Gear Review

It’s cooling off outside in most of the northern US as fall is upon us and winter is fast approaching. In these “fringe” months, it can be 38F and drizzling in the morning yet clear up and reach temps in the upper 60’s by afternoon. The challenge is leaving the house with the right jacket on. In these dynamic conditions, you are literally covered with the new Tru-Spec H2O Proof jacket.

Since 1996, Tru-Spec has filled the need for high quality yet affordable military and law enforcement uniforms. As a result, thousands of military, law enforcement and emergency service workers depend on Tru-Spec products daily. Manufactured in their state of the art facility by over 1000 employees, Tru-Spec continues to lead the way in innovation. All the while listening to their customers feedback to further enhance the finished product. The Tru-Spec H2O Proof Jacket is one such item.

2 main components comprise the H2O Proof 3 in 1 Jacket. A waterproof outer shell along with an insulating inner liner. In snotty weather, saying dry is the key to maintaining warmth. And with a 2-layer waterproof breathable outer shell, this is easily achieved. I’ve been an avid skier for more than 40 years which makes me old and wise. Because of this, I’ve owned jackets consisting of the all the waterproof fabrics on the market from various manufacturers. I have found that most jackets fail to maintain their waterproofness due to seam failure. To combat this common problem, Tru-Spec utilizes an environmentally safe Bemis seam tape on all panel joints.

The outer shell has several features that will be appreciated by LEO and military users. First are the side zippers that can be opened up to expose a holstered sidearm or radio. These zippers have a snap flap at the hem line to secure under the holster keeping the jacket in place. Heavy duty waterproof zippers are used for the main and side pit zips. Traditional zippers are found on the 2 front hand pockets, 2 chest pockets and the rear pockets. A unique feature of the Tru-Spec H2O Proof Jacket is the detachable ID panels located within the chest pockets and rear cape pocket. Additionally, the hood can also be detached and stored in a large rear lumbar pocket when not needed.

While the outer shell is keeping you dry, the inner insulating liner is trapping body heat to keep you warm. The meat and potatoes of this jacket is the machine washable quilted synthetic insulation. The insulating layer can not only be used alone on dry days, it can be zipped into the outer shell as a 3 in 1 system. The main zipper can be used to attach the two jackets together along with collar and cuff snaps. Once connected, the user has a heavy-duty waterproof work coat. The insulating layer incorporates the same side zipper openings to retain the use of a duty belt or holster. Another nice feature is the soft touch fabric that lines the collar and chin when fully zipped up.

I’ve been able to use the Tru-Spec H2O Proof Jacket for over a month in Northern Michigan and have concluded that this is a solid service jacket. Although the waterproof outer shell is all business when it comes to keeping you dry, it lacks a little breathability while conducting strenuous activities. While working on one of my job sites this fall, I was up and down ladders all day and had to quickly open the pit zips to ventilate the jacket. In all fairness, I’m comparing this to my Mammut Alpine shell that features a superior breathing Gore-Tex Pro material and a much higher price point. The waterproof zippers are amazing and seem to stand up well to repeated use. Overall, the jacket is a little heavy as compared to others I own which I assume will translate into durability on the job.

If you are a LEO, contractor or military professional and are looking for a versatile jacket for all conditions, take a look at the Tru-Spec H2O Proof 3 in 1 Jacket. Tru-Spec offers the 3 in 1 jacket in both black and navy colors. Other jackets in the H2O Proof line are available in Coyote as well.

Features of the Tru-Spec H2O Proof Jacket courtesy of truspec.com

• 100% tactical nylon shell construction 
• 100% nylon Cumulus jacket construction 
• Quilted synthetic insulation in jacket 
• Zippered front closure with standup zip-through collar 
• Detachable hood rolls and stows away with wraparound chin guard, flexible wire brim and hook volume adjustment 
• Breathable, waterproof and windproof 
• Bemis tapes seams for a completely dry interior 
• Dual lower hand pockets feature zippered closures and waist drawstring access 
• Two chest pockets with pull-out ID panels and zippered closures 
• Back features a cape opening with zippered closure and a detachable ID panel 
• Back pocket on the waist 
• Jacket and liner each have size zippers for fast duty belt access and improved ventilation
• MSRP $244.95

– Erik Meisner for LoadoutRoom.com

I have spent many hours cleaning, taking apart and replacing parts on M4 and AR15 rifles and if there is one thing I can say is “I would love to have a single tool that could take care of all aspects of maintaining said weapon platforms.

When I first received the Gerber Short Stack AR Tool my first impression was “wow, this is a pretty cool looking tool”.  It is versatile  tool and does fit all of the different parts, areas and able to function together with other maintenance tools and AR accessories as advertised.  Taking this tool apart and setting it up for each use is difficult at first because of the magnets that hold it together.  I had to walk away from it, after my first 6 futile but successful attempts at separating the pieces of this tool (ha ha ha…arrgghhh).  Once I stumbled upon the magical way to separate the three pieces, it is quite simple.  It is easier to show with a video then it is to describe, so here it is.

Once you get it apart, it is very easy to set it up for each use as described in the IKEA style instructions.  I am still trying to wrap my brain around who actually tested this tool within the Gerber company?  After watching the video, I realized that they did test it as advertised, but only to show that it fit properly.   I had to figure these questions out, so I decided to look it up on Google and found Gerber Gear , where this tool has a video that, showing the different functions of the tool, but do not actually show it doing the actual job.  Some of the functions that it does are true and take practice.  Would I use this tool for most of the functions that it says it can do?  Probably not.  It is not that I am stuck with my quote-unquote “old school ways”  I just know what works for me and just not a huge fan of this particular tool. 

The tools that I use in the field are:

1. A fixed blade knife with hard rubber handle  or metal handle (usually the old school UDT-Kbar) for banging, prying or hammering.  I usually used a cold steel tanto.
2. I used a Gerber Multi tool for field problems, or taking my M4 (when I was still in the SEAL’s) or AR15 (what I own now as a civilian) apart to clean or inspect/repair.
3. A bore brush worked great where the chamber meets the upper receiver.
4. The tooth brush that comes with the cleaning kit is great for cleaning all the other areas of the AR platform that it will “FIT” in.
5. Back in the day, we would screw three rods together with a 556 brush on the end, push the rod down through the barrel from the front and pull it back out (repeat one or two more times depending on severity of shooting). The gauze square would get used next with a little bit of oil and run back and forth to lubricate and pick up any leftover residue from shooting.
   1. These days I just use a bore snake, which accomplishes the task in about a 1/4 of the time.  I am not going to go into detail on this one, because I am sure that most readers know what it is.
6. Last but not least a red lens flashlight (tactical, during exercises and operations), white lens flashlight (admin situations) and a long flat head screwdriver in case you have to pry a jammed round out of the chamber.
7. I have used the short stack tool on everything.  What I will say, it does most of the jobs as described and fits all areas as advertised.

What it does not do by itself is loosen the flash hider. I have found that it actually marks and damages nut portion of the Flash Hider. It is not as snug a fit as it should be and the handle digs into your palm.  I give this portion of the GSST an “F”.

The buffer tube lock nut wrench is a good solid fit, but the handle digs into your palm once again.  I give this portion of the GSST an “F” as well.

I tried using it on flash hider and buffer tube lock nut, but was unable to loosen either one of them with just my hand and the tool itself.  The GSST does not have the necessary leverage to do the job by itself.  You would have to do one of two things, I was not willing to do on my own rifle.

1. Use something to increase the leverage length and torque of the SST.  I don’t know if it is designed to handle this kind of pressure.  I have tried this already on my own AR and was unable to loosen either the flash hider or the buffer tube locking nut.
2. I used a wrench to bang on the GSST to loosen the parts, but was unsuccessful. I did not push this tool, because I did not want to damage my AR.

Given my constructive criticism of this tool and the abilities and inabilities of each part of the tool as a whole, I will say that some may purchase this tool out of plain curiosity and just to have it on hand, because it is compact and there may be only one or two things on the tool that you really need.  Some may purchase it to test how tough it is and if they can use it with extra leverage or banging on it as I have described above.  Others may just pass up on the whole idea of testing it and stick with what they know to work without any doubt in their mind.

I can say that I will not be using this tool, because I have other means of maintaining my AR an servicing/repairing it.

Good luck with this tool if you decide to buy it and I hope that the information that I have provided here, assists you in the functionality of the GERBER SST or another option.

When I am provided the opportunity to review, test and evaluate each item that is sent to me, I give it a “no-bullshit” review and opinion.  After all, this is what everyone is looking for and all of you are entrusting in the LOR writers to do exactly that.

Now, I know that there are going to be some haters or people that don’t agree with what I have to say.  That is your choice and right.

There will be others that will take the advice, out of appreciate of our honesty and run with it or discard it as a true professional would.

I have learned very valuable lessons as a special operator in the military.  the most important lesson is, test your gear and see if it has any breaking points or limitations, without exceptions.  PERIOD.

(featured image courtesy of ar15news.com)

– Duncan for LoadoutRoom.com

Axelson Tactical now has a line of customized firearms to commemorate the life of Matthew Axelson (Killed on Operation Red Wings). One of the newer platforms now available is the AXE 19. This is a customized Glock 19. In a previous article we took a closer look at the customizations of the gun itself.

I recently took the Axelson Tactical AXE 19 to my local range to run some ammo through it to see how it performs. Out of the gate this pistol feels great in the hands. The front cocking serrations are aggressive and good for either racking the slide or doing a quick press check.

The pistol really shoots well. I burned through about 150 rounds without a single failure. The gun maintained its accuracy from the 1^st round to the final round. The only thing I noticed after shooting for a prolonged period of time is my support hand thumb started to get a blister. This was due to the front cocking serrations rubbing against the thumb during shooting (not that big of a deal). I typically grip high, so that is just something I have to deal with. Suck it up and move on.

Benefits of the AXE 19 upgrades:

• The sights are crisp and clear (easy to pick up quickly), thus assisting with your shot-to-shot accuracy.

• The Ghost Trigger that comes installed is a very smooth trigger. It is a tad bit lighter than the Glock OEM trigger which you’ll notice right off the bat (If you’re a Glock shooter).
• The grip reduction on the frame is a welcome improvement over the stock frame. I’m able to get a higher grip in the beaver tail area as well as below the trigger guard. The grip reduction is a very subtle difference, but gives you a higher grip which put the bore at a lower axis, giving you greater control over the weapon.

The ammunition I used for this range session was the Team Never Quit Training Ammo. The ammunition fed into the weapon consistently and I was never presented with a failure of any type. If you shoot steel for practice and training I recommend getting a box of Team Never Quit ammunition to try.

I’m going to continue running ammunition through this gun to see how far we can take it before it starts producing failures and needs cleaned. Stay tuned….

– Scott Witner for LoadoutRoom.com