It's the holiday season, and I'm excited to tell you about all the good products out there. Unfortunately, the best I can do is an abbreviated list. Everyone knows I'm a great shopper.
Before we look at products, I have to say that 2016 has been the most heartbreaking year for the Thin Blue Line in my entire experience. For this season, I urge you to patronize businesses that support us and donate to causes that support the fallen.
All right, here’s my list:
Henry Rifle Big Boy Steel Rifle (or Carbine) MSRP $850. (henryrifles.com/rifles/henry-big-boy-steel)
I’ve been shooting my Henry 22 lever action rifle every time I head for the range. I have thousands of rounds through it. Their quality is outstanding, and I can feel the connection with history when running rounds downrange. My next Henry from Henry Repeating Arms will be a Big Boy Steel Rifle, probably in .357. It will shoot .38’s interchangeably. This model comes in several other great calibers, including 45 LC and 44.
This is a left hand friendly product.
I don’t have to tell you much more about Henry Repeating Arms, except that it is a family owned business and their motto is “Made in America, or Not Made At All”.
First Tactical TACTIX 1-Day Plus Backpack MSRP $179.99
(firsttactical.com/products/tactix-1-day-plus-backpack)
This is a compact backpack that has a 2470 cubic inch capacity, but it is lighter than most other backpacks designed for hard use. It’s lighter because of the Lynx™ Laser Cut Platform, which is two layers of 500D nylon fabric, laminated together. MOLLE/PALS compatible patterns are laser cut into the top layer. This gives the pack twice the usable loops. This pack also movable inner pouches and compression straps. It features YKK® zippers and a water resistant finish.
Udo’s Oil MSRP $17.49 for 8.5 oz. (udoschoice.com)
UDO’s Oil is a nutritional supplement designed to increase an athlete’s energy. I discovered Udo’s Oil years ago while I was training for an event at higher altitudes. They were giving out sample bottles, and I tried it. It works, and it comes with several other benefits, including healthier skin. Some users have reported greater brain function, but I can definitely attest to greater stamina. I met Udo Urasmus last year and introduced myself. I have added a picture of us together. He is 74 years old in the photo. Enough said.
Talon Grips MSRP 17.99 (talongungrips.com)
Most readers are familiar with Talon Grips. They are custom decal grips designed to improve traction between the gun in the hand. Talon Grips come in either a granulated or rubber finish. This is the quickest and least expensive upgrade anyone can add to a handgun. They have just released a Moss color (available Feb 2017). No, it’s not FDE or OD, its Moss. It looks fantastic on a black frame.
BLACKHAWK!™ Vehicle QD Med Pouch MSRP $41.95 (Blackhawk.com)
IFAK items are foremost on everyone's gift list this year. BLACKHAWK has come up with a nylon pouch that mounts on the vehicle headrest. Its contents can be accessed while mounted. When the med kit needs to be moved quickly, it simply rips away from the hook-and-loop mount. I experimented with this product and found it to be very handy. It is between the size of an IFAK and a full-sized trauma kit. As a matter of fact, this is a gift that an agency should purchase for every officer.
The Emergency Bandage distributed by PerSys Medical (ps-med.com)Price Varies
The Emergency Bandage (also known as The Israeli Bandage™)is a remarkable innovation that eliminates the need for 4x4 dressings and other products, and reduces the amount of gauze a first responder needs to carry. This bandage consists of a sterile section, and a large wrap of bandage material. There is a C shaped plastic protrusion from the bandage section and a plastic clip to secure the bandage once wrapped. The C-shaped plastic protrusion is capable of placing significant pressure on a wound. It comes in various sizes and is designed to reduce bleeding in any type of wound. It can be used as a field expedient product for many other needs, like slings and tourniquets, until the actual medical device arrives. This product is probably one of the most innovative field medical products for first responders, and a must have in every IFAK. I recommend the FCP-01 model for the IFAK.
Benchmade Precinct Flipper MSRP $140. (benchmade.com)
Designed by Butch Ball, this 3.30” drop point blade sports G10 scales and has smooth thrust bearing washers and a liner lock. Made from 154CM at 58-61 RHC, this is a lightweight flipper that has superior finger positioning grooves. If you are purchasing this knife for someone in LE, please consider adding the custom laser marking at $5.-25. If you give them enough lead time, one can put a badge on the blade and an American Flag on the scales.
FNX 45 Tactical MSRP $1349. (fnamerica.com)
I really want only one handgun this year. I want an FNX Tactical. This is a full-sized 45 ACP handgun that is hammer (not striker) fired. It has a polymer frame, stainless steel slide, ambi rear safety/decocking lever and a threaded barrel. It comes standard with 3 dot sights, but the FNX 45 is alrady set up for an RMR system. This is the big brother to my FNP 9, which is a reliable tack driver that has digested tens of thousands of rounds since I've had it. Since I do a lot of 45 reloading, why not have it in a larger bore?
Unfortunately, I live in a state where it is only easy for a criminal to get a handgun, so I only get to shoot one while visiting friends.
2017 ZERO DSR MSRP (approx.) $14, 395 (zeromotorcycles.com)
Many agencies are using zero motorcycles for patrol duty. Why not have one just for fun?
The Zero DSR is an electric 70 hp (116 foot-pound) dual sport machine designed to convert electricity into adrenaline.
I originally reviewed the Zero DS in November 2011. Since then, the effective range has increased to about 184 miles, depending on use. The Zero DSR is the performance version of the original Zero DS. The handling and breaking is seriously dialed in for fun on or off road. It can be charged in your garage, or at a public charging station.
Tuff-Writer Precision Press Pen (tuffwriter.com ) MSRP $95.95 (shown) ($215. For Titanium)
Everyone wants an indestructible pen. The Tuff-Writer Precision Press Pen is made of 6061-T6 Aerospace Aluminum, with a cold pressed spring steel clip. It takes Fisher pressurized refills. Their “click” mechanism is smooth and one can drive the pen mechanism through stuff most pens can’t handle.
The titanium version is lighter, but a bit more expensive.
Have a great Holiday Season!
All right. I can go on and on when it comes to shopping. I'd love to hear your comments and suggestions. Above all, stay safe!
