Now there’s some discussion over whether this is a real phenomenon or not. From what I could see, on my rifle, it seems quite likely that the rear profile of the polymer magpul p-mag is touching the bolt hold open device just enough to raise it and have it interact with the bolt even when the magazine has rounds in it.

I believe this to be the source of the jams and failure to feeds I experienced previously.

This is a combined video of my review of the Leupold HAMR and the run and gun exercises I’ve done with it. Its a 4X32 scope and red-dot combo. The full (long) cut of the run and gun is right after the jump . . .

I had lots more to say that didn’t make it into the review. You can see it here:

Overall, while this scope has some really solid things going for it, I’m much happier with my Vortex Razor HD Gen II 1-6

Well it seems like I’ve finally done something wrong to this gun. She’s failing with disturbing regularity. Sometimes the round doesn’t make it into the chamber, and instead get bit by the bolt. Sometimes the bolt cycles and doesn’t grab anything. Sometimes the bolt-hold open device fails to engage.

After some substantial troubleshooting, I determined damage had happened to my bolt and bolt hold open device, possibly due to resting on a magazine, but also potentially from the magpul p-mags that I’ve been using. You can see the way they interact . . .

This combination took me a while to set up. Installing the full length top rail was a huge pain in the ass but it allowed me to mount a 512 eo-tech and riser in front of my ATN Spirit. With a Gen 2+ tube its not the best NVD available, but its certainly a cut above entry level units. Using a 1x lens and picatinny mount in conjunction with the IR output of the Inforce WML means I can confidently engage targets within 100 yards.

While current generation Tavors come with a full length rail, I had to buy mine from Canada Ammo. Made by Ranch Tactical, this rail is certainly a cut above the NEA equivalent, but it does have some fitting issues still. The rail fits over the lower profile gas block, effectively removing the rear flip up sight and covering the IWI proprietary NVD or magnifier mount.

The night vision I’m using now came from this site here:

When the weather’s nice enough to go out and play: well I do just that. This footage came from a camping trip I did with a ton of gear and a bivy sack.

Does the helmet strike you as silly? Me too sometimes, but keep in mind that I’m moving like this when I’m out in the bush:

I’m lucky enough to live in a gorgeous place with real wilderness within easy access, but thats tempered with the fact that the wilderness gets awfully cold for several months each year. I try to shoot year round, but I can’t just roll out in an evening like I try to do in summer.

The way I figure it: I’ve put all this money of mine into the equipment, so I’d better make sure it sees some use.

This video was shot approximately a week after I finally picked up my Tavor. Lots of people told me this was an IMI rifle, but its stamped with an IWI logo right on the side, so I’ll proudly argue anyone who wants to that this is manufactured by Israeli Weapons Industries and not Israeli Military Industries. More on that later.

This rifle has changed a lot over the year that I’ve had it. While it started out like this, it’s now quite different. At the time I could only afford a Vortex Viper PST 1-4, but now I use a Vortex Razor 1-6 and find it a much better fit. I’ve also put a full rail and iron sights on the top to make it a more flexible system.

I still use the JBM ballistics calculator every chance I get, and take the Razor HD Spotting Scope with my everywhere. I’ve traded the Leica rangefinder for a vortex one too, and while I like to use the Eberlestock, its getting a little to small for the very wide profile of the Tavor.