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.

Configured for Backpack

Attachment Points

Main Compartment

Side Pocket Drawstring

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.

MOLLE Attachments Provided

Waist Carry

Backpack Carry

Side Carry

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.

Made from quality leather and rigid polymer, the Tejas “El Origional” Gun Belt by Magpul offers the quality blends a dress belt for work or leisure, and the rigidity of a functional gun belt for on or off the range.

With an outer layer made from high quality bullhide leather, the Tejas also employs a polymer base material for added “sag free” strength and rigidity. The high-tech polymer base is similar to other legacy Magpul products that endure an excessive level of abuse and moisture resistance. The eight sizing holes are spaced ¾” apart to maximize adjustability over standard belts.

The belt buckle and “tool free” custom Magpul hardware are removable, thus allowing the user to interchange the factory buckle with any standard buckle desired.

Specifications:

• Bullhide cut and manufactured in Texas
• Multiple lengths available from 32-44 inches
• See sizing instructions on website

Comes in Light Brown (featured), Black, and Chocolate with a chrome plated belt buckle.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Good (4/5): While $84.95 is a bit on the high-end for a non-descript leather dress belt, the Tejas is that and much more. Aside from the quality leather, the polymer base level and custom Magpul hardware bring to the belt added quality and performance. Similar gun belts on the market run the gambit from $10 nylon belts, to leather, and composites with all manner of hardware so it’s difficult to estimate where exactly the Tejas ranks. Comparable belts from Cross Breed Holsters, Big Foot Gunbelts, and Vedder are all close in cost so the Tejas is likely of average cost for its materials.
• Comfort – Excellent (5/5): VERY comfortable. The leather itself was of average flexibility given its tanning, but visually was very even and universal in color. The surprising part was how tactile the inner polymer base layer was. It gripped into the fabric of the jeans/slacks/pants and held enough rigidity in its overall form to not sag or droop given the time worn. The result was a consistent and snug fit that not only was good for EDC, but also supported wearing a holster.
• Durability – Average (3/5): Within the 30-day trial period the belt showed very little signs of wear, either to the leather or polymer. There was some creasing of the outer leather due to manipulating/bending the belt through the buckle, but that is of average wear to all similar belts as they break in. There was a concern given the hardware is somewhat raised above the belt, and as a result when feeding the belt through the buckle and loop, the end would collide and hang up on the polymer base. Repeated contact, especially if in a rush, may result in damage to the belt tip or potentially compromise the stitching. Research indicated this was a consistent concern, but not demonstrated was any significant compromised material because of it. Magpul does provide cleaning and care instructions for the bull hide leather.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): As a belt the Tejas was of good function, its strength being the unique blend of traditional materials (i.e. leather) and Magpul’s proprietary polymer. The result was a belt that was both at home in the office, on your jeans supporting your CCW, or even on the range holding up various holsters. The removable hardware also allowed the factory buckle to be easily exchanged with various third-party standard belt buckles (so if you have your Tactical Panda buckles, you are be good to go).
• Weight – Average (3/5): Weighing in at 6.4 ounces for a 38” belt, the Tejas is only slightly above the average 5-ounce weight of a premium leather dress belt, so the inclusion of the polymer base layer didn’t add a significant amount of weight.

Overall Rating – Above Average (19/25)

Product Link: https://www.magpul.com/products/magpul-tejas-gun-belt-el-original-1-5-inch

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.

Hunters and long-distance shooters often will spend hours behind their glass, scoping endlessly for the perfect game or most precise shot. The downside is that a majority of the market for spotting scopes are monocular, meaning one is squinting the entire time. Enter the Spot Shot by Shooting Made Easy, a Wi-Fi-enabled camera mounted to the end piece of the shooting scope. It alleviates eye fatigue and muscle tension, meaning you can spend more time doing what you want—putting those rounds downrange.

With an enclosed Wi-Fi camera system, the Spot Shot (SS) comprises of an adjustable chuck-mounting system (adjustable between 1.0” to 2.5” in diameter) that attaches to most common spotting scope eye pieces.

When paired with the free SS app on Google Play or Apple Store, the Wi-Fi camera is capable of streaming high definition video to most common smart devices, up to 150’ from the camera.

The SS app itself allows the user to observe, record, and take still images while storing them on the smart device.  

The SS is powered by a rechargeable lithium polymer battery that gives the camera a runtime of approximately eight to ten continuous hours. A micro USB port enables for charging, while the SS itself has a single power button with low-power indicator.

The Spot Shot – Wi-Fi Spotting Scope Camera is only available in in a blended Crème/Black color combination, and comes with a custom soft carrying bag and Micro USB power cable.

Editor’s Note: For the purpose of this review, a Vortex RAZOR HD 48×65 spotting scope was paired with the SS, however it did not influence nor was part of the review process for the camera system itself.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Excellent (5/5): With an MSRP of $119.99, the Spot Shot has an enclosed micro HD camera and Wi-Fi transmitter that is capable of projecting the spotting scope field of view 150’ to your app-enabled smart device. The adjustable chucks ensure the widest adaptability to most common spotting scope eye pieces on the current market. In contrast, other similar spotting scope cameras include the Hawk ($329) by TargetVision, the Spotter LR ($299) by Tactacam, and the Hawk ($329) by Longshot. Thus, in comparison the SS is excellently priced for the consumer given similar designs.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): From a comfort aspect, the SS was easy to install to the eyepiece of the spotting scope even at a max diameter, and the chuck-adjustment ring moved easily to provide a snug fit. Navigation within the app was likewise easy with the few options using common icons for easy recognition and to make sure it was not complex nor overwhelming.
• Durability – Average (3/5): The SS was enclosed within an ABS/polymer shell that gave it some modest level of protection from the occasional bump during transport, or hard contact with other items. However, the shell felt much like most commercial-grade electronic housings, and it is unlikely this camera system would survive a fall on concrete (an experiment not tried given lack of any rubberization). One recommendation to SME would be to consider rubberizing the outer edges to provide some level of drop protection. SME does offer a 2-year “Bulletproof” warrantee (sold separately) that users would need to consider based on their expected level of usage and protection for the camera.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): Functionally, the SS was very simplistic in use, with merely mounting to the eyepiece and opening the app being the extent of complexity. All focal adjustments had to be made from the scope and eyepiece, as the camera was strictly a passive system when ON. This left a lot of bouncing around in the field of view until all adjustments were completed. It would be strongly recommended to users to ensure that a strong tripod be used (not provided) to further stabilize the overall scope and camera. When used with the app, camera resolution showed clear and crisp video and images at the 50 yard line, but at 300 yards the color and resolution started to show some pixilation and color bleed. In addition; as the scope zoom was used for further distances and the focal plane of the eye piece narrowed, rounded shadows started to appear in the corners of the field of view reflecting the dimensions of the round eye piece projected on to a square screen. This was not inhibiting in any way, but something users should be aware of. Otherwise, the image and video capture functions worked as expected, and the library function easily brought up all files taken with the SS. It should be noted that unlike the “Sight In” target camera system by SME, there is no function in the app for the SS to do target development or shot tracking.
• Weight – Good (4/5): Weighing in at 10.4 ounces, the SS is lightweight enough not to be heavy in a range bag or backpack, but given that the weight is then added to the extreme end of a spotting scope made it difficult for smaller tripods to manage. The solution was to move the spotting scope to the larger tripod with a much wider base and sturdier material, and a larger locking mechanism. This gave the overall spotting scope improved stability with the SS camera added in moderate wind and amid other shooters. Shooters will need to consider their tripod accessories before venturing out with this camera. In contrast, the Hawk (16 ounces) by TargetVision, the Spotter LR (9 ounces) by Tactacam, and the Hawk (16 ounces) by Longshot all illustrate that the SS is at the lower end of the weight spectrum and thus earns itself a good score for its relative lightweight to functional use.

Overall Rating – Good (20/25)

Product Link: https://www.shootingmadeeasy.com/spot_shot/

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.