As gun writers, we get to try a lot of products for reviews. I’m sure my sometimes-extended review period is frustrating to editors, but I like to put everything from guns to gear through a real-world period of use, at least as much as I can.
My preference for reviewing guns is to take them to the range as much as possible to ensure that they perform. It’s even better if I can take it hunting or to one of the biannual writers’ events at Gunsite Academy. If there is an issue, I will report it to the reader. You are who I feel I am working for, not the companies. Manufacturers supply the product, and I use it as much as possible and write about how it works, for better or worse.
Many of these items listed below have been thus supplied at one time or another, or I have had the opportunity to examine them closely. I have even bought some for myself. After using gear from the following companies, I have no reservations about telling you that they work. I am happy to tell you a bit about each one.
Real Avid
There’s nothing more frustrating than digging through a mismatched assortment of gun tools and cleaning gear and not finding what you’re looking for. Oh, you know you have it, or think you do, but years’ worth of mismatched stuff from here and there, all tossed into various tackle boxes and strewn across the loading bench, enable that one specific thing to vanish from the face of the earth.
No more! The folks at Real Avid offer everything you need to fix, clean, torque, scope, move a sight, hold a gun, vise a part; they have it all. All these things are colored alike and fit into neat carry cases that help keep gun bench clutter to a minimum.
Their gear caught my eye at the SHOT Show, and perusing their vast assortment of gun paraphernalia fueled the fire to someday have one large gun room where all this equipment will neatly be held in proper spacious drawers and shelves, adorning a big workbench. Maybe someday!
Until then, let me tell you about a few of Real Avid’s products I have been using. A quick search here on the blog will yield additional articles on their gear by other writers as well.
The Pistol Tool
This handy, 19-in-1 multi-tool has six hex bits and four laser sight hex bits, 1911 bushing wrenches (for Officer and Government Models), a three-inch tanto blade that is razor sharp, an integrated tap hammer, and a pick. It also has a detachable pin punch and a fine-tooth metal file. Titanium coating ensures durability.
The whole thing will fit in a mag pouch and is one of those tools that is easy to carry along and can get you or a fellow shooter out of a jam. Mine is currently here on my desk, and I just used it to swap out grips on a Thompson Contender hunting handgun to get ready for an upcoming hunt. It’s one of those tools that’s handy to have around.
Smart Fit Bore Guide
Cleaning firearms is not my favorite thing to do with them, but it must be done. Having good cleaning equipment makes this chore much easier and efficient. The improved design of the Bore-Max Smart Rod, a carbon fiber cleaning rod for handguns with the comfort grip vertical handle is my new go-to cleaning rod for scrubbing pistol barrels.
The smart design prevents cleaning solvents from dripping into the actions of bolt guns and AR platforms. It’s universal for works for long and short actions and calibers from .223 to .375.
Viz-Max Bore Sighter
For some, the initial sighting-in of a scoped rifle or handgun can be a lesson in frustration. The Real Avid Viz-Max Bore Sighter can help with that chore. The green beam projected from this boresighter is easy to see in daylight.
It’s simple to use. The thing is magnetic, just stick it on the muzzle, and move your cross hairs to the location of the green laser dot on the target. This will get you close and save ammunition and the headache of getting that gun zeroed quickly.
Well-thought-out equipment that benefits the shooter and standardizes gun gear. Real Avid has a great selection of tools, gun cleaning equipment, and knives.
Gear from Skinner Sights
Skinner Sights is renowned for offering quality peep sights for a multitude of rifles. They also have scopes and a red dot that are designed by them and held to the highest standards. Owner Andy Larsson uses everything his company makes. If he sells it, it works.
Pockets, Pouches, and More
Aside from these items of aiming excellence, Skinner Sights also provides end-user-designed, quality cases and gear. Their Cartridge Pockets, made of Cordura, are a neat way of carrying extra ammo in the field. No more clinking of ammo in the pockets of our pants or jackets.
The slim pouch holds four rounds of ammunition. We use them on our hunts and always ensure everyone (guide and hunter) has one on them in case extra ammunition is needed.
They also have a belt pouch that holds more ammo, a Biothane Super Sling, and a Concealed Carry Garment Bag that is designed to hold a long gun, two handguns, spare magazines, flashlights, and so on.
If you have one of the new small chronographs like those made by Athlon Optics or Garmin, they also make a neat carrying case for them.
Ballistol
Some shooters use a variety of oils, solvents, sprays, grease, and cleaners to lubricate and clean their guns. I’m a minimalist in this department. My go-to bore cleaner has forever been good ol’ Hoppe’s No. 9, but what I use most for a variety of uses these days is Ballistol.
“Variety of uses,” you say? Yes, you can use this stuff on just about anything. It dissolves traces of copper, brass, lead, zinc, and emulsifies with water. It lubricates and protects firearms and can be applied to the entire gun, from the metal parts to the wood stocks. It forms a film that protects against rust and does not harden or gum up, as some lubricants can.
I use it on knife blades, leather holsters, and boots. A friend used it to unseize a stubborn engine part. When all other penetrating oils had failed, Ballistol did the job!
While I might not thoroughly clean my guns as often as I should, I always have a rag doused with this multi-purpose lubricant to keep all my guns wiped down and protected.
Tyler Gun Works Bear Hug Grips
Finishing out our good gear, let’s look at the Checkered Bear Hug Ropers that Tyler Gun Works (TGW) is now making.
The old Bear Hugs are known well by connoisseurs of fine double-action revolver stocks, and one can’t think of their classic design without remembering Skeeter Skelton.
High-grade walnut, palm swell, and a checkered pattern reminiscent of the old Roper style of checkering from yesteryear. These stocks fit well with the gun and the hand, and the checkering makes for a solid purchase on the grip and gun. Like the revolver, old-world artistry is not gone. Both are alive and well!
With Christmas right around the corner, I’ll bet there is something listed here that you or someone you know could use. Take a look at the websites of these good businesses; they offer quality products that I know will get the job done!
