Tactical Tailor

Archive for the ‘DIY’ Category

Polymer80 Product Changes in Accordance with ATF Final Rule

Tuesday, August 30th, 2022

Last week ATF final rule 2021R-05F, Definition of “Frame or Receiver” and Identification of Firearms, went into effect. Polymer80, Inc., the company that designs and develops innovative firearms and after-market accessories that provide ways for customers to participate in the build process while expressing their right to bear arms, is a direct target of this new rule. Polymer80 wholeheartedly disagrees with the ATF final rule, however, in an effort to maintain a legal business, will comply with the unconstitutional regulations.

In accordance with the new ATF final rule, Polymer80 will no longer offer their popular 80% kits in the same configuration in which customers have grown accustom. Instead, Polymer80 has released three new options for consumers interested in building their own legal firearm:

·      OPTION 1 is an unserialized 80% frame with rear rail, locking block rail system and pins. No jig or tools are included with this product. 

·      OPTION 2 is a serialized frame that does include a jig, tooling, rear rail and locking block rail system. This option is the same as the prior 80% kit offered by Polymer80, but with a serialized frame.

·      OPTION 3 is the “Build Back Better” kit, which includes everything listed in option 2 plus a slide assembly. This kit contains everything you need to build a complete, serialized firearm.

Option 1, the unserialized 80% blank, is currently available for purchase at www.polymer80.com. Please note that shipment is not available to all states.

For those interested in assembling without drilling, Polymer80 will continue to offer their AFT “Assemble for Thyself” kit, which includes all the necessary components to build a complete firearm, no drilling required.

Polymer80 will also continue to offer their line of complete pistols, including the popular PFC9 compact pistol and PFS9 full-size pistol, as well as parts and accessories.

ORSM 22 – Gear Aid

Thursday, June 16th, 2022

The Gear Aid Tenacious Tape is available in Hex shapes which make for quick repairs of most punctures and tears.

These peel-n-stick patches use a durable adhesive that sticks to many surfaces and can be washed 24 hours after application.

Black and Clear combo comes with (4) Large patches. All other colors come with (2) Small and (2) Large patches. (Small: 1.5” x 1.65”, Large: 2.5” x 2.8”).

www.gearaid.com/products/tenacious-tape-repair-patches

THRiL Debuts New OEM Bantam Accessory Package at SHOT Show 2022

Friday, January 14th, 2022

THRiL, leading manufacturer of firearm accessories, is excited to announce their release of the all-new OEM Bantam Accessory Package, making its first appearance on the floor of SHOT SHOW 2022.

The new OEM Bantam Accessory Package includes all the essential accessories necessary to complete a rifle build, including the Bantam Stock, Rugged Tactical Grip (RTG), PMX AR Magazine, and THRiL’s Trigger Guard. This package is the perfect choice for those looking for a no-BS, ultra-compact, and lightweight rifle build.

Package headliner, the Bantam Stock, features an internal front tension device that ensures a snug fit to a mil-spec buffer tube, a snag-less front latch to prevent accidental adjustments, and an M-lok rear accessory slot allowing for user configuration. THRiL’s RTG features a 19.5-degree grip angle and an aggressive non-slip texture providing intense tactical feedback and promoting responsive weapon movements and improved agility. The PMX AR Mag boasts an LGF fiber PMX construction, an anti-tilt and self-lubricating follower, and a stainless-steel spring designed for high performance and durability. The package comes together with THRiL’s trigger guard, which provides an increased trigger opening and a seamless fit with the RTG.

Coming in at just 11.99 ounces, the Bantam Accessory Package stands to be one of the lightest and most affordable packages on the market.

The new release comes as no surprise as THRiL continues to expand its product line and furthering their mission to provide and develop high-quality, high-performance products for the tactical, hunting, and outdoor enthusiast at an affordable price point.

Headed to SHOT SHOW? Swing by Booth #40250 to see the new Bantam Accessory Package in person!

To learn more about THRiL and their full product line, visit www.thril.com.

For all inquiries and questions on the new Bantam Accessory Package, please email sales@thrilusa.com.

Kit Badger – How To Make Reactive Targets

Saturday, December 25th, 2021

Ivan made a video on how to make your own reactive targets.

RCBS Expands Precision Mic and Chamber Gauge Lineups

Thursday, December 16th, 2021

New Cartridge Offerings Include 6mm Creedmoor, Others

OROVILLE, Calif. – December 14, 2021 – RCBS®, the leading manufacturer of ammunition reloading equipment for rifles and pistols, has announced the expansion of its Precision Mic and Chamber Gauge offerings with the addition of several new cartridge options.

The RCBS Precision Mic lineup will now include 6mm Creedmoor, 6mm GT and
6.5 PRC, while the Chamber Gauge lineup has added 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 Creedmoor, .243 Winchester, 30-06 Springfield, 300 Winchester Magnum and .44 Magnum.

The RCBS Precision Mic helps reloaders determine chamber headspace and bullet seating depth to within 0.001 inches. By measuring from the datum point on the case shoulder to the base, the precision mic gives reloaders spot-on Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) tolerance readings, making it an indispensable tool for safe, accurate reloads.

The RCBS Chamber Gauge is designed to measure minimum SAAMI specs, verifying overall cartridge length and ensuring rounds will safely chamber. Reloaders can simply drop a loaded round into the chamber gauge to see if it will fit their firearm.

Manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $74.95 for all models of RCBS Precision Mics and $28.45 for most models of RCBS Chamber Gauges. For more information about RCBS Precision Mics and Chamber Gauges, or to check out other RCBS products, be sure to visit RCBS.com.

An Ambidextrous 80% AR-15 Lower Receiver

Wednesday, December 8th, 2021

Garden Grove, CA., (December 8th, 2021) – 80 PERCENT ARMS, the leading producer of 80% lowers, 80% lower jigs, and 80% pistol frames, debuts the latest in their line of AR-15 receivers you can build at home: an all-new ambidextrous 80% AR-15 lower receiver.

This premium ambi lower brings new bold and functional styling to 80% lowers. A freshly contoured design with a host of features gives fresh aesthetics with new functions to the 80% builder space. We’ve included the ability to drop the bolt from the right side of the receiver, aiding in speed reloads and getting the shooter back on the gun faster.

80% Arms has incorporated several other features to improve shootability of the lower receiver as well. A trigger pre-travel take-up tension screw has been included to improve the pull on triggers that may have excessive pre-travel by providing upwards tension on the rear of the trigger unit.

Additionally, a receiver tension screw is included with the receiver, allowing for tension to be placed on the rear takedown pin lug of an upper receiver, removing slop or movement between receivers where the aftermarket match may not be as precise as desired.

Because even the little things matter, 80% Arms has threaded the rear takedown pin spring hole, to make installation of the lower parts kit (especially the backplate), a breeze.

Finally, the rearward safety selector stop has been abbreviated to allow easier manipulation of the safety selector when hands are wet or slippery by allowing more thumb engagement on the safety selector lever.

The 80% ambi lower is the latest in a rapidly expanding catalog of premium 80% receivers offered by 80% Arms. It’s available online at www.80percentarms.com, and ships directly to your door.

SCUBAPRO Sunday – Adding Pockets

Sunday, November 14th, 2021

Typically, when you are diving, you want to stay as streamlined as possible. It will help keep you on time and help you use less air. But sometimes you have more things to carry so you might need to add more storage. The major problem with pockets on your thighs or hips is the drag it will create. When these pockets are full, they add about two to four inches to your profile. You can wear your BDU’s, and that will add pockets to your legs and arms. If you chose to wear a uniform, I would recommend the Patagonia Jungle uniform. It is super light and dries fast. You can also add pouches onto your gear belt, or you can put one or two onto your rebreather straps. An old school M16 pouch is great for a spare mask or extra fin straps. You can cut the grenade pouches off of the sides to reduce the drag. Here are a few after-market pockets options that can help you streamline your profile without sacrificing your gear needs or altering your existing gear in any way.

SCUBAPRO HYBRID CARGO SHORTS form-fit to your body like you were born wearing a pair. On the underside of the nylon panels, a micro-plush interior makes the shorts warm and cozy. This fleece fabric absorbs less water, which keeps heat against the body, increasing overall warmth. They also dry quickly. They can be worn by themselves, over a wetsuit, or if you need a little more warmth, they are great for over dive skins in warm water. They are also useful for items that need to be at the ready or if you need to tuck something away while diving.

The SCUBAPRO Hybrid Cargo Pants are made from 1mm X-Foam neoprene for warmth and durable nylon for stretch and comfort. They have an adjustable waist belt that includes an easy-to-use male/female squeeze buckle closure. Abrasion-resistant fabric on the seat panel provides additional protection. Highly versatile they are great for water jump, over the beach operations or combat swimmer where you don’t need a think wetsuit, but you want all the protection a wetsuit would provide.

The SCUBAPRO Hydros Pro Cargo Thigh Pocket (full pocket with clips and straps) can provide the same storage as the Cargo shorts that capacity. Ideal for storing swimmer slates, lights, marker buoys, spare masks, compact cameras. Quick attachment via clips & thigh strap. The pocket has a large flap with a squeeze-style” side-release buckle closure. Bellow pocket design and large flap make access to stowed items easy and secure. The most significant feature is if you don’t need additional storage capacity, you can just remove the pocket for a more streamlined profile.

The SCUBAPRO Hydros Pro BCD Ninja Pocket is ideal for storing swimmer slates, lights, marker buoys, spare masks, compact cameras. Quick deploy when needed, roll-up when not. Pocket has a large flap with squeeze-style” side-release buckle closure. Bellow pocket design and large flap make access to stowed items easy and secure. All of the SCUBAPRO pockets are made from durable nylon fabric for strength and durability.

Another option is to glue pockets onto your wetsuit/ drysuit. This is way more permit, so make sure you get it right. You can do it yourself, but unless you have done things like this before, I would recommend having someone that has done it before showing you how to do it or have them do it. There are a lot of YouTube videos out there and articles about how to do this. There are pockets you can buy just for this purpose.

Click here to see a bunch of DIY instruction for gluing pockets to your suit.

SCUBAPRO Sunday is a weekly feature focusing on maritime equipment, operations and history.

80 Percent Arms Announces GST-9 MOD1 Pistol Frame

Friday, November 12th, 2021

Garden Grove, CA., (November 12, 2021) – 80 PERCENT ARMS the nation’s premier manufacturer of 80% receivers, proudly announces the next generation modular 80% pistol frame: the GST-9 MOD1. Two years after the release of the world’s first modular 80% frame, 80% Arms is changing the status quo again by taking an already revolutionary frame to the next level. Compatible with Glock Gen 3 components, the MOD1 frame utilizes a platform of legendary reliability (and endless aftermarket support), to create a solid foundation to build off of.

The MOD1 features several improvements to the time-tested Glock® platform, starting with the mating surface between the slide and frame. Frame rails have been extended three times their normal length for more repeatability, better accuracy, and controlled recoil impulse. Users also now have the option for multiple rail coatings to improve reliability by reducing friction between moving parts in the harshest conditions, even after liquid lubricants have long since cooked off. Giving users the ability to pick their own coating prevents galling that can occur when a slide and rails have the same finish, and ensures extended life of all components.

The MOD1 features several advancements from the legacy GST-9 frame. Most immediately noticeable is the re-contoured gas pedal giving shooters an even greater purchase on the frame and allowing easier access to the takedown lever. Also externally, enhanced texturing and fitment between interchangeable magwells and frame modules give users the ability to build a pistol truly specific to them with a high quality fit and finish every time.

Internally, the rear rail system has been split into two separate units to improve customers’ build experience by only needing to align one hole at a time, while also increasing the stability of internal components.

As always, the GST-9: MOD1 platform is centered around shooters. There are no two missions or two shooters who are the same. That’s why 80% Arms designed a platform that allows each shooter to tailor your build for their specific needs. Whether it’s a compact or full-size grip, a streamlined magwell for concealed carry or a flared magwell for competition, you have the options you need to build the tool that works for you.

The MOD1 is immediately available online at www.80percentarms.com/gst-9, and ships directly to your door.