Dedicated AR22 uppers are supposed to make rimfire shooting simple. Pin the upper to a compatible AR lower, add a magazine, and enjoy inexpensive practice without the noise and expense of centerfire ammunition. In practice, many AR22 owners spend at least some time experimenting with springs, bolt weights, triggers, and ammunition before their setup runs the way they want.

BoreBuddy says its upcoming No-Tune AR22 Upper is designed to remove that part of the process. According to the company, the new upper should pin onto a lower and run with most ammunition without the usual adjustments. The 16-inch version is expected first, with a planned MSRP of $499.

That is an appealing promise, especially for shooters who want to spend more time shooting and less time diagnosing a rimfire build. It is also a claim we plan to test rather than simply repeat.

What “No-Tune” Means for an AR22 Upper

A dedicated AR22 uses a simple blowback action, but reliable function still depends on the entire system working together. Ammunition has to generate enough energy to cycle the bolt. The recoil spring and bolt mass influence how quickly it moves. The hammer spring and trigger geometry add resistance, while the magazine has to present each cartridge at the right height and angle.

A change to any one of those variables can affect the rest. An upper that runs high-velocity ammunition on a standard lower may struggle with standard-velocity or subsonic loads. A trigger intended for centerfire use may add enough resistance to cause cycling problems. Suppressed and unsuppressed configurations can behave differently as well.

BoreBuddy has addressed those variables for years with recoil spring kits, adjustable bolt weights, pressure plugs, upgraded firing pins, extractors, and other AR22 reliability parts. The No-Tune Upper takes a different approach. Instead of asking the customer to select and adjust those parts, the company says the complete upper has been configured to work without that process.

Designed to Run More Types of .22 LR Ammunition

BoreBuddy says the No-Tune AR22 Upper should run most ammunition as delivered. That includes standard-velocity and subsonic .22 LR when it is paired with the proper hammer spring.

The hammer spring qualification matters. Rimfire ammunition needs a reliable firing-pin strike, but a stronger hammer spring also creates more resistance for the bolt as it cycles. BoreBuddy recently introduced a reduced-power hammer spring kit intended to balance those competing needs, particularly when an AR22 is paired with a specialized trigger.

We do not yet know how broad the upper’s ammunition compatibility will be in every lower and magazine combination. “Most ammunition” is also different from “all ammunition.” Bulk .22 LR varies considerably, and even well-sorted rimfire loads can behave differently across firearms. Our upcoming testing will include several ammunition types so we can see how close the production upper comes to the no-tune promise.

A Suppressor-Friendly AR22 Upper

The new upper also uses BoreBuddy’s suppressor-thread-cleaning barrel geometry. Carbon and lead buildup can collect around the muzzle threads during suppressed rimfire shooting. That fouling can make a direct-thread suppressor harder to remove and may cause some suppressors to begin separating at their own tube threads instead of unscrewing cleanly from the barrel.

BoreBuddy designed the new barrel geometry to help clear fouling from the suppressor threads during removal. It is a small detail, but one that could be valuable on an upper likely to see a high volume of suppressed .22 LR.

This feature also helps distinguish the No-Tune Upper from a generic complete AR22 upper. BoreBuddy is not merely assembling readily available components. The company is incorporating solutions based on the problems rimfire shooters encounter after thousands of rounds.

How It Fits Into BoreBuddy’s AR22 Line

The No-Tune Upper is not a replacement for every other BoreBuddy upper. Shooters choosing a precision-focused setup may still prefer the longer barrel and accuracy emphasis of the BoreBuddy AR22 Apogee Match Upper. Short, tucked configurations also serve a different purpose, particularly when overall length and suppressor integration are priorities.

The new 16-inch model appears aimed at the broadest part of the market: shooters who want a dedicated .22 LR upper that fits a standard AR15 lower and works without turning reliability into a separate project. BoreBuddy has also said it expects to offer a 12-inch version later.

Our Upcoming BoreBuddy No-Tune Upper Review

BoreBuddy is sending us a production No-Tune AR22 Upper along with the reduced-power hammer springs. We will test the upper as a conventional semi-automatic rimfire first, using multiple ammunition types and magazines in both suppressed and unsuppressed configurations.

It will also become the upper for a complete AR22 project built around an AS Designs ARC-Fire Trigger V2 90-180 ambidextrous kit. Forced reset and similar high-cadence rimfire systems place greater demands on timing and reliable cycling than an ordinary semi-automatic setup. If the new upper works well in both roles, that will say much more than a few magazines of high-velocity ammunition through a basic lower.

Our review will cover setup, compatibility, reliability, ammunition sensitivity, suppressed use, and general handling. Video may follow once the system is running reliably, but the first priority is enough range time to separate a product issue from a lower, magazine, ammunition, or trigger variable.

For now, the BoreBuddy No-Tune AR22 Upper is an interesting response to one of the most common questions from new AR22 owners: “Can I just pin it on and shoot?” BoreBuddy says the answer is yes. We will find out how well that promise holds up once the upper arrives.

The short answer is yes for the right buyer. BulkMunitions is especially useful when you want a case of familiar ammunition delivered to your door without visiting several stores, waiting for local inventory, or sorting through questionable brands. Its prices are competitive, although it will not be the cheapest source for every load after shipping and tax.

Disclosure: BulkMunitions provided 100 rounds of PMC Bronze .223 ammunition at no cost for this coverage. I was not paid to publish the article, and the company did not control my conclusions.

Is BulkMunitions Legit?

Yes. My order shipped the next business day and arrived in Utah six calendar days after checkout.

That experience matched the company’s current shipping policy. BulkMunitions says orders ship within two business days, and that about 90 percent leave the next business day. Most deliveries take another one to five business days. My order shipped the next day and arrived six calendar days after I placed it.

Why Use BulkMunitions?

The best reason to use BulkMunitions is convenience backed by competitive case pricing. It is an ammunition-focused retailer rather than a general sporting-goods store. That makes it easy to choose a caliber, compare loads by cost per round, and order enough for several range trips at once.

• Competitive case pricing: Popular range ammunition is generally priced near the lower end of the current market.
• Real inventory: The company says it does not accept backorders. If a product is listed as available, it is supposed to be in its Tennessee warehouse.
• Fast fulfillment: Orders ship within two business days, with most leaving the next business day.
• Discreet packaging: Ammunition ships inside a plain cardboard overbox rather than exposing the manufacturer’s case.
• Useful cost-per-round figures: Product listings show the price per round, making different package sizes easier to compare.
• Established factory ammunition: The catalog includes PMC, Federal, Winchester, Hornady, CCI, Speer, Fiocchi, Magtech, Sellier & Bellot, Remington, and other recognizable brands.
• No coupon-code scavenger hunt: BulkMunitions says it prices products without routine coupon codes. Occasional sales are listed directly on the site.
• Guest checkout: You do not need to create an account to place an order.
• US-based support: The company publishes a toll-free number and email address rather than hiding support behind an automated form.

There is also a values-based reason that may matter to some Industry Outsider readers. BulkMunitions states that it donates at least 10 percent of its profits to Christian-based, Second Amendment-supporting nonprofit organizations.

Are BulkMunitions Prices Actually Good?

BulkMunitions is competitive, but “bulk” does not guarantee the lowest delivered price. Ammunition prices change constantly, and shipping, tax, package size, and temporary sales can change which retailer wins on a particular day.

These were several featured prices on August 29, 2026:

The clearest example is the 1,000-round case of PMC 115-grain 9mm at $249. A same-day market check found the identical load listed from about $249 to $274 per case at several other established online retailers before shipping and tax. BulkMunitions was tied at the low end of that group. That is a real bargain if its delivered total remains competitive for your ZIP code.

The PMC .223 case at $439 was closer to the general market price. It was not an extraordinary deal, but it was reasonable for factory-loaded, brass-cased ammunition from a familiar manufacturer. The 500-round Wolf sale brought the initial price down to about 42 cents per round, although that is a different product and should not be treated as a direct comparison with PMC Bronze.

Always Compare the Delivered Cost Per Round

The product price is only the first number to check. BulkMunitions calculates shipping according to order weight and delivery distance. Add the ammunition to your cart, enter your ZIP code, and divide the complete checkout total by the number of rounds.

The useful formula is simple:

(Ammunition price + shipping + fees + tax) ÷ number of rounds = delivered cost per round

A $249 case with expensive shipping may cost more than a $259 case that ships free. The same calculation also explains why buying more often helps. Shipping a heavy package is expensive, but the shipping cost per round usually falls when one order contains 500, 1,000, or more rounds.

Convenience May Matter More Than a Few Dollars

Local stores can beat online pricing during a sale. They also let you leave with the ammunition immediately. The problem is that the exact brand, bullet weight, or quantity you want may not be available when you arrive. Some stores also impose box limits during periods of tight supply.

BulkMunitions lets you order a full case in a few minutes. That matters if you shoot frequently, train with several people, attend matches, teach classes, or need consistent ammunition for testing. Buying one case can replace multiple trips to local stores and reduce the chance of mixing several loads or production lots.

Consistency is useful when collecting velocity data or checking how a firearm behaves with a particular load. My article on what a shooting chronograph reveals about ammunition explains why the load, package, and lot should be recorded rather than treating every cartridge of the same caliber as interchangeable.

There is another form of savings in my case. A “quick” trip to a local gun store does not always remain a quick trip. I have gone in for a few boxes of ammunition and left after spending half an hour looking at a rifle or pistol I did not plan to buy. Ordering a case online removes that particular temptation.

Selection Without Questionable Bulk Reloads

The word “bulk” sometimes suggests loose reloads in a plastic bag. That is not the BulkMunitions model. The company mainly sells new factory ammunition in boxes, battle packs, and manufacturer cases.

The catalog covers common handgun, rifle, rimfire, and shotgun ammunition. Popular categories include 9mm, .223 Remington, 5.56 NATO, .308 Winchester, .45 ACP, .22 LR, and 12 gauge. It also carries less common options such as .22 Short, .17 HMR, .44-40 Winchester, .50 AE, and .50 BMG.

The selection is broad enough for most recreational shooters without becoming an endless catalog of obscure surplus loads. Inventory will still vary. If you need match ammunition, a specific defensive load, or an uncommon bullet weight, a specialist retailer may offer more choices.

When BulkMunitions May Not Be the Best Choice

BulkMunitions makes the most sense for buyers who already know which ammunition they want and can use a larger quantity. It may not be the best choice in every situation.

• You only need one or two boxes and can buy them locally without paying shipping.
• Another retailer is running a temporary free-shipping promotion on the exact same load.
• You need ammunition today rather than several days from now.
• You want to try an unfamiliar load before committing to 500 or 1,000 rounds.
• You need a specialized match, hunting, or defensive load that is not in stock.
• Your state or city requires additional documentation, an FFL transfer, or prohibits direct shipment.

Orders cannot be changed or canceled after placement. Returns are limited to products that arrive damaged or defective, and requests must be made within 14 days of delivery. Double-check the caliber, cartridge, bullet weight, quantity, and shipping address before paying.

Who Should Buy Ammo From BulkMunitions?

BulkMunitions is a strong fit for recreational shooters who buy familiar factory ammunition by the case. It also makes sense for competitors, instructors, families who shoot together, firearm reviewers, and anyone who would rather maintain a supply than shop immediately before every range trip.

The value proposition is not “every listing is always the cheapest on the internet.” It is that the site combines competitive prices, recognizable brands, real inventory, quick fulfillment, discreet packaging, and a straightforward buying process. Saving time and avoiding an out-of-stock local shelf may be worth as much as saving another cent per round.

Check current BulkMunitions inventory and calculate your delivered cost per round.

BulkMunitions Review Verdict

My order arrived exactly as expected, and the current pricing supports the same conclusion I reached after first browsing the site. BulkMunitions is legitimate, convenient, and competitive. It is not automatically the cheapest option after shipping and tax, so buyers should compare the final checkout total rather than the headline price.

If you only need a couple of boxes, shop locally. If you want 500 or 1,000 rounds of a known factory load, BulkMunitions deserves a place in your comparison. Its best advantage is making a large ammunition purchase simple and predictable without forcing you to gamble on unknown reloads or uncertain inventory.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does BulkMunitions sell reloaded ammunition?

The products highlighted in this article are new factory-loaded ammunition from established manufacturers. Check the condition and case information on each product page before ordering because inventory can change.

How quickly does BulkMunitions ship?

BulkMunitions states that orders ship within two business days and that most ship the next business day. Transit generally takes another one to five business days. My order shipped the next day and arrived six calendar days after checkout.

Does BulkMunitions offer free shipping?

Some products or promotions may include free shipping, while standard shipping is calculated using the order weight and destination. The site also promotes loyalty rewards that can be applied toward free shipping on future orders. Check the complete delivered total before purchasing.

Is buying ammunition in bulk always cheaper?

No. Larger quantities usually reduce the product price and shipping cost per round, but sales, taxes, and shipping policies vary. Compare the delivered cost per round for the exact same ammunition.

Can BulkMunitions ship ammunition everywhere?

No. Federal, state, and local restrictions apply. BulkMunitions does not ship ammunition to some locations and requires additional documentation or shipment to an FFL in others. Review its current shipping-restrictions page before ordering.

I am one of them. I bought mine recently for $285 before tax. With Utah sales tax, the price came to $306.23, and I paid another $15 for the transfer. I did not buy it because I needed to replace an older suppressor. I already own a Tactical Solutions Axiom that has served me well. I wanted another rimfire suppressor so friends could shoot suppressed when we go out together.

That makes the question behind this review pretty simple. Nearly two decades after the Sparrow appeared, does it still make sense to save some money on this older design, or should buyers spend more for something newer?

A Brief History of the SilencerCo Sparrow 22

The Sparrow has more history behind it than most rimfire suppressors still on the market. It was the first suppressor SilencerCo created. Company co-founder Jonathon Shults has described the original goal as making a simple and inexpensive .22 suppressor that would let the young company get some manufacturing experience.

One of the ideas that made the Sparrow different was its two-piece clamshell around the monocore. Rimfire ammunition is notoriously dirty, and lead and carbon buildup can make a suppressor difficult to take apart. The clamshell design helps keep that fouling from locking the serialized outer tube to the core. User serviceability was a much bigger part of the Sparrow story than chasing a single impressive sound number.

That basic idea has survived while the rest of the rimfire suppressor market has evolved around it. The Sparrow is no longer cutting-edge technology, but it has also had nearly two decades to prove itself.

Buying a Suppressor Is Easier Now

The Sparrow is an old design, but the buying environment around it has changed dramatically. When I bought my first suppressor, the Axiom, the process took 220 days and included a $200 federal transfer tax. That kind of time and money commitment made the choice feel much more permanent.

That is not the suppressor market in 2026. The federal transfer tax on silencers is now $0, and electronic Form 4 approvals can move much faster than they once did. ATF reported a median processing time of eight days for individual eForm 4 applications finalized in July 2026. My most recent e-file approval took four days.

That matters when considering the Sparrow as a first suppressor. A roughly $300 rimfire suppressor no longer automatically becomes a roughly $500 purchase before transfer fees, and the wait may be measured in days rather than months. The lower cost and shorter process make it easier to start with a proven value like the Sparrow now and decide later whether the features of a more expensive design are worth adding.

SilencerCo Sparrow 22 Specs

The current Sparrow 22 is made entirely from 17-4 stainless steel. SilencerCo lists it at 5.08 inches long, 1.07 inches in diameter, and 6.5 ounces. MSRP is $349, although street prices can be considerably lower. Mine was $285 before tax.

• Length: 5.08 inches
• Diameter: 1.07 inches
• Weight: 6.5 ounces
• Material: 17-4 stainless steel
• Rated calibers: .22 LR, .22 WMR, .17 HMR, .17 WSM, .22 Hornet, and 5.7x28mm
• .22 LR rating: Full-auto rated
• MSRP: $349

Those numbers do show the Sparrow’s age in one respect. There are modern titanium rimfire suppressors that weigh less. But specs do not always tell you what you will actually notice when the suppressor is on a firearm.

Smaller Matters More Than Lighter

My Axiom is a little lighter than the Sparrow, but the Sparrow is also smaller. In actual use, I notice the shorter size. I do not notice the slight increase in weight.

That is especially relevant because my primary Sparrow host is a Ruger Mark IV with a 3-inch Volquartsen Mini Mamba LLV upper, a pistol I call Ca$h Money. I am also accustomed to shooting suppressed pistols and heavier 9mm suppressors, so 6.5 ounces hanging off the muzzle of a rimfire pistol simply does not strike me as heavy.

If shaving every possible ounce from a pistol is your priority, there are newer options that do it better. For the way I use the Sparrow, its compact size has been more noticeable than its weight.

First-Round Pop: Real, But Does It Matter?

First-round pop is probably the criticism most closely associated with the SilencerCo Sparrow 22. It is real. My Axiom has essentially no first-round pop, so I already knew what a rimfire suppressor without that characteristic sounded like before I bought the Sparrow.

I bought the Sparrow anyway.

Most of our shooting is outdoors, and we use a lot of CCI Standard Velocity. On a pistol, I have to listen for the Sparrow’s first-round pop to really notice it. On a rifle, I do not recall noticing it at all. Once a semiautomatic is running, I hear the action cycling and then the bullet striking steel. Whatever difference exists between the Sparrow and Axiom after that is not something I find worth obsessing over.

There is another useful perspective here. The Sparrow often goes on a friend’s pistol or rifle while I shoot the Axiom right next to them. If the Sparrow’s first-round pop were particularly unpleasant to someone standing beside it, I would be in a good position to notice. It has not bothered my ear as the shooter or as the person next to it.

Hunting could change that calculation. When the first shot may be the only shot that matters, reducing first-round pop has more value. For target shooting and recreational plinking, I consider it much less important.

What About Suppressor Tone?

The Sparrow and Axiom do not sound exactly the same, and I would not expect them to. The Sparrow uses a monocore in a smaller package, while the Axiom uses a stack of individual baffles. Different internal designs and volumes are going to produce different tones.

I deliberately listened for the difference, and that exercise made me realize that comparing the two suppressors directly is less useful than comparing either one with an unsuppressed shot. Both are quiet. The Sparrow has a slightly different tone. It is not objectionable in any way.

Do I prefer the tone of my Axiom? Probably. I have owned it for years, it was my first suppressor, and that sound is familiar to me. Familiarity is not the same thing as objectively better performance.

If suppressor tone is a major factor in your buying decision, specifications and reviews can only take you so far. You will probably want to find a way to hear several suppressors yourself. And if you are shopping that carefully for a particular sound signature, there is a good chance you are already looking beyond the roughly $300 price range of the Sparrow.

Firearms and Ammunition Used With the Sparrow 22

The Sparrow spends most of its time on my Ruger Mark IV Ca$h Money setup with the 3-inch Mini Mamba LLV. When friends join me, it also gets moved among a Taurus TX22, various Ruger 10/22 and 22 Charger configurations, the TANDEMKROSS TKX22 Light Rifle, my CZ 457, and a Ruger American Rimfire. That mix gives me semiautomatic pistols, semiautomatic rifles, and bolt-action rifles rather than one idealized test host.

Most of the ammunition has been CCI Standard Velocity. I have also used Federal and Winchester bulk ammunition. Those are not subsonic loads, so their sound signature depends more on the host and barrel length. Out of the 3-inch Mini Mamba LLV, the short barrel keeps bulk ammunition from producing the same supersonic crack you may hear from a rifle.

Reliability and Point of Impact

All direct-thread suppressors should be checked periodically while shooting, and I check mine. I do not recall finding the Sparrow noticeably loose during a range session.

I have not noticed a meaningful point-of-impact change on pistols, although I am not using those pistols to shoot tiny groups. More importantly, I have not noticed a POI shift on my CZ 457 Pro Varmint. That rifle has a heavy 16-inch barrel and is exceptionally accurate, so a meaningful shift is more likely to stand out there than it is during casual pistol shooting. I have not done a formal suppressed-versus-unsuppressed bench test, but in normal use the Sparrow has not changed the rifle’s point of impact enough for me to notice.

Cleaning the SilencerCo Sparrow 22

After hundreds and hundreds of rounds, I finally took the Sparrow apart for cleaning. This is where the design’s age and its reputation for serviceability both deserve a little context. Mine did not simply unscrew and slide apart by hand.

I wrapped the body in a strip of leather so I could hold it in a vise without damaging the finish, then used another strip of leather over the rear cap to break it loose. Once the cap was off, I used a wooden dowel to push the clamshell and monocore assembly out of the tube.

From there, cleaning is pretty standard rimfire suppressor maintenance. My preferred approach is an overnight soak in Breakthrough Clean Suppressor Cleaner, which I have reviewed separately, followed by the usual cleanup of the fouling.

Before reassembly, I polished the outside surfaces of the clamshell pieces and the inside of the suppressor body, then gave both a light coat of oil. In hindsight, I would probably do that polishing and light oiling when the suppressor is new. It may make the first heavily fouled teardown easier later.

The Sparrow is not as easy to take apart as my Axiom, but it was not terrible either. The clamshell system still keeps the fouling where you can get to it once the assembly is out of the tube. I would describe the design as serviceable rather than effortless.

No Case and No Dedicated Tool

My Sparrow still looks essentially new despite being installed and removed from multiple hosts. The finish has held up, and I have no durability complaints so far.

It did not come with a case or a dedicated disassembly tool. SilencerCo’s design does not require a proprietary tool, but after several hundred rounds mine still needed some persuasion to come apart. A simple storage pouch would have been nice, and after this first teardown I would not object to some sort of basic tool or fixture either.

Is It Worth Spending More for a Newer Rimfire Suppressor?

Newer rimfire suppressors offer real improvements. Depending on the model, spending more can get you less first-round pop, lower weight, modularity, easier maintenance, or a different sound signature. I would not argue that suppressor technology stopped advancing when the Sparrow appeared.

The more useful question is whether those improvements are worth paying for in your application.

For me, the Sparrow’s extra weight is not noticeable. Its smaller size compared with my Axiom is noticeable. First-round pop exists, but outdoors I have to listen for it on a pistol and do not notice it on a rifle. Its tone is a little different from the Axiom, but both are quiet enough that the much larger and more meaningful comparison is suppressed versus unsuppressed.

Cleaning is another area where a newer design may be easier. My Axiom is simpler to take apart, while the Sparrow needed a vise, leather strips, and a wooden dowel after several hundred rounds. Once open, though, cleaning the clamshell and monocore is straightforward. That is an inconvenience, not a deal-breaker.

That makes spending substantially more harder to justify for a suppressor whose main job is recreational shooting. Someone buying specifically for rimfire hunting, chasing the lowest possible weight on a pistol, wanting easier teardown, wanting a particular tone, or wanting a modular design may reach a different conclusion. Those are legitimate reasons to spend more.

SilencerCo Sparrow 22 Review: The Verdict

I paid $285 for my SilencerCo Sparrow 22, or $321.23 after Utah sales tax and a $15 dealer transfer fee. At that price, I would buy it again.

The Sparrow is not the lightest, newest, or easiest rimfire suppressor to service. It has first-round pop, and there are newer designs with advantages on paper and in specific use cases. None of those drawbacks has mattered enough in my recreational shooting to make me wish I had spent more.

For someone buying a first rimfire suppressor, the Sparrow still makes a strong case for itself. It is compact, durable, proven, and inexpensive enough that you can start shooting suppressed without paying a premium for features you may not yet know you care about.

If I regularly needed a third rimfire suppressor for friends or family, I would consider buying another Sparrow. That is probably the clearest endorsement I can give it.

The gear a hunter carries every day, whether in a pack, pocket, or on a belt, is what answers those moments. A good hunting EDC kit is built around the tasks the field actually demands while staying lean enough that carrying it becomes routine.

What Is a Hunting EDC Kit?

Everyday carry for a hunter is the basic set of tools that goes on every trip, regardless of species or season. The rifle or bow sits outside this kit. Instead, hunting EDC covers the layer underneath: a blade, fire, light, navigation and signaling tools, and basic first-aid supplies.

Each item should pass a simple test. If it performs a job that the trail, weather, or animal is reasonably likely to produce, it earns a place. If it covers a situation that is unlikely to occur or duplicates equipment without adding much value, it may be better left behind.

It also helps to divide the kit between two locations. A belt or pocket should hold tools that may be needed immediately, such as a knife and flashlight. The pack can hold the rest, organized so important equipment remains easy to find when it is cold, dark, or time matters.

Cutting Tools for a Hunting EDC

The blade is at the center of a hunting EDC kit. A fixed-blade knife with a 3.5- to 4-inch drop-point blade can handle most game-processing tasks. It is large enough to work through hide and muscle while remaining manageable for detail work around joints.

Fixed blades are also sturdy and relatively easy to clean. That becomes particularly useful after field dressing, when blood, hair, and other debris can work their way into the pivot and other moving parts of a folding knife.

Many hunters carry a backup blade as well. A folding knife can handle general cutting tasks while leaving the primary hunting knife clean and sharp for processing game. IndustryOutsider has covered classic EDC options such as the Buck 110 Slim Heritage Elite as well.

Some hunters invest in custom knives selected for their hand, preferred blade steel, and the type of work they expect to perform. A brightly colored handle is also worth considering. A knife with an orange or other high-visibility handle is much easier to locate after being set down in leaves, grass, or brush.

Whatever knife you choose, carry a way to maintain the edge. A compact sharpener adds little weight and can be valuable during a long day of processing game.

Depending on the animal, a small gut hook may also be useful when opening the body cavity, while a folding bone saw can earn its place when quartering an elk or large deer far from the truck. Match the cutting tools to the game you actually hunt rather than carrying equipment for jobs you are unlikely to encounter.

Fire and Light

Fire-starting equipment provides an important backup when weather or an unexpected overnight stay turns a normal hunt into a survival situation. Cold and wet conditions can increase the risk of hypothermia, making the ability to produce heat particularly important.

Carrying more than one method of starting a fire adds redundancy without adding much weight. Waterproof matches, a lighter, and a ferrocerium rod provide several options if one method fails.

A small amount of dry tinder stored in a sealed bag can be just as important. Starting a fire with wet natural materials and cold hands is considerably more difficult than doing it under controlled conditions.

Light is another essential part of hunting EDC.

A headlamp keeps both hands free for field dressing, navigating, or working around camp after sunset. A second light or spare batteries should also be carried. Game recovery can easily continue after dark, and losing your only light can make an otherwise manageable walk back unnecessarily dangerous. For an example of a lightweight option, see our Coast FL19 Dual Color Wide Angle Flood Headlamp review.

Navigation and Signaling

The woods can look very different after sunset than they did at dawn. Reliable navigation should therefore be part of every hunting kit.

A map and compass provide a simple backup that does not depend on battery life or cellular coverage. A phone or GPS device can be extremely useful, but cold temperatures can reduce battery performance and cellular service may disappear in canyons, mountains, or heavy timber.

Electronics are valuable navigation tools, but they should not completely replace basic navigation skills.

Signaling equipment is also lightweight enough that there is little reason to leave it behind. A whistle carries farther than a voice and requires less energy to use, which can matter if a hunter is injured or exhausted. Three whistle blasts are commonly used as a distress signal.

A small piece of high-visibility material can provide another way to attract attention from searchers or aircraft without adding meaningful weight to the pack.

First Aid and Field Care

A hunting first-aid kit should be prepared for both routine injuries and more serious bleeding.

Adhesive bandages, gauze, medical tape, and antiseptic supplies can handle many of the small cuts and scrapes that occur outdoors. Hunters who carry equipment for controlling severe bleeding should also have appropriate training in how and when to use it.

A compact kit may include a pressure dressing or tourniquet, particularly when hunting far from immediate medical assistance. These tools are most useful when the person carrying them knows how to use them correctly.

Field care for harvested game requires a few additional supplies.

Game bags help keep meat clean during the pack out, while paracord can be used for hanging, securing loads, and making temporary repairs. Disposable nitrile gloves are also useful when field dressing and handling organs.

Keeping spare batteries for a headlamp accessible is a small detail that can make a significant difference. A long day that includes an injury or difficult recovery is also likely to be a day that ends after sunset.

Tree Stand Safety

Hunters using elevated tree stands face another hazard that deserves specific preparation. Falls from tree stands can cause serious injuries, including spinal fractures, head injuries, and other trauma.

A properly fitted full-body safety harness and appropriate tether should be considered essential equipment when hunting from an elevated stand.

Fall protection also matters while getting into and out of the stand. Research into tree-stand injuries has identified climbing and stand entry or exit as common circumstances surrounding falls. Hunters should follow the safety instructions for their particular stand and fall-arrest equipment and remain secured as appropriate throughout the climb and hunt.

Build Your Hunting EDC Around the Hunt

A hunting-ready EDC does not need to fill an entire backpack. The goal is a small, dependable collection of equipment that covers the predictable tasks between leaving the truck and returning to it.

The core kit changes little from hunt to hunt because many of those tasks remain the same. Seasonal conditions may require additions, such as more insulation in freezing weather or additional water in hot conditions. Different game may also call for different processing equipment.

Before the season and periodically throughout it, inspect the equipment you carry. Make sure blades are sharp, batteries are charged, medical supplies have not expired or been used, and nothing has disappeared from the pack since the previous trip.

The best hunting EDC kit is not necessarily the one with the most gear. It is the one that contains the right tools, stays organized, and is compact enough that you actually carry it every time.

It had been a while since I handled a classic 110, and the Slim Heritage Elite gave me that same full-size impression right away. It has the presence I remembered, but the slimmer handle changes how it carries. Instead of feeling like a knife that belongs on a belt, this version feels realistic as an everyday pocket knife.

After carrying and using the Buck 110 Slim Heritage Elite for well over a month, I think Buck got the balance right. This is still a traditional two-hand-opening lockback, but it brings the 110 into a pocket-carry role in a way that feels natural rather than forced.

Buck 110 Slim Heritage Elite Quick Verdict

The Buck 110 Slim Heritage Elite is an heirloom-quality everyday carry knife. It has the classic 110 look, a slim pocket-friendly profile, a deep-carry clip, a USA-made build, and a MagnaCut blade that held its edge through months of regular use.

It is not the fastest knife to open, and it is not trying to be. This is a deliberate two-hand-opening lockback for people who want the feel and history of a Buck 110 in a form they can actually carry every day.

Buck 110 Slim Heritage Elite Specs

Buck 110 Slim Heritage Elite First Impressions

The first thing that stood out was the slimness. I know “Slim” is right there in the name, but the difference is still noticeable in hand. This is not a lightweight plastic version of a 110. It is a thinner, more pocket-friendly version of a knife that still has real presence.

The brass and ebony look is also exactly what I picture when I think of a Buck 110. The ebony doesn’t feel like some fragile luxury material that needs to be babied. It feels smooth, solid, and appropriate for the knife. It completes the classic look without making the 110 Slim Heritage Elite feel delicate.

Compared to the Buck Ferrox and Buck Nomad, this one has more presence. There is more weight, more history, more nostalgia, and more of that feeling that it could have been handed down to me, or that I may eventually hand it down to my son.

Buck 110 Slim Heritage Elite Pocket Carry

I have never been much of a knife-sheath guy. The classic Buck 110 may be closely associated with belt carry, but I have always preferred a pocket knife to ride in my pocket. Unless I am camping for several days and specifically want something on my belt, pocket carry is the more practical choice for me.

That is where the Buck 110 Slim Heritage Elite makes a lot of sense. The deep-carry clip is not about making the 110 feel tactical or modern. It is about making a larger classic knife disappear until you need it.

The clip sits very close to the end of the handle, so it rides deep. At most, a little brass may show, but someone would have to be looking for it. In normal pocket carry, especially with a shirt over it, it is not very noticeable.

The clip itself is excellent. Buck has been making knives for a long time, and details like this show it. The clip is secure, easy to draw from, nicely finished, and clearly replaceable. It also stays close enough to the knife that it does not stick out, snag, or scratch things, including my car.

I wear a belt every day, so the weight was never really an issue. Maybe I noticed the knife for the first day or so, but after that, it disappeared in my pocket until I needed it. For a full-size 110-style knife, that is a real accomplishment.

Buck 110 Slim Heritage Elite Lockback Action

This is not a thumb-stud knife, an automatic, a flipper, or a bearing-driven modern folder. It is a traditional two-hand-opening lockback with a nail nick, and that fits the character of the knife.

Everything about the lockback action feels premium. There is no wiggle and no blade movement that I could detect. When opening the blade, there is a small amount of controlled friction. It is not going to flick open, and it is not trying to.

Once open, the blade locks up solidly enough that it feels almost like a fixed blade. The tolerances are tight, and the fit between the blade and locking bar is impressively clean. There is only the thinnest visible line there, and the finish in that area looks excellent.

Closing the knife feels just as deliberate. The lock is exactly where it should be, and it takes a little pressure to release, but not an excessive amount. I control the blade from the spine, press the lock, keep my fingers clear, and let the blade fold closed smoothly. Once closed, it feels secure, with no sense that the blade is going to work its way open in the pocket.

Buck 110 Slim Heritage Elite Opening Ritual

The two-hand opening is not a drawback for me. On this knife, it feels right.

Opening the 110 Slim Heritage Elite is more deliberate than pulling out an automatic or a thumb-stud folder. You take it out, notice the polished brass and ebony, open it with both hands, use it, wipe the blade, and put it away.

That may sound dramatic, but it is not meant that way. It is just a small ritual. The knife reminds you that you are carrying a classic design from before everything had thumb studs, assisted opening, ceramic bearings, or out-the-front mechanisms.

A low-profile thumb stud might be interesting as an add-on, as long as it does not change the handling or classic feel. But the knife has worked without one for a long time, and I do not think Buck needed to change that here.

Buck 110 Slim Heritage Elite MagnaCut Blade Performance

MagnaCut is one of the reasons this version of the 110 stands apart from more traditional models. It is a modern stainless blade steel known for balancing edge retention, toughness, and corrosion resistance, which makes sense for a premium everyday carry knife that may see pocket carry, cardboard, food, and outdoor use.

Any sharp knife should cut well out of the box, so I am not going to pretend the first few cuts were some kind of revelation. The more important point is that the 110 Slim Heritage Elite kept cutting that way after months of use.

I used it on the normal things that wear down an everyday carry knife. It opened boxes, broke down cardboard, cut packaging, and still did not need a touch-up. The day I wrapped up this review, the blade still felt as sharp as it did when I first took it out of the box.

That is where the MagnaCut blade really stood out. It continued to slice with very little effort, almost like it was going through hot butter, even after the kind of use that would have sent some of my other knives back to the sharpener.

It also survived one bad-idea moment. I used it to help pry a stuck case out of my .300 Blackout. That is not something I recommend, since it is a good way to damage a tip or edge, but the knife handled it without visible damage.

Food was a similar story. Whether cutting an apple, a sandwich, or a chicken breast, the blade sliced cleanly. Still, the blade thickness and grind are not ideal for food prep. It works fine in a pinch, but that is not where this knife really shines.

For the kinds of cutting jobs most people actually use a pocket knife for, the MagnaCut blade impressed me. Edge retention is one of the reasons someone would step up to this model, and based on my use, that part of the knife delivers.

Buck 110 Slim Heritage Elite Handle Comfort

There is a reason the basic 110 shape has lasted since 1964. The handle shape works.

The slim handle never felt too thin in my hand. I have fairly large hands, and the 110 Slim Heritage Elite still gave me plenty of control. The curve of the grip and the extra width toward the base help fill the hand in a way that feels secure.

I didn’t notice any hot spots during prolonged use. The brass and ebony handle was comfortable for every task I used it for.

The blade may be a little long for fine tip work, but that is more about the blade length than the handle. For cutting, carving, and general work, the handle gives enough control without making the knife feel bulky.

Buck 110 Slim Heritage Elite Brass, Ebony, and Honest Wear

The brass is already starting to show some character. I carry this knife in a pocket that may also have a key or ring in it, so a couple of metal items can make contact during the day. The brass has picked up some fine scratches and a little patina.

I know that would polish out easily, but I am leaving it alone. That is part of what this knife is made for. It is nice enough to appreciate, but not so precious that I am going to baby it. If I have a special occasion, I’ll probably give it a polish.

The ebony surprised me. After regular carry and use, I do not see marks or scratches on the wood. It has held up very well.

As far as grip goes, the handle shape does most of the work. The ebony is smooth, but with dry hands, it does not feel overly slick. Whatever Buck is doing with the finish, it works for the way this knife is meant to be used.

Buck 110 Slim Heritage Elite Workplace Carry

The 110 Slim Heritage Elite is on the larger side for a pocket knife, at least for me, but the blade length never felt too big for everyday use.

I asked a few coworkers, both male and female, whether the knife looked work-appropriate or intimidating when I took it out at lunch. The answer was universally no. I suspect the brass and ebony have a lot to do with that. The knife looks classic and useful rather than aggressive.

For everyday cutting tasks, the blade length is good. Could it be shorter? Certainly. That would not be a problem. Longer? No. I definitely would not need more blade for daily carry.

As a defensive tool, the 110 Slim Heritage Elite has enough blade to be taken seriously, but that is not why I carry it. For me, it is an everyday cutting knife first.

Buck 110 Slim Heritage Elite Made in the USA

The 110 Slim Heritage Elite is made in the USA, and that deserves to be called out.

For this particular model, that detail feels especially appropriate. The 110 has been part of Buck’s identity for decades, so the American-made construction adds to the appeal rather than feeling like a spec-sheet note. Paired with brass, ebony, MagnaCut steel, and Buck’s Forever Warranty, it gives this version of the 110 a little extra pride of ownership.

It simply fits the character of the knife.

Buck 110 Slim Heritage Elite Price, Warranty, and Value

The price of a good 110 has certainly gone up over time, but the 110 has always delivered solid value. With the 110 Slim Heritage Elite, you are paying for MagnaCut, the slimmed-down carry profile, brass and ebony, Buck quality, made-in-USA construction, and the Forever Warranty.

I would not call it overly expensive for what you get. You can certainly spend more on a knife, but at some point, there are diminishing returns. You can also spend less, but then you are getting a cheaper knife.

The Buck 110 Slim Heritage Elite feels appropriately priced for what it is, especially knowing that it is built to last.

Buck 110 Slim Heritage Elite as Heirloom-Quality EDC

I know plenty of people collect Buck knives, and there is nothing wrong with that. But I use my knives, and I am going to continue to use this one.

That is why “heirloom-quality everyday carry” feels like the right description. It is not just a collector piece, and it is not simply a premium version of the classic 110. It is a knife meant to be carried and used, but it has enough heritage, material quality, and presence that it feels like something I may eventually hand down.

The Ferrox and Nomad are great knives, but they are more in line with a lot of other modern EDC designs. The 110 Slim Heritage Elite has more presence. More weight, more history, more nostalgia, and more of that feeling that it could have been handed down to me, or that I may hand it down to my son.

There is a reason “Heritage” is in the name.

Buck 110 Slim Heritage Elite FAQ

Is the Buck 110 Slim Heritage Elite good for everyday carry?

Yes. The Buck 110 Slim Heritage Elite is larger than many modern pocket knives, but the slim handle and deep-carry clip make it realistic for everyday pocket carry. It disappears in the pocket better than a full-size 110-style knife might suggest.

Does the Buck 110 Slim Heritage Elite have a thumb stud?

No. The Buck 110 Slim Heritage Elite uses a traditional nail nick and two-hand opening. A low-profile thumb stud could be added aftermarket, but the factory setup keeps the classic 110 feel intact.

How well does the Buck 110 Slim Heritage Elite hold an edge?

In my use, the MagnaCut blade held its edge very well. After months of cutting boxes, cardboard, packaging, food, and other everyday materials, it still felt as sharp as it did when I first took it out of the box.

Is the Buck 110 Slim Heritage Elite good for food prep?

It can handle food in a pinch, and it sliced cleanly through apples, sandwiches, and chicken breast. Still, the blade thickness and grind are not ideal for food prep. This knife shines more as an everyday cutting tool than as a kitchen slicer.

Is the Buck 110 Slim Heritage Elite made in the USA?

Yes. The 110 Slim Heritage Elite is made in the USA, which fits the character of the model and adds to its appeal.

Is the Buck 110 Slim Heritage Elite worth the price?

For someone who wants a premium version of the 110 that can still be carried every day, yes. MagnaCut steel, brass and ebony construction, USA-made quality, pocket carry, and Buck’s Forever Warranty make the price feel appropriate for what you get.

Final Thoughts on the Buck 110 Slim Heritage Elite

The Buck 110 Slim Heritage Elite does not feel like Buck tried to turn the 110 into something it is not. It feels like Buck respected the original design and made it easier to carry.

It is slim enough for pocket carry, solid enough to feel serious, and refined enough to justify the premium positioning. The lockback action feels excellent, the MagnaCut blade held its edge through a couple of months of real use, and the brass and ebony give it the kind of presence most modern folders do not have.

This is not the fastest knife to open, and it is not trying to be. It is a traditional two-hand-opening 110 with better steel, slimmer carry, a deep-carry clip, and heirloom-quality feel.

For someone who wants a Buck 110 they can actually carry every day, the 110 Slim Heritage Elite makes a lot of sense.

Check the current price at Buck Knives before buying.

As always, I’d like to thank Buck Knives for providing the 110 Slim Heritage Elite for my testing and evaluation. Visit Buck Knives to learn more about the 110 Slim Heritage Elite and check current pricing.

I had been curious about NAA Mini-Revolvers for years, but this was my first real experience with one. I am not even sure I had handled one in a gun store before this review.

For my introduction to the brand, I wanted the complete experience. That meant reviewing one of the NAA belt buckle revolvers. The Zorro package pairs a tiny .22 LR revolver with an ornate buckle, black finish, and simulated red pearl grips.

It could have been almost any NAA model, though. The basic questions would have remained the same. Is it reliable? Can I shoot it accurately? Is something this small practical to carry? Is it a defensive firearm, a collectible novelty, or both?

After carrying it, handling the buckle, changing the grips, and firing a few hundred rounds over a couple of months, I have some answers.

About the NAA Zorro Belt Buckle Revolver

NAA builds the Zorro as one of many Mini-Revolver variations. This version uses a five-shot, single-action design and fires .22 LR ammunition.

Its black Cerakote finish contrasts with the simulated red pearl grips. An ornate black and chrome belt buckle holds the revolver and gives the package its Western appearance.

The package also includes a zippered soft case. It holds the buckled revolver securely and protects the finish during storage. The case is about the size of an old CD wallet, for readers who remember those.

First Impressions of an NAA Mini-Revolver

My first reaction involved plenty of giggling. Well, internal giggling. I tried to maintain my serious side while picking it up from my FFL.

The Zorro reminded me of something that might have hung from a keychain in the 1980s. It looks almost comically small when you first see it in person.

That reaction needs some common sense to balance it. This is still a firearm. Treat it with the same care as any other gun.

Even so, you cannot handle one without appreciating the novelty. The proportions look almost unreal. The hammer, trigger, grip, and cylinder look like NAA scaled down a conventional revolver.

NAA built and finished it well for the price. Nothing felt crude, unfinished, or fragile.

The simulated pearl grips suit the Zorro, although I found them slicker than I would prefer. The buckle also felt thicker than I expected.

In hindsight, the product photos show its considerable depth. I had simply imagined a thinner casting before seeing it in person.

How the NAA Belt Buckle Works

This tiny revolver fits securely inside the buckle. The upper section covers the hammer. A small rotating retaining bar covers the trigger and prevents the gun from coming out.

You can remove the revolver while the buckle remains fastened. However, the process takes practice if you want to do it smoothly without drawing attention.

First, pull the retaining bar away from the buckle. Then rotate it downward until it clears the trigger. Cutouts in the back let you push the revolver forward and out.

The process works, but it requires deliberate manipulation. This is not a quick-draw holster.

Discretion also presents a challenge. Your hands will appear to fumble with your belt just above your crotch during the entire process. That may cause some alarm before anyone notices the tiny revolver.

I had no concerns about retention. The covered hammer and rotating bar held the revolver firmly. It never felt loose or likely to fall out during normal use.

Check current state and local laws before wearing a firearm in a visible belt buckle. Your jurisdiction may classify the setup as open or concealed carry.

Loading the NAA Mini-Revolver

Loading the NAA takes more time than loading most modern handguns.

First, place the hammer at half-cock. This lets the cylinder rotate.

Next, grasp the knurled cylinder pin and press the release button on its end. Push the pin inward slightly, then pull it from the frame. After removing the pin, roll out the cylinder and load five rounds.

Carefully place the loaded cylinder back into the frame. The pin will not pass through unless everything lines up correctly. Once the cylinder sits in place, reinsert the cylinder pin and seat it fully.

A little practice makes the process easier. It never makes it fast. You are not inserting a fresh magazine or swinging out a conventional revolver cylinder.

Unloading and Reloading

The empty cases dropped free during testing. I did not experience stuck brass or extraction problems.

Still, a reload requires several steps. Remove the cylinder pin, take out the cylinder, clear the empty cases, load five fresh rounds, and reassemble the revolver.

If you have to reload this during a gunfight, make sure your will is current, and your life insurance is paid up.

It is not a fast process.

Trigger and Controls

The Zorro uses a single-action design, so you must cock the hammer before every shot. My middle finger wrapped around the grip, and my ring finger supported the butt. I kept my trigger finger clear until I finished cocking the hammer.

The trigger feels heavy, but not excessively so. I would describe it as weighted for safety. That makes sense on a firearm this small, especially when the trigger barely accommodates a fingertip.

I could not position my trigger gauge properly, so I do not have a reliable pull-weight measurement.

Despite the size, I could operate the hammer without much trouble. Every control worked correctly throughout the review.

Shooting an NAA Mini-Revolver

Once you load the cylinder and cock the hammer, firing the Zorro is straightforward. Aim with the tiny front sight, press the equally tiny trigger, and hope the round lands somewhere near the intended target.

The short sight radius and tiny grip make consistent accuracy difficult. You can aim the revolver, but it does not reward sloppy technique. The sights offer a rough suggestion of where the bullet might go.

Although .22 LR has little recoil, Newton’s Third Law of Motion still gets a vote. The Zorro weighs very little and offers very little grip. Each shot creates more movement than someone might expect from the cartridge.

The recoil does not hurt. However, the revolver moves enough to remind you that even a small projectile produces an equal reaction. My Athlon chronograph measured 64 to 94 foot-pounds of energy at the muzzle.

NAA Belt Buckle Revolver Accuracy

During an early range outing, we placed a watermelon at about 15 feet. The watermelon appeared largely unconcerned with our attempts to engage it.

We used CCI SV and Mini-Mag hollow points. Big spender, right? The ammunition was not the problem. The two loads produced velocities ranging from the mid-800s to just over 1,000 fps. The bullets whizzed over and around the watermelon.

More practice and a grip change improved our results. During the final outing, I could reliably hit a one-gallon paint can at about 12 feet.

That may sound underwhelming, but it reflects the intended role of a firearm this small. NAA did not design the Mini-Revolver for precision shooting or defensive use at meaningful distances.

The best description I can offer is that it provides more than enough accuracy for shots across a poker table.

Beyond that distance, the tiny sights, short barrel, limited grip, and shooter movement make reliable hits increasingly optimistic.

Reliability With Bulk .22 LR Ammunition

Most of the ammunition came from ordinary bulk .22 LR boxes. I used CCI Mini-Mag hollow points for the unsuccessful watermelon engagement.

The revolver fired every time.

I experienced no light primer strikes, failures to fire, cylinder problems, or other mechanical malfunctions. The cylinder pin stayed secure, and the action continued to work correctly.

The only recurring failure involved hitting the intended target. The user, tiny sights, and slick grip deserve the blame, not the revolver or ammunition.

We fired a few hundred rounds during this review. Considering how slowly the revolver loads, that felt like a surprising amount of ammunition.

I am also confident that dozens of those rounds eventually found their way to the targets.

NAA Rubber Pebbled Grip Upgrade

The simulated pearl grips look right on the Zorro. They match the Western presentation and contrast nicely with the black finish.

They are also fairly slick.

Utah summer heat made that more obvious. Sweaty hands, a tiny revolver, and smooth grips do not make an ideal combination.

North American Arms also provided a set of Long Rifle Rubber Pebbled Grips. Their textured rubber surface gave me much more traction than the factory grips.

I noticed the improvement right away. The rubber grips made it easier to maintain a consistent hold. They also reduced some movement during firing.

They worked properly with the belt buckle too. The revolver still fit securely, and the retaining bar continued to clear and cover the trigger as intended.

The factory grips win on appearance. The rubber grips win on function. Fortunately, a small screwdriver and a few minutes can take it from practical display to tactical weapon.

Durability After a Few Hundred Rounds

I found no durability concerns during the review.

Nothing came loose. The cylinder pin stayed secure, the grips remained in place, and the action continued to work correctly.

I also noticed no meaningful finish wear except at the end of the cylinder pin. That makes sense because I pushed it in many times during loading and reloading.

When I carried the Zorro in a pocket, I tried to keep that pocket empty. Keys, coins, knives, and other objects could scratch the finish.

The NAA may look like a novelty, but NAA built and finished it like a functional firearm.

Pocket Carry With an NAA Mini-Revolver

As mentioned, I carried the Zorro in my pocket during the review period. I carried it unloaded because I already had my normal EDC handgun with me.

I wanted to find out whether something this small was physically practical to carry.

More often than not, I would reach into my pocket at the end of the day and feel surprised to find a small handgun still there. That discovery usually led to a sigh and the same explanation to my wife:

“Yes, honey, that actually is a small gun in my pocket.”

The Zorro was easy to forget about. It felt light and unobtrusive. It also created no recognizable firearm profile through my clothing.

I usually placed it hammer-down with the barrel pointed outward, away from my body. Since I carried it unloaded, I chose that position for comfort and orientation. It generally stayed there until I removed it.

Do not take this as a recommendation to carry a loose, loaded firearm in a pocket. Anyone considering loaded carry should follow the NAA owner’s manual, understand the safety-notch system, use an appropriate carry method, and follow all applicable laws.

Wearing the NAA Belt Buckle

I did not wear the complete buckle and revolver combination in public.

First, I do not own an appropriate belt. I do not mean that from a fashion sense. None of my belts accepts a separate buckle. After seeing the buckle in person, I realized that detail did not matter.

Second, I do not think I could get away with wearing it where I live. My house sits about a mile from our local rodeo grounds. I have not thrown a leg over a horse in more than 20 years, and a cowboy-sized buckle would not look right on me.

The buckle is thick, ornate, and designed to attract attention. Once someone looks closely, the tiny revolver is easy to identify.

You can remove the gun without unfastening the belt, but the process takes several steps. Move the retaining bar away from the trigger, rotate it down, and push the revolver through the back of the buckle.

That makes the buckle an effective display piece and conversation starter. It makes less sense as a rapid-access defensive holster.

For me, the buckle completed the NAA Mini-Revolver experience. It is unusual, functional, and entertaining, even if it is not the most practical way to carry a gun.

Cleaning and Lubrication

After a few hundred rounds, the revolver still looked fairly clean. It needed little more than a quick wipe-down.

Most owners probably will not fire a high round count during a typical range session. Normal cleaning should remain minimal.

Lubrication matters more.

I kept the cylinder pin, hammer, trigger mechanism, and other moving parts properly lubricated. A needle-style oil applicator works best on a firearm this small.

The narrow tip places a tiny amount of lubricant exactly where you need it. That works better than covering the entire revolver with excess oil.

Is an NAA Mini-Revolver Good for Self-Defense?

I am not interested in reopening the endless debate over the effectiveness of .22 LR for defense.

A gun is still a gun, and seeing one may stop some people. Getting shot with a .22 LR is also still getting shot.

The Zorro proved completely reliable during my testing. Any firearm that goes bang every time is better than no firearm at all.

However, the limitations are obvious. The sights are tiny. The grip is minimal. Practical accuracy stops at very short distances. Capacity is five rounds, and reloading takes a long time.

The belt buckle adds more steps before you can use the revolver.

In my view, an NAA Mini-Revolver makes more sense as a backup than as a primary defensive weapon.

Anyone shopping strictly for a defensive handgun can probably spend the money more effectively. Larger handguns are easier to aim and control. They also reload faster and work better at longer distances.

That does not make the NAA ineffective. Its small size simply brings tradeoffs.

Collectible Appeal

The wide range of NAA Mini-Revolver variations gives them obvious collectible appeal.

North American Arms offers different chamberings, barrel lengths, finishes, grip materials, and special editions. Some models look plain and practical. Others lean heavily into presentation.

The Zorro clearly falls into the second category.

The black finish, red grips, ornate buckle, and soft case create a complete package. This is the kind of firearm that gets passed around the room whenever friends visit.

I would show it to every one of my friends, whether they like guns or not. The size alone makes people curious. The fact that it functions as a real revolver makes it even more interesting. That combination of affordable ammunition, mechanical variety, and pure fun is part of why rimfire firearms continue to appeal to so many shooters.

Is the NAA Belt Buckle Revolver Worth the Money?

Value depends on why someone wants it.

For defensive use, it probably will not rank as anyone’s first choice. Buyers can find larger and more capable handguns in the same general price range (MSRP $355.00 at time of publication).

As a collectible firearm, the NAA belt buckle revolver offers excellent value.

NAA built it well. It proved reliable, looks distinctive, and starts conversations immediately. The buckle and zippered case also make it feel like a complete collectible package.

Most importantly, it does more than sit on a shelf. You can carry it, fire it, and enjoy it at the range.

NAA Belt Buckle Revolver FAQ

Can you remove the revolver while the belt remains fastened?

Yes. Pull the retaining bar away from the buckle and rotate it downward until it clears the trigger. The cutouts in the back then let you push the revolver forward and out.

Does the revolver fit securely in the buckle?

Yes. The upper part of the buckle covers the hammer. The rotating retaining bar covers the trigger and prevents the revolver from rotating upward and coming out.

Do NAA rubber grips fit the belt buckle?

Yes. The Long Rifle Rubber Pebbled Grips worked properly with the Zorro buckle. The revolver stayed secure, and the retaining mechanism continued to work normally.

How accurate is an NAA Mini-Revolver?

With some practice and the rubber grips, I could reliably hit a one-gallon paint can at about 12 feet. These revolvers work best at very close distances, not as precision handguns.

How do you load an NAA Mini-Revolver?

Place the hammer at half-cock. Press the release button on the cylinder pin and remove the pin. Then roll the cylinder out of the frame and load five rounds. Replace the cylinder and fully seat the cylinder pin.

Can an NAA Mini-Revolver safely carry five rounds?

NAA Mini-Revolvers use safety notches between the chambers. When you place the hammer in a safety notch, it rests between the cartridge rims instead of on a live round. Read the owner’s manual and practice with an unloaded revolver before attempting loaded carry.

Is an NAA Mini-Revolver reliable?

The Zorro fired a few hundred rounds of mostly bulk .22 LR without light strikes, failures to fire, or mechanical problems.

Is an NAA Mini-Revolver good for self-defense?

It is reliable and better than no firearm at all. However, the tiny sights, limited grip, five-round capacity, short practical range, and slow reload make it better for backup use than primary defensive use.

Is the NAA belt buckle revolver only a novelty?

No. It offers novelty and collectible appeal, but it also functions as a real revolver. The Zorro fired reliably throughout testing and showed no durability problems.

Final Thoughts on NAA Mini-Revolvers

The Zorro provided the complete NAA experience I wanted.

It was tiny, unusual, entertaining, and much better made than its novelty appearance might suggest. The ornate belt buckle added collectible appeal, while the revolver proved completely functional.

The Zorro loads slowly. The buckle does not provide quick access. The revolver also becomes difficult to shoot accurately beyond very short distances. Those limits make it a poor choice as a primary defensive handgun.

However, the broader NAA Mini-Revolver concept makes sense once you spend time with one. These revolvers are easy to carry and mechanically simple. NAA also offers enough variations to attract collectors.

The Zorro went bang every time, handled a few hundred rounds without anything coming loose, and generated more smiles and conversation than most firearms I review.

That combination makes it both a real firearm and a successful novelty. It may offer practical value as a backup. As a collectible, it offers excellent value.

Visit North American Arms for current Zorro details, pricing, and availability.

As always, I’d like to thank North American Arms for providing the Zorro belt buckle revolver and rubber grips for my testing and evaluation.

Some buyers want a simple plinker. Others need an optics-ready trainer, a suppressor host, or a dedicated competition pistol. Price also matters because the TX22 is popular with shooters who would rather spend their money on ammunition and upgrades.

I own the original black 4.1-inch TX22. I have also customized three original full-size pistols for friends. One has the Green Splatter finish. The other two are US Flag editions.

All four pistols are mechanically the same original model. I have not fired the Compact, current T.O.R.O., Competition, or SCR. Those sections rely on official specifications, retailer listings, and owner reports.

Taurus TX22 Model Comparison at a Glance

• Best all-around new TX22: Full-size TX22 T.O.R.O.
• Best basic plinker: Original full-size TX22
• Best smaller trainer: TX22 Compact
• Best competition value: TX22 Competition
• Best turnkey competition package: TX22 Competition SCR
• Best option for a fixed red dot: TX22 Competition or SCR
• Best current model for upgrades and general use: Full-size T.O.R.O.

The full-size T.O.R.O. comes out ahead in this Taurus TX22 model comparison because it offers the best mix of capacity, optics support, threaded-barrel use, and familiar handling. However, it is not automatically the best choice for every shooter.

The Compact works well for those who want a shorter grip. Competition shooters may prefer the fixed optic and bull barrel of the Competition models. The original TX22 still makes sense when it costs less or will become a custom build.

Compare current TX22 prices and package options at MidwayUSA and Palmetto State Armory. PSA can sometimes feel like it stands for “Probably Sold Already,” so check both before assuming a specific model or package is available.

Taurus TX22 Model Comparison Table

This Taurus TX22 model comparison table uses specifications published by Taurus. The company lists the SCR at the same length and weight as the standard Competition model. That seems unlikely with the compensator installed, so I would treat those two SCR figures with caution.

The Taurus TX22 Feels Cheap

The first thing many buyers notice is how inexpensive the TX22 feels.

Its polymer frame is light. The aluminum slide weighs very little. Together, they can make the pistol feel more like a toy than a serious firearm.

That impression is not entirely wrong. The TX22 does feel cheap.

Do not be fooled by it.

My pistols have been accurate and remarkably reliable. They have produced fewer problems than I expect from the average rimfire pistol. I have other rimfire pistols that cost two or three times as much. They have not always been more accurate or more reliable.

The low weight also has benefits. The slide cycles quickly. Controls are easy to reach. Carrying the pistol during a long range session takes little effort. New shooters and those with less upper-body strength should have no trouble with the weight.

Better still, most of the original pistol’s weak points can be fixed with affordable parts.

Taurus TX22 Model Comparison: Original Full-Size

The original full-size TX22 has a 4.1-inch barrel, a 16-round magazine, and no factory optic cut. It also uses a 1:16 barrel twist.

This is the model I know best.

I have used my black TX22 for plinking, suppressed shooting, upgrade testing, informal competition, and long-range rimfire fun. I have also worked on the Green Splatter and two US Flag pistols owned by friends.

My pistols have been used with the Tactical Solutions Axiom and SilencerCo Sparrow suppressors. I have also tested Vortex and Holosun red dots with aftermarket mounts.

The black TX22 even makes for fairly easy hits on an empty water tank at 200 yards. That is not the purpose of a lightweight rimfire pistol. Still, it shows how much accuracy the basic design can provide.

Where the Original Full-Size TX22 Still Fits

The original TX22 remains a good choice when the price is right. It works well for basic plinking, suppressor use, informal matches, and heavy customization.

It also has a large aftermarket. My guide to the best Taurus TX22 upgrades covers the parts that made the biggest difference on our pistols.

Optics support is the main weakness. The original slide has no factory cut. Adding a red dot requires an adapter, a replacement slide, or another aftermarket mounting system.

Anyone who already wants an optic should compare the final upgrade cost against the price of a new T.O.R.O.

Taurus TX22 Model Comparison: Full-Size T.O.R.O.

The full-size T.O.R.O. is the most versatile current TX22 for the average buyer.

It keeps the full-size frame and grip. Taurus then adds a 4.6-inch threaded barrel, slide lightening cuts, a factory optic cut, and higher magazine capacity.

The pistol normally includes one 22-round magazine and one 16-round magazine. It also uses a faster 1:10 barrel twist.

Its factory optic cut follows the Shield RMSc pattern. That allows many compact pistol optics to mount without using the rear-sight adapter required by the original TX22.

For most buyers, this version offers the best mix of features. It can serve as a plinker, suppressor host, optics trainer, and upgrade platform.

Where the Full-Size T.O.R.O. Fits

This model sits between the Compact and Competition pistols.

The full-size grip offers more room than the Compact. Its 22-round magazine also provides more capacity.

Unlike the Competition models, the T.O.R.O. places the optic on the slide. The optic moves when the pistol cycles. That setup is closer to most optics-ready centerfire pistols.

The T.O.R.O. should fit buyers who want one TX22 for several uses. It offers enough features to grow with the owner without moving into a dedicated competition design.

Is the TX22 Gen 2 the Same as the T.O.R.O.?

No. Buyers should check the exact model number before ordering.

Retailers often use “Gen 2” for the enhanced 4.6-inch full-size TX22. However, both optics-ready and non-optics-ready versions have been sold under that general description.

The T.O.R.O. version uses item number 1-2TX22P141. The letter “P” identifies the optics-ready model.

The non-optic enhanced pistol is commonly listed as 1-2TX22141. It still has the longer barrel, slide cuts, and higher-capacity magazine, but it does not have the factory optic cut.

Do not trust the words “Gen 2” alone. Check the manufacturer number, slide, and product description.

Taurus TX22 Model Comparison: Compact

The TX22 Compact has a 3.6-inch threaded barrel, a shorter grip, and a 13-round flush magazine. It weighs just 16.5 ounces.

That makes it only slightly lighter than the full-size pistols. Its shorter grip and overall length create the real difference.

The Compact may work well for shooters with smaller hands. It can also feel closer to a compact centerfire carry pistol.

Taurus lists the optic cut as compatible with RMSc-pattern optics and Holosun K models. A threaded barrel also makes the Compact a potential suppressor host.

The smaller size does come with tradeoffs. Capacity drops to 13 rounds with the flush magazine. Shooters with large hands may also prefer the longer full-size grip.

The Compact makes the most sense when size is the main concern. Buyers who do not need the shorter grip may get more value from the T.O.R.O.

Taurus TX22 Model Comparison: Competition

The TX22 Competition is not just a longer standard pistol.

It uses a 5.25-inch bull barrel and a fixed optic mount attached to the barrel assembly. As a result, the red dot stays still while the slide cycles underneath it.

This design can make the dot easier to track during rapid fire. It also keeps the optic’s weight off the moving slide.

The Competition weighs 23 ounces. That is almost six ounces more than the standard full-size TX22. Added weight and the longer barrel should make it feel steadier during fast strings.

Taurus supplies three 16-round magazines. The bull barrel also has direct 1/2×28 threads for a suppressor or muzzle device.

The optic mounting system accepts a wider range of red dots through adapter plates. Competition shooters may prefer this over the smaller RMSc footprint.

Who Should Buy the TX22 Competition?

The Competition is a strong choice for shooters who want a fixed optic, longer barrel, added weight, and competition-focused balance.

Those features are useful for Steel Challenge and other speed-based rimfire matches. They can also improve the experience during informal target shooting.

However, this is not always the best general-purpose TX22. Its size and fixed optic system make it less similar to a common centerfire training pistol.

Basic plinkers may not gain enough from the added length and cost.

Taurus TX22 Model Comparison: Competition SCR

The Competition SCR starts with the standard Competition design. Taurus then adds several TANDEMKROSS parts and extra factory preparation.

The package includes a Game Changer PRO Squared compensator and an Eagle’s Talon extractor. It also has a polished feed ramp and upgraded competition barrel assembly.

Taurus markets the SCR toward Steel Challenge shooters. It arrives closer to a finished competition build than the standard model.

The frame, magazine capacity, and fixed optic system remain similar to the regular Competition pistol.

Is the TX22 Competition SCR Worth It?

The SCR is worth considering when you want a ready-made competition package.

It becomes an even better value when you would buy the included TANDEMKROSS parts anyway. The price difference between the standard Competition and SCR can be less than the separate cost of those upgrades.

Not every shooter needs the package. Some buyers prefer choosing their own compensator, extractor, controls, and other parts.

Suppressor use also changes the value. The compensator must come off before a suppressor can be installed. Shooters who run suppressed most of the time may leave part of the SCR package unused.

The standard Competition offers more freedom for a custom build. The SCR makes more sense for someone who wants a complete competition setup with less extra work. I think these pistols are easy to work on and upgrade. Still, if ‘smithin’ isn’t your thing, the SCR may be the best choice.

Taurus TX22 Model Comparison for Red Dots

Optic placement is one of the biggest differences across the TX22 lineup.

The T.O.R.O. and Compact mount the optic on the slide. The red dot moves with each shot. That setup feels more like a common optics-ready centerfire pistol.

The Competition and SCR attach the optic to the barrel assembly. Their dots stay fixed while the slide cycles.

A fixed optic may be easier to follow during rapid competition strings. A slide-mounted optic may offer more useful practice for a shooter who also carries or trains with a centerfire pistol.

The original full-size TX22 has no factory optic cut. It needs an aftermarket mount or a different slide.

My guide to the best Taurus TX22 red-dot optics explains useful optic choices and mounting options.

Taurus TX22 Model Comparison for Suppressors

Each major TX22 family can support suppressor use, but the barrel systems differ.

The original full-size pistol uses an adapter collar to provide external 1/2×28 threads. Current full-size and Compact pistols also use threaded barrel systems.

The Competition has a directly threaded bull barrel. An SCR owner must remove the installed compensator before adding a suppressor.

My firsthand suppressor experience is with the original 4.1-inch TX22. It has seen extensive use with both the TacSol Axiom and SilencerCo Sparrow.

These pistols have been remarkably dependable during normal semi-automatic shooting. They have also handled a wide range of ammunition with fewer than average rimfire problems.

The only clear ammunition sensitivity I have seen came during FRT use. That is not normal semi-automatic operation. It should not be used to judge standard TX22 reliability. Remington Thunderbolts, with their smooth, rounded bullets, work best in my pistol. It’s not often that the least expensive ammo is the most compatible with an FRT. Cheap fun.

Owner reports for the newer models vary. Some owners report excellent suppressed reliability. Others report cycling problems with the T.O.R.O. or Compact.

That variation is common with rimfire suppressor hosts. Ammunition, fouling, suppressor design, and individual parts can all affect cycling.

TX22 Magazine Compatibility

Taurus has kept useful magazine compatibility across much of the TX22 family.

Standard 16-round magazines work with the full-size, Compact, and Competition pistols.

The newer 22-round magazine uses a 16-round magazine body with a six-round extension. Taurus lists it for use with full-size, Compact, and Competition models.

It will fit the Compact, but the longer magazine extends below the grip. A visible gap may also remain between the grip and extension.

The Compact’s 13-round magazine is designed to fit flush in its shorter grip.

Shared magazine support makes owning several TX22 models easier. Still, capacity is not the only concern. Magazine length can change grip feel and balance.

Taurus TX22 Model Comparison for Upgrades

The original full-size TX22 has the most established upgrade history. It has been available longer, so many aftermarket parts were built around that design.

That does not mean every part works on every TX22.

Barrels, slide profiles, rear sights, optic cuts, and grip lengths can differ. Always check the exact model before ordering a part labeled only as “TX22.”

My TANDEMKROSS TX22 Race Gun Kits article shows three ways we upgraded original full-size pistols. Those builds included changes to the triggers, extractors, controls, charging systems, and muzzle devices.

The trigger and extractor parts worked well in our pistols. My data shows that the simple trigger spring is the number one upgrade for reducing pull weight. Compensators and added front weight also helped control the light TX22 during fast shooting.

For model-specific parts, browse TANDEMKROSS upgrades for the original full-size TX22, TX22 T.O.R.O., TX22 Compact, or TX22 Competition and SCR.

More focused reviews include the TANDEMKROSS Steam Demon compensator and Accelerator thumb ledge.

Shooters who prefer iron sights can also read my guide to Taurus TX22 fiber-optic sights.

Legacy Colors, Packages, and Used TX22 Models

The used market includes many TX22 packages that are no longer easy to find in the current Taurus catalog.

These include special finishes, distributor exclusives, optic bundles, extra-magazine packages, and heavily modified pistols.

TALO lists the US Flag edition as a 4.1-inch, 16+1 model and marks production as ended.

Used sellers sometimes ask more than the cost of a new TX22. Current Gunbroker TX22 listings show how quickly asking prices can climb when a pistol includes an optic, spare magazines, aftermarket parts, or an installed FRT.

An asking price does not prove market value.

Extra magazines and useful parts have value. However, buyers should not automatically pay the seller’s full original cost for each accessory.

Compare the package with the cost of a new pistol. Then add only the value of the parts and magazines you actually want.

Warranty coverage matters too. Taurus states that its limited lifetime warranty applies to the original purchaser and ends when the firearm is transferred.

Model identification can also be difficult. Check the barrel length, optic cut, slide shape, and manufacturer number. Do not trust a used listing that relies only on terms such as “Gen 2,” “Competition,” or “T.O.R.O.”

Which Taurus TX22 Should You Buy?

This Taurus TX22 model comparison points to a different best choice for plinking, training, suppressed shooting, upgrades, and competition.

Best TX22 for Plinking

Choose the original full-size TX22 when it costs much less than the newer models. It is accurate, reliable, and easy to improve.

The T.O.R.O. becomes the better value when the price gap is small. Its optic cut and 22-round magazine leave more room for future changes.

Best TX22 for Training

The full-size T.O.R.O. is the strongest overall training choice. Its grip, controls, slide-mounted optic, and capacity make it useful practice for larger centerfire pistols.

Choose the Compact when you want a shorter grip that feels more like a compact carry gun.

Best TX22 for Suppressed Shooting

The original full-size pistol has proven itself as a suppressor host in my use.

For a new purchase, the T.O.R.O. offers a strong mix of full-size handling, optics support, magazine capacity, and threaded-barrel use.

Best TX22 for Upgrades

The original full-size model remains the most established upgrade platform.

The T.O.R.O. is a better starting point when you already know that you want a factory optic cut.

Best TX22 for Competition

Choose the standard Competition when you want the bull barrel and fixed optic mount but prefer selecting your own upgrades.

Pick the SCR when you want a turnkey Steel Challenge package and would otherwise buy the included parts.

Taurus TX22 Model Comparison FAQ

What is the difference between the original TX22 and T.O.R.O.?

The original full-size TX22 has a 4.1-inch barrel, 16-round magazine, 1:16 twist, and no factory optic cut. The current T.O.R.O. has a 4.6-inch barrel, 22-round magazine, 1:10 twist, slide cuts, and an RMSc-pattern optic cut.

Is every TX22 Gen 2 optics-ready?

No. Retailers have used “Gen 2” for both optics-ready and non-optics-ready enhanced pistols. Check the manufacturer number and inspect the slide before buying.

Does the TX22 Compact use full-size magazines?

The Compact can use compatible 16-round and 22-round magazines. Both extend below the shorter grip. Its 13-round magazine fits flush.

Which TX22 is best for a red dot?

The T.O.R.O. is the best general-use choice for a slide-mounted optic. The Competition and SCR are better for shooters who want a fixed dot that does not move with the slide.

Is the TX22 Competition SCR worth the extra cost?

It is worth the extra cost when you want the included compensator, extractor, polished feed ramp, and competition setup. The standard Competition is better when you want to choose your own parts.

Is the original Taurus TX22 still worth buying?

Yes, when the price is right. The original model remains accurate, reliable, suppressor-ready, and supported by a large aftermarket.

Final Taurus TX22 Model Comparison

This Taurus TX22 model comparison shows that there is no single best version for every buyer.

The current full-size T.O.R.O. is the easiest model to recommend for most people. It has a factory optic cut, threaded barrel, high capacity, and full-size grip.

The Compact offers a shorter grip for buyers who want a smaller trainer. Competition shooters may prefer the fixed optic, bull barrel, and added weight of the Competition models.

The SCR adds useful competition parts in one package. It makes sense when those parts match your plans.

The original full-size pistol still deserves a place in this Taurus TX22 model comparison. It feels cheap, but it does not shoot like a cheap pistol.

Mine has been accurate, reliable, easy to suppress, and inexpensive to upgrade. That is the real appeal of the TX22 family.

Pick the model that fits your intended use. Then spend the rest of your budget on ammunition, magazines, and upgrades that provide a clear benefit.

Earlier versions of this product used the TANDEMKROSS Kraken lower name. My original red build dates back to that version. My newer FDE and green builds use the current TANDEMKROSS Cthulhu lower. The name changed, but the basic idea stayed the same: start with a premium aluminum Ruger Mark IV 22/45 lower, then choose the upper, bolt, sights, optic, and muzzle device that fit the pistol you want to build.

After years with the original Kraken and two newer Cthulhu lowers, I now have three distinct pistols built around the same concept. Each one has a different role. Together, they show that there is no single correct way to complete a TANDEMKROSS Cthulhu lower build. This is not a parts wish list. These are three Cthulhu/Kraken lower builds I actually own and shoot.

For readers comparing Ruger Mark IV 22/45 build options, the TANDEMKROSS Cthulhu lower makes sense as a premium foundation. It already includes the major controls, leaves the factory Ruger lower intact, and works with a factory Ruger Lite upper, a lightweight Pac-Lite upper, or a short Mamba LLV upper.

Anyone considering one can check the current Cthulhu lower options and pricing directly from TANDEMKROSS.

Why Build Around a TANDEMKROSS Cthulhu Lower?

I already knew many of the individual TANDEMKROSS controls before I bought the original Kraken. Another Ruger Mark IV had an upgraded trigger, safety, thumb rest, and related parts. The lower itself was the real question. I wanted to know whether the aluminum frame would make the pistol feel different.

That difference is hard to measure with numbers. I cannot show data proving that I shoot faster or more accurately with the Kraken or Cthulhu lower. After shooting the original Kraken for a while, though, I developed a clear preference for it over the factory polymer lower.

What the Cthulhu Lower Changes

TANDEMKROSS explains the design well. The enlarged trigger guard gives more room for large or gloved hands. Its hooked front adds another point of contact. The textured backstrap also improves the way the pistol sits in the hand. Compared with the factory polymer frame, the Cerakoted aluminum lower feels more substantial.

The takedown system changes, too. TANDEMKROSS replaces Ruger’s push-button takedown with a screw that locks the upper and lower together. Losing the push button may sound like a downside, but it has not been a problem for me. I keep the wrench handy, and I rarely need to separate the upper and lower away from home.

More importantly, the screw has never loosened during use. The upper-to-lower fit has always remained solid.

What Still Needs to Be Chosen

There is little reason to start changing parts inside the current TANDEMKROSS Cthulhu lower. It already includes the trigger, safety, thumb rest, slide lock, and magazine release. Replacing those parts mostly means chasing diminishing returns.

The more meaningful decisions involve the parts above and in front of the lower. The upper, bolt, sights, optic, and muzzle device do more to define the finished pistol.

The names started as a joke after someone on Reddit compared the red and FDE builds to peanut butter and jelly. The green lower really pops in direct sunlight, so Ca$h Money seemed like the obvious name.

Jelly: The Original TANDEMKROSS Kraken Lower Build

My red pistol, which I call Jelly, uses the original TANDEMKROSS Kraken lower. Other than the Ruger Lite upper, the major components are TANDEMKROSS parts.

The build includes:

• Original red TANDEMKROSS Kraken lower
• Red Ruger Mark IV Lite upper
• TANDEMKROSS Krossfire bolt
• TANDEMKROSS Tempest grips and magwell
• TANDEMKROSS Eagle Eye fiber-optic sights
• TANDEMKROSS Shadow optic mount
• Viridian RFX15 green dot
• TANDEMKROSS Game Changer compensator

This is the fastest-shooting of the three pistols. The grips, thumb rest, safety ledge, optic, and fiber-optic sights all support the same goal: point naturally and get on target quickly.

The Eagle Eye sights work with the optic setup and give me a bright, familiar reference when the dot is not immediately visible. That helps because astigmatism can make red dots bloom. With this setup, I can use whichever sight picture looks clearer at the time.

The Game Changer compensator normally stays on the barrel. Jelly can be used with my suppressors, but it is the least suppressed of the three builds. I may not consciously notice an extra six ounces when holding a .22 pistol, but that weight at the muzzle makes a difference when moving quickly from target to target.

The compensator redirects gas and reduces the small amount of muzzle movement produced by a .22 LR pistol. I have not done controlled testing to quantify that effect. For this build, the bigger benefit is balance. The compensator keeps the muzzle light and preserves the quick handling that Jelly was built around.

Can You Use a Factory Ruger Lite Upper With the TANDEMKROSS Cthulhu Lower?

Jelly demonstrates that buying the TANDEMKROSS Cthulhu lower does not always mean spending more money on an aftermarket upper.

The factory Ruger Lite upper is an excellent match on its own. Someone who already owns a Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite can add the Cthulhu lower and make a substantial change to the way the pistol feels without replacing the upper.

That may be the most practical upgrade path. Buy the Lite first, then add the Cthulhu lower. If you replace the upper later, you still have the factory polymer lower. Instead of ending up with one heavily modified pistol and a pile of unused parts, you have the foundation for two complete pistols.

My earlier articles on building the original TANDEMKROSS Kraken, the Krossfire Ruger Mark IV bolt, and the Eagle Eye fiber-optic sights provide more detail on the individual components used in this build.

Peanut Butter: FDE TANDEMKROSS Cthulhu Build

The second pistol is Peanut Butter, as in “Tactical Peanut Butter.” This build started when I acquired another upper and found myself with more uppers than lowers. Around the same time, TANDEMKROSS announced the FDE Cthulhu lower.

The timing made sense, and the FDE version seemed like a good foundation for a field-oriented pistol. In this case, “field pistol” does not mean that I actually get to carry it in a holster while hiking. I have not found a holster that fits the Cthulhu lower with its thumb rest, although I have not looked especially hard.

Instead, Peanut Butter gets used while walking around a large open shooting area with a mountain as a backstop. It is the pistol I use for more measured shots at broken clays, golf balls, empty cans, and other small targets scattered across the area.

The build includes:

• FDE TANDEMKROSS Cthulhu lower as supplied by TANDEMKROSS
• Six-inch Tactical Solutions Pac-Lite upper
• OEM Ruger bolt
• TANDEMKROSS Sentinel Guide Rod
• TANDEMKROSS Eagle’s Talon Extractor
• Vortex Venom 3 MOA red dot
• Lobos Industries low-profile optic mount

The Pac-Lite upper fits this role well because it is long, light, threaded, and built around a relatively simple round tube. Unlike the Ruger Lite upper, it does not have the same collection of open cuts and exposed edges. In my opinion, that makes it a better choice for a pistol that may get carried in a pack or used around dirt, rocks, and brush. There are fewer openings to collect debris and fewer edges to attract scratches and scrapes.

This six-inch upper does not feel awkward or noticeably change the balance. Before adding the optic, the longer sight radius helped with iron sights. The Vortex Venom eventually replaced them, and I chose the 3 MOA version over the 6 MOA model because this pistol is used for more precise aiming rather than maximum speed.

The Pac-Lite IV article covers the upper in more detail.

TANDEMKROSS Cthulhu With an OEM Ruger Bolt

Peanut Butter still uses an OEM Ruger bolt rather than a complete aftermarket assembly. I added a TANDEMKROSS Sentinel Guide Rod and Eagle’s Talon Extractor.

I no longer recall whether I installed those parts because the bolt was purchased stripped or simply as preventative upgrades. Either way, I did not need to replace the entire bolt. This build shows that an OEM bolt can remain part of a premium Cthulhu configuration while still benefiting from upgraded cycling and extraction components.

TANDEMKROSS Cthulhu Optic Mount Choices

The Lobos optic mount is another good example of a build choice involving a tradeoff.

It sits low and is probably the best-looking Ruger Mark IV optic mount available. The Vortex Venom appears integrated into the upper rather than perched on top of a rail. The downside is that the mount fits a single optic footprint, while the TANDEMKROSS Shadow Mount accommodates multiple footprints.

That difference does not need to become a separate debate. The Lobos mount made sense because I already knew which optic I wanted to use. Someone who expects to change optics later may prefer the added flexibility of the TANDEMKROSS mount.

Peanut Butter usually wears a thread protector, but it also gets regular use with the Tactical Solutions Axiom suppressor. The suppressor changes the sound, not the pistol’s role. I still use it for the same slower, deliberate shooting.

Ca$h Money: Suppressed TANDEMKROSS Cthulhu Build

The green pistol is Ca$h Money. I acquired the upper first, which left me with four uppers and three lowers. Since the Mamba LLV was already a premium upper, I wanted to pair it with a premium lower rather than use another factory polymer frame.

The green TANDEMKROSS Cthulhu with black accessories was the obvious choice. I have not changed anything on the lower since it arrived from TANDEMKROSS. It is already exactly what I wanted, and the green-and-black combination looks about 100 times better in person than it does in the product photos.

The build includes:

• Green TANDEMKROSS Cthulhu lower with black accessories
• Three-inch Volquartsen Mamba LLV upper
• Volquartsen Competition Bolt
• Volquartsen fiber-optic sights supplied with the upper
• SilencerCo Sparrow suppressor

Ca$h Money does not use an optic. The quality fiber-optic sights supplied with the Mamba LLV are more than adequate for what this pistol was built to do.

TANDEMKROSS Cthulhu Built for Suppressed Shooting

The three-inch barrel keeps the pistol compact with a suppressor installed. It also keeps ordinary bulk ammunition subsonic.

I tested several brands of bulk .22 LR through this exact pistol using an Athlon chronograph. The highest velocity recorded was only 1,054 feet per second. That result matters because dedicated subsonic ammunition can be more expensive or harder to find. Ca$h Money can remain quiet with Walmart’s Federal bulk rather than depending on a steady supply of CCI subsonic ammunition.

The SilencerCo Sparrow is dedicated to this pistol. Compared with the Tactical Solutions Axiom, the Sparrow is almost an inch shorter while only adding about half an ounce. The shorter suppressor works well with the three-inch upper and helps preserve the compact overall length.

The Sparrow also has an excellent reputation and offers a lot of value for its relatively modest price. I still shoot plenty of 9mm, so every .22 pistol feels light by comparison. I do not really notice the suppressor’s weight when shooting Ca$h Money.

Plenty of Accuracy for Quiet Plinking

The short barrel has not created any practical accuracy or reliability problems.

At our shooting area, the fire department left a long horizontal water tank near the 200-yard line. It is roughly the diameter of a standard propane cylinder used for a gas grill, although considerably longer. I can hit it with this three-inch pistol and its fiber-optic sights.

I would not call Ca$h Money a precision pistol. It does, however, provide plenty of practical accuracy for quiet plinking. It could also be used for hunting or pest control, although less expensive options certainly exist for those roles.

That is the main tradeoff. This is an expensive pistol for what is essentially a dedicated quiet plinker. I would not change it, though. It was built with intent, and every major component supports the role.

Three TANDEMKROSS Cthulhu Lower Builds With Different Roles

None of these pistols gets noticeably more use than the others. Each one has a different job.

• Jelly is for shooting fast and moving quickly between targets.
• Peanut Butter is for more measured shots at smaller targets.
• Ca$h Money is for compact, suppressed fun.

The TANDEMKROSS Cthulhu lower does not lock the owner into one style of Ruger Mark IV build.

Jelly shows that a factory Ruger Lite upper can be an excellent match. Peanut Butter shows how the same lower can anchor a longer, lightweight, optic-equipped outdoor plinker. Ca$h Money shows how far the concept can go with a short premium upper, competition bolt, iron sights, and dedicated suppressor.

In each case, the TANDEMKROSS Cthulhu lower provides the same premium foundation. The upper, bolt, sights, optic, and muzzle device determine how the completed pistol gets used.

TANDEMKROSS Cthulhu Lower FAQ

Is the TANDEMKROSS Cthulhu lower the same as the Kraken lower?

The current product sells as the TANDEMKROSS Cthulhu lower. Earlier versions used the Kraken name. My red build uses the original Kraken lower, while the FDE and green builds use the newer Cthulhu lower. Krakens were originally anodized. Cthulhu lowers are Cerakoted.

Can I use a Ruger Mark IV Lite upper with the TANDEMKROSS Cthulhu lower?

Yes. A factory Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite upper is an excellent match for the TANDEMKROSS Cthulhu lower. That is the setup used on Jelly, my red Kraken build, and it shows that an aftermarket upper is not required.

Do I need an aftermarket bolt for a TANDEMKROSS Cthulhu lower build?

Not necessarily. Jelly uses a TANDEMKROSS Krossfire bolt, Ca$h Money uses a Volquartsen Competition Bolt, and Peanut Butter still uses an OEM Ruger bolt with upgraded TANDEMKROSS internal parts. The right bolt depends on the build.

What is the best Cthulhu lower build option?

There is no single best option. A factory Ruger Lite upper makes sense for a practical upgrade, a Pac-Lite upper works well for a lightweight outdoor plinker, and a short Mamba LLV upper is a strong choice for a compact suppressed pistol.

Final Thoughts on the TANDEMKROSS Cthulhu Lower

After years with the original Kraken lower and two newer Cthulhu lowers, I have a clear preference for them over the factory Ruger Mark IV 22/45 polymer lower. The difference is not something I can track on a spreadsheet, but it is obvious once I start shooting. The pistol feels more refined, the upper and lower lock together solidly, and the overall experience is simply better.

The price is significant, but the current lower arrives with nearly every control most owners would otherwise add individually. More importantly, buying a complete Cthulhu lower leaves the factory Ruger lower intact. That gives the owner more flexibility and can eventually turn an upper upgrade into a second complete pistol.

The simplest path is still one of the best: start with a Ruger Mark IV 22/45 Lite, then add the TANDEMKROSS Cthulhu lower. The factory upper works extremely well, and there is no requirement to replace it. Anyone starting from scratch with a specific role and a larger budget can choose an aftermarket upper from the beginning.

Either way, the lower is the foundation. The three builds shown here are not the only possibilities. They are examples of what can happen when the same premium Ruger Mark IV 22/45 lower gets configured for speed, deliberate shooting, or suppressed use.

Visit TANDEMKROSS to see the current Cthulhu lower colors, availability, and pricing.

Those facts matter. However, they do not excuse exaggerated or misleading claims.

Too much coverage combines 3D-printed frames, complete firearms, unserialized guns, illegal switches, ordinary Glock pistols, and theoretical firing rates into one frightening story. This approach removes important context. It also makes lawful firearms and their owners part of the threat.

Lawful gun owners do not need to defend switches to question that reporting. We can oppose criminal misuse while still asking journalists and officials to explain the facts accurately.

Ghost Guns Cannot Simply Be Downloaded

News reports often claim that criminals can download and print ghost guns.

What they can download is a digital file.

Depending on the design, that file may let someone print a frame or receiver. Doing so still requires suitable equipment, materials, knowledge, and time. More importantly, a complete and working handgun does not simply emerge from a desktop printer.

A typical Glock-pattern pistol built around a printed frame still needs a slide, barrel, recoil assembly, trigger parts, locking block, rails, sights, pins, springs, and a magazine. Most of those parts must handle heat, pressure, friction, and repeated impact. They are usually conventional metal components that someone must manufacture or purchase separately.

None of this means that a person cannot build a privately made firearm. It means that calling a complete gun “downloadable” skips most of the process.

A person can download plans for a house. That does not mean the person downloaded a house.

The wording matters. Saying that someone can download a gun suggests that almost anyone can click a link, press a button, and receive a working firearm a few hours later. In reality, the process requires many more steps and parts.

The Term “Ghost Guns” Covers Several Categories

The label ghost guns can describe several types of firearms.

It may refer to a gun assembled from a frame or receiver that was incomplete when sold. The term may also describe a firearm built from a commercial parts kit. In other cases, it refers to a gun with a 3D-printed frame or another printed part. Sometimes it simply means a privately made firearm without a serial number from a licensed manufacturer.

Those categories overlap, but they are not identical.

A firearm assembled from an unfinished receiver is not automatically 3D printed. A gun with a printed frame is not completely made of plastic. A privately made gun is not automatically illegal. In addition, a lawfully made firearm without a serial number differs from a factory gun whose owner removed or damaged the serial number.

Grouping all of those firearms under one label may create a simpler headline. It does not help readers understand the issue.

Reporters create a similar problem when they combine ghost guns and Glock switches. One issue concerns how someone made, marked, or acquired a firearm. The other involves a device that changes how a semiautomatic pistol operates.

Police may recover both during the same investigation. That does not make them the same legal or technical issue.

Ghost Guns Are Not Automatically Illegal

The phrase “ghost gun” often hides an important legal fact. Under federal law, Americans have long had the ability to manufacture firearms for personal use.

According to ATF guidance on privately made firearms, a person who may legally possess a firearm may generally build one for personal use without obtaining a federal manufacturer’s license. Federal law also does not automatically require that person to add a serial number or register the firearm.

However, several limits apply.

The builder cannot be prohibited from possessing firearms. A person also cannot claim personal use while operating an unlicensed firearm manufacturing business. Separate federal rules cover machine guns and firearms regulated by the National Firearms Act.

State and local laws may add more restrictions. Some jurisdictions require serial numbers on privately made guns. Others restrict unfinished frames, receivers, or certain methods of manufacture. Anyone who builds a firearm must follow every law that applies in that location.

Still, the basic federal distinction matters. A missing manufacturer-applied serial number does not automatically make a firearm illegal.

What Is a Privately Made Firearm?

ATF uses the term “privately made firearm,” often shortened to PMF. It generally describes a firearm made by someone other than a licensed manufacturer. A licensed manufacturer also did not apply a serial number when the firearm was made.

ATF acknowledges that not all privately made firearms are illegal. Federal law does not require every firearm to carry a serial number.

Different rules may apply after a privately made gun enters a licensed dealer’s inventory. For example, federal regulations generally require an FFL that accepts an unserialized PMF into inventory to add identifying markings and record the firearm.

These distinctions separate lawful personal manufacture from commercial sales and criminal activity.

A gun lawfully built for personal use is not the same as one produced as part of an illegal sales operation. Nor is it the same as a gun possessed by someone who cannot legally own firearms. It also differs from a factory firearm whose serial number someone deliberately removed.

Using “unserialized” as another word for “illegal” erases lawful conduct while doing little to explain the actual crime.

Glock Switches Are Already Illegal

There should be no confusion about the legal status of machine gun conversion devices commonly called Glock switches.

Federal law classifies the conversion device itself as a machine gun. A person does not need to install it in a pistol before possession can create serious criminal liability in nearly all civilian situations.

A switch also offers little practical value to most lawful gun owners.

Automatic fire from a lightweight pistol is hard to control. It consumes ammunition almost at once and makes deliberate fire much more difficult.

Even if lawful owners could easily access these devices, the novelty would likely wear off quickly. Ammunition costs money, control is poor, and emptying a magazine in about one second offers little practical benefit.

Illegal possession remains a serious matter. Switches are dangerous, illegal, and a valid concern for law enforcement.

However, their criminal use does not prove that Glock pistols or similar designs are defective. Millions upon millions of Glock and Glock-pattern pistols are in American hands. Owners use the overwhelming majority without illegal conversion devices.

A criminal must obtain or make a separate illegal part and then install it. The pistol does not convert itself.

Rate of Fire Needs More Context

News reports often state that a converted pistol can fire 900 or even 1,200 rounds per minute.

Those numbers sound alarming. They also need context.

A rate of 900 rounds per minute equals 15 rounds per second. At that rate, a pistol with a 15-round magazine would run empty in about one second.

At 1,200 rounds per minute, the rate rises to 20 rounds per second. A pistol with a 17-round magazine would run empty in less than one second.

The gun cannot continue firing for the rest of the minute. Before firing again, the shooter must remove the empty magazine, find another loaded magazine, and insert it.

Cyclic rate describes how quickly the action can operate while ammunition remains available. It does not mean a pistol with an ordinary magazine can fire 900 or 1,200 rounds continuously for one minute.

The Actual Danger of Automatic Pistol Fire

This context does not make automatic fire safe.

A converted pistol can fire 10, 15, or 17 rounds in roughly one second. That can cause severe harm, especially when the shooter cannot control the muzzle. A criminal does not need hundreds of rounds to injure or kill someone.

That is the real danger, and reporters can explain it without exaggeration.

Quoting only the theoretical rate makes the pistol sound capable of sustained fire without interruption. The number describes the speed of the mechanism. It does not describe a realistic one-minute volume of fire.

News Coverage Creates an Impression the Data Does Not Support

Law enforcement agencies have recovered a growing number of machine gun conversion devices. That increase is real. Switches have also appeared in documented violent crimes.

However, news coverage often goes further than the available data.

Reports regularly combine seizure totals, isolated shootings, dramatic cyclic-rate figures, and repeated references to Glock pistols. Together, those elements leave readers with the impression that criminals commonly use converted pistols in violent crimes.

The cited statistics rarely establish that.

Recovery totals show how many devices police found. They do not show how many criminals fired those devices during robberies, assaults, murders, or other violent acts. Individual cases prove that criminal use occurs. They do not establish how common that use is nationwide.

This distinction matters. The media does not need to state directly that switches are routinely used in shootings. Repeatedly presenting recoveries and selected crimes without wider context creates that impression.

Switches are illegal and dangerous in the wrong hands. Even so, the public deserves to know what the statistics measure and what they do not.

Ghost Guns and Switches Are Being Used to Blame Glock

The term “Glock switch” has become so common that some readers may assume Glock manufactures or approves the devices.

It does not.

Unrelated third parties produce these illegal aftermarket parts. Some enter the country through illegal imports. Others come from domestic production or additive manufacturing. People associate the devices with Glock because they fit certain Glock-pattern pistols, not because Glock makes them.

Still, constant use of the Glock name has changed the discussion. Attention has moved away from the illegal device and the criminal who possesses it. Instead, lawsuits and proposed laws increasingly focus on Glock’s pistol design.

Some groups argue that Glock should redesign its handguns so criminals cannot install illegal third-party devices.

That creates a troubling standard.

Manufacturers should answer for real defects in their products. They should not automatically carry responsibility for every illegal modification that another person may design, make, sell, or install.

A Glock pistol does not become a machine gun on its own. Someone must obtain a separate conversion device, install it, and knowingly violate federal law.

When a criminal illegally modifies another common product, responsibility usually starts with the criminal. The existence of an illegal modification does not prove that the original product was defective.

Ghost Guns Do Not Define Lawful Gun Owners

Lawful gun owners often face a false choice.

We are expected to dismiss every concern about illegal switches or accept new restrictions on common pistols because criminals modify them.

Neither position makes sense.

A reasonable person can believe that switches are dangerous. Automatic pistol fire is difficult to control, and criminals who use converted guns should face serious consequences.

That same person can expect accurate reporting about how the devices work, what the numbers mean, and when privately made firearms remain lawful.

There is no conflict between opposing illegal conversion devices and opposing efforts to vilify common firearms and their owners.

Accuracy matters most when a report may influence criminal law, public safety policy, or restrictions on lawful ownership.

The Problem Goes Beyond One News Report

This issue does not begin or end with one television station, newspaper, reporter, police department, or advocacy group.

The same claims appear again and again.

Reports describe complete firearms as downloadable. They treat a printed frame as a fully printed gun. They use “unserialized” as another word for illegal. Reports also quote cyclic rates without explaining magazine capacity or reloads. Finally, they present illegal conversion devices as evidence of a defect in millions of lawful pistols.

Once an official statement or major report uses that wording, other outlets repeat it. Repetition can make an incomplete claim sound authoritative.

Correcting those claims does not excuse criminals or promote switches. It also does not deny that criminals sometimes use ghost guns.

Instead, it asks journalists and public officials to discuss firearms with the same care they would use when covering medicine, automobiles, or other technical subjects.

Ghost Guns Require Facts, Not Fear

The public gains nothing when officials and reporters package real concerns with misleading language.

A downloadable file is not a complete firearm. A printed frame still needs many additional parts. A gun without a manufacturer-applied serial number is not automatically illegal. A theoretical cyclic rate is not the same as sustained fire. An illegal conversion device is not a factory Glock product.

Switches can be illegal and dangerous without turning every Glock pistol into a threat.

Ghost guns can create challenges for police. That does not mean reliable firearms simply appear from inexpensive printers.

Lawful gun owners can support the prosecution of criminals who possess illegal conversion devices. At the same time, they can oppose attempts to use those crimes against common firearms and responsible owners.

That position does not defend switches or ignore criminal misuse.

It asks for facts, accuracy, and context.

GLOCK is a registered trademark of GLOCK, Inc. Industry Outsider is not affiliated with or endorsed by GLOCK, Inc. The term “Glock switch” appears here because it is the common name for illegal third-party conversion devices designed for certain Glock-pattern pistols.

This Buck 700 Nomad review is based on regular carry and everyday use. The Nomad is a slim modern Buck EDC knife with a D2 drop-point blade, anodized aluminum handle, dual thumb studs, a crossbar lock, and a reversible tip-up pocket clip. It looks different from a classic Buck lockback, but it still has the trim profile and practical feel I associate with the brand.

The short version: the Buck 700 Nomad is worth a look if you want a lightweight everyday carry knife with a more versatile slicing blade than the Buck 698 Ferrox. It is smooth, easy to carry, office-friendly, and priced where a good daily-use pocket knife should be.

Best fit: The Nomad makes the most sense for someone who wants Buck quality in a modern EDC knife, especially if they prefer a curved drop-point blade, D2 steel, crossbar lock, thumb studs, and slim aluminum handle over a traditional Buck lockback. Check the current price at Buck Knives.

The black Buck 700 Nomad made an unusual first impression. Its black finish and red accents reminded me of the CZ Shadow 2 Target Limited, a competition pistol with a similar color scheme. The CZ is a specialized handgun with a premium price. The Nomad offers some of that same visual appeal in a package that is affordable for most people and practical enough to carry every day.

I was not immediately sold on the red accents for a pocket knife. Still, those small touches give the Nomad a unique style while gently moving it away from the fully tactical look an all-black knife might suggest.

After using the Buck 700 Nomad for a bunch of the usual cutting jobs that come up throughout my day, I found it to be a very capable everyday carry knife at a sensible price.

For a more traditional Buck with brass, ebony, MagnaCut steel, and a lockback design, read my Buck 110 Slim Heritage Elite review. For another modern Buck EDC folder with a straighter reverse tanto blade, read my Buck 698 Ferrox review.

Buck 700 Nomad Specs

Buck offers the Nomad in Black, Blue, and Bronze. My review knife is the Black version, with a black blade and handle broken up by red accents.

Buck 700 Nomad vs Buck 698 Ferrox

The Buck 700 Nomad and Buck 698 Ferrox are both modern Buck EDC folders with D2 steel, aluminum handles, thumb studs, crossbar locks, and slim carry profiles. The biggest difference is the blade shape.

The Nomad uses a curved drop-point blade, which gives it a little more belly for slicing, lunch use, and general everyday cutting. The Ferrox uses a reverse tanto blade that feels a bit more utility-focused for boxes, packaging, and straight-line cuts. I like both, but if I had to choose one for more varied everyday use, the Nomad’s drop-point blade gives it a small advantage.

First Impressions of the Buck 700 Nomad

The Nomad arrived sharp and ready to use. In the hand, it feels slim with a nice amount of weight. It is not heavy enough to become a burden, but it is also not so light that it feels cheap.

The aluminum handle gives it a solid feel without adding unnecessary bulk. Even with its nontraditional styling, the Nomad retains the slim profile I have come to expect from Buck.

Handle Shape and Texture

The Nomad has subtle file-style texturing around the edges of the aluminum handle, while most of the grip remains fairly smooth.

That fits the role of the knife. This is an everyday carry folder, not a hard-use outdoor knife designed for cleaning fish in the rain or working with wet, muddy hands at a campsite.

For opening packages, cutting twine, handling lunch, and taking care of the other small jobs that come up during the day, it does not need extremely aggressive texturing. The smooth aluminum is comfortable and unobtrusive.

Even so, I would personally prefer a little more texture across the grip. That is a matter of preference rather than a serious criticism. The handle worked well throughout my review, and the knife never slipped during normal use.

Pocket Carry

The pocket clip works very well, which I have come to expect from Buck. It is also reversible for left- or right-side tip-up carry.

It holds the Nomad securely without making the knife difficult to remove when needed. Once clipped into my pocket, the Nomad stays out of mind until a cutting job comes up.

The black finish also held up well during carry. The flat surfaces of the handle still look good, and the blade finish remains like new after cardboard processing and the other cutting tasks.

The only visible wear is along the sharper inner edges of the aluminum handle near the spine. Those edges picked up a few light marks, probably from rubbing against my keys in the same pocket. It looks like normal carry wear rather than a problem with the finish.

Opening, Closing, and Lockup

Like the Buck 698 Ferrox, the Nomad is remarkably smooth and fast.

Despite having no assisted-opening mechanism, the Nomad opens quickly and smoothly with either thumb stud.

The blade locks up solidly with no lateral movement that I could detect. Pulling down on the crossbar lock allows the blade to drop smoothly back into the handle while keeping your fingers clear of its path.

It has also remained as solid as it was on the day I took it out of the box. Nothing has loosened, developed play, or started rattling during my time with it.

Buck Nomad 700 D2 Blade Performance

The D2 blade was plenty sharp and held up well during normal use.

Recycling day provided one of the better tests. I had a pile of empty boxes to cut up, and the Nomad handled the cardboard processing without trouble.

For more basic jobs, including cutting rope and twine, opening boxes and letters, and using it in a pinch for lunch, the Nomad is more than sharp enough.

When the edge eventually needs a touch-up, a diamond or ceramic sharpener will make the job easier. Based on how it performed during my review, that may not be necessary for quite a while.

Drop-Point Blade Shape

The curved drop-point blade adds useful versatility.

It works well for opening packages and making more precise cuts, but the curve also makes it more useful for food and slicing tasks. If you find yourself using your pocket knife around the kitchen or during lunch, that extra belly makes a noticeable difference. And yes, I am a bit OCD about keeping the blade clean, so I have no issues using it for my food.

The Ferrox has a straighter, more utility-focused reverse tanto blade. The Nomad is the better fit for someone who wants a little more slicing ability without giving up normal EDC performance.

Buck 700 Nomad: An Office-Friendly EDC Knife

One small interaction helped confirm that the Nomad works well in a workplace.

I wore a new T-shirt to work and noticed a long thread hanging from the back. Since I could not easily reach it, I handed the Nomad to a female coworker and asked her to cut it.

She used the knife without hesitation, and the interaction did not draw any negative attention. That told me something useful about the Nomad’s appearance. It looks like a practical pocket knife rather than something designed to intimidate people.

At the same time, it is still a capable knife. I would not want to face someone holding one in a defensive situation. Somehow, the Nomad finds the right balance between being effective and remaining appropriate for normal daily use.

Modern Styling With a Familiar Buck Profile

The black aluminum, red accents, thumb studs, and crossbar lock place the Nomad firmly in Buck’s modern EDC lineup.

What keeps it connected to the brand is its narrow profile. Even with the nontraditional styling, it retains the slim feel I have long associated with Buck knives.

Price, Warranty, and Overall Value

The Nomad hits a sweet spot for everyday carry.

You get D2 steel that holds an edge well without requiring excessive maintenance, smooth action, solid lockup, a good pocket clip, and the overall quality I expect from Buck.

It is also covered by Buck’s Forever Warranty, which adds some reassurance for a knife intended to be carried and used regularly.

For someone wary of spending hundreds of dollars on an EDC knife, or worried about losing an expensive daily carry, the Nomad is a strong option. Spending much less would probably mean giving up a noticeable amount of the materials, action, finish, and overall quality that make it appealing.

Final Thoughts on the Buck 700 Nomad

The Buck 700 Nomad is easy to carry, pleasant to use, and priced where a good EDC knife should be.

I would personally prefer a little more handle texture, but that is the only real change I would make. The Nomad remained solid throughout my review and handled everything I asked of it.

Check the current price at Buck Knives before buying.

As always, I’d like to thank Buck Knives for providing their 700 Nomad for our testing and evaluation. Visit Buck Knives to learn more about the Nomad and check current pricing.

The rifle is based on Henry’s Long Ranger platform, but its configuration reflects the needs of hunters who track deer or move through heavy cover. In those conditions, a shorter and lighter rifle can be easier to carry and quicker to bring on target.

Henry H14 Big Woods Carbine Built for Heavy Timber

The Henry H14 Big Woods Carbine features an 18.5-inch blued steel barrel and an overall length of 39 inches. It weighs less than seven pounds before adding an optic, sling, or ammunition.

Those compact dimensions should make the rifle easier to maneuver through brush and dense wooded terrain. The reduced weight may also appeal to hunters who cover significant distances while tracking deer.

Henry equips the rifle with a factory-installed Skinner peep sight and a bright fiber-optic front sight. This combination is intended to provide quick sight acquisition without the added weight or bulk of a scope.

Hunters who prefer an optic still have that option. The receiver is drilled and tapped for mounting a scope.

Long Ranger Action and Detachable Magazine

The rifle uses the same basic action design found in the Henry Long Ranger. Instead of a traditional lever-action locking system, it uses a geared action and a six-lug rotating bolt.

A detachable four-round magazine allows the rifle to use pointed .308 Winchester ammunition. This gives hunters access to a broad selection of modern hunting loads while retaining the handling and operation of a lever-action rifle.

Henry H14 Big Woods Carbine Specifications

The Big Woods Bucks Connection

Big Woods Bucks is a group of experienced Northeast hunters and trackers focused on traditional whitetail hunting in large, heavily wooded areas. Their approach emphasizes tracking, woodsmanship, and moving through deer habitat.

That background influenced the rifle’s compact dimensions, low weight, and sight configuration. The American walnut buttstock also features an engraved Big Woods Bucks logo with green plaid accents.

“The Long Ranger Big Woods Carbine is the perfect choice for lever-action hunting in the Big Woods,” said Hal Blood, Master Maine Guide, author, and tracker. “The short, light, smooth action topped with a Skinner peep sight is the perfect combination.”

Price and Availability

The Henry H14 Long Ranger Big Woods Carbine is now shipping to authorized Henry dealers. It has a suggested retail price of $1,500.

This article is based on product information and images supplied by Henry Repeating Arms. We have not tested or handled the rifle.

They are also cool glasses. The thin metal frames, large lenses, and familiar shape have looked good for decades. More importantly for firearms enthusiasts, Aviators have real roots in military aviation. They later became associated with police officers, outdoor use, action films, and American culture.

That connection is still visible in the firearms industry. Colion Noir and Garand Thumb are two well-known firearms personalities who have worn Aviator-style sunglasses. Their personal styles are very different, but the glasses look natural on both of them.

There is one practical distinction worth making. Standard Aviator sunglasses should not automatically be treated as shooting glasses. Anyone who wants the same look during live fire should verify the impact rating or choose protective eyewear inspired by the classic design.

Aviator Sunglasses Started With Military Aviation

Aviators were not originally created as a fashion accessory.

Early pilots needed eyewear that reduced glare and provided broad coverage in bright conditions. Traditional flight goggles could be bulky. As a result, pilots needed something lighter and easier to wear.

The resulting design used a thin metal frame and large teardrop-shaped lenses. Those lenses covered more of the area around the eyes. At the same time, the lightweight frame made the glasses more comfortable than older goggles.

According to Ray-Ban’s history, the company developed glare-reducing lenses for U.S. pilots during the 1930s. Ray-Ban identifies 1937 as the introduction of the Aviator Classic.

That history gives Aviator sunglasses an authentic connection to military and outdoor culture. They did not begin as eyewear designed to imitate military equipment. They began as functional equipment.

Why the Aviator Sunglasses Design Still Works

Many historical products no longer look appealing outside a museum. Aviators are different.

The thin frame, double bridge, and teardrop lenses remain easy to recognize. The glasses stand out without looking excessive. They also work with everything from jeans and a T-shirt to a field jacket or button-down shirt.

That flexibility matters in the firearms industry. Not every gun owner wants to dress in tactical clothing or wear accessories that immediately identify them as part of the shooting community.

Aviator sunglasses offer a subtler connection. Their military background is there, but they are also practical everyday sunglasses. They work while driving, traveling, attending industry events, or going about the rest of the day.

Aviator Sunglasses in Firearms Culture

Firearms culture has always drawn from military, law enforcement, aviation, hunting, and outdoor traditions.

That influence appears in boots, field watches, jackets, bags, and eyewear. Aviators fit naturally into that mix because they already have the history to support the connection.

They are not trying to look military-inspired. They are military-inspired.

Colion Noir and Garand Thumb are good modern examples of how the Aviator look fits different parts of firearms media.

Colion Noir is known for combining firearms and Second Amendment commentary with a polished personal style. Aviator-style sunglasses fit naturally into that presentation.

Garand Thumb has a different image. His style is tied more closely to military experience, field equipment, training, and firearms testing. Aviator-style glasses work there as well.

Neither personality created the connection between Aviators and firearms. That connection existed long before either entered the industry. Instead, they show that the design still works across very different parts of modern firearms culture.

Top Gun Helped Keep Aviator Sunglasses Relevant

Hollywood also helped keep Aviators connected to military confidence and aviation.

The most obvious example is Top Gun. Tom Cruise’s Maverick made Aviator sunglasses part of one of the most recognizable military-film images of the 1980s.

The glasses belonged in that setting because they already had a real connection to military pilots. The movie did not create that relationship. It introduced it to a much larger audience.

The influence returned with Top Gun: Maverick. GQ reported that the sequel renewed interest in Aviator sunglasses, echoing the effect of the original film decades earlier.

That kind of staying power is unusual. Aviators remain linked with military aviation, confidence, and people who operate serious equipment. Those same qualities make them feel at home in firearms culture.

Ray-Ban Has Preserved the Aviator Look

Ray-Ban has introduced different versions of the Aviator over the years, but the basic design remains familiar.

The current Ray-Ban Aviator collection includes different lens colors, frame finishes, sizes, and variations. However, the thin metal frame and large lens shape remain at the center of the collection.

Buyers can choose traditional green lenses, darker tints, mirrored lenses, or other variations without losing the overall Aviator identity.

Many companies update classic products until little remains of the original. Ray-Ban has generally avoided that problem. The Aviator has changed enough to stay current without losing the features that made it recognizable.

Aviator Sunglasses Are Not Automatically Shooting Glasses

This is where the topic becomes especially relevant for firearms enthusiasts.

Aviators have military roots and look right at home around firearms. They are also worn by some of the most recognizable people in the industry. However, none of that automatically makes a pair of sunglasses suitable for live fire.

Standard Ray-Ban Aviators are sold as sunglasses. Shooters should not assume they provide ballistic protection unless a specific model is clearly marked as meeting an appropriate impact standard.

This is not criticism of Colion Noir, Garand Thumb, or anyone else seen wearing Aviator-style glasses. A photo or video does not necessarily show what eyewear someone uses during every live-fire session.

The point is simply that appearance and safety ratings are two different things.

When shooting, lens material, frame construction, coverage, and impact rating matter more than style. Ordinary sunglasses may reduce glare and provide UV protection. Those benefits are still not the same as tested impact protection.

Look for Rated Aviator-Style Eye Protection

Shooters who like Aviator sunglasses do not necessarily have to give up the look at the range.

Some protective eyewear uses a similar shape while adding larger lenses, more wraparound coverage, stronger materials, and frames designed to stay secure during active use.

Those glasses may not look exactly like traditional Ray-Bans. That is often the compromise required to provide better protection.

The important step is to verify the actual rating. A pair of glasses can resemble an Aviator without being suitable for shooting. Check the manufacturer’s specifications and confirm that the eyewear meets a recognized impact standard.

Traditional Aviators still make sense for driving, travel, outdoor events, casual wear, and time spent around the firearms industry. Ballistic-rated eye protection makes more sense during live fire.

That may mean switching glasses when arriving at the range. It may also mean finding an Aviator-inspired protective design with a suitable safety rating.

Final Thoughts on Aviator Sunglasses

Aviator sunglasses have earned their place in firearms culture.

They began as practical eyewear for pilots and became one of the most recognizable sunglass designs in the world. Movies such as Top Gun reinforced the military connection. Modern firearms personalities such as Colion Noir and Garand Thumb show that the style still fits naturally within the industry.

And yes, Aviators are simply cool glasses.

They look confident without being loud. They carry military history without appearing like costume equipment. They also work across different styles, which explains why they continue to appear around firearms, aviation, vehicles, and outdoor culture.

Just remember that history and appearance are not safety ratings.

Traditional Aviators are excellent everyday sunglasses. For live fire, shooters should verify the impact rating or look for an Aviator-inspired design made specifically to provide proper eye protection.

That combination makes sense on the KSG. This is not a conventional pump shotgun, and treating it like one misses the point. The KSG loads from the underside into two selectable magazine tubes, and it ejects from the underside as well. That makes it a true ambidextrous shotgun, which is one of the platform’s best practical features.

Our KSG is mostly for range fun, but that does not mean every upgrade has to be cosmetic or pointless. If an accessory makes the gun more functional or more enjoyable to shoot, I am interested. The Mesa Tactical SureShell Carrier and Rail for the Kel-Tec KSG checks those boxes. It adds six shells to each side of the shotgun, giving the KSG another dozen rounds on the gun, and it does it without looking like an afterthought.

It is not the cheapest way to carry extra shells on a KSG. Velcro shell cards are popular for a reason, and there is nothing wrong with them. This is a different kind of upgrade. The Mesa Tactical SureShell is a premium, integrated KSG shell carrier that adds shell storage, replaces the rail, and gives you another place to mount an accessory if needed.

Why Add the Mesa Tactical SureShell to a KSG?

The first question is obvious: Does the KSG really need more capacity? For casual range use, probably not. For defensive use, the KSG already carries more shells than most traditional pump-action shotguns. But this upgrade is not only about raw shell count.

The bigger benefit is organization. The KSG gives you two selectable magazine tubes, which already opens the door to keeping different loads separated. Adding a SureShell carrier to the Kel-Tec KSG gives you another way to stage spare rounds. You might keep slugs in the carrier, buckshot in the tubes, or simply use the extra shells to keep the range session moving.

The KSG also takes practice. It is a bullpup shotgun with underside loading, underside ejection, and a tube selector. Anyone used to a conventional pump shotgun will need time with the platform. Having extra shells attached to the gun does not change that learning curve, but it does keep more ammunition organized and available.

For our use, the KSG is fun first. It is loud, strange, compact, and always gets attention. At the same time, the KSG has been used as a serious defensive shotgun by people who choose to run the platform. The Mesa Tactical SureShell works either way. It makes a range toy more enjoyable, and it makes a defensive KSG more complete.

Mesa Tactical SureShell Carrier and Rail Overview

The Mesa Tactical SureShell Carrier and Rail for the Kel-Tec KSG combines a replacement optics rail with shell carriers on both sides. The version tested here uses aluminum carrier yokes for 12 gauge shells, with six shells on each side.

In total, this KSG shell carrier adds onboard storage for twelve extra 12 gauge shells. That is on top of the twelve 3-inch shells or fourteen 2.75-inch shells held in the dual magazine tubes. It also replaces the factory top rail with an anodized aluminum Picatinny rail. That matters because the KSG is often set up with an optic, and a solid KSG optics rail is not just cosmetic.

Mesa Tactical also includes side mounting points for accessory rail sections. I installed the included rail section so the shotgun will be ready for a light later. A light makes sense on a defensive shotgun, and I like having the option available.

As a Kel-Tec KSG accessory, the Mesa Tactical SureShell fits the shotgun well. The KSG is compact, unconventional, and already built around doing things differently. A clean, integrated shotgun shell carrier and rail system makes more sense here than a pile of separate add-ons.

Installed on the Original Kel-Tec KSG

I tested this setup on my original Kel-Tec KSG variant. This one happens to be the ODG version, which I prefer quite a bit over basic black.

The shotgun came to me used with a Sightmark optic already mounted. Would I choose that optic if I were starting from scratch? Probably not. But this particular optic has survived a surprising amount of abuse. Over the past eight years or so, it has seen countless rounds and has not lost zero, so I have left it on the KSG for now.

After installing the Mesa Tactical SureShell rail, I put the Sightmark back on and gave it a quick zero check. I also added the included accessory rail section in case I decide to mount a flashlight later.

Installing the Mesa Tactical SureShell on the KSG

Mesa Tactical’s instructions say installation takes about five minutes. That seems realistic when everything goes smoothly.

My install took longer because I was taking photos, and because this KSG had one stripped screw that took extra time to remove. Once I handled that, the actual installation went quickly. Without photos and without the stripped screw, five minutes would be a fair expectation. It involves removing the original rail and replacing it with two recoil lugs, then attaching the new rail to the lugs.

During installation, the rail may seem like it will stay loose. Keep going. Once you follow the instructions through to the end and tighten everything down, the assembly locks in solid. I found no wobble, no alignment issue, and no reason for concern. Rather than trying to summarize them, I’m including a link to the installation instructions here.

That matches my general experience with Mesa Tactical parts. They do their homework. Their products install cleanly, fit properly, and feel like premium components. The price reflects that, but so does the quality.

Mesa Tactical SureShell Retention and Onboard Storage

Shell retention matters on any onboard shotshell carrier. A carrier can look great, but it still has to hold shells securely under recoil and release them when needed.

The Mesa Tactical SureShell carriers hold shells snugly. I normally run shells brass up as a little extra insurance. That is my preference because I do not want gravity working against me. Even so, Mesa Tactical’s rubber friction retention system does a solid job keeping shells in place.

Mesa Tactical also gives you options for the rubber retention material. The gripping part can be replaced, and Mesa Tactical offers free replacements for the rubber if it wears out. That is a nice detail. The wear parts work well. You can tune the friction, and Mesa Tactical supports it after purchase.

That kind of retention matters on a KSG shell carrier. The KSG is a compact 12 gauge shotgun, not a soft-shooting plinker. The carrier needs to keep shells secure under the recoil and rough handling that comes with a 12 gauge shotgun.

Accessing Spare Shells on the KSG

Nothing about the KSG feels completely natural at first. That is not a complaint. It is just the reality of a bullpup pump shotgun with dual tubes and a tube selector.

The Mesa Tactical SureShell carriers place the shells farther forward than they would sit on a traditional shotgun. In some ways, that makes them easy to reach. In other ways, this is still a KSG, so reloads and load management require practice.

Having spare rounds attached to the shotgun can still be easier than pulling shells from a pocket, pouch, belt carrier, or bandolier. It also keeps the ammunition with the gun. Whether you use the KSG at the range or as a defensive shotgun, keeping extra shells on the shotgun makes sense.

Mesa Tactical SureShell Weight and Balance

The replacement rail adds a negligible amount of weight. The twelve extra 12 gauge shells add more noticeable weight, but not enough to create a handling problem.

The KSG already feels like a compact little beast. The Mesa Tactical SureShell does not suddenly make it awkward. If anything, the extra weight may help take a little edge off recoil.

My KSG has a stubby vertical grip installed, and the SureShell carrier caused no interference. The carriers sit up and out of the way. Pump movement, hand placement, and normal use all stayed the same.

As a practical upgrade, this Kel-Tec KSG shell carrier changes the shotgun less than you might expect. It adds useful shell storage and a better rail, but it does not ruin the compact feel that makes the KSG interesting in the first place.

Range Use With the Mesa Tactical SureShell

Ammo is not cheap, so this was not a 500-round torture test. Between three shooters, we ran a mix of birdshot, some buckshot, and slugs through the KSG with the Mesa Tactical SureShell Carrier and Rail installed.

The rail stayed solid. The shell carriers did their job. Nothing shifted, rattled, or came loose. Mesa Tactical’s instructions do not call for thread locker, and I did not use any. Nothing loosened during the range session.

The Sightmark optic also continued to hold zero. Again, it may not be the optic I would recommend as the ultimate KSG choice, but this particular one has taken a lot of abuse and keeps working.

The important takeaway is simple: the Mesa Tactical SureShell stayed put, held the shells securely, and did not interfere with running the shotgun.

KSG Range Toy or Defensive Shotgun?

For us, this KSG mostly lives as a range novelty. It’s fun, loud, cool-looking, and always a conversation piece. The Mesa Tactical SureShell Carrier and Rail makes it even more fun because it gives us more shells on board and a better overall setup.

The serious side is easy to see as well. If someone uses a KSG as a defensive shotgun, another dozen rounds on board can matter. Add the upgraded Picatinny rail and the option to mount a light, and the shotgun becomes a more complete package.

Would the KSG be my first choice for defense? No. But if someone commits to the platform, this Mesa Tactical setup makes a lot of sense. It adds capacity, improves organization, and keeps everything attached to the gun in a solid, professional way.

Final Thoughts on the Mesa Tactical SureShell

The Mesa Tactical SureShell Carrier and Rail for the Kel-Tec KSG is not the inexpensive way to add shells to a shotgun. Velcro shell cards are popular for a reason. They are simple, lightweight, easy to replace, and easy to swap. If that is what you want, there is nothing wrong with that approach.

This is different. This is the premium, integrated, amittedily badass option. It replaces the rail, adds six shells on each side, gives you accessory mounting options, and fits the KSG like Mesa Tactical properly engineered it for this shotgun. Because they did.

There really is not much downside besides the price. At the time of publication, Mesa Tactical lists the aluminum version at $289.95 and the polymer version at $229.95. Whether this is a hobby gun or a defensive shotgun, quality comes at a price. Good stuff is not cheap. In this case, the fit, finish, shell retention, and all-in-one design make the price easier to accept.

For KSG owners who already like the platform and want a serious upgrade, the Mesa Tactical SureShell is easy to recommend. It makes a fun shotgun more fun, and it makes a practical shotgun more practical.

As always, I would like to thank Mesa Tactical for sending the SureShell Carrier and Rail for the Kel-Tec KSG for our testing and evaluation. Visit Mesa Tactical to see their full line of shotgun accessories and other quality products.

Fenix sent me the Turquoise version of the E06R for this review, and it arrived in standard retail packaging with the expected accessories. That includes the USB-C charging cable, lanyard, and key ring. While turquoise would not have been my first color choice, I don’t mind it. In fact, the more I used the light, the more I liked the overall package. At that point, the color didn’t matter. It’s actually grown on me a bit.

I chose this one specifically because the size and price point ($55.95 at time of publication) make it a very attractive everyday carry flashlight. It is not too expensive. It is not bulky. The output range is useful. The quality feels high. And for a compact EDC light, it is very easy to recommend.

Check current price and availability: Fenix E06R Rechargeable EDC Flashlight

Fenix E06R Specs

Before getting into the hands-on notes, here are the main Fenix E06R specs and features:

• Maximum output: 700 lumens
• Maximum beam distance: 361 feet / 110 meters
• Maximum runtime: 60 hours
• Lighting modes: 10 total modes
• White light modes: Eco, Low, Medium, High
• Other light sources: UV light and red laser
• Decorative modes: Rainbow, red flash, blue flash, red/blue flash
• Battery: Built-in 750mAh battery
• Charging: USB-C
• Charging time: About 2 hours from depleted to fully charged
• Size: 2.72 inches long, 1.14 inches wide, 0.63 inches thick
• Weight: 1.90 ounces including battery
• Carry options: Belt clip, key ring loop, included key ring, and lanyard
• Other features: Magnetic tail, lockout, battery level indicator, memory function, and overheat protection

First Impression

My first impression was that this is a cool little light. The shape is great, the design is great, and I like the button layout. Turquoise gives it a low-key pop of color compared to basic black, the finish looks good, and the overall design works.

Most of my flashlights have been round. For well over 100 years, flashlights have mostly been round, so that shape is what most of us are used to. Yet it turns out a flat flashlight is really handy. The E06R fits the hand well, feels ergonomic, and carries nicely for a small EDC light.

I do not have anything against round flashlights. If this were a tactical flashlight, round would still be the way to go. For a compact everyday carry light, though, I think I prefer this flat style. It slips into a pocket, clips to a bag, and feels less bulky than a round light with similar capability. The flat body also makes sense for a light with multiple emitters. The white light, UV light, and red laser all fit neatly into the front of the housing without making the light bulky.

Design and Build Quality

The Fenix E06R is not just a flat slab with a light on the end. Fenix added small machining details along the sides, and the side buttons are slightly recessed. Those little cuts add some grip, but they also make the light more interesting to look at. A flashlight may be a tool, but that does not mean it cannot be aesthetically pleasing too.

That reminded me of the Coast Slayer I reviewed a while back. The Slayer has more obvious firearms-inspired styling, with stacked lenses, angled cuts, and a profile that hints at handgun design. The E06R is much more compact and less aggressive, but both lights show how small design choices can make an EDC flashlight more interesting without hurting usability.

The front of the light is squared off. Toward the tail, the cuts are angled slightly. It is a small detail, but it helps the E06R look and feel more like a well-designed EDC tool than a basic keychain light.

I didn’t abuse the light by dropping it or trying to test its durability, but it feels solid. It doesn’t feel cheap or toy-like. For a small light, it has a premium feel, and I have no doubt that it would hold up to more abuse than I am likely to give it during normal everyday carry.

Carrying the Fenix E06R

I carried the E06R a few different ways during testing. For a couple of work trips, I clipped it to my laptop bag. I also carried it loose in my pocket and clipped it to the edge of my pants pocket. Fenix refers to the clip as a belt clip, though I treat it like a pocket clip, as more commonly found on knives. After trying those options, I think I prefer the carry clip for this light, regardless of what it’s called.

The size is the key. I am pretty sure I could find at least a dozen, if not two dozen, flashlights scattered around our house and vehicles. Even so, the E06R stands out as the one I would actually carry every day. It is small enough and handy enough that I can keep it with me without thinking about it.

I am personally not a big fan of putting it on a key ring. Nothing against the light, since the option is there for people who want it. I’ve just never wanted extra bulk on my keychain. For me, the pocket clip is the better carry option.

The pocket clip also gives the E06R another practical use. In a pinch, I would be more likely to clip it to the brim of a hat and use it as a small hands-free light than rely on the magnetic tail. That’s not its main purpose, but it is a handy option if you need both hands free. And it’s exactly the sort of flexibility I appreciate.

Lockout Matters for Pocket Carry

The E06R does have a lockout function, and it matters. I had the light turn on in my pocket before using the lockout feature. That is not really the light’s fault. It is just something to remember if you carry it loose in a pocket or bag.

To lock the E06R, turn the light off, then press and hold the side purple switch and side red switch at the same time for two seconds. The light blinks twice in Eco output to confirm that it is locked. To unlock it, hold the same two switches again for two seconds. The light unlocks and activates in Eco mode.

With the lockout, I wouldn’t worry about carrying the E06R in a pocket, backpack, laptop bag, or purse. Just remember to lock it before tossing it in with other gear.

White Light Performance

Fenix has been making flashlights for a long time, and that shows in the E06R’s white light settings. Eco is useful when you only need a little light without blasting your eyes or affecting your night vision. From there, Low, Medium, and High give you practical steps up in output instead of awkward jumps between too little and too much.

That is what I like about the E06R. The brightness levels feel well chosen. They do not come across as filler modes added just to fatten up a spec sheet. Each level has a purpose, and for everyday use, that matters more to me than chasing the highest lumen number possible. The Intelligent Memory Circuit helps too, since it recalls the last white light level you used.

At 700 lumens, High gives me as much light as I could reasonably need or expect from a compact EDC flashlight. This is not a full-size duty light, and it is not trying to be one. It is a small, easy-to-carry light with a useful output range when you need it.

Eco became my default mode pretty quickly. After bumping my nightstand one night, I heard something hit the floor. The E06R was still on the nightstand, so I grabbed it and used Eco to see what had fallen, without turning on the light and disturbing my wife.

High got used for a different middle-of-the-night problem when the cat brought a bird into the house. I was able to search the living room without turning on all the lights and waking my wife. That is exactly the kind of situation where a small EDC light makes more sense than lighting up the whole house.

UV Light

The E06R includes a UV light, and I see that as a handy household inspection tool. There are fun uses too, like spotting scorpions if you happen to live somewhere they are around. For me, though, the main value is checking things around the house.

For example, even after having our carpets professionally cleaned a couple of times, the UV light still showed where pets had accidents. That does not necessarily mean the carpet is still dirty. UV can show older staining, residue, or something that normal light does not reveal. Still, it shows how useful a small UV light can be when you want to check carpet, upholstery, or other areas around the house.

I wouldn’t treat the E06R as a professional inspection tool. But as a pocket-sized light that already has white light and a red laser, the UV mode is a useful bonus.

Red Laser

The red laser is not something I use much. I’m not giving any presentations at work that require a pointer. Around the house, though, it has still seen some use. We have a cat, and the laser definitely gets used for that. It’s not the main reason I would buy the E06R, but it is another useful feature packed into this very small light.

Decorative Ring Light

The breathing light is the conversation starter no one asked for. It lights up around the neck switch, and you can cycle through rainbow, red flash, blue flash, and red/blue flash.

I do not see myself using it for anything important, but it is fun. On a little EDC light like this, it adds some personality without getting in the way of the flashlight doing flashlight things.

Controls and Learning Curve

Flashlights used to be simple because most of them only needed an on/off switch. Once you start adding more lighting modes and extra features, the controls naturally get a little more complex.

The E06R is one of those lights where it pays to read the manual. The white light, UV light, red laser, decorative ring light, battery check, and lockout all have their own controls. It is not instantly intuitive if you just start clicking buttons. After reading through the instructions and using it for a day, though, it was easy enough to operate.

The white light uses the neck-mounted switch. Press and hold for half a second to turn it on, then single-click to cycle through Eco, Low, Medium, and High. The UV light uses the purple side switch. The red laser uses the red side switch. That separate-button layout helps once you understand it. You can find the instructions on the product page, which is useful. The included manual has some tiny type that may be difficult for some users to read.

Charging, Battery Life, and Battery Indicator of the Fenix E06R

The E06R charges by USB-C, which is exactly what I want from a modern everyday carry light. Fenix lists the normal charging time at about two hours from dead to fully charged.

The charging indicator is simple. It shows red while charging and turns green when the light is fully charged. Only Eco output can be used while charging.

The battery level check is also useful. With the light turned off, a single click checks the current battery level for three seconds:

• Green solid: 100% to 85%
• Green flashing: 85% to 50%
• Red solid: 50% to 25%
• Red flashing: 25% to 1%

In my use, I charged the E06R when I received it and left it on the charger overnight. About two weeks later, I still had not needed to recharge it. That included more use than it would probably get during normal everyday carry, because any new flashlight is going to get played with during the review period.

For my use, I will probably just put it on the charger every other week or so and not worry about battery life.

Exposed USB-C Port

The USB-C charging port is exposed, with no rubber cover to peel back. At first glance, that might seem like a concern. Fenix notes that the USB-C port has waterproof treatment, so the lack of a rubber cover does not bother me for everyday carry.

I actually prefer not having a small rubber cover. Those covers can be annoying to open, and they can get damaged or lost over time. For an everyday carry light, the open USB-C port makes charging simple while still keeping the light protected as designed.

Magnetic Tail and Hands-Free Use

The E06R has a magnetic tail, but I have not found a specific need for it yet. I did test it the way most people probably will at first. It brought out the kid in me, so I walked around the house sticking it to different things just to see what it would and would not attach to.

Even if I have not needed it for a real task yet, I can see the value. If you need both hands free and have a metal surface nearby, the magnetic tail could turn the E06R into a small hands-free work light.

That said, I am probably more likely to use the pocket clip for hands-free light in a pinch. Clipping it to a hat brim as an emergency headlamp seems more likely for my use than sticking it to a metal surface.

Who Is the Fenix E06R For?

The Fenix E06R is for someone who wants a small EDC flashlight that is easy to keep with them. It makes sense as a pocket light, backpack light, laptop bag light, purse light, or compact backup light.

I have not run into many situations where I needed it in the middle of the workday, but that is also part of the point. It is small enough to carry every day, so it is there when you need it. Whether you are checking under a desk, looking inside a bag, walking through a dark parking lot, inspecting something around the house, or just wanting a backup light nearby, the E06R is easy to justify.

If you are looking for a compact flashlight with a good output range, USB-C charging, a flat pocket-friendly shape, and a few extra tools like UV and a red laser, this one is ideal. The color options ensure it’s fashionable too, if that matters to you.

What About the Fenix E06R PRO RG?

Fenix also sent me the E06R PRO RG, which is the larger, more feature-packed option in this flat flashlight lineup. I still wanted to focus this review on the smaller E06R because that is the model that interested me most as a compact everyday carry light.

Since I had both lights on hand, the PRO RG is worth mentioning for anyone trying to decide between the smaller E06R and the larger version.

The standard E06R is the one I would choose for pocket carry, a laptop bag, or anyone who wants a small light that is easy to keep with them every day. The E06R PRO RG makes more sense for someone who likes the same general flat design but wants a larger light with more output, more modes, and more features.

If you want the smallest and easiest version to carry, I would look at the regular E06R first. If you want more output and do not mind the added size, the E06R PRO RG is worth a look.

Compare both models: Fenix E06R | Fenix E06R PRO RG

What I Would Change About the Fenix E06R

I really looked for something to complain about, and I am not coming up with much. Fenix already offers the E06R in several colors, including Turquoise, Gun Grey, Graffiti, and Platinum.

The closest thing I have to a real gripe is the printed manual. Because the E06R has several modes and a few different button combinations, the instructions are worth reading. The included manual gets the job done, but the type is tiny. Some users may find it easier to pull up the operating instructions on the Fenix product page instead. I’m one of them, because my reading glasses are never handy when I need them.

Other than that, I do not have much to criticize. I really dig this little light.

Final Thoughts

The Fenix E06R is easy to recommend because it gets the everyday carry balance right. It is small without feeling useless, bright without being oversized, and feature-packed without becoming too complicated once you read the instructions.

The flat shape may be what sold me on this little guy. For a compact EDC flashlight, it just works. It carries well, feels good in the hand, clips easily to a bag or pocket, and does not feel like another bulky item you have to force yourself to carry.

If you want a small rechargeable EDC flashlight with useful output, USB-C charging, lockout, UV, red laser, and a pocket-friendly design, the Fenix E06R is a strong option. It is the kind of light that is useful because it is actually easy to keep with you.

Check current price and availability: Fenix E06R Rechargeable EDC Flashlight

As always, I’d like to thank Fenix for providing their E06R flashlight for my testing and evaluation.

This Buck 698 Ferrox review is based on regular carry and everyday use. I used it like I would any other knife in my EDC rotation, and the Ferrox quickly proved itself as a practical modern Buck knife. It has a D2 reverse tanto blade, aluminum handle, dual thumb studs, a crossbar lock, and a pocket clip that actually works well.

The short version: the Buck 698 Ferrox is worth a look if you want a modern Buck EDC knife that is slim, smooth, easy to carry, and reasonably priced. It does not have the classic wood-and-metal Buck look, but it still feels like a Buck where it matters.

After carrying and using the Buck 698 Ferrox through a busy stretch of everyday tasks, including a fair amount of cardboard processing, I think Buck got this one right. The Ferrox is trim, smooth, useful, and modern without feeling like Buck is chasing a trend just to chase it.

Best fit: The Ferrox makes the most sense for someone who wants Buck quality in a modern everyday carry knife, especially if they prefer a crossbar lock, thumb studs, D2 steel, and a slim aluminum handle over a traditional Buck lockback. Check the current price at Buck Knives.

For a more traditional Buck with brass, ebony, MagnaCut steel, and a lockback design, read my Buck 110 Slim Heritage Elite review.

For another modern Buck EDC folder with a curved drop-point blade and crossbar lock, read my Buck 700 Nomad review.

Buck 698 Ferrox Specs

Specs are useful, but they only tell part of the story. The real question is whether the Buck 698 Ferrox works as a practical everyday carry knife.

Buck currently offers the 698 Ferrox in Silver, Bronze, and Black. My review sample is the Bronze version, which pairs the darker blade and hardware with a warm-toned aluminum handle.

First Impressions of the Buck 698 Ferrox

Out of the box, the Ferrox made a good first impression. The factory edge was sharp enough to easily slice small curls off a piece of paper, which is usually a good sign that your blade has a sharp edge. What surprised me was how long it was able to hold that edge.

The design is attractive without being flashy. It’s aesthetically pleasing, but it’s still a tool, first and foremost. It has a modern look, but Buck did not make it overly tactical just for attention. Its proportions are trim, the handle is not too thick, and the knife feels like it was designed to be carried and used.

That matters to me. I have always associated Buck knives with a slim look and feel. Even though the Ferrox is clearly more modern than a traditional Buck lockback, it still has that familiar trim Buck profile.

Opening, Closing, and Lockup

The action on the Buck 698 Ferrox is excellent. It opens smoothly with just the dual thumb studs. There is no assist, yet it feels glassy smooth, like it’s got some fancy bearing system. But it’s just good design and tight tolerances.

Opening and closing the blade is satisfying enough that I found myself using it like a fidget toy for a while. With my fingers clear, the blade drops closed with a light to medium pull on the crossbar lock. The lock tension feels just about right.

Blade lockup is solid, with no movement that I could detect.

The only play I noticed was in the crossbar lock buttons. Even under spring tension, they have the tiniest bit of movement, which is not unexpected for a moving part. If you shake the knife hard enough, you can hear a quiet rattle from the lock buttons. Other than that, the knife operates silently.

More importantly, that slight rattle never mattered during actual carry or use. I only remembered it when I sat down to look back at my early notes. Nothing came loose during the review. The clip stayed tight, the hardware stayed tight, and the knife continued to feel solid.

Part of me initially thought the sliding lock button could use a more aggressive texture. After using it, I think Buck made the right call. There is enough texture to operate it easily, but not so much that it feels sharp or makes accidental unlocking more likely. It unlocks when you want it to, and not before.

Pocket Carry

This may seem like a small detail, but the pocket clip is a big deal to me. A bad clip can ruin an otherwise good everyday carry knife.

I carried the Ferrox in my usual knife spot in my right pocket, and it pretty much disappeared until I needed it. At 3.2 ounces, the weight never really called attention to itself, which is exactly what I want from an EDC folder.

The clip was one of the biggest positives. It was not too tight and not too loose. It held the knife securely, came out when I needed it, and did not fight me every time I reached for it or tucked it back in my pocket. This is exactly how it should be, and other designers would do well to study the design, in my opinion. If you have ever had a bad clip, you know exactly what I’m referring to.

I pay close attention to pocket clips because I have had bad ones before. On a previous knife review, the clip was functional, but poorly designed. It stuck out too far, caught on things, and even scratched my car. Ever since then, I have judged knife clips against that experience.

The Ferrox clip gets it right. It is secure, practical, and unobtrusive. For everyday carry, that matters more than some people realize.

Handle Comfort and Grip

The handle is comfortable and I never gave it a second thought throughout the review. Its lightly textured diamond pattern worked well with dry hands and gave me enough traction for normal use without feeling rough or overly aggressive.

The handle is not too thick, and I did not notice hot spots during repeated use. It didn’t slip during normal cutting tasks either.

If I were using this knife in wet weather or as a dedicated camping knife, I might want a bit more texture. With very wet hands, the grip may not be aggressive enough for everyone. But that is not really what this knife is. The Buck 698 Ferrox is an everyday carry knife first, and for that role, the grip strikes a good balance.

Blade Shape and Cutting Performance

Buck calls the Ferrox blade a reverse tanto, and that description fits. It gives the knife a modern look, but it also works well for the kinds of tasks most people use an everyday carry knife for.

I used it for normal pocket-knife jobs, including opening packages, cutting up cardboard, and general daily tasks. I also cut old rope, paracord, and plastic strapping from shipping boxes. It handled all of that with purpose. This blade understands the assignment.

The blade shape is not perfect for everything. A little more curve toward the end would make it handier for slicing food. I use my pocket knife at lunch fairly often, slicing fruit, veggies, or a piece of chicken. The Ferrox works fine in a pinch, but meal prep is not what this blade shape is optimized for. Perhaps I need a dedicated “lunch box” knife, too.

For cardboard, packaging, rope, and similar EDC tasks, the blade shape makes sense. It is attractive, functional, and gives the Ferrox a distinct look without making it awkward to use.

Edge Retention and Maintenance

The Ferrox came sharp, and it stayed sharp through my review. After a fair amount of cardboard processing, the blade still did not feel like it needed a touch-up. I get a lot of packages delivered, so there is always cardboard to break down and recycle. While I try to stick to utility knives for that, more often than not, I reach for the pocket knife I am already carrying. I would not call this a long-term edge retention test, but for normal carry and review use, the D2 blade held its edge well through plenty of cardboard and other everyday cutting tasks.

When it does need sharpening, D2 may take a little more patience than softer steels. That is part of the tradeoff for better edge retention. A knife like this deserves to be maintained before the edge gets truly dull, so use a quality sharpening setup and stay ahead of it. Put in the effort, and it will continue to be a reliable companion.

I would also keep the blade clean and dry after use. D2 has more corrosion resistance than some tool steels, but it is not fully stainless. For normal EDC use, that should not be a problem, but it is still worth wiping the blade down after cutting food, wet material, or anything sticky.

Does It Still Feel Like a Buck?

Yes, it does.

The Ferrox is clearly not a classic wood-and-metal Buck lockback. It has an aluminum handle, a modern reverse tanto blade, thumb studs, and a crossbar-style lock. On paper, that may not sound like the Buck knives a lot of us grew up around.

In the hand and pocket, though, it still feels like a Buck to me. The proportions are slim. The design is practical. The knife feels like it was built to be used, not just styled to follow a trend.

That is where Buck seems to have found the balance. The Ferrox brings modern EDC features into the lineup without losing the sense that Buck still knows what a pocket knife is supposed to do.

What I Liked

The Buck 698 Ferrox is an attractive knife with a design that works as well as it looks. The blade came sharp, stayed sharp through my use, the thumb studs worked well, and the crossbar lock was convenient without feeling fussy.

The clip was another major positive. It held securely, carried comfortably, and did not snag or scrape the way some poorly designed clips can.

I also like the overall value. This is not an inexpensive “gas-station-bucket” pocket knife, but it also is not priced like Buck’s premium Heritage Elite models. For someone who wants Buck quality but is not drawn to the classic 110 or 112 style, the Ferrox feels like a solid way into the brand.

What I Would Keep in Mind

I don’t really have any complaints about the Ferrox. The only adjustment for me was coming from an automatic knife. With an action this smooth, a manual folder requires you to pay attention and be deliberate when opening and closing it. If you get careless, you can cut yourself. Don’t ask how I know.

The other thing to keep in mind is that this is not the classic Buck look. If you want wood, brass, nickel silver, and a traditional lockback, the Ferrox may not be the knife you are looking for.

The crossbar-style lock also looks and operates differently than a traditional lockback. I had no issue with it at all, but if you specifically want a classic Buck lockback, this may not be for you. Functionally, though, it works very well.

Who Is the Buck 698 Ferrox For?

The Ferrox makes a great everyday carry knife. It’s attractive, reasonably priced, not too heavy, not too light, and easy to carry. It opens smoothly, locks open solidly, and has one of the better pocket clips I have used recently.

It is also not overly intimidating. The design is modern, but it does not come across as excessively tactical. That makes it a reasonable choice for someone who wants an everyday knife that can handle normal use without looking out of place. At the office, no one looks twice if I take it out to open a box or share a sandwich.

It can also handle light weekend camping chores. While it is not my first choice for dedicated food prep, it can slice food, carve wood, cut rope, and handle the kinds of tasks most people actually use a pocket knife for.

If you want one knife to cover a few different everyday tasks, the Ferrox makes sense.

Final Thoughts on the Buck 698 Ferrox

The Buck 698 Ferrox is a modern EDC folder that still feels like a Buck. It is slim, practical, smooth, and easy to carry. The action is satisfying, the lockup is solid, the clip is excellent, and the D2 blade held its edge well through regular use.

It is not the knife for someone who only wants the classic Buck lockback look. But if you want the Buck name, Buck quality, and a more modern everyday carry design at a fair price point, the Ferrox is worth a serious look.

MSRP was $79.99 with a $9 engraving option at the time of publication, but knife prices are always subject to change. Check the current price at Buck Knives before buying.

As always, I’d like to thank Buck Knives for providing the 698 Ferrox for our testing and evaluation. Visit Buck Knives to learn more about the Ferrox and the rest of their extensive knife range.