Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue - UN12 #18 i UN12

Transport of Dangerous Goods Ammunition, such as for rifles, handguns, shotguns, starter’s pistols and power tools that contain explosive material are dangerous goods listed under Class 1.4S. The information presented here is for the following UN numbers only: UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS Time sure flies. UN12 is in its fifth year; we hardly believe it ourselves. What started out as a homegrown experiment to see if firearms enthusiasts were as excited about customized guns and gear as we were has been a resounding success. Eighteen issues on, you could say we’re still just as enthused about firearm innovations and customizations as you are. By the looks of it, we’ve got Cerakote running in our veins and seeping from our pores. Almost all of…

You might be surprised to see just what items people carry on their person each and every day. That’s why it’s always interesting to see someone’s EDC loadout. One person’s setup may be ostentatious, while another’s is bare-bones basic. The beauty of it all is that one’s EDC is based on personal preference and taste, as well as his or her everyday activities. Join us as we examine two different EDC layouts over the next few pages. Each setup features unique items that its owner carries on the daily.…

It’s no secret that lever-action rifles are the latest hotness in firearms, and it’s easy to understand why. They’re fun to handle and to shoot. Not to be outdone by traditional lever-action makers, POF-USA has boldly released one of their own, designed and crafted from the ground up to be the most modern take on this venerable action type. Tombstone is POF-USA’s version of a lever-action rifle, and as with everything else the firm does, Tombstone is meant to revolutionize lever-actions through the company’s innovative design approach. Unlike other “cowboy caliber” levers, we’re happy to report that this lever-action is chambered for more modern 9mm cartridges. In fact, POF-USA tells us that this is the first-ever 9mm production lever-action rifle. That’s refreshing news for those of us who aren’t interested…

Add-on magwells for semi-automatic rifles have been around for decades. They really got their start in the competitive shooting world, where the difference between being first or last can be measured in fractions of a second. I’ve always enjoyed watching competitive shooting. And while I do not personally compete, I have nothing but respect for the shooters and their seemingly flawless weapon manipulations. No doubt, competitive shooting is a great way to hone the fundamentals while having fun. But let me be clear: The usefulness of competitive shooting to the gunfighter stops at fundamentals. I do not prescribe the theory that it helps you become a better fighter. Rather, it helps you become a better shooter. And while these two things are not completely mutually exclusive, they have considerable differences.…

The Terminal List is a tense thriller that looks and feels as real as anything that has ever been put on screen, especially from a military and firearms enthusiast’s point of view. Amazon Studios’ limited series television adaptation is based on Jack Carr’s book series of the same name, and it’s certainly a thrill to watch. The story centers on Navy SEAL Commander James Reece as he investigates the mysterious circumstances behind the murder of his entire platoon while on a mission that went terribly wrong. Learning what he does during the course of the eight-episode series, Reece’s motives turn to vengeance as he applies the lessons he’s learned from nearly two decades of warfare to hunt down the people responsible. UN12 was recently invited to visit the real-life suppliers…

One pinnacle of any artistically inclined trade is an instantly recognizable design trait or motif. There are a great many talented firearms finishers out there, and we’ve seen our share of intricate, creative designs. Few, however, stand out as singularly as an Ely Yerian Design (EYD) topographic motif. That was one of the main inspirational lines behind this build, an AR-9 pistol-caliber carbine (PCC) put together as yet another stunning portfolio piece for Violent Art Firearms (VAF). “I have followed EYD’s social media for many years, and have even had the pleasure of photographing some builds he has Cerakoted, which were always fantastic,” says Violent Art principal and ace firearms photographer Jay Canter. “Popularizing the topographical map style on firearms was also another huge reason as to why I wanted…

The tripod is the essential tool to allow the precise delivery of fire from any rifle or carbine weapon system. It eliminates dependence on natural features or expedient objects to provide a firm front rifle rest in any setting. Positions of superior stability that are both rapid to assume and can be maintained for long periods of time are achievable by application of correct principles. The supplemental use of common deployment gear to further reduce wobble allows accuracy nearing that of prone. “Superior stability is achievable by the application of correct principles.” The Forge Tactical Overwatch Exercise is an economical and efficient way to build and maintain tripod proficiency. It can be performed at any available distance, but the preferred distance is 100 yards. The 10-shot course of fire begins…

Gatorz Magnum Photochromic MSRP: $250 URL: gatorz.com Our 2¢: Gatorz Magnum is a large-size frame designed for close-fitting full coverage. The preferred style for special operations and law enforcement personnel, this frame provides a comfortable, secure fit for any activity, whether on the job or simply for personal use. Learn more about the Photochromic lens in a review found elsewhere in this issue. Fisher TLP Telescoping Space Pen MSRP: $45 URL: spacepen.com Our 2¢: This Telescoping Space Pen features solid aluminum construction and a unique retraction mechanism. Pulling on the end of the pen exposes the ballpoint tip and creates a full-length writing instrument. It has no cap; you simply pull the tip to extend the refill and push it in to withdraw the refill. It’s always ready to write,…

The cornerstone of industrial design in general, and product design specifically, is an equilibrium of form and function. In the world of firearms customization, we’d say most look to enhance either form or function, and in a perfect world achieve both. So it should go without saying that we prefer improved aesthetics that don’t degrade the weapon as a whole’s function (or any of its individual components, for that matter). Not everyone agrees, we’ve learned. Sonoran Defense Technologies, however, agrees. Sonoran is a weapons customizer out of El Mirage, Arizona, in the northwest corner of the Phoenix metro area and right about in the heart of the Sonoran Desert (hence the name). They specialize in laser stippling and re-surfacing of polymer components, the main focus of their business being polymer-frame…

Although the products are not necessarily the same, manufacturers of firearms and ammunition often produce product for both the military and the commercial market space. Florida-based Global Ordnance is one company that works in both the commercial and the military markets and has leveraged its work in both to grow the company. If you’re familiar with the name, there’s a good chance that you’ve run across it in your search for ammunition—a reliable source in a still-unpredictable market. Global Ordnance (GO) still does a good bit of business in that arena. But as we’ve learned, there is much more to the operation than just bullets. The company was formally established in 2013 by Marc Morales, who still serves as its president, and together with his wife Carrie (company vice president)…

We really enjoy getting to talk with readers about their bespoke builds, and it’s a delight when one reaches out to show us a customized masterpiece. Longtime reader Timothy S. from Tennessee messaged us to ask if we’d consider his Stribog to be included in an issue of UN12. As you can see, we not only considered it, but also agreed to put it the magazine. The excitement gun customizers have when describing why they built their gun the way they did and what factors influenced them is infectious. It is a lot like listening to a parent brag about their kid. Tim was no exception. For Tim, what started as a budget build quickly escalated as he discovered all the aftermarket support for the Stribog platform. “I thought I…

If you were given a blank canvas to create a custom gun, which platform would you choose? An AR, a Glock, an 870, or something else? In our case, we went straight for Kalashnikov USA’s KR-9, and more specifically, its KR-9S variant. The KR-9 is essentially an AK that’s chambered in 9mm. If that sounds like a recipe for fun, you would be correct; it’s a real hoot to shoot. The customized rifle featured here is the result of months of work—and waiting. Such as it is with most things in life, this camo’d-out KR-9S took a bit longer to complete than we expected, but the results were worth the wait. We’ll follow up by saying that if you’re an AK purist, this build may not be your cup of…

So you have your dream upper and lower receiver set and the handguard you copped was from an exclusive, limited-run batch. All built up, your AR seems to be a one-of-a-kind masterpiece. What else can you add to make it even nicer in terms of looks as well as function? Allow us to introduce you to Fortis’s line of enhanced lower parts. The old adage of “you get what you pay for” couldn’t be more true in the firearms world. There’s a reason why complete lower parts kits that cost you as little as 40 bucks or (shockingly) even less can be offered for so little money. It comes down to cheap materials. An AR-15’s lower parts are vitally important but often overlooked. Fortis rightfully points out that most mass-produced…

If you work procurement for the U.S. Army or any of the various law enforcement agencies, you’ll recognize the name Global Ordnance. The company has been a force multiplier within the defense and military industries for years, supplying customers with a wide array of equipment, ammunition, and firearms. Initially focused on procuring non-standard weapons and ammunition, Global Ordnance has quickly expended its reach into the private sector as well. The veteran-owned small business is headquartered in Sarasota, Florida, and strives to provide excellence in products and services to its customers. Thanks to long-running relationships the company has established with global manufacturers and distributors while fulfilling military and law enforcement contracts, Global Ordnance is well-positioned to offer much to the civilian marketplace. On top of being ammunition specialists, Global Ordnance is…

Pelican G5 Personal Utility RF Field Wallet MSRP: $45 URL: pelican.com Our 2¢: Waterproof, crushproof, and hacker-proof, the G5 might be the ultimate EDC wallet. It features a solid aluminum RFID-blocking shell and a gasketed O-ring seal and snap-latch to guarantee a watertight seal, keeping its contents from getting crushed, soaked, or electronically skimmed. We love ours. Griffin GPT Mini MSRP: $35 URL: griffinpockettool.com Our 2¢: This small multi-tool features a deep pocket clip that keeps your keys in place, but it can also serve as a convenient, compact tool kit. A bottle opener is just the beginning. The Griffin Pocket Tool Mini is a box opener, a flathead screwdriver, a scoring tool, a bit holder, a prying tool, and a wrench in four graduated sizes. CRKT Williams Defense Key…

If you have read any of the articles I’ve written for UN12, you’ll know that my preference is for military clones and AK-style firearms. As such, the people I usually talk with about firearms have similar taste. My buddy Tom is no exception. His collection of AKs and C&R firearms is quite impressive. On the AK front we have a very similar collection, so I am not really used to being surprised by anything he takes out of the safe. The other day was definitely different. We were discussing AKs that were “not AKs” and out comes a CZ Bren 2S. I was familiar with the Bren family of firearms but mostly those of the 5.56mm variety. Tom enlightened me on the differences between the Bren 2S and 2MS models,…

A side from the obvious differences between the two, there are many similarities in customizing a firearm and an automobile, both in theory and in practice. In fact, we’ve found that many enthusiasts in one camp are also enthusiasts in the other to varying degrees. This author, for example, got his start writing about customized automobiles long before ever writing a word for UN12. The AR-15 presented here is another creation from Violent Art Firearms (VAF). Company founder and principal Jay Canter has done a considerable amount of work in both the automotive and firearms camps, both as enthusiast and photographer. In fact, the coloration on this rifle might be seen as an indirect result of his work in automotive photography, during stints in Australia where he was commissioned to…

After years of writing and editing for UN12, the inevitable finally occurred. I built my first “Gucci” gun. Those who are familiar with me know that I’m strictly a military clone kind of guy. Although I have seen some amazing custom creations grace the pages of UN12 over the years, they were just never where my heart lay. The other contributors would pressure me to just once make a creation that wasn’t “clone correct” or militaria-related. Finally, the opportunity presented itself. Like most AK enthusiasts, I have been following the development of Palmetto State Armory’s (PSA) line of AKs. When they initially announced the release of their mid-length AK pistol lineup, I already knew I was going to buy one. Having built this style of firearm using real Russian parts…

If you can do it in the dark, you can do it in the light. However, the inverse of that statement is not necessarily true. A well-rounded warrior will ensure he can work in all conditions. Bad things don’t always happen under impossibly blue skies with cottonball clouds. In fact, they often occur in poor environmental conditions while under stress. Humans are diurnal creatures. This means that we are biologically predisposed to be active during daylight hours. It is also why we are so reliant on our eyes, receiving more than 90% of our sensory information through sight. When the lights go out, our world gets real small, real fast. We become tired and begin losing some fine motor skills. We naturally become more scared because we cannot see as…

The Universal Service Weapon, or USW, is in a category entirely its own. This unique platform bridges the gap between pistol and submachine gun, designed by B&T specifically for professionals requiring a concealable pistol-sized platform capable of SMG-like precision, effective range, and control. B&T’s USW-G is an innovative enhancement for the popular Gen 3 through 5 Glock 17 and 19 pistols. Quickly, easily, and without tools, these pistols are converted into the USW configuration complete with a spring-loaded folding stock for added stability and a non-reciprocating optic bridge. Even better, the USW-G chassis is not considered a firearm, is not serialized, and is sold as an accessory. You’ll have to supply your own Glock pistol and optic, though. When not in use, the USW-G’s spring-assisted stock folds flat against the…

Sal is an avid collector of knives with a special interest in out-the-front (OTF) automatics. He owns a few of Guardian Tactical’s OTFs in their 25 (2.5-inch blade) and 35 (3.5-inch blade) model variants, and wanted to add to his ever-growing knife collection. While looking for the company’s 40 series (4-inch blade), he had a hard time finding them stocked with the color, finish, and blade combination that he wanted. After some more time on the hunt, he saw that they had a new model called the Recon-Elite that comes furnished with a tanto blade and aggressive fuller. He knew he had to have one. Initially they were difficult to find, but he eventually located a local retailer that had a two-tone, black-and-silver unit in stock. He snapped it up…