Night sights have become a mainstay on duty weapons. While there is a debate over the need for them, I personally want all the help I can get to put rounds accurately on target when needed. Over the years I have used a variety of night sights from a number of manufacturers on the market. This time I took a look at one from Ameriglo.
Although I was never excited by Ameriglo's ghost ring rear sight based on the literature I'd seen, I'm glad I took a firsthand look at the company's Pro Sight. Its rear sight sweeps down at the front as if it were an extension of the slide, yet the forward edge is squared off so you can manipulate your weapon with one hand if need be. The tritium vials are set with black epoxy so as not to draw your eye to them.
What I truly like about the Pro Sight is the white outline around the front tritium vial. It naturally draws your eye to it, unconsciously forcing you to focus on the front sight. Focusing on the front sight increases the odds of a first round hit on the range or on the perpetrator. Also, if you are like me with "over 40" eyes, you'll find the outline helpful just for making the front sight easier to see.
I installed the Ameriglo Pro Sights on my Glock 19. The front sight fits snugly into an oval cutout on the slide, and I used the set screw to secure the sight. The rear dovetail is very snug and the sight should stay where you set it unless you drive it out with a punch. I applied a drop of red LocTite to the threads of the front sight and the rear dovetail to ensure they stay in place; I am funny about sights falling off a firearm.
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. Ameriglo's duty sights are as good as, if not better than, OEM sights.
5.11 Tactical: Bail Out Bag
Since the twenty-first century began we have seen terrorist attacks on our shores and abroad, active shooters of all types and in all locales, horrific natural disasters, and more. To react to these events law enforcement and EMS must have gear ready to respond. For just such eventualities, 5.11 Tactical has introduced the Bail Out Bag. This shoulder bag is designed to carry spare ammo, a backup sidearm, GPS, food, and more, all in one compact package.
The front of the bag has three magazine pouches to carry six 30-round AR-15 magazines. There are zippered pockets on the ends to carry small electronics, or I have found each will carry a 12-ounce beverage can. These pockets have MOLLE straps so you can add additional small pouches. The interior of the main pocket has a loop wall so you can secure any number of backup belt system items. The interior back wall of the Bail Out Bag is covered in MOLLE so you can add an indefinite number of pouches.
5.11 Tactical's Bail Out Bag is one of the best designed bags I have seen. It is compact, tough, and keeps your emergency gear in one place. The Bail Out Bag is versatile enough and has a price point that you can buy more than one to use them for duty, range, or travel.
I have found the Bail Out Bag to be an excellent way to carry my AR gear to the range for competition or when testing a new piece for an article. My partner in crime uses one to carry all of his range gear for semi-annual weapons qualifications. Fortunately, no one I know has needed to use 5.11's Bail Out Bag for a true emergency or disaster, but I am certain it is up to the task. It has survived my throwing it into and out of my truck, so it will survive duty use.
Spec Ops: T.H.E. Pack
Spec Ops Brand is known for being a company that gives the operator quality and innovation and, most importantly, a lot of value for the dollar. Its "The Holds Everything" (T.H.E.) Pack is one of the largest in the line.
The T.H.E. Pack holds more than 2,500 cubic inches of space to carry your daily duty gear or specialized callout equipment. It consists of three sections. The main body measures 19 inches high, 13 inches wide, and 12 inches deep at the bottom; it tapers to nine inches deep at the top. Yellow nylon lines the interior so you can find those small items in the deep corners. A small mesh bag built into the front of this section holds items such as keys. The back of the main section contains a closed cell pad to give the T.H.E. Pack flexible rigidness, and can store a hydration bladder. You can route the drink tube for the bladder out either the right or left of the bag.
On the front flap of the bag are two pockets-the other two storage sections. The top pocket measures eight inches high, 10 inches wide, and 2.5 inches deep. If you need to carry larger gear, the 10x12x3.5-inch bottom pocket should do the job. Should you need more room for gear, the pack has numerous MOLLE straps to attach additional pouches or carriers.
Features for securing the T.H.E. Pack on include a waist belt, two heavily padded shoulder straps, and a sternum strap so the pack doesn't slide. Compression straps and YKK zippers secure the main pack. The compression straps allow you to carry bulky items such as a parka. As you can see, Spec Ops Brand's T.H.E. Pack is ready to carry your callout and daily use gear.
Kramer Leather: MSP Holster
When it comes to packing your sidearm you will be hard pressed to top Kramer Leather's holsters. Will Kramer has been making holsters for more than three decades. He started out working for a major holster manufacturer, then labored on his own as a hobby. Today his company is one of the leading manufacturers of custom holsters. Before you balk at the idea of a custom holster because "it costs too much," consider the fact that you use this piece of equipment every day and it keeps your sidearm secure and ready all the time.
I have used Kramer's Vertical Scabbard to carry a 1911 and now have been using his MSP, or Michigan State Police paddle holster, to pack my SIG P226 Blackwater as of late. I chose the MSP because it allows me to carry a full sized pistol and easily remove the holster and pistol when I don't need to wear it.
The MSP is available in cowhide or horsehide. I personally like the durability of horsehide. I also like that the paddle is reinforced with a plastic strip (leather for cowhide) that makes the paddle rigid and springy. There is a double thick strip of leather on the bottom of the paddle to form a tunnel enhancing how the paddle fits your belt. For additional security there is a snap secured leather loop on the front of the holster.
I have used both the Vertical Scabbard and MSP for International Defensive Pistol Association matches, weapons training, and concealed carry. These holsters securely and discreetly carry full sized handguns. If you are in the market for a quality holster that will last years, Kramer Leather has a holster to meet your needs. You won't regret the purchase.
Scott Smith is a former federal police officer for the Department of Veteran's Affairs and a contributing editor to POLICE.
