Category: Review

Fiocchi CovertX 9mm Ammo, by Thomas Christianson

Fiocchi has released a new ammo designed specifically for use in concealed carry handguns. It features an advanced bullet design consisting of a lead-alloy core with pre-cut serrations and a heavy copper jacket that is tuned for controlled expansion across a wide velocity range. It also utilizes a unique powder formulation designed for reduced muzzle flip, low flash signature, and lower recoil in compact and micro-compact handguns. The nickel-plated brass cases resist corrosion and enhance reliable feeding and extraction. The new “CovertX” ammo is currently available in .380 Auto, 9mm Luger, .45 ACP, .38 Special +P, and .357 Magnum. I …


A Knife, A Clip, and a Counterfeit, by Thomas Christianson

The Knife The Kershaw Leek 1660 OL is an outstanding knife for everyday carry (EDC). It has a shaving-sharp, three-inch, hollow-ground, drop-point blade made out of 14C28N stainless steel with a four-inch, anodized-aluminum handle. The spine of the blade is 0.09 inches thick at its widest point. The assisted opening mechanism accelerates the blade decisively into engagement with the liner lock with a satisfying snap when the flipper is activated. A tip lock secures the blade whenever it is important to ensure against accidental opening. The knife is made in the USA, and was on sale for $99.99 at the …


Benjamin M600 Airbow, by Thomas Christianson

The Benjamin M600 Airbow is an outstanding development in the world of archery. It is powerful, accurate, and easy to use. Using pre-charged pneumatic power, it delivers arrows downrange at up to 600 feet per second with 300 foot pounds of energy. With a weight of 6.8 pounds and a length of 33 inches, the M600 delivers these features in a reasonably light and compact package. The M600 is made in the USA with globally sourced components. At the time of this writing, it cost $829.90 at benjaminairguns.com.


LifeStraw Go 22 Ounce Water Bottle, by Thomas Christianson

By combining water purification and storage, the LifeStraw 22 Ounce Water Bottle provides a simple, convenient and practical solution for providing potable water in the field. With the LifeStraw Go, safe, pleasant-tasting drinking water is close at hand. The specific model that I tested is no longer available at LifeStraw.com. A slightly different but similar model cost $32.71 at the time of this writing. Or, if you are fast enough, you might be able to still get the discontinued model at rei.com for $25.73. Replacement filters cost $24.95 at LifeStraw.com. Lifestraw products are manufactured in South Korea, the United States, …


Christensen Arms Ranger in .22LR, by Thomas Christianson

Every gun cabinet should contain at least one rifle chambered in .22LR. The .22LR rimfire ammo is available in a wide variety of loads at reasonable prices. There is minimal recoil, minimal noise, and .22LR is a whole lot of fun to shoot. For training, for pest control, and for an all-around good time, there are few chamberings to match .22LR. Weighing in at just 5.1 pounds, the Christensen Arms Ranger in .22LR is an amazingly light and well-balanced bolt-action tack-driver with an excellent trigger. The threaded, 18-inch, hand-lapped, carbon-fiber-tension-over-stainless-steel-core barrel is well matched with a carbon-fiber stock with a …


Buying and Testing a Dead Air RXD22Ti Silencer, by Thomas Christianson

When the Big Beautiful Bill was signed into law on July 4, 2025, it eliminated the $200 tax on silencers. This change will become effective on January 1, 2026. Many SurvivalBlog readers may want to purchase their first silencer now that the tax has been eliminated. I decided to go ahead with a silencer purchase before the big day so that I could describe what that process looks like for first-time silencer buyers. I contacted Dead Air Silencers to see if they would be willing to provide the silencer while I would pay the tax and the SOT/FFL transfer fee. …


Unorthodox Designs SLAP Loader for SIG P320/250, by Thomas Christianson

Gravity is not your friend. That is, except for some rare instances when it actually is. The Unorthodox Designs SLAP (Single Load And Press) Loader for SIG P320/250 harnesses the power of gravity to quickly and easily load steel SIG P320/250 standard or high-capacity magazines. The loader is especially effective when loading factory FMJ ammo with brass or nickel-plated casings. The SLAP loader is available exclusively at GunMag Warehouse where it cost $19.99 at the time of this writing. There is also a version available for double stack Glock 9mm or .40 S&W magazines.


1791 Gunleather Optic Ready Belt Holster, by Thomas Christianson

The 1791 Gunleather Optic Ready Belt Holster is a sturdy, comfortable, beautiful, handcrafted leather holster that does an excellent job of retaining a handgun during open carry. It is made in America, and costs $61.99 at www.1791gunleather.com at the time of this writing. If you are looking for a nice, leather, outside-the-waistband (OWB) holster that fits a wide range of handguns at a reasonable price, you may want to check this one out. Background My favorite handgun is a Rock Island Armory MAPP FS, which I purchased after reviewing it on SurvivalBlog. I bought it because I can shoot the …


Bear & Son 112A Framelock Assisted Opener Knife, by Thomas Christianson

With a rugged stainless steel handle, a 2.88-inch drop point blade made of high carbon stainless steel, and an assisted opening mechanism, the Bear & Son 112A Framelock Assisted Opener Knife has the right stuff for a solid everyday carry (EDC) knife. Since it is made in the USA and has a price at the time of this writing of $59.99 it is a good value for your hard-earned dollars. It is available at BearAndSonCutlery.com . I only keep a small number of the knives that I test. Most of them I give away to family, friends, and acquaintances. I …


Timex Expedition Field Post Solar Watch, by Thomas Christianson

Certain observers would say that I have an unhealthy obsession with punctuality. The fact that those observers are my children does not necessarily mean that they are correct. Children have been known to misunderstand their parents. They may even rebel against their upbringing by arriving at events exactly on time rather than 30 minutes early. Thus, the world spirals into decay. In any case, accurate time keeping is as a balm to my soul. If civilization collapses and chaos ensues, I want to know exactly what time it is when everything goes down. In June of 2023, SurvivalBlog published my …


Bear Knuckles G305 Hybrid Driver Gloves, by Thomas Christianson

I was making good progress untying some difficult knots. The wind had taken down a tree in a marshy area in the woods by our home. I had used a block and tackle to pull the tree to drier ground so that I could process it for firewood. Now I was busy tidying up my ropes. Suddenly, I realized that something was different. I was wearing gloves. Usually shedding my gloves is the first step in the process of untying difficult knots. The Bear Knuckles G305 Hybrid Driver Gloves that I was wearing provided such good grip and dexterity that …


Victorinox Swiss Army Trailfinder, by Thomas Christianson

Victorinox is the most prolific producer of pocket knives in the world. Although most of their knives are made for the international civilian market, it is the knives that they make for the Swiss Army that supply the inspiration and cachet that drives the sale of the company’s nonmilitary models. Since 1890, Victorinox has manufactured five different knife models for issue in the Swiss Army: the 1890, 1908, 1951, 1961, and 2008 models. Prior to 2008, the models that Victorinox produced for issue to the Swiss Army lacked the three essential features of a modern everyday carry (EDC) knife. Those …


Mossberg 590RM Pump Shotgun, by Thomas Christianson

Mossberg continues to innovate tactical shotgun design with their new 590RM Pump Shotgun. The “R” in the name refers to the ambidextrous rotary safety that gives the shotgun more AR-like ergonomics and handling features. The “M” refers to the 10-round detachable magazine that allows faster reloads. Other key features include a Magpul pistol grip with a storage compartment in the grip, a buttstock adjustable for LOP, a recoil pad, and a heat shield over the barrel. The model that I tested also features a Picatinny rail for mounting optics, adjustable Magpul MBUS3 two-piece pop-up sights, and a front M-Lok adapter …


FNIRSI GC-03 Radiation Detector: An Evaluation, by Mike in Alaska

Introduction This article is not a full review. It is just a cursory evaluation. Several weeks ago, I ordered a Multifunction Nuclear Radiation Detector from a eBay seller who imports these units from China. FNIRSI also sells several other electronic test equipment units, one of which I bought was the multi-function oscilloscope hoping that I could use it on the bench as well as for portable operations. Alas, I didn’t like the unit because the probe connections for the oscilloscope don’t fit well into the connector (BNC type) on the top of the case and because of that issue I …


Camel City Mill Ironside Merino Wool Work Socks, by Thomas Christianson

I recommend Merino wool socks rather than cotton or synthetic socks for field use. Merino wool provides better moisture control, better insulation when wet, and better odor-resistance than cotton or synthetics. I recently had the opportunity to test four pair of Camel City Mill Ironside Merino Wool Work Socks. They proved to be excellent. The socks were comfortable, durable, warm, they breathed-well, and were order-resistant. Camel City Mill is one of a half dozen or so American companies that sell outstanding Merino wool socks that are made in the U.S.A. When so much manufacturing has been moved overseas, it is …