High Ground Media, LLC

I was first introduced to the concept of a “boom bag” amid one of my many overseas adventures, and since then it has been a mainstay of my time at the range. Done right, a boom bag (or satchel bag) can be a versatile and essential piece of every-day gear that has a wide array of applications.

The premise of a boom bag is pretty straightforward. They are small packs or bags that hold spare magazines (loaded or unloaded), loose ammo, grenades, aid kit, or whatever is essential for the mission at hand. The idea being its a bag that can be grabbed and thrown into use without a jumbled mess inside – where everything is easily accessible and secure. They need to be durable enough to last hard use, but not so bulky as to rival the added weight of another rucksack. Lots of folks use the typical range bag or every day carry bag to fulfill this role; but as I found, not all bags are equal.

After quite a bit of research, I came across S.O. Tech Tactical and their Mission Go Bag (MGB).

The S.O. Tech MGB was introduced circa 2005 as a trauma bag, then revamped in 2015 as an A1 model with added features that celebrate S.O. Tech’s 10 years as the choice pack by US Special Operations. Its size makes it ideal as a medical bag, carrying radios and batteries, breaching tools, E&E components or anything you could need for the task at hand. Designed by founder Jim Cragg based on his own experiences in the military, the MGB offers two main compartments, smooth zipper closure, and 12 different carry configurations—but its real advantage is in its well-thought-out design.

Unlike its contemporaries, the MGB’s main compartment has a deep opening, so that when accessing the contents everything is visible in a single look (something that in a high stress situation can be critical). Inside the main compartment are four side pockets with drawstring and cinch closures. This allows you to keep an assortment of loose items or packages secure and separate from the rest of the contents in the main compartment. For example, if viewed for a medical purpose this design enables the MGB to have dedicated and secured pockets for Israeli dressings, hemostatic agents, bandages, and other aid elements while still leaving the main pocket compartment available for other use. The main compartment also features a divided sleeve along the back that can keep maps, notebooks, or other legal-sized documents.

The secondary compartment on the front is accessible via another zipper closure, and has two, eight-slot MOLLE panels stitched to the outside. Inside, the secondary compartment is rather straightforward with a legal-sized storage area and a Velcro panel for adding secondary accessories with a similar backing.

Another unique feature about the MGB is its ability to adapted to 12 different carry configurations that include:

• Backpack
• Belt pack
• Brief case
• Chest pack
• Pack mount
• Satchel
• Sling pack
• Vehicle wall pack
• Vest mount
• Waist pack

On the whole the MGB is amazingly versatile regardless of how you intend to use it. The 500D Cordura nylon construction gives it a proper blend between durability against hard use, and flexibility that allow it to conform against the body or pack as needed. On the back, the rubberized pad proved to be a lifesaver in preventing heat rash or excessive movement of the pack. The only noted negative was the shoulder strap itself may need some more padding given its width. In any of the over-the-shoulder methods you may find it rubs exposed skin a little raw. In addition, the handle straps don’t have significant padding to be carried as a briefcase throughout the day.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Average (3/5): At $130 the MGB is at a price point comparable to other packs on the market of similar size. For an additional $10 you can get a special operations edition with embroidery.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): The MGB was surprisingly comfortable in many of its configurations, especially as a backpack. However, lack of support material in the handle as a briefcase, and strap for over-the-shoulder use gave it negative marks.
• Durability – Excellent (5/5): The 500D Cordura material is very puncture and scratch resistant. It won’t stop a blade attack or isn’t bulletproof, but it will hold up against dragging, pulling, or field use extremely well.
• Functionality – Excellent (5/5): The number of carry configurations make the MGB extremely adaptable, for any mission or role.
• Weight – Good (4/5): The bag itself is merely 1.5lbs, but you can fit a lot more weight into it than that. Each pocket in the main compartment holds approximately 1k lose rounds of 9mm, or roughly 800 rounds of loose 5.56/.223, so it can carry a good amount. Your largest limiting factor on weight will be having to carry what you put in it.
• Overall Rating – Very Good (21/25)

Product website: https://sotechtactical.com

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.

The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the author. The views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.

 

The Urban Ruck by Trident Tactical/Technical (T3) gives the user a sleek, low-profile EDC backpack that can accommodate up to 12-hours’ worth of essentials. Its 500D Cordura material allows for an optimal balance between the pack’s 20” (H) x 12” (W) x 7” (D) overall dimension, while providing for the flexibility and durability necessary to daily life.

Exterior

At the front, the T3 Urban Ruck has a 9” (W) x 13” (H) large accessory compartment (secured via zipper) that allow the user to store items of varying size and need. The exterior of the accessory compartment has a smaller accessory pocket with a split field of nylon mesh (secured via zipper), and an additional patch-sized (female) hook-and-loop field for an identification, unit, or morale patch. At the top is a plastic carabiner D-ring to hang a water bottle or other item.

Both sides to the Urban Ruck feature two compression straps (four total), with sliding buckles to ensure the contents stay secured. Additionally, both sides feature a pocket (two total) for storing Nalgene bottles or other items. At the top and bottom to both sides are (female) slide-release buckles to allow the user to mount either belts or straps as necessary with an associated buckle. On the pack’s left side, forming the corner with the backpanel, a full-length zipper allows access into the main storage compartment behind an internal divider for up to a 13” laptop.

The backpanel to the Urban Ruck includes closed-cell foam padding across the back. Both shoulder straps are contoured and anchored at the top of the backpanel with extensive bartack stitching, with QD slide-release buckles at the bottom. The shoulder straps have an adjustable sternum strap with multiple nylon webbing loops to hang accessories.

The Urban Ruck has a knapsack design that secures over the top of the backpack to the front via two slide-release buckles. At the top is a small, zipper secured accessory pocket for sunglass case or other items.

The bottom of the Urban Ruck features the same foam padding as the backpanel.

Interior

The interior of the Urban Ruck is accessed via a single drawstring. The main storage compartment includes an internal divider, with a zipper-secured pouch on the interior of one side, and a sleeve pocket on the other. Above both compartments is another zipper-secured accessory pouch.

Available in Multicam Black (featured), Coyote, and Urban Grey (Coming Soon).

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Average (3/5): At a listed price of $220, the Urban Ruck has a significant amount of materials for its design, to include thick padding in its shoulder pads and backpanel. All of which work to give the pack a non-tactical appearance that could easily fill the role on the range, on a day hike, or commuting in your daily life. Other market comparisons would be from Tru-Spec’s Tour of Duty ($177 in Multicam Black), or Triple Aught Design’s FAST Pack (in Multicam Black $335). It should be noted however that in both of the competitors listed, their packs still lend towards a “tactical-not-tactical” appearance despite being marketed for everyday life. Additionally, source of manufacturing tends to lend itself to more inexpensive products, and those produced domestically trend to higher cost (which would help explain the price difference). If the user needs to maintain a low profile in an urban setting then the Urban Ruck is appropriately (or of average) priced.
• Comfort – Excellent (5/5): From a comfort aspect, the Urban Ruck offered a good deal of comfort given its thick padding in the shoulder straps and backpanel. Its soft shell provided good comfort and contoured to the back when worn, and the 500D Cordura material had sufficient flexibility to not give the pack any hard edges or angles. All the zippers functioned smoothly and did not bind, while the slide release buckles snapped/secured cleanly. Weather worn for a few hours or all day, the Urban Ruck was consistently comfortable.
• Durability – Excellent (5/5): The main 500D Cordura material offered a good amount of abrasion resistance to withstand general range work, and performed well for an EDC bag to daily life. Bartack and X-type stitching was noted anchoring the shoulder straps two points of contact into the backpanel, and at other key stress points to reinforce the Urban Ruck’s overall durability. Double line stitching also reinforced all YKK zippers and all of the paracord pull tabs appeared to be secured inside plastic end caps.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): Functionally the Urban Ruck is more reminiscent of a day pack, one with a tactical mindset to keep that low-profile for life in urban settings. The over-the-top closure flap completely covered the drawstring opening, though the slide-release buckles were still exposed. The exterior split field accessory pocket on the front did provide immediate access and visibility to its contents, but also to anyone else (in the city this could prove tempting to thieves). The Urban Ruck was able to comfortably carry several pairs of clothing and range accessories, and could easily be configured to any need necessary. One thing to bear in mind was items placed inside the Urban Ruck can get buried down inside the main storage compartment, as unlike backpacks that open on three sides, the Urban Ruck is top-down access only. One thing T3 may want to consider is changing the material in the interior of the main storage compartment to a high-visibility color rather than black. This would make searching the interior easier.
• Weight – Average (3/5): Coming in at 3.8 pounds for 25-30 Liters of storage space, the Urban Ruck was lightweight enough that wearing it for several hours (3+) did not become uncomfortable with a moderate amount of weight (books, food, clothes, etc.). There was a notable limit to weight that could be carried however, as heavier items (ammo or electronic equipment) pulled more on the pack over time due to its lack of an internal frame. This merely reinforced the design that the Urban Ruck is intended for daily and light/moderate use. In comparison, the Tour of Duty came in at 5 pounds for 37 Liters of storage, and the FAST pack was 2.04 pounds for 28 Liters of space. This would put the Urban Ruck appropriately (or at an average) sized for its weight and offering the user a good sized EDC pack.

Overall Rating – Good (20/25)

Product Link: https://www.t3gear.com/t3-urban-ruck/

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.

The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the author. The views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.

While often thought of for its AR and AK accessories, Magpul is one of the few manufactures that also produces furniture for the Mossberg 500/590 and Remington 870 shotgun platforms as well. This can be of great benefit for those who look to the shotgun as a solution (and less expensive) for home defense. For the purpose of this review the Mossberg 500/590 model was selected.

Released in 2011, the MOE M-LOK and SGA stock by Magpul Industries offers a number of improvements over stock Mossberg 500/590 hardware. These accessories continue to place Magpul innovation at the forefront of the firearms market, while improving the platform’s comfort and ergonomics.

MOE M-LOK Forend

The forend replacement is a direct drop-in replacement for the stock Mossberg forend that provides a number of number of innovative Magpul improvements. The M-LOK Forend has a reinforced polymer construction with M-LOK slots at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions for the direct attachment of corresponding accessories and rails.

The M-LOK forend itself has an extended length with front for greater hand positioning, and front/rear handstops to prevent over extension of the support hand.

The MOE M-LOK Forend is available in Black (featured), Stealth Grey, FDE, and Orange.

Product Link: https://magpul.com/moem-lokforend-mossberg590-590a1.html?mp_global_color=118

SGA Stock

Magpul offers a stock replacement for the Mossberg 500/590 that improves on the factory design by offering a number of ergonomic improvements and added features. The SGA Stock provides an adjustable length of pull in ½” increments, from 12.5” to 14.5” using a spacer to attain a more comfortable shouldering.

The grip of the SGA offers a blend between traditional fixed stock with a downward pistol-grip type approach. Sling loops are integrated on both the SGA’s sides and can accommodate a sling up to 1.25” in width.

At the rear of the SGA is an ambidextrous, recoil-reducing buttpad to mitigate impact.

The SGA Stock is available in Black (featured), Stealth Grey, FDE, and Orange.

Product Link: https://magpul.com/firearm-accessories/stocks/shotgun/sgastock-mossberg500-590-590a1.html?mp_global_color=118

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Average (3/5): With the M-LOK Forend ($29.95) and SGA Stock ($109.95), users will spend less on improving all of the shotgun’s furniture than most AR users will to upgrade just their rail. Made from the same polymer as its magazines, the M-LOK Forend and SGA Stock have sufficient material to validate the cost, specifically the stock that also includes additional Length of Pull (LOP) spacers for a comfortable shouldering. Generally, secondary online retailers will also offer discounts or holiday specials for both the M-LOK Forend and SGA Stock when sold as a set. Other companies like Hogue offer a similar rubberized forend ($22.95), and ATI does have a A2 stylized stock ($119.99), but these either echo the original minimalist design of the stock Mossberg hardware, or only have the minimal of materials necessary. Given that Magpul’s furniture falls in line with other market alternatives, this translates to it being adequately (or of average) cost.
• Comfort – Excellent (5/5): The M-LOK Forend was a definite improvement over the stock Mossberg design in that not only did the Magpul forend have hand stops at both front and back to prevent slippage when cycling, but the texture and dimensions filled the palm more appropriately. Likewise, the SGA Stock was both lightweight and had a padded buttstock that came with adjustable LOP spacers to attain the best comfort. In addition, the SGA Stock had the same approach angle in its grip as an A2 stylized pistol grip that made holding the overall weight of the shotgun (either in both hands or just by the stock) much more comfortable on the wrist than the traditional stock.
• Durability – Excellent (5/5): Both the M-LOK Forend and SGA Stock were made from Magpul’s durable polymer material and are single-piece designs, so there is little potential for the few frangible pieces (such as the sling loop) to become compromised. Several drop tests were performed on each unit prior to installation but aside from the few minor aesthetic surface scrapes (more to the rubberized buttpad), nothing that detracted from the hardware’s function was noted.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): Installation of the M-LOK Forend was extremely straightforward, thanks in large part to the included wrench that made removal of the stock hardware’s retention nut very easy. The forend also came with the appropriate spacers for either the Mossberg 500 or 590 model shotgun and ensured a tight fit with no excess movement after installation. Along both side of the forend are spacers for Magpul M-LOK rails that could add other accessories or weapon lights. When it came to the SGA Stock, installation was through a hide-slot in the upper grip and with an included threaded bolt. It was a little tight to use the included hex key, but afterwards the slot was easily covered with the included plug. The length of pull simply was adjusted by attaching or removing the included spacers to find the most comfortable fit. That’s it. Very simple and very functional, the M-LOK Forend and SGA Stock offer a very efficient and functional improvement over the 500’s stock furniture. It should be noted the SGA Stock does have additional accessories to increase the rise of the comb to accommodate even more comfort into its function for any shooter.
• Weight – Good (4/5): Individually, the M-LOK Forend (6.3 ounces) and SGA Stock (1.5lb or 24 ounces) were both very lightweight for the improved functionality added over the stock furniture. In addition, the added furniture did not imbalance the shotgun and in fact improved the overall feel of the shotgun as a single unit. The use of polymer as a base material aided in keeping the weight to an appropriate (or good) level given the volume involved. In comparison, the Hogue forend comes in at a surprising 1.75 pounds (or 28 ounces) while ATI’s A2-styled Shotforce stock was 1.86 pounds (or 29.76 ounces) and both demonstrate Magpul’s ability to save weight through its materials while sacrificing none of the functionality.

Overall Rating – Good (21/25)

I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via STL Shooting Enthusiasts, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.

The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the author. The views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of the administrative staff, and/or any/all contributors to this site.