First, and without trying to sound entirely corny, I wish that all the peoples of the world of all races, religions, creeds, etc… I wish we could all just let each other live in peace. Since the attacks of nine-eleven it seems like we’ve seen the world scene grow more and more aggrivated. I can’t blame this on the war in Afghanistan, nor on the war in Iraq. Personally, I don’t believe that either of those wars is to blame for the growing friction in today’s world. Instead, I believe that we are seeing what happens when societies bend to far in attempts to not offend an overly-sensitive, easily offended, and violently reactive segment of the world populace. The world outlook on bending to the will of any perceived minority is out of balance I think we’re, unfortunately, going to see this state of world-wide friction continue until that balance is found again. Still in all, I wish that peace – that smoothness of co-existence between all faiths and cultures – could be found this season.
Short of that, I think I’ll wish for the following hot items in the market:
Gerber Recon 4-color LED flashlight
Ideal for discrete work in areas where announcing your presence would be a bad thing, this smaller-than-palm size LED-driven light runs on one AA battery. The rotating head allows you to select from red, green, blue or white light. That one AA battery provides 40 hours of peak output with light diminishing from their until total battery use at 100 hours. The tailcap activation allows for touch-pressure or constant-on use. Said tailcap also has a lanyard hole in it in case you like to tie your stuff on. Price from Brigade Quartermaster: $22.99 plush shipping.
BlackHawk HydraStorm Force-5 Pack
I already have one of these in desert tan. But I want one in OD Green and in Black as well. How can you beat a comfortable pack that has a built in 100oz hydration system, adjustable padded shoulder straps, an adjustable padded waist band, and over 2,200 cubic inches of storage space? The built in carry / drag handle at the top allows for convenient grab-n-go when you have to be on the move fast. The strap anchor points on the bottom are great for securing a sleeping bag, bivy tent, sleeping pad, etc using the provided 1″ straps. BlackHawk has some of these in desert tan on clearance right now for only $44.99 plus shipping – a savings of 70%.
5.11 Tactical Original Holster Undershirt
I’ve worn other undershirts of various materials, all of which had holsters or hidden pockets built in for carrying a gun. Many of them sag or just don’t hold the gun securely against your body. That flapping weight can get uncomfortable over long periods of time. Enter the 5.11 version. This shirt incorporates an 80% polyester, 20% spandex mix material that is very similar to UnderArmour and other such garments. The holster sections, however, are a mesh material that reaches up over the shoulder and is generously provided to hold guns or other equipment snug against your ribs. Available in crew neck or v-neck I found these online at $39.99 plus shipping. Outstanding deal!
N-Range Shooting System for ARs
For those of us who like to shoot but don’t have the ability to go to the range, or are just so spoiled that we want our own safe range in the basement, the N-Range Home Shooting system is ideal. The system consists of a bullet trap, brass catcher, and weapon conversion. The use of this system allows you, literally, to shoot safely in your home or office. The system, ammo and all, is 100% green, meaning that it’s environmentally safe and friendly. Eye protection is, of course, required for use – but all systems that fire any type of projectile have the same requirement. With conversions available for a wide variety of handguns, and a super easy conversion available for AR style rifles, this one won’t quite fit under the Christmas tree but will definitely make the shooter in your hosue happy. Find it online.
Bertucci A-2T Watch
You know, I always thought Bertucci’s was a restaurant, and here I find out that it’s a company that makes watches suitable for harsh environments. The major strength of these watches is the solid titanium case that has integrated pins. What I mean to say is, no pins at all. The weakest point on any watch, and the thing that breaks to most often cause us to lose the watch, is the pins. The Bertucci A-2T doesn’t have pins. The strap bars are a molded piece of titanium, integral to the watch case. Water resistant to 100 meters with a mineral glass crystal that is hard to scratch, the watch is designed to survive abusive conditions. Twelve and twenty-four hour displays are both shown on the watch face which can be backlit at the touch of a button. Date window is at the four-o’clock position. Priced at $99.99 or $119.99, these watches are a good gift for those in the field. Find them online.
Mil-Tac TDP OD Green
The Mil-Tac Tactical Defense Pen is a simple writing instrument. Yeah, right. Made of aircraft grade aluminum, the pen’s body was specifically designed for use by military and law enforcement personnel as a pressure point penetration and / or stabbing weapon. Due to the extreme strength of this typical pen sized package, it can also be used as a kubotan. If you’re just passing time, it can also be used as a PDA stylus. Not surprisingly, this pen was designed by Allen Elishewitz. The pocket clip and all fittings are stainless steel. The TDP can be had in four different colors and costs $89.00. Find it here.
TACPATT 5.11 Tactical Uniforms
Created by the professional partnership of Brigade Quartermaster and 5.11 Tactical, the TACPATT is based on the proven 5.11 Tactical uniform shirts and pants. The concealable gear vest, Pro-Pocket ball cap and boonie hat are also available in this pattern. TACPATT is the first digital camouflage for low light and urban terrain. As best I can tell it has two different shades of green, one of gray and black in the pattern. The pants and shirts incorporate all of the design features of the proven designs to include the hidden knee pad pockets in the pants. Shirt and pants are $29.99 each. Vest $41.99. Boonie Hat $12.99. Ball cap $11.99. Find them online here.
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