’re on the subject of untouchables, short of joining the military or finagling your way onto a swat team, FNH’s SCAR PDW has a strictly LEO/MIL availability attached to it.

 

One-off Barret 82A1

-It may be slightly cliche putting a Barrett 50 cal on this list but I’m going to do it anyway. WHY? Well to be perfectly honest, this particular 82A1 rifle was customized in such a way that i’ve never before seen.

 

PWS MK107  w/ case

-My last crush is a total Jason Bourne package from the guys at Primary Weapon Systems. The PWS MK107 is a sweet little piston-driven AR and if you buy the upper separately you’re getting the case for free.

Jeremy L • 8 Comments on 5 SHOT Show Weapon Crushes

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Best $389 Ever Spent? Canik TP9-SA

Jan 16 • News • 51267

Hmmmm where to begin with this Turkish delight? Well for starters yes its made in Turkey-GET OVER IT! While I don’t recommend eating this Turkish Delight, the Canik TP9-SA is very similar to the edible version in that it’s a hodgepodge of tasty bits that many of us are favorable of.

 

 

The number one thing Glock guys (Yeah that’s me too) will pick up on is the nearly identical trigger on the TP9-SA. I’m sure someone will hate me for this but honestly the physical appearance is the only thing about the trigger that is Glock-like because its lightyears better and is even a tad bit better than the glorified HK VP9.  Since we’re already comparing pistols, aft of the chamber on the Canik closely resembles the Walther P99. Knowing that many of you were going to rush off to play pin the tail on the German polymer pistol, I’ve stacked them side by side to show you the similarities.

 

 

Now I don’t want this to come off as me blatantly going after Heckler or even Koch for that matter. I’m simply pointing out what this Mediterranean newcomer looks like and is relative to. Its evident that the Canik TP9SA borrows quite a few design cues from the Walther, including my least favorite part about the gun, the slide top de-cocker. However you can’t really fault Canik for it, nowadays its nearly impossible for a new pistol to not look like “something”.

 

 

 

 

Down To The Nitty Gritty:

 

Why You’ll Want The Gun?

-#1 reason for me, Reliability. After running everything from crappy TulAmmo to a mag of Hornady Critical Defense hollow points, it has my stamp of approval.

-For mid $300, Century throws in everything but kitchen sink with the purchase. You get a nice case, holster with two mounting options, 2-18 round mags, additional back strap, pin tool, lock , speedloader, and a cleaning brush.

-It feels really good in your hand

-It’ll work with Beretta M9 mag pouches and extended baseplates

-Way better than the original TP9

-Best out of the box striker fired trigger

– 18+1 rounds of pew pew pleasure

-removable grip backstraps to get the perfect fit for your mitts

-loaded chamber indicator

-cold hammer forged barrel

-ISO9000 Certified , meaning its been tested and inspected to last a hell of a long time

-Stupidly low price

 

 

 

Why you might shy away?

-Good luck ever getting any accessories or parts for the pistol

-That goofy top mounted de-cocker

-Definitely not a gun you’re proud to display on your mantle

-Magazines are hard to come by

 

The Bottom Line

While you’re never going to replace how I feel about my Glocks, this TP9SA is one hell of a gun for the money. I live and breathe by the phrase you get what you pay for and with this gun you’re getting Filet Mignon for meatloaf prices. So with that being said, there’s not a trace of doubt in my mind that it wont do what it was made to do-put 9mm’s where they need to go and every time I pull the trigger.

 

Is the Canik TP9SA a possible new addition to your collection? Let me know in the comments below. As always guys, shoot em straight and be safe!

 

Jeremy L • 19 Comments on Best $389 Ever Spent? Canik TP9-SA

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One Hell of A Knife-Schrade SCHF14

Jan 12 • News • 27813

 

If you’ve seen one knife, you’ve seen em all…..WRONG. The last few years have spawned some of thee coolest knife collaborations and creations since the beginning of time. Whether it be the recent availability of new materials e.g. blade steels, handle materials, etc. or new processes to build said knives- it has never been a better time to get high quality blades without breaking the bank.

 

 

The mundanely named Schrade Tactical Fixed Blade or what I like to call it, the SCHF14, sets the bar of what a high value blade should and can be. I say “high value” because in my opinion the word cheap should only be used for gear that you could care less about. While i’m on the subject,  this knife will only set you back two Andrew Jacksons ($20 says you had to look that up).

 

 

What I love about the knife:

–The excellent stonewashed finish

-Positive but comfortable jimping on the spine

-Extremely detailed scalloped G10 handles

-The fact that the handle has screws so i can remove the scales if I was so inclined

-non-intrusive lanyard loop

-Blade thickness

-Overall heft gives you chopping power and sense of overall quality

-8Cr13MoV stainless blade steel is about as good as gets for this price point

-Solid kydex sheath with multiple attachment points

 

 

Whats Lacking:

–The knife name sucks but besides describing what it is to friends or family, who cares?

-The belt loop for the kydex sheath is about as basic as it gets.

-A tiny bit of rattle when the knife is in the sheath.

 

 

With that being said, the last two complaints are actually really easy to fix. I personally swapped out that lame belt loop for one of the best holster belt clips on the market for the incog IWB holster (as seen in the picture above). Spend the measly $10 on the 4 hole option clip and you will not be disappointed. I also managed to eliminate the rattle by taking a heat gun to the area on the sheath where the blade is and pressing down. *Warning if you go too liberal with the heatgun you could ruin the sheath, so proceed with caution.*

 

 

At the end of the day what you’re left with is an affordable knife that is equally adept in a self-defense/ “tacticool” setting as it is in the woods doing bushcraft tasks, plus it just looks awesome. All of the other knife manufacturers, TAKE NOTICE. Schrade is cranking out badass blades for half the price. The bar’s been set , now its your move.

 

For more information on the Schrade SCHF14 click here

 

Like it? Love it? Hate it? Let me know below! As always guys, shoot em straight and be safe!

Jeremy L • 6 Comments on One Hell of A Knife-Schrade SCHF14

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