Table of contents for Issue - UN12 #10 in UN12

It’s safe to say that we are living in unprecedented times. It’s also fair to say that the firearms world has never been more important and relevant. As gun sales and ownership skyrocket, so does our interest in customizing and modifying them to fit our requirements. To that end, UN12 is a magazine that examines and celebrates the creativity of the firearms world. Along with fellow enthusiasts and creators alike, we enjoy looking at the artistry of customized firearms and related gear. Join us as we get behind the controls of a wide variety of modified firearms, including a dedicated night vision precision rifle that’s chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor. We also take a look at a CZ Shadow 2 that has been customized for USPSA competition use by the experts…

It’s fair to say that we are living in uncertain times. When social instability exists, the potential for personal danger tends to rise. To mitigate any trouble that may come and find you, carrying a defensive-minded EDC setup is a good idea. Depending on where you live or where you travel, items in your EDC will probably vary. A reliable defensive weapon such as a pistol or blade is given. How about the other items in your loadout? What other items do you choose to carry on the daily? In this installment of Every Day Carry, we study two different EDCs, both assembled with a defensive mindset, but each one curated differently. Do you see any items that you’d add to your current EDC?…

Optic Mount Stock Grip Module Optic Ambi Safety There’s little doubt that the Heckler & Koch MP5 is one of the most iconic modern-era subguns. Since its debut in the mid-1960s, it has spawned a long line of variants and copycat clones. Like the AR-15, the MP5 and its brethren are abundantly modifiable. Popular firearm accessories maker Magpul has recently added its own modern spin to this venerable platform with an extensive collection of MP5-compatible products. The list of parts includes two types of handguards, a grip module, and an ambidextrous safety lever, each designed to Magpul’s exacting standards and distinctive style. We tried out Magpul’s new wares on an old HK94 clone we rediscovered in our possession, a Cohaire Arms CA94. The HK94 is a 16-inch-barreled, semi-auto carbine version…

Being able to see clearly in the darkness of night or in other low-light situations gives one obvious advantages. Often employed by military and law enforcement personnel, night vision devices (NVD) and thermal devices are also harnessed by hunters, outdoor enthusiasts, and recreational shooters. Some NVDs greatly amplify low levels of ambient light to allow users to see in near-total darkness, while others can display the thermal signature of things like body heat or a warm engine. There are even hybrid devices that can combine both capabilities and display both night vision and thermal displays simultaneously. We’re seriously living in a golden age of NVDs and thermals. These devices come in a variety of configurations, including monoculars, binoculars, scopes, and more. As with any other tool or device, one should…

Why are we so obsessed with knives? That’s an easy question to answer. Not only do they provide utility, defense, and survival capabilities, they can be artistic expressions, too, and frankly they’re fun to collect. Here, we get a chance to examine the tastefully customized knife of Chase E. Chase is an avid knife guy who always carries a folder as a part of his EDC. Recently, while on a hiking/camping trip, he realized folders do not always make the best camp knives. He found that he wanted an edged implement that was more substantial and robust to meet his needs, but carrying an axe or hatchet would add too much weight to his pack. Ounces equal pain after all, especially when you’re humping all your camp equipment on your…

Hitting targets at distance requires stability in not only the shooter’s aim but in the weapon system as well. It’s all fine and dandy when you’re at a static range shooting on dedicated, rock-solid shooting benches. Your rifle and body positioning can be situated so that they are as immovable as possible. But how does one achieve a similar level of stability on uneven terrain? What if you are shooting multiple targets or even a moving target on top of that? A solid bipod has been the shooter’s friend since its invention. Two legs that prop up and stabilize the front end of your rifle is a real advantage when trying for accurate shots. As seemingly simple as these accessories seem to be, it’s important to note that not all…

SIG Sauer Electro-Optics Echo3 Thermal Reflex Sight The Echo3 is a direct-view thermal sight utilizing SIG Sauer BDX technology, with the capability to capture images and record video in eight different color palettes. It allows the shooter to sit back and view the thermal display, and when targets are identified the BDX reticle technology allows for exact aiming solutions in real time. The compact, thermal-reflex-style sight is available in 1-6x or 2-12x magnification versions. From $3,900 sigsauer.com Wiley X WX Breach The WX Breach features a high wrap design intended to provide an unobstructed view while blocking out peripheral light. It comes with a removable facial cavity seal intended to keep out wind, dust, and debris. Available side vents can be opened to prevent fogging. The WX Breach is Rx…

SureFire Defender Ultra Flashlight MSRP: $199 URL: surefire.com Our 2¢: Machined from aerospace aluminum and featuring a crenellated strike bezel, the SureFire Defender is far from your ordinary flashlight. With 1,000 lumens it’s plenty bright for any application, and the bolstered dual-function pocket clip makes both bezel-up or bezel-down carry an option. The Defender features a Type III Mil-Spec hard-anodized coating for abrasion and corrosion resistance. Trayvax Element Wallet MSRP: $70 URL: trayvax.com Our 2¢: With unique features like a built-in bottle opener, money clip, attachment points, and RFID protection, the Element is not your ordinary wallet. Slim enough for front-pocket carry and constructed out of tough stainless-steel plate and top-grain, oil-tanned leather, it’s built to last a lifetime. Backed by the Trayvax 65-year heirloom warranty. Leatherman FREE P2 Multi-Tool…

We’re living in a golden age of night vision optic development. These all-seeing units allow us to see in the pitch dark of night, and hybrid thermal models can even help us differentiate between the body heat of an animal and the dense foliage it’s hiding in. These optics are becoming smaller, with better picture quality, increased functionality, and lower prices than ever before. That said, most of these optics are just that: optics. They allow you see in the dark but they usually don’t have recording capabilities. SiOnyx is out to change this with a line of night-vision-capable cameras that not only let you take photos through the optic, but also record video. On top of that, the night vision picture can be displayed in full color. That means…

The Specialty Equipment Market Association Show—SEMA for short—is the world’s largest automotive aftermarket tradeshow. The annual industry-only event takes place in Las Vegas, where it encompasses the entire convention center grounds and even spreads out through the city. Each year thousands of builders, shops, and brands debut their custom creations in the form of unique project vehicles that often take countless man-hours to create. With booth space being both expensive and limited, it is an honor for individual builders to have their projects selected for display. Only a handful of manufacturers will work with independent builders and provide a coveted spot within their show booths. One of those manufacturers is Ford, which receives hundreds of proposals annually to showcase vehicles prominently as part of its SEMA display. For Jhan Dolphin,…

In psychology, maturity is the ability to respond to the environment in an appropriate manner. Maturity also encompasses being aware of how to behave according to time and location and knowing how to act according to the circumstances. Shooter maturity represents the experience and cognitive capacity to comprehend concepts depending on situations and given topics. This is something I believe needs to be addressed. Shooter maturity is something that separates the real professionals from the “it’s just a job” professionals. It is crucial for specialized teams but is too often overlooked or unaddressed. In many organizations there’s almost always at least one “professional” who shouldn’t be there. Not necessarily because he’s a bad person, but because he doesn’t have “it.” Now, the lack of “it” can be a variety of…

Shooting practice and performing live-fire drills are solid ways to get yourself into a rhythm, whether you’re looking for improved defensive reaction time or to cut down competition shooting times. This issue’s drill comes from the training regimen for our nation’s latest military branch, the United States Space Force. The Praetorian Drill series was developed for the U.S. Space Force Force Protection (ForcePro) personnel. These men and women are tasked with guarding the entire Space Force base to include CACs—common access points—specialized equipment, classified facilities, the command team, and more. This specific drill, Praetorian Alpha, was developed for the Space Force ForcePro Agents (FPAs) at common access points. At these CACs, FPAs are tasked with authorizing legal documents for entry and assessing personnel and vehicles for potential threats to the…

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 MI Firingline Guns 33000 Ford Road Westland, MI 48185…

When’s the last time you got a morale patch with your magazine? If you’re saying not since your last issue of UN12 arrived, then we thank you. If you said never, then we suggest picking up a print issue of UN12. Each print issue of UN12 comes with an exclusive morale patch designed with our readers in mind. Thanks to our partners, we are able to include one-of-a-kind, collectible morale patches with each new issue. Some of our back issues with their included collectible patches are still available; grab some before they run out. Like you, we enjoy living in the gun space. It’s educational, can be physically demanding, and is almost always fun. One fun aspect is collecting all the fantastic morale patches that are out there. They can…

Work Sharp Pocket Tool MSRP: $13 URL: worksharptools.com Our 2¢: The ultra-compact EDC micro-sharpener and knife tool from Work Sharp is so easy to carry there’s no reason not to. It features angle-guided, medium-grit diamond and fine ceramic rods to quickly restore a sharp edge to any blade. It also includes a ¼” bit driver with common Torx bit sizes—T6, T8, T10—to tighten pocket clips and pivot hinges. Armour Brass Edition Wallet MSRP: $80 URL: armoursupplyco.com Our 2¢: This stylish wallet is made from genuine brushed brass and designed to prevent RFID theft. Despite its thin, minimalist design, it will hold up to 12 cards and 5 folded bills. It comes complete with a multi-tool card and key holder and is backed by Armour’s lifetime warranty. Fenix LD02 Flashlight MSRP:…

A couple years ago, in UN12’s inaugural Issue 001, the magazine’s cover story showcased a special pair of AR-15 rifles—the Battle Arms Development (BAD, BattleArms) “Paratrooper” and “Tanker” limited-run models. These two SBRs were in turn based on the oneoff “Woody” AR that BAD founder and principal George Huang, collaborating with Weapons Armament Research founder Anibal Salinas, put together for SHOT Show. The original Woody was created to showcase BAD’s receivers, stocks, and other parts, but in short order, and understandably so, became a conversation piece in and of itself. This was in large part because it used custombuilt wood furniture and a carefully curated color scheme to evoke the feel and nostalgia of a WWII-era service rifle on the more modern Armalite design. As the Woody’s popularity spread virally…

“Fire 4 Effect began as many great customizers do—with a single guy wishing to improve his own gear.” Established in what is today the Czech Republic, CZ, short for Ceská Zbrojovka (which roughly translates to Czech Armory) has a longer history than some domestic shooters may realize. In the beginning, more than one arms manufacturing operation fell under that moniker, the first of which was founded as far back as 1936. After the Second World War and Nazi occupation of then-Czechoslovakia, when CZ tooling and manufacturing capabilities were commandeered to service military weaponry, what would eventually become a privatized operation returned to making small arms for the sporting and hunting markets. Several decades later CZ-USA was established in Kansas City, in 1998, as the exclusive importer for Ceská Zbrojovka. A…

For a true firearms enthusiast, working in the industry—whether it’s in manufacturing, marketing, media, or otherwise—might be seen as both a blessing and a curse. Jay Canter is a man whose photography and gun builds have both graced these pages before. One of his avenues of work, that of commercial photography for a variety of firearm parts and accessory manufacturers, gives him access to a lot of the best hardware the industry has to offer—at least to handle and ogle for a short period of time. And the potential problem with that is that it tends to set your disposable income on fire in your pockets, to paraphrase an old cliché “I have been a professional commercial and editorial photographer for 25 years,” Canter says. “Part of the appeal and…

B&T came out of the gates hot when they finally decided to import their Swiss-made arms to the United States a few years ago. While their pistol caliber guns such as the APC9, TP9, and GHM9 have really drawn the bulk of attention to their lineup, it’s worth pointing out that B&T’s larger caliber offerings are just as outstanding. The company started out as a manufacturer of suppressors but has since also become a well-respected manufacturer of tactical weapon systems. They currently supply various weapon systems, suppressors, and other accessories to police, special forces, and elite military units around the world. B&T’s design philosophy allows the company to provide these professionals with complete, mission-adaptable, advanced weapon systems they can depend on under demanding conditions. As recently as last year, the…