Holosun 507C Pistol Red Dot Optic Review - Do you really need the extra reticles?
In this video, we're going to take a deep dive into the Holosun 507C Pistol red dot optic and find out if it lives up to the hype.
Full Review: https://crackshot.tv/holosun-507c-pistol-red-dot-review/
Where to buy: https://www.amazon.com/HOLOSUN-HS507C-X2-Classic-Multi-Reticle/dp/B08G6HPY8Y/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=3G259LX45YCU7&keywords=holosun+507c&qid=1689864981&sprefix=holosun+507c%252Caps%252C118&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1&smid=A1RUOWZ2794IXS&_encoding=UTF8&tag=crackshot00-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=b1f0aef44097a5ed476fe92c034f9036&camp=1789&creative=9325
If you're in the market for a red dot sight for your handgun, this review is a must-watch.
Which Pistol or handgun red dot is the best value for the money? In our opinion, the Holosun 507C is the best value pistol red dot available in terms of its features and quality for the amount of money that you're going to spend on a red dot.
The Holosun 507C has been making waves in the shooting community thanks to its unique features and affordable price point. In this review, we'll cover everything from the build quality and durability to the optic's performance and accuracy on the range.
In this video, we'll go into all of the features that make the Holosun 507C (and by extension the 407C model), the best line of red dots available for the money that you'll spend in an RMR footprint, regardless of if your purpose is for home defense, self defense, concealed carry, or competitive / competition shooting. We'll review the innovative features holosun offers such as the RMR footprint, solar panel charging, a side battery compartment, multiple reticle selections, superior durability, and a great warranty.
I personally use the Holosun 507C on my Glock 34 competition gun, but in my opinion its the best red dot for any double stack glock handgun including the Glock 17, 19, 22, 23, 26, and 34 models as many of these models have RMR slide cut options given the slide width matching the 507C width exactly.
We'll show where the Holosun 507C ranks against higher tier products like Trijicon RMR / SRO or the Ameriglo Haven, the Holosun 508T, similarly priced products like the Ameriglo Haven and the Holosun 407C, and againsts lower end products like the Swampfox Liberty, Justice, and Kingslayer, or the Primary Arms SLx RS-10.
Similarly we'll go over the bad reviews and negatives of the Holosun 507C as well, which include glass clarity, window size, and where the Holosun 507C is made (China). We'll also cover why it is a good idea to buy American made red dot optics.
We'll also show plenty of footage of the Holosun 507C live at the range including first person perspectives firing at USPSA competitive shooting targets. This review will be helpful to anyone who is having a tough time deciding which pistol red dot is right for them.
If you're looking for an unbiased review of the Holosun 507C Pistol red dot optic, you've come to the right place. We'll give you our honest opinions and show you the pros and cons of this popular red dot sight.
So, grab your popcorn and join us as we put the Holosun 507C to the test.
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Taurus TX 22 Review - The Best 22LR Pistol on the Market?
What is the best 22LR pistol available today? We believe that it is the Taurus TX 22.
Full Written Review: https://crackshot.tv/taurus-tx-22-review/
In this Taurus TX22 review, we'll take a close look at this popular .22LR pistol and see how it performs in terms of accuracy, reliability, ergonomics, and value. Whether you're a beginner shooter, a plinker, or a competitive shooter, the Taurus TX22 has something to offer.
The Taurus TX22 is a semi-automatic pistol that features a polymer frame, a 4.1-inch barrel, and a 16-round magazine. It's designed to be lightweight, comfortable, and easy to shoot, with a low bore axis, a crisp trigger, and adjustable sights. The TX22 also has a manual safety and a striker-fired action that ensures consistent performance.
One of the biggest advantages of the Taurus TX22 is its accuracy. Thanks to its excellent trigger and sight system, the TX22 is capable of shooting tight groups at various distances. It's also very reliable, with minimal malfunctions or stoppages even with a wide variety of ammo types.
The TX22's ergonomics are another strong point. Its grip is comfortable and easy to hold, and the slide is easy to manipulate. The TX22 also has a good balance and pointability, which make it suitable for both target shooting and defensive use.
In terms of value, the Taurus TX22 is hard to beat. With a price point that's much lower than many other .22LR pistols on the market, the TX22 offers a lot of features and performance for the money. It's also backed by Taurus's lifetime warranty, which gives you added peace of mind.
Overall, if you're in the market for a .22LR pistol that's accurate, reliable, comfortable, and affordable, the Taurus TX22 is definitely worth considering. It's a well-designed pistol that can serve a variety of purposes, and it's sure to provide you with many hours of shooting pleasure. So, why not give it a try?
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Springfield XD: 30 Years Old, Still Relevant Today?
Full review : https://crackshot.tv/is-the-springfield-xd-relevant-today-history-of-the-pistol-and-a-modern-review/
In this video, we're going going to go into detail on the Springfield XD. This video is a hybrid of two topics. We'll give a brief overview about the interesting history of the Springfield XD. Most people don't know that this pistol design is older than most millenials. Most people don't realize this pistol is over 30 years old. We'll explore a little bit about how the XD is made and just how many of these pistols get exported under the Springfield brand to the United States every year.
Next, I'll review my XD. I've owned this pistol for well near a decade now. It definitely has its pros and cons and shows its age versus more modern designs. That said, the XD does some things really well, and so I'll thoroughly review the ins and outs of this pistols from a gun owner who has owned and shot this pistol for nearly 10 years.
The Springfield XD is an absolute classic. Overall, the XD holds a dear place in my heart. I'm excited to share it with you and I hope you find this video educational and helpful.
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Is the Meprolight FT Bullseye a Red dot killer?
If you could create an aiming device that was as bright as a red dot, didn't obscure sight picture, was fast to shoot as a red dot, but also did not utilize electronics or batteries, it would most certainly kill red dot optics.
Full Written Review: https://crackshot.tv/meprolight-ft-bullseye-review/
Where to Buy: https://www.amazon.com/MEPROLIGHT%25C2%25AE-BULLSEYETM-Tritum-Bullseye-reticle/dp/B08WC9QK62/ref=sr_1_2?crid=25U6E1S3BWSM&keywords=meprolight+ft+bullseye&qid=1689912608&sprefix=meprolight+ft+bullseye%252Caps%252C114&sr=8-2&_encoding=UTF8&tag=crackshot00-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=53cd1a1de660f30b6de2dde370279bd1&camp=1789&creative=9325
Is the Meprolight FT Bullseye front sight an early version product of something big to come? Let's find out.
The Meprolight Bullseye is a revolutionary new sight system that is designed to enhance the accuracy and speed of target acquisition for shooters. This sight system is specifically designed for use with handguns, and it offers a number of unique features that set it apart from other sights on the market.
One of the most notable features of the Meprolight Bullseye is its unique "dot within a dot" reticle. This reticle consists of a large red dot in the center, which is surrounded by a smaller green dot. This design allows the shooter to quickly and easily acquire the target, even in low light conditions. The red dot is also adjustable for windage and elevation, which allows the shooter to make quick and precise adjustments to their aim.
Another key feature of the Meprolight Bullseye is its compact and lightweight design. This sight system is designed to be as small and lightweight as possible, which makes it easy to carry and easy to use. This is especially important for shooters who need to move quickly and change positions often.
Video Transcript:
Here's a 2-2-2 drill that I ran (note that this footage was taken with a low profile rear sight attached which I'll talk more about later in the video). As you can see, this setup can be pretty fast.
Being a hybrid of tritium and fiber optics, the sight is extremely bright in both daylight and night time scenarios. I have other brand name fiber optic sights and this is by far the brightest that I own. The tritium is as bright as any of my other high end tritium sights. In daylight, it's as bright as the brightest setting on my holosun red dot. This is a very bright sight, which is true of meprolight products in general. Big thumbs up here.
Let's talk about low light usage with flashlights. This is an important consideration for many professionals, especially Law Enforcement Officers. Some of you have said that in testing, with a spot light behind you during routine traffic stops at night, on the rear sight version of the bullseye, the glass was reflective and could be problematic at certain angles making the sight difficult to use.
It is designed to be compatible with most holsters out of the box. It doesn't require any modifications to the slide outside of removing factory sights and replacing with the bullseye sight.
The lack of electronics or batteries means this thing will work well for as long as the tritium lasts, which is a slight pro over modern red dot sights that you need to change the battery on typically annually.
Again coming in at around $130, its comparable in price to the low end of pistol mounted red dots. Used on ebay, you can find them for bit cheaper still if you just want to try it out.
Aesthetically, the look of the sight has really grown on me. Personal taste, but it looks awesome to me on this steel slide. I didn't like it as much on my FDE dagger slide, but regardless it gets a lot of attention and comments at the range.
So those are a few of the Pros, but like most things in life, it won't be the perfect product for everyone, and it does have its cons.
The Cons:
The first was a big one. Installation. Meprolight makes this sight in specific configurations for specific pistols. I purchased the glock one, so I can only mention fitment on Glock pattern slides. I tried it on two after market slides as shown in this footage. The fit wasn't tight enough out of box with the front sight hole in the slide. I tried this on two after market slides, but it wobbled significantly on both in a way that no other front sight I've tried does. The Meprolight had a small amount of left to right play, which is important as this product is effectively a front and rear sight combined if you don't keep the rear slide.
As you can see unless you are perfectly centered, your grouping will be larger, which is fine if you're taking your time between shots but problematic if transitioning between targets quickly of varying distances for competition. To be clear, the meprolight is not marketed for this use case, it is not a competitive shooting sight system, this is me trying to stretch what it was designed to do to see how it stacks up.
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Can a Match/Competition Grade AR-15 be built for $700? Aero Precision M4E1 Build Review
Today we’re going to build an AR-15 on a budget and prove that with a little patience and elbow grease, you can build a competitive shooting sports worthy rifle on a very tight budget.
Complete Review and Parts Build List: https://crackshot.tv/aero-precision-parts-review-best-ar-15-build-on-a-budget/
To be clear, this isn’t budget build isn’t the only way to skin the cat, but its a great example of what kind of quality you can get on a tight budget in this era of affordable gun parts.
Most of the parts in this build are primarily going to be Aero Precision / Ballistic Advantage parts, so big thanks to Aero Precision and Ballistic Advantage for making great quality rifle part at a price anyone can afford.
Lower Receiver – M4E1 (MSRP $106, I paid $80 on sale)
The lower receiver is the part of the rifle that requires a background check, so if you buy this part online you’ll have to have it shipped to your local FFL. There most likely will be additional transfer fees going this route (usually between $15 to $40 on the high end).
Buffer Tube – Aero Precision Heavy Buffer Kit (MSRP $59.99, purchase on sale for $40)
Because this is a competitive shooting build, I chose a heavy buffer kit, as a heavier buffer can reduce felt recoil, although it can affect the timing of the gun. The aero precision kit is great as it makes the rifle quite a bit more pleasant to shoot.
Lower Parts Kit (Aero Precision w/o Fire Control Group MSRP $34.99)
Because this is a competitive shooting build, we’ll want to pick out our trigger separately. Lower parts kits that don’t include the fire control group tend to be cheaper since it includes mainly the bare essentials to construct the lower without the trigger mechanism. We were able to save some money here rather than buying the full kit with mil spec trigger and throwing the mil spec trigger in a tool box later.
Stock – B5 Systems Bravo – MSRP ~$50
The B5 systems stock is my favorite because of its solid construction and solid cheek weld. This is the more budget version of their B5 Systems SOPMOD stock.
Trigger – Aim Surplus SSTAT Trigger – $80
For this build, I wanted a single stage trigger since for competitive shooting, specifically 2 Gun and 3 Gun, targets generally aren’t more than 100-200 yards away, so its less about precision and more about speed.
Grip – Magpul MOE+ $20
For the grip, I purchased the Magepul MOE+. I love the rubbarized grip as it is very comfortable for shooting, and it just fits my hand naturally and well.
Upper – Aero Precision M4E1 Upper (Slick Side) – MSRP $115
I chose the Aero Precision M4E1 upper because this is an incredibly high quality upper for the price. It fits perfectly with the M4E1 lower and it looks great.
Bolt Carrier Group – Palmetto State Armory Nitride BCG – MSRP $119 – $60 on sale
There’s no need to get fancy here. Sure, lighter, smoother bolt carrier groups exist, but we’re trying to keep the price of this rifle very low.
Charging Handle – Radian Raptor BLEM – On Sale $65
Your rifle is only as good as the quality of your charging handle if you have a failure / stoppage. Most charging handles that come with cheap rifles you can bend in half with your arms, so I don’t trust them to perform in competition if there is a failure of any kind.
Barrel – Ballistic Advantage Stainless Steel Match Grade Barrel MSRP $175 – ($137.50 – On Sale)
The barrel is where you really want to spend your money. Stainless steel is important and it provides the best accuracy and consistency. Its important to note that it does wear faster, but we’re still talking after tens of thousands of rounds. If we’re building a rifle for primarily competitive shooting, but we also may want to use it for precision rifle matches, stainless steel is absolutely the way to go.
Gas Block and Gas Tube – Aero Precision MSRP $30
Because my budget didn’t allow, I went cheap with a basic gas tube and gas block for $30. If I could redo this, I would have spent less on the trigger above (going with Schmid) and would have spent the extra money here, on an adjustable gas block to really tune the rifle for my ammo.
Handguard – Aero Precision Quantum – On Sale $100
I chose the aero precision quantum because it the cheapest, basic but solid, 15″ handguard available for this price. This handguard is very basic, but it is very solid.
Muzzle Device – VG6 Epsilon MSRP $89.99 – On Sale $34.99
The VG6 is awesome. It’s an incredibly high quality muzzle device and it does a great job of mitigating felt recoil.
Final Build Cost $720
So overall we have a rifle that can perform on par with premium, $1200+ AR-15s, but for a price that comes in cheaper than an off the shelf Smith and Wesson M&P Sport or the Ruger 556.
We have an incredibly smooth shooting, reliable, and accurate AR-15 that shoots 1MOA all day long.
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Outdoor Edge EDC: The Most Modular Knife for Every Day Carry (Replaceable Blades!)
Full Review and Where to Buy: https://crackshot.tv/?p=1586
The Outdoor Edge EDC knife is the knife I choose to carry every single day. For my personal needs, this knife is ideal. In this video review, I'll explain all of the reasons why I believe this is the best EDC knife, at least for my lifestyle.
The outdoor edge knife is both modular and simple. The big draw of this knife is the fact that the blades are replaceable. We'll show the variety of blades that can be replaced, as this knife allows you to swap out multiple different types of blade tips. We'll show you how to replace the blades with a step by step guide. For this reason, the knife does not need to be sharpened, allowing the every day layman to always have a sharp knife.
In this video we'll also show how well this knife cuts by running multiple tests. We'll cut paper, memory foam, cardboard, and more.
We'll also explain all of the features and functions that this knife offers, and we'll make the case for as to why this is the best knife for concealed carry or for every day carry.
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Is the cheapest pistol red dot any good? Riton X3 Tactix MPRD Review
https://crackshot.tv/riton-x3-tactix-mprd-review/
In this video, we're going to take a close look at the Riton Tactix 3 MPRD red dot sight and find out if it's the best compact pistol or handgun red dot optic with an RMSc footprint on the market.
Full Written Review: https://crackshot.tv/riton-x3-tactix-mprd-review/
Where to Buy: https://www.amazon.com/Riton-Optics-Tactix-MPRD/dp/B09NLD8JX9/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1Q7X1RSRS3XUB&keywords=riton+x3+tactix&qid=1689856494&sprefix=riton+x3+tactix%25252Caps%25252C120&sr=8-4&_encoding=UTF8&tag=crackshot00-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=856a517d14ca743307aba4b3a9f7d319&camp=1789&creative=9325&_encoding=UTF8&tag=crackshot00-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=efa643c310776c71a1debf496bdf91f3&camp=1789&creative=9325
The Tactix 3 has been making waves in the shooting community lately thanks to its affordable price point.
We'll cover everything from the build quality and durability to the optic's performance and accuracy on the range. We'll also compare the Tactix 3 to other popular compact red dot sights with an RMSc footprint, to see how it stacks up.
One of the standout features of the Riton Tactix 3 is its RMSc footprint, which allows it to be mounted on many popular subcompact pistols, such as the SIG Sauer P365 and the Springfield Armory Hellcat, or the new Taurus TX22 Compact and Taurus GX4 TORO. We'll dive into the details of the RMSc footprint and show you how easy it is to mount the Tactix 3 on your favorite handgun.
If you're in the market for a compact red dot sight, this review is a must-watch. We'll give you our honest opinions and show you the pros and cons of the Riton Tactix 3 MPRD.
So, join us as we put the Riton Tactix 3 to the test and see if it's the best compact red dot sight with an RMSc footprint.
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Vortex Diamondback HP 4-16x Rifle Scope Review
The Vortex diamondback HP 4-16X is a really great scope for the money.
Full Written Review: https://crackshot.tv/vortex-diamondback-hp-4-16x-rifle-scope-review/
Vortex Diamondback Models: https://www.amazon.com/stores/page/C06DBC38-214B-4619-B839-468D3024729B?ingress=2&visitId=2a0fa24f-cae0-4a83-bff0-d0dada5c13c7&store_ref=bl_ast_dp_brandLogo_sto&ref_=ast_bln&_encoding=UTF8&tag=crackshot00-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=bfb8fda89f8c41901c24f075f088bc37&camp=1789&creative=9325
The Diamondback HP's MSRP is $479.99 and truthfully at that price you can do better. However, the scope does occassionally go on sale for between $200 and $250 and at that price I think it's a steal. I personally got mine from Midway USA for $200, and that was an excellent price.
I currently have this optic mounted on a Aero precision build 16" AR-15. My model in particular is the 4 to 16x model, which I like a great deal. I used a simple but effective $60 leopold cantilever mount to mount this optic to the rifle.
The scope is second focal plane, but being a lower end scope that is to be expected. Being a 4-16x we're starting to get into the realm of where a first focal plane scope might make sense, so I'll leave that up to you, but you won't find a quality first focal plane scope at this price point.
I'm able to shoot comfortably on 4x at ranges of 15-25 yards with no issues. The eye box on this optic at 4x is okay, very good for the price, but not as good as on higher end models. Shooting it with an A2 stock that doesn't give me a cheek weld can be a little more difficult, but running this on a lower with a B5 systems where my cheek weld can be easily repeatable is a very pleasant shooting experience.
You can get a feel for the eye box here where I slowly move a phone camera behind the scope, which is actually much harder and less intuitive than using your head. Something to note is the clarity is quite good as compared to other scopes in this range. That is because this is a scope manufactured in the Philippines, which tends to have better glass than scopes manufactured in China.
At 16x the glass clarity is still clear, but the eye box is a lot less forgiving. Still very usable, but cranked all the way in its easy to get shadowing along the edges of the scope.
The scope has a simple BDC reticle that is easy to use and not very noisy. The reticle is not illuminated, but I wouldn't expect it to be at this price given the other features.
One of the nice things on this scope is its adjustable parallax. Not many scopes have that feature in this price range, and it works very well for getting a clear and precise image.
The 4-16 adjustment ring is smooth and easy to adjust by hand.
Underneath the caps, the 1/4 MOA turrets are snappy and click audibly, making sighting in and adjusting this scope a breeze.
As with all vortex products, the scope comes with Vortex's incredible lifetime warranty.
On this build, I'm able to shoot tight groups easily at distance, the above shots taken with just standard PMC 5.56.
In conclusion, The scope holds zero well mounted on this 556 rifle. The scope is simple, but it does what it is designed to do very well. While there are much nicer options for more money available out there for precision and longer range shooting, the Vortex Diamondback HP really does punch above its weight class, especially if you get it at the low sale price. Now that I've tested it out, I'm probably going to move this off onto one of my hunting rifles, but I know that in that context this scope will be good to go.
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PSA Dagger - Is the clone a Glock 19 Killer?
Where to buy? https://crackshot.tv/psa-dagger-is-it-a-glock-19-killer/
We all know palmetto state armory for their quality but budget friendly AR-15s and AK clones, but how well do their pistols fair?
Full review: https://crackshot.tv/psa-dagger-is-it-a-glock-19-killer/
0:00 Introduction
1:06 PROS PSA DAGGER REVIEW
1:12 Accurate PSA DAGGER REVIEW
1:20 Reliable PSA DAGGER REVIEW
2:24 Threaded Barrel PSA DAGGER REVIEW
2:37 Concealed Carry PSA DAGGER REVIEW
3:49 Mostly Compatible with Glock Frame Parts PSA DAGGER REVIEW
5:39 Mostly Compatible with Glock Slide Parts PSA DAGGER REVIE
6:38 Quality Slide Internals PSA DAGGER REVIEW
7:41 Frame Features PSA DAGGER REVIEW
8:10 Holster Compatibility PSA DAGGER REVIEW
8:48 CONS PSA DAGGER REVIEW
9:15 Reports of Holster Incompatibility PSA DAGGER REVIEW
9:31 Proprietary Frame Pins PSA DAGGER REVIEW
9:56 Walking Trigger Pin on Early Models SA DAGGER REVIEW
10:19 Bad Stock Trigger PSA DAGGER REVIEW
10:47 Some Parts Slightly Off Spec vs OEM PSA DAGGER REVIEW
11:14 Different Firing Pin then Stock PSA DAGGER REVIEW
12:36 Final Thoughts on Value vs Glock PSA DAGGER REVIEW
With the introduction of the PSA dagger, a gen 3 glock 19 clone, palmetto state armory is trying to give glock a run for their money. The dagger is mostly compatible with OEM and after market gen 3 glock 19 parts with a few propriety parts that we'll discuss. Today, I'll be reviewing an upgraded PSA Dagger with RMR cut, ameriglo suppressor height sites, a threaded barrel, and a trigger upgrade. The question that we'll try to answer? Is the PSA Dagger the new glock killer? How does it perform as a budget gucci glock?
Let's start with where it's made? The PSA dagger is made in the USA end to end in South Carolina. So big thumbs up to PSA for being American made.
The PSA dagger barrel is surprisingly accurate. I have probably one thousand rounds through it at this point and I can still put rounds one on top of the other at 20 to 25 yards. It shoots just as well as any of my nicer handguns in terms of accuracy, which I think is a testament to the build quality.
The PSA dagger just feels right in your hands. I love the ergonomics. While it does not have interchangeable backstraps, the shape of the frame and the feel in the hand is very natural. It is very easy to present and shoot this gun.
Built quality is the PSA dagger's biggest issue. Many people have reported issues with the trigger pin walking out. Word on the street is that this is fixed on any newer production daggers. My frame was part of the initial release, so my dagger definitely had this problem. I had to call PSA customer service to get this fixed, they offered to fix it but I opted to ask them to provide me with a replacement trigger pin. Outside of that I haven't had any issues, but I've heard one or two horror stories about slides cracking and things like that. A minor knitpick but i've notice a great bit of wear and tear on some of the finishes. Glock tends to stand up better over time in this regard and you can feel the quality difference on the finishes themselves, however this is of very little importance to me personally and I like a worn pistol look.
The dagger has some nice features, even above the OEM Gen 3 glock. If you get the ameriglo sights upgrade, they are much better quality than the stock plastic sights on a glock 19. The front slide serrations are welcome, especially if you purchase the slide option that is cut for an RMR pattern red dot (its convenient to rack the slide from the front this way, or to do press checks). The stock trigger is awful in my opinion. The model has all the same simplicity and safety features as a traditional glock 19, which is a major plus. It is very easy to field strip and the parts seem to be identical. My main gripe is the trigger. I really don't like the hinge design. I replaced this almost immediately with the Overwatch precision trigger.
Durability seems to be very good so far. About a thousand rounds in I haven't had to replace any parts, which is a good sign, and there doesn't seem to be any wear that would cause a mechanical failure. However, some things seem to have too tight of tolerances and I've noticed some wear on parts that doesn't affect the operation. The barrel for example isn't cut like other Glock barrel's its not tapered enough, and this rubs on the slide.
Concealability is descent with this pistol. I can definitely get away appendix carrying it and I do that often. It's not as comfortable as say my Glock 26, so I tend to prefer to carry the Glock 26 over the dagger for now, however, PSA is talking about releasing a new more compact Glock 43x clone.
The pistol is an amazing value for the price, I cannot recommend it highly enough. Anyone who is on a budget should look no further. But Is it a glock killer? We'll answer that in this video.
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Is PSA's Premium FN CHF AR-15 A Good Value?
Full Blog Review: https://crackshot.tv/?p=1605
Palmetto State Armory makes one of the best budget AR-15s on the market. They're the standard bar against which many compare other brands. They have a huge market share in the United States. They make cheap, reliable AR-15s, that go bang every time you pull the trigger. However, they are often looked down upon in the 2A community as the poor man's rifle. So is their premium line, featuring an FN CHF barrel a good value?
However, when I saw their premium upper go on sale for $399, my curiosity got the best of me, and I just had to try one. I'm very glad that I did, I love this upper.
PSA equips their premium line with an FN cold hammer forged barrel. Their premium uppers are capable of very good sub 1 MOA accuracy with match grade ammo. Their premium line uses FN Cold Hammer Forced barrels.
If you didn't know, FN makes their Cold hammer forged barrels for the U.S. Military, such as the barrel for the SAW M249. As such, you know you're getting a proven and quality barrel. It is by far the biggest selling point of the PSA premium upper.
Palmetto sells these with a variety of furniture options, with barrel lengths ranging from 10.5" pistol lengths to 20" rifle lengths. Some of their new sabre models feature the same barrel but with an ambidextrous billet upper and other variety of muzzle devices.
I own the 14.7" FN barrel, permanently pinned and welded from the factory by PSA with an A2 bird cage bringing the upper to rifle length greater than 16 inches territory.
This upper is an absolute tack driver.
The FN barrel is free floating, as it is on many models unless you're working on a cloner build with a fixed A2 front sight post. The rifle features a rock solid, billet handguard that runs most of the length of the barrel.
This is important as it won't throw off the harmonics of the barrel when shooting at long distances, helping the upper achieve and maintain a high level of precision and accuracy. This is extremely appealing for competitive shooting, where being maneuverable is a key advantage but longer shots braced against obstacles are sometimes required. This sort of configuration with an LPVO is all the rage right now.
At under $400 on sale which is what I paid out of pocket, and I've seen my upper in particular go on clearance for $350 at times, you can easily build a quality complete rifle setup for under $1k, optic included. This setup can really perform well. If you shop sales and decide to use a PSA complete lower, you can easily have a $600 to $700 rifle that shoots comparably well to higher end brands, since most of that money is invested in the FN barrel.
This setup is well balanced and basic, and can be easily upgraded over time. It's highly manueverable. It's perfect for the average home protector. This is my go to recommendation when anyone asks me about getting an AR-15 as it provides a solid base that will upgrade with you over time. That CHF barrel will probably out live you if you aren't shooting with it daily.
At the price point, you get let's just say 80-90% of the performance of higher end rifles, that can easily cost twice to three times as much. This makes this upper in my opinion the best value to dollar spent upper on the market today.
Overall I believe that the PSA premium upper offerings are more than worthwhile to consider for anyone who wants to push quality on a budget. The premium uppers provide a very solid base to build around. You won't be disappointed.
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The most rugged, budget friendly red dot option - Vortex Venom Review
What is the best pistol red dot on a budget in the Docter/Noblex pattern footprint?
Vortex Venom Full Review: https://crackshot.tv/vortex-venom-pistol-red-dot-review/
Product Link: https://www.amazon.com/Vortex-Optics-Venom-Red-Sight/dp/B00S2P2J90/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2FDR5KVGY70H4&keywords=vortex+venom&qid=1689912497&sprefix=vortex+venom%252Caps%252C149&sr=8-2&_encoding=UTF8&tag=crackshot00-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=2819fbcf48ff5b10e586cb61e61fda3c&camp=1789&creative=9325
In our opinion the Vortex venom is the best. In this review video, we'll cover all the features of the Vortex Venom and show how it compares against other more modern red dot sights, like the Holosun 507c.
So let's talk about this classic red dot. We'll start with the least important feature, aesthetics.
First impressions, the branding is a bit loud for my taste. I'm not a big fan of having a billboard on my optic. The aesthetics truthfully are the least important quality about a red dot, but it is the thing you typically notice when evaluating a product. The branding is just a little bit loud for my taste.
I think the thing I love most about this optic is the wide window, which is why I have it mounted on my competition gun. The glass is quite clear and it makes for a very nice sight picture ideal for competitive shooting. The wide window also makes it easy to track the dot between shots and while transitioning between targets.
The 3MOA dot is crisp and bright. I actually have very little trouble with it and despite some red dots being difficult to use because I have an astigmatism. On some red dots I'll see almost like a dash instead of a dot, on the venom I see a dot. It just works well with my eyes.
As far as build quality goes the optic feels durable and sturdy. I have had this for well over a year and a half and haven't had any issues with mine yet. It's lasted longer than many of the other brand red dots I've tried in terms of longevity from just shooting, although I've never used it for every day carry.
The design and controls on the venom are simple. The push buttons are high quality and the dials for windage and elevation are tactile.
The battery cap being located on the top is great and super convenient, this is extra important because of one of the only cons and gripes I have with this red dot which I'll go into in a moment.
The profile of the optic is also fairly low, which is important if you have it mounted using an adapter plate like I have on my Canik. On a pistol it makes a lot of sense to keep the height over bore as small as possible since you're typically shooting at very short ranges compared to a rifle and you don't have to contend with a stock.
The dot is also one of the few dots that i know of that comes out of box with a weaver / pic mount which is a consideration if you're trying to mount this to something with a rail.
The price point is great. At under $250, the venom is a good value, and I occassionally see it go on sale for under $200 even.
Overall I really like this red dot and I don't have a lot of complaints about it.
Now let's talk about the cons. My main issue with the venom, and where it honestly shows its age versus more modern red dots, is the lack of shake awake feature. The venom like many other dots will turn off automatically via a timer. This is problematic as the battery life isn't that great on these. Vortex rates them between 150 hours on highest setting up to 3k hours on lowest brightness. I've found that if I don't explicitly turn the red dot off, after a few months and a few range trips I have to replace the battery, more often than any other optic that I own.
Not having a shake awake feature is a deal breaker for me in regards to considering it for every day carry mainly because of the risk that the battery may be dead in the unfortunate event that I would ever have to use the firearm in a self defense situation.
That said, the optic is great for range use and certainly a good option for competitive shooting given its durability, which is why I run it regularly on my competition gun.
Overall the vortex venom is a solid choice, you could do much worse at the price point. If you're looking for an optic for competitive shooting under $250 this is a good option. If you're looking for an optic for every day carry with this same price point, you may want to give holosun a look.
There are tons of red dot options out there with more coming out every year. If you're interested, check out some of my other videos for more detailed reviews on other products.
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Aselkon IT1 - The $250 Benelli M4 Clone You've Never Heard Of
Ever wanted a Benelli M4 but couldn't afford the $2,000 plus price tag?
Full Written Review: https://crackshot.tv/aselkon-it-1-review/
You're might be in luck. Introducing the Aselkon IT-1, a Benelli M4 knockoff semi automatic shotgun. At nearly 1/10th the price of the real thing, is this Turkish clone shotgun a good value?
I picked this bad boy up from Palmetto State Armory for $250 on clearance.
Now I know, when people see semi auto Turkish shotguns for under $300 they roll their eyes, maybe some of you have purchased a dud, maybe some have exploded and you've lost arms while bearing arms, I don't know, but bear with me and don't throw the baby out with the bathwater quite yet.
So does this deal of a shotgun go boom or bust? Let's find out together.
I'm going to say at $250 this was a steal. This shotgun is a blast.
Let's go over the features:
The IT-1 comes in a pretty nice hard case. Sadly, the hardcase forces you to disassemble the barrel in order for the shotgun to fit, so I'll never use it. The IT-1 also comes with 2 chokes. I'm sure I'll lose the second one in a parts toolbox somewhere, since I really like the spread pattern of the one that comes installed for my needs.
Starting from back to front the IT-1 has a very familiar design that you might recognize from the Benelli M4. Some distinct differences are the sling attachment points and the style of the rubbarized rear pad. The construction of the stock feels solid. Although hollow and light weight, there isnt any flex to the stock itself.
Next, integrated into the stock is a rubbarized grip that feels great in my hand. The oversized finger grooves that fit my hand quite well. I love the fit and feel of this grip, but I'm also the only person on earth whose hand seems to fit the gen 3 glock finger grooves.
The IT-1 has a safety just where you'd expect it on the M4. It's tactile and easy to engage, no real difference there.
The trigger itself feels great. It is a single stage trigger with a very short length of pull and quick, crisp reset. Overall a very good trigger.
The receiver itself feels like high quality steel. It has a nice matte finish and so far has been pretty resilient against scratches. It has a built in dove tail with a picatinny mount tightly bolted to the frame. The pic rail is steel and rock solid. I have no doubts that it'll hold whatever optic I mount on it with no issues.
My biggest complaint with the shotgun, and really its only visible negative, is it's rear ghost ring sight. The ghost ring is made of plastic and feels a little flimsy. You can easily wiggle the body of the sight around with little effort. The fiber optic front bead is by contrast very nice and very durable. It's also great in bright daylight.
The front handguard has a nice design and is of solid construction.
The inertial bolt system is where this shotgun really shines. Copying the Benelli design, the action is crazy smooth. It doesn't feel clunky at all. The machining and finish appears to be top notch.
As shown in this Aselkon official and oddly satisfying to watch promo video, the inertia bolt system operates very similarly to that of the Benelli M4. I wasn't able to find any information at all online about if the parts are cross compatible, with the real thing so I can't comment on that.
The tube has a 4 round capacity plus 1 in the chamber. The shotgun is easy to load and it loads like most tube fed shotguns. Be aware that the tube is not threaded, so capacity cannot be extended.
Lastly is the barrel. The IT-1 ships with an 18.5" smooth T6 aluminum bore barrel.
In practice the system is very smooth shooting. It's easy to get multiple shots off if in succession with very manageable recoil considering that it is a 12 gauge shotgun.
The only issue that I noticed is that the shotgun would have trouble with stove piping on some Fiochi brand self defense loads. Ironically it handled generic Academy sports Monarch bird shot just fine, and it did great with some off brand Sauk 12 gauge slugs I got cheap from PSA. With the exception of the Fiochi ammo, the shotgun ate whatever I threw at it.
The choke that came preinstalled worked great for a home defense context. At a range of 15 yards, which happens to be the longest distance in my pretty average sized 3 Bedroom home, rifled slugs flew accurately and where I wanted them on 3 USPSA targets, fired in fast succession. Similarly, buckshot had a very nice spread. Bird shot as expected peppered each target indiscriminantly.
So let's review the pros and cons.
The Pros:
- Cheap price
- Reliable
- Fast shooting
- Durable
- Great accuracy within 15 yards
- Good for home defense
The Cons:
- Flimsy rear sight
- Limited capacity, limited options for extending capacity
- Potentially difficult to find replacement parts
- Not a great option for competition
Overall I'm extremely happy with this purchase. I think its a good value if you can find one for under $400
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How to Change the Rear Sight on Most Semi Automatic Handguns
Removing and replacing the sights on most handguns is very easy so long as you have the right tooling to do so.
Full Tutorial: https://crackshot.tv/how-to-change-the-rear-sight-on-any-handgun/
Typically, removing the rear sight is the trickiest part. In this tutorial, we'll show you the easiest way to replace the rear sights on your handgun.
In this short 3 minute tutorial we show you the proper way to remove and replace the rear sight on your semi automatic handgun. The process is easy and any responsible gun owner should be able to do this at home.
This tutorial is applicable to replace the rear sights on just about any handgun including Springfield XD series (XD9, XD40, XD45, XDM, etc), Glock (Glock 17, 19, 26, 34, etc), Smith and Wesson M&P series, modern 1911s, CZs, and just about any handgun where the rear sight is not forged into the slide.
Relevant Product Links:
Sight Pusher: https://www.amazon.com/Kuber-Handgun-Pusher-Universal-Springfield/dp/B07X9K8KHF/?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=Eep8B&content-id=amzn1.sym.5f7e0a27-49c0-47d3-80b2-fd9271d863ca%253Aamzn1.symc.e5c80209-769f-4ade-a325-2eaec14b8e0e&pf_rd_p=5f7e0a27-49c0-47d3-80b2-fd9271d863ca&pf_rd_r=868CXTJW1QH75FWJACN9&pd_rd_wg=pfG2i&pd_rd_r=f06ae7da-0268-4509-89aa-a182394f98e9&ref_=pd_gw_ci_mcx_mr_hp_atf_m&_encoding=UTF8&tag=crackshot00-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=5fa211430897cedcd07e44d7f8872446&camp=1789&creative=9325
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Mounting a Red Dot on a Pistol (e.g. Springfield XD) without Milling the Slide
So you want to mount a red dot on your pistol but you don't want to get your slide milled?
Full Tutorial: https://crackshot.tv/mounting-a-red-dot-with-rear-dovetail-plate/
In this short 3 minute tutorial, we'll show you how to mount a standard pistol or red dot optic using a rear sight mounting plate with options for any footprint (e.g. RMR, Shield RMSC, C-More, Delta point pro DPP, Burris Fastfire, Doctor / Noblex patterns).
We'll show you how to mount a red dot on your Springfield XD Pistol including the XD-9, XD-40, XD-M, XD-C, XD-E, XD-45
Relevant Product Links:
Site Pusher : https://www.amazon.com/Kuber-Handgun-Pusher-Universal-Springfield/dp/B07X9K8KHF/ref=sr_1_16?crid=OV1A5YHJNBZW&keywords=sight+pusher&qid=1689855213&sprefix=sight+pusher%25252Caps%25252C133&sr=8-16&_encoding=UTF8&tag=crackshot00-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=c4c2a2d47b2db496e3f5c5b743aee9d7&camp=1789&creative=9325&_encoding=UTF8&tag=crackshot00-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=5d063637d4f1088493b6035c3fa57e94&camp=1789&creative=9325
Mounting Plate: https://www.amazon.com/DPP-Titanium-Dovetail-Mounting-Compatible/dp/B08RDDSNF3/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=25GLRWKI2I4PW&keywords=shield%25252Brmsc%25252Bmounting%25252Bplate&qid=1689854262&sprefix=shield%25252Brmsc%25252Bmounting%25252Bplate%25252Caps%25252C131&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&th=1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=crackshot00-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=f040c8fdc19d80f193fecd6d0a0c73ca&camp=1789&creative=9325&_encoding=UTF8&tag=crackshot00-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=c21b8755ca007a053e5d3178f8b1691e&camp=1789&creative=9325
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Taurus TX22 Disassembly Explained Clearly in 1 Minute
In this video, we will walk you through the process of disassembling a Taurus TX22 pistol, step by step.
Full Written Tutorial: https://crackshot.tv/taurus-tx-22-disassembly-guide/
The Taurus TX22 is a popular semi-automatic pistol known for its reliability and accuracy. Whether you're a seasoned gun owner or a beginner, disassembling your firearm is an essential skill that will allow you to clean and maintain your weapon properly.
To begin, make sure your firearm is unloaded and the magazine is removed. Then, push down on the takedown lever located on the frame just above the trigger guard. While holding the button down, Pull the trigger and remove the slide from the frame.
With the slide assembly removed, you can now take apart the rest of the gun for cleaning and maintenance. Take out the recoil spring and guide rod assembly by pushing it forward and lifting it out of the slide. You can remove the barrel by simply pushing it out of the slide assembly after the recoil spring and guide rod are removed.
To reassemble the firearm, reverse the process by inserting the recoil spring and guide rod assembly into the slide, followed by the barrel. Then, place the slide assembly onto the frame and push it until it clicks back into place.
In conclusion, disassembling a Taurus TX22 is a simple process that anyone can learn. By following the steps in this video, you will be able to properly clean and maintain your firearm, ensuring its longevity and reliability. Remember to always handle your firearm with care and follow all safety procedures when disassembling and reassembling your firearm.
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Springfield XD Service Pistol : Disassembly and Cleaning
Want to know how to disassemble and clean a Springfield XD Service Pistol?
Full Tutorial with Product Links: https://crackshot.tv/springfield-xd-diassembly/
In this short video we'll show you how to safely disassembly the Springfield XD. It doesn't matter if it's an XD9, XD40, XD45, XDS, XDM, disassembly and cleaning procedure is essentially the same., We'll show you the best practices for cleaning and maintaining your firearm.
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No Rail, No problem. Streamlight TLR-6 Handgun Flashlight
Many concealed carry handguns don't have a rail for mounting. The Streamlight TLR-6 allows you to mount a flashlight to your handgun or Pistol without a rail or any adapters.
Full Review: https://crackshot.tv/streamlight-tlr-6-review/
Get it From Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Streamlight-69282-TLR-6-GLOCK-26/dp/B07NY3JRNY/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1VOVVG1BRH4FC&keywords=tlr-6%252Bglock%252B26&qid=1689857045&sprefix=tlr-6%252Bglock%252B26%252Caps%252C113&sr=8-4&th=1&_encoding=UTF8&tag=crackshot00-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=6ed622ce521310ffdd970c9f04455a03&camp=1789&creative=9325
If you own a gun for home or self defense, you need a quality flashlight. However, many firearms, especially common low to mid end concealed carry handguns do not have an accessory rail for mounting. The TLR-6 Bridges this gap. So let’s dive in.
A quick overview, the TLR-6 is basically a line of flashlights that are specifically molded to popular handguns that don’t have a rail. In this sense the TLR-6 serves a niche market. For example, its realistically the only flashlight option without a rail adapter for my Glock 26. I’ll discuss rail frame adapters in another video.
When we look at flashlights, we generally look at a few qualities:
– Price (5/5)
– Where it’s made (4.5/5)
– Brightness (3.5/5)
– Ease of Use (4.5/5)
– Holster Availability (4/5)
– Comfort / Concealability (5/5)
– Durability (4/5)
Price (5/5)
Let’s look at price, most retailers have the TLR-6 for under $100 for the flashlight only, and a little bit more for the model with a laser if that’s your thing. I like to keep the controls as simple as possible, so I bought the flashlight only option. I actually got mine for the Glock 26 for $68 on amazon. I try not to shop on amazon, but admittedly, the price was so much cheaper through them so I bought mine there. The link is in the description.
Where it’s made (4.5/5)
Let’s look at where it’s made. The product fact sheets for a few different models say that its assembled in the USA. That means at least some of the components are likely sourced from other countries. However streamlight is a great American company based out of Pennsylvania.
Brightness (3.5/5)
Brightness leaves a little to be desired. The TLR-6 is is rated at 100 lumens. This is bright enough for most home defense scenarios. It is definitely bright enough to identify a target. It isn’t as disorienting being on the receiving end of the flashlight and this flashlight does not have a strobe feature. I’ve used this quite a bit and the battery is still going strong so that is a plus. 3.5 out of 5 on brightness.
Ease of Use (4.5/5)
The model we have for the Glock 26 is easy to use. I like the ambidexturous push button controls on both sides of the frame. I like to grip firearms with a more active grip, and this grip lends itself naturally to using the push button controls with your thumb, but if you have a more traditional passive style of grip. If you use a more passive grip, the buttons may not be as convenient for you if you have smaller hands, as the button sits pretty far forward for shorter index fingers. However we’re really knitpicking here, it’s still very easy to use, just not as easy as say the TLR-1 or TLR-7 rotating style switch.
Holster Availability (4 / 5)
This model has a surprising number of holster options available for it, simply because of how popular streamlight is, but because the flashlight is firearm model specific, some combinations can be difficult to find. Other flashlights on rail mounted handguns, for example TLR-7, are supported by pretty much all of the mainstream holster manufacturers. The TLR-6 falls just a little bit short in that area.
Comfort and Concealability (5/5)
In terms of comfort and concealability, the TLR-6 is very streamlined, form fitting, sitting flush with the frame of the gun. In my opinion it doesn’t add any extra discomfort unlike larger flashlight options for other handguns, and it is very easily concealable on a micro 9mm handgun.
Durability (5/5)
This is a pretty durable flashlight, especially at the price point. The flashlight just works and it feels like it’ll last. I’ve carried this thing daily for months, brought it to the range practically weekly, and its still going strong. However the flashlight is made out of polymer, which means it will probably be slightly less durable than its rail mounted metal counterparts. I have yet to drop the flashlight, but I don’t know how well it would stand up with the weight of a fully loaded handgun if it fell with a direct hit on say concrete.
Conclusion
Overall we rated the TLR-6 4.35 out of 5. The TLR-6 is a good flashlight with great design from an even better company. Oftentimes, it is the only available option for many different handguns, but despite it being a niche flashlight Streamlight clearly still cares about quality. The flashlight lives up to the streamlight brand in every way. Be very confident, this flashlight is “good to go”.
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Swampfox Liberty & Justice RMR Pistol Red Dot Review
The swamp fox is a mid tier red dot aimed and marketed to budget conscious shooters who are looking for a reliable red dot optic that’s patterned in the RMR footprint.
Full Review: https://crackshot.tv/swampfox-liberty-justice-rmr-pistol-red-dot-review/
Get It from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Swampfox-Justice-Reflex-Sights-Reticle/dp/B08B17NW53/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2MDUZ394FXQAJ&keywords=swampfox&qid=1689870279&sprefix=swampfox%252Caps%252C134&sr=8-2&_encoding=UTF8&tag=crackshot00-20&linkCode=ur2&linkId=0b865d227045193138d7892bb1401130&camp=1789&creative=9325
It was a smart business move to model the red dot under the RMR footprint, as there aren’t a lot of budget friendly options in this configuration and yet RMR is by far the most popular slide cut pattern for many sub compact to full size handguns (think aftermarket Glock 19, 17, 34 slides). However, there aren’t many options in this cut and configuration, especially at the roughly $209 price point of the swampfox Liberty and Justice models. Given the price of the Trijicon RMR floating around $450 to 500.
Above it all, Swampfox offers a “50,000” round guarantee. On paper, everything sounds incredible, but are the Swampfox offerings too good to be true?
Today we’ll set out to find that answer.
We judge pistol red dot optics on a number of criteria when coming up with a cumulative rating. We judge these products on where they’re made, price, accuracy (or ability to hold accuracy), ease of use, concealability, features compared to competitors, clarity, and durability. Here’s how the Swampfox Liberty stacks up.
We give the Swampfox Liberty an overall score of 3.56 out of 5 stars. After months of testing and about 600 rounds later, we’ll go into detail why, but in our opinion it is a descent range quality optic but not an optic we’d trust for every day carry.
Let’s talk about features. The Swampfox Liberty has some really high end features on it. The shake awake feature is awesome, many other cheap red dots in this price range don’t have an automatic shut off feature. It really sucks to get to the range and find out that your optic won’t operate because your battery died. I personally prefer push button controls on pistol red dots as well and the swampfox delivers here with high quality controls. The turrets for the swampfox also use a flat blade screwdriver which can be turned using a spent shell in a pinch. Some pistol red dot optics only have allen wrench controls which is incredibly frustrating. The only reason I rate it 4 out of 5 for two minor reasons. The first is the placement of the battery compartment. The battery compartment is placed on top, which is very good, however the way it is positioned with standard mounting screws that come with two separate slides I’ve tested, the screws overlap the compartment (meaning you still have to unscrew the screws to replace the battery). You might be able to find smaller head screws that will work with your slide, but this is kind of a pain. The second very small issue that I have is a lack of reticle selection. This is a very small point as I never use other reticles, but I have to mention it since at the next tier red dots like the Holosun 5O7C have a configurable reticle which may be important to some people.
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