U.S. $14.95
Featured Material
• Battle Arms Development T-34 Tanker AK • Fire 4 Effect CZ Shadow 2 • Helmet Gear & Set-Ups • Thermal Imaging Suppressed 6.5 Creedmoor AR • Night Vision Device Guide
Included
UN12 x Strike Industries Patch
UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —
Feature Firearm
5.7 AR Conversion
Transport of Dangerous Goods Ammunition, such as for rifles, handguns, shotguns, starter’s pistols and power tools that contain explosive material are dangerous goods listed under Class 1.4S. The information presented here is for the following UN numbers only:
Kit
CMMG
Mk57 ISSUE
UN12mag.com
010
Every Day Carry
Every Day Carry / 21
06
01 Wazoo Cache Belt MSRP: $45
01
URL: wazoosurvivalgear.com
05
02
02 SureFire Defender Ultra Flashlight MSRP: $199 URL: surefire.com
03
03
Armatus Salvos Survival Tin Carry System Text by GREG SCHAUBLE & UN12 STAFF
MSRP: $35-$48
Images by GREG SCHAUBLE
I
URL: armatuscarry.com
t’s fair to say that we are
04
living in uncertain times.
When social instability exists, the potential for personal
Handleitgrips (Glock 27 Gen 3) Textured Rubber Gun Grip Kit
danger tends to rise. To
MSRP: $17
mitigate any trouble that may
URL: handleitgrips.com
come and find you, carrying a defensive-minded EDC setup
05
is a good idea. Depending on where you
TOPS Knives Street Scalpel II
live or where you travel, items
MSRP: $130
in your EDC will probably vary.
URL: topsknives.com
A reliable defensive weapon such as a pistol or blade is
07
06
given. How about the other items in your loadout? What other items do you choose to
Trayvax Element Wallet
carry on the daily?
MSRP: $70 URL: trayvax.com
In this installment of Every Day Carry, we study two different EDCs, both assembled with a defensive
07
mindset, but each one
Leatherman FREE P2 Multi-tool
curated differently. Do you
MSRP: $120
see any items that you’d add to your current EDC?
URL: leatherman.com
04
08
08 Samsung Galaxy S8 Active URL: samsung.com
22
UN12 / Issue 010
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21
Premium EDC Items SureFire Defender Ultra Flashlight
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Leatherman FREE P2 Multi-Tool
Armatus Salvos Survival Tin Carry System
MSRP: $199 URL: surefire.com Our 2¢: Machined from aerospace aluminum and featuring a crenellated strike bezel, the SureFire Defender is far from your ordinary flashlight. With 1,000 lumens it’s plenty bright for any application, and the bolstered dualfunction pocket clip makes both bezel-up or bezel-down carry an option. The Defender features a Type III Mil-Spec hard-anodized coating for abrasion and corrosion resistance.
MSRP $120 URL: leatherman.com Our 2¢: A quality multi-tool is essential to any good EDC loadout, and the FREE P2 from Leatherman is loaded with features that make it a top contender. All 19 tools can be easily accessed with one hand and lock into place. The FREE P2 is constructed of 420HC stainless steel, is proudly made in Portland, Oregon, and is backed by Leatherman’s 25-year warranty.
MSRP: $35-$48 URL: armatuscarry.com Our 2¢: Small tins have been popular with the EDC community for years. Here’s a convenient way to carry them besides your pocket. The Salvos is a rugged, fully modular way to tote important EDC gear. It comes with two Mil-Spec soft-loops that will securely hold your tin in place while simultaneously attaching to your belt or favorite MOLLE pack. It is also fully compatible with most aftermarket attachments, such as Tek-Lok and MALICE clips.
Trayvax Element Wallet
Wazoo Cache Belt
TOPS Knives Street Scalpel II
MSRP: $70 URL: trayvax.com Our 2¢: With unique features like a built-in bottle opener, money clip, attachment points, and RFID protection, the Element is not your ordinary wallet. Slim enough for front-pocket carry and constructed out of tough stainless-steel plate and top-grain, oil-tanned leather, it’s built to last a lifetime. Backed by the Trayvax 65-year heirloom warranty.
MSRP: $45.00 URL: wazoosurvivalgear.com Our 2¢: The cache belt from Wazoo Survival is designed to discreetly carry cash, documents, survival tools, or whatever else you want in an easy-to-access yet highly secure fashion. The top access pocket allows direct access to items while the belt is worn and securely closes with a hookand-loop interface. The cache belt is available in black, coyote brown, and MultiCam.
MSRP: $130 URL: topsknives.com Our 2¢: The street scalpel from TOPS knives has an established reputation among LEOs, active-duty military, and everyday citizens for being a strong yet easily concealable knife. TOPS improved on the original by making the Street Scalpel II lighter, more ergonomic, and upgrading the sheath to allow for multiple carry options—IWB, OWB, Scout, and so on.
UN12 / Issue 010
Optic
DEPT.
Burris
Called Out
T
Model: FastFire 3
here’s little doubt that the Heckler & Koch MP5 is one of
MP5 original. We thought this clone would make a suitable
the most iconic modern-era subguns. Since its debut
candidate for seeing how Magpul’s new parts could transform
MSRP: $240
in the mid-1960s, it has spawned a long line of variants and
burrisoptics.com
copycat clones. Like the AR-15, the MP5 and its brethren are abundantly modifiable. Popular firearm accessories maker Magpul has recently
Optic Mount HKParts.net
Stock
Model: Ultra Low Profile HK Red Dot Mount
HKParts.net Model: MP5 Retractable Stock - 4 Position
the old girl into the belle of the ball. If you’ve ever worked on a clone firearm, you’ll know that installation of some parts doesn’t always go as smoothly as you’d wish. We were pleasantly surprised that all of the Magpul
added its own modern spin to this venerable platform with an
parts we fit to the CA94 went on without a hitch. We installed
extensive collection of MP5-compatible products. The list of
a Magpul SL Hand Guard - HK94/MP5, Magpul Enhanced
parts includes two types of handguards, a grip module, and an
Selector Kit (ESK), and Magpul SL Grip Module. The installation
ambidextrous safety lever, each designed to Magpul’s exacting
instructions were clear and each of the parts fit perfectly.
standards and distinctive style. We tried out Magpul’s new wares on an old HK94 clone we
We completed the CA94 facelift with several items from other companies such as HK Parts.net for a totally new look with
MSRP: $95
rediscovered in our possession, a Cohaire Arms CA94. The
improved performance. Take a look at the callouts to see what
hkparts.net
HK94 is a 16-inch-barreled, semi-auto carbine version of the
upgrades we made.
MSRP: $400 hkparts.net
Barrel Shroud MFI Model: SOCOM Barrel Shroud for HK 94 MSRP: $125
MAGPUL MP5 CLONE
mfiap.com
Handguard Magpul Model: SL Hand Guard HK94/MP5
Text by JOHN SCOTT Images by MICHAEL GREY
MSRP: $50 magpul.com
Grip Module Magpul Model: SL Grip Module HK94/93/91 & Semi Shelf HK Clones MSRP: $60 magpul.com
Ambi Safety Magpul Model: ESK (Enhanced Selector Kit) MSRP: $50 magpul.com
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31
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
01 DAY OR NIGHT Although it is a color night vision camera, the Aurora Black is suitable for day use as well.
02 CONTROLS The camera controls are intuitive and easy to use.
03
04
MULTIPLE MODES
COMPARISON
Capture color night vision photos or 720P video.
Above: A nighttime street scene taken on an iPhone 8. Below: The exact same scene and lighting, but this time captured in color night vision by the Aurora Black.
Text & Images by JERRY TSAI
SiOnyx
Aurora Black – Color Night Vision Camera
SiOnyx Aurora Black
: : Near moonless starlight night vision : : Water resistant (IP67) : : Weapon rated - M4 223/5.56 (4,000 rounds) : : Firearm mountable utilizing a Picatinny rail mount
W
e’re living in a golden age of night vision optic
ultra-low-light CMOS image sensors and high-
development. These all-seeing units allow us
performance night vision camera systems. The
to see in the pitch dark of night, and hybrid thermal
company works with the U.S. Department of
models can even help us differentiate between the
Defense and has supported the U.S. government’s
body heat of an animal and the dense foliage it’s
defense and intelligence arms with advanced
hiding in. These optics are becoming smaller, with
imaging and camera technology.
better picture quality, increased functionality, and
: : Wirelessly stream to a smart device via the SiOnyx app MSRP: $699 URL: sionyx.com
modes thanks to a collar switch located just behind
video are recorded onto a 32GB microSD card that’s
wasn’t too bad but is worth noting. The lack of an
the lens. Focus is manually achieved via a movable
available separately.
eyecup is also worth pointing out for those planning
bezel that surrounds the lens. The camera can be held in-hand or mounted to a
Due to its color night vision and image capturing
to use it on a helmet. We mounted the Aurora Black
capabilities and its relatively low price tag
in front of a variable-magnification rifle optic and
Picatinny rail interface. It is also threaded to accept
compared to dedicated night vision devices, we
found that it instantly upgraded our firearm into a
a tripod. While the picture is pretty darned sharp,
understand the temptation to use the Aurora as a
night-capable system, although it only worked at
SiOnyx’s line of commercially available and
vision camera that was made in response to market
we’d say a top-of-the-line Gen 3 PVS-14 might look
primary night vision device. While it is impressive,
the lowest 1x power setting. When adjusted for
award-winning night vision cameras developed
demand for a low-cost tactical night vision optic. It
sharper. What the Aurora does well is turn dark,
we view it more as a camera and secondary NV
stronger magnification, the picture wouldn’t focus.
specifically for the consumer is called Aurora. The
is designed for use in rugged conditions and can be
moonless nights into full-color scenes that look as
device. We’ll be bringing it on our next outing to use
Still, it made for an impressively easy upgrade for
optics. They allow you see in the dark but they
compact, lightweight, all-digital camera system
mounted to a rifle thanks to an included Picatinny
bright as day. It’s pretty amazing considering that it
as a camera and for navigation and identification
activities such as casual nighttime plinking.
usually don’t have recording capabilities. SiOnyx is
can perform in moonless starlit conditions, similar
rail mount.
takes pictures and video as well.
aid, but we’ll also keep our PVS-14s mounted to
All in all, we loved the time spent with the SiOnyx
out to change this with a line of night-vision-capable
to Gen 2 tactical night vision analog optics.
our helmets. That said, those who do want to use
Aurora Black. Being able to see in color at night has
cameras that not only let you take photos through
Aurora cameras are utilized by outdoorsmen,
it did feel like it had some added girth to it. It weighs
timed, and there are special modes like panoramic,
it as a primary unit would like to know that the
many advantages, and to be able to take photos
the optic, but also record video. On top of that, the
law enforcement, search and rescue, executive
about nine and a half ounces and is powered by a
bursts of up to 10 shots per second, and time lapse.
viewfinder’s picture can be inverted for helmet use,
and video really pushes the utility of this unit over
night vision picture can be displayed in full color.
protection, and mariners alike.
USB-rechargeable battery. The picture quality of
Video can be recorded up to 30 minutes or looped
and its battery life saving auto-shutoff feature can
the top. For its useful features, robust quality, and
the camera is excellent for an all-digital unit. The
to capture 30 seconds of footage when activated by
be disabled.
affordable price, it’s really hard seeing us not adding
with SiOnyx’s Aurora Black color night vision
viewfinder offers a video-camera-like experience
a trigger event such as pressing the unit’s shutter
camera. The Aurora Black is a color digital night
that’s switchable between day, twilight, and night
button or via shock, as through recoil. Photos and
lower prices than ever before. That said, most of these optics are just that:
That means no more monochrome nights. SiOnyx is a silicon-based photonics company that develops and manufactures proprietary
32
UN12 / Issue 010
We recently had a chance to spend some time
The unit is roughly the size of a PVS-14, although
Photos can be adjusted for shutter speed or self-
During our evaluation we noticed that there was a bit of a lag in both picture and video modes, which
one to our toolbox. [ UN12 ]
UN12mag.com
33
FEATURE
Full Circle: MK, AK & T-34
Optics
“Similar to Battle Arms Development’s ‘Woody’ series ARs, what really gives the T-34 Tanker visual flavor and nostalgic appeal are the WWIIera coloration, wooden foregrip, and Bakelite pistol grip.”
Rifle Dynamics iron sights provide analog target acquisition.
Accents A Bulgarian wood foregrip and Bakelite “wood look” pistol grip enhance the AK’s vintage appeal.
Mikhail Kalashnikov was born in 1919 in Kurya, Russia. He and his family were among the peasants relocated under Stalin’s regime and they were sent to live in exile in a village on the Tailhook Mod 1 pistol brace is attached to the Sabertube
the U.S. Sherman tank, while the AK Tanker takes after the
southwestern Siberian plain. To help sustain the family his father
to complete the rear setup.
Russian T-34.”
was an active hunter, and the younger Kalashnikov became
One of the things that really gives this build flavor and
He goes on: “When we did the Tanker AK, we started
well versed in the practice and the tools that helped get it done.
nostalgic visual stimulus is the WWII-inspired finish.
with the same green concept for the base color but the
He showed an early aptitude for mechanical tinkering—and
George Huang explains: “Typically for that period the
shade on the AK is a bit different. We were trying for more
somewhat incongruously for writing poetry, which he continued
firearms are all steel and parkerized like the M1 Garand,
of a communist/Soviet green finish and we didn’t use any
to do throughout his life.
M1 Carbine… Over time you get the dark green patina,
Cosmoline-type colors.”
and of course everyone is familiar with the red/orange
BAD, an NIC certified applicator for both Cerakote
Kalashnikov eventually returned to Kurya where he found work as a tractor mechanic, and he was later conscripted into
color Cosmoline that usually covers that period of firearms
and KG Gunkote, formulated the scheme in-house.
the Red Army in 1938. He was assigned as a tank mechanic
for storage. Our unique mixture of the ‘Parkerized Green
It’s a special KG recipe that may also be applied to
serving on T-34s in the Soviet military’s 24th Tank Regiment,
Steel’ look and the coating of ‘Cosmoline’ residue is that
108th Tank Division.
WWII-themed look we went for. Our AR Tanker takes after
For its part, the T-34 was an extremely influential machine on the Eastern Front. Certain features, such as its 60-degree sloped armor and Christie suspension derived from the American M1928, enhanced its operational success. It was so effective in battle that after encountering it some German commanders openly acknowledged its superiority to their own hardware, one of them going so far as to call it “the finest tank in the world.” Kalashnikov was seriously wounded in October 1941 and was hospitalized for the next several months. Legend has it that during his convalescence he was able to catalog his fellow soldiers’ criticisms of their existing weapons and became versed in their various flaws and shortcomings. Upon being discharged he set out to devise a superior design. Kalashnikov’s first submachine rifle was rejected for official use, but it got him noticed as a designer. In 1944 he began work on a new design influenced by an M1 Garand. This evolved into an entry for a 1946 rifle design competition, which in turn
Brace A folding stock adapter allows the Gear Head Works Tailhook Mod 1 to fold flush with the gun’s left-hand side.
became the basis for a new family of weapons that culminated in the AK-47 (Avtomat Kalashnikova model 1947). The AK-47 was officially adopted as the Soviet Army’s standard-issue battle rifle in 1949, and Mikhail Kalashnikov’s legacy was crystallized in the annals of firearms lore. Even today, it wouldn’t be much of a stretch to call the AK-47 and its progeny the most ubiquitous weapon system in the world. By one scholar’s reckoning, of an estimated 500 million firearms on the planet (itself probably a very conservative number), one-fifth of those are Kalashnikov variants, and three quarters of that fifth are AK-47s.
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39
INTRODUCING THE NEW
FEATURE
other firearms through the company’s custom shop if a
run of 50 examples through BattleArms’ exclusive
customer so desires. BAD also performed the laser brand
distributor, RSR Group. As of this writing, ten T-34 Tankers
engraving on the various T-34 Tanker components, like
have been assembled and shipped, with the balance of 40
the BAD circle logo on the receiver, the BattleArms script
to be issued in the coming months.
across the rear sight block, and the RD logo etched into the block’s opposite side.
Each T-34 Tanker ships with two 20-round steel magazines, also done up in the WWII green coating and
Along with the KG coating, the wood-colored accents are really what tie this AK build, visually and spiritually,
MAG-EX²
to BAD’s earlier AR Woody-inspired designs. The forend (or handguard if you prefer) is crafted from a block of Bulgarian wood. The pistol grip, while complementing the overall look, is not actually wood but Bakelite, a synthetic plastic compound that itself has a prominent place in WWII lore, being used in grips and buttstocks on different weapons of that era. The pictured firearm is the BattleArms mockup that was designed for SHOT Show 2020, so there may be slight visual differences, as far as the paint stenciling and laser etching, in what you see here compared to a production T-34 Tanker. The production unit will be sold in a limited
Muzzle A BattleArms Thumper compensator is affixed to the end of the Rifle Dynamics 11.5-inch barrel.
STUFF 40 ROUNDS OF 9MM, 33 ROUNDS OF 10MM, AND 30 ROUNDS OF .45 ACP INTO YOUR FACTORY STANDARD GLOCK® MAGAZINES WITH THE KRISS MAG-EX2. AVAILABLE AS A KI T OR COMPLETE MAGAZINE
SHOP NOW AT STORE.KRISS-USA.COM USE
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UN12 / Issue 010
FEATURE
66
UN12 / Issue 010
they began holding shape. Ops-Core was
so it’s important to enable the use of these
the original designed-from-the-ground-up
senses with the least amount of impairment
special operations helmet. They started the
brought on by protective gear. Comfort must
trend of taking the helmet concept down
be a high priority, because if your head is
to its core and designing something based
uncomfortable it’s hard to focus on anything
completely around feedback from elite
else. And of course we need to integrate
warriors. Other companies followed suit and
essential accessories. The modern battlefield
we now have many great options from several
is more advanced than the ones our fathers
manufacturers from which the warrior can
and grandfathers fought on. With new threats
choose. Over the years I wore Crye Precision
come new tactics. And with new tactics
Airframes, Team Wendy EXFILs, and MTEK
comes new gear to support them. As always,
FLUXs. All are solid options to be sure, but I
I search for a balance of combat effectiveness
kept coming back to Ops-Core.
and comfort when assembling my gear. Every
Admittedly, I was never a fan of Ops-Core’s
little piece gets interrogated before getting
original liner system (the OCC Dial). To me,
added: Will this widget help me be a more
the “pads” might as well have been river
effective gunfighter? Does this item help
stones attached with Velcro. They featured
support the three tenets of gunfighting—
a rigid impact foam backer with a thin layer
shoot, move, communicate?
of padding that grabbed my hair and pulled
My go-to helmet is an Ops-Core FAST SF.
every time I turned my head. I tossed those
This is the latest/greatest entry in the storied
pads and replaced them with old ACH pads
FAST helmet line. I still have my original
from Team Wendy. Clearly I was not the
FAST Ballistic (from before they began
only one to make this observation because
calling it the FAST XP), covered in layers of
Ops-Core would go on to replace the original
spray paint. It’s on its fifth liner system since
OCC with the new LUX Liner, which is way
the previous ones got so used and crusty
more comfortable. But the thing that always
UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —
“Our heads are our information hubs. Most of our sensory cues are collected by our heads through sight, sound, smell, and taste, and it’s important to enable use of these senses with the least amount of impairment.”
head (through sight, sound, smell, and taste)
UN12mag.com
67
FEATURE
03
UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS —
GEAR
01 SHELL The author has experience with several helmet makes, but kept coming back to the Ops-Core FAST SF.
advanced ballistic materials available. While
there is a reason that helmet manufacturers
I am no longer operational, I teach classes
have “fit guides” and “fitting kits” for their
that place me around gunfire and explosives.
specialty helmets. As noted, the helmet is
So I still choose to wear a ballistic helmet
the nerve center for most of the warfighter’s
rather than a lighter bump shell. The helmet
sensory gear: communications headset, night
came with the excellent Ops-Core LUX Liner
vision goggles, O2 mask, gas mask, and so
pre-installed, but I have made some changes
on. And the head is a very sensitive part of the
to the pad layout. Helmets are notorious for
body. The helmet needs to protect your brain
“Helmets tend to create ‘hot spots’ of discomfort over long periods of wear, so be sure to experiment with pad shapes and sizes to ensure all-around coverage and long-term comfort.”
creating “hot spots” of discomfort over long
from TBI/ballistic threats while keeping all the
periods of wear, so don’t just use whatever
02
drew me back to Ops-Core was the shell. The
of mixing and matching, I replaced the OEM
profile simply fit my head and integrated with
brow pad with one from 4D Tactical. The 4D
LINER
my gear (plate carrier and pack) better than
pads are some of the best in the business,
Comfort is subjective, but it is key for optimal performance.
others. Having said that, comfort and fit is
containing a memory foam that will conform
100% subjective and any of the helmets listed
to the curvature of your head. I like this brow
above are good to go as a base.
pad more than the multi-cell version that
My FAST SF helmet features a lightweight ballistic shell built from some of the most
68
UN12 / Issue 010
The helmet is the nerve center for a warfighter’s sensory gear— comms, night vision, masks, and so on.
comes with the helmet. On the topic of fitting a helmet and pads—
can be made up with pads and chinstraps. If
same micro-movement will also bunch the
your measurement puts you squarely within
hat material up, potentially exposing your
the range of a specific size, then you may
sensitive ears to the cold. The Cold Weather
consider yourself lucky and you should stick
Liner solves those issues for me, keeping
with that size. One thing is certain: Wearing
me warm and protected from the elements
a helmet that’s too small for your head is one
without adding discomfort.
of the most miserable feelings. I also live and often teach classes in
One thing to consider when wearing cold weather gear with a helmet is the seal of your
northern states where it’s colder for a good
ear-pro. I have permanent hearing loss in
portion of the year. During those frosty
both ears from years of combat. Although I
months I keep a Unity Tactical Cold Weather
always did everything I could to protect my
Liner installed in my helmet. The CWL
hearing, the cumulative effects of extremely
eliminates the major discomfort of trying to
loud noises will take its toll on anyone in
smoosh a fleece cap or balaclava under your
this line of work. Whether you wear a fleece
helmet. This little detail is often overlooked
cap under your helmet or an integrated
until it becomes a major pain. The thickness
cold weather liner, you are placing a layer
traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the event of
of a fleece watch cap or winter balaclava will
of material between your ears and the ear
aforementioned gear stable and in ready-use
blunt force trauma to the head. If the helmet
displace the pads enough to add noticeable
cups of your headset or ear-pro. This will
configuration comes out of the box. My head
placement, all while creating the least amount
is too big, the shell could move around
pressure around your head. This can cause
reduce the factory NRR (Noise Reduction
slopes down toward the front (I was probably
of discomfort. It is absolutely imperative that
on his head during use and compromise
a level of discomfort that will be exacerbated
Rating) of the device and expose your
dropped as a child), so I put thicker pads
a helmet is fit properly to the wearer. If it’s too
coverage in the event of ballistic threats,
by being cold. The weight of the helmet will
ears to damaging decibel levels. In these
in the front dome and thinner pads in the
small, the fit will be too tight and the wearer
while also shifting mission-critical gear
also cause it to grip the hat material and
circumstances it is important to double
rear dome. It’s important to mix and match
will experience a pressure headache. To
around. I always recommend biasing toward
micro-grind it into your scalp and forehead.
up your hearing protection by using in-ear
pad shapes and sizes to ensure all-around
relieve this pressure he may opt to use thinner
the larger option if your head measurement
This can cause blisters and abrasions
buds (such as foamies or pass-throughs
coverage and long-term comfort. Speaking
pads, which leaves him open to possible
puts you in between sizes. The difference
throughout the duration of a mission. The
like the SureFire Sonic Defenders), or UN12mag.com
69
Product Review: Torrent Orthrus .45 Cal Pistol/Carbine Suppressor
01 END CAP
TORRE
UN0012 / ADM UIC MOD2 —
02
MODULAR BAFFLE SECTION
03
MODULAR BAFFLE SECTION (2 CONNECTED TOGETHER)
04
BAFFLE CORE
05
BLAST BAFFLE
06
Caliber: .45 ACP Color Options: Graphite Black Color Finish: High-temperature Cerakote Material: Titanium 6Al-4V (Grade 5)
details that the company makes quality control
point of impact. It also does not require
Length: 5.375” short; 7.5” long; modular
a top priority. Note that while the suppressor
teardown for cleaning unless you’re going to
Diameter: 1.47”
gives you the capability of adding baffle
change the piston. Finally, the quick-detach
segments for additional suppression from
mount is the lowest profile with a secondary
Weight: 7.0 oz. short, 10.8 oz. long (no mount); each baffle segment = 1.3 oz. / 0.69”
Torrent’s X Series line of suppressors, it is
lock on the market to date.
against federal law to add more baffles than the suppressor was originally purchased with. An additional feature you won’t immediately
The booster is also threaded to an industry standard 1.375-24 TPI, so you can employ other popular mounting systems such as the Dead
see from the outside, but will definitely notice
Air Key-MO, SilencerCo. ASR, or JMac RRD-2C
when you use it, is the unique booster design
X37. If you already have any of these, they are
using a captured spring that’s easily removed
compatible with the Orthrus.
for quick change-out and indexing to adjust
[ UN12 ]
126
UN12 / Issue 010
End Cap Weight: 0.6 oz. Full Auto Rating: Responsible *Booster Included Choose: Piston Thread Pitch: ½ x28, .578×28 , M16x1 LH or 13.5 x 1 LH Compatible Mounts: Torrent Booster threaded for ½ x28 TPI, QD Mount & Hideout Muzzle Device Set (sold separately): 1/2x 28, 5/8 x 24, .578 x 28 , M16x1 LH or 13.5 x 1 LH , 14×1 LH, any industry standard 1.375”24 TPI , Dead Air Key-MO, SilencerCo. ASR, JMac RRD-2C X37
ABOUT TORRENT SUPPRESSORS
: : For more information:
Torrent Suppressors is a family-owned business. Trey Trosclair is the original founder of Tactical Arms of Texas, which in turn is the parent company for Torrent Suppressors. The
Torrent Suppressors
operation is headquartered in Stafford, Texas, about a five-minute drive outside the Houston
URL: torrentsuppressors.com
city limits. Tactical Arms of Texas has been in business since 2011 and has been developing and manufacturing suppressors since 2013. The Orthrus .45 is available exclusively at Rainier Arms (rainierarms.com). View the full lineup of Torrent Suppressors on the company website.
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BOOSTER ASSEMBLY
Specs
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FEATURE
Customization : : Based on a TOPS Knives Baja 4.5 Reserve Edition : : Customized by the owner : : 9.25-inch overall length
Personalized Knife Text by CHRIS LEE Images by MICHAEL GREY
W
hy are we so obsessed with knives?
implement that was more substantial and
That’s an easy question to answer.
robust to meet his needs, but carrying an
Not only do they provide utility, defense,
axe or hatchet would add too much weight
and survival capabilities, they can be artistic
to his pack. Ounces equal pain after all,
expressions, too, and frankly they’re fun to
especially when you’re humping all your camp
collect. Here, we get a chance to examine the
equipment on your back.
tastefully customized knife of Chase E. Chase is an avid knife guy who always
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After getting the chance to use a friend’s TOPS Fieldcraft BOB knife, he decided that
carries a folder as a part of his EDC. Recently,
he needed a fixed blade designed for camp
while on a hiking/camping trip, he realized
and survival. He liked the 4.5-inch size of the
folders do not always make the best camp
Fieldcraft BOB but wasn’t too keen on the
knives. He found that he wanted an edged
Scandi grind or how thick the blade was for
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Customization: Knives
Specs
02
PERSONALIZED TOPS KNIVES BAJA 4.5 RESERVE EDITION
Paracord lanyard loops were added to both the blade and the ferro rod.
Owner: Chase E. Occupation: Transportation coordinator Special Thanks: To my camping crew—Mike, Dan, Karl, Emiko, Savannah—and to TOPS Knives for making a great blade
01
TOPS Knives
Grooves and a decorative screw were added to the included ferro rod’s grip end.
Model: Baja 4.5 Reserve Edition MSRP: $180 URL: topsknives.com Designer: Leo Espinoza
01
02
The “black traction” coating is a TOPS factory finish that both looks great and enhances corrosion resistance.
The 4.88-inch blade is just 5/32 of an inch at its thickest for improved maneuverability during delicate cutting tasks.
04 The spine has been sanded to a crisp 90 degrees with sharper edges for improved ferro rod striking.
03 A groove has been machined into the pommel for ferro rod striking while the knife is sheathed.
03 The standard screws were replaced with flush titanium flatheads.
food prep. He perused TOPS’s other offerings and found
He went ahead and sanded it down so that it now is a
blade is still sheathed. He went ahead and machined
a knife that was even more to his liking.
crisp 90 degrees. The transitions between the spine and
the pommel of his Baja in a similar way. Along with the
the blade’s face now feature sharpened edges for more
artistry of it, little functional details like this are what
efficient ferro rod striking.
make customized knives so appealing.
Chase chose the Baja 4.5 Reserve Edition for
“Along with making functional modifications, it’s adding the small artistic details that makes knife customization so appealing.”
its thinner 5/32-inch-thick stock and the standard secondary bevel edge of a style he’s more accustomed
Baja 4.5 Reserve Edition
head screws that held the scales on. He felt that the
magic on the Baja 4.5’s included ferro rod. To customize
that the black traction coating it comes finished in would
screws protruded just enough for him to feel them when
the rod, he cut grooves into the handle for added grip
reduce the chance of rust.
gripping the knife, and he decided he wanted them to
and installed a machined screw on the end for a little bit
be completely flush instead. So he replaced them with
of added style. Matching paracord was tied to both the
jimping on its spine and finger guard for enhanced grip
titanium flathead screws. He also anodized the new
knife and ferro rod as a final touch.
during hard use or in slippery conditions. It is equipped
screws in a shade of FDE brown to match the color
with tan canvas Micarta scales and includes a leather
scheme of the scales and sheath. He admits this was
4.5 Reserve Edition looks direct from the factory, you’ll
sheath and ferro rod.
more for aesthetics than for function, but it’s little artistic
see that Chase didn’t deviate much from the original
details like this that he enjoys most.
aesthetics. He made incremental modifications to suit
The knife’s blade is 4.88 inches long and comes with
He had no intention of modifying the knife initially. But once he had the blade in hand, he felt that there were
If you’re familiar with the way the TOPS Knives Baja
The final modification came from an idea that was
his camping and hiking needs. Since modifying the knife
a few things he could change to make it perfect. That’s
imported from another TOPS knife. Chase thought the
he has taken it on an inaugural hike-and-camp trip, and
when we went to work to lightly customize it.
scraper on the pommel of the TOPS Fieldcraft BOB
he proudly reports that it’s shaping up to be just the tool
was ingenious. This is a portion of the pommel that’s
he was looking for.
gouged out so it allows one to strike a ferro rod while the
[ UN12 ]
not seem sharp enough to strike the included ferro rod. UN12 / Issue 010
Leaving nothing untouched, Chase also worked a little
to. Since the blade is made of 1095 steel, he also felt
Chase told us he thought the black-coated spine did
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The second thing Chase did was address the round-
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DEPT.
Competition & Training
Shoot This Drill The Praetorian Alpha Drill Text by JEFF COTTO Illustrations by CHARLES “CHIP” LASKY
S
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hooting practice and performing live-fire drills are solid ways to
The Praetorian Drill series was
This specific drill, Praetorian Alpha,
developed for the U.S. Space Force
was developed for the Space Force
get yourself into a rhythm, whether
Force Protection (ForcePro) personnel.
ForcePro Agents (FPAs) at common
you’re looking for improved defensive
These men and women are tasked
access points. At these CACs, FPAs are
reaction time or to cut down competition
with guarding the entire Space Force
tasked with authorizing legal documents
shooting times. This issue’s drill comes
base to include CACs—common
for entry and assessing personnel and
from the training regimen for our nation’s
access points—specialized equipment,
vehicles for potential threats to the
latest military branch, the United States
classified facilities, the command team,
command team, classified equipment,
Space Force.
and more.
and friendly personnel. Visitors wishing
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