Saturday, August 22, 2020

Craft Holsters IWB

 One of the challenges of a new carry piece is playing the game of finding the right holster. Sadly my old go-to option is no longer in production, so when I switched to the P365xl, I had to start from scratch. Serendipitously, at this same time I was contacted by Craft Holsters with an offer to review a holster of my choosing*. So with nothing to lose, I opted for their lt.92 Open-Muzzle IWB offering in black, for my little Sig. Not long after sending of my info, I received a box from Slovakia containing the holster and a small break-in kit.

The holster was nicely finished, with even double-row stitching all around. The holster is finished off with a tension adjustment screw and branded pull-the-dot snaps. The leather is evenly dyed and formed well to the shape of the gun. My pistol actually fit nicely in the holster and did not require any real breaking in other than fine tuning the tension screw.



Ride height is exactly where it should be, and the holster keeps the pistol snug to the body and holds it securely. The holster rides very comfortably, exactly what I expect from leather. At the range the draw was smooth, and the mouth reinforcement worked as expected for reholstering. Concealablity is also  good with this style of holster and the small dimensions of the P365.

These photos here were taken after wearing the holster daily for over three months. While it was the milder part of the year, I work in a fairly physical job and I tend to sweat more than the average guy. This is one of the primary reasons I lean towards Kydex. That said, this holster is holding up fairly well considering how some leather items I've daily carried in the past have quickly broken down with similar use. I can't say how the holster would hold up to my sweat in humid late summer, but I never had any issues with the leather falling apart or encountered any rust forming on my gun.

I do have a couple gripes about the holster. Though I don't have a red dot mounted on this gun yet, that is something I plan on having sooner than later, and this holster is not compatible. The cut for the opening reinforcement also leaves the front loop a bit unsupported, and it is sometimes difficult to unsnap because of this. Typically this would just be an annoyance, but if you're the sort that likes to be able to remove the entire holster without removing the gun, this can get to be downright aggravating. 

Overall, I'm definitely pleased with this holster. Fit and finish are fantastic, hitting above what I would expect at the price point; and one of the negative points isn't really the fault of the holster's. It carries comfortably like leather should, and holds up well to daily use. If you're in the market for an affordable everyday leather holster, I'd certainly say it's worth considering.

*The holster reviewed here was provided by Craft Holsters to me for review at no cost

Monday, November 4, 2019

Sig P365XL - First mag review

A little while back Sig released the P365, a tiny micro 9 that somehow squeezed 10 rounds in a nearly pocket sized polymer gun. They may have well have painted the mags blue with "police call box" markings. Then this year they went and stretched it out a little, gave it a little bit of a magwell flair, 12 round flush fit magazines, and put on a flat trigger so it could be part of their "X Series." Then to round it all out, they machined the slide to be factory ready for a micro red dot. 

I had been contemplating slimming down my off-duty setup by switching to a P365 anyway, but now the offer of a gun the same size as my M&P9c, with the same capacity, but almost 2/3 the width and optic ready made it even more tempting. Combine that with getting completely schooled at a LE shooting competition by half the field using optic equipped pistols, and the proverbial nail was driven into the M&P's coffin.

Sig on top, S&W on bottom

S&W again on the bottom

L: S&W, R: Sig


In the hand, the thin, high cut trigger guard and extended beavertail on the XL frame let me get all three fingers on the little Sig, unlike the M&P. The texture is also in the sweet spot of being comfortably grippy without being overly abrasive. Everything locks into battery nice and tight as well, and the sights are some of the best factory night sights I've had on a gun (big green ringed front, and blacked out rear with no outline around the tritium vials.)

Out of the box, the trigger had a decent take-up, but there was a bit of grit and the break wasn't anything I'd call "crisp." I've seen it described as "hollow," and I think that's a good description. On the plus side, it does break fairly consistently at 90 degrees, and the reset is miles above the M&P, even with the Apex trigger.

Today I rounded up about 250 rounds total of 9mm, including 115gr Wolf steel case, some Magtech 124gr FMJ, and half a brick of cheap Remington bulk 115gr brass cased. I also tossed in a few magazines worth of some old Remington Golden Saber 147gr JHP that has been rattling around my nightstand drawer for a decade. I had recently gotten a Yankee Thunder Hang N' Hook kit for a good price recently, so I set that up with a 2" gong and a 1/4 scale IPSC silhouette and just kinda played around to check function and get a feel for the gun.

I was pleasantly surprised with how much the little gun didn't flip. Not to say it isn't snappy, it is a micro gun shooting full 9x19mm rounds, especially with the heavy +P defense rounds, but it was more than manageable. The trigger seemed to smooth out somewhat throughout the session, and once I settled in I was having no problem spinning around the little 2" steel plate at 10 yards without any struggle. Everything I put in the mag fed and fired with no issue as well.


Overall I'm more than happy with the little gun. Just need to wait for my holster and mag pouch to arrive, and for Sig to actually release their new Romeo Zero to screw on the top.


Sunday, September 1, 2019

Kilted to Kick Cancer is back!

Once again, For the entire month of September I will be wearing a kilt (when I am not required to be in a uniform) to help raise awareness and funding for Testicular and Prostate Cancers.

I love this cause so much, I got married in a kilt!

1 in 7 men will be affected by Prostate Cancer in their lifetime. 1 in 250 men will be diagnosed with Testicular Cancer in theirs.  As with all cancers, early detection and treatment are key to survival.  The point of KtKC is to raise that awareness, inform men of these risks, and urge them to get checked.

I will be wearing a kilt, but what can you do to help?

You can get yourself a sweet outfit and enjoy a pants-free lifestyle too, but more importantly you can donate to help fund awareness campaigns and research into fighting these diseases.  Simply go to the Team Guns & Coffee Kilted to Kick Cancer Donate page and make your tax deductible donation today! There is a bit of a friendly competition going between us bloggers to see who can raise the most.

Your support is greatly appreciated, and get checked!

Thursday, February 16, 2017

The Caffeinated Life

Given the name of my blog, I've been following Black Rifle Coffee for a while now, and I've posted videos in the past. They're funny, and know their stuff.

They've made a bunch of waves lately, and Evan has been making it known he's not just talking crap.

They also know coffee, and are doubling down on how serious they take it.  Recently some of the company big shots did some travelling to make sure they're sourcing the best product they can, and they're posting a vlog series to show what's up.


The first episode is out, and can be seen here.

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

Project Stimpack

Snake Hound Machine is running Project Stimpack, a program to equip military and first responders with with SOFTT-W tourniquets and the excellent Philster Flatpack to carry them.

Saturday, September 24, 2016

Such Excitement!

I'm pretty sure the nuthatch has figured out Simon can't get through the window, so he's just taunting him now.


We got a cheap window feeder just to try it out a while ago, and it's been a pretty big hit with the furry ones.

Saturday, September 17, 2016

Run run run...

Annual Blubber Run to kick off Pointoberfest!

I was slower than what I wanted, but was right where I expected.

What can you do to help?

You can get yourself a sweet outfit and enjoy a pants-free lifestyle too, but more importantly you can donate to help fund awareness campaigns and research into fighting these diseases.  Simply go to the Kilted to Kick Cancer Donate page and make your tax deductible donation today! Please remember to select "Team Guns & Coffee" from the drop-down menu as well, since there is a bit of a friendly competition going between us bloggers to see who can raise the most.

Your support is greatly appreciated, and get checked!

Friday, September 16, 2016

Tank Week

In case you've missed it, Breach Bang Clear has been celebrating 100 years of mechanized chaos with "Tank Week." Go check it out.


Tuesday, September 13, 2016

"You'll shoot yer dick off!"

I don't carry appendix myself (haven't found a gun/holster combo that feels right for it to me,) but it comes up just about every time somebody mentions it.  So, science!

Tuesday, September 6, 2016

Meeting People Through the Power of Kilts

Manda and I were out picking some fresh sweet corn at our local CSA farm, and a nice gentleman flagged me down to talk about my kilt.


What can you do to help?

You can get yourself a sweet outfit and enjoy a pants-free lifestyle too, but more importantly you can donate to help fund awareness campaigns and research into fighting these diseases.  Simply go to the Kilted to Kick Cancer Donate page and make your tax deductible donation today! Please remember to select "Team Guns & Coffee" from the drop-down menu as well, since there is a bit of a friendly competition going between us bloggers to see who can raise the most.

Your support is greatly appreciated, and get checked!

Thursday, September 1, 2016

Kilted to Kick Cancer - 2016

Once again, For the entire month of September I will be wearing a kilt (when I am not required to be in a uniform) to help raise awareness and funding for Testicular and Prostate Cancers.

I love this cause so much, I got married in a kilt!

1 in 7 men will be affected by Prostate Cancer in their lifetime. 1 in 250 men will be diagnosed with Testicular Cancer in theirs.  As with all cancers, early detection and treatment are key to survival.  The point of KtKC is to raise that awareness, inform men of these risks, and urge them to get checked.

I will be wearing a kilt, but what can you do to help?

You can get yourself a sweet outfit and enjoy a pants-free lifestyle too, but more importantly you can donate to help fund awareness campaigns and research into fighting these diseases.  Simply go to the Kilted to Kick Cancer Donate page and make your tax deductible donation today! Please remember to select "Team Guns & Coffee" from the drop-down menu as well, since there is a bit of a friendly competition going between us bloggers to see who can raise the most.

Your support is greatly appreciated, and get checked!

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Cats

It's been a while, so if anybody is wondering about the beast we adopted a little over a year ago, she's now huge.  To the point that she knows she can beat up on Simon with ease (or pin him down for forced grooming.)


She weighs as much as he does, but it's in a solid compact chunk of cat (mostly because of short himmy legs.)  There's really no fat under the fuzz either, despite sleeping about 20 hours a day it seems.  Lila tolerates her, and Sadie reciprocates, although we do occasionally catch them playing. Girls will be girls.

Or grudgingly eating next to each other.
Overall, Sadie is definitely an "on my terms only" cat.  When she wants a lap, she's there, regardless of what you're doing, and when she's done, she's gone without warning.  I guess she's just living up to her title of "Duchess."

Sunday, January 24, 2016

Range 15 Behind the Scenes

I backed it, and I'm definitely looking forward to it.

Of Horses and Tractors

Bit of a hiatus... as some of you people on the facebooks probably know, we moved most of my Mother-in-law's farm from the Middle-of-nowhere, WI, down to about 16 miles from our place.  It's sucked up quite a bit of time, but now I've got some land to play with and horses to baby.


Ms. Regal Satin (Satin), the herd boss, has more or less attached herself to me. She recognizes my truck, and guilts me whenever I leave.  Christmas Eve was spent like this for about 45 minutes-


Until my hands went numb.  Then I left the paddock and she gave a big sigh and slumped away like a sad puppy.  There's three more Appaloosas out there, although we're trying to find a new home for the mostly untrained stallion, which is turning out to be a lot more difficult than it was for the one mare we already sent off a month and a half ago.  All had been in less than stellar conditions and need a bit of rehab.

Yesterday was a fun day in the process.  Brought home a 1948 Farmall Cub and stuck it in the barn (anything bigger wouldn't fit.)


I did make a couple passes pushing snow with the blade for shits and giggles.  It's going to be fun to tinker with and clean up to drag to some local tractor shows.  In the meantime, I want to track down a sickle mower and will spend a lot of time this summer mowing weeds out of the hayfields and far pasture... it seems the prior owners stopped bothering with field maintenance when they decided to move.

The gentleman we bought the Cub off of spent a ton of time working on it, converted to 12v, replaced the head, and babied her pretty well.  He was sad to see it go, but the wife insisted on clearing out some space and paying off some other projects.  We'll keep in touch and let them know when we're hitting up the shows.

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

KtKC 2015 - Day 16

Strategery!  I managed to immobilize the enemy's Vindicator tank in turn one, allowing for a safer flank approach.  Unfortunately, the close combat phase was not the friend of the Angels of Vengeance today...


Donations can be made on the

Please remember to add "Team Guns & Coffee" in the order comment box!

Also keep in mind-
Kilted to Kick Cancer is proud to announce we have received the stamp of approval from the IRS to operate under section 501(c)(3) of the revenue code.
Short version: The money you donate to help us spread the word about cancer risks for guys and gals alike…it’s tax deductible now!
Thank you for your support!

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

KtKC 2015 - Day 15

Racked up some volunteer hours painting some bowls for this year's Empty Bowls.


Donations can be made on the

Please remember to add "Team Guns & Coffee" in the order comment box!

Also keep in mind-
Kilted to Kick Cancer is proud to announce we have received the stamp of approval from the IRS to operate under section 501(c)(3) of the revenue code.
Short version: The money you donate to help us spread the word about cancer risks for guys and gals alike…it’s tax deductible now!
Thank you for your support!

Monday, September 14, 2015

KtKC 2015 - Day 14

We're getting a half of a cow soon (we met his brother at the fair, he won Reserve Grand Champion!), and chest freezers were on sale, so...


Donations can be made on the

Please remember to add "Team Guns & Coffee" in the order comment box!

Also keep in mind-
Kilted to Kick Cancer is proud to announce we have received the stamp of approval from the IRS to operate under section 501(c)(3) of the revenue code.
Short version: The money you donate to help us spread the word about cancer risks for guys and gals alike…it’s tax deductible now!
Thank you for your support!

Sunday, September 13, 2015

KtKC 2015 - Day 13

How about the lead story on the local paper's website?  I'll take it!


I'll have to duck out and see if it's in the print version.

Donations can be made on the

Please remember to add "Team Guns & Coffee" in the order comment box!

Also keep in mind-
Kilted to Kick Cancer is proud to announce we have received the stamp of approval from the IRS to operate under section 501(c)(3) of the revenue code.
Short version: The money you donate to help us spread the word about cancer risks for guys and gals alike…it’s tax deductible now!
Thank you for your support!

Saturday, September 12, 2015

KtKC 2015 - Day 12

No kilt for the 12th, other monthly obligations...



Donations can be made on the

Please remember to add "Team Guns & Coffee" in the order comment box!

Also keep in mind-
Kilted to Kick Cancer is proud to announce we have received the stamp of approval from the IRS to operate under section 501(c)(3) of the revenue code.
Short version: The money you donate to help us spread the word about cancer risks for guys and gals alike…it’s tax deductible now!
Thank you for your support!

Friday, September 11, 2015

KtKC 2015 - Day 11

Went out to one of our favorite local manufacturers before I headed out for a fun filled National Guard weekend.
Enjoy the facial hair, it'll be gone in the next one.


Donations can be made on the

Please remember to add "Team Guns & Coffee" in the order comment box!

Also keep in mind-
Kilted to Kick Cancer is proud to announce we have received the stamp of approval from the IRS to operate under section 501(c)(3) of the revenue code.
Short version: The money you donate to help us spread the word about cancer risks for guys and gals alike…it’s tax deductible now!
Thank you for your support!

Thursday, September 10, 2015

KtKC 2015 - Day 10

Just enjoying the late summer weather.


Donations can be made on the

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Also keep in mind-
Kilted to Kick Cancer is proud to announce we have received the stamp of approval from the IRS to operate under section 501(c)(3) of the revenue code.
Short version: The money you donate to help us spread the word about cancer risks for guys and gals alike…it’s tax deductible now!
Thank you for your support!

KtKC 2015 - Day 9

But Sadie, I wanna sit down!


Donations can be made on the

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Also keep in mind-
Kilted to Kick Cancer is proud to announce we have received the stamp of approval from the IRS to operate under section 501(c)(3) of the revenue code.
Short version: The money you donate to help us spread the word about cancer risks for guys and gals alike…it’s tax deductible now!
Thank you for your support!

Wednesday, September 9, 2015

KtKC 2015 - Day 8

Making lunch at 9pm? Must be switching to night shift!

Donations can be made on the

Please remember to add "Team Guns & Coffee" in the order comment box!

Also keep in mind-
Kilted to Kick Cancer is proud to announce we have received the stamp of approval from the IRS to operate under section 501(c)(3) of the revenue code.
Short version: The money you donate to help us spread the word about cancer risks for guys and gals alike…it’s tax deductible now!
Thank you for your support!

Monday, September 7, 2015

KtKC 2015 - Day 7

Kilted grillmaster!



Donations can be made on the

Please remember to add "Team Guns & Coffee" in the order comment box!

Also keep in mind-
Kilted to Kick Cancer is proud to announce we have received the stamp of approval from the IRS to operate under section 501(c)(3) of the revenue code.
Short version: The money you donate to help us spread the word about cancer risks for guys and gals alike…it’s tax deductible now!
Thank you for your support!

Sunday, September 6, 2015

KtKC 2015 - Day 6

We hit up the county fair today, so I had to try the shooting gallery.


Donations can be made on the

Please remember to add "Team Guns & Coffee" in the order comment box!

Also keep in mind-
Kilted to Kick Cancer is proud to announce we have received the stamp of approval from the IRS to operate under section 501(c)(3) of the revenue code.
Short version: The money you donate to help us spread the word about cancer risks for guys and gals alike…it’s tax deductible now!
Thank you for your support!

Saturday, September 5, 2015

KtKC 2015 - Day 5

A new winery opened up in town, and this weekend is their "grand opening," so what better reason to dress up than free wine!


Donations can be made on the

Please remember to add "Team Guns & Coffee" in the order comment box!

Also keep in mind-
Kilted to Kick Cancer is proud to announce we have received the stamp of approval from the IRS to operate under section 501(c)(3) of the revenue code.
Short version: The money you donate to help us spread the word about cancer risks for guys and gals alike…it’s tax deductible now!
Thank you for your support!

KtKC 2015 - Day 4

Beer! I love this place.


Donations can be made on the

Please remember to add "Team Guns & Coffee" in the order comment box!

Also keep in mind-
Kilted to Kick Cancer is proud to announce we have received the stamp of approval from the IRS to operate under section 501(c)(3) of the revenue code.
Short version: The money you donate to help us spread the word about cancer risks for guys and gals alike…it’s tax deductible now!
Thank you for your support!

Friday, September 4, 2015

Body Camera Mussings

UoF reductions are a given. I want to see the changes in Resisting and Obstruction charges after the introduction of body cams.

It only seems fair.

Thursday, September 3, 2015

KtKC 2015 - Day 3

We came, we saw, we conquered. I somehow managed to keep my boat upright for the whole 7.5 mile trip.  It was good to actually get the kayak out this year (even if I borrowed Manda's.)


Donations can be made on the

Please remember to add "Team Guns & Coffee" in the order comment box!

Also keep in mind-
Kilted to Kick Cancer is proud to announce we have received the stamp of approval from the IRS to operate under section 501(c)(3) of the revenue code.
Short version: The money you donate to help us spread the word about cancer risks for guys and gals alike…it’s tax deductible now!
Thank you for your support!