by Scott Smith | Contributing Editor
It’s a chilly 85 degrees here in southwest PA and QVC has been talking up the coming holiday season. Hot and sticky really does not make one think of the holidays, no matter how pretty the ribbons are or how tempting the “holiday desserts” look. However, it is time to sit and ponder this year’s Christmas Gifts for TheGunMag so as not to miss the editorial deadline.
First up we looked at tomahawks for your hunting or go bag kit. I can feel the eyebrows rising, the eyes giving the magazine the evil eye; tomahawks, saying this isn’t The Wild West, its 2014. No doubt you are thinking why do I need a tomahawk for my field kit? The reason is simple, these are versatile tools. You can use them to make a blind, open boxes; modern axes/tomahawks can be used as pry bars and, in many cases, they have real hammers to put in stakes, nails, etc.
CRKT’s Chogan (L) and Kagan T-Hawk (R) tomahawks: tools your vehicle or hunting kit should include.
Columbia River Knife and Tool (18348 SW 126th Pl., Dept. TGM, Tualatin, OR 97062; phone: 800-891-3100) offers models that include spike or hammer-ended tomahawks. TGM looked at two models, the Woods Chogan and the Kagan T-Hawk, both designed by Ryan Johnson.
The Woods Chogan looks to have its lineage in the tomahawks used by the men of the American Revolution with its wooden handle and forged steel head. This tomahawk would be my first choice for field use because of the hammer head. This tool works well driving stakes, cutting small trees, and it’s heavy enough so that it can be used as a lightweight sledge. I have used a Woods Chogan tomahawk around the yard this past summer and found it to be an excellent all-round tool. It weighs just over 19 ounces, making it packable. With a retail price of $69.99, it won’t break the bank.
The Kagan T-Hawk could be considered more of a tactical tomahawk because of the glass-filled nylon handle and the rakish look of the head. This t-hawk would be my first choice as a gift for someone who travels or serves in uniform because of the full steel head and the wedge design of the top of the t-hawk. The Kagan makes short work of things like doors, small trees, ammo crates, and makes a fine emergency door pry bar. I found the Kagan easily opens jammed/locked inner house doors and easily wedges framed/frameless auto door windows open for emergency access into a vehicle. Because of the materials and design of the Kagan it is pricier than the Woods with a MSRP of $185, but for a rescue/duty tool it’s worth every penny.
Another sharp idea all outdoors people need is a sharp knife. It seems most knives we look at are too big to carry all of the time, and then we never have one when it’s needed. The Spyderco (820 Spyderco Way, Dept TGM, Golden, CO 80403; phone: 800-828-1925) Des Horn is a clip-it knife you can carry anytime. With its 3.11” blade and an overall length of 7.19”, this knife can be carried to work or to the range; so you have a sharp knife when you need it.
The Des Horn is a collaboration between Spyderco and Des Horn. Des is a South African dentist by training, and builds custom knives in his spare time. The knife was designed with sleek lines using G10 grips and CPMS30V steel so it performs as well as it looks. This knife has striking contrast between the black handle and the polished steel. The handle and blade have furrows machined in them for style and to aid in giving you a solid grip. Spyderco ensures the blade stays locked with a Michael Walker liner lock. This style and function does not come cheap; MSRP is $199.95. Compared to a true custom knife, this is very affordable. Odds are you will actually have this knife handy while that custom knife with its thousand dollar price tag is setting at home. That is why I suggest the Spyderco Des Horn as a useful gift that will be appreciated for years to come.
Lowa Boots’ low version of the ladies Ferrox (L) and the men’s Innox (R) are both available in men’s and women’s versions.
One item outdoors-man need is quality footwear. We are looking at Lowa Boots (86 Viaduct Rd., Dept TGM, Stamford, CT 06907; phone: 800-499-8696) as one of the companies making boots built for both men and women; not just small sized men’s boots called ladies boots. We looked at two pairs of Lowa’s boots that can be used on the range or around town, the Innox and Ferrox.
These boots are part of Lowa’s Speed Hiking line. This line is built to give the wearer a supportive boot that is both flexible and gives you all day cushioned comfort, while giving you traction in the muddiest conditions. Lowa accomplishes this using their patented Monowrap. This is a polyurethane support system that is bonded to the upper and midsole of the boot. This makes the upper one continuous part of the sole/midsole of the boot, reducing shoe rollover which can lead to ankle strains, sprains and breaks.
At first glance the Innox (boot) and the Ferrox (shoe) look identical. When you look closer you will notice the Innox’s Monowrap extends from the eyelets to the midsole; making this boot a better choice for harder use or larger individuals. The ladies versions of these boots come in more color options than the men’s, with all of the models being available in black. The upside of these boots in black is they do not scream “tacticool,” they look like black athletic shoes that can be worn without screaming cop or gun person. Prices of the Innox and Ferrox range from $175-210, depending on choice of shoe or boot and men’s or women’s styles. Having worn Lowa boots for nearly ten years, I can tell you they are worth every penny.
You can see the mesh in Vertx’s Black Ops Powered by Airflow in the pockets and inseams of the pant legs to increase shooters’ comfort.
Another item we need for range, field and casual wear is pants. When you are looking for pants that go from range to the mall, Vertx (4545 Malsbary Rd., Dept TGM, Cincinnati OH 45242; phone: 513-793-5400) is one of the go-to manufacturers. The reason for this is Vertx builds BDU-style pants that look like and feel like chinos, yet are as tough as nails. New for this year is the Black Ops Powered by Airflow. These pants are Vertx’s traditional Black Ops pants. Black Ops pants have low profile cargo pockets, hidden security pockets in the front slash pockets, and there are small pockets just behind the slash pockets for flashlights and knives, plus rear pockets with secured flaps. Comfort is ensured in these pants thanks to the gusseted crotch and expandable waistband. Thanks to their 65/35 polyester/cotton blend, these pants will wear like steel.
What sets the Black Ops Powered by Airflow apart from other pants is the polyester mesh on the inside of the legs and part of the cargo pocket and the back of these pockets. This mesh allows for Airflow to reduce body heat. Initially I thought this was just a gimmick, but in the sweltering days of August I found these pants did keep the legs cooler, especially when shooting USPSA matches with all their movement. At $109.95, these are expensive pants, but my experience with Vertx says they are worth it. The pants wear well, fit true to size and perform well.
If you need camouflage pants, Tru-Spec (1125 Hayes Industrial Dr., Dept TGM, Marietta, GA 30062; phone: 800-241-9414; online: truspec.com) Tactical Response Uniform in MultiCam’s new Tropic and Arid patterns should be considered. These patterns are brand new for 2014 and are designed for desert and green environments. The TRU pants are traditional BDU style pants with calf and thigh cargo pockets, flap rear pocket, slash front pockets and button fly. The TRU pants have knee pad pockets to insert a pad.
My former agency used Tru-Spec BDUs for our training uniform. These uniforms got abused and survived, so I am sure the TRU will meet any challenge you throw at them. I had limited time to use the Tropic TRUs, but I know MultiCam works well here in the tri-state area in the fall. Judging from the color pallet, it will be awesome camouflage for spring turkey and varmint hunting too. I would venture the Arid or Tropic MultiCam will retail for $109.95 because of the IR properties of the TRU uniforms. Hopefully, Tru-Spec will offer them in their traditional BDU also to drop the price.
Rudy Project’s Noyz glasses with spare lenses and prescription adapter for shooters and the Sphyllo prescription frames for daily wear.
Eye protection is an item that anyone who spends time on the range, in the field or simply out for a walk should have. With the number of ocular injuries that we humans inflict on ourselves, you should wear eye protection anytime you are shooting, riding a bicycle, cutting grass, etc. One of the most versatile and finest manufacturers of eyewear is Rudy Project USA (1015 Calle Amanecer, Dept. TGM, San Clemente, CA 92673; phone: 888-860-7597). Rudy Project has become a major player in eye protection for the shooting sports.
One of their latest models is the Noyz. What sets the Noyz apart is the availability of a small and standard size, multiple lens colors to give you a clear sight picture in all light conditions and there is an optical prescription insert or you can have the lenses ground to your script. I prefer the insert for increased protection without perceptible loss of clarity or perception. My Rydon glasses were replaced with the Noyz because the frame is slightly larger and fits better. If these glasses live up to the standards set by other Rudys, they will be in my range bag for many years to come. Rudy Project offers the Noyz in a performance pack—the frame, photo chromatic clear and red as well as laser black for most light conditions—is $349.99, while just the glasses will set you back $199.99-249.99. If you shoot any major match you will see many of the top shooters wearing Rudy Project; the glasses are that good.
Rudy Project has stepped up the toughness of their lenses and the protection offered with the ImpactX series. These lenses are virtually indestructible. I have been told you can fold them in half and they spring back and I took the crew from Rudy Project’s word. I know mine have been hit with scopes, tree branches, and pounced on by my 45 pound Chow; and they have not scratched or cracked. If you do manage to scratch or break the ImpactX or any Rudy Project lens, contact them on how to replace them. The damaged lens will be replaced; you just need to return it and pay shipping.
I like Rudy Project glasses enough that I wear their Spyllo frames for my daily wear bi-focals. These are traditional rimless ophthalmic frames that you can have your optometrist make lenses for or Rudy Project has a lab that can do it for you. You will find the Spyllos to be lightweight, easily adjusted to ensure they are secure even when running. The frame style is available in a rimless or semi-rimless, with different lens styles and sizes as well as numerous colors to fit your preference. Competitively priced with other designer frames, they have an MSRP of $249.99.
Those on your list who shoot 3-Gun or action pistol will appreciate a holster that is fast and secure. Hogue’s polymer PowerSpeed Holster meets both of those criteria. The PowerSpeed uses a trigger guard lock (Automatic Retention System) that is released by a thumb drive as you acquire your shooting grip. Hogue ensures this holster is versatile, shipping it with both a belt slide and paddle attachment. I have been using the paddle with my Glock because of the on/off ease. Unlike many paddle holsters, the PowerSpeed does not slide or flop around and it conceals well. At $49.95 the PowerSpeed is a good buy. This holster will serve you well for daily carry, IDPA/USPSA/3-Gun competition and for duty use.
Invictus Practical Holster Hanger and 2-Point-6 shotgun shell caddy for those who shoot action pistol or 3-Gun.
Invictus Practical (Phone: 731-695-4141; Online: www.invictuspractical.com) has developed a hanger to adapt holsters for use on competition belts with the Holster Hanger. The Holster Hanger is a piece of machined aluminum that is black anodized to protect and strengthen the material. The hanger is also drilled to fit most popular holsters; Blade-Tech, Comp-Tac, Blackhawk, etc. and allows you to use either a Tek-Lok or Safariland ELS mount. I have been using the Holster Hanger with my Blade-Tech holster for my Sig X5 and Sig 220 SAO Super Match with my Safariland ELS rig for USPSA and 3-Gun; it’s perfect. The HH is available as the HH1 to allow you to drop the holster 2.25”-3.5” or the HH2 which offsets the holster 1.5”-2.75” retailing for $34.50 with mounting hardware or you can purchase the Module versions for $29.50 to mount holsters from Blackhawk or Safariland with integral screws. I have added the Holster Hanger to various holsters to increase the versatility of my Safariland ELS rig. If you compete in action shooting sports and use different holsters/pistols, this is a piece of kit you need.
Invictus also offers a virtually indestructible load two-shell or load-four plates for 3-Gun. I put the 2 Point 6 with ELS mount ($69) through its paces at the Rockcastle Pro-Am. This mount worked perfectly for me and my big hands; many of the quad loads or other 2X2 loaders I found myself fumbling because of the lack of grab space. Invictus spaces the 2.6 so you can quickly and smoothly grab two shells and load them into your shotgun. Invictus also offsets each pair of shells which ensures you only grab a pair of shells. I have not seen any other manufacturer do this. Through the running and moving at the Pro-Am, not one shell became dislodged or partially unseated from the bracket; something I cannot say about other load-two mounts. Another major difference between Invictus shell caddies and others is the mounting bracket which is machined aluminum not polymer. This ensures your caddy does not flex and should last longer than a polymer plate where the screw holes will eventually wear. Eventually, this will allow the shell caddy to move, which will cause shells to work loose. Whether you shoot just action pistol or 3-Gun, Invictus’ Holster Hanger or 2 Point 6 and other shotshell carriers should be part of your kit, it will expand the versatility of the gear you use.
With the growth of action shooting sports 1911 style pistols are more popular than ever. Manufacturers are now offering 1911s in numerous calibers; 9mm, .40S&W and .45ACP to name a few. What any 1911 needs to help ensure it runs is a quality magazine. Tripp Research’s Cobra Mags (515 Kelley Rd., Dept TGM, Bastrop, TX 78602; phone: 877-837-9445) are some of the finest on the market.
Tripp Research Cobra Mags .45ACP, .40S&W and 9mm, Hogue’s PowerSpeed paddle holster and Spyderco’s Des Horn Clip-it knife.
Cobra Mags have been the primary magazine I use in my Sig Traditional Match Elite 9mm. The 9mm Cobra Mag holds ten rounds in the magazine not the standard nine. The magazine reliably fed hollow-point, round-nose, flat-point rounds and falls free every time the magazine release is pushed. Tripp ensures a quick drop with an alloy base, though I have yet to have a polymer-padded magazine hang up in the pistol.
The 9mm magazines functioned so well, I obtained Cobra Mags for my .40S&W and .45ACP-chambered 1911s as well. Tripp offers 10-round magazines for both of these calibers; those couple extra rounds can/do make a difference shooting a stage. If you shoot a 1911 chambered in .38 Super or 10mm, there are Cobra Mags for you. Tripp builds all of its magazines caliber specific, they don’t simply label the magazine .40/10 or 9/38. This is why Tripp’s Cobra Mags are worth the $36.95 MSRP and will make a good gift for that single-stack shooter on your list.
I hope that we gave you gift ideas for the hunter, shooter or outdoorsman on your Christmas or Hanukkah list. All of the companies we looked at have many other offerings that would be appreciated. Check out their websites for other options. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and a safe New Year to all; thank you for reading TheGunMag and allowing us to help you with gift and shooting equipment throughout the year.
