Review: INFORCE WML

Many of you are familiar with the INFORCE brand, which has gained a very strong reputation, particularly in Military and Law Enforcement circles.  Emissive Energy Corp., an American corporation founded in 1991, produces INFORCE brand products.  Emissive Energy is also responsible for products under the INOVA brand name as well, until the brand was sold in 2010.  This is all beside the point, however.

INFORCE has recently released a new weapon light, simply named the Weapon Mounted Light, or WML. Allow me to begin with some technical details.  The WML is just over 4” long, the bezel is 1” in diameter, and the unit is stunningly lightweight, at a mere 3 ounces, including the single CR123 battery.  The light has two output settings.  On “High”, the light puts out 125 lumens for about 2 hours on a fresh battery.  Set it on “Low”, and you get 30 lumens for 10 hours of continuous run time. 

This light, while it may be small in size, does not lack any of the features of it’s larger, heavier counterparts.  Aside from the previously mentioned High and Low output settings, the light features a strobe function.  All of these features can be operated as constant-on or momentary through the use of the single button on the back of the light.  When I found that this light had all of these features and only one button, I was expecting a catastrophe waiting to happen.  Picture someone’s home being broken into, and instead of turning the light on momentarily, the homeowner is fumbling, cycling through all of the “settings”, trying to find the one he’s looking for.  While this is going on, he’s giving away his position, essentially painting a target on himself. . .

This couldn’t be farther from the truth.  The operation of all the features of the light are very intuitive.  As with all new firearms and accessories, there is a learning curve, and some practice is required to "master" said items.  Without the aid of an owner's manual or any form of instructions, I was able to comfortably activate all of the features this light has to offer within minutes of turning it on.  As I said, operation is very intuitive.

With all of the features this light has, it is no surprise that a tape switch is not available.  In my opinion, one isn’t needed.  On my AR15, I mounted the light on the left side of the quad rail, right where my thumb would normally rest.  I was never able to get used to a vertical or angled foregrips.  The back of the WML is angled, with a large button that is very easy to find and activate.  The button also has a flip-up lockout lever that is intended to prevent accidental/unwanted activation of the light.  It is a good idea in some cases, and solves the problem encountered by other tailcap switch equipped weapon lights.  The beauty of this design is that such an idea is not needed here.  The ergonomic design, combined with the shape of the button itself, prevents most all accidental light discharges.  Palm strikes, bumping into walls, doors, etc., will not turn the light on.  I found the lockout lever to be unnecessary, but it's shape and location do not detract from the use or aesthetics of the light in any way, as it is virtually unnoticeable unless it is in the "up" position, as pictured below.  Even in this position, it is still possible to activate the light, it simply requires a more deliberate motion to do so.

The Breakdown:

Pros: Lightweight, bright, packed with features that some higher-priced models lack, available with IR illumination, black and tan colors available to match the light to your rig, battery consumption is on par with similar lights.

Cons: Lack of tape switch compatibility may be an issue for some.

Bottom Line: If you are looking for a rock-solid weapon light that won't add pounds to your weapon, look no further.  The price is right when compared to comparable lights, and the features packed into this small package make it a great choice.  Simple mounting, quick detach, intuitive operation, and power, all combined in a package that is less than 3 ounces.

I'd like to extend my gratitude to Rick at TacticalLEDs.com for the opportunity to review this product.  


If you have a product you would like to see reviewed here, please contact us at thelowready@gmail.com

The Path to Silence (Or at least around 110 to 120 decibels)

Note: While there is some debate among enthusiasts regarding the proper name for a Silencer/Suppressor, for simplicity's sake, we have chosen to stick with the name the ATF uses to classify this device.

When the news about Michigan’s new legislation regarding Silencers hit me I was unsure of how to respond. I never had the urge to own a silencer and was not a proponent of silencer ownership. It wasn’t that I felt “civilians” shouldn’t own silencers; I just didn’t have a strong opinion about them. However, when I logged on to MGO (www.michigangunowners.org) that day, I suddenly became a strong advocate for silencers. Now that they were legal, I wanted one and was willing to pay the price to obtain one (which I might add has been kind of steep for my tastes).

I kept my eye on MGO for a few days after that to monitor how my fellow firearm enthusiasts were responding to the new law and just as I expected, from people like myself who have more money than sense, they were jumping right in to get their hands on the newly approved devices. It wasn’t long after that while working out of state that The Gun Barn II in Detroit, MI started a group-buy for silencers. I gave the prospect of hopping on the bandwagon a great deal of thought, which was around seven seconds, before I sent the email to The Gun Barn II requesting my silencer and provided my down payment. My choice was the GemTech Blackside .45 for my Glock 21 for the chump-change price of $662.50. Ouch! I would like to mention that this accessory for my pistol happens to cost about $102.50 more than the pistol itself, but then again it’s not quite as bad as putting an ACOG on a Hi-Point.

Starting the process to purchase my silencer rekindled my urge to get a threaded barrel for my Glock 21. Don’t worry, I hadn’t overlooked that elephant in the room. After all, you can only use duct tape to affix the silencer to the barrel so many times before it gets dangerous. My search for a threaded barrel was already taken care of because I had already set my sights on a particular manufacturer. Lone Wolf Distributors produces threaded barrels for Glocks at a pretty fair price. With my threaded barrel and thread protector I ended up paying about $140. I must admit, I have intentionally refrained from trying to see how much this whole package is going to cost me in the end; mainly because my sanity will be hard to calculate.

After getting my barrel and about a month and a half of waiting, which was actually nice because it gave me the time to save up the other half of my payment, I got the email from The Gun Barn II telling me that my item was in. Now came the fun part, which as I’m writing this is not quite over. The Gun Barn II was going to send me a couple documents that needed signing, fingerprints, and my first-born son. Oh, and I can’t forget about the $200 check to The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATFE). The first and easiest part of the paperwork process was getting my picture taken for the two Form 4s. $10 at Meijer had that taken care of. The next task was dropping off the paperwork at my county sheriff’s office for signing. I had been in email communication with the sheriff himself for about a month so he had an idea about what was coming to his desk. At first, the sheriff needed some guidance on the legality of silencers, but after a quick background check (part of the life of a gun owner) the sheriff signed my papers and got them off to me.

My current predicament…fingerprints. I had not taken into account that the nearest place for me to get fingerprints done decided long ago that they would make their profit off of fingerprints. You ready for the price? Too dang much: $65. As of recent it has not been verified on whether this is per card, the BATFE requires two cards to be completed with the application. My current plans are to have my co-writer take my prints as his prior military police training has provided him with the knowledge he needs to properly take fingerprints. We will soon see if the BATFE will accept a veteran’s taking of my fingerprints instead of price-gouging, I mean, honest professionals, but that will have to wait until the forms are sent out. As I progress with this process I will advise on any new events that come about, but hopefully my next update will be several exclamation marks followed by I GOT MY SILENCER followed by more exclamation marks. Oh, and the cheesy video showing me overly excited to show you the difference between a Glock 21 silenced and un-silenced. 

First Look: Kimber Eclipse Target II

It's been mentioned before, it will be mentioned again, I'm sure: I'm not made of money.  Many of my firearms are purchased from the "Used" rack at the local gun shop, although I do spend a lot of time perusing the "Way Out of My Price Range" rack, dreaming about those beauties under the glass that I will never be able to afford.

Until now.

After looking through the glass on the "New" rack, I noticed that a particular firearm I had been dreaming about had become MIA.  I felt a knot in my stomach, knowing that the pistol I had asked to hold no less than a half dozen times in the past would never be mine.  I then hear a familiar voice say, "Nick!   You've GOT to see this!"  I walked over to where my friend was standing, and peer through the glass on the "Used" rack. . . The Kimber was sitting there, in all her glory, peering back at me, this time with a VERY attractive price tag.  

As the title states, the Kimber in question is the Eclipse Target II model.  The one in my collection is as it was originally outfitted from Kimber, including the fully adjustable bar-and-dot Meprolight night sights.  

First impressions are very good, the pistol is of very strong construction, has a very attractive design, while still maintaining the classic 1911 look.  The "II" designation indicates that an internal firing pin block is present, which is deactivated by the grip safety.  The factory trigger pull is set at 4.5 pounds, and is very smooth.  The sight radius is 6.8", compared to 6.3" for the Beretta 92FS previously reviewed here.    Although this pistol has yet to make it to the range, a range day is in the works, and a full Range Report will be coming soon.

Final Word: This is a very nice pistol, although very pricey (Price tags upwards of $1,300 are not unheard of for a new example).  Construction is solid, the weapon is very well-equipped, and it bears the "Kimber" name, which is known for producing a quality pistol.

Review: Magpul Back-Up Sights

Recently, I acquired a used AR15.  The drawback to my newly purchased rifle was it's lack of any type of iron sights.  I began reading reviews of the various back-up sight options in order to find something with a decent track record.  During this research, I came upon the Magpul Back-Up Sights.  The reviews I read were mostly positive, so I decided to pick up a set of front and rear MBUS flip sights.

When I got them, I was impressed by how solid they were constructed, especially considering they are made up of about 80% injected molded plastic.  Despite the very solid construction, they are also extremely lightweight.

My AR15 is a flat-top Spike's Tactical equipped with a UTG carbine-length quad rail and a rail gas block.  I mounted the Magpul sights without incident, and once attached, they were very secure.  Sighting them in was a bit of a challenge, however.  With the rear sight windage set at dead center, and the front sight post set flush at the base, rounds were hitting approximately 2 feet off of the target at 25 yards.  After about 2 full 30 round magazines and countless adjustments, I was finally able to get the rifle to hit the target I was aiming for.  A little more fine tuning, and I was able to get it to hit dead-on out to 50 yards.

My observations are quite simple, really.  If you are looking for a permanent iron sight for your rifle, I would suggest that you look elsewhere.  If you just need a back-up for a quality optic, the MBUS will work fine, just make sure you ensure it has retained it's zero occasionally.

I will write more as I continue to use these sights.  A different set of iron sights will be installed in the future, as I prefer iron sights to optics, and a comparison will be made.

Magpul BUS sights are available new from about $79 through Amazon, front and rear sights are sold separately.  Better deals can be had if you do some comparison shopping online. 

First Look: Smith & Wesson M&P 15 "Sport"

Smith & Wesson has come out with an M&P 15 for their more "budget-minded" customers, dubbed the M&P 15 Sport.  It's basically a stripped-down version of the higher end M&P 15T, but there are a few key differences.

First, the chamber and barrel are not chrome lined as they are on the higher-end models, they are melonite lined.  This does two things: Increases accuracy, and reduces resistance to rust.  The reason most manufacturers use chrome lined barrels is because of it's high resistance to corrosion.  Accuracy isn't increased dramatically, you likely won't even notice the difference between this and a chrome lined barrel, but there is a difference, and it is worth mentioning.

Also, the M&P 15 Sport lacks a few features that are common on other models, a forward assist and a dust cover.  If you are just looking for an AR15-type rifle for taking to the range once in a while, you won't miss these features at all.  The beauty of any AR15 is the ease of replacing parts, so if you really wanted to, you could always replace the upper with another that isn't lacking those features.

Moving to the lower receiver, the only visible difference from the standard AR platform is the lack of an interchangeable trigger guard.  This model line has the trigger guard incorporated into the lower receiver,  and it is not replaceable, unless you are willing to replace the entire lower assembly.  For most, it won't be an issue, but this article is simply focusing on the differences.

The collapsible buttstock appears to be sturdy and of decent construction.  It has a standard adjustable A2 style post front sight, and an adjustable rear dual-aperture peep sight.  If iron sights aren't your forte, you can always mount an optic of some sort to the accessory rail.

We will be doing a more in-depth review of this rifle in a few short weeks, but until then, we wanted to post another article.


Soon to come on The Low Ready, we will be doing a Range Report on a few weapons you've already read about, and one you haven't.  The Beretta 92FS and Springfield XD45 will be there, along with another pistol or two that you haven't seen here yet.

Coming Soon on The Low Ready!

It's difficult to find the funds to test out all kinds of new and exciting firearms and related items, but we have some very exciting new articles coming up!  Our next "First Look" article is going to be a quick review of a relatively new firearm, the new Smith & Wesson M&P 15 Sport.  This is a newcomer to the Budget AR15 segment, and there is very little information about it out there.

We're also going to be doing our first ammunition review.  I'm still working with the manufacturer to get my hands on a few more boxes, but we should be able to share some information about this local ammunition manufacturer's self defense ammunition.

As I've mentioned before, I pay full price for all the weapons we test here.  They are not loaned to us by the manufacturer or the gun shop, they are purchased.  Once I get home and get some time to really inspect the weapon, I start writing my impressions of the product, which is what you see.  I do not make any money writing my reviews, I do this for my personal enjoyment, as well as to help others make informed decisions.

We will be running a segment soon, in which we will try to accomplish the impossible, and build a reliable, accurate AR-15 rifle for under $500 (we're going to push for the lowest price we can manage), and depending on the responses we get from you, our readers, we will attempt a similar feat with the most iconic pistol of the 20th Century, the 1911.

I simply wanted to update our readers, there is more to come, we are working to purchase some exciting new products to review, and as always, we are open to suggestions!  If you'd like to see anything in particular, don't hesitate to send us a message or leave a comment here.


In other news, we have started our YouTube account, and we will soon be doing video reviews of the firearms we review here, in addition to the written reviews.  Our ultimate goal is to capture video of the firearms in action, demonstrate the proper methods of disassembling and reassembling the weapons, as well as going over the basic features and our opinions of various firearms.

Thanks for following The Low Ready, and keep checking back for more updates and new reviews!

First Look: Beretta 92FS 9mm

First things first, this is one of the firearms I've wanted since I first saw it.  When I was in Basic Training in the U.S. Army, this weapon was more than an issued sidearm, it represented progress.  I was issued my first Beretta M9 during the first week of Military Police training.  I learned to shoot with the M9, ate, drank, and slept with it, and qualified "Expert" with it every time.  The Beretta M9 (92F) has been in service with the U.S. Armed Forces since 1985, when it replaced the M1911 45ACP sidearm.

Putting the past behind us, I will focus on the strengths and weaknesses of the 92FS, and in a little bit, I will mention the differences between the 92FS and the M9 that is issued to the U.S. Armed Forces.

The first thing one notices when handling the Beretta 92FS for the first time is it's weight.  It's remarkably light for an all-metal weapon, weighing in at just over 2 pounds when unloaded.  The weapon comes packaged with two 15-round magazines, two bore brushes (one brass, one nylon) and a cleaning rod, a gun lock, and what is called an "Anti-Crush Device" inside the blue plastic case.  The case itself is very weak, and the "Anti-Crush Device" is a simple plastic cup that goes inside the case, that inspires a "What is this for?" response.

Once the initial "newness" of the 92FS wears off, and you start looking closely at it, a myriad of features become apparent.  One of my personal favorites is related to the safety/decocking system.  The decocking lever actually rotates the firing pin connector upwards into the slide.  Also noticeable on the top of the slide is the "block", which prevents the hammer from connecting with the firing pin unless the trigger is pulled, and the locking block rises into position.  This is a unique set of safety features when compared with the other pistols we have reviewed here, but I believe it is a strong design.

The trigger pull is rather heavy on this pistol.  The initial "Double Action" trigger pull is around 14 pounds, and the subsequent "Single Action" trigger pull is about 6 pounds.  When compared to the Sig Sauer P220 we reviewed earlier (See First Look: Sig P220 .45ACP), the Beretta's trigger pull is slightly heavier.  The Sig's trigger pull was 12 pounds DA, 4.5 pounds SA.

The fit and finish of the 92FS is very impressive given the Beretta's $649 suggested price tag.  There is little lateral play in the slide, the trigger pull is smooth despite it's resistance.  The finish is flawless, and the warranty is decent.  That said, I feel I should cover one thing that many people don't know about the Beretta warranty: It can be extended from the standard 1-year warranty to a 3-year warranty, simply by returning the registration card to an authorized Beretta dealer, or mailing it directly to Beretta, within 30 days of purchase.  It's worth it to fill out the card and return it.

I know that a picture is worth a thousand words, but I didn't have time to take some pictures of the Beretta before it made it's way to it's new home for the night.  When I write our next "Range Report" segment, I'll include pictures of the Beretta.  I will also add some to this post at the same time.


There is more to come, so be sure to check in frequently for updates!



UPDATE:  3/3/2012
Photos added, pistol is exactly as it was during the original review, with the exception of the grips, which were replaced recently.

Coming Next on The Low Ready

It's been a while since our last review, I know.  It is difficult to continue reviewing firearms without any options for procuring them besides purchasing new weapons, trading in current weapons, or borrowing from others for the purposes of putting them through the paces. . .

That said, I decided to "pull the trigger" on a pistol I've wanted for a few years now, the Beretta 92FS.  I found a great deal on a new 92FS at the local shop, and I couldn't resist.  At first, this was just another of our usual "window shopping" trips, but the people I brought with me were perusing the Shotgun and Rifle aisle when I spotted the Beretta under the glass at the counter.  I spoke with one of the employees about it, took a closer look at it, and within a few minutes, I was forking over the cash.  My friends were surprised that I bought a pistol in the short amount of time they were away from me, but anyone who was spoken with me about firearms at length knows that the 92FS is one of my "dream guns".  Sure, it's bulky, it's heavy, and it's only a 9mm, but I have a connection with this pistol.

I learned to shoot with an Army-issued M9 pistol.  I carried that pistol through weeks of my military training, and it was my issued sidearm throughout my time in the Army.  That's why I shelled out about $650 for the Beretta.  A "First Look" article will be posted sometime next week, and we're going to try something new, a "Torture Test" with my current pistol, a Springfield XD45.  Expect videos to be posted, I'm really hoping to have some fun with that.

I'm also entertaining the idea of buying a "plinker", but with all of the options available to me, I'm still not sure which to go with.

So, stay tuned for updates, a "First Look" and "Range Report" on the Beretta 92FS, and a "Torture Test"

First Look: Mossberg 590 12-Gauge Shotgun

With the first gun I ever fired being a single shot 12 gauge without a padded butt stock, I knew I would have to eventually find one to fit my needs and personality. I had been drooling over a Benelli Nova for quite some time. However, the Benellis were right next to the Remington shotguns, which put me into an even greater predicament. It wasn’t until I found a used Mossberg 590 with the collapsible ATI top-folding stock that I found the one, or at least the ideal model I was searching for.

About a week later I picked up a brand new Mossberg 590, bolted over to Cabela’s to get the ATI top-folding stock, and made my way over to my friends shooting range. I first fired off a few rounds of Wal-Mart Birdshot and then some 3” Mag Buckshot and slugs. The rubber padding on the butt stock absorbed the sharp recoil from the powerful loads well, not as well as an AR absorbs recoil, but enough that it wasn’t unpleasant to fire off a few powerful rounds. At fifty yards nailing a 4X4 beam standing up with the slug rounds was a breeze with open sights, and a great deal easier than I expected it to be. From there, I put on my vicious-looking ATI stock and started with the bird shot again. Although I cannot say the ATI stock was the most comfortable thing to shoot I can say that it did not affect the firearm very much and still shot wonderfully. Although the stock does cause slight harm to one’s shoulder and cheek when being used for long range shooting, rather than close quarters tactical shooting, I kept the stock on the weapon as I intended to use it as my home defense gun.

Complete disassembly is a breeze and requires only a flat head screw driver, or an allen wrench for the ATI stock, and something to tap out one of the pins in the receiver and you’re good to go. The item breaks down easily, cleans fast, and goes back together in a breeze. My model, but a few years old, did have a problem with a part of the safety notch keeping one of the parts from being inserted into the gun, but I have learned from cleaning my friend’s newer 590 that Mossberg corrected this issue. I would also like to throw in that his model was stamped with the A1 designation. I’m not really sure how much of a difference that makes with the internals, but I figured it was worth throwing in there.

This gun has a great finish, as its lack of scratches can attest to. Being my home defense weapon this thing has seen a great deal of tight spaces and a whole lot of range time. Even though I am a person who babies some of my weapons, this is one of the few that I am not afraid of getting a little dirty. It has seen its fair share of bumps, but does not have the marks to show it. To this day it looks fresh off the gun rack, and I can’t give you a round count for this weapon.

Since I have owned this gun it has been a reliable shooter with zero problems and, in my opinion, it provides some of the best accuracy one can ask for in a smooth bore shotgun. This gun has functioned so perfectly it would surely be in my arsenal for a SHTF situation, and on a side note its accuracy makes it a great hunting shotgun when the Zombies/Nazi/Vampire/Robots are not your priority. From my experience with this weapon, there are not enough good things to say about it. It is a firearm that I trust with my life and love to shoot. You can’t go wrong with a Mossberg 590.

First Look: DPMS LR-308

My first hunting rifle was a Savage Arms 30-06. I enjoyed the .30 caliber round so much I began to search for a semiautomatic rifle that fired a .30 caliber projectile. While on my search I became very knowledgeable about the .308 caliber and experimented with several rifles chambered for the caliber. I would like to mention that this includes the 7.62x51. I understand that they are different in their own ways, but to save both time and space I will say now when I say .308 I mean both .308 and 7.62x51 and vice versa.

Anyway, while looking for the perfect rifle to fit my preferences I went through the French MAS and the CETME until I saved the money to pick up an AR-10 style rifle. This particular rifle was a DPMS LR-308, although the barrel said it was chambered for 7.62x51, and it had a 16” barrel with an A2 butt stock. The upper receiver was a flat top with a dust cover and forward assist. It was also equipped with a detachable carry handle. The barrel was equipped with a Yankee Hill Machine flip-down sight and a UTG quad-rail fore grip.

The rifle was a personal build from the floor up, as I learned it is much cheaper to go that route with an AR-10 style rifle. What I would like to brag about in regard to this rifle is its felt recoil. Anyone who has fired an AR-15 can attest to the lack of recoil in these firearms and the LR-308 is no exception to this trait of AR style rifles. Going “Rambo” with this rifle was nowhere near unpleasant and the weapon never went off target while firing. There is one negative thing to shooting the .308 from these rifles and that is the slightly loud bang that emerges from the barrel. Its slightly louder than shooting 5.56/.223, but the added noise, to me, is music to my ears.

The firearm had zero problems while firing, no FTFs or FTE’s. It shot from a Polymer Magazine and a C-Products Magazine, both 20 rounds, with both functioning flawlessly through every shot. This firearm, obviously, functioned just like an AR-15 with the only noticeable difference being the sound it makes and the size of the hole it puts in the target. The spent cases looked just as they should after being shot: perfect. There were no dent or nicks left in the casings that other semi-automatic .308s leave on the spent casings.

The difference in price for the rifle is also noticeable, but having a reliable semi-automatic rifle that shoots the .308 round is just about worth the price you pay. This was my second AR build, the first being a 6.8, and it is still amazing to me how simple they are a build and maintain. When looking into the .308 market in the future I will most likely start with the LR-308 design first.

Take-Down Videos

In the future we are planning on posting links to videos on our YouTube channel which provide tutorials for complete disassembly of the firearms we post about on this website. However, if you have questions about disassembly about the firearms we post on here please feel free to send us an email and we will try to provide you with answers to your questions. We would like to mention that neither one of us are licensed, certified, or registered gunsmiths or armorers so the advice we provide will be based solely on our experience with these weapons and as such we provide no guarantees on the advice that we provide, as we are not certified to do so. Our goal is simply to help people make safe repairs to their firearms by themselves as the cost of labor and parts for a profession in this economy does not sit well on the wallet.

First Look: Smith & Wesson M&P45 4.5" Barrel

Had it not been for the introduction of the 2011 1911 polymer frame for the 1911 pistol I would say that Smith and Wesson’s M&P45 is the answer for shooters looking for a polymer 1911 with all the feature of the polymer pistol. From its manual safety (optional on some models) and slide lock positions to its relative felt recoil, which is very reminiscent of a 1911, every shot fired made me believe I was holding the polymer answer to the legendary 1911 pistol. The M&P45 utilizes a striker fire system, which seems to be the trend for new pistols, and makes good use of a firing pin block. In my opinion, all pistols should be equipped with this as an added safety measure.


The trigger pull on this bad boy does have a slight flaw, in my opinion; the trigger is equipped with a trigger safety—which follows the decorum of polymer pistols—that engages in the middle of the trigger when the lower section is pulled. This has never caused any problems during firing in my experience, but its feel and pull is not as smooth as the trigger pull of other pistols in its class. The issue inherent in this trigger design is that if you have your finger too high on the trigger when you squeeze it, it will not engage the safety device and the trigger will not budge. However, with proper practice—which every shooter should engage in—this should not be a problem. This firearm had been my primary carry gun for a few months, as well as the weapon I practiced with the most, and I never had this happen to me. On a side note about the trigger if you are a person like me, who understands the risk of trigger bounce or hammer follow in 1911's, then this gun is for you.

The slide makes use of slide serrations, which provide great contact with the hand, and not once was I unable to draw the slide back on this weapon. Its pull-back also very closely resembles that of a 1911 with the exception of the slide serrations. A possible drawback to these serrations is that they do have somewhat of a sharp nature, and if the slide was not gripped properly it could slide forward and be a little rough on ones hand. This was never a problem I experienced, but it is something to consider.

The firearm can be field-stripped like just about any other modern pistol on the market: draw slide back, lock slide in place, flip down take-down lever, allow the slide to go forward, and remove it from the frame. I’m sure it’s safe to say you know how to handle the rest from there. The internals for the pistol are very simple and easy to work with for those of us who enjoy full take down and cleaning. There are even kits you can buy, and easily install yourself, that will allow you to take a few pounds off of the trigger pull. In regard to this I would recommend not tampering too much with its design. Form my experience with this weapon it has been designed to be a very sturdy carry, service, and duty gun (you can use whichever of those apply to you). With its 1911-esgue design and feel this would be a great pistol for anyone who has sworn by the time-tested designed on the 1911 pistol. A 1911 being the pistol I learned to shoot with, I am very partial to firearms that resemble the legendary gun, so needless to say I was drawn to it immediately. This is a firearm that will serve its owner well for years to come.

New Articles Coming Soon!

I have been trying to think of ways to keep the articles I post up interesting and new, and I have landed on one idea that I just can't seem to get out of my head.

I try to make a habit out of driving up to the local gun shop once or twice a month to do some "Window Shopping", and to check out some of the new inventory.  I'm going to start making this trip once a week, and I'm going to post some new products I see, good deals I come across, and just interesting things in general.  I'm still trying to come up with a name for this series of articles, but I'm sure I'll come up with something.  In addition to this article, I'm going to try to review at least one new firearm every week.  Even if it's just a "First Look" of something I saw at a gun show or something, I'm going to make an effort to post something new up once a week.  That's TWO new articles, every week, so mark your calendars, make a mental note, whatever you need to do to check back with us on Fridays for the new article.

Also on the way, we will be posting a "First Look" of the Ruger GP100 next Monday, and a "cleanup" article with pictures of the weapons we took to the range this past Sunday.

Thanks for reading, and as always, please leave comments if you like what you read here!

Range Report-DPMS AR15 6.8 SPC, Springfield XD 45, Sig Sauer P220, Ruger GP100

I'm still excited about being able to post up our first "Range Report" article, so I'm going to skip the introduction, and just jump into the fun stuff. . .

First off, I want to stress that we had plenty of ammunition with us when we arrived at the range, but the weather was not exactly cooperative with us, so we weren't able to stay on the firing line as long as we had hoped.  The temperature was around 38*F, the sky was cloudy, and there was rain throughout the day.  Our total round count was relatively low, but we were able to get a decent feel for the weapons we brought along for the trip.

I also want to explain why I'm using one article for this Range Report.  We were running at a steady but rather fast pace, so instead of spending some quality time with each of the firearms, we basically familiarized ourselves with each weapon, and moved on to the next.  This offered very little in the way of reliability testing, but it was a great opportunity to compare the weapons to each other side-by-side.

Top: DPMS/Panther Arms AR15; Bottom (from left): Ruger GP100, Sig Sauer P220, Springfield XD45

These are the firearms we had in our arsenal at the range.  We have already written "First Look" articles for all but the Ruger, so if you'd like to see the original articles, click on the name of the firearm.

-DPMS/Panther Arms AR15 6.8 SPC
-Springfield XD 45
-Sig Sauer P220
-Ruger GP100 .357 Magnum


DPMS/Panther Arms AR15 6.8 SPC
I'll start with the DPMS AR15, from my personal collection.  Honestly, this is one of the nicest rifles I've taken to the range.  The recoil is minimal, thanks to the design of the recoil buffer spring.  Even chambered in 6.8 SPC, the recoil is comparable to the 5.56 NATO/.223 Caliber round.  Accuracy is excellent, although the longest shot I was able to take was about 75 meters.  I was using an optic on the rifle today, a Simmons 9x20 that came with it, and I really can't go into much detail regarding the accuracy of the optic, but I was able to achieve a tight shot group with both the optic and iron sights, within 3" at 75 meters.  I'll admit, I was a bit out of practice, and with the optic mounted, consistently firing using the equipped iron sights is nearly impossible, but I can say I was impressed with how tight the shot group was.  The trigger pull was a little on the heavy side, but the trigger break was crisp, and for being the factory trigger assembly, it wasn't bad.  Overall, I was very impressed with the rifle.  I only fired 20 rounds through the rifle, but every single round hit it's intended target.  If I were to improve on the rifle, however, I would replace the trigger assembly with something a little lighter.

Springfield XD45 Full Size w/ 4" Barrel

Springfield XD .45 ACP
Next up is the Springfield XD45.  This particular pistol is also from my personal collection.  It's a full-frame pistol with a 4" barrel.  I've fired around 100 rounds through the pistol since I purchased it last year, and I haven't experienced any malfunctions yet.  Today, we only put four 13-round magazines through the pistol.  We were firing factory loaded Federal target ammunition.  Our distance from the target varied, we started close (about 10 meters) for a few familiarization rounds, and moved away to a distance of around 17 meters for the remainder of our time at the range.  The trigger pull was smooth, but a little heavier than I would have liked.  I found myself anticipating the break a little more than I'd like.  The factory sights were easy to use, and very accurate.  We had no malfunctions while we were at the range.

Sig Sauer P220

Sig Sauer P220 .45 ACP
Moving out of my own collection, the next weapon we tested was the Sig Sauer P220 in .45 ACP.  This particular pistol was bought used, but has been gone through by the folks at Sig Sauer, and has been equipped with Tritium night sights and a Hogue rubber grip.  The sights are easy to use, both day and night, and the pistol is every bit as accurate as the others tested here.  The weight of the weapon is manageable and well balanced.  This is a single-stack pistol, so you sacrifice round capacity, with magazines that only hold 8 rounds of .45 as opposed to the 13 round magazine of the Springfield.  Where the Sig shines, however, is in firing.  The recoil is less "snappy" than that of the XD, mostly due to the added weight and structural rigidity of the aluminum frame.  The trigger pull is light, and the break is extremely smooth.  Firing the P220 was a treat, all of the aspects of the pistol, the weight, trigger pull, balance, they all come into play while you are on the firing line.  Everything comes together when you squeeze the trigger.  The break is so smooth, you almost don't get a chance to anticipate the shot.  Combine this with the light trigger pull, and firing the Sig is nearly effortless.  I really can't accurately describe the experience of firing the Sig P220 in words, but I can say that if you get the chance to spend some time with one at the range, take advantage of it.  As I mentioned, the magazine capacity is a bit of a letdown, the pistol's width is similar to that of a double-stack pistol.  I have grown accustomed to the 13+1 capacity of the Springfield, and if the Sig were available in a double stack configuration, I would strongly entertain the idea of purchasing one as a replacement for the Springfield.  The Sig was a pleasure to shoot, and although we only put about 5 magazines through it, it handled all of them without a hiccup.

Ruger GP100 with 4" barrel

Ruger GP100 .357 Magnum
Last, but certainly not least, the Ruger GP100, specifically the 4" barrel model.  This is the only revolver we have tested to date, and it was definitely impressive.  Now, this firearm isn't going to win any contests for it's capacity (6 rounds), the sights are adequate, but not as easy to acquire a target with as those of the Sig or the Springfield.  This pistol is heavier than the other two as well, but it's really not fair to compare it to the more modern design of the semi-automatics reviewed above.  Firing this pistol was a treat as well, the trigger pull was the lightest of the three pistols we tested today, with a trigger break similar to the Sig.  Again, there really isn't a chance to anticipate the break, so the pistol stays on target throughout the trigger pull.  Since we were testing accuracy more than anything, we fired the pistol single-action only, cocking the hammer before every shot.  As with any Single/Double Action pistol, the trigger pull and break point are drastically different between single and double action.  All of our shots landed on target, although the grouping was rather large, given the somewhat archaic factory sights.  The addition of 3 simple dots on the front and rear sights would have increased vertical accuracy substantially.  Overall, the GP100 was a pleasure to shoot, and although it is a completely different experience than the more modern semi-automatic pistols, the Ruger still serves a purpose, and I fully intend on adding one of these great revolvers to my collection in the future.

From Left: Springfield XD45, Sig Sauer P220, Ruger GP100

Stay tuned for a "First Look" article on the Ruger GP100, as well as some picture-heavy updates after I get these four weapons taken apart for cleaning tomorrow.

If you would like to see a specific weapon reviewed, please leave a comment below, and I will try to get my hands on it for a "First Look" article.

First Look: DPMS/Panther Arms AR15 6.8SPC

Recently, I had the opportunity to add this rifle to my collection, and for the price, I just couldn't pass it up.  The beauty of the AR15 platform is the ability to customize it to suit your needs.  This is why it is the assault rifle platform of choice for the Military and many Law Enforcement agencies.


Now, the rifle I am reviewing is a rather popular configuration, although in a less common caliber than the ever-popular 5.56 NATO military round or the civilian counterpart, .223 caliber.  This rifle is chambered in 6.8SPC, which was originally created as a compromise between the accuracy of the 6.5mm round, and the terminal performance of the 7mm round, as part of the Enhanced Rifle Cartridge program.  The program was started to address the poor terminal performance of the 5.56 NATO round.

Rather than continue about the history of the ammunition, let's focus on the rifle.  This particular configuration has the M16A2 style upper receiver and buttstock (complete with "trap door"), a 20" barrel, and a simple quad rail replacing the original plastic hand guard.

DPMS/Panther Arms AR15 in 6.8 SPC

As far as function goes, the DPMS AR15 has all the bells and whistles you would expect on an AR15.
This rifle also came equipped with a dust cover and forward assist, which many of the AR15 rifles that have a lower price point don't include.

Having served in the United States Army, I've handled many M16 and M4 rifles, many of which had been in service for 5 or more years, some of which were brand new, fresh out of the box.  Having the experience with these weapons, I know many of the areas of concern with this particular platform, and I can honestly say that the DPMS/Panther Arms AR15 platform is right on par with the weapons I used during my military service as far as fit and finish are concerned.  One thing I noticed right off the bat when disassembling and cleaning my rifle, the star chamber has some rough edges, rougher than those found in my issued Colt M4 rifle, which I was assigned right after I took it out of it's original factory packaging and cleaned the shipping grease from inside.  If you feed and manually eject a round from the chamber, the star chamber leaves visible scratches on the projectile.  This is a concern, since any inconsistency in the projectile can throw off ballistics properties, effecting trajectory, and ultimately negatively influencing long-range accuracy.  This is one issue I plan to look into further, but a local gunsmith has informed me that this is a rather common issue with many of the civilian models of the AR15, and the sharp edges will be worn down over time.  Basically, I need to put some more ammunition through the rifle to wear down those sharp edges.

When disassembling the rifle, everything comes apart easily enough.  The fit of all of the parts is superb, I have no complaints about the inner workings, nor the function of the rifle itself.

On to the fun part, firing the rifle.  I sighted this rifle in using about 40 rounds of ball ammunition (I apologize, I can't remember the specifics) that a friend brought along.  The rifle performed flawlessly.  No malfunctions at all, no failures to feed or eject, and it was every bit as accurate (if not more so) than my M4 and M16 rifles in the Army.  I didn't elect to sight in the optic I was using, I wanted to get a feel for the rifle's performance using the standard iron sights.  I was not disappointed.  I was only firing from about 75 yards when I sighted it in, but after the sight-in was done, we had a little bit of fun with some longer range targets.  I believe the range we were using only went out to about 250 yards, but I was able to hit paper plate sized targets from that distance using iron sights.

I expected the rifle to malfunction during our first trip to the range with it.  It was a brand new rifle, assembled with parts ordered individually from DPMS through our local firearms dealer, and it had never been fired before.  Honestly, the rifle surpassed my expectations, and I stand behind DPMS/Panther Arms 100%.  I still would like to fire many more rounds through it before I make a final judgment on the rifle, but in my opinion, DPMS is a great way to break into the AR15 platform, without breaking the bank.

Keep checking in, I will be adding a "Range Report" for some of the firearms we have reviewed recently, complete with pictures.  We are hoping to take the Sig Sauer P220, Springfield Armory XD45, DPMS/Panther Arms AR15 6.8SPC, as well as a newly acquired Ruger GP100 .357 Magnum Revolver to the range for an afternoon soon, so don't forget to follow along!

First Look: Springfield XD45 .45ACP

I know this particular blog leaves a lot to be desired, but I'm doing the best I can given my limited funds and the weather in my neck of the woods.  The range I shoot at is an outdoor range, and it's basically useless to me between November and March.  Enough excuses, let's get down to business.

Today's post is going to be a "First Look" at the Springfield XD45.  This is actually my own personal firearm, which I purchased a few months ago.  The list price is relatively low when compared to other polymer framed pistols, this particular pistol can be found used for around $450.  A new one will run around $600.

First impressions of the pistol were strong, the grip is comfortable, the controls are all easy to manipulate and placed very well.  Some of the best features I found in this pistol was the ambidextrous safety and magazine release.  Well, the fact that it's dead reliable is a great feature as well.  

Also included with the pistol is a lockable hard plastic case, two 13 round magazines, a speed loader, bore brush, cable lock with 2 keys, magazine holster (holds 2 mags), and a holster.  The case that everything comes in is very nice, it is a simple hard plastic case with "SPRINGFIELD ARMORY" molded in the side of it, but inside, everything is held in place by foam.  Both sides of the case are lined with foam, and everything that comes with the XD has a cutout where it all fits perfectly.  I am going to include a few pictures, but I must apologize for the poor quality, the space I'm working with has very poor lighting. . . I'm working on that for future reviews.

I haven't spent too much time behind the trigger of this weapon, but I did put about a box of ammunition through it.  50 rounds of .45ACP FMJ that I had laying around, and the Springfield XD performed flawlessly.  The factory sights were adequate, although I would eventually like to upgrade to a set of tritium "Night Sights."  Very easy to aim, the numerous safeties do not hamper the operation of the pistol at all, and the trigger pull is very smooth.  I was impressed with the function of the pistol, especially considering the words "Made In Croatia" on the slide, they don't exactly inspire confidence.

Honestly, after spending some time with the XD in my collection, the only major complaint that I have is not for the folks at Springfield, but for a couple of the major manufacturers of holsters and firearms accessories.  There just aren't enough good options for carrying the XD, particularly as a police duty weapon.  I've been trying to get an answer from Blackhawk about a release date for a Level III Retention duty holster for the XD, and I keep hearing nothing in return.  Don't get me wrong, there are options out there, but the competition is pretty weak among Level III Holsters marketed towards police officers.

I will be putting a couple holsters through the paces with this particular pistol over the coming months.

This is my normal carry rig, the XD
in a DeSantis Intruder IWB Holster.

UPDATE: 3/3/2012
Pictures added above.  The XD45 has been my primary concealed carry pistol for about 8 months, it carries well, and isn't overly difficult to conceal - as long as you are using the right kind of holster, and adjusting your wardrobe to allow concealing of a larger pistol such as this.

First Look: Sig P220 .45ACP

I had the opportunity to take a look at the Sig Sauer P220 yesterday.  It's a very nicely built pistol in .45ACP.  The model I looked at had an aluminum frame, steel slide, and the stock black plastic grips.  The balance felt a little "off", but I'm used to polymer frame pistols, so I chalked that up to the construction of the pistol.  The Sig was a used model, about 2 years old, and you could tell by looking at it that it was not babied at all during it's life.  It had never misfired, never failed to feed/eject, and even after the pistol was accidentally dropped from the bench onto the concrete floor, everything functioned as it should.

Sig Sauer P220

 The finish of the firearm was dinged, scratched, and worn from two years of constant abuse, but in all honesty, you couldn't notice the damage unless you were looking for it.  The grips were comfortable, albeit slightly bulky for a single-stack pistol.  The weight was comparable, if not a little heavier, than my Springfield XD .45, when both are loaded.  The action of the Sig was smooth, but required a strong grip.  The recoil spring was on the stiff side, requiring substantial effort when compared to the XD or a standard 1911 pistol.

The placement of the controls on the pistol was great.  The decocking lever, magazine release, and slide lock were all well within reach, easy to manipulate, and very strong.  The hammer was slightly awkward to pull back, but the Sig is a Single/Double Action pistol, so unlike a 1911, you don't have to pull the hammer back before firing.

Overall, I would like to spend more time with the Sig, which I probably will over the coming days, including range reports and some photos.  First impressions of the Sig Sauer P220 were very strong, it appears to be a well-built, reliable pistol.  With a solid reputation and top-notch customer service, I would recommend a Sig to anyone looking for a quality, all-metal pistol with a solid track record.

I will post more information after I spend some range time with the Sig.


Coming Soon:
First Look: Springfield XD .45ACP
First Look: DPMS/Panther Arms AR15 6.8SPC
First Look: Glock 22 .40S&W
First Look: Bersa Thunder .380
First Look: Smith & Wesson M&P .45ACP
First Look: Ruger GP100 .357 Mag. 3" Barrel