SHOT show

Bring fun back to shooting with Firebird Targets

Have a Blast Shooting

Bring back the fun of shooting with Firebird Targets pyrotechnic exploding targets. Use them to improve marksmanship, provide instant hit recognition, for situational training and more – but don’t forget the fun.

Found at SHOT Show 2019

SHOT Show 2019 was fun and a bit overwhelming as usual with the plethora of products and companies. Trying to see them all in a few days is more than a bit of a challenge. Sometimes the accidental discoveries are the best. I had no intention of looking for exploding targets (maybe that’s a problem too, hmm), but I came across Firebird Targets and loved the concept of their product and very much looked forward to getting my hands on them to try.

Mail Call

Fast forward a few months after SHOT and I was pleased to receive a care package from Firebird Targets, Firebird 65mm Targets in a slick little 10 pack packaging. I didn’t remember the discs being quite so small and began to wonder if they were going to be any fun. I wasn’t disappointed with them being fun.

The received care package was 10 65mm targets, MSRP $19.99. Firebird Targets are not a Binary Target. No mixing or prepping of the targets are necessary. Simply peel the backing off the adhesive and stick it to your target. Once attached, move back at least 10 meters (33 feet), be sure you have eye and ear protection on, and let it rip!

Range Time

I shot a little video of myself trying these targets out. I completely intended on being quiet and serious for the video. My attempt to be serious went right out the window as soon as I hit my first Firebird Target! I found myself laughing, woo-hoo’ing, and smiling as soon as hits were made, what a blast!

Aside from the absolute fun you can have shooting these for about $2.00 a target, you could easily find many ways to use these in a formal and serious way.

One of the ways I look forward to using these in the future is for head-to-head competitions to make shooters push their speed and balance it with accuracy. The first shooter to clear their plates has to hit the Firebird Target to finish it.

These targets would make a great addition to your skeet shooting as well. Stick the disc to the underside of the clay pigeon and add a fireworks display to your hit.

Doing some long range shooting? No spotter needed to know if you’ve hit the target, you’ll know when you hit it!

Firebird targets are a fun and effective way to improve your shooting. Firebird Targets are not a Binary Target and do not contain Ammonium Nitrate. Firebird Targets are considered a pyrotechnic device. You’ll never wonder again if you’ve hit the target with Firebird Targets.

Manufactured in Texas

Firebird launched in 2010 in the United Kingdom but is now exclusively manufactured in Texas.

Firebird Targets are available now at Defender Outdoors and select gun shows.

What Not to Do

Don’t attach with hammer, staples, etc. to attach. Just use the adhesive. Read and follow safety instructions on the package. Clear the area of dry items/flammable material. No smoking around them. Check local fire conditions and comply with local ordinances. Don’t have open flames around Firebird Targets. Don’t use Firebird Targets indoors. Stay back 10 meters (33 feet).

Have a Blast!

5.11 AMP 72 pack: Carrying its own weight

One of the highlights of this years SHOT Show was 5.11′s Las Vegas retail store meet-and-greet event. A huge number of 5.11 employees traveled from all over the country to be a part of it, and it was well worth attending. Present there were sales reps, PR reps and product designers. Scott Lambert, the lead designer of 5.11’s bags was on hand to describe in great detail each of the design choices made during the planning and construction of 5.11’s newest backpack lineup, the AMP series, where AMP is an acronym for All Missions Pack. The specific pack I got in to review is the AMP 72.

The AMP packs come in three sizes, each roughly correlating to an operational length: the AMP’s 12, 24 and 72. While many of the design features are found in all three sizes, I’m going to limit my focus to the one pack I’ve had on hand since January, the AMP 72.

Let’s dish out the tech specs, then I’ll dive in and talk about them more in depth.

Dimensions:

Main Compartment – 24″H x 11″W x 9″D
Rear Compartment – 24”H x 11”W x 2”D
Total Capacity – 2440 cubic inch / 40 liter (approximately the same as 762 .50 BMG rounds by volume)

Features:

Patented HEXGRID® multi-angle load-bearing platform
Gear Set™ compatible with internal and external Gear Set™ mounting capability
Removable HEXGRID® 9×9 Gear Set
CCW pocket with loop panel and webbing strap for holster attachment
Full clamshell opening main compartment with Quad-Zip zippers
Internal loop platform panel, mesh org and admin pockets
4 side pockets and 1 bottom stash pocket
Secondary compartment for weapon storage up to 24″ with muzzle sleeve and removable retention strap
Hydration or laptop rear compartment
Thermoformed back panel with aluminum frame and load lifters
Water-resistant 500D Dobby Nylon (main) 1050D Nylon (bottom)
Water-resistant HEXGRID® 420D/1000D Cordura® Nylon

When I’m shopping around for a new pack, first I pare down my options by choosing the size I need. After that I’m looking for a few qualities: comfort, ergonomics, and durability. Aesthetic appeal isn’t really on there, with the exception that I don’t want an overtly tactical look for anything other than range bags or hunting packs. The AMP 72 meets all those criteria, here’s how.

First, let’s talk about comfort. The AMP’s straps are both wide and well-padded. The backpad is more than sufficiently soft and has air channels molded in to ensure ample ventilation. I don’t use waist belts on backpacks under 75 lbs, but the AMP 72 has one if you’re into that. When it comes to ergonomics, the things I’m looking for are convenient utility pockets, zipper pulls that I can find in the dark (and know which pocket they go to) and easy shoulder strap length adjustments. The AMP 72 has all of these in spades. The “Dobby” fabric used gives a natural ripstop element. The whole pack is built up to 5.11’s usual high standards, with tough fabrics and more than ample stitching.

The 9″ x 9″ accessory panel is really what gives the AMP series the versatility 5.11 was looking for. Being able to choose from a wide variety of velcro-backed tear-away pouches (5.11’s preconfigured “Gear Sets“), or nearly limitless existing Molle webbing pouches, or no pouches at all means you can set this up for whatever kind of day (or night) you expect, and even change it on the fly if needs be. You can leave the pouches velcro’d for a quick release, or utilize the accessory hooks for a semi-permanent setup. Scott Lambert let me know there’s even a 9″x 9” panel in the works that matches the exterior fabric, in case you want to be able to roll out with the least outwardly tactical appearance possible.

The AMP 72 feels like it has two, not one, main compartment. The rifle case portion is huge, and can store a lot of gear in the event you aren’t packing a rifle. the next pouch out is also surprisingly large. There’s also pockets-within-pockets. Starting with the rifle case region, there’s a laptop/ipad case behind the rifle pad lining. In between the pack and the backpad is another thin, vertically large pocket. Each side of the AMP 72’s main body has an external-access water bottle pouch, but if you check those out from the inside you’ll find another pocket piggybacking those. Likewise, the top has a sunglasses pouch. Inside is a small accessory pouch. In a deft twist, there’s also a discreetly hidden pocket in between those two, with a zipper that you’re unlikely to find if you aren’t looking for it. Stuffing both flanking pockets with miscellaneous goods is a good way to casually conceal something in the middle pocket, even against a trained eye.

Most of my packs don’t serve one single purpose, rather get reused for many different tasks. The AMP 72 has primarily served as a substitute range bag (with built-in rifle case), holding cameras, tripod, camera gimbal, Ipad, SBR/PCC, mags, ear pro and handgun. All that before I smash the first aid Gear Set onto the 9″ x 9″ velcro panel to extend the AMP’s considerable capabilities. We’re quickly closing in on Spring, wherein the AMP will switch gears into a general purpose camping backpack (with an SBR tucked away). If any deficiencies crop up later, I’ll update this article. So far the AMP has been phenomenal.

If you haven’t caught on yet, I think the AMP 72 is an awesome pack. It has comfort, it has quality and it certainly has versatility. The external velcro panel (and internal velcro lining) give you a multitude of options for configuring your gear hauler. 5.11 and their team put a lot of thought into the AMP series, and it really shows in the end product. The AMP 72 runs $249.99, and is available in 4 colors. Check it out!

Rex Nanorum

@Rexnanorum

Best morale patches of 2019’s SHOT Show

When the US military transitioned away from sew-on unit patches and flags to hook-and-loop fasteners (velcro®), a whole new ballgame began. Morale patches designed and produced by civilian gun and gear companies exploded in popularity, with some people designing popular (and lucrative) enough patches that they’ve turned it into a full-time occupation. I met with Jason of Golden Tiger Works who’s created some awesome Hawaiian-themed pieces.

No longer limited to embroidered unit patches, many and now made from PVC and their designs often include pop culture characters and references. For exampl,e Doublestar had the following “Guardian Angel” at their booth.

Some trade/sale groups have popped up on social media, like the Morale Patch Black Market on Facebook. It’s places like this that you’ll find out just how valuable some of the patches are. This is especially true for SHOT show exclusives, limited run or damn funny patches. The MPBM’s own patch (below) is never for sold, only given. After meeting with one of the group’s administrators Vince Vega, i was gifted one such.

While most use these patches as a way to promote their own brand, some forge a more anonymous path, producing works that don’t indicate their manufacturer. Two such are PatchesOlHooligan’s Merida and a Domino’s Noid that I saw on a trade wall. Manufacturer unknown.

Speaking of trade walls, they’ve changed a bit over the last couple of years at SHOT. Before, it was “take a patch, leave a patch”. Now, everyone I ran into was “leave a patch, get one of ours from the patch wall attendant”. While this means one can’t raid a trade wall for their favorites, it also means you get to see a much wider variety as nobody gets to snag all the good ones. Below are a couple of my trade wall favorites from this year.

Manufacturer unknown.

Maxim Defense, often repped by fellow B3 2/75 Ranger Kris Paranto

Defense Distributed and Ghost Gunner, advertising their unique angle of 2A preservation

Our own company logo printed on a PVC patch by Industrythreadworks.com

5:11 often has SHOT show exclusives, to go with their awesome gear

B.E Meyers

from TRU-SPEC

Morale patches are a pretty popular way to expand on America’s gun culture and connect it to many other aspects of our world. A warning to the uninitiated, collecting can be addictive!

–Rex Nanorum

@Rexnanorum

The VR80: A modern AR-Patterned Box-Fed Shotgun

Armscor – Rock Island Armory has introduced the modernized version of the VR60 with the new VR80. The new VR80 is an AR-styled 12 gauge.

A magazine fed beast that looks beautiful right out of the box but was made to be customizable – just like your favorite AR15, the VR80 is sure to please you.

The Armscor RIA VR80 weighs in at 8.27 pounds (or 9.03lbs loaded with the 5-round magazine) and has an overall length of 40 inches (20” barrel). The VR80 has a black anodized finish.

Ambidextrious

The customizable controls on the VR80 make it easy to run for both lefties and righties. The real beauty of this beast is the buffer bolt system that allows you to tame the recoil.

The upper and lower receivers are 7075 T6 aluminum and features a 12 o’clock picatinny rail along with a threaded and fluted barrel shroud. The design of the shroud helped tame the heat generated when I pumped over a 150-rounds through it in a short time frame.

Box Magazines

The VR80 comes standard with two 5-round box magazines. The 5-round magazines worked flawlessly. I also had a 9 round after-market magazine and the VR80 ran from that just as well.

While the magazines weren’t a drop-free like I’m used to on my AR’s, they easily inserted and latched without effort. I preferred the 9-round magazine. The 19-round magazine wasn’t tested by us. The 19-rounder looks fun but not very maneuverable or aesthetically appealing to me.

The magazines for the VR80 are backward compatible with magazines for the VR60. I bet there will be more options on the market soon as popularity for this shotgun increases.

Looking at the VR80 you’ll see the obvious use of the modern AR-15 structure and ergonomics. The stock and grip that the VR80 comes with works well. I’m anxious to install an aftermarket stock and pistol grip on it to see how the looks and comfort changes. The equipped stock is a patent-pending thumb-hole buffer tube buttstock. OEM works great but I like adjustable stocks and to personalize my firearms.

Not Your Grandfather’s Shotgun

The VR80 is not a traditional shotgun. The VR80 is a gas operated 12 gauge with an easy to operate reciprocating charging handle. One of my favorite features of the charging handle design is the ability to quickly and without tools change the charging handle from one side to the other.

New in the box the VR80 comes with two separate gas rings; one for heavy and one for lighter loads. The VR80 is chambered for 2 ¾” and 3” shells and has no problems pumping them out.

Three different choke systems that are easily changed out using the including wrench are included with the VR80. Researching online I found many forums saying that the chokes from a Benelli will fit the VR80 as well.

The VR80 Semi-Automatic Shotgun is, “A lean, mean customizable machine.”

I was able to connect with Crimson Trace and they provided me a CMR-201 Rail Master for test and evaluation. I installed the CMR-201 on the VR80 and ran it during my testing of the shotgun. I was impressed that the little laser could handle the shotgun. The CMR-201 blended in with the VR80 flawlessly and added an additional layer of functionality and cool.

The CMR-201 laser sight from Crimson Trace is a great option for those looking for a Universal Red Laser Sight. It is a powerful little laser solution for rail-equipped firearms. You can find the CMR-201 directly through Crimson Trace or through one of their many online retailers or Local Authorized Dealers.

Crimson Trace is currently offering a free CMR-201 Rail Master when you purchase a Crimson Trace laser sight, electronic sight, or riflescope from them, (good through February 28, 2019.) The CMR-201 Rail Master MSRP is $159.00.

A new take on the shotgun using the AR modularity

Personalization

After putting the VR80 through the paces on the range, I brought it inside and outfitted it with an aftermarket stock from Adaptive Tactical and a grip I had from MagPul.

Adaptive Tactical is known for performance shooting gear and their EX Performance Adjustable Stock is great quality.

With very little effort I was able to remove the existing grip and stock as one piece. I slid the Adaptive Tactical stock on and it looked great. With a single screw, I threaded the MagPul grip on and I was in business.

The stock from Adaptive Tactical provided an increased level of padding when shooting the 12 gauge round and improved my ability to fit the gun to the shooter’s arm length. I can’t wait to get my hands on more Adaptive Tactical products and see how they can transform other firearms I have.

The Adaptive Tactical stock MSRP’s at $49.99

I also put a Nikon red dot sight on the VR80. The stock, grip, and red dot sight turned the VR80 into an amazing machine that I can’t wait to spend more time on!

MSRP for the VR80 is $699.00. The VR80 is now available!

New Crate Club products and a quick SHOT Show recap

The Loadout Room team is back from SHOT Show and mostly recovered. Looking forward to some new partnerships and new products showing up on our site. Once the dust settles from all the vendors getting back into the swing of things, we’ll be getting a steady flow of new products to show you guys and gals. One of the new companies we stopped to chat with was AMEND2. AMEND2 is quickly gaining traction as being the toughest AR-15 magazine on the market. Well, we’ll be getting some of their AR-15 mags and Glocks mags to put to the test. Stay tuned. We also met with 5.11 Tactical, Magpul, ASP, Streamlight and numerous other firearms companies to include Heckler & Koch.

Upon my return home I was greeted with a box from the Crate Club. Inside the box were a few products that will get plenty of use during these cold months. Check it out!

KeyBar: Keys and accessories organized

KeyBar

A multi-tool key organizer that stops the noise and organizes the clutter; KeyBar.

The KeyBar combines the utility and comfort of a pocket clip knife and places your keys and so much more quietly at your fingertips when they are needed.

SHOT Show 2019

SHOT Show 2019 featured a one-day event for vendors that didn’t make it into the full-show.

KeyBar was one of those vendors that did the Pop-Up Preview. I’m glad they were able to make it into the event and found their products to be a solution to the problems that keys can be.

I knew of KeyBar very superficially before seeing the product in-person and have to admit I didn’t quite get the big picture of what they offer.

More Than Just a Key Organizer

The designed-to-fit tool inserts for the KeyBar is what makes it go from being cool to Great. The key organizer keeps your keys quiet.

The KeyBar design allows you to combine a variety of your everyday carry items into one compact, clean, and quiet package.

The KeyBar is made from a variety of materials depending on the model that you choose. Whichever you choose, they are quality materials that will work. Some of the options are aluminum, titanium, carbon fiber, even brass and copper. KeyBar also has a variety of cool designs and finishes.

The KeyBar will come with a titanium pocket clip and a titanium key fob plus three different screw lengths. The different screw lengths accommodate up to 12 keys or accessories.

If you’ve got a crazy amount of keys or are a tool whore, you can purchase the extension screw set which will allow you to hold up to 28 keys or accessories.

The creative and quality inserts are what really caught my attention when checking out the KeyBar.

Working as a law enforcement officer I find myself needing a thumb drive frequently. I seem to always miss place those stupid things more often than not.

The thought of having a USB cleanly placed with my keys, clipped in my pocket sounds great.

Another insert that I really found useful was the Mini Utility Tool. The Mini Utility Tool or MUT. Be prepared for anything with the MUT which features a titanium body and an easy to install or remove steel razor blade.

The MUT includes spare blades which can be installed without disassembling your KeyBar.

Flight Friendly

If you go on a flight, take the blade out, throw it in the trash, and continue on through airport security, (as long as you haven’t selected another blade as one of your tools inserted!)

KeyBar – They Do More Than Just Organize Your Keys

The KeyBar is one of several cool products that KeyBar offers. Head over to their website and check out what all they offer and be assured that you’re dealing with a great company. They sell quality made products that they stand behind.

Watch for more to come from KeyBar such as their new belt and buckle design.