I put some tape on the left and right hand side of the grip and a piece underneath the trigger guard. This really helped me get a proper grip on the gun and made it fell more secure in my hand. After adding the tape I went to the range and refined the placement of the tape and I’m currently using the grip tape placement below.
The grip tape was an inexpensive way to improve the feel of the handgun. I looked into stippling but I was not comfortable with modifying the handgun in that way. Here is a great link on how to stipple a firearm using a soldering iron.
Hornady launched a range of products designed for self-defense in a zombie apocalypse last year. What most people don’t realize is that they are almost exactly the same as their Hornady Critical Defense Ammo and it costs about a $1 less per box. Check out the specs for the Hornady Critical Defense and Hornady Zombie Max ammo and judge for yourself.
Not one to pass up an opportunity to sell more optics, EO-Tech is selling a Zombie-themed version of their XPS2 holographic sight complete with Biohazard-styled reticle. Only $519. I have the regular EO-Tech 553 that takes CR-123 batteries and it’s fantastic. I highly recommend this holographic sight.
Blackhawk is recalling the light bearing version of their SERPA Level 3 holsters made before October 11, 2011. They tell us that users are over tightening the mounting screws which weakens the material surrounding the threaded insert and can cause the holster to break off from the platform.
It seems holsters were manufactured back in 2009 with an incorrect part that contributes to the problem, but Blackhawk isn’t taking any chances and is offering to replace all SERPA Level 3 light bearing holsters manufactured prior to October 2011 (part number CJD1300 or 2100xxx on the back).
Sooner or later you will get hurt. And if it’s not you, it will be someone in your party. Therefore be smart and self-reliant and always have some medical capability integrated into your systems. Here I cover my first option to do just that, a “Level 1″ First Aid kit of my own construction. Siding with the emphasis on “Mobility”, this kit doesn’t contain supplies to handle every medical emergency. It is designed to handle most of the medical problems I’ve encountered in my adventuring. And at just 5.5 ounces and being very slim in profile, it is designed for high-speed outdoor, backpacking, tactical, or Xootring adventures (to be explained).
This Level 1 kit has an emphasis on stopping blood loss, disinfecting wounds, minor pain stoppage, and bandage exchange. Components of the kit and some of the POU involved are explained; your preferences and needs may vary. Additional Level 1 kit items that I sometimes integrate include: sharp REI tweezers, surgical gloves, moleskin, Gorilla-brand duct tape (unless carried elsewhere in system), superglue vials (for wound closure), ACE bandages, salt and/or electrolyte drink mix (to revive dehydrated hikers), needles, and a scalpel. Integration of these items in the desired Level 1 size and weight constraints may be difficult however and is they are needed than maybe portaging a “Level 2″ (more complete) kit would be warranted.
I do not use “QuickClot” in a Level 1; too heavy and bulky and not necessary. Compared to even a quality first aid kit, like ones from “Adventure Medical Kits” this version has more depth. It is difficult for makers like AMK to make kits to this level because of the elevated cost in doing so (and then they wont sell well). Handling medical emergencies on your adventures is your responsibility and help may be far away. You will also find that few people even carry a First Aid kit with this much capability and you will be the on-site medical expert since you’re prepared (been there!). Having such a kit will minimize pain, injury, and maybe even save a life possibly yours.
I bought a S&W M&P VTAC Viking Tactics 9mm the other day. I decided on the MP VTAC model because of the combination fiber optic / tritium sights. I read some reviews stating that the fiber optic piece popped out for people but I have yet to run into that problem. The gun came with two 17 round magazines, three interchangeable backstraps, a lock, a case, a manual and a chamber flag.
I took the S&W M&P VTAC 9mm to the range yesterday. I was shooting the pistol from the standing position at 50 feet at an indoor range. The gun came with three different back straps. I chose the medium one for the test. I put 100 rounds of Federal Champion Target Ammunition through the pistol without a single issue.
The VTAC fiber optic sights were excellent. The trigger was crisp and short. The pistol shot on the low side because of how high the fiber optic sights sit. If I had a chance to use the MP9 in low light settings I would use the Trijicon sights that are just below the fiber optic sights. The only issue I did come across was that about every third round ejected directly back into my face. This caused me to flinch the rest of my time with the pistol. I read that this issue maybe caused by the type of ammo that I used or not having a proper grip on the gun.
I’m going to test the pistol further next week and post an update. Until then here are some pictures of the gun. I’m new to shooting pistols so keep that in mind when you see the pictures of the targets below.
Model: M&P9 VTAC®
Caliber: 9mm
Capacity: 17+1 Rounds
Action: Striker Fire Action
Barrel Length: 4.25″ / 10.8 cm
Front Sight: VTAC® Warrior
Rear Sight: VTAC® Warrior
Overall Length: 7.63″ / 19.4 cm
Weight: 24 oz./680.4 g
Grip: Polymer
Frame Material: Polymer
Slide Material: Stainless Steel
Finish: Flat Dark Earth (FDE)
