Table of contents for Issue - UN12 #8 in UN12

UN0012 / CARTRIDGES FOR WEAPONS, INERT PROJECTILE or CARTRIDGES, SMALL ARMS— As we close out the second year of UN12’s existence, we find ourselves taking measure of what we’ve accomplished and evaluating where we’re headed next. UN12’s foundation is based on simple aesthetics, high-quality photography, and entertaining articles that one can also use to learn a thing or two. It is our mission to spotlight innovative firearms and gear as well as the artisans, craftsmen, and experts who both create and use it all. UN12 began as a passion project and remains as such. As you might imagine, starting an independently published print magazine nowadays is a challenge. We couldn’t do it without you, and we thank you for your continued support. Once again, in this issue we take an…

If you are a fan of the 1911, or Government Model pistol, you pretty much know that there is nothing “drop-in” about it. Sure, from the factory these guns look like they can be mass-produced, and some of them actually are. But if you are a 1911 enthusiast, you know just about every replacement part for the pistol requires some type of fitting. This is not to say that if you want to change out a part or two you have to find a machine shop or a competent gunsmith to do your work. Actually, quite a bit of work on these pistols can be done in a do-it-yourself fashion. We took it upon ourselves to demystify the fitting of 1911 parts by installing and fitting a Wilson Combat Beavertail…

The explosion of popularity for any product—whether it’s a sporting rifle or a fidget spinner—creates a predictable market reaction. Popularity explodes, demand increases, new players enter the market, popularity continues to expand, and the whole cycle starts over again. Such is the case with the AR platform and the massive parts and accessories market surrounding it today. Of course, such a rapidly expanding market presents the consumer with a challenge. With so many options, who can you trust? A general rule of thumb when navigating these unfamiliar waters is turning to some of the original players in the market, those who have been in it long enough to cultivate a reputation for quality and customer service. Established in 2003, Midwest Industries is one of those original players. In a way,…

The Remington Model 700 line of rifles has been the go-to bolt-action, precision-shooting instrument for the majority of shooters in America, and probably the world, since its introduction in 1962. At times, it’s hard to fathom the longevity and success that this platform has enjoyed. Even nearing its 60th birthday, the design is still going strong. Part of what makes the 700 so timeless is in part its robust aftermarket support. The Remington 700, which already comes available in a wide variety of variants from the manufacturer, has so much coverage that you can build a complete rifle without using a single piece from Remington itself. That’s pretty incredible support. Aside from the action and barrel, one component that is essential to the accuracy and performance of the venerable 700…

How you outfit your vehicle for a day out at the range, a weekend off-roading on the trails, or for your daily commute can differ quite a bit. If you’re at the range, you will want to have your guns and gear laid out and ready to use. On the other hand, if you and your truck are climbing over rocks, you will want to have recovery gear ready—just in case. The layout and gear pretty much depend on your chosen activity. What doesn’t change is your need for a reliable method of storing and presenting it all. Tactical Walls, makers of in-home firearm storage solutions, has invaded the automotive space by grafting their popular wall-mounted modular storage fixtures onto the tailgates of popular vehicles such as Jeep Wrangler and…

One of the core tenets of Reston Group has been to combine tactical training with the information gained from competition and human performance science. Our goal has been to use both fields to design practical and effective training that directly improves our students’ abilities. After personally experiencing several lethal-force encounters while working as a police officer, studying other lethal-force encounters, and observing how professional shooters deal with complex targets, I realized that perhaps we tend to out-shoot our brains—that is, trying to shoot faster than we can process situations. Performance science tells us that it takes our brain 0.25 seconds to recognize and react to a stimulus. If we are shooting split times faster than that, then we are, by definition, out-shooting our brain. The same professional competition shooters who…

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 its 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 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 two very different individuals. Some items can be called everyday staples, while others are much more unique. Do you see…

SOG PowerLock EOD Multi Tool MSRP: $91 URL: sogknives.com Our 2¢: We couldn’t believe the leverage these pliers deliver. The SOG Powerlock tool utilizes SOG’s proprietary Compound Leverage Technology to generate twice the leverage as other multi-tools. It features one-handed opening and 18 essential tools. The Powerlock has a durable black oxide coating and all tools lock into position when opened. Spyderco Para Military 2 Knife MSRP: $236 URL: spyderco.com Our 2¢: A high-quality knife is a must-have for any EDC kit and the Spyderco Para Military 2 certainly fits the bill. Opening and closing action is incredibly smooth thanks to Spyderco’s Bushing Pivot System. The G10 textured handles provide a secure grip and the CPM S30V full flat-ground blade was razor sharp out of the box. The knife has…

“We came across a pair of semi-auto shotguns used for competition; one look and we knew further investigation was in order.” If we had to use a single word to describe the guys at Titan Ballistics, the word would most certainly be “competitive.” If we had the chance to add a second word, that word would undoubtedly be “meticulous.” Based in Irvine, California, Titan Ballistics is staffed by shooters who live and breathe competition shooting. The company produces its own line of firearms, including pistol-caliber carbines as well as small- and large-frame ARs. As impressive as their guns may be, their real bread and butter is their line of fine-tuned ammunition. The team believes that matches are won and lost based on the quality of ammunition the competitor is fielding.…

“No matter where you first encountered Fett, your likely reaction was that he’s a badass. We had the same reaction to this AR-based blaster.” With “The Mandalorian” now streaming and the final movie covering the Skywalker saga dropping soon, one can’t help but be drawn into the fascinating world of Star Wars. Elements of the epic sci-fispace opera seem to be everywhere you turn, now even in the firearms domain. When we first caught a glimpse of this AR-based, Boba Fett themed blaster, we knew that our inner sci-figeek and gun nerd both needed to take a closer look. Many of us growing up during the ’80s and ’90s can remember the first time we saw the mysterious masked bounty hunter called Boba Fett. For some it was on the…

“The SP-01’s inherent elegance pushed the owner to re-imagine it as a ‘gentleman’s pistol.’ He would adhere to the theme of refined modernity.” When you conjure up an image of a customized pistol in your mind, there’s a good chance you end up picturing a modified Glock over any other type of pistol. Thanks to tremendous aftermarket support, there’s no disputing that Glock is the king of pistol custom-ability. It’s for this reason that so many enthusiasts base their builds on the popular line of polymer pistols. It’s also precisely why the owner of this featured pistol chose to go another route. Not long ago, Tim Seargeant, Kriss USA marketing manager and owner of the CZ 75 SP-01 you see here, was afforded the opportunity to add another customized pistol…

When we came across the featured customized knife, we were floored to learn that its owner had built it based on something he saw in the pages of UN12. Tyler has been an avid reader of UN12 from the very first issue. When he saw the Nevada Cerakote APOD camouflage pattern on the cover rifle from Issue 003, he immediately knew one way or another he would use that pattern on one of his own future projects. Tyler needed a budget-friendly EDC knife to take with him to work on a daily basis. While he liked the original, smaller Pilar knife, he learned about a bigger version released earlier this year. He felt that a larger knife would be a better match for his meaty paws. “The larger Pilar’s bigger…

How many morale patches do you have in your collection? No matter if you’re working on filling out your fifth wall-sized patch panel or if the morale patch that came with this issue of UN12 is your first, we all have our favorites. With some patches it’s the artwork that we’re digging, while for others it’s comedic flair. We also have sentimental attachments based on when, where, or from whom we acquired a certain patch. Which patches would make your top ten list? We’d sure like to see them. Snap a shot of your favorite morale patches and post them on Instagram. [UN12] If you’ve been collecting UN12 morale patches, show us your collection by tagging us on Instagram @un12mag.…

Govo Products Badge Holder MSRP: $40 (holder) / $9 (card) / $7 (lanyard) URL: govoproducts.com Our 2¢: If you work in a secure facility, you know that not having your ID badge with you means being locked out. Govo’s badge holder doubles as a wallet and is available in polycarbonate, aluminum, and titanium. We paired it up with Govo’s T3 lanyard, which is made of 6mm round cord. It’s comfortable to wear and will not become sticky on your skin. We also increased our protection with their RFID blocking card. A single RFID blocking card can protect cards placed on both sides—no sandwiching required. Streamlight Stylus Pro COB Pen Light MSRP: $68 URL: streamlight.com Our 2¢: This versatile rechargeable pocket flashlight is great for those who work with their hands.…

As customized guns become the norm, it’s now commonplace for an enthusiast to send firearm parts out for craftsmen and specialists to work their magic. Slides are machined, barrels are fitted and coated, frames are stippled. If you’re a patient person, you know all too well that you can’t rush greatness. But if you’re the impatient type, like I am, you want greatness now. If you want to build a custom pistol without having to sit on a customizer’s waitlist, you’re in luck. As custom work becomes further in demand, companies such as Killer Innovations have taken notice. They have developed drop-in parts for Glock pistols that can give you the custom-designed look and improved functionality but with off-the-shelf, ready-to-ship components. Instead of waiting months for your parts to arrive,…

Silencerco started from humble beginnings with two guys, an idea, and some space in a garage in 2008. In just one year the company moved into an old bread factory and expanded even further into adjacent space in 2014. A household name among enthusiasts, Silencerco now commands a strong portion of the suppressor market with high-quality, innovative products to “Fight the Noise.” We had the opportunity to tour Silencerco’s factory and learned quite a bit about the operation, production processes, and a few new reconfigured and all-new products for the fourth quarter of 2019. THE TOUR Located in West Valley, Utah, Silencerco’s factory is great example of well-thought-out production paired with efficient technology. The efficiency of a production line depends on several variables, including supply and inventory and the number…

I believe life is about opportunities and timing—or, as the saying goes, “Everything happens for a reason.” Almost 11 months ago I was invited to media event hosted by Big Daddy Unlimited (IG: @bigdaddyunlimited) and Leviathan Group (IG: @leviathangroupllc) called Epic Shoot. There I met Chris, showed him a copy of UN12, and we started talking about cool gun setups. I knew right away he gets what UN12 is all about. He in turn excitedly pulled out his phone and showed me a CAD rendering of a chassis for what I assumed was a rifle. “OK, another Remington 700 chassis,” I thought. “I’ll be nice and listen.” He went into his pitch and told me he hoped to have a prototype ready for SHOT Show in a few weeks. The…

Shooting precision rifle is more than just getting behind a scoped rifle and hitting targets at will. Countless factors and variables come into play when shooting for accuracy, especially at extended ranges. Everything from shooting fundamentals to compensation for atmospheric conditions must be considered before taking the shot. “It’s critical to attain a shooting position that’s comfortable as well as sustainable.” If you’re starting with an empty gear locker, then you have the ability to select equipment that best suits your needs from the start. It’s critical to understand what exactly it is you’re looking for with your journey into precision rifle shooting. Is your goal purely target shooting, or do you also want to hunt with your rifle? Do you plan to reload your own ammunition? Are you planning…

Warriors have performed rituals before battle for centuries. From the ancient Greek hoplites to the feudal Japanese samurai, these rituals encompassed everything from making offerings to the gods to preparing their blades, shields, and armor. The mark of a professional warrior is that he or she approaches every task with a sense of purpose, devotion, and care. They do everything as if their life depends on it. No detail is too small. The goal of combat is to win. We close with and destroy the enemy. By nature, this activity is dangerous. Failing in combat often means suffering great bodily harm or loss of your life (or that of your teammates). Losing is an unacceptable outcome in combat. And because the stakes are so high, we as professional warriors must…

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…