We have several products to cover this month. Unfortunately it is difficult to give each product all the space they truly deserve. Each of these products has performed well and given truly great service. I think that our members will find each of these useful and a great product should you decide to pick up one for yourself.

Standard trigger from Glockworx
The first product is from Glockworx and it is their innovative drop in trigger for, of course, the Glock line of pistols. Glockworx actually offers two different lines of triggers, one is legal for SSP and the other is legal for ESP. The one we are covering today is the Standard trigger which is legal for SSP. The Standard trigger comes in several different configurations to meet the needs of the individual. You can purchase the trigger in Tactical or Competition variants with different degrees of customization. The Tactical trim, there is a little more pre-travel than in the Competition. The Competition trim is reduced as much as much as possible while still allowing the trigger to reliably reset. The Competition also has a feature that slightly lightens the trigger pull weight. I was using the base model with the custom trigger and trigger bar but you can also opt for the next step up that replaces complete trigger assembly along with springs or the top end Deluxe model that includes a ZEV Tech Lightened Stainless Steel Striker.

I have to say that I don’t currently own a Glock pistol, but this trigger system has changed my mind somewhat. I borrowed a friend’s factory Model 19 and installed the Standard trigger. The difference was immediate. The Standard trigger has a nice smooth feel when pressed. It completely cleared up the slightly gritty feel the factory trigger came with. It was also lighter than the factory but not so much that I would be uncomfortable carrying this on the range or the street. I was able to run this trigger in both the Arkansas State Championship as well as the Carolina Cup. It has been a while since I ran a Glock in a match but I managed to pull off a 2nd place SSP Sharpshooter finish at the AR match and a 7th place finish at the Cup. In both matches and the one local match I have shot this in, I have had zero problems or malfunctions with the trigger system. All the dropped points and such were once again a result of my lack of practice.

Overall I was very pleased with the Standard trigger and would recommend it to anyone looking to smooth up their Glock. The Standard trigger is offered for a variety of models and with a price of only $79.99 for their base unit, it is a very attractive alternative to sending you favorite blaster to a custom gunsmith. You can reach the fine people at Glockworx via the web at www.glockwarehouse.com or by calling 877-387-0329.

"Evil Roy" Practice target from Action Target
I mentioned earlier my embarrassing lack of practice. Usually when I do get a little in, it is a spur of the moment kind of thing where I grab a few moments where I can. One item that helps me immensely in squeezing out those random practice sessions is the "Evil Roy" Portable Practice Target from Action Target. For those of you that may be unfamiliar with "Evil Roy", he is a top ranked Cowboy action shooter. You may be more familiar with his granddaughter, another top Cowboy action and IDPA crossover shooter, Randi Rogers, aka "Holy Terror." Randi is also a team shooter for Glock. This is a family that knows how to shoot!

Although the target was developed by a Cowboy action shooter, it is perfect for an IDPA or USPSA shooter as well. The target is well constructed from hardened 500 Brinell steel. The target face is angled down to deflect splatter into the floor of the range. The target head also comes in a variety of circle sizes from 6" to 12". If you cross over to SASS, it is also available with cowboy action shapes. The target is engineered to be able to fold up into a package less than 3 feet long and be erected in just a few seconds. It is also height adjustable with two different settings. It even has a carry slot for your hand, making transport a breeze. This is a huge bonus to me as I have lost track of the times my fingers have been abused and smashed by carrying other steel targets.

It is a perfect tool for practicing on the range. Quick to set up, quick to take down and no paper, tape or cardboard to dispose of or carry around. You can usually find mine in the back of my truck patiently waiting for me to drag it out and use it. Using steel to practice is very rewarding as you have instant feed back if you are on target and a humbling lack of if you miss. It really forces to you to watch the front sight. I use mine to really work on draws, reloads and shooting while moving. Target transitions would require the purchase of a second target which would be money well spent. With proper care, these targets will give years of great service. Action target has a number of great targets, but I really like this one for the individual. The targets are only $115 each. You can find out more about these target and all of Action Targets great offerings by going to www.actiontarget.com or calling 801-377-8033.

Blackhawk Holsters and Demo guns
Blackhawk offers a multitude of fine products. I could spend a great deal of time covering their various offerings but today I am concentrating on just two products. The first is their leather line of holsters, specifically the Compact Askins for a 1911. Blackhawk has a number of very fine holsters and in our community are most known for their SERPA line of molded polymer holsters. They also offer a number of leather holsters as well. I am currently using their Compact Akins holster for daily carry. I know that a lot of you have one holster, and even a different gun, for match use and another for carry. I am a big believer if making my equipment do double duty and frequently shoot what I carry out of my carry holster. That is part of what the sport was founded on. I will admit that I do slip into the slick embrace of Kydex on occasion. It’s just human nature I guess.

The Askins pattern has been around for a long time but Blackhawk has put their own quality stamp on this offering. Blackhawk has improved on this venerable old pattern by including an injection molded site track inside the holster allowing for a snag free draw even with a tall front sight. They have also included a tensioning screw to allow the user to adjust the holster to better fit their personal tastes. Constructed out of quality leather and stitches, this holster will give you a lifetime of use if properly cared for. I personally believe you just can’t beat leather for daily carry and the Blackhawk leather holsters fit that bill perfectly. Daily carry or match use, these holsters will fit your needs and at a reasonable price of $61.99. The Askins model is available for several different guns and can be purchased in left or right handed variants.

Another great product offered by Blackhawk should be a part of every new shooters briefing or Safety Officer Instructors training kit. It is their Demonstrator guns. I know that there are some people out there that still perform safety demonstrations with operable guns. Granted, I have done this myself in years past. We always had several people check that it was unloaded first, but accidents do happen. Most ND’s happen with "unloaded" guns. Why take a chance?

The Blackhawk Demo gun has found a permanent home with me in my instruction bag. I use in when I teach SO classes and any other time that requires the use of a gun for training, instructional or safety issues. The guns are available in grey or safety orange so that everyone knows it is a demonstration gun. They are very tough, made out of injection molded polymer that will resist breaking, bending or cracking. This is perfect for those that teach retention and disarming techniques that usually resulting a gun hitting the floor at some point. This also makes it perfect for the whole "what do you do when a competitor drops a loaded gun" part of the SO class. I tell you, even dropping a demo gun is unsettling to a new SO recruit and it’s good training for if it happens to them on the range for real. These guns are life sized so they will also lock up in your holster just like your favorite blaster.

The Demonstrator guns are available in a Beretta, 1911, Glock and Sig profiles. The cost is only $30.99 each but the comfort factor for using a demo gun is beyond price. You can purchase both of these great products directly from Blackhawk at their website www.blackhawk.com or by calling toll free 800-694-5263.