Also by Scott Smith

Scott Smith reviews ESS Eyepro Crossbow Eye Protection, 5.11 Tactical Covert Cargo Pant, Truglo Tritium Fiber Optic Sights, Rogue Warrior Avenger Watch, and Zero Tolerance 0700 Folding Knife.

We review the Pelican Products Hardigg FieldPak, 5.11 Tactical Scout Folder Knife, BlackHawk Tactical Ballistic Vest Carrier, and Tango Down AR Magazines and Rail Covers.

Scott Smith reviews the SureFire LX2 Lumamax Flashlight, Wiley X Hybrid Gloves, Eberlestock Gunslinger, and EOTAC Vickers Gloves.

So what did I find from the major vendors for base layers? There are base layers from cotton, various polyester/Lycra blends, wool blends, and layers for cold or hot weather. The choices seem to be endless.

Scott Smith reviews gear from CamelBak, Insight Tech-Gear, Woolrich, and the Mako Group.

Scott Smith reviews 5.11 Tactical Light for Life, Tru-Spec 24-7 3-in-1 Jacket, Trijicon RMR Sight, and S.O. Tech Go Bag.

While giving waterproof jackets a "test wearing," I have had input from several members of my local department and from guys I shoot with. We have found that 5.11 Tactical, BlackHawk, Blauer, Elbeco, Fechheimer, Propper, The Force, Tru Spec by Atlanco, Under Armour, and Woolrich's Elite Tactical Series serve well in a wide range of conditions.

Having been impressed with the finish, fit, and quality of Daniel Defense quad rails in the past, I was intrigued by the company's new M4-style carbine. I had a hard time parting with it after I was finished putting it through its paces.

Scott Smith reviews Safariland RR CQLR Scope, Under Armour Blackout Gloves, and Boyt Harness Tactical Gear Bag.

I was impressed with the Pro Sights. The front sight was fast and easy to pick up and allowed for accurate delivery of shots at ranges from three to 50 yards. Simply put, these sights are damn fine.

It took some searching and reading, but I managed to come up with cutlery and tools for duty that won't break the bank and won't break when cutting open a heavy-duty box.

Overall I found the TLR-3 to be a fine light. With its interchangeable locking plates it is one of the most versatile weapon-mounted lights on the market.

Gloves have become part of a cop's daily uniform as much as a badge or belt. The reason for this is simple: A pair of gloves protects your hands from the elements, abrasions, cuts, and punctures from needles or other sharp objects.

The first thing I consider when looking at glasses is whether they will effectively protect my eyes. Don't buy eyewear where you buy your morning coffee. It is not going to protect you.

DeSantis' Cozy Partner is a strong side, inside the waistband holster with a tension screw at the rear of the trigger guard. The tension screw and your belt riding over the outboard side of the holster will keep your pistol in place.

When it comes to gear and gadgets for duty applications, many of us are drawn to the coolest, most expensive items. That's true of weapons and it's true of weapon accessories such as optics. But do we really have to have the priciest gear to achieve our mission? Maybe. Maybe not.

These 10 Zero gloves kept my coworkers' hands warm in cold conditions did not overheat or make their hands sweat in warmer conditions.

So what makes a good duty light? It all depends on what you want to use it for. Obviously, you want it to illuminate an area or areas, but there are other considerations.

The S2Vs did not disappoint me. They were comfortable on the mixed hard surfaces I wore them on. And since we were in the freeze thaw of February, I was able to see how slip resistant the soles were.

Ever since it arrived months ago for testing, I've been putting the 556 SWAT SIG through its paces. The rifle has been everything I hoped for.