High Ground Media, LLC

Offering a variety of pouches to fill the need to any battle belt, Emdom USA offers several of the most popular pouch types needed for users be it on the range, or in the field. With many designed in partnership with Military Morons, the pouches by Emdom USA are made from materials that offer extensive durability and maximize overall function.

Dump Pouch

Made from 1000D Cordura, the semi-rigid Dump Pouch is a pleated, medium pouch that extends to an overall dimension of 9” (H) x 7” (W) x 3″ (D) when opened. The pouch itself is hung below the beltline for ease of access by a rigid HDPE panel that also prevents excess movement and sag off the belt. When stowed, the Dump Pouch is secured to the rigid mounting panel with a snap button closure.

At the opening, the Dump Pouch has a removable half-cover lid that maintains the rectangular shape of the opening, while giving some measure of security to any potential contents. In addition, the opening lip of material around the Dump Pouch also has an integrated band of HDPE to further retain the opening for ease of access in extreme situations.

The overall pleated pouch allows for expansion of bulky or otherwise odd-sized items. At the bottom of the Dump Pouch is a single drainage grommet.

At the rear of the Dump Pouch is a MOLLE-compatible field that attaches to associated fields on belts via MALICE clips or other retention bands.

The Dump Pouch is available in a variety of colors to include; Multicam (featured), Black, SDU Grey, and other custom colors.

Product Link: https://www.emdomusa.com/Emdom-MM-Dump-Pouch-p/eu021a.htm

Box Medical Glove Pouch

In this age of COVID and pandemic concerns, Emdom has developed a belt accessory that is ideal for carrying and securing medical gloves while on the rage or in the field. And let’s be honest, in this pandemic state of affairs, it’s just good practice to carry gloves with you as part of your EDC. Made for first responders, the Box Medical Glove Pouch is made from 1000D Cordura for maximum abrasion resistance with an overall dimension of 4″ (H) x 3″ (L) x 1.5″ (D).

At the front the Box Medical Glove Pouch features a wide, overlapping, two layer elastic nylon flap that allows the user to draw one glove at a time. This prevents other gloves inside the pouch to become contaminated by the environment, while still keeping them within easy access. The interior space of the Box Medical Glove Pouch can hold up to 15 pairs of gloves.

On the rear of the pouch is a dual-use ambidextrous mounting system that includes a MOLLE field for MALICE clips or other mounting measures. In addition, under the MOLLE field is a hook-and-loop lined tunnel that allows for up to a 2.75” belt to be passed through and securely attached.

The Box Medical Glove Pouch is available in a variety of colors to include; Multicam (featured), Black, SDU Grey, and other custom colors.

Product Link: https://www.emdomusa.com/Emdom-BOX-Medical-Glove-Pouch-p/eu223.htm

6o4 Multi-Pistol Magazine Pouch

In an effort to minimize space while still providing immediate access to additional magazines, Emdom teamed up with Military Morons to design a multi-use magazine pouch. Made from a combination of 1000D Cordura, elastic nylon, and Type 13 webbing, the 6o4 pouch is designed to hold six single stack .45 magazines or four double stack magazines securely and be ready at a moment’s notice.

From the front, the 6o4 has two Cordura pouches that have external elastic band to maintain the retention of magazines. The pouches are secured by hook-and-loop flaps.  Flaps are adjustable in length and can be removed for direct access. If desired, the flaps can also be self-retained by simply doubled over and secured by the hook-and-loop Velcro sewn at the inner side of the flap.

Inside each pouch is an internal elastic divider which offers retention of rear magazines when the front magazine is drawn. An additional layer of nylon is sewn at the top of the elastic divider to protect it against abrasion during the holstering of magazines. The internal elastic divider works in conjunction with the external elastic band to provide the optimum retention for a variety of magazine types and combinations. The 6o4 can accommodate two double-stack magazines on each side, or three single-stack on each side.

On the rear of the 6o4 are three bands of nylon that make a MOLLE-compatible field. The bands of nylon are slightly spaced to facilitate ease of threading MALICE clips, or other types of retention to associated panels.

The 6o4 pouch is available in a variety of colors to include; Multicam (featured), Black, SDU Grey, and other custom colors.

Product Link: https://www.emdomusa.com/Emdom-MM-6o4-Multi-Pistol-Magazine-Pouch-p/eu060a.htm

Emdom Gadget Pouch

The Gadget Pouch is one of those universal “catch-all” pouches that often finds a home either on a battle belt of plate carrier. They allow storage of keys, notebooks, and other mission essentials at a nearby reach. The design offered by Emdom USA has an overall dimension of 4” (H) x 5.5 “(W) x 2” (D) and made dominantly from 1000D Cordura for maximum abrasion resistance.

Exterior

At the front is a zipper-secured accessory pocket for identification cards, security badges, or other flat-based items. The shuttle to the zipper has a paracord pull tab with plastic endcap. On the front exterior is a 3.5” (L) x 2” (H) hook-and-loop field for morale or identification patches.

On the left side are two sets of Type 13 nylon webbing that allow for threading items like pens or shears, or a top nylon loop to pass a carabiner through. A dual-shuttle zipper runs the length of the top and right side that allows a roomy L-shaped access to the Gadget Pouch’s interior. Again, the zipper pull tabs are paracord with a plastic endcap. The bottom and left sides also include integrated foam to help maintain an L-shaped structure to the overall pouch and prevent the pouch from collapsing unnecessarily.

The rear of the Gadget Pouch features an interesting mounting matrix that allows the pouch be mounted vertically (by MALICE Clips) or horizontally (by the two build-in snap straps) on a MOLLE surface or on a belt (up to 2.75” wide). In addition, there is a second nylon loop to pass a carabiner or other item through.

Interior

The Gadget Pouch has a folder-type opening, with an interior lined with Dri-Lex fabric to minimize moisture penetration. On one side of the interior is a hook-and-loop secured envelope pocket, while the other has a top paracord loop for securing keys or other type of lanyard objects. This makes the pouch ideal for storing sensitive electronics or other items.

The Gadget Pouch is available in a variety of colors to include; Multicam (featured), Black, SDU Grey, and other custom colors.

Product Link: https://www.emdomusa.com/Emdom-Gadget-Pouch-p/eu087a.htm

For the purposes of this evaluation, a Safariland 7385 holster and belt by Elite Survival Systems was also utilized, but not part of the assessed score. 

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Average (3/5): Taken for their individual components, each pouch by Emdom USA represents a large degree of development to bring functional pouches to the user’s belt. Each is dominantly made from Cordura for maximum durability and has a cost as follows:
  • Dump Pouch: $52.99
  • Box Medical Glove Pouch: $31.99
  • 6o4 Multi-Pistol Magazine Pouch: $44.99
  • Gadget Pouch: $45.99

Overall the price for accessory pouches varies as much on its design as vendor. For instance, the T3 Dump Pouch ($49) and Raptor Tactical Dump Pouch ($50) are directly comparable, but both offer some variance in design. Elsewhere, most medical glove pouches ($14-$18) are simple envelope-style pouches that don’t offer the control or carrying volume as Emdom’s. The 6o4 Multi-Pistol Magazine and Gadget pouches are both on par with other similar pouches that fulfill comparable roles. In summation, while the market has a wide array of pouches, Emdom USA’s are appropriately (or of average) price point within it.

• Comfort – Good (4/5): As far as the comfort of its various pouches, Emdom went the extra distance to ensure that the areas of each pouch that experienced continual tactical touch, such as pouch edges and corners, were finished with binding tape and avoided excess abrasion against the skin. Furthermore, the option of 1000D Cordura for most of the material ensured maximum abrasion resistance to the overall integrity of the pouch, while still being somewhat pliable to retain shape and not be overly ridged. Of note, the Dump Pouch had a comfortable hanger that lowered the opening to below the belt-line that aided in driving magazines into the pouch quickly and easily. Similarly, the glove pouch had a nice elastic enclosure that not only retained the gloves through dynamic movement, but in the draw of gloves as well. For both the mag and gadget pouches, the enclosure (hook-and-loop and YKK zipper) either held securely or ran smoothly. In all, for their use and design, the various pouches held a good level of function comfort and usage.
• Durability– Excellent (5/5): Emdom opted to use 1000D Cordura for most of the pouches reviewed. This type of nylon worked well, given its high-degree of abrasion resistance, and during dynamic movements the pouches held up excellently. This performance was also most likely attributed to the extensive use of bartack and over-threading along edges and high-stress points that added strength to the pouch itself. Emdom further strengthened high-use pouches, such as the dump pouch with its rigid plastic backer that ensured the pouch itself didn’t sag or pull away. Likewise, the double mag pouch had Type 13 webbing as its cover flat that ensured hard edges of magazine base pads didn’t cut or fray the material regardless of how tightened down they were made. In all, the pouches reviewed were all excellent in durability due to reinforcement and design.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): Functionally all the pouches performed as intended. The concern with the dump pouch was that it may hang down too low because of its lowered opening off the belt, but in fact it was quite comfortable (but noticeable when loaded with mags and in sprints) and the user may find themselves not having to over-reach behind them to drive the magazine home inside the pouch. The drop pouch’s removable enclosure flap also helped to ensure magazines didn’t inadvertently tumble out during more dynamic movements. Both the medical glove and gadget pouch gave a low enough profile off the belt to be unobtrusive, but were readily at hand when needed. This remained the case when the pouches were moved off the belt and onto a plate carrier, although more so with the gadget pouch as it was easily mounted in either horizonal or vertical position. The only exception to this was the Multi-Magazine Pouch, which when fully loaded with four double-stack magazines did have a significant profile off the belt or carrier (as was expected). This minor consideration was offset though by the Multi-Mag Pouch’s ability to carry both single and double stack magazines securely and allowed the user to utilize either type of firearm while taking up less MOLLE space on a belt or carrier. Overall, all pouches were readily within reach and functioned easily and as expected.
• Weight – Good (4/5): For the most, Emdom’s choice of using 1000D Cordura only added minimal weight over similar pouches made of lesser material. As such, for what was gained over those alternatives, the increase in weight for the 1000D was extremely minimal. As such, the evaluated pouches weighed in at:
  • Dump Pouch: 7 ounces (with MALICE clips)
  • Box Medical Glove Pouch: 1.6 ounces (empty)
  • 6o4 Multi-Pistol Magazine Pouch: 3 ounce (w/o clips)
  • Gadget Pouch: 5 ounce (w/o clips)

In contrast, the comparable T3 Dump Pouch (7.84 ounces) whereas the Raptor Tactical Dump Pouch (5.10 ounces) illustrate that volume of material and reinforcement are indeed factors to weight—even by as little as ounces. Otherwise the Medical Glove and Gadget Pouch were on par with the minimal weight of other market alternatives. The one odd-ball of the evaluated pouches was the weight of the Multi-Pistol Magazine Pouch—which was simply because there are few comparable multi-use pistol magazine pouches on the market (something that makes this pouch rather unique). Many are either singular in their use (four or more single stack, or just two double magazines only) and thus the weight was somewhat heavier because of the larger volume of material needed. The ability of the Multi-Pistol Magazine Pouch to incorporate both while still keeping a minimal weight only added to the overall score of all pouches being of reasonable (or good) weight within the market.

Overall Rating – Good (20/25)

Product Link: https://www.emdomusa.com/default.asp

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 Drop-In Service Trigger remains one of the longer standing trigger lines offered by Elftmann Tactical. Designed to provide service-quality reliability and function, in a drop-in, cassette type housing the Drop-In Service Trigger has an adjustable trigger pull with a crisp break.

Built by Elftmann for law enforcement and military duty, the Drop-In Service Trigger (DST) aerospace-grade sealed bearings that give it a smooth and fast trigger pull.

The spring action uses EDC machined 0.043”, double-wound, piano wire that is hardened and polished to reduce friction. This allows the DST to have an adjustable trigger pull between 4 to 7 pounds.

The trigger components (hammer, disconnector, trigger) are made from hardened steel. The trigger assembly itself is sealed inside an aircraft grade aluminum drop-in housing.

The ELF Pro Component Trigger is available in a curved or straight shoe.

Specifications:

• Adjustable from 4lbs to 7lbs without removing from lower
• Compatible to all calibers – 5.56, 9mm, .308 etc.
• Fits any mil-spec AR-15 (Standard pin size, no large pin Colt)
• Drop-Safe
• Full power hammer spring
• Disconnect allows full 1/4” width eliminating wear and double-firing
• Trigger and hammer needle bearings provide smoother and faster firing

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Fair (2/5): The Elftmann Drop-In Service Trigger (DST) has an MSRP of $259 which makes it one of the mid-range triggers offered by the manufacturer. The DST has a more robust trigger pull that can be adjusted from between 4 and 7 pounds depending on the comfort of the end user. Other market alternatives for drop-in duty triggers include the original CMC Drop-In Single Stage Duty Trigger ($167.99), Wilson Combat’s AR-15 TTU ($189.95) or Timmy Trigger’s Targa 2-Stage Trigger ($204.05). These all demonstrate that the quality and materials of various the popular drop-in type of triggers runs the gambit of cost, with the DST at the higher end of the spectrum and one that the consumer may find fair but one they must determine if it is worth the investment.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): The DST was machined to have an adjustable trigger pull with materials that gave it smooth actioning. This also provided it a definitive feel in the trigger wall’s “break” with a very consistent resistance in overtravel. From a tactile aspect, the “flat-face” of the trigger (the DST is available in both curved and flat) had a grooved cut to give it more of a surface deviation against the finger. The hard angle edges of the skeletonized trigger however were notable, and gave it an unusual wire-hanger feel rather than a solid one-piece design. It would be suggested to Elftmann to consider polishing/rounding the edges of the trigger to give it a more contoured feel against the finger. The trigger mechanism itself felt, and sounded crisp with no excess noise or movement.
• Durability – Excellent (5/5): The DST was cut from the same type of hardened steel (sourced in the United States) as the ELF Pro Component Trigger using a process called Electric Discharge Machining (EDM) which, without getting into the technical weeds, enabled the DST to have exceedingly precise and complex cuts for the highest degree of precision possible. This puts the PCT on par with some of the highest-degree of manufactured triggers on the current market made specifically for competitive use. At no point during evaluations did the skeletonized trigger bend, nor did the finish flake or stain.
• Functionality – Average (3/5): As a drop-in type trigger, all of the DST’s components came assembled and enclosed in the DST’s finished housing—this made installation extremely easy and only necessitated the included Allen key to complete. One additional element was the included set screws built into the drop-in housing that allowed the user to totally eliminate any amount of play or slop in the trigger as it rested in the lower receiver. This ensured a rock-solid position. The trigger comes set from the factory at approx. 7 pounds of pull, but was adjusted easily by the screw at the rear of the trigger housing. The hammer did remain full power regardless of the pull weight, with no loss of spring tension or light primer strike noted during live fire evaluations. One notable observation was the amount of overtravel was significantly greater than that of performance or competition triggers, with a much stiffer distance the trigger needed to travel after firing to attain reset. This is common to “duty” type triggers in that it inhibits the user from inadvertently firing out of surprise reflex. The downside being that it limits the ability for rapid follow-up shots and the shooter should be aware of that. Otherwise the trigger felt smooth and provided an expected and appropriate (or average) performance on the range.
• Weight – Good (4/5): At a weight of approx. 2.3 oz. per unit, the DST is on-par (or average) with the materials utilized, and similar to the weight of other aftermarket triggers. In comparison, both CMC and Wilson’s Drop-In triggers (3.2oz.) and the Timmy Trigger (2.3oz.) show that the Elftmann DST is lighter than some market alternatives, but in-line with other notable brands that use lightweight materials or skeletonized cuts to shave off some excess weight in the overall design. In the end the DST’s good level of light weight is something that is relatively fixed as the base material (US steel components and aluminum drop-in housing) is itself fixed.

Overall Rating – Above Average (18/25)

Product Link: https://www.elftactical.com/elf-ar-15-service-drop-in-trigger-military-law-enforcement

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.

Released in mid-2017, and in conjunction with Maxim Defense, the SBPDW by SB Tactical gives the AR pistol a compact brace in a solid metal frame. Its three-position adjustability and QD sling mounting point add to the brace’s use and overall functionality for all shooters.

The SBPDW is among the many AR platform pistol braces offered by SB Tactical, intending to give shooters a stable extension for forearm support or in a collapsed configuration. The 1” hook-and-loop support strap aids the SBPDW in maintaining a solid connection to the arm.

The ready-to-install brace is compatible with mil-spec bolt carrier groups, carbine buffer tubes, and includes a proprietary buffer tube, castle nut, and end plate for direct assembly to the lower receiver.

With its three-position setting (at lengths of 6.75″, 8.125″, 9.375″) the SBPDW allows for the shooter to the most comfortable length for their arm, and grip. Understanding these measurements can become impetrative when determining the overall length of an AR build to meet ATF regulations on AR pistols. At the six o’clock position just below the adjustable brace is a QD attachment point for single or two-point slings.

Given the design of the SBPDW to collapse along the two guide rods, the angled polymer brace itself has a wide base for added comfort and accommodating variance in body dimensions.

Consumers should take note: The SBPDW is not compatible with Freedom Ordnance FX-9 lowers or SIG M400/516 lowers with integral QD sockets.

The SBPDW is available in FDE (featured), Black, and OD Green.

Product Evaluation Scores:

• Cost – Fair (2/5): Coming in at $299 MSRP, the PDW is one of the higher AR pistol braces on the available market, but not nearly the most expensive PDW-type out there. This is directly related to its materials, being dominantly solid metal receiver mount and body, with a polymer support brace for comfort. This gives the overall product some of the most robust durability available, but also has other effects (to be discussed later). The closest comparator would be the Maxim PDW Brace ($359-$499.99) which shares a number of similar design aspects with the SB Tactical variant, Strike Industries Viper PDW Pistol Stabilizer ($264.95), or Troy’s PDW Stock kit ($499) which necessitates an included BCG and buffer spring. Overall the materials and price give SB Tactical’s PDW brace a fair cost, being far more expensive that most traditional AR braces, but not nearly as expensive as other PDW-type braces.
• Comfort – Good (4/5): In many aspects, the PDW has the same good comfort aspects as the SBA4 or other forearm stabilization devices for the AR. The sides of the PDW were very rigid and its ensuring metal frame gave support to the forearm rather well. This prevented the AR pistol from canting, while the support strap kept the overall brace secured despite the weight of the firearm (and weight of the brace as well) held out at full extension to the body. Indeed, users with thicker forearms may find it more difficult to get a deeper position within the brace at first, until the rubber has had time to adequately break in. There is notably less material than the SBA4 for the purposes of a potential cheek weld, but still sufficient for use in a collapsed configuration. The nylon support strap was slightly elastic which made getting a positive/tight bond somewhat difficult, but not unattainable. Internet research showed a number of aftermarket replacement straps to most SB Tactical braces, including the PDW and the recommendation to the manufacturer would perhaps examine improving or offering alternate straps for improved comfort and function.
• Durability – Good (4/5): The PDW was made with dominantly a solid metal frame and a forearm brace that was adjusted along two locking metal support rods. The forearm brace itself was made from a rubberized ABS material that gave the brace sufficient flex and softness to contour around the arm as well as for a cheek weld. Over time and despite regular use, the PDW’s support sides did not collapse nor overlap, a problem that was a common concern for the SBA3, and rather the PDW’s sides were molded to form and maintain a slight wedge shape when not in use, rather than an enclosed loop. It is most likely that over time, the element of the PDW that will wear out first will be the hook-and-loop material to the 1” support strap (another reason there are aftermarket straps available). While the release tab for the locking mechanism to the support rods did feel small and somewhat frail, it is still a solid metal feature that will still last a long time.
• Functionality – Good (4/5): From a functional aspect the PDW was a little tricky to don on the forearm, it being necessary to fully loosen the support strap and push the arm through the sides before re-threading the strap back through. This was the same process similar to securing other SB Tactical Braces, and one that can be slightly difficult one-handed. It would be preferred if there was a way to fully open the strap and then loop/secure it without necessitating threading it through small loops for speed and function. Adjusting the position of the guide rods was very simple given its tab, and the locking mechanism gave the brace a solid lock. The included buffer tube and castle nut were of a similar material as other assemblies and installed without the need for staking. The ambidextrous QD mounting point was full metal and accommodated a variety of mounting accessories. The feel of the QD point (under the PDW assembly) gave the sling an out-of-the-way feel as it dropped directly down as opposed to the more traditional off-side. Perhaps the only negative aspect to the function of the PDW was its limited adjustability, with only three different positions to select for sizing, it was basically a Small/Medium/Large design. It may be of suitability for SB Tactical to consider a ratcheting system in future PDW designs, or to simply add more adjustability.
• Weight – Average (3/5): Tipping the scales in at 18.14 oz, the PDW is the heaviest AR pistol brace within the SB Tactical line and one of the heavier overall. This has the added aspect in that the weight and solid metal design will help absorb the recoil impulse of the AR pistol (to some extent). However, it also has the negative aspect in adding weight to the AR pistol that was otherwise unnecessary if wanting a simple AR pistol brace. In comparison, Maxim PDW Brace (18.59 ounces), Strike Industries Viper PDW Pistol Stabilizer (20.8 ounces), or Troy’s PDW Stock kit (36.72 ounces) all demonstrate the full scale of weight in PDW-style braces/kits on the market. It also shows SB Tactical’s PDW falls within the lowest end of those designs, but still among the heavier on the overall market in comparison to other more traditional braces, such as the SBA4, giving it an appropriate (or average) scoring.

Overall Rating – Above Average (17/25)

Product Link: https://www.sb-tactical.com/product/sbpdw/

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.