Accessories 2023
Accessories always pay off. Most won’t take up a lot of shelf space, but pound for pound, they deliver the goods at your register. Here’s a look at what’s new this year.
By Slaton L. White
PARD
The NV007S is a next generation, clip on night-vision scope that easily attaches to your existing optical scope, eliminating the need to have multiple firearms configured for daytime/nighttime use. Simply clip on the night vision scope and you are ready to see the invisible. The NV007S features a large eye cup that is designed to provide comfortable use while reducing peripheral light entering your eye. It is equipped with a 5W 850nm IR infrared illuminator best suited for wide range observation. It utilizes advanced next generation sensors that amplify the available light so that you can see targets in dark environments that otherwise would not be visible, up to 350m. At only 9.3 oz (265g), it easily secures to your favorite rifle scope with the quick disconnect feature. It is recoil tested to withstand 6000J of force, equivalent to that of a .308 rifle. Powered by a single 18650 removable/rechargeable battery that provides up to 6 hours of use, it can operate in temperatures between -20° and 140° F. Conveniently carry a couple extra rechargeable batteries to avoid having to leave the field due to a dead battery. Adjustable brightness and exposure settings provide control in very low light situations. It features a 4x-14x optical zoom providing nighttime magnification. Resolution of the eyepiece is achieved through a 1024x768 OLED screen (uses less battery power than other devices) and is backed up by 2592x1944 photo resolution for taking clear photographs. The Ingress Protection (IP) factor rates at an industry leading IP67, providing 100% security against dust and submersion in up to 3ft of water. Users can take 30fps 1920x1080P AVI nighttime video footage and save it to an onboard 128GB SD card (not included). Photographs and video can be viewed via Wi-Fi connectivity on your mobile device. MSRP $589.
TacMed
Stealth Operator has produced the best-selling multi-fit gun holster for 10 years. Now, in partnership Pitbull Tactical, dealers can carry the Pitbull Tactical Universal Mag Carrier (UMC), too. (Both Stealth Operator and Pitbull tactical are divisions of TacMed. The UMC fits any magazine from single stack 9mm to a .45 double stack while maintaining a low profile. It’s the ultimate complement to the Stealth Operator holster.
Both holsters offer positive retention with absolutely no adjustments. Stealth Operator, with its patented Frame-Lock Technology, fits more than 150 different models with positive retention. The Stealth Operator holds your gun in place until you need it. The Pitbull UMC uses a reinforced silicone flex band that automatically expands to fit both single- and double-stack magazines. The UMC also will work with the rounds facing either forward or backward, so you can change your carry orientation without adjustment. (stealthoperator.com) (pitbulltactical.com)
Hammerhead Industries
High functionality and safety are priceless when lives are on the line. That’s why the design team at Gear Keeper took special care when it designed the company’s Combo Mount Sidearm Tether. Featuring the combo MOLLE Mount System, users may utilize either of two included mounting options: a 360-degree Rotating MOLLE Mount or a Velcro Strap MOLLE Mount in order to have the most suitable mounting configuration for their kit.
The 360-degree Rotating MOLLE Mount is slim and compact, providing a streamlined profile that won’t snag while working to minimize firearm movement. Its ability to rotate 360 degrees means you can pull, with minimal resistance, your sidearm in any direction off your body for use. The Velcro Strap MOLLE Mount is ideal for attaching your firearm to either your MOLLE System or your gun belt. It allows the gun to pivot up and down with minimal resistance.
The tether itself features Gear Keeper’s RT4 Low Force Model, which allows a sidearm to hit the ground, but remain tethered and snag-free. This 36-inch extension system puts very little tension (a mere 3 ounces of retraction force) on the sidearm and is preferred by shooters who want to carry their sidearms for long periods of time. The line also attaches to a Q/C Connector System that provides for quick and easy connection/disconnection of the firearm. (gearkeeper.com)
Hornady
Hornady engineered the Lock-N-Load Iron Press to be the heaviest and most rigid press in its class. This single-stage unit, powered with a spring-assisted 1 1/8-inch solid-steel ram, is perfect for anyone demanding precision and repeatability from their reloading press.
The 28-pound workhorse press is manufactured to be a smooth-operating system that can deliver consistent precision year after year. The Iron Press features Hornady’s patented Lock-N-Load Bushing System, which ensures dies and bushings are securely locked in place with a simple twist that engages six locking lugs.
Swapping out is a straight-forward process when reloaders need to change to another cartridge size. Simply twist the die counterclockwise, remove it, and insert your next preset Lock-N-Load die and bushing. Dies locked in their Lock-N-Load bushings remain as they are set, in perfect alignment and ready for their turn in the press.
The unit also features a patented shell-holder platform that lets the operator de-prime a case, remove the case to chamfer or deburr, and then quickly replace and prime. The Iron Press’s accessory deck enables quick access to trays for bullets or cases and storage for chamfer and deburr tools, case neck brushes, primer pocket cleaners, and more.
The gravity-fed Automatic Priming System, sold separately or as part of the kit, blurs the lines between progressive and single-stage reloading by allowing more processes to happen simultaneously. The machine upgrade includes the automatic priming system, large and small primer tubes, large and small primer pick-up tubes, primer housing tubes, primer catch trays and a small parts bag. (hornady.com)
Grey Man Tactical
Designed to optimize storage space, the #501 Case Lid Organizer Rifle Rack + Holster Integration RMP Package provides increased organizational solutions for your gear. Simply attach the RMP (Rigid MOLLE Panel) directly to the case lid mounting points using the provided case screws. (For lids without mounting points, fasten with the 3M Dual Lock Fastening Kit to complete installation.)
The contents of the #501 Case Lid Organizer Package include one RMP (your choice of size), RMP fasteners (Pelican Case screws), a 3M Dual Lock Fastening Kit, rifle rack with rubber clamps, a soft-shell Scorpion mag carrier, and a G-Code RTI Holster Integration Kit. Multiple RMP options are available with the #501 package that work with a variety of Pelican cases, including 1560 Protector and 1535 Air Carry-on, the 1600 Protector series (1600, 1610, 1620, 1650, and 1660), and the 1700-1750 Protector series. SRP: $199.97-$264.97. (greymantactical.com)
Premier Body Armor
Premier Body Armor is now delivering custom-fit ballistic inserts compatible with Gamut, Ready Pack, and Navigator Slings offered by Vertx, creating an innovative solution for an off-body carry system. The Gamut, Ready Pack, and Navigator Sling all improve upon their Gen 2 predecessors, offering a new Rapid Access Pull tab compatible with every zipper for a fully customizable EDC setup. With a gatekeeper G-hook, you can avoid unwanted gear exposure in the CCW compartment. Premier’s custom-fit ballistic inserts provide comfortable and incognito protection while you’re on the go.
The new ballistic panels continue to uphold the high standards of Premier’s body armor, meeting the NIJ Level IIIA standard while being the thinnest and lightest ballistic protection on the market. Available in bundles or stand-alone inserts, it’s easier than ever to update your bag and armor. (premierbodyarmor.com)
Versacarry
The optics-compatible V-Slide features a custom-molded polymer front that fits many popular firearm models, The back is constructed with premium water buffalo leather. For a confident and customizable draw, the V-Slide has an adjustable retention screw. Two belt loops keep the V-Slide securely in place when in use, and the small design allows it to fit in between pant belt loops for easy positioning.
The V-Slide leather will be offered in three colors, Distressed Brown, Black, and the new Versacarry color Gun Metal Gray with khaki thread. SRP: $39.99-$44.99. (versacarry.com)
Pyramex Safety Products
Gearing up for a day at the range can be a daunting task. Check off two safety essentials in one purchase with Pyramex’s Venture Gear VG Combo Kit. The all-in-one affordable pack includes both ANSI-rated safety eyewear and ANSI-rated hearing protection, making it easy to toss the kit in your range bag and effectively protect your most valuable senses while shooting.
The wrap-around clear-lens safety glasses meet ANSI 787.1+ safety standards for quality eye protection. The lenses are lightweight and constructed from scratch-resistant polycarbonate. Soft non-slip rubber temple tips ensure an all-day comfortable wear. The Pyramex earmuffs meet ANSI S3.19 safety standards. They also have a noise reduction rating (NRR) of 24dB. The earmuffs feature a low-profile design with height-adjustment capabilities for a customized fit. SRP: $27.99. (pyramex.com)
FN America
FN America’s first commercial pistol suppressor, the FN Rush 9Ti, is a reliable, durable, and versatile 9mm pistol suppressor made from a lightweight titanium-hybrid. The unique booster assembly, blast baffle, and baffle-stack design provide a tight gas-piston seal and even gas distribution that combine to deliver reduced blowback, reduced recoil, and effective sound suppression. It also delivers reliable feed and extraction with all types of factory ammunition, from light training rounds to subsonic loads, and the advanced booster maintains slide timing, preventing cycle failures. In addition, the suppressor breaks down easily for maintenance. (fnamerica.com)