Table of contents for Issue - UN12 #7 in UN12

AVAILABLE CALIBERS 5.56 Nato 6.5 Creedmoor .223 Wylde 9mm .224 Valkyrie .300 Blackout 6.5 Grendel .308 Win Over the last decade, Ballistic Advantage has contributed over 1,000,000 barrels to our great nation and allied countries around the globe. Designed to excel at every level, from button rifling to finished crown, our proprietary manufacturing process and attention to detail ensure you can trust BA to deliver a barrel capable of any scenario. Our history of success provides the foundation for your trust in the best barrels at a price you can afford. Satisfaction guaranteed. FOLLOW US /BallisticAdvantage @ballisticadvantage /BallisticAdvantage @BallisticAdv FREE SHIPPING AMERICAN MADE SUB-MOA GUARANTEED LEARN MORE AT BALLISTICADVANTAGE.COM…

Leatherman Signal Multi-Tool MSRP: $120 URL: leatherman.com Our 2¢: When you think of multi-tools, it’s likely that Leatherman instantly comes to mind. Now available in seven different colors, the Signal is designed specifically for the outdoor enthusiast, but you’ll find it useful for everyday carry tasks as well. It measures a compact 4.5 inches in length and includes a nylon sheath plus a carabineer for convenient carry options. With 19 different tools including a ferro rod, 420HC combo blade, hammer, and bit driver, the Signal will serve you well in just about any situation. Fenix E30R Flashlight MSRP: $80 URL: fenix-store.com Our 2¢: Despite its easy-to-carry size, this pocket flashlight boasts a powerful 1600 lumens in its high-powered Turbo mode, along with five other output modes. It features a four-level…

Have you ever had a thought on how to improve a piece of kit that you use? Do you have ideas that solve a particular need that you may have? Making something that started as an idea into something you can hold in your hand and use is now easier than ever, and getting started isn’t as hard or confusing as it may seem. Like something from a sci-fi movie, we are now capable of turning digital files into three-dimensional items. Thanks to continual advancements in 3D printing, this incredible technology is now accessible to those without an advanced degree in computer aided design and production engineering. Much like the personal computer revolution of the late ’70s and early ’80s, 3D printing is now available to hobbyists and tinkerers who…

The Grey Ghost Precision story starts with a very special rifle commission in the earlier half of this decade. An unnamed U.S. military spec ops unit—which will remain unnamed here—needed a new semi-automatic rifle platform with a few special considerations. The rifle was to employ a 16-inch barrel and a harder-hitting round than the standard 5.56x45—it would be capable of handling the spectrum of .308 Win ammunition available on the battlefield. The rifle needed to be truly weight saving over traditional heavier caliber weapons. It would need to be rugged, and it needed to be exceptionally accurate at extended range. There were also requirements that would be a bit less objective. For example, deception would be a key factor in successfully deploying the weapon in the field. Ideally, it would…

It’s no secret that Glock pistols have become the hot rods of the firearms world. Just like souped-up cars, they are routinely modified for improved function and enhanced form by shooters, craftsmen, and artists alike. One category of aftermarket firearm parts that has skyrocketed in recent years in terms of selection and demand due to this movement is that of upgraded barrels for Glocks, especially of the 9mm variety. After you get a Glock’s slide milled and its frame re-contoured and the entire pistol coated, what do you do next? You drop in an upgraded barrel, of course. Barrels not only dictate how accurate your pistol is, but can contribute greatly to its weight as well as its aesthetic. We scoured the aftermarket for samples of barrels to present to…

“He’s long admired those ‘pretty’ Glocks that grace his Instagram feed and wanted one for himself. He thought this SS80 project would be the perfect excuse to go down that road.” If you’re going to carry a concealed pistol, you might as well do it with style. That’s what Daniel Stark thought as he planned the build for his first subcompact pistol. The pistol had to be slim, lightweight, comfortable in his hand, and it had to be easy and familiar to use. Stark has always been a Glock fan. For as long as he’s been shooting, he’s been flying the Glock flag high and proud. His collection of the venerable polymer-framed pistols, up until he built the featured subcompact G43, had exclusively included models with full-sized frames. “I never…

The UN12 approach is simple. Present firearms, gear, tools, techniques, people, lessons, and experiences in the best way we can. We have built our foundation on clean aesthetics, quality photography, and informational as well as entertaining articles. We strive to do justice to the well-made, well-designed, and well-constructed firearms and gear that we cover, not to mention the artisans and experts in the field that we have the honor of interacting with. UN12 has gained all sorts of traction over the past few months, both with new readership and through our social media platforms. As you might imagine, launching an independently published print magazine in this day and age can be quite the challenge. If you’ve been riding along with us since the beginning, or if you’ve only just discovered…

Collaborating with industry innovators is something we at UN12 love to do. Whether it’s giving our opinion on new pieces of gear or simply bouncing ideas around, we’re here to give our feedback and support to creators and visionaries. One company that has helped change the industry is Gear Head Works, makers of a famed and oft-used pistol brace: the Tailhook. Gear Head Works may be known for its successful line of Tailhook braces and eye-catching One bolt-action pistol, but the company actually got its start making aftermarket accessories for bullpup rifles like the IWI Tavor and Steyr Aug. “I love bullpups, and there wasn’t any good aftermarket support for them,” Paul Reavis, owner of Gear Head Works, tells us. “Most people think all we do is arm braces, but…

01 Wazoo Survival Gear Mountaineer Bracelet MSRP: $77 wazoosurvivalgear.com 02 Exotac ripSPOOL MSRP: $30 exotac.com 03 Leatherman FREE P4 MSRP $140 leatherman.com 04 Wazoo Survival Gear Whetstone Sharpening Pendant MSRP: $30 wazoosurvivalgear.com 05 Olight M2R Warrior MSRP: $100 olightworld.com 06 Casio W89HB-5AV Illuminator Sport Watch MSRP: $25 casio.com 07 Trayvax Contour Wallet MSRP: $140 trayvax.com 08 Zippo Classic Brushed Chrome Lighter MSRP: $22 zippo.com 09 Armatus Carry Architect Sheath for ESEE Izula MSRP: $35-$50 armatuscarry.com 10 ESEE Izula MSRP: $98 eseeknives.com…

Within the pages of UN12, you’ll notice that we have a unique take on firearms. On top of viewing them as essential tools and crucial defensive implements, we also look at them as artistic pieces that are to be admired as much for their stunning beauty as their technical achievements. The craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into every firearm we feature is something to behold and appreciate. We also recognize that every gun has a story to tell. When we select a firearm to feature, our intention is to not only show the gun itself but also find out more about its story. Who is the owner? How did it come to be? Why was it modified in such a manner? We usually look far and wide for…

Imagine being surrounded by some of the most beautiful scenery the world has to offer, focusing on your breathing, your stance, the placement of your hands around the grip… you are ready to take the shot. If you were to read this to some people, they may immediately picture you on a golf course ready to tackle that intimidating Par 5; to others, you have just described the serene experience of shooting their rifle. Very few things are appealing to look at, marvels of mechanical engineering, and extraordinarily fun, yet also capable of saving your life. For some, a gun is a finely tuned tool that can put food on the table or stop an intruder, or simply pierce a distant target with a single, precise shot. For others, it’s…

“What started out as simply replicas of our favorite firearms has gradually turned into a phenomenon that is enjoyed by countless individuals worldwide.” It wasn’t long ago that the boundary between airsoft and real guns was a well-defined, hard-edged line. This once clearly delineated border has steadily become more blurred over the years largely thanks to meticulous airsoft designers and openminded firearms trainers and users. What started out as simply replicas of our favorite firearms has gradually turned into a phenomenon that is enjoyed by countless individuals worldwide. For those who may not be familiar with them, airsoft guns are detailed replica guns that fire 6mm plastic ball-shaped projectiles and are operated via a battery-powered motor or compressed gas. If a plastic BB hits you, it will definitely sting and…

We live in a world where off-the-shelf just doesn’t cut it anymore. It seems as if everything is customized, from the limo tint on your car’s windows to the tall, nonfat latte with caramel drizzle coffee you drink in the morning. Today, it’s easy to get things just the way you want them. The same can be said about our gear. Whether it’s gear for the range or for daily carry, many of us prefer to apply a twist of our own to it. Sometimes it’s for aesthetics and other times its for function. Regardless, factory stock isn’t where it’s at. Billy Gee, the owner of the customized the knife and flashlight pairing featured here, works in a corporate environment. He used to carry a larger EDC setup but found…

CA Evike 2801 W. Mission Rd. Alhambra, CA 91803 Tel: (626) 407-0561 URL: evike.com Evike 1400 W. 4th St. #2 Antioch, CA 94509 Tel: (925) 237-2560 URL: evike.com Kings River Coatings 2491 Avenue 400 Kingsburg, CA 93631 Tel: (559) 246-6426 URL: yooying.com/kingsrivercoatings OC Armory 23012 Del Lago Dr., Suite B Laguna Hills, CA 92653 Tel: (949) 768-5189 URL: ocarmory.com Rifle Gear 18065 Mount Shay St. Fountain Valley, CA 92708 Tel: (949) 209-6413 URL: riflegear.com Tactical Pro Shop 3503 W. Burbank Blvd. Burbank, CA 91505 Tel: (818) 468-7837 URL: tacticalproshop.com CO Danger Close Armament 6801 S. Emporia St #102 Greenwood Village, CO 80112 Tel: (720) 638-6572 URL: dangerclosearmament.com LA Iron Sights Weaponry Woodland Trace Ct. Sorrento, LA 70778 Tel: (833) 476-6486 URL: ironsightsweaponry.com ND Spartan Firearms 7101 Hwy 2 & 52…

Sentry hexmagstore.com Real Avid Gunnar Low-Profile Operator Belt The Sentry Gunnar is constructed from 1.75-inch nylon webbing. It features the trademark quick-release Cobra Buckle. The inner side holds the loop portion of the hook-and-loop system to allow you to quickly fasten it to the optional Inner Belt (which features the hook portion). The Gunnar’s outer side incorporates a MOLLE-style platform that’s fashioned from high-strength laminate and fully sewn into the belt so it’s sure to safely secure your preferred pouch configuration. $120 (+$5 XL, +$15 2X) Ammunition Pouch Sentry manufactures a complete line of handgun and rifle magazine pouches to accommodate mags in two and threes and a variety of stacking configurations. There are single, double, and double-stacked pistol pouches, an extended pistol pouch, double, single, and triple rifle pouches,…

Why is it so interesting to see what other people carry with them in their pockets on a daily basis? When you see an EDC collection spread out on a table, do you compare the items with what you carry? Do you look for items that are unfamiliar to you? What can you tell about the person by what they carry? We’d venture to guess that all of the above keep people engaged in someone else’s setup. That, and the diverse selection of EDC gear that’s available. (It’s always fun to look at the latest gear.) In this issue’s Every Day Carry, we examine EDC setups that have been curated by the same user, but for different occasions. Some items can be called commonplace staples, while others are more unique.…

ESEE Izula MSRP: $98 URL: eseeknives.com Our 2¢: In the world of knives, full-tang fixed blades reign supreme when it comes to durability. When it comes to small fixed blades, the ESEE Izula has been a frontrunner for years. Constructed out of 1095 high-carbon steel with a durable powdercoated finish and a full-tang, flat-ground blade, this knife can handle whatever you throw at it. Available in a variety of colors and configurations including Micarta scales, it makes an excellent addition to any EDC loadout. Like all ESEE knives, it comes with the company’s lifetime no-questions-asked warranty. Olight M2R Warrior MSRP: $99.99 URL: olightworld.com Our 2¢: This USB-rechargeable flashlight features an output range of 1 to 1,500 lumens, a quiet tail switch for tactical use as well as a side switch,…

The unmistakable shriek of a high-strung motor being pegged at full throttle jolted me awake. I rubbed my eyes and opened my tent window just in time to catch a glimpse of a race buggy drifting the corner alongside our campsite. All four tires were fighting for traction, and a rooster tail of dirt and rocks was flung upward in its wake. His throttle was still pegged wide open as he continued along the coast, and I watched until I could no longer see his dust trail in the distance as it faded away. This isn’t such a bad way to wake up, I thought to myself. And, I probably shouldn’t have drunk that much tequila last night. The SCORE Baja 1000 is one of the most prestigious off-road races…

We wonder what Eugene Stoner would think if he knew that the AR platform is currently one of the most versatile gun platforms—and probably the most popular—in this firearms enthusiast’s world we’re currently living in. Between small-frame and large-frame AR builds, support for almost every caliber is available now… including good ol’ 12-gauge shotgun shells, from birdshot to magnum, and most everything in between. When Martin Johnson saw media coverage from SHOT Show online back in January 2019 about the Genesis Arms Gen-12 upper, his mind was blown and he immediately pulled out his wallet. The Gen-12 is not the first AR shotgun in the world, but it is the first to use a standard AR-10 lower receiver. Martin had already custom-assembled an AR-10 using a JL Billet receiver set…

Spike’s Tactical 6.5 Creedmoor Roadhouse Precision Rifle My primary setup for this course was an out-of-the-box Spike’s Tactical 6.5 Creedmoor. I went with their standard 22-inch Krieger barrel option to see if the length and/or weight would present difficulties in a course with dynamic movements and unconventional shooting positions. First impression after visiting the 100m zero range: Wow… this thing is a hammer. The most noticeable feature compared to other AR platforms was just how smooth the gun operates. I know 6.5 Creedmoor is a smooth-shooting round with low felt recoil impulse, but I was able to maintain my sight picture and re-engage without providing any input to the rifle. The Timney Calvin Elite AR trigger had the crisp break Timney is known for and removed any impulse to yank…

Arguably one of the coolest gun toting accessories you can buy, the hard case is useful for much more than just looking cool. (Although we’d be hard pressed to beat the look of a hard case with gear placed in a perfectly outfitted foam insert.) Hard-sided cases provide physical protection for your investments. When combined with impact-absorbing foam or a protective bag on the inside, a hard case is a good way to safely travel with your gear in tow. With so many cases available, just how should you decide on choosing one? A few factors to consider when looking at a hard case include its durability and your intended use, as well as environmental factors. Consider how heavy your payload is. The weight of multiple rifles, optics, and other…

As an avid student and teacher, I use drills and exercises to isolate skills. Drills are not scenarios. They should be viewed as an exercise. Like when you go to the gym: You isolate certain muscles and work them out to make them stronger. One of my favorite exercises is the 5 in 5. It’s a drill I developed to enhance and test a shooter’s skill. One of the things I look for in a drill is a way to push me mentally and physically. I want it to help develop the myelin around the central nervous system. Myelin insulates nerve cells to increase the speed at which information is transferred from cell to cell. If we can increase the myelin, we can better develop our efficiency and consistency with…