0 The Benefits of Using Airsoft Guns for Shooting Practice

While the politics and opinions of gun ownership continue to be debated, one aspect that remains constant is the most important factor regarding owning a firearm: safety. The safety of gun ownership is mostly expressed though firearm storage and handling the weapon properly. Learning how to correctly control, aim and fire a gun and maintaining these skills are the difference between responsible gun owners and everyone else. Regardless of the purpose of possession, whether for safety, hunting, survivalist or hobby, regular shooting practice is a must.

In recent years, heading to the range has become increasingly difficult due to a practice ammunition shortage. This has increased the cost of ammunition has made maintaining one’s shooting skills inaccessible for many of the population. The solution for many has been airsoft guns, which use plastic pellets for ammunition for shooting practice.

What target practice used to look like

Cost-Effective and Convenient Option

The difference between training ammunition used for real guns and airsoft versions can be measured in dollars, not pennies, per round. Thousands of quality plastic pellet rounds can be bought for less than ten dollars. Compare this to twenty dollars for only fifty real rounds. These price differences dictate that the price of purchasing a new airsoft gun will be offset within a few practice sessions. Cheaper practice sessions represent more frequent training and increase comfort and safety with a firearm.

Another benefit to the wallet and schedule of utilizing airsoft guns is the ammunition does not require one to travel to a shooting range. These danger free rounds allow gun owners to perform target practice in their garages or backyards. This eliminates range fees and travel making frequent shooting practice and increased safety extremely convenient and affordable.

Realistic Practice

Today’s airsoft guns are far from the kid’s toys they used to have a reputation for and many are now almost exact replicas of almost every available handgun and rifle on the market today. They have the same look, weight and feel of the real versions. In addition, the airsoft adaptation can utilize the same accessories and fit in the same holster as a true firearm.

Depending on the type of airsoft firearm, much of the function of the real version can be maintained as well. Spring action versions are the least expensive but are also the least realistic and have a slow reload speed. Automatic electric guns are more representative of automatic or semi-automatic firearms with their quick reloading but lack the break and recoil feeling of pulling the trigger. The best airsoft guns and rifles are the gas blow back versions that are as close to the real thing that isn't a real firearm. Though they are the most expensive option, they share the same inexpensive ammunition as the other two types.

If it’s good enough for them, it’s good enough for anyone

Airsoft firearms have become so realistic they are commonly used by military and police forces for safety demonstration, target practice and even tactical training. The airsoft allows these essential services to mimic any situation they may face at a fraction of the cost and much more safely than using live rounds. The best gun instructors around the country are strongly pushing their students to include airsoft training to supplement live and dry fire training to become comfortable with their weapon.

Safety First

All of these benefits add up to the most important part of gun ownership, safety. A lifelike replica airsoft allows rehearsal of every aspect of handling a firearm. The exact same precautions utilized with the real version can be applied to the airsoft. Splurging for the blow back gas airsoft guns and rifles allows for an authentic shooting experience that directly translates to the true variety.

The only gun safer than an airsoft

The ammunition is safer as well. Small plastic pellets carry a proportion of the danger and cost of real bullets. Daily practice in the garage or backyard can occur with less concern of tragic consequences to others and the wallet. Frequent, real world training that increases confidence and skill is a benefit of airsoft firearms that make them an essential accessory of any gun owner.

This article was written by an Editor for Airsoft RC. Airsoft RC has a wide selection of airsoft guns for both enthusiasts and beginners.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Detail: The Benefits of Using Airsoft Guns for Shooting Practice

0 Labor Day - 2013

Holiday Traveling

Have a safe and happy Labor Day holiday. If you are traveling this holiday be sure to use a little extra caution.

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Detail: Labor Day - 2013

0 Riverwalker’s Gear Test and Review - Stealth Flashlights

Flashlights are a great way to extend your operational abilities past normal daylight hours. Most are extremely portable and are simple to operate. Many also include additional features which can further enhance their usefulness. Sometimes required activities can’t wait until daylight and you are going to need some form of lighting to assist you with getting your work done. There’s also less chance of a mishap when traveling at night becomes necessary. You will need to have a good flashlight handy to accomplish these goals.

This review will cover two different types of Stealth flashlights with a very unique feature. They also function as a stun gun for personal defense and protection. This can add an additional layer of protection for you and increase the level of your personal security.

The two different models of Stealth flashlights and their different features we will be testing are the Model HW 1101 (medium size) and the HW 1108 (larger version). The picture above gives you a reference point in order to see the difference in the size of these two flashlights when compared with a pocket-sized LED flashlight that is fairly common and found in stores most everywhere. 

Stealth Flashlight Stun Model HW 1101

  

Basic Features:

Stun capacity rated at 3,000,000 volts

Constructed of premium aircraft grade aluminum alloy.

Powerful 180 lumens LED Flashlight 

Approximate 2 hour constant run time on single charge. 

Recharging Hardware (car and wall chargers) included.

Two Light Settings: Dim and Bright

Attached lanyard included.

Compact and lightweight size (approximately 9 ounces).

Color: Black

Price: $40.00 plus shipping

The Review: Stealth Flashlight Stun Model HW 1101

Similar in size to your average flashlight, the lightweight and very compact Model HW 1101 does fit nicely in a glove compartment or console in your vehicle. This enables you to keep it handy for when it’s needed. It also can be easily carried in your back pocket or in a bag or purse. You may simply want to keep one by the door just in case you get an unwelcome visitor. This is important if you need to access it quickly in order to use the personal defense stun feature. This model also includes a wall charger and a car charger. Both charging units were tested and worked as expected. The cords were of sufficient length to make the recharging process quite simple. Having both a wall and car charger was an added bonus. The case of the flashlight was easy to grip and felt very comfortable. The switches were also readily accessible.

The stun feature (3,000,000 volts) was fairly localized when tested. Unfortunately, Mrs. RW wouldn't volunteer (more like refused...lol) to help out on this part and said this check was all mine. When used on myself, the stun was fairly localized but I did suffer a quick reaction to the stun when tested on my bare foot. It definitely got my attention even with the localized effect. Suffice it to say, this test was only performed once with the HW 1101. The stun feature only works when the flashlight is off and the slide switch on the unit is placed in the full forward position.

The flashlight worked extremely well when tested at night. It easily light up objects at a 100 yards and made them easily identifiable. The 180 lumens LED worked better than expected. The dim setting worked well also but the range was decreased by about half when tested. The lower setting does allow you to conserve battery life and extend the amount of time for working with light. This model also features a replaceable battery.

The price of this unit was also a pleasant surprise and had a very reasonable cost of only $40 plus shipping. This is important if you are on a tight budget and want to keep your gear costs at a minimum. Overall, the Stealth Flashlight Stun Model HW 1101 is a reasonably priced, compact and lightweight LED flashlight that has the additional ability to function in a personal defense capacity which makes it a unique multi-function tool.

Stealth Flashlight Stun Model HW 1108

Basic Features:

Dimensions: 9 1/2" L x 1 3/4" W

Stun capacity rated at 5,000,000 volts

Powerful 180 Lumens Flashlight

LED light good for approximately 100,000 hours.

Built-In Lithium-Ion Rechargeable Battery

Recharging Hardware (wall charger only) included.

Approximate 2 hour constant run time on single charge. 

Battery is rechargeable up to approximately 1000 times.

Metal Belt Clip attached.

Lightweight (approximately 11 ounces).

Constructed of premium aircraft grade aluminum alloy.

Three Light Settings: Dim, Explosive Pulse (Strobe), Bright

Safety Switch Installed in the Base of the Flashlight to Prevent Accidental Stun

Color: Black

Price: $45.00 plus shipping.

The Review: Stealth Flashlight Stun Model HW 1108

The old saying “Bigger is Better!” can be applied to the Model HW 1108. This flashlight easily lighted objects at well over a hundred yards with ease. The three different lighting modes all worked as expected and the strobe function was an added bonus. The dim setting was also important since it allows you to still use the flashlight while conserving battery power.

While it won’t fit in your vehicle glove compartment, it does fit easily into the side pocket on your vehicle door or a large center console. While quite a bit larger, it weighs in at approximately 11 ounces and feels a lot heavier than its actual weight. If the battery went dead, it could still function as a nifty little club.

Due to its larger size, this model is equipped with a sturdy belt clip. This it allows it to be easily carried on a utility belt or even clipped to your backpack. The clip holds the flashlight securely while allowing it to be removed quickly and easily when needed. The belt clip is fixed and not removable. The design of the flashlight also has a very nice feel to the grip as did the HW 1101 model.

The Model HW 1108 comes with a wall charger only. The supplied power cord does come up a little short in the length department. You will need to have the flashlight in a vertical position in order to recharge it. If the charging cord had been somewhat longer, it would have allowed it to be charged in a safer and more secure horizontal position. This would eliminate the possibility of your flashlight getting knocked over during recharging.

The Model HW 1108 does have a separate switch that’s allows the stun feature to be turned off for additional safety. It is located in a recessed area on the end of the flashlight next to the recharging port. This is a great feature when you consider its higher stun capacity of 5,000,000 volts. The stun feature on the HW 1108 was also tested and my bare foot once again felt the full force of this feature. While also a similarly localized effect as the Model HW 1101, this did get a “knee jerk” reaction on my part. The stun features works really well. This test was also performed only once.

                                                                                                                

While less compact and only slightly more expensive at a cost of $45 plus shipping, the Model HW 1108 offers a safety switch, extended flashlight range, increased stun capacity and a strobe feature. The only major limitation is that it only offers a wall charger and the battery is integrated into the flashlight and is not replaceable by the user. It still affords an excellent option for a multi-function tool that can add to your personal security and defense.

Due to the stun features, these flashlights are not water-proof and can be damaged if submerged. Additionally, both of these flashlights carry a 30 day return policy and 90 day money back or exchange guaranty for any component related issues. You can purchase either of these flashlights by clicking on the links in the article or by visiting StealthStunGuns.com .

NOTICE

Please consult your State laws before purchasing. The vast majority of states do not require a permit to carry a stun gun but some states do have restrictions in regards to stun guns.

You can visit this link to check stun gun restrictions in your state:

 http://stealthstunguns.com/stun_gun_laws

Ready to light something up?

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Detail: Riverwalker’s Gear Test and Review - Stealth Flashlights

0 Riverwalker’s Gear Pics - Czech Model Z Gas Mask

Czech Model Z Gas Mask

The typical gas mask filter uses a combination of three different techniques in order to treat the air you are breathing. These techniques usually include particle filtration, chemical absorption or adsorption and chemical reactions to neutralize chemical agents. The most common filtration method used is by activated charcoal. The majority of gas masks work by using a combination of activated charcoal to filter out organic gasses and particles, super small filters used to trap smaller particles, and various chemicals imbedded in pads to neutralize non-organic gasses and to absorb and block the gas or gases while purifying the air.

NATO 40 mm Filter Cannister Top Seal

NATO 40 mm Filter Cannister Bottom Seal

Filters need to be replaced on a regular basis because when they are exposed to humidity or have been unused for long periods of time they lose their ability to absorb or block chemicals and particulates. This in effect makes them non-functional and of little value for NBC protection purposes.

Speech Diaphragm and Filter Connection

Many military surplus gas masks are available in the $20 price range but most come with expired filters that provide little more protection than the average dust mask. Shelf life of gas mask filters can range from 5to 25 years depending upon how they are packaged. Those gas mask filters which have been vacuum-packed will have the best shelf life. Once they are exposed to the air their useful shelf life is generally a matter of a few days before they become ineffective. You will need to purchase new filters which will cost you on average twice ($40) what you paid for the mil-surp gas mask. 

Fog Prevention Vents

Depending upon the level of contamination, gas masks will afford protection for as little as 30 or 45 minutes to as much as eight hours when concentrations are minimal. Gas masks are basically designed to give you time to evacuate from the area in which hazardous agents or chemicals are present. In order to work in a hazardous environment, you would need an SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) similar to that used by First Responders or firefighters. This type of equipment is extremely expensive (costing thousands of dollars) and is well outside the budget of most people. New modern gas mask versions such as the M40 would make a good choice for some people wanting a more extensive level of protection but this is also an expensive proposition with costs in the $400 to $600 range.

Czech Model Z Carry Pouch

It is also important to remember than many chemical agents are readily absorbed through the skin. A chemical protection suit would be advisable for use in combination with your gas mask. You would do well also to get some inexpensive chemical detection badges and radiation dosimeters (these are fairly expensive) as well so that you will actually know a threat exists or if the danger has passed.

Additional information about gas masks and how they work can be found here:

http://science.howstuffworks.com/gas-mask2.htm

Staying above the water line!

Riverwalker

Detail: Riverwalker’s Gear Pics - Czech Model Z Gas Mask