Monthly Picks

Spiritus Systems Micro Fight Chassis MKV

After helping out with the Tactical Games and Gunfighter Gauntlet this year, I wanted to get a setup to carry mags, first aid, and other items for both range visits and competitions. I landed on Spiritus Systems for a few reasons. The biggest being the setup and customization possibilities are endless. I setup mine as a chest rig with a Spiritus Systems triple 5.56 insert, a pistol mag insert, and MK3 Sack Pouch. All of these can easily be transferred over to a plate carrier when I’m ready.

Edgar Sherman Two-Point Sling

Having a good sling for your rifle can go a long way in determining your shooting experience. I love how simple this sling is to install and setup. I can collapse it down completely and tuck the excess strap in the convenient loop by the pull tab to keep things nice and neat in my safe. Once at the range, a simple pull of the tab opens the sling to full length to throw the rifle on, and another pull brings it close to your body.

Vortex Optics Micro 3x Magnifier w/flip mount

I have this paired with a Sig Romeo 5, and it works great. The eye relief is right where it needs to be, and the magnification is crisp and clear. There are no buttons or latches to mess with to move it out of the way, which is slick, and it stays where you flip it. Add all this with Vortex’s lifetime guarantee, and it’s a fantastic addition to your rifle.

Glock 42 380 ACP Semi Auto Handgun

This is a great firearm with a decent capacity. This is one of the best conceal carry firearms I have used. Glock is known for their reliability, which makes this an easy pick.

Magpul AR-15 MBUS Pro Backup Sights Set

These are great backup sights. I've had these installed on my rifle since I built it and they work like a charm. They are easy to Zero and keep that Zero consistently. Being able to fold them also allows for a smaller profile of the rifle as well.

Brownells Premium Roll Pin Punches

Roll Pin Punches are essential when building most firearms. Having a good set of Roll Pin Punches can determine the success of your build by enabling you to accurately and easily assemble a firearm.

La Bounty Bolt Fixture

This fixture is perfect for truing up the bolt on your next Remington 700 blueprinting job. It allows for easy access around the bolt head when working on a lathe.

Kleinendorst Remington Bolt Disassembly Tool

This tool is a must for anyone who works on Remington 700 style bolts. It makes working on Remington 700 bolts fast and convenient.

Ruger 10/22 Carbine

A staple in any firearm owner's collection. They're economic, fun, and are a perfect candidate for your next build!

Bench Block Pro

The red rubber of this bench block keeps the firearm part you are working on from sliding around and keeps the bench block firmly anchored to the work bench. The long trapezoidal openings allow pins to fall freely through without the need to try and be precisely lined up. One of the nicest features is the “Smart-Block” clamps that can be threaded into the brass fittings that help hold round parts from rotating out of position. When they are not needed, they snap into holders on the bottom side of the bench block.

Chargemaster Supreme

If you are loading cartridges with an extruded powder, an electronic powder dispenser is a great way to get an accurate amount of powder for every cartridge. I can be seating a bullet on the last case, while the machine is measuring out another charge for the next one. 

Bob Allen Tactical Shooting Mat

If you are looking for a good quality/medium priced shooting mat this is an excellent choice. I have been using it at my shooting range for many years now. The canvas keeps me dry from early morning dew. It rolls up and secures with (3) straps and the shoulder strap makes it easy to sling on my back allowing me to have my hands free to carry other gear to my shooting position.

Springfield Hellcat Pro

My first handgun was the Springfield Hellcat Pro. I love how great this handgun feels in my hand. There is an ease to shooting with this gun that provides a sense of security. I feel comfortable carrying or shooting this firearm. The maintenance is super easy too! This was a perfect choice for my first handgun.

Vortex Diamondback Laser Rangefinder

This rangefinder is spot on for accuracy and easy to use, and is a must have for hunting or taking to the range. Vortex is my go-to brand for optics based off quality. Nothing compares to this brand.

Impact Sprot Electronic Earmuffs

Safety! Safety! Safety! I don't go shooting without my ear protection. I couldn't get over how comfortable these earmuffs were to wear. Because they are an electronic pair, you can still carry conversations with your shooting partners while at the range.

Howard Leight Electronic Earmuffs

Your eye and ear protection are necessities when you're shooting. These earmuffs are extremely comfortable and adjustable. The electronic capabilities are great when getting instruction or having a conversation with your peers, while also limiting background noise. They have a great fit and never feel like they may accidentally fall off.

Maglula Magazine Loader

When I recently started picking up handguns, I had a hard time loading the magazines. This product is a game changer. It allows for the perfect load every time. For a beginner, or even a seasoned shooter, these will make loading your mags that much quicker and easier.

National Target Langdon Tactical Skills Targets

These targets are very well made and are versatile. Transitioning from the bigger targets to the side numbered targets has helped me in the path of perfecting my aim. I also enjoy the multiple targets on this sheet allowing for many rounds before having to switch it out.

Brownells Gun-Kote

Gun-Kote is one of most durable oven-cured finishes out there. It does require grit blasting with 120 grit aluminum oxide and an airbrush, as most oven cured finishes do, and once applied and baked, it is an exceptional finish. The thing about Gun-Kote is you can do camo patterns on it once it flash-dries or after it has been cured by baking. It adheres to itself exceedingly well and it is one of the easiest and most durable bake-on finishes for firearms out there. I have been using it for years and I highly recommend it.

MGW Sight Pro sight mover

If you have several pistols you are going to need to adjust the sights on, the Sight Pro #584000005, along with the individual slide shoes that are available separately, it makes a great tool. It is a hard one to beat because the slide shoes are made specifically for each pistol model. It makes for a solid base that holds the slide in place as you are using the sight pusher. It will work on most dovetailed front sights also, which is a great plus.

Brownells AR-15 tools

There are a couple of AR tools that Brownells makes that I love. The first is the Brownells AR-15/M16 Combination Wrench #080216015. For mil-spec barrel nuts and many handguards, it is an excellent "armorers" wrench. I have used it for years and the pins have never broken off. The next is the Brownells Barrel Extension Torque Tool #080000637 for AR-15's and #080001040 for the LR308 bases rifles. What I love about these, is that they have a ½" drive in the end for a torque wrench or breaker bar, so you don't need a vise to hold it for you.

Faxon AR-15 .350 Legend Barrel

With a lot of states going to straight wall cartridge for shotgun deer season I decided to build a 350 legend and very pleased how it turned out and performed. It is not a heavy gun, the recoil is very little to shoot and with the M-Lok hand guard easy to attach a sling.

Midwest Industries Slim Line Handguard

I selected the Slim Line handguard for its lightweight design and personal preference, as I find the rail on top more appealing and less cumbersome than the bulkier quad rails. Additionally, the inclusion of M-Lok slots facilitates the easy attachment of accessories.

Aero Precision XL Upper Receiver

The Aero Precision XL upper receiver was an appealing choice due to its versatility, offering the potential to upgrade to larger calibers like the 450 Bushmaster. Its distinctive features, such as the T-markings and the "XL" engraved on the tang, also contribute to its unique appearance.

Brownell's Bolt Catch Pin Punch

Assembling a lower receiver on an AR-15 or AR-308 is a relatively easy process, right up until you get to the bolt catch assembly. These punches are scalloped to allow ease of use, and help you generate in-line force with the pin that is hard to get at due to the design of these firearms.

Lyman Pick and Brush Set

If you are a big guy like me, you know that small springs are hard to handle and manipulating them into or out of place is even harder. This set allows you to grab springs with ease, and even comes with some brushes for cleaning and inspection.

Forster Swiv-O-Ling Vise

Keeping with the theme of, "Making life easier for the Gunsmith," the Forster Swiv-O-Ling Vise is great at keeping small assemblies in place while working on them. The different points of articulation on the vise also make it easier to see what you are working on without losing control of the workpiece.

Graco Recoil Pad

The recoil pad fixture is very easy to use and does a great job for fitting pads. It solves sitting your angles for the toe & heel of the recoil pad and the fixture can be modified to whatever thickness of the pad you're grinding. Make sure to keep extra-long screws handy for different thickness of recoil pads.

Forster Sight Mounting Fixture

The Forster sight fixture is a must have for any rifle drill tapping job, there's no other tool like it. It covers many different rifle drill & taps you will come across. You should make sure that everything is good and level before drilling.

Acra-Release

If you do a lot of glass bedding in your shop I recommend using our Acra Release aerosol. It sprays on clear and does a much better job than the blue acra release agent we offer. No mess either and can be sprayed into places that you normally can not get to that can cause an action to stick in a stock. I've used this many times and never had an issue with a barreled action removal from the stock. Clean up is easy as well.

BDT Elite Double Tactical Rifle Bag

As a competition shooter, I appreciate good quality equipment to protect my firearms and make hauling them easier. Since purchasing this double gun case it has become my "go to". The backpack straps allow me to have both hands free to carry other equipment and make fewer trips back and forth to the truck. The large pockets on the exterior are lined with a chartreuse yellow nylon that makes it much easier to see forgotten items in the bottom of the pockets, which is a nice touch that makes me think this case was designed by people who took a little extra time to think of how the product will be used.

Faxon AR-15/M16 Pencil Barrel

If your goal is assembling a lightweight AR-15 rifle without the added expense of a carbon fiber wrapped barrel this is an excellent choice. This barrel makes an AR-15 carbine well balanced and a joy to shoot off hand.

Forster Co-Ax XL Reloading Press

I do most of my reloading on a progressive machine, but for cartridges I like to give a little extra attention to this machine is top notch. My favorite feature of it is the ability to slide dies in and out of it quickly and retain excellent accuracy.

Hornady Lock-N-Load Auto Progressive Reloading Press

These are the best progressive reloading presses I have seen. I started using the Hornady 700 Projector press in the late 90's or early 2000's, then I upgraded to the first-generation Lock-N-load, and now to the latest version. Once you have your dies set, you never have to adjust them again. When you use the case feeder, you can easily produce 300+ rounds an hour without trying. I have 2 now, one set up for small primers, and one set up for large primers. I'm looking to get my second case feeder.

Smith & Wesson M&P9 Shield EZ

With the hammer fired design, it makes it the easiest semi auto to rack the slide 3/4/2024 3/4/2024. Well suited for people with less hand strength or arthritis. I feel it's hands down better than a Glock. Try it, you'll like it.

Surefire Stiletto Pro

In every 24 hour period we all encounter dark or low-light conditions, and the Surefire Stiletto Pro hand-held light is a key part of my EDC lineup. I use this light every single day, and thanks to its 3 different light output levels I always have the right amount of light for my needs. And because it is USB rechargeable I don't have to burn through my CR123 batteries.

Spiritus Systems JSTA Pouch

The JSTA Pouch from Spiritus Systems is incredibly versatile and something you'll find on my belt often while training. It's modularity allows for me to add a rifle and pistol mag carrying option (or two pistol mags), so I can have quick access to reloads, while the front pouch allows me to keep other miscellaneous items close at hand. Gloves, shot timer, note pad, medical gear, whatever you need on your person if you're not running a plate carrier, chest rig, or full battle belt, the JSTA pouch has you covered. Plus with its soft design if you run it empty you'll hardly notice it. I've even used this to hold a box of 12ga shells while dove hunting.

Aimpoint Patrol Rifle Optic (PRO)

Red dot optics are nothing new to the shooting world, and we continue to see more models become available from more and more players, so there is no shortage of good options to be had. But one that I still think is one of the best values on the market is the PRO from Aimpoint. Reliable, durable, a 2 MOA dot, and a 30,000 hour battery life are just a few things to call out. And on top of that you know you are getting Aimpoint quantity for less than $500. I have a couple of these and absolutely recommend them.

Revic BR4 Ballistic Rangefinder

The BR4 Ballistic Rangefinder from Revic features a ballistic solver, so when you are in the field hunting, or even just at the range, it helps you get accurate corrections for your next shot! You also have the ability to store multiple ballistic profiles for your different guns you may be shooting with. While it's nice to use for myself when I am out, it's nice to be able to help others make better shots with the rangefinder and ballistic corrections too.

Vortex Strike Eagle 5-25x56mm FFP Scope

When shooting long range, I decided to upgrade my Vortex scope to little more magnification for the longer shots. I was looking for a reticle to help be able to quickly adjust shots by holding or adjusting the reticle, depending on the situation. Vortex was a no-brainer due to the guarantees they have on all their products, and the Customer Service they provide to Newbs like myself.

Wiebad Fortune Cookie Bag

When I was looking at gear I wanted to try out for the range, one of my first purchases was a shooting bag. I had to the opportunity to get my hands on a few and see how they felt. I settled on a Wiebad Fortune Cookie because I liked the versatility that came with a bag like that. They're rugged enough to toss around, but easy to maneuver. I've used it as a rear bag for that little lift to my rifle many times, and I always end up with beautiful shots!

Law Tactical Folding Stock Adapter

As a guy that loves to build custom AR's to use for hunting, this is a must have. I was drawn to these first when building an AR pistol to make it even more compact. What I've learned is that they are actually more useful to me on a full size rifle so that I can fold the stock and carry in a backpack or discreet carrying case. You can now buy the ARIC to go with it and actually shoot it while folded for bonus cool factor!

NoizeBarrier Micro Ear Plugs

Growing up shooting a lot of trap it was always a struggle for me to find electronic ear protection that both worked and were comfortable to wear. This set was immediately a game changer. They are super high quality, keep a great battery charge for long days at the range or in the field and don't make my ears or head hurt after wearing them for long periods of time.

Hellfire Muzzle Brake

The Hellfire brake has quickly become my go-to setup for nearly all my rifle builds. It is super easy to install and no more guessing where the ports will end up once tightened down! It is amazing how much felt recoil is taken away when these are installed. Makes shooting those big calibers that much more enjoyable. Even better, I use their universal adapters on all my rifles so I can swap brakes and suppressor adapters quickly and easily.

Colt 6" Anaconda Stainless Revolver

A superbly crafted revolver that upholds the Colt name, it surpasses the original Anaconda in my opinion. This exceptional hunting gun not only possesses exquisite aesthetics but also delivers pinpoint target accuracy.

Hornady ELD Match

This match-quality ammunition, recognized for its exceptional accuracy and unwavering consistency, making it an optimal choice for precision shooting, particularly in long-range scenarios where its performance truly shines.

VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm

The VX-Freedom 3-9x40mm is a highly versatile scope with crystal clear optics, designed to withstand rough use effortlessly. Its quarter MOA clicks contribute to a precise zero, making it an excellent choice for various shooting scenarios.

Brownells Acraglas Gel Shop Bedding Kit

As a hobby gunsmith/gun builder the Brownells ACRAGLAS GEL bedding kit is a must for those shooters that want to maximize their firearms potential! This kit is super easy to use, comes with easy-to-understand instructions, and allows you to bed multiple firearms. If your firearm isn't bedded with the Brownells ACRAGLAS GEL bedding kit are you even trying to beat your competition??

Tango6 5-30x56mm Rifle Scope

When Sig Sauer got into the optics market and introduced this scope, I had to my hands on one and boy did they make an amazing product. The glass clarity is phenomenal, the DEV-L MRAD reticle is a great reticle for ranging long distance targets and making precision shots without using the turrets, and the level plex system is like the cherry on top, the ability to be able to know exactly that your rifle isn't canted without having to take your eyes off the target, to look at a not so accurate bubble level, might be the difference between hitting your target or missing at long ranges. This scope is a perfect choice for long range shooters and hunters alike!

Redding T-7 Turret Press

The Redding T-7 Turret press is my go-to for reloading the many different cartridges I reload! When I screw in my dies and set them where I get the most accuracy out of my rifles, I don't want to have to worry about resetting my dies every time, like you do with a normal single-stage press. Lastly, this press is one of the beefiest and most well-made presses out there. When I go down to my reloading room and pump out reloaded ammo, I know that this reloading press is not going to break and will continue to produce repeatable, accurate ammo time and time again!

Magna-Tip 44 Bit Professional Screwdriver Set

This is the first screw driver set I purchased when starting my gunsmithing career years ago, it's also the last screwdriver set I purchased. This is a must have tool for any gunsmith or firearm enthusiast, I'll admit, the machined bits are a bit pricier than the cheaper MIM'd bits on the market, but they won't break under pressure, ruining your firearm. Being able to purchase upgrade kits and individual replacement bits is a huge plus!

Forward Controls LSFA Forward Assist

I love it when such a seemingly inconsequential components is made better through ingenuity, this forward assist reduces surface area at snag points and places it closer to the firearm body, making the forward assist still easy to engage when needed. It's great that FCD makes these in serrated and dimpled versions, but I'm choosing the dimpled every time, because dimples are cuter.

AlumaHyde II

AlumaHyde II is THE most durable air cured finish you can get in a rattle can! It's easy to apply and goes on super thin, perfect for any firearm. I have personally been using this stuff since my early days as a gunsmith and have painted countless firearms for customers, not to mention a handful of my own! This is a great way to customize your firearm and make it your own, purchase one and paint your whole firearm one color or purchase all of them and go crazy!

Sig Sauer, Inc. P365-XL Comp Rose

I love the feel of the Sig P365XL. I love that they came out with a "women's" version that isn't a pastel color. Lena Miculek came out with an entire program, which is included in your purchase. Everything she included in her collab with Sig is what you need to become a comfortable handgun shooter. Things moms/ women think about - training, a safe to keep it in, and so much more.

Graco Standard Adjustable Butt Plates

As a mother or a female shooter, the fit of a shotgun is always changing with our bodies. Women have a harder time getting a perfect fit on a shotgun due to our body composition, and the Graco adjustable butt plate made my shotgun so customized to my body and fit, aiding in accuracy and higher scores on a consistent level. Adjustability has changed the game for me.

Ruger 10/22® Standard Carbine

My favorite plinker. Cheap to shoot, fun to customize, and the easiest to teach new shooters with. Build your own, or change out sights, stocks, chassis, or put a fun optic on it - the options are endless—a great intro gun, but also a favorite long-term pick from the safe for some fun shooting.

Cinch-LR Polymer Binocular Adapter

My tripod has dual purpose as something that holds my observation optics and as a shooting platform. I've tried other Binocular mounts and none of them are as streamlined and dead simple as the Really Right Stuff Cinch-LR. All my binoculars and especially my laser rangefinding binoculars sport a Cinch-LR.

MDT CKYE POD GEN2

I think I own about 70% of the bipods that exist on the market and the one I keep coming back to is the Ckye Pod. For the shooting I do you just can't beat it's adjustability and stability. Adjustments are easy to make, I can always find the height I need it to be, and after at least 3 years of hard use, it still works as well as the day I bought it.

SPUHR Mounts

I have 100% confidence in my SPUHR mounts. The design is a low profile and blocks little view of my turrets. I also love the attachment system. My main competition rig has SPUHR mounts holding a Kahles riflescope and an MDT Send It level and this setup has been rock solid since day one. I've had this setup for about 2 years now and it has never shifted zero.

Magpul Suppressor Cover

If you have a rifle suppressor, plan to fire more than a couple of rounds, and are moving positions or going downrange after, a suppressor cover is nice to have. A blazing hot suppressor contacting your gear, clothes, or your skin, is not something I'd recommend.

Vortex Optics Solo RT 8x36mm Monocular

A Vortex Optics Solo RT 8x36mm Monocular is handy to keep in the truck and comes in especially handy at the range or in the field. I find it especially handy when zeroing red dot or iron sight equipped rifles at 25 or 50 yards/meters, as its much easier to throw in a backpack than a spotting scope, and the built-in ranging capabilities of the reticle is a nice backup to a laser rangefinder.

Brownells Magna-Tip Adjustable Torque Wrench

A tool that always goes from the bench to the range, this Adjustable Torque Wrench is used on any screws requiring a definitive torque value. Each Wrench is tested at the factory, all the way from 15 in/lb up to 70 in/lb, so I have the utmost confidence in this Wrench applying the correct values, especially to optic mount screws. A great combo with Magna-Tip Bits.

Remington 870 Express Tactical 18-1/2" Barrel 12 Gauge

Arguably the most reliable, multipurpose, and customizable shotgun you can own. It can be formatted easily for home defense, hunting, or leisure! If you could only own one firearm, this should be your pick.

Wheeler Engineering Armorers Handgun Sight Tool

This is a great pick for gunsmiths that doe a lot of sight changes on a multitude of handgun models because it can fit to most handgun slides without the need for additional mounting plates.

Oxpho-Blue® Creme

Have some holster wear? A little too aggressive with some light rust removal? A little scratch where you were pushing a sight or turning a screw? This is the product for you! The best and easiest way to touch up bluing, this is a staple in any gunsmith's shop.