April 28, 2020
By J. Scott Rupp
Peltor Sport Tactical 500 Peltor’s Tactical 500s offer a noise reduction rating of 26 and feature Clear Voice Tracking—in addition to Bluetooth and phone functions. Dynamic Suppression Time and Gunshot Recognition features combine to optimize hearing protection. Recessed mics cut down on wind noise, and the head band is vented to accommodate the button on the top of a ballcap. Power button is logically placed for a right-hander’s thumb, and the unit powers down automatically after about two hours. Our tester says they’ve been the best he’s tried in terms of both wind-noise suppression and voice intelligibility, as well as all-day comfort.
$100-$120 street price, www.peltor.com
Streamlight ProTac 1L-1AA This handheld will use either one CR123A lithium battery or one AA alkaline battery—both of which are provided. You’ll get more power on high (350 lumens) with the lithium than with the alkaline (150), but the flexibility to run either power source makes this a handy and versatile light. Comes from the factory set in high/strobe/low mode, but thanks to the company’s TenTap programming, it’s simple to change it to either high-only or low/high modes. Available in black or coyote tan.
$71, www.streamlight.com
Meprolight FT Bullseye This self-powered, low-profile sight combines a fiber-optic circle and tritium dot to create a sight that’s great for use in any lighting condition. Its design eliminates the need for a front sight. The Bullseye FT easily installs on dovetails for various pistols made by CZ, Glock, HK, SIG, S&W, Springfield and more, and it will accommodate most existing holsters. The nighttime illumination is guaranteed for 12 years. Available in red or green.
$170 (varies by model), www.meprolight.com
This good-looking shirt is great for everyday wear or a day at the range. Collared, three-button short-sleeve, and it’s available in red or black. Size range from medium to XXX large.
$54, www.hornady.com
Ed Brown 1911 Magazines A 1911 is only as good as the magazine that feeds it, and Ed Brown’s mags are top notch. They’re available in straight stainless or with a black nitride finish. Calibers include .38 Super (nine-round capacity), 9mm (nine), .45 ACP (seven and eight) and 10mm (nine).
$20–$30, www.EdBrown.com
DeSantis Slim-Tuk This minimalist inside-the-waistband features hardware that can change the holster for right- or left-hand use. It’s made of Kydex, and the company’s 360 C-Clip—a meshing-gear type setup that allows the clip to be set at any position and secured with a Phillips-head screw. And for some guns, such as the Springfield Hellcat shown here, the top of the holster is cut in such a way that it will accept a slide-mounted red-dot sight. Fitments include a wide range of today’s popular guns.
$41, www.DeSantisHolster.com
Springfield Armory Crossed Cannon Water Bottle Hot days at the range are here. Stay hydrated with this Camelback Chute 25-ounce water bottle featuring Springfield’s famous crossed-cannon logo. Camelback manufactures some of the best, most durable bottles on the market, and this leakproof model delivers water without sloshing or spilling.
$13, www.springfield-armory.com
M&P Officer Folding Knife A handy-size folder, the Officer is 7.25 inches long and folded it’s only four inches long. The 3.25-inch Tanto-point blade is 8Cr13MoV stainless steel and features a serrated edge toward the hilt. It has a finger-flipper and a liner lock, and the pocket clip is reversible. G10 scale handle ensures a solid non-slip grip, and there’s a tungsten glass breaker at the base.
$32, www.smith-wesson.com
Ruger Everyday Carry Kit Containing all the EDC stuff that matters, this kit includes a 350 lumen flashlight generating a beam with 600 feet of reach. A “survival card” boasts a can opener, screwdriver tip, bottle opener, butterfly wrench, four-position wrench, and jagged tooth for cutting branches, ropes and zip ties. An aluminum-body “tactical” pen features a carbide glass-breaker, and the kit also includes a high-frequency whistle, rod/flint fire starter, compass with ruler, and a keychain LED flashlight. All this comes in a waterproof and shockproof ABS plastic case.
www.shopruger.com
Hoppe’s Lead-B-Gone Wipes Putting a lot of rounds through a handgun can be a dirty business, and these wipes are proven to remove 99.9 percent with water rinse (98.8 percent with just the wipes) of contaminants such as lead, nickel, cadmium, arsenic, silver, mercury, zinc and more without smearing. Use them to wipe down your hands, arms, face, neck and working surfaces after shooting or cleaning guns.
$13, www.hoppes.com
