We’re always looking for cool gun stuff. Here are ten items we’ve tested, and you might want to as well.
by Rob Reaser
I’ve come across several new, sometimes random products over the last few months. Some of them deserve a few words, some of them will be explored more fully as the year rolls on. But for now, the pile has gotten a bit high.
So, rather than wax verbosely when brevity is the best path, I wanted to give Shoot ON readers a quick hit of some of the cool stuff that’s been running through the shop recently that deserves your attention.
Fenix E06R Pro
There are only about a bazillion handheld flashlights on the market today, so noodling out one from the others is quite the challenge. Sometimes, it takes “inference” to zero in on likely quality candidates. I inferred based on some of my colleagues’ praise for Fenix headlamps, which they use for hunting, that the company might be a good source for an all-around, everyday carry light.
That inference paid off.
My pick of the litter was the Fenix E06R Pro Flat Flashlight.
They are available in three colors, so I got one of each: orange, OD green, and black.
First off, the flat construction is a winner on two fronts. Unlike a conventional tubular flashlight, the E06R Pro won’t roll away if you need to illuminate a two-handed operation. Furthermore, the flat chassis slips easily and wears comfortably in your pocket. There is also a strong and well-proportioned pocket clip (which can be removed) on the back of the housing, so it stays secure. A keychain loop built into the clip allows you to add a key ring so you can secure the light to a carabiner.
There are several things I like about this light. First, and most importantly, it packs a punch with its 1600 lumen output (160 meters maximum beam distance). Short-pressing one of the two power-on buttons allows you to scroll through five intensity settings. In addition to the beam lamp, there is also a flood lamp, offering wide and softer illumination with five settings.
Not enough? Extended pressing of the primary power sends the unit into strobe mode, which is a viable tool for disorienting an attacker long enough for you to make a defensive move.
Want more? Well, the E06R Pro also comes with a laser pointer and a UV light.
I’ve been knocking around with this light for a couple of months now, and it has earned its spot as my primary EDC and beside-the-front-door light. I gave two of them to my FedEx and UPS drivers, and now they carry theirs everywhere and swear by them.
The E06R Pro isn’t what you would call a budget light, but they are worth every penny.
- MSRP: $74.95
Dead Air Silencers CT5P Suppressor
The newest product offered by those forward-engineering folks out of Heber City, Utah — we’re talking, of course, about Dead Air Silencers — is out. And if you are a no-nonsense AR type like me, you’ll want to pay attention. Here is a suppressor developed specifically for defense professionals (except it is also available to us civies). I’m talking about the CT5P model. The “P” stands for “patrol.”
This is a hard-use suppressor designed for optimized performance in carbine-length, 5.56 NATO-chambered AR platforms. The Dead Air engineers cooked this one up with the several key objectives in mind that are important for law enforcement personnel often working in close quarters. These include significantly reduced backpressure, a compact profile for tight-quarter maneuverability, lighter weight to minimize fatigue, reduced muzzle flash, and, naturally, maximized sound reduction.
One of the many cool features of the CT5P is that it has a monolithic construction courtesy of additive manufacturing (3D printing) with Haynes 282 and is available with three different mounting options: Keymo, Xeno, and direct-thread (1/2-28 and 5/8-24). The direct-thread models further save overall weight and reduce length because there is no Hub interface required. That’s because the 1/2-28 or 5/8-24 threads are printed right into the suppressor.
We’ll be covering the CT5PX model (seen above with the Xeno mounting system) shortly, so stay tuned.
- MSRP: $899 (direct-thread); $979 (Xeno mount); $1,099 (Kemo mount)
Luth-AR Globe Charging Handle
This unconventional approach to the AR charging handle from Luth-AR is one of those love it or hate it products…and you won’t know which camp you fall into until you use it. I’ve tried it on three different AR setups and found it to have advantages and disadvantages.
Called the AR Globe Charging Handle, this design utilizes a prominent ball on the end of the charging handle latch. The idea is that the bigger, round design offers an easier, more ergonomic solution to the typical flat charging handle configuration.
When shooting with gloved hands, I found the ball easier to locate due to its size. At the same time, the rounded and smooth polymer ball didn’t seem to provide a lot of traction. I found it easy for my gloved hand to slip off if I didn’t run my index finger hard against the upper receiver. When shooting bare-handed, though, the Globe Charging Handle offers good purchase and fast operation.
Again, you’ll probably either love it or hate it, depending on your rifle setup.
- MSRP: $49.99
Falco S&W Bodyguard 2.0 AX93 Holster
While I prefer carrying my old school 1911 in 45 ACP and often carry a striker-fired 9mm in assorted flavors, I find myself toting my S&W Bodyguard 2.0 far more than I should. For ultimate concealability with full-size gun handling characteristics, I haven’t found anything better. The downside, of course, is that it is only chambered in 380 ACP.
As a backup, it’s perfect. As a primary, it’s lacking.
When I first got the gun, holster manufacturers were slow on the uptake, so I carried it in my pocket (not something I recommend). When Falco released their AX93 carbon fiber pocket holster with a Bodyguard 2.0 fitment, I jumped.
This little gem costs a pretty penny, but it solves my problem. I can now carry one of my big boy EDC guns OWB and have my S&W safely secured in my pocket as a backup.
The AX93, as mentioned, is simply two molded carbon fiber panels riveted together. It includes a Chicago screw and two rubber pucks to allow for retention adjustment. That’s it. The design, though, allows for three different draw styles.
An extended “tab” on the left side of the holster allows you to release the gun from the holster and draw while the holster remains in the pocket. If that doesn’t work for you, you can draw and let the integrated J-hook snag the inside of your pocket, thus releasing the gun. Finally, for pack or purse carry, the bottom rivet is large enough to pass a leather thong or length of paracord, which you can secure to the bag. This lets the holster stay secured to the bag as you draw. Simple, yet effective.
- MSRP: $319.95
Ballistol Suppressor & Carbon Cleaner
Few among us, I’ll warrant, get a big thrill when it’s gun cleaning time. The thrill diminishes exponentially when it’s time to clean a suppressor. Suppressors have never been the easiest components to clean, but the newer designs, courtesy of 3D printing technology, make it even more difficult to remove fouling from intricate baffling and gas channels.
One product that makes deep cleaning suppressors a bit easier is Ballistol’s Suppressor & Carbon Cleaner. This is an acid-free and odorless solution that is essentially self-cleaning. Each kit comes with two 16.9-oz. bottles and an assortment of rubber corks. Just plug the open end of the suppressor with the correct-sized cork and pour in the solution. Give it a couple hours to soak at room temperature and most or all fouling will dissolve on normal-use suppressors. Dump the used cleaner, fill the suppressor halfway with water and shake to rinse. Repeat until the water runs clean. For hard-use, super-dirty suppressors, you can adjust the solution temperature and soak times.
I haven’t tried this yet on my stubbornly carbon-caked AR bolts, but it may just work for that, too.
- MSRP: $40
Steelhead Outdoors Drifter 1 Pistol Box
Sometimes, you have to leave your gun in your vehicle. It’s a sorry situation when you must go on Federal property like the post office, or even the county courthouse, but there you go.
This is where a simple and convenient storage solution like the new Steelhead Outdoors Drifter 1 Pistol Box comes in handy.
The Drifter 1 is made of 16-ga. powdercoated steel and measures 6.5x10x3 inches. It is fully padded with dual 3/8-inch foam in the bottom and egg-crate style foam on the lid so the contents won’t move around. Robust 1/4-inch hinges are welded and staked, and they are joined with a pin that features guards on both ends to prevent punching.
One of the features I like about the Drifter 1 is that it uses a keyed lock, not a combination lock (too much hassle for me). This makes it easy to open and lock, and I don’t have to remember another combination.
The unit can secure inside your vehicle in one of two ways. Four holes in the bottom allow you to secure it directly to your floorboard (or some other convenient location) via screws or bolts, or you can use the supplied galvanized and nylon-coated cable. I prefer the latter because I can simply loop the cable through a slot in my truck’s seat frame and leave it. Place the end of the cable in the box (see photo) and lock the lid. Easy.
The Drifter 1 is also TSA compliant, so you can take it with you if needed.
- MSRP: $99
Mesa Tactical Truckee Forend for Mossberg 500/590
This one is still a couple weeks or so from being available as of this writing, but we wanted to give you a heads up on the latest product coming to Mesa Tactical’s Truckee Forend lineup. If you are a defensive shotgun fan, you probably already know about the Truckee Forend that Mesa Tactical has been rolling out for the Benelli M4/M1/M2, Mossberg 930/940/990, Beretta 1301, and the Remington 870/TAC-13/V3. Next up is the Truckee Forend for the Mossberg 500/590/Shockwave.
The Truckee Forend replaces the factory unit and is an easy DIY install. Made from a single piece of machined aluminum, this forend solves the problem of accessory mounting for shotguns that have no provisions for adding a light, laser, or other devices. Machined into the forend are three rows (3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions) of M-LOK slots. This allows custom placement of needed accessories (and you really do need a light for any home defense shotgun). The forend is also available in three lengths: 8.75, 10.25, and 11.75 inches.
Stay tuned for a step-by-step video on the installation process.
- MSRP: $149.95-$169.95
CrossBreed LightGuard Holster
This one is for those of you who want to run a light on your EDC pistol. We’re talking about the new LightGuard Holster from CrossBreed.
The LightGuard is an IWB holster that has a rather unique modular feature built in. The shell is of a three-piece design. The two side panels constitute the “light shell” — which is specific to the gun and the light make/model you are using. The adjustable top shell is universal. This means you can replace the lower light shell to accommodate a different pistol/light combination without having to buy a new holster. But when you consider the relatively low price of the holster, I’d say, “Why bother?” Just buy another holster.
However you want to look at it, the LightGuard is a quality piece, as we have come to expect from CrossBreed products. The retention is adjustable in three locations, and you can adjust the cant as needed for strong-side, appendix-, and cross-draw carry.
While I’m not a big IWB fan, the LightGuard carried my G17 and Streamlight TLR-7 HL-X with no problems and no complaints from me.
- MSRP: $31.47
MTM Case-Gard Suppressor Protector 2
For all of you who are jumping (or have already jumped) onto the suppressor wagon, you really should think about storage and transportation options. The innovative folks at MTM Case-Gard has already thought about it and have come up with the new Suppressor Protector 2 cases.
I’ve got three of them, and I like them. A lot.
Heretofore, I’ve kept my suppressors in their original factory boxes. Convenient to store when in the gun room, sure, but not so convenient when I need to take them out to run them. The Suppressor Protector 2 solves that not-so-little issue for me, and it gives me a safer (for the suppressors) and more organized way to store and to transport suppressors to and from the range or hunting fields (often my guns won’t fit into their cases with a suppressor attached).
These cases are designed to hold two suppressors up to eight inches long. Inside, V-channeled foam supports two suppressors while egg-crate foam in the lid keeps the contents snugly in place. A rubber O-ring seal prevents water and moisture intrusion. Outside, there are three snap latches and two padlock slots to accept thin-shanked locks. The cases are designed to stack, and what looks like strap loops on either side of the case could be used to strap more than one case together if you wanted to do that.
Overall, another perfect, cost-effective solution from the sharp minds at MTM Case-Gard.
- MSRP: $23.98
Tactacam Defend 360
Most folks know the Tactacam brand for its top-notch cellular trail cameras. Several months ago, Tactacam opened a new lane in their video and image capture portfolio with the release of the Defend 360.
The Tactacam Defend 360, as its name implies, is geared for security use — basically, remote site monitoring. The unit consists of a camera with motorized, 360-degree rotation to allow for a broad coverage area, an integrated rechargeable battery, solar panel to charge the battery, and a mounting bracket. In addition to the camera’s 360-degree rotation, there is a tilt function as well as zoom capability.
Defend 360 runs exclusively on a cellular connection and simply connects to the strongest signal (no SIM card required). This makes it ideal for monitoring remote locations like hunting cabins, barns, job sites, and other areas where traditional Wi-Fi camera monitoring may not be possible. Everything is controlled remotely through the Tactacam DEFEND app with a subscription plan. This includes livestreaming, camera operation, and image/video access.
The only downside I found with the Defend 360 is that it does not work with Wi-Fi (nor was it intended to), which is important for those who may have satellite internet access and Wi-Fi extension capabilities but no strong cellular signal on their property. Perhaps dual Wi-Fi/cellular capability will appear in a future model.
- MSRP: $159.99
