Every now and then I have a couple items that I've received, each that doesn't warrant a full review all on its own, but together that provide enough info. This week I've got three items to talk about. First is the SLICK: Soft Litter Individual Carry Kit from Aruc Systems. Next is the SE-1 AR-15 Pistol Grip from Stark Equipment. Last, but not least, is a standard length increased capacity (20 round) magazine from Mitchell's Mausers. I'm sure you'll enjoy the info about all three. Let's dive in...
Aruc Systems SLICK:
On today's battlefield - which unfortunately can be a school yard or building as much as it can be a street in Iraq - there are times when emergency transport of a wounded individual is required. Sure, you can drag them out of the battle ground, but eventually a more efficient transport system becomes necessary. The Soft Litter Individual Carry Kit (SLICK) from Aruc Systems was designed for just such a purpose. Manufactured of (essentially) heavy duty plastic, the SLICK is a soft stretcher that can be folded up and attached to a ruck or carried attached to a medical bag. Since all you have to do to use it is unroll / unfold it, it doesn't require assembly. Each corner is designed to be rolled to form a handle and there are two straps attached to secure the injured individual onto the litter.
The litter may be carried by two or four people, dragged by two people, or dragged by one person. Once you've gotten the casualty to a care station, the litter can be left under them while they are x-rayed or receive other treatment. Additionally, as necessary, SLICKs can be used as emergency coverings as well as their intended litter usage. With a recommended retail price of $95 on the ARUC Systems webpage the SLICK seems a fairly cost effective solution to some emergency medical field transport challenges.
Stark Equipment AR-style grip:
As you can see from the picture this isn't just another after-market plastic grip someone felt they could make a buck on. The hallmark design feature of the grip is how far it extends both back and forward beyond "normal" AR-style grips. The added length actually contributes to some of the comfort experienced when shooting it. Manufactured from (essentially) high impact plastic the grip is available in dark earth, OD green and Black. (Dark Earth is what they call their tan version) The grip swell - that would be in your palm - has three roughly horizontal sections that are stippled for texture. The grip swells at the bottom to help increase the efficiency of your grip if the weapon is lowered or if you're working in wet conditions. The forward extension of the grip is curved and fits along the straight bottom edge of the trigger guard. The grip is designed so that the extension adds to the circular appearance of the trigger guard without decreasing clearance within it - in case you're wearing gloves. Finally, there are shallow "shelves" designed into the grip to serve as a thumb rest on one side and as guide for your trigger finger on the other. Overall I found the Stark Equipment Grip very comfortable to shoot with. MSRP on the Stark Equipment website is $39.95 which is more than reasonable in today's AR-rifle accessory market.
Mitchell's Mausers Beretta 20-round magazine:
My publisher at Officer.com was handed this in the airport before going through security when returning from SHOT Show. He said that the airport security people "just loved" him for that. When we got back to Maryland and he delivered it to me my first impression was, "Oh; another after market magazine." Then I took a second look and realized that this standard length magazine holds 20 rounds. Now I've never been a HUGE fan of the Beretta M9 / 92F 9mm pistol, but I've carried one on duty for a number of years. Efficiently increasing the weapon's capacity from 16 rounds total (15+1) to 21 rounds total (20+1) does increase its appeal somewhat.
I can't find any information about the magazine on the Mitchell's Mausers website, so I'll report on what I can see and how it performed. The magazine appears to be an all steel construction with a brushed finish. It has clearly marked viewing holes to see round count and the "20" is easy to see - and still surprising. I used the magazine on the range in an old duty Beretta 92FS (dating to 1986 at least) and fired an assortment of ammo from it: ball, JHPs, junk found at gun shows, etc. During the use I didn't experience any malfunctions that might have resulted from the magazine. In fact, I experienced no malfunctions at all. All ammo loaded was fed properly and all spent brass was cleanly ejected.
As I said, I can't find any info about this magazine on their website so I can't quote an MSRP. I'd suggest contacting them if you are interested in procuring any of these mags for your use.
Stay Safe!
