May 18th, 2013 by Wes Newman
Viridian now offers 2 red dot lasers with flashlight versions of their green dot C5L and X5L lasers. The C5L-R and X5L-R use the same style body as their green laser counterparts, but the flashlights are brighter and their beam is designed to throw a rectangular shape, called “Radiance Combat Optics”. Viridian claims this new expanded view reveals more area and light is not wasted on the ceiling and floor.
The flashlight’s lumen output on the C5L-R has been increased to 140 lumens when using 1 of the 3 strobe modes, while the X5L-R cranks out 190 lumens while in one of its strobe modes. They also allow you to adjust the flashlight’s brightness up and down.
As you can see, the C5Ls look almost identical when compared side to side.
As for the red dot laser, this sucker is bright. From my unscientific test using my backyard at 10:00 am on a somewhat overcast morning and then in my basement, I compared the C5L-R (red dot laser) to the C5L (green dot laser). The lasers were set 25 feet away from the target area.
In the backyard, the red laser was almost as bright as the green laser, but the red dot is smaller which is common when comparing red to green lasers. Down in the basement, they both were very bright. The red halo and white laser center are not seen in real life. They are a product of the camera I used.
Run times between the C5L-R and X5L-R differ greatly. The C5L-R runs from 75 minutes with light and laser to a whopping 35 hours using just the laser in pulse mode. The X5L-R runs from 60 minutes with light and laser and up to 10 hours using just the laser in pulse mode.
Unlike the C5L which uses both 6061 Aircraft Grade Aluminum and high strength Zytel polymer, the C5L-R does not use 6061 aluminum in its construction.
The Viridian C5L-R and X5L-R red dot lasers include 3 interchangeable rails that fit just about any gun with a standard rail mount, making it easy to mount or attach the laser to a different firearm, such as pistols, rifles and shotguns that have a standard Picatinny or Weaver rail. They are also set up to use ECR automatic holster activation or manual on/off.
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Posted in CCW Products, New Products, News
May 12th, 2013 by Wes Newman
Hardware Accessories for Guns: Beretta Rail Adapter
My first pistol was a Beretta 92FS and I think I could have used it as a pry bar and a hammer and the Beretta would ask for more. It’s no wonder there are millions of them around the world used by the military, police, security and folks like us. One strange thing about the Beretta 92’s is most, if not all, are manufactured without an accessory rail. This makes it tough to attach a laser or tactical flashlight unless you purchase an aftermarket accessory Beretta rail adapter.
When shopping for a Beretta rail adapter, there are a few things to look for.
1. Determine if your Beretta has a straight (older models) or angled (newer model) dust cover. Make sure the Beretta rail adapter fits your particular design.
2. What material is used to make the Beretta rail adapter?
3. Will the adapter damage the pistol’s finish?
4. How many slots are in the rail? The more the slots, the more accessories can be used.
Here are the top three popular Beretta rail adapters.
Surefire MR11
If you are into flashlights, you know the Surefire name. They make a great product and they are not shy about charging you for it. The bulk of the rail adapter is made from aluminum while the part that attaches to the trigger guard is constructed from polyurethane so it is less likely to scratch the finish.
This adapter also uses a small “anti-chafing” pad to reduce scratching the Beretta’s dust cover. It’s secured to the pistol by tightening the trigger guard locking wedge using a shell casing which works great in the field. It’s also the thinnest adapter on the market and the second lightest adapter I have seen.
Pro: The thinnest rail adapter on the market.
Con: The single notch on the rail limits accessory placement plus the $108.00 retail price tag makes it the most expensive I have seen.
Insight/EOTech CFL-600
The entire rail is constructed from aluminum and is attached to the Beretta by screwing down an Allen head which applies pressure between the dust cover, adapter and the trigger guard. I do not have personal experience with this adapter and information on it is extremely limited.
Pro: Constructed from high grade aluminum.
Con: Looks like it will mar the dust cover and the metal Allen head will leave marks on the trigger guard. Depending on the serial number of your Beretta, retail is $76.00 or $103.00.
TRG EZ-Rail
This is the Beretta rail adapter that we sell here at Gunner Security. I have a lot of experience with this adapter. It’s easy to install and has been tested and approved by Colt, M1911.Org, Navy Seals, US Special Forces, and Military Police around the world.
It’s made from Delrin, which is an extremely durable high tech plastic used to make replacement body parts and other industrial products. It has a high tensile strength, does not crack or chip and resists moisture absorption.
To install the rail adapter, depress the disassembling latch release button on the Beretta, slide the adapter against the trigger guard and position the open slot in the adapter over the disassembling latch release button. Screw the Teflon screw down until it just makes contact with the trigger guard.
Pro: Will not scratch or mar the pistol’s finish, has 3 notches which allows mounting of many types of accessories, can be set up for easy on/off or permanent attachment, the lightest weight on the market and also fits the Taurus PT92AF. Retail price $50.00
Con: The adapter is a little thick.
Well there you have it. My favorite is the TRG because of its affordability, versatility and it will not damage the pistol’s finish.
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Posted in CCW Products, Hardware
May 1st, 2013 by Wes Newman
I am often asked about different concealment holsters for men. In my first post on this topic I discussed:
- How a Firerarm was to be carried
- Body & Firearm Size
- Overall Body Shape & Size
- Left Handed or Right Handed Draw
Next up we will look at construction and protection to find the best concealment holster for men for each type of need.
Holster Material
There are many types of materials used in holster constructions but I will focus on the four commonly used.
Nylon
Pro: A quality holster is constructed using rip stop Denier nylon that may also be waterproof. They are light weight, allows for ambidextrous carry and inexpensive. Many offer a limited “universal fit” allowing firearms of alike sizes to fit in the holster. This makes this an excellent consideration of concealment holsters for men.
Con: Some are cheaply made causing them to fall apart. Not all include a retention strap or a high quality belt clip.
Kydex
This type of plastic is great if you want a form fittet holster for your firearm. Kydex can incorporate designs on the exterior of the holster, such as basket weave, and allows for different types of retention to secure the firearm within the holster. Its a toss up which one of these concealment holsters men prefer.
Pro: Form fitted to your firearm, lightweight, available in right and left hand draw and limited different colors.
Con: Form fit to only one firearm, most are external belt carry which exposes the farearm and can be hard to conceal.
Leather
Pro: Leather holsters have been made for over 100 years and many manufacturers have honed this to a fine art. They are available in a range of colors, many have custom designs and there are thousands to choose from. Many are form fitted for one firearm.
Con: They can be very expensive, can be heavy and require a break-in period. Tough to find ambidextrous models and rain or damp atmospheres can cause them to shrink or crack if exposed too long in thers conditions.
Neoprene
Pro: This is an inexpensive and light weight material for holsters to be made from.
Con: Usually low quality, get hot, stick to your body and cause that part of your body to perspire. I found this out the hard way after watching a training video and rushed out to get a 10 dollar holster only to throw it out a few days later.
Firearm Protection With Your Holsters
Finally, when selecting a concealment holsters for men or women, try to put your firearm in the holster to see how well it’s protected from getting banged up. Make sure the firearm fits securely into the holster but allows you to easily pull the firearm when needed. As you pull the firearm out of the holster, check to see that the front site is not exposed or will not be damaged.
Posted in CCW Products, Holsters
April 25th, 2013 by Wes Newman
Concealment Holsters for Men Options
I am often asked by new gun buyers what type of holster should they get. Lately I have seen more on an interest in this question with a gender specific twist. I am often asked about recommendations for CCW products for women and concealment holsters for men. In my nine years of selling concealment holsters for men, the four popular types I sell the most of are shoulder, in the pants (ITP), shoot through wallet (also called a billfold holster) and ankle. Each has its pros and cons.
The first item to consider is how do you want to carry your firearm.
Shoulder Holster 
Pro: Many selecting a concealment holster for men prefer shoulder holsters that allow you to carry horizontally or vertically beneath a shirt or jacket. The weight of the firearm is somewhat offset by carrying spare magazines on the opposite side. The entire shoulder holster or shoulder rig is usually held together using two straps forming an X across your back and adds a level of comfort by spreading the weight across your shoulders. Variations of this design use straps that act as suspenders and I have even see one that has one strap that goes across your body from the rear of your left side to the right on your front.
Con: You must wear a shirt or jacket to conceal the shoulder holster. It can take a little longer to access your firearm.
ITP Holster 
Pro: In the Pants (ITP) holsters are usually smaller than regular, side carry holsters and can be positioned on your left or right side and usually conceal most of the holster and firearm by hiding them between your body and the inside of your pants. The “universal models” allow for firearms of different sizes to use the same holster. They are made using a variety of materials, such as leather, nylon or neoprene. This is another excellent option as a concealment holster for men, but many women also carry using this type of holster.
Con: Depending on the size of the firearm, you may need to increase the pants waist size to accommodate the holster and firearm. Holsters made to fit only one firearm limit you to the single model.
Shoot Through Wallet Holster
Pro: Shoot through wallet holsters allow you to place your small firearm in a holster designed to look like a wallet. Holes are placed in the holster allowing you to pull the trigger, change the magazines, activate lasers, etc. while the firearm remains in the holster. They allow you to carry your firearm in any pocket and allow for quick access to your firearm depending on which pocket they are carried in.Most are made out of leather and the additional grip area gives you something to hang onto when shooting. This is where men have the advantage over women. Most men’s pants pockets are large and deep, allowing for better concealment.
Con: There is some debate on the legality of these holsters. The wallet holsters I sell have been approved by the ATF and it’s posted on my website.
Ankle Holster 
Ankle holsters are a love it or hate it type holster. I have been carrying my J-frame revolver on my ankle for years and before that, I carried my Glock 26.
Pro: Most are small, lightweight and are ambidextrous. They work as a good back up holster for your firearm and are inexpensive.
Con: It can take a few minutes to put on until you get the hang of it. The size of the handgun is limited to using smaller sized firearms and you may need pants with wide pant legs to fit around and conceal the firearm.
Once you’ve decided how you want to carry your firearm, there are a few other things to consider.
What is your body and firearm size?
The size of the firearm can be the deciding factor when selecting a concealment holster for men. It’s easy to conceal a light weight, 4” sub-compact .380 caliber semi-automatic but concealing a full size, 6 pound 7” Desert Eagle .50 caliber is a whole new ball game. It would be impossible to conceal the Desert Eagle on your ankle where a Beretta Nano might work perfectly.
Consider your overall body size and shape.
Most men can wear a shoulder concealment holster when packing a standard 4” barrel semi-automatic without much effort. The same goes for concealing the same firearm in an ITP holster. When dealing with larger guns, if you have a large body, it makes it easy to tuck a full size 1911 under your arm.
If you carry a sub-compact, such as a Glock 26, a Kahr P9 or smaller firearms, they are relatively easy to conceal using most if not all of the holsters listed above.
Are you right or left hand draw?
Let’s face it, right handed people are more common than left. This in no way is a slam on left handed people, it’s just they do not have the same variety of holsters that right handers have. Keep an eye out for the ambidextrous style of holsters. They allow for right hand, left hand and cross draw.
Posted in CCW Products, Holsters
April 15th, 2013 by Wes Newman
If you are packing using an ankle holster, where can you carry the extra magazines? If you are dressed up for the night, a side or shoulder holster carry may not be practical and a bulge in your pants pocket may not work to well. One solution is to carry the extra magazines on your ankle.
The idea when wearing an ankle holster is to carry the firearm on the inside of the leg that is out in front of you when you kneel down. Wearing it inside makes it more secure than wearing it on the outside of your leg where you can hit a door jamb or another obstacle. If this is the case, it makes sense to carry the backup magazines on the inside of your other leg.
From my experience, most individuals who use an ankle holster carry a J-Frame revolver or a compact to sub-compact semi-automatic with a barrel no larger than three inches. These smaller handguns make it easier to conceal the smaller magazines on the other ankle.
When shopping for an magazine ankle holster, look for the same features found with many of the ankle gun holsters.
Weight: Most of the magazine ankle holsters I have come across are made of nylon which reduces their weight and use elastic/expandable magazine pouches. This allows them to be more multipurpose and carry single and double stack magazines.
Ankle Size: Unless you are the center for an NFL team, ankle magazine holsters will fit securely around your ankle with room to spare.
Retention Straps: It’s a good idea to use retention straps. Look for magazine holsters that include straps with an easy pull tab or skirt. This allows you faster access to the magazines.
Padding: Padding against your ankle provides additional comfort. Some folks may say it increases the chance for printing but from personal experience, having a little padding was not an issue and it sure makes for a more comfortable carry.
Care of the Holster: Leather holsters, including magazine ankle holsters, and water are not the best of friends and the holster can shrink if it becomes wet for a period of time. Holsters with sheepskin can get hot in the summer and tend to collect perspiration. Nylon holsters can be lightly washed and after air drying, they are ready to go.
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Posted in CCW Products, Holsters
