I am one of those folks who tends to carry a lot of stuff when I go to the range. Hence, I am always looking for ways to compactly take three or four pistols and their accompanying magazines with me without using a separate case for each one.
Elite Survival Systems' Four Gun Pistol Case seems to fit that bill. Not only can it carry four full sized duty pistols, but it packs magazines, targets, and even a couple boxes of ammunition. I was surprised I could carry all that in a package not much bigger than my laptop bag.
The Four Gun Pistol Case is two sided, each opening secured with dual zippers and loops to lock the case. Inside the lid of each side is a snap divider where you can slide targets or a box of ammo. The pistol area has several elastic loops to secure magazines and two adjustable "holster" straps to secure your handguns. These can be moved to adjust for barrel and frame length.
If you are an avid shooter, a unit armorer responsible for carrying extra pistols to the range, or simply want a compact pistol case that can secure all your important range gear the Elite Survival Systems Four Gun Pistol Case is the ticket. It is durable, padded, and the handle makes carrying it comfortable.
As you read this, winter will be creeping up on many parts of this great country. This means that gloves will become a part of our daily wear. A vendor of gloves worth looking at for duty is Oakley.
While many folks know Oakley for its stylish and functional sunglasses, the company has been making major strides into the military and law enforcement markets. The SI Assault or Factory Pilot Glove is one of the products being seen in use by our troops and fellow cops.
The Assault has a full-grain leather palm, synthetic fabrics for flexibility and comfort, Airprene joint panels for fit and comfort, and palms covered with Unobtainium surfacing on the palms and fingers for a secure grip. To protect your knuckles there is a polymer cover and the fingers have Oakley "O"s on the first finger. The shields do not inhibit movement, nor are they uncomfortable when worn for long periods of time.
I found the SI Assaults to be comfortable and very close in dexterity to my beloved Nomex flight gloves. The Assaults give the wearer a secure grip on equipment and firearms even when wet. You have trigger feel, which allows for precise shooting without fear of your hands getting banged up on a door jamb or brick wall.
If you are looking for gloves that are useful year round and will protect your hands, check out the Oakley SI Assault gloves.
It seems everything we look at for duty today has the tag "tactical" attached. Other than the name Woolrich Elite Series Tactical, the only thing outwardly "tactical" about Woolrich's Barn Coat is it has ideally located pockets to carry your stuff.
I know some will grouse about seeing a Barn Coat being reviewed here. Are there not times you don't wear your uniform be it undercover or off duty? Do you not need to carry support gear, cell phone, small radio, cuffs, notepad, etc.? Do you need to have a piece of clothing that doesn't scream "cop"? The Barn Coat is a good solution.
The Barn Coat has lightly insulated sleeves and the jacket is comfortable for wear to break those cool fall and spring days, and if you live in some of the colder climes in the summer too. This piece of outerwear is cut long enough to cover your sidearm and gear of that size. I can readily conceal a full-sized 1911 and two magazines as well as a small sheath knife.
I wear my Barn Coat out and about all the time. It fits in where I grew up in rural southwest Pennsylvania and it fits in right in the city. Seems this is a fashion statement with the young crowd; no I am not part of the young crowd. However, I do believe in carrying a handgun when I go out and about and no one even casts a glance my way suspecting I am "packing." Then again when going low-profile, don't wear your favorite duty boots and "I am a cop" belt buckle; dress for the occasion.
The Woolrich Elite Series Tactical Barn Coat is a piece of clothing that works for duty and casual wear. It is comfortable, looks good, and take it from someone who has worn Woolrich clothing for 30 years, it is durable. The Barn Coat will serve you well. Check out the Elite Series and other Woolrich clothing; you can't go wrong.
Tactical Operations Products - Stryker Flashlight
Lights have become as much a part of your uniform as your boots or duty belt. They range from "dollar store" quality to as refined as a custom built firearm. Along with this quality range is a wide price spread.
Tactical Operations Products (TOP) is bringing quality lights to market for GIs and cops. I first saw its Stryker model in an Exchange at Little Rock Air Force Base. I played with this light and was impressed.
What first caught my eye was its retail price of less than $30. So, what can you get for this low cost? How about 80-lumen output with a high-pressure xenon bulb, an easy use pocket clip/lanyard loop, an octagonal lamp bezel to keep the light from rolling, and Zytel construction so the light is lightweight?
It seemed like a good bang for the buck. But I wanted to know, does it work?
I talked with the manager of the store and she told me she couldn't recall a return on one since the lights had been in the store. Seems she has a tough time keeping them in stock.
If the Stryker is good enough for airmen and members of other U.S. armed forces who are assigned to a base actively involved in the global war on terror, it should survive our war on the streets.
I found the Stryker to carry securely in a pocket with its clip. It was also easy to operate: Push the button for momentary on; rotate the tail cap for constant on. The cap rotates easily between your thumb and forefinger. The fact that the tail cap is recessed doesn't make it any more difficult to use, but handily guards against accidental activation.
As a bonus, the ribs on the light's battery barrel provide a secure feel in your hand—and they won't gunk up with dirt like checkering can. The light is also water resistant, thanks to being double O-ring sealed.
The Tactical Operations Products Stryker is a good light for the money. Heck, it's one helluva value; tough to beat a duty light that doesn't cost a car payment. It's good for use as a primary or secondary light.
Scott Smith is a federal police officer for the Department of Veteran's Affairs and a contributing editor to POLICE.
