Category Gear

300 Blackout build complete

Tactical Provacateur Leave a comment

I didn’t really have a plan to branch out into another rifle caliber. Back in February several of us ordered suppressors from Dead Air. The current trend is away from caliber specific suppressors, especially .223/5.56. The manufacturers have developed the technology to really improve the quality and performance of multi caliber suppressors.  That said, if you’re looking for the quietest can for a specific caliber, especially .223/5.56 you should definitely go in that direction.

Being the frugal guy that I am I want the most pew, pew, pew for my buck.  My black rifles are .223/5.56.  But looking down the road, you never know what the future will bring, I opted to buy the Dead Air Sandman-S.  It’s a short can for .223-.308 so I know it’s not the quietest.  Not to mention the fact that Dead Air doesn’t offer a .223/5.56 specific suppressor.  If I were looking to suppress a bolt rifle I would have likely go to the Sandman L Ti, a longer, lighter, direct thread suppressor.

During the wait for ATF stamp approval, I had the opportunity to shoot a friends 300blk SBR. I was immediately impressed.  The great thing about 300blk is the ability to suppress a subsonic 200gr +/- bullet through a sub 12″ barrel with excellent ballistics on the AR-15 platform. Same lower receiver, same magazines, etc…  I was immediately smitten and purchased a Daniel Defense 300blk 10.5″ upper.  The DD upper has it’s pros and cons.

Pros

  • Daniel Defense quality
  • Cold hammer forged barrel
  • Better for supersonic ammo

Cons

  • Heavier than other 300 blk offerings (BCM especially)
  • 10.5″ vs 9″ barrel
  • Heavier rail

If I had to do it again, I would probably go with the BCM upper.  Shorter, lighter barrel and rail as I don’t currently have plans to run supersonic ammo.  But then again, who knows what the future will bring.

Considering the current wait time for NFA tax stamps, our timing was about as good as could be asked.  Changes to trust rules by the ATF caused a huge rush to get NFA items rolling.  Ours took all of seven months to process.  Those of you who have been down that road before, know how those waits can be. If there’s a positive angle to that wait time it afforded me time to put together the upper as I wanted to configure it.  Thanks to a good friend for one key element that saved me a boat load.  You know who you are.

So, here it is.

300blk1a

LMT lower (my 2008 “Prezbo” build has been hosting a 10″ LMT 5.56 upper with basic mogpul hand guards, Aimpoint T-1 on a lower third LaRue mount and fixed rear sight).

LMT lower

Upper

Suppressor

Additional (not pictured)

Rifles Only 6″ HAD cover

 

 

 

Vertx’s B-Range Bag Revue

Tactical Provacateur Leave a comment

I’m always in pursuit of gear that fits my needs.  I have more range bags than I can use and have sold and given away a few over the years.  Have I found the perfect bag? No, and that includes this one.  That said, the Vertx B-Range Bag comes pretty close.img_2557d

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that the more pockets and bigger the bag, the more crap you don’t need will find it’s way into the bag.  The result will be a sore shoulder, back etc… from lugging the thing around.

My recommendation is to fairly assess what is the true mission of the range bag? Day trips to the range where you’re in one bay practicing/training? How much gear do you need for that? Multiple guns, multiple caliber ammo, mags, etc..  Are you going to a match where you’re moving constantly from stage to stage, bay to bay? Having more than one bag, backpack, etc… is a good idea. Just like different weapons for different missions.  Different kit for different gigs.  Right?

I’ve used and continue to use different bags for different purposes. I kind of miss my original Dillon range bag.  I probably would have saved some money over the years had I known then what I know now. But gear to me is an ongoing quest for the perfect kit.

Vertx gear isn’t cheap.  But also isn’t cheaply made.  They pay attention to detail and it shows in the design, materials and construction of all their gear.  Their range bag is no different.

First it’s sized right for a good compromise between a multi purpose range bag and what I call a match bag.  Just enough room and pockets to cover both missions without encouraging overload of needless crap.

A shallow main center compartment allows quick access to ammo and items you’re using the most at any given time. Ammo, eye pro, mags etc…

img_2554a

The interior is made of hook and loop material that supports Vertx’s and other hook and loop attachments like holsters, magazine carriers, etc…  I added those to one side pocket for a second gun and support magazine sub loads.

img_2556c

magazine – tool panel on the left and a Maxpedition adjustable gun loop holster on the right. 

The opposite side compartment has two drawer type compartments where you can store additional items of choice.  Ammo, spent brass, ear pro, you name it.  If it were me, I would have made each uniquely different for different uses.  Having one designed specifically for earpro or eyepro probably would have pushed my design score up to a 9. Two additional mesh pockets above for keys, access cards, small items etc…

img_2558e

Again notice that the drop down side is hook and loop so you can attach additional items and panels.

The bag also has to hand handles for carry as well as cross attached swivel shoulder strap with padding for easy carry.  Cross attachments are great for allowing easy access.  Included but not pictured is a cable attachment on one end of the bag that allows you to cable lock or padlock the bag to a fixed item to prevent theft.

Is this the perfect bag? So far I’m digging it as a match bag and general range bag.

Here’s how I score it.

Overall design: 8

Materials: 10

Construction: 10

Price: 8  ($159 MSRP)