Son of a Son of a Submachinegun.

I once watched a review of the S&W MP15-22, by Colion Noir, as being a fun gun to shoot and own.   I must admit I have one and have always thought it one of the most fun rifles I own.   Every time I take that rifle out I get a big ole smile on my face and want to shout, “WWWWEEEEEEEEEEEE”.   I recommend this firearm at every turn, totally a fun gun to own and shoot.   In this same vein of gun ownership I write about the Sig Sauer MPX-P.   This is a totally fun, versatile pistol that has many of the same advantages as the M&P15-22.   It’s relatively inexpensive to shoot, points quickly, light, easy to operate with the same controls as the AR-15, and allows for the addition of accessories to make it very uniquely yours.

The MPX-P is classified as a pistol, utilizing the Sig arm brace at the end of a side folding tube.  With the side folder closed, the overall length of the 9mm pistol comes in at a respectable 17 inches (8.5” barrel), and fully extended gives it a length of 27 inches, making it a compact pistol with many applications.   The gun draws on its short history as a new entry into the submachine gun world, as competition to the venerable HK MP5 series of submachine guns.   The Attraction of the MPX in this field is most noticeably the manual of arms.   This gun’s controls look like an AR15/M4, and operate as an AR15/M4.  Adding to this familiarity, the gun comes from the factory ambidextrous in safety, magazine release, and  bolt release!   The charging handle, safety, left side bolt release, and trigger are AR15.   The charging handle is shortened to accommodate the shortened cartridge length, but the operation and shape are the same you know and love.  The safety is very plump and can easily be found with thumb, finger, or knuckle depending on how you train.   Lastly the trigger is reportedly an AR15 trigger, but a careful read of the manual indicates it really isn’t.  The trigger is “basically” a standard single stage AR 15 trigger with a crisp break, and proper reset.  The hand guard is equipped with Key Mod style front end and comes with a very simple fore arm stop to prevent the shooter from over reaching the muzzle.   The top receiver comes with  picatiny rail from muzzle to pistol brace, for your favorite red dot style site and other accessories.  The gun comes equipped with flip up sights front and rear.   Rounding out the list of factory features is a single point sling mount in the rear part of the receiver, the sling is included, and a left hand thread flash hider.  The gun comes with a single 30 round magazine made by Lancer for Sig.

 I see this firearm as being very versatile and fairly easy to feed and maintain.    I purchased the gun to run incognito in my laptop bag with the folding brace, the gun easily stores in a standard back pack used to cart around laptops, with room for your laptop.   My pack carries two 30 round magazines for the MPX-P, and 2 for the handgun I carry, as well as a suppressor (and laptop).   However, this gun could also handily serve as a home defense firearm for shooters concerned with over penetration from either 5.56, or buck shot.   My MPX took the place of an AR pistol that was tasked with the same job, but had to be stored in 2 pieces for the length of the backpack.   At close quarters the gun is very easy to utilize when wanting to put multiple shots on target quickly.  In my vehicle carry scenario, the MPX was much faster to put into service than the AR taking into account the time spent assembling the AR.   A secondary benefit is the space needed by the magazines and the weight savings of similar loads.

The gun is easy to control and put rounds where you want them.   I adorned mine with a Burris Fast Fire II red dot site and was able to sight in the gun with a group that was coverable by a nickle at 7 yards, 21 feet, typical distance used in self-defense training and shooting.  My zero consisted of 6 shots.  I shot 100 rounds total (suppressed and unsuppressed) and experience no failures to fire, feed or other malfunction.  My particular pistol is a 9mm, but the gun is also offered in S&W .40 and .357 Sig.    The gun is easy to control when firing rapidly, and accurate when targeting deliberately.

From an innovation standpoint, not much on this gun is totally new to the AR shooter, it’s all been around, and AR’s have been offered in 9mm for many years, which all makes this gun seem familiar to the AR enthusiast.   The gun does utilize a short stroke piston for activating the bolt, and the sub gun fires from a closed bolt.   The piston system keeps the bolt carrier group relatively clean after extended use.   What was new, to me, is the bolt carrier.   The recoil springs are mounted to the top of the bolt carrier group, with the fore end of it otherwise looks similar to the AR/M4 bold carrier.   The bolt installs into the upper in a very intuitive way.   The gun fits well together, no contortions, force, or extra pieces were experienced from take down to cleaning, to re-assembly.

Take down is also very AR like.   Remove the two pins and it comes apart as an AR15 does, however upon opening up the front hinge point, the handguard is easily removed over the front of the gun, and reveals the 2 screws that attach the barrel to the upper receiver.    My understanding is that a replacement barrel can be purchased and the caliber changed at this point.  

In case you can’t tell by now, I’ll shamelessly plug I’m a fan of this gun.  The gun is simple to use, small to store, allows me to use most of my AR accessories, and utilizes the same ammunition as my carry gun.  I get dual use from my 9mm suppressor, which allowed me to skip suppressing my AR….err for now anyway.

While I do like this gun, I am going to circle back around to the magazines.   One magazine included with a gun of this expense is a bit of a rip off.  Additional mags are advertised on their web site for about $70 a piece or 3 pak for $169, but if you register on their web site, and receive their emails, they do offer frequent discounts of 15-20% off, and stores north of the border carry them at less than retail price.   Sig does seemingly jab you on the cost of their magazines.  Magpul are you listening?

If you like Sig Sauer handguns, you’re going to love this one!  The gun has many features you’ll love and putting rounds down range will make you smile and sing out,”WWWWEEEEEEEEEEEEE”!!  Your face will break into smiles and this gun will make you want to play tunes on steel targets.  This gun is, dare I say it, sexy as all get out!

If you’re not a fan of Sig Sauer, you’ll probably note that 9mm AR’s are certainly available with many of the perks and capabilities they do offer, at maybe a similar or less price point.   If you are willing to Franken-gun a Glock 17 or 19 with a bunch of strap on kits and call it equivalent, please do not leave any comments, just walk away, and maybe sign up for a remedial art class at your local community college.

and check out Lina Miculek with the full auto version.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6tRUYfq6KQ

See you at the range!
2XTap

Review: Winchester USA Forged 9mm Ammunition

Recently The Gundivas received a sample of Winchester's new line of ammunition, USA Forged from  Ammoman.com (www.ammoman.com) to try out.
The primary difference between USA forged and other Winchester ammunition is the case.
USA Forged uses a steel case versus a brass case.  The reason for a steel case is to lower cost.  Steel is cheaper than brass.  The bullet is the same copper jacketed lead core Winchester has used for years.  All the components are 100% made in America.  The advertised muzzle velocity is 1190 FPS.  It is typically packaged in 150 round boxes. (Three trays of 50 rounds)

I had a chance to run through 250 rounds of this ammunition.  I fired 150 through a Glock model 19 during the monthly pistol competition.  And another 100 through 3 other handguns (Browning Hi-Power, Glock model 43 and a German Luger) at the target range just to see how it performed in other guns.

Throughout the day the ammunition performed and functioned with zero malfunctions.  Accuracy was the same as any other brand I have used.  I did not specifically shoot for groups.  My evaluation is based on my accuracy during the competition and ability to hit a 10 inch steel plate at 35 yards.  I personally see no difference in this ammunition versus anything other brand of ammunition.
I do call BS on the advertised velocity of 1190 FPS.  Again I did not measure it, but this ammunition was too anemic to knock down the larger steel plates, which is typical of most factory 9mm ammunition.  (I need to start reloading again so I can get the performance I want)

Overall I say this ammunition is good to go.  I experienced no problems with it.
I do add these caveats;
1. Indoor ranges may not allow you to use this at all.  Many indoor ranges have blanket bans on any ammunition that is magnetic in any way.  This is to keep out steel jacketed and steel core ammunition that will damage the backstops thus increasing maintenance costs.  (Note:  Only the case is steel in the USA Forged ammunition.  The bullet is pure copper jacketed lead)
2. I have read some articles where people have experienced low accuracy and function problems (mostly failure to eject) with this ammunition.  All I can say is buy a box and try it.  If it works, it works.  If not, switch back to what works.  I did most of my testing through Glock handguns.  Glocks are known to eat just about anything without problems.

Hope Winchester USA Forged provides you another, less expensive ammunition choice for your target shooting and training.

Good Hunting.



By: Mez
06/05/2016

Living with the Flashbang

I'm a week into using the Flashbang as my primary holster and for the most part I really love it. Now that I've figured out a system for getting dressed and holstering my gun, it only takes an additional thirty seconds or so to get dressed.

Two drawbacks:

1) I'm developing a raw spot on Ms. Left from the edge of the holster. I'm wear it tucked deep into my bra, so the edge of the holster rubs. I need to just get some moleskin, but it's a lot harder to find than I remember it being. I might have to resort to ordering it from Amazon.

2) I've found that after about 13 hours (the length of time I'm at work), it starts to get uncomfortable. Well, not the holster so much, as the whole bra. If I'm honest with myself, 13 hours is about how long I can tolerate wearing a bra, so I don't know that I can really blame the holster for it.

I'm still in the market for an IWB holster for jeans day, but I think I can hold off on spending that money for a bit, as long as I continue to dress around the Flashbang.

One other note: a couple of years ago, I did a review on a leather holster and I was disappointed when the snaps gave away and the holster started flopping. Holy cow, if that leather maker had used the same snaps that Looper does on the Flashbang, the leather holster would not have budged! The snaps on the Flashbang are ... sturdy. In fact, if you don't get the technique down, you're not getting the snaps done or undone.

Review: Right Now Range

While we were at Industry Days at SHOT Show, we got to handle a portable range system called the Right Now Range.  The founder/designer and I had been in contact before the show and I was looking forward to seeing it with my own two eyes.  Once I got to handle it, I fell in love.  It's such a simple, yet beautiful design that I'm kicking myself for not coming up with it on my own.

She offered to send us a sample to try out and there was no way I was going to say no to that offer!  It arrived shortly after we got home, but we had to wait for a decent weather day to test it out.  (I'm old, I don't shoot in the cold and snow unless I have to anymore.)  Finally, late March came around and it was nice enough to spend some time outdoors.

The Right Now Range sets up quickly; under five minutes even if you have no idea what you're doing. It is a whole lot lighter and takes up less space than my wooden target stands. Plus, it's completely reusable and recyclable.

It was breezy, but not windy, the day we went out, and the provided stakes did a good job of keeping the target stand in place.  I'm not sure how well it would stand up to Wyoming "breezes", but it did well on the Northern Colorado plains.

I was feeling under the weather, so Jay and Mez took it upon themselves to try to destroy it.  I shot a few rounds at it and loved it, but they really went to town on it.  Jay shot it with 12 ga slugs and 12 ga Multiple Impact Bullets.  Truth be told, it held up well enough that we could have saved it and used it again just by stapling targets over the holes they put in it.





I love the Right Now Range so much that I'm willing to give one away.  The contest will open on June 15th and run until 12:00 am on June 22nd, so be sure to enter soon.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bullet Bouquets

Note: this is a completely unsolicited review - I saw the product and fell in love.

While waiting for the Garth Brooks concert to start a couple of weeks ago, I was flipping through Facebook and saw the coolest thing ever. A flower pot with beautiful flowers that would never wilt or die, made by Bullet Bouquets.

Photo cred: Bullet Bouquet's FB page

I had to have one of these bouquets, so I told Jay that's what he needed to get me for our anniversary next month.  But I just couldn't let it go - I mean, look at how cute that is!  The .22 brass "soil" and perfectly "bloomed" copper jacketed hollow points.  It's perfect.

Because I couldn't let it go, I placed an order to give to a friend.  You know, to just see if I liked it in person as much as in the picture before I told Jay that he really, really needed to get me some of these flowers that will never wilt.

I literally placed the order on my way home from the Garth Brooks concert.  I couldn't even wait until the next morning to place the order, I was that impatient.

I placed the order early, early on Wednesday morning and had it by Monday.  I probably got lucky in the quick shipping because they are a Colorado company, so the distance was pretty short.

Even though I bought it as a gift I had to open it.  You know, just to make sure it wasn't damaged in shipping.  They had it packaged carefully in bubble-wrap, with the "dirt" in its own little bag to add after the flowerpot was unpacked.  I shouldn't have worried about the packing, because these bouquets are actually very sturdy.

I assembled it by pouring the "dirt" into the pot and let it sit on my desk for a couple of days.  When I started to think that maybe the present I'd gotten for someone else looked really good on my work desk, I packed it back up so as not to give into the temptation of keeping it.

I gave it to Tara to keep on her desk as she's writing and she was every bit as delighted with it as I was.

The quality was great, it wasn't flimsy at all, and I got it in a timely manner.  I definitely recommend this company to anyone who wants to give a great gift to the shooter in their lives.

Ammo-Up

One of the products we saw at SHOT Show was Ammo-Up, a device that helps with the dreaded chore of picking up brass (brassing).  We stopped by their booth a couple of years ago and I fell in love with their 18" rifle and pistol brass picker_upper.  It's like a giant push mower that picks up brass and deposits it in a basket.  At $495, as much as I loved it, there was no way I could afford it.

However, when we stopped by their booth this year, we found that they are releasing a compact version that is ideal for brassing around barricades and in corners.  I haven't seen a price on it yet, but the gentleman we talked to at the booth said it would be right around $100 when it is released later this year.

I know it looks good picking up brass on a show floor, but I hope to get a chance to try it out once it's released and give a proper review.  Until then, here's a video of the demo at the show.

Review: Swab-its

As much fun as the shooting sports are, once the fun is over you need to take care of your equipment.  This includes cleaning your firearms.  Contrary to popular belief, your firearms do need to be cleaned and lubed to maintain proper function and accuracy. 

Everyone is familiar with the standard cleaning kit consisting of cleaning rod, brass bore brush and cotton patches.  These have worked well for many decades.  But they do have their own disadvantages.  A traditional patch does not conform to the round shape of the bore and you end up using numerous patches to obtain a clean bore.  A bore patch does not reach into the nooks and crannies of modern semi-auto firearms.  You could use old-fashioned Q-tips, but they are made of cotton which leaves cotton fuzz everywhere, they are short and don’t have flexible shafts.  Finally, you end up with a pile of trash to be thrown away. 

Now there is something better to help clean your firearms.  Bore-tips and Gun-tips by Swab-its (Swab-its).  Both of these items use a lint-free synthetic material that is washable and reusable.  No more throwing away piles of cotton patches or Q-tips. 

Gun-tips:

Gun-tips are simply a synthetic Q-tip with a plastic, flexible shaft.  They are great for getting into the nooks and crannies of modern firearms.  They come in various sizes and lengths and do an excellent job of cleaning the junk out of your firearm.  Another great use is to help apply lubrication.  You can put the lubrication where you want it instead of spraying lube everywhere and hoping it goes to the right lubrication points.  Just pick the one you need to help with your cleaning. 

Sample of Gun-tips

Use Gun-tips to clean into deep pockets. 

Great for applying lube where you want it

Bore-tips:

Bore-tips are a caliber specific combination of cleaning jag, bore mop and cleaning patch in one.  Bore-tips thread onto a standard cleaning rod and can be used to apply cleaning solution to the bore as well as removing loose particulates (just like a cloth cleaning patch or cleaning jag) once the brass brush has been run through several times.  Due to being round in shape and conforming to the shape of the bore the Bore-tip is more efficient than traditional cleaning patches.  They are also great for applying a uniform coat of oil to the inside of the bore for long-term storage.  

Sample Bore-tips

Bore-tip replaces cleaning jag, bore mop and cleaning patch

Use as cleaning jag, bore mop and cleaning patch

 Conclusion:

I like both of these products from Swab-its and think they will be a useful addition to your cleaning kit.

They may seem expensive but they are washable and reusable.  In the long run you should save money and reduce waste going to the landfill and more efficiently clean your firearms.

-Mez

11/13/2014

Review: IWI TAVOR (First Impressions)

Review: IWI TAVOR (First Impressions)

Today’s review is a year in the making.  We have wanted to test the TAVOR ever since we saw them at Shot Show 2013.  It has been difficult to obtain one due to high demand and short supply.  But I found the model I wanted at my local dealer and jumped at the opportunity.  Cost was $1790 plus tax.  Approximately $1950 after sales tax and background check fee.

The TAVOR is a bullpup rifle designed by and for the Israeli military.  And has been in service for several years.  The defining feature of a bullpup rifle is the magazine is placed behind the hand grip, instead of in front, giving the rifle an overall shorter length.  Even with a longer barrel, this makes the rifle more compact and easier to maneuver especially in tight space

Comparison with M4 rifle with 14.5 inch barrel

I chose the18 inch model with flat top picatinny rail.  The picatinny rail allows for the mounting of almost any optic you wish.  There is also a 16 inch model available as well.  The rifle is chambered in 5.56 x 45 and will shoot both military 5.56 and commercial .223 Remington ammunition.  The barrel has a twist rate of 1 in 7, which allows this rifle to handle heavier bullets up to 77 grains. 

Overall length is 29 inches and weighs approximately 8 Lbs empty without magazine.   

Further information can be found on the IWI Website. 

The TAVOR comes nicely packaged in its shipping box.  It contains the rifle, a full cleaning kit, 1 magazine, obligatory safety lock and an excellent instruction manual.  And 2 quick release swivels are also included for mounting your preferred sling. 

For my tests I mounted two different optics.  First a Nightforce 1-4 power glass optic (Nightforce NXS 1-4 compact)  Second an Aimpoint model M4S reddot sight. (Aimpoint M4S)  Both were mounted with Larue Tactical quick release mounts. (Larue Tactical)

What I like

-       Compact bullpup design is handy and easy to maneuver. 

-       The rifle shoulders very well and generally balances well once shouldered.  One item to note on the balance.  The rifles balance point is behind the hand grip and naturally balances to the rear and feels a bit awkward in the hand.  But this disappears once the rifle is shouldered.

-       The picatinny rail makes mounting any sight of your choice easy.  Do note the rail is a bit shorter than a standard AR15 rail.  So standard AR15 mounts are short by approximately ¼ inch.  You may need to go to a slightly higher mount for your optic.  You can use a standard mount but will need to scrunch your head down a bit for proper sight alignment.

-       Built in backup iron sights.  No need to buy aftermarket sights.  You have what you need built into the rifle.  They are easy to adjust with the supplied tool.  And the front sight does have a tritium insert. 

-       One unique feature is the position of the bolt release.  It is located behind the magazine well.  This allows the shooter to insert a new magazine and with the thumb release the bolt in one motion before moving back to the firing position.

-       The charging handle is conveniently located on the left hand side for easy access.

-       There is a picatinny rail mounted on the right side for mounting of lights or lasers.

-       The TAVOR can be configured for left hand shooters with the addition of a left hand kit.

-       The TAVOR is also cable of being configured for different calibers.  There will be a conversion kit for 9mm and for the Russian 5.45 x 39 caliber. 

-       It uses standard AR15 magazines.  And we all have a lifetime supply of these by now right?

What I don’t like

-       The trigger is absolutely dreadful on this rifle.  It is north of 8 pounds.  I can’t measure it as I don’t have the tools.  But other websites have reported upwards of 11 pounds.  The trigger is also long, creepy, mushy and crunchy all at the same time.  Honestly, I have fired AK-47’s with better triggers.  Heck I’ll say it.  I have fired Heckler and Koch rifles with better triggers.  (Yeah, I’ll take the heat from the H&K fanbois.  It is still an appropriate analogy)  

     This leads to my next biggest complaint.

-       Accuracy is mediocre.  I think the terrible trigger has a lot to do with this.  Using the Nightforce magnified optic I was able to achieve an adequate 2-3 inch group at 100 yards.  I was also able to hit the 300 yard and 390 yard steel plates very easily.  The 400 and 500 yard plates were a bit more challenging but doable.  With the Aimpoint I only achieved a 4 inch group at 100 yards.  This is dreadful as it is AK-47 territory.  For a $2000 rifle I would expect better.  A cheap no name AR15 generally does 2 inches and better out of the box.

Results with Aimpoint reddot optic.

Conclusion

Overall I like this rifle.  If you are looking for a bullpup rifle, definitely look at the TAVOR.  It is short, handy and maneuvers well.  It is rugged and reliable.  And it is battle proven.  Even with a crappy trigger and mediocre accuracy this rifle does have value and purpose.  It is accurate enough for most jobs.  I think most people get too worked up over accuracy.  Most jobs do not need pin point accuracy.  If you can put your shots into an 8-10 inch circle you are golden.

I think this rifle is best suited for military, law enforcement, self defense and tactical style competitions.  Or defending yourself during the Zombie apocalypse.  Where this rifle does not perform well is where accuracy is of prime consideration such as bullseye competitions.

This is the initial review of the TAVOR rifle.  Do expect further updates in the future as we have more time to work with this rifle and get to know its ins/outs and personality. 

And I am looking to the aftermarket to find a solution to the trigger issue.  As I think a better trigger will help with the accuracy.



By: Michael Mezo
12/08/2013