All Outdoor

Fiber optic sights have provided us with a significant sighting advantage in all light conditions.  The concept is simple, the length of fiber optic rods gather available light while the ends provide a brilliant colored dot of the captured light for sighting.  The longer and thicker the fiber optic rod the brighter the dot.  The Williams Gun Sight Company has been in the sight and gun accessory business since 1926 and is now famous for its innovative fiber optic Fire Sight line.  Williams innovation is no more apparent than on their Fiber Optic Fire Sight for AR-15 and similar variants.

Williams wanted to maximize the dot intensity for this defensive and sporting firearms and developed an innovative fiber optic extension.  Generally, most AR fiber optic sights only have about 1/4 inch of fiber optic rod at most, which limits the brightness abilities.  The William AR-15 Fiber Optic Fire Sight extends the fiber optic down and in front of a standard barrel mounted fixed front sight, exposing almost 3” of the fiber optic rod.  This provides a much brighter dot in more diverse lighting conditions.

On pulling it out of the box you’ll feel like you’ve purchased quite the contraption, but, as you step through assembly of the lower support and the sight chassis,

This week’s destruction test features the BlackJack Grunt by BlackJack Knives. The Grunt is an 11-in. long fixed blade that, according to forums, retails for about $25. Some internet sleuthing reveals that the knife seems to be currently unavailable through the BlackJack store or retailers, but there are still plenty to purchase on eBay. This particular knife reached popularity in 2011 but has since been discontinued.

The 5-part test, which you can check out below, proceeds as normal–KnifeTests.com founder Noss slices through an apple to test the blade edge, and subjects it to a series of tasks to test the strength of the material. As you’ll notice, the blade on this knife is pretty thick, and it doesn’t slice through the apple with as much ease as past knife tests (which you can check out here). The performance improves when cutting notches in a piece of wood, and it also splints a piece of wood in two with relative ease. While it chips away quickly at a concrete slab, it’s only a matter of time before the tip of the blade snaps off. A body weight test eventually breaks the rest of the blade, and a following pressure test breaks off the small remaining piece. Overall, for a $25 knife, it performed pretty well during rough use again

Practical Primitive posted step-by-step instructions on how to make your own survival cement. This is great for making shelters or cookers.

The recipe is simple, but it’s important to know what type of materials you’ll need and what the finished product should look like.

1. Find a source of mud with as high a clay content as possible ‘If you smush some of the mud into a ball and it retains it’s shape, you should be good.) and fill up a bucket with it.

2. Harvest a big armload of dry grasses and cut into lengths of about 6-12 inches.

3. Hydrate to your clay to a point where it will squish, not run, easily through your finger

My wonderful Ruger Mark IIIs are fun to shoot but they are thumbusters. One hour in on a fun day at the range and your thumbs with be aching, but you want to keep shooting. Now you can load you Mark I, II, and III and other similar single-stack .22LR magazines almost as fast as you can empty them.

I now have six magazines to delay the inevitable reloading pain at the range. When I heard about the McFaden Ultimate Cliploader I was beyond excited. McFaden’s claim of 3 seconds flat to load a magazine sounded like a challenge to me: which is faster loading, or unloading a magazine.

 
The instructions are simple:

• Drop in up to 100 rounds in the hopper
• Shake the loader to align rounds
• Insert magazine, pump it a bit if needed, and the rounds will be loaded
• Note – Sticky rounds may take a little extra jiggling or a spray of lube

I picked up an Ultimate Cliploader on eBay from the company for $29.99 and received a fast confirmation that my order was shipped. Days later I had my cle

The Caldwell Fieldpod by Battenfeld Technologies is a lightweight, five pound, highly portable hunting and shooting rest that offers benchrest stability in the field or at the range. It has been rock solid in the paces I have put it through.

The whole unit collapses quickly for transportation. Getting used to all the nuances of how the gizmo sets up takes a few minutes, but once you get it all down, it becomes second nature. Wrap the legs with some camo fabric or brush it in with some cuttings of nearby bushes in the process of making a natural ground blind. This setup works great.

Its height adjustment range goes from 20-42 inches. This means it can be used for all kinds of hunting situations: hunting blinds, sitting on the ground, or seated in a hunting chair. The tripod legs are each fully adjustable to level it out on uneven ground. The adjustments firmly lock with screw knobs so there is no “sliding” inside the tubular legs.

Once the Fieldpod is deployed and set up, it can pivot up or down and rotate left or right for quick target acquisition. One cannot imagine the advantage of having this benchrest stability in the field until you try it for all kinds of hunting including big game, deer hunting, predator/varmint hunting, and even turkey hunting.

One might think such a unit is c

First introduced in 1997, Marlin 795 is a box magazine adaptation of the tube-fed 1960 Marlin model 60. Inexpensive and lightweight, it was an attractive entry-level rifle. I bought one in 2000, attracted mainly by the low cost and reputation for good accuracy, as well as the auto hold open on the last shot that was missing from Ruger 10-22.

I was quite disappointed in the accuracy aspect, though I was ignorant of the real reasons: inconsistent bulk ammunition and open sights. For the inexperienced shooter, the gritty trigger was also a challenge. Evaluating every rifle for defensive and survival use, I was also not a fan of the magazine disconnector (it won’t fire without a magazine). After taking out the trigger pack to see if I could disable that “feature”, I also learned that it could not be re-assembled without a jig. Marlin eventually sent me a replacement pack to bring the rifle back into use. The rifle got traded off for something else and I forgot about it until 2012 when Appleseed variant was first being discussed.

Keeping the steady breeze in our favor, my guide Carlos and I quietly stalked through the thick brush. Suddenly a loud, long bellow shattered the early morning stillness and stopped us in our tracks. Sounding more like a rabid Rottweiler than a lovesick deer, the unseen stag issued a guttural warning to all others that dare even think of getting near its harem. Another thunderous blast boomed out of the heavy cover just 20 yards ahead of us.

AARROOOAUW-OUGH-OUGH-OUGH!

After such an up-close performance I fully understood the terminology that describes the vociferous rutting behavior of two of the deer family’s larger members. An elk bugles; a red stag roars.

My early April trip to central Argentina’s province of La Pampa coincided with the peak of roaring season (or brama, as Argentines call it) at the beginning of South America’s autumn. No flaming fall colors here, however. Parched from a long, windy summer, the level landscape consisted of dry grass and clusters of low-growing, flat-topped caldén trees with dark green leaves.

Upon entering the brush on the first afternoon of my hunt, I realized the terrain had deceived my hunter’s eye. At first glance the cover seemed sparse, and I didn’t think we’d be able to sneak within 100 yards of a stag. But the caldén grew in thick st

As black belt in Kendo and someone with a long-standing interest in Japanese swords, I was interested to read fellow AllOutdoor.com contributor Major Pandemic’s review of the Paul Chen budget tactical katanas. As always, MP’s review was excellent and thorough, but I have to take issue with a few parts of it, specifically regarding the suitability of the sword as a SHTF weapon.

For those of you who are too busy to read the whole thing, here’s the short version of what I’m going to say: if the S meets the F and the ammo runs out, then Cold Steel boar spear is by far a better melee weapon than even the most fantastic sword. Seriously, I’d take just about any spear over even a Howard Clark L6 bainite katana on any day of the week, and I say this as someone who’s has a black belt in a sword art and who knows that the Howard Clark L6 is the epitome of indestructible zombie slaying awesomeness. No, the katana is a on-on-one dueling weapon optimally designed for use in unarmored combat, and it rose to prominence during a specific, very peaceful period in Japan’s history. It is not an infantry weapon, and it is defin

I am probably the last editor on the planet to review the new in 2013 IWI Tavor, but I hope to  provide a perspective you have not read or heard before. I have actually been trained by Israeli Special Forces operators via a week long Mako Defense training. This certainly does not make me an expert at all things tactical or on all the Israeli methods, but it does provide perspective and helps me understand their fighting mentality, methods, and firearm designs. The Mossad-based Mako Defense training, paired with some supplemental IWI training helped me understand the design and features, along with how to operate it. I hope to convey some of that in this review.

For the needs of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), who face constant CQB hostage and terrorist attacks, the Tavor is the ideal rifle. For me, I believe it is the ultimate home defense and patrol rifle if the user learns how to use it effectively, as they should with any rifle format.

Some of the most popular recent bullpups have been the Steyr AUG A3, FN PS90, FN FS2000 and even here in the US, KelTec has a number of models as well. The concept is not n

There are few books I have read which are as intense as William Forstchen’s One Second After.  The author was originally intending to publish all his gathered facts on the effects and aftermath of Electro Magnetic Pulse (electro magnetic pulse) blast over the continental US as a study, but then he thought he would be labeled as one of those crazy survival types… I know the type.

Instead, he delivered those EMP facts in the form of a fictional story that about what happens when the power goes out and there’s a void of national leadership. Unfortunately, Forstchen’s scenario is all too likely, as military and government gaming strategists have said definitively that it’s not a question of “if” the the US will be struck by an EMP, but “when”.  The read makes you squirm because it feels more like you are reading prophecy, not fiction.

So what is an EMP? An EMP is a very high amp current surge which fries pretty much anything with a transistor, circuit board, or chip as if it has been struck by lightning. If it runs on AC or DC current with or without power connected at the time of the blast, it will be fried unless it is significantly “EMP hardened”.  

Because there is limited nuclear testing going on

A man’s man would shove his arm into a submerged wooden box putting his fist right down the throat of a 40-plus pound catfish. Well, I’m not that man. After all my job was to record the event with the camera and notepad, not to jump into the tannin colored river to retrieve a fish left over from the last ice age.

Handgrabbing catfish has to be an acquired taste, I guess something akin to wrestling alligators or wrangling rattlesnakes. None of those activities are on my bucket list to try. Even so, riding along was indeed a thrill in the same category as deer hunting with dogs, or coon hunting in knee deep swamps in the dead of night.

When the call came from Gerald Moore in Madison to join his catfish handgrabbing crew on the Big Black River, it took me a minute to respond. I mean I have two kids, a wife, and a schnoodle hound to care for at the house. And I can’t get any more life insurance. So, naturally I said, yes.

Gerald is the real deal. He’s no spring chicken either, but he is just as likely to try anything when it comes to hunting and fishing. He and his cat grabbing buddies have been hiding catfish boxes along the banks of the Big Black River for years. They sink the open ended boxes where the big cats quickly take up residence. The trick is to locate the boxes again especially aft

In this week’s KnifeTests.com destruction test, Noss and friends test the Ka-Bar Becker BK9. Ka-Bar knives are often synonymous with knives that can be put through the wringer, as they’re intended for tactical or heavy outdoor use. The Becker BK9 is a bowie knife made with 1095 Cro-Van steel, and it retails for $155.63 on the Ka-Bar site. (Other retailers like Amazon.com list it for closer to $85.)

This 5-part test showcases the knife’s ability to cut through an orange–rather than an apple–and then effortlessly slices through a sheet of paper. It also performs well to split a piece of wood in two, requiring a few smacks with another wood plank to drive it in. Ka-Bar is known for making knives for bushcraft, so this should come as no surprise that it withstands this test. After the wood splitting, the blade is still able to slice the remaining orange piece.

The knife maintains its shape and edge, and continues to cut through paper and orange slices. A clamp holding the knife in place demonstrates the strength of the blade, as it doesn’t succumb to breaking even with applied pressure. However, the blade begins to show damage during the concrete test, where every blow of the knife on the concrete warps the edge. This makes it harder to easily slice a piece of paper. The knife mak

What do you do when the bullets run dry? Today swords are again becoming a battle tool. You may be surprised that swords have been used quietly overseas in our own current military and US security operations. Swords answer the “then what?” question after your M4/M16 and Beretta 92F has run dry and you still have numerous bad guys attacking you. It is understandable why some special forces have found long knives and swords handy in very intimate combat situations.

In extended survival you will be faced with a need for defensive capability after your ammo runs dry. In intense, close quarters combat, the katana and wakizashi swords are without equal in strength, speed, effectiveness, and cutting power while minimizing weight compared to other sword designs. I thought it practical to explore this area of survival with Cas Hanwei’s Tactical Katana and Wakizashi swords, which were designed with current tactical needs and a survivalist mindset.

Sometimes when you are used to something short, 6” seems like a lot. In fact, 6” seems huge in the land of 3” barrel pistols, and with the Ruger GP-100, you can add heavy and thick to the list as well.  Get your mind out of the gutter — we are talking about one of the most saluted and upright revolvers on the market.

Despite the fact that in the right light and camera angle the 6” barreled Ruger GP-100 makes for some pretty great gun porn, the GP-100 has been the cornerstone of Ruger’s double action revolver line since its introduction in 1985.  It has spawned the SP-101 and even inspired Ruger’s new light weight line. The Ruger GP100 has been featured as a firearm for both villains and heroes in movies such as “Tango and Cash” and on television shows like “CSI:Miami” and “Law and Order.”

Part of the popularity of the Ruger GP-100 is the big, beefy, bomb-proof design that handloaders depend on to test high pressure rounds; plus it also looks bad-ass. Beyond its “super size me” look, it is also among the most accurate factory .357 revolvers made and has stood the test of time from a design, function, and accuracy perspective. Although I already own one 4” .357 GP-100 model, I have lusted after the giant 6” barreled model for years and I was ecstatic to finally

Chances are if you shoot anything that goes bang larger than a rimfire, you have probably thought about reloading.  If you are an avid larger volume shooter, ammo can get expensive, which leads to reloading which leads to damn I am tired or picking brass up off the floor, snow, weeds, grass, and dirt.  What you need is a Mako GMG Universal Rifle and Carbine Brass Catcher for less than $15 at MidwayUSA.com

The brass catcher is a really simple concept: a stiff Nylon bag at the top, mesh nylon material toward the bottom, with a wire sub-structure that attaches to the barrel with a very long velcro strap. Attach to rifle and/or carbine and empty brass cases drop nicely into the evidence bag… er brass catcher.

I have heard of people having issues where the brass catcher prevents full exit from the ejection port and causes a jam, but I have yet to experience

Why replace a perfectly good Glock Barrel with something unproven?  The simple answer is that it provides you with expanded ammo options and in theory improved accuracy.

The stock Glock barrel’s hexagonal rifling is not designed to shoot un-jacketed cast lead bullets.  The lead will build up really fast on Glock’s hexagonal rifling and can cause failures or worse.

The standard button rifling on aftermarket barrels such as those from KKM, Lone Wolf, and other allows you to shoot cheap cast bullets.

Most aftermarket barrels profess higher tolerances (tighter fit), and “Precision Match” barrels should increase accuracy but this is not always the case. I have not seen improved accuracy with Lone Wolf barrels, but I have with KKM’s .

Most aftermarket barrels are friendlier to the brass with fully supported chambers.  This is an important issue for those that reload. Less chewed up brass equals less expensive reloads and longer lasting brass.

Glock owners can swap back and forth between the stock barrel and the aftermarket version with no more effort than a basic field

GT Knives makes some of the finest automatic knives I’ve ever used. The original GT Knives was actually started by a plastics company that created both GT Knives and the wildly popular switchblade Divix Golf Tool.  Although their knives were famous for extremely high quality, a butter smooth action, outstanding ergonomics, an innovative and patented button locking mechanism, extremely comfortable billet aluminum handle, and one of the most reliably automatic opening mechanisms in the industry, GT Knives floundered a bit due to the enthusiasm of the management in the finicky knife business.  That lead to long back-order cycles and a large reduction in their models and variations and ultimately a gap in GT Knives’ existence.

I was thrilled to find out that the company was recently purchased and relaunched by Famous Trails, complete with the same exact original equipment used by GT.  Now in 2012, I am happy to say the famous GT Knives brand and quality lives on. I picked up an automatic GT Knives plain/serrated combo drop point blade with a olive drab green handle, and put it through its paces for this review.

Typically, when a knife manufacturer is purchased, you start to see tweaking or tuning of the design by the new ownership, wh

About eight months ago, right before I moved from San Francisco to Austin, I finally got around to checkout out the Triple Aught Design flagship store over in Hayes Valley. I left feeling like an idiot, because in that store I found the perfect hoodie for San Francisco weather: TAD’s Spartan hoodie. SF is a hoodie kind of town — you can wear one most days of the year if you’re in the right part of the city — and I had been through hoodie after hoodie over the years before at long last landing on the Spartan… right before moving to a place where hoodie weather is scarce.

Anyway, this post isn’t about the Spartan hoodie — I’ll post a real review of that eventually. No, it’s about a new entry in TAD’s Spartan family of products: the Spartan RS Pant. I got a pre-release review sample in the mail a few days ago, so I’ve not had been able to really spend a ton of time in the pants, but I’m very impressed so far.

The Spartan RS epitomizes the TAD approach of what I’d call “covert tacticool” — the gear is “tactical&#8

Gardening is time consuming so it’s nice to come across cool tricks to cut time and sweat. Check out the video below on how to grow potatoes directly on top of lawn using the no-dig method.

Aesent is featuring a patent-pending tent with an integrated inflatable base on Kickstarter. So far they’ve raised just over $44K from 290 backers.

The tent is suitable for four people with a 6-inch inflatable base attached via zipper access. The large base inflates in as little as two minutes. If you’re looking to conserve on weight, it’s also a fully functional tent without the inflatable mattress. The mattress itself is manufactured with a vinyl that is significantly thicker than the standard camping air mattress to make it puncture resistant.

They have a tentative delivery date for the last week of June or the very beginning of July.