Palmetto State Armory Enters the Glock Barrel Market
For some time now, there have been only several players in the threaded Glock barrel game. Of course, one can get a factory threaded barrel from Glock, complete with their M13.5x1LH threading – which does have its benefits, but is otherwise largely silly – and a relatively hefty price tag. Then there are notable offerings from the likes of Storm Lake and Glock-aftermarket titans Lone Wolf Distributing, whose price tags can run the gamut from $235 down to $129, respectively. Now, it seems as if Palmetto State Armory wants to join in the action.
Known for having ridiculously good deals and specials, PSA is now selling drop-in 1/2×28 threaded Glock barrels. With an MSRP of just $109 (and melonite G19 models currently on sale for $99!) with the thread protector included, it seems like too good of a deal not to try out. In a feat of blindingly-fast-for-PSA shipping, the barrel that we ordered arrived promptly via the big brown truck after a mere 12 business days.
Comparing the profile of the PSA barrel’s lugs, feed ramp, etc. to that of the factory barrel, they seem pretty much identical. Comparing the smell of the two, it may be safe to say that the PSA unit was fresh from the nitrocarburizing tank. The finish of the PSA barrel was nice enough, with all surfaces having a consistent finish. The stamp consists of the PSA crossed-cannons logo and “9MM” and it looks good enough that, even if there was an option to pay extra to have it removed, it wouldn’t be necessary. Although there are some guesses floating around the internet, we haven’t seen any confirmation of who is making the barrels for PSA or if they are producing them themselves. There is no wolf head hidden anywhere on it to indicate that they are re-branded LWD barrels, as is the case with Gem-Tech barrels.
The barrel lived up to its “drop-in” moniker, installing with no additional fitment required and hand-cycling snap caps with no issue. At the range, right out of the box it gobbled up a full box of brass 9×19 ammo as well Continue reading
What Will We See at SHOT Show 2015?
It is hard to believe, but SHOT Show 2015 is less than four days away. The eagerly anticipated Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show is the largest show of its kind, featuring more than 1,600 exhibitors and drawing tens of thousands of industry-member attendees as they seek out the next trend setting products and services in the shooting industry. Simply put, this is the show to find out about new firearms and gear product launches.
As usual, GunLink will be covering the show again this year – from the SHOT Show Range Day before the official show opening to the 170,000 square feet of show floor exhibit space. There will no doubt be many great product unveiled this year and GunLink will be covering them live during the show and continuing coverage after the show closes.
So, what can we expect to see from SHOT this year?
Heckler & Koch is rolling out several new updates to the handgun and long gun categories, including new HK45 Cerakote colors, the brand new USP9 Tactical, and the now-shipping MR556A1 rifle – a semi-auto version of the HK416. Range day attendees will also have a chance to get their hands on the new striker-fired VP9 pistol.
Charter Arms adds another model to its Pitbull line of rimless cartridge revolvers. The stable will now include a .45 ACP model in addition to the existing 9mm and .40 S&W models. IWI US will be showing off their $1200-range UZI Pro pistols, one of which features a now-ubiquitous arm brace.
A perennial hot topic is what new products Glock will unveil at SHOT. Rumors of a single-stack 9mm pistol have been Continue reading
Is Pretending to Open Carry a Viable Self Defense Option?
Talking the Talk, Not Walking The Walk
An interesting new product idea was recently brought to our attention. The goal of Perceived Carry Decoys (PCD) is to give the perception that the person wearing it is openly carrying a firearm “without the stigma or concerns associated with owning a gun.”
The device itself is essentially a fake pistol molded into a paddle holster. Although the product photos appear to be stock photos of the SG21 and WP22 holsters directly from the Fobus website, it does sound like there are prototypes out there and the website claims that the product will be unveiled at the 2015 Miami Small Business Expo starting tomorrow and the idea taken before the Shark Tank folks.
But let’s back up a minute. Is this product even a good idea? First off, what kind of adult (and the website does say that you must be 18 to order) wants to pretend to open carry a gun? If you want to protect yourself or your family but a firearm isn’t for you, you are probably better off with a baton, a can of Fox Labs spray, or the more politically-correct cell phone and rape whistle.
I am not adverse to open carry and I have done so in several states both before and after getting a concealed carry license – although, for the most part, I find the benefits of carrying concealed to far outweigh those of open carry. OC serves a purpose, but that purpose isn’t to make a scene and draw attention to yourself. There are valid arguments for and against open carry which do not need to be hashed out again here. However, I think that there is a fundamental flaw in some of the reasoning presented on the PCD website:
The whole purpose of open carry is to give off the “don’t mess with me” persona. The whole purpose of Perceived Carry Decoys is to give off the appearance that you too are ready for anyone, anywhere.
No. That isn’t the whole purpose of open carry. Maybe that is a small side effect of open carry but the generally agreed upon benefits include faster access to the weapon, less likelihood of snagging on a garment, more comfortable carry, not having to buy bigger pants, ability to carry without the time and money investment of a getting a license (in some states), etc.
There are a number of downsides to open carry as well, as any OC opponent will be quick to point out. It has the potential to put a bullseye on you for the bad guys (like the so-called shoot me first vests) and, in many places, it will get you lots of unwanted attention from law enforcement, security guards, store clerks, zealous anti-gunners, and other busy bodies. How does it go when something goes south and the cops tell you to slowly put your gun on the ground?
And what about when Joe Street-Thug decides that you are next in line for his mischief making? News flash: bad guys, especially the particularly dangerous ones – are often not afraid of some schmo with a gun. If they don’t just shoot you immediately to remove you as a threat, how does it play out when they try to take the gun or force you to give it to them? How do you use a piece of gun-and-holster shaped rubber to protect your family from real world evil?
Maybe the PCD is something that you have to get your hands on to see how good it is. Maybe there is some big upside to it that I am just missing. Or maybe I just don’t understand the mindset of someone so worried about “the stigma or concerns associated with owning a gun.” It just seems like very little good but a lot of bad could come from pretending to have a gun when you don’t.
Although the site claims that they are only taking pre-orders at this time and no price is listed, perhaps a better make-believe “I have a gun” routine would be to flash a concealed carry badge on your belt or a chain around your neck. Imagine the epic crime-deterrent power of a CCW badge and a fake gun!
Now Available: Alien Gear Holsters Gift Cards
Hayden, ID – Looking for the perfect gift for the gun owner on your list? Alien Gear Holsters is now offering custom designed Gift Cards for the upcoming holiday season. Give the gift of comfort, quality and concealment – available in $50, $75 and $100 amounts.
Gift Cards can be used to purchase any of Alien Gear Holsters’ quality holsters, including the new ‘Cloak Tuck 2.0’ neoprene composite IWB holster or the ‘Cloak Slide’ OWB leather holster. Also included is the new “2 Holster Combo” – an offer that includes inside or outside the waistband holster types, plus a choice of holster base material and clips.
Best of all, Gift Card orders include 2 day shipping, so you can be sure to get your card to someone special in time for the holidays. Alien Gear Holsters can ship your Gift Cards to all 50 states and Military oversea locations. Don’t forget – you can easily check your Gift Card balance at aliengearholsters.com/giftcards! For additional questions, please visit aliengearholsters.com or contact a Customer Service Team Member at (208) 215-2046.
About Alien Gear Holsters
Founded in 2013, Alien Gear Holsters manufactures premium, incredibly comfortable holsters for concealed carry. Alien Gear Holsters are the most comfortable, concealable holsters on the planet. Any planet. For more information about Alien Gear Holsters, visit aliengearholsters.com.
REMINGTON MODEL 887 SHOTGUN RECALL
PRODUCTS: Remington is voluntarily recalling Remington Model 887™ shotguns manufactured from December 1, 2013 to November 24, 2014.
DESCRIPTION OF THE HAZARD: Remington has determined that some Remington Model 887™ shotguns manufactured between December 19, 2013 and November 24, 2014 may exhibit a defect causing the firing pin to bind in the forward position within the bolt, which can result in an unintentional discharge when chambering a live round. While Remington has the utmost confidence in the design of the 887™ shotgun, it is undertaking this recall in the interest of consumer safety.
REMEDY/ACTION TO BE TAKEN: STOP USING YOUR SHOTGUN. Any unintended discharge has the potential to cause injury or death.Immediately cease use of recalled shotguns and return them to Remington free of charge. Shotguns will be inspected, repaired, tested, and returned as soon as possible, at no cost to you. DO NOT attempt to diagnose or repair recalled shotguns yourself. For your safety, STOP USING YOUR SHOTGUN and immediately contact Remington.
To participate in the recall, please follow the instructions below: Continue reading
Alien Gear Holsters Ramps Up Manufacturing Due To Increased Demand
Consumer demand continues to grow for Alien Gear Holsters’ newest IWB, the ‘Cloak Tuck 2.0’. Launched in Summer 2014, this lightweight, neoprene composite holster has taken the market by storm with what many in the concealed carry industry are calling the most comfortable, dependable and easy to conceal holster they’ve ever tried.
As a result, the ‘Cloak Tuck 2.0’ has shattered Alien Gear Holsters’ daily sales records, causing delayed shipping times while fueling product demand. Thomas Tedder, President of Tedder industries admits, “the demand for the ‘Cloak Tuck 2.0’ has been greater than expected and we’re doing our best to accommodate each and every customer.” As a response, Tedder Industries is doubling their manufacturing line and streamlining many key processes at their Hayden, Idaho manufacturing facility.
Alien Gear Holsters also plans to implement several tools to their website to help inform their customers, including an order status feature, improved email notifications and a chat function that allows customers to access a customer service representative instantly.
Every Alien Gear Holster is hand-made to order and goes through a rigorous, quality assurance test to ensure maximum quality and attention to detail. Tedder adds, “We take great pride in every holster we build, making the low priced ‘Cloak Tuck 2.0’ the best value on the market. We will continue to improve shipping times without compromising the quality you have come to expect.”
About Alien Gear Holsters
Founded in 2013, Alien Gear Holsters manufactures premium, incredibly comfortable holsters for concealed carry. Alien Gear Holsters are the most comfortable, concealable holsters on the planet. Any planet. For more information about Alien Gear Holsters, visit aliengearholsters.com.
