Youtube Has Got It Goin' On.....

We just hit 400 Subscribers on the Strongside Tactical Youtube Channel. Awwww, yeah! Cool stuff coming up to. Subscribe if you haven't already!

Be safe and see you next time.
~Mac

Offset Backup Irons: Do I Need 'Em?

Jesse Tischauser of Stag Arms Shooting Team

Most people add backup iron sights to their AR-15 rifle in the event their red dot optic fails. Competitive shooters may have a little different approach. The chances of a 1-4 power scope failing during competition are extremely unlikely. But what is likely is that you will be presented with multiple rifle targets at different ranges which will require you to adjust your scope power during a stage. This of course takes time and can be inexact. Turning the scope ring is made easier by some of the "cat-tails" scope companies make, but those take up space and stick out on top of the rifle. What about another option? What about an offset optic at 45 degrees? Now you see where I'm going with this.

Iron sights at 45 degrees

Having 45 degree offset mounts on your 3-gun rifle will allow you to quickly cant the rifle to the side and engage targets without having to drop the rifle from your shoulder and use a hand to change the power of the scope. The action of switching to offset iron sights should be rapid and take less than a second, allowing you to keep your eyes downrange and keep moving through a stage. When you are talking about WINNING 3-gun competitions and not just showing up and participating, every second matters. Guys like Daniel Horner and Keith Garcia win competitions by fractions of a second. So the time you save by not manipulating the scope power may take you to the top of the leaderboard.

There's a major reason why I'm leaning toward iron sights versus something like a red dot. Adding the second optic to the rifle immediately moves you into Open division. I've got no desire to go there as of now. When trained appropriately, iron sights can be used as accurately and efficiently as red dot sights on AR's.

So what are your options when it comes to offset iron sights? The big name in "rapid transition sights" has been Barry Dueck from Dueck Defense, himself a 3-gun competitor. Since he popularized these sights on the 3-gun circuit, several other companies have gotten in on the action, namely Knights Armament and Surefire. All three of these companies offerings mount directly to the Picatinny rail and are fixed sights, meaning they don't flip up or down.

KAC offset iron sights

Another option would be to add a small 45 degree rail section, such as the Daniel Defense 1 o'clock offset rail and put any of your standard back up sights on. Most people have backup irons such as Magpul or Troys already and could easily pop these on the rifle. The downside is that they would have to be flipped up, and there would also be the potential for them to get accidentally flipped up or down during movement.

So I'm currently thinking heavily about trying this setup out. I'm currently running my Vortex Viper PST 1-4x with no irons on my 3-gun rifle. What I'd like to do is keep the scope at 4x for shots longer than 50 yards or so, and have the irons to engage all of the close quarters shots. The matches I shoot in usually have the majority of the targets within 10 yards, with a couple out at 100. I think this setup would RULE.

Be safe and see you next time.
~Mac

Getting Your Bipod On

Well, hello there.........

Full feature coming up, but I wanted to throw down some quick hitters about this battle-proven bipod. The Atlas has been in use in combat for years now, and is hands down the most bomb-proof, reliable, and maneuverable bipod available for combat rifles.

• This thing is rugged as hell, and has consistently outlasted competitors in real combat use (Harris, etc.)
• Fully customizeable rotation of both legs individually, meaning you can come up with any number of combinations for different terrain and shooting positions.
• Each leg deploys individually via a spring loaded button at the top of the leg
• Picatinny mount (ADM) integrated into the Bipod, which saves having to buy an expensive sling mount adapter; transfers from rifle to rifle almost instantly with the integrated ADM mount
• Positive, secure clicks on legs when extending to different heights
• Lighter than competitors (Harris) while maintaining more robust legs and feet for stability
• Canting the legs forward (as pictured above) eliminates the need to load the bipod, which is an integral part of shooting with a bipod accurately
• Initially will deploy slower than competitors (Harris) due to having to deploy each leg separately, but the saved weight and familiarity with the deployment of the Atlas will negate this after some use.
• Preferred over at snipershide.com, which means a lot to me

I'm gonna put this thing through the ringer and it will handle what I throw at it and much more. Videos coming. Stay tuned.

Be safe and see you next time.
~Mac

They're back!!!

Pmags are back at StrongsideTactical.com. Get 'me while they're hot!

An Invaluable Tip

h/t Soldier Systems

I saw this tip on Soldier Systems and thought I would pass it on. It's a great tip for anyone who shoots with a sling, especially active duty or LE. Attach your QD sling point to the OUTSIDE of your stock, not the inside as a lot of people do. This is a much more stable shooting position as it allows the stock to take its natural, secure position within the shoulder pocket. Something I took for granted, but it's 100% true.

Be safe and see you next time.
~Mac

JP Free-Float Rail Review: Can't get here fast enough



Heckuva 1-2 punch there Rocky.....

WHO: JP Enterprises,  a world class manufacturer of superior AR-15 rifles and components, is owned and operated by John Paul, an avid shooter and innovative parts designer. JP is widely regarded as producing the finest aftermarket AR-15 components, namely triggers, free float rails, and barrels. Their complete rifles are highly sought after and considered equal or superior to mil-spec. 

WHAT: The JP Rifles 15.5" VTAC Modular HandGuard, a tube that is designed with the ultimate in accuracy, safety, and reliability in mind. A combat environment was envisioned when this rail was designed, and is tested to ensure it will survive catastrophic consequences to the rifles. The tube itself is anodized lightweight aluminum which attaches securely to the upper receiver using a carbon steel barrel nut. The unique barrel nut collar allows precise 12:00 indexing so that the gas tube is perfectly aligned. The modularity of the rail tube allows rail segments to be added at almost any index point for slings, lights, bipods, or iron sight attachments. As you can see above, I've added a full length 12:00 rail for sight attachments and grip. The Modular HandGuard comes in a variety of colors including Black, OD green, and FDE, and a variety of lengths from 7" to 15.5". MSRP for these rails range between around $150 to $250 depending on length.

WHEN: I have been employing the JP 15.5" Modular Handguard on my 3-gun AR-15 rifle for the past 2 months.

WHERE: This handguard will be employed in 3-gun competition and general training at home ranges. Currently, I have drilled at home with my rifle on typical 3-gun targets (paper and steel).

HOW:

• The Skinny: I think JP was one of the originators of the modular handguard concept. I can at least remember the JP rails being around since I first got into AR-15's 3 or 4 years ago.  They are tough and sturdy and would be appropriate for any application I can think of. For my application of an accurate, maneuverable 3-gun rifle, the JP fits the bill just right. I am of the opinion that every AR deserves a free float handguard, even though for most shooters the improvement in accuracy may be negligible. The ability to add accessories to the front end of the rifle on this modular handguard is reason enough to add one. It's obvious that the design was researched and well thought out. I don't think it would become loose or dislodged from the rifle even if you ran over it with a convoy of humvees. The JP Modular Handguard has to be near the top of my list of favorite float tubes. It's evident it is a revolutionary design in that many companies are mimicking the same design with modularity in mind.

FINAL WORD: 9 out of 10 (must-have), with 1 point off for weight. Compared to similar rails, the JP rail comes in on the heavy end of the spectrum, but the positives far outweigh it (for lack of a better term)

My Rating System (out of 10)

1-4: Do Not Buy. Complete or near-complete trash

5-6 : Would take for free from a friend

7: Would buy and take a flyer on/would give to a friend

8: Preferred, would happily buy

9: Preferred, would pre-order or anxiously await release

10: Must-have, would troll Equipment Exchange and/or sign up for email alerts in order to procure

Be safe and see you next time.
~Mac

Battlecomp 1.0 Review: MUST HAVE

How can so much awesome be packed into such a small package?

WHO: Battlecomp, a world class manufacturer of superior compensating muzzle devices, is owned and operated by veterans and experts in fluid dynamics. This level of expertise has led to one of the finest recoil-reducing muzzle devices available for AR-15 rifles.

WHAT: The Battlecomp 1.0, the original offering from Battlecomp Enterprises, is a standard length muzzle device which offers superior muzzle stability. The Battlecomp is also available in a 1.5 version (for 14.5" barrels to meet legal length) and a 2.0, which is compatible with some suppressors for direct mounting. The Battlecomp 1.0 retails for around $150.

WHEN: I have been employing the Battlecomp 1.0 for over a year now on multiple AR-15 rifles.

WHERE: This compensator has been employed in 3-gun competition and general training at home ranges.

HOW:

• The Skinny: The difference in the standard A2 flash hider and the battlecomp is IMMEDIATELY noticeable. If you are cold and fire the first couple of shots, your muzzle will actually dip downward toward 6 o'clock, reminding you to keep the proper pull of the rifle securely into your shoulder. With a proper grip, the muzzle has little to no rise under both single and rapid fire. The only rise I have ever noticed is an occasional slight flip toward 1 o'clock. The concussion from the Battlecomp is slightly louder than an A2, and you will see more muzzle flash during dark light, however it is NOWHERE near as bad as a muzzle brake. Having compared to other brakes like the AAC 51t, the Battlecomp shoots just as flat with less concussion and flash. I don't find it necessary to use both earmuffs and ear plugs with this device at all. One set of protectors is fine for me. Another untique feature is the ability to get it in black and matte silver finish, which was perfect for my 3-gun build with a stainless steel barrel. I own both black and matte. For the current market, I will put a Battlecomp on every rifle I own. I don't think there is a superior device at this point.

FINAL WORD: 10 out of 10 (must-have), because I totally trolled the Equipment Exchange for a Battlecomp when I found my first one.

My Rating System (out of 10)

1-4: Do Not Buy. Complete or near-complete trash

5-6 : Would take for free from a friend

7: Would buy and take a flyer on/would give to a friend

8: Preferred, would happily buy

9: Preferred, would pre-order or anxiously await release

10: Must-have, would troll Equipment Exchange and/or sign up for email alerts in order to procure

Suppressor vacancy! Apply here!

Be safe and see you next time.

~Mac

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

Wowzers.

And this thing is a BEAUTY! This is one of the most awesome looking rifles I have seen in a long time. Unfortunately, there is only 1 available!


~Mac

The AR-15 Trigger

Drop in and drop one in! Takes less than a minute! Promise!

One of the most frequently upgraded parts of the AR-15 rifle is the trigger group.The standard USGI trigger is serviceable if not unspectacular. Primarily used to be safe and as I've seen it put "to keep 18 year olds from shooting themselves", the standard AR-15 single-stage trigger leaves a lot to be desired.

There are lots of triggers available in the aftermarket for the AR-15 platform of rifles. One of the easiest to install is the CMC drop-in single stage trigger group. I've used 3 or 4 of these units on various rifles and they have always performed great for me. Not to mention, installation takes literally less than a minute.

I've always considered JP triggers to be the finest available. JP painstakingly creates perfect parts for AR-15 rifles and the time and dedication that goes into their triggers is unbelievable. Recently the JP E-Z trigger has become available from StrongsideTactical.com. I've got one of these units to install into my 3-gun rifle "The Tank". It is more labor intensive, but well worth the installation time and effort. You will not find a better trigger for your rifle. Period.

Here's an older video where I go over the types of AR-15 triggers as part of a series I've done on the "Essential Carbine". And if you're thinking about upgrading your trigger, check out THESE at StrongsideTactical.com.




Be safe and see you next time.
~Mac

Quite simply, you need to watch this video.

He will make you a better shooter.

Last night I watched quite simply the single most informative and best instructional shooting video I have ever seen. There may be better, and I may find better in the future, but I had a revelational type moment watching this Reactive Shooting video by Ron Avery last night.

For those of you who don't know, Ron Avery is an instructor and world-class shooter with over 30 years experience. His methodology focuses on efficiency, which is my mantra right down to the core. Efficiency of movement not only saves time but eliminates the possibilty of errors or malfunctions. Simply put, this is a guy who's instruction I GET.

If you have 10 minutes, check out this video where he goes through instruction on efficiency of the holster draw with Cory from Range Time, who by himself is already a pretty top notch shooter. Check it out below:

Ron Avery on the Science of the Draw Stroke

Be safe and see you next time.
~Mac