Hands-On: SWAT Gear

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Ever since the first SWAT teams were formed in the 1960’s, we’ve seen a wide array of gear for them. One distressing trend has been a “paint it black and call it SWAT” mentality at times, so keep a sharp eye out for products hiding behind that black smokescreen. Also, some manufacturers label their products “tactical” and triple the price. It’s not always a bad thing, but I’m still wondering how certain things — like socks — can be tactical.

Be discriminating in selecting gear for SWAT applications — or any LE application. Here’s a small selection of goodies we thought provide good value after our own hands-on look. But keep in mind, it’s a huge market, so dig deep to find what fits your needs best.

For more info: www.americancop.com/index and click on the company name.

Semtex VGSB8120D Protective Eyewear: These are lightweight, gray tinted glasses with polycarbonate lenses from Venture Gear Tactical offering ballistic protection as well as protection from UV-A and UV-B radiation. They are form fitting, with a rubber nosepiece and temple tips. They also exceed Military Combat Eye Protection System (MCEPS) MIL-PRF 32432. The package includes a neoprene storage case and microfiber cleaning cloth. Lenses come in clear anti-fog, gray anti-fog or silver mirror. Testing for fit showed they are extremely comfortable.

WOLFHOUND Tactical Ballistic Eyewear: Wolfhound glasses, also from Venture Gear Tactical, are double paned, with the outer lens protecting against the environment and the inner one against fog. Even with a substantial foam-padded frame and safety strap, they weigh less than 1.75 ounces. Wolfhounds also exceed ANSI Z87.1 High Impact Requirements and MIL-PRF 32432. Lenses come in gray or clear anti-fog. The detachable earpieces can be replaced with a safety strap (included) and the glasses come packed in a neoprene case with a microfiber cleaning cloth.

Tactical Universal Clip: Tactical officers often carry an AR-type rifle and a handgun. The long gun is usually on a sling, and if it’s necessary to transition to the handgun, can be awkward as it dangles in front of the officer or bumps against the leg. The Tactical Universal Clip is a good solution to this problem, as it holds the long gun against the chest, out of the way, as the officer draws his secondary firearm. The clip attaches to a MOLLE fastening on the vest and holds the long gun securely.

Hatch Operator HK Glove with Kevlar (Model SOG-HKL100): Kevlar is usually associated with stiff body armor, but in these gloves it’s also a very flexible inner lining offering protection against cuts. With a goatskin outer layer and leather-reinforced hard knuckles, these gloves from Hatch, a Safariland Group company, are heavy-duty for SWAT team members. There’s a “cut ring” on the index finger to free the trigger finger if desired, and hook and loop closure to keep the gloves securely on your hands. Testing for fit and comfort showed these gloves are at least as good and as comfortable as Hatch gloves tested in the past. TIP: Go for a snug fit, as the gloves will stretch somewhat during break-in.

Safariland Compact Cuffs and Safety Cutter: Both patrol and tactical officers sometimes need more than one pair of handcuffs, and Safariland Compact Cuffs fit in a pocket. They deploy easily and the set includes a safety cutter, which also fits in a pocket. The safety cutter has several uses: releasing the suspect from the cuffs and cutting off the excess beyond the locking head to prevent inadvertent tightening. In an emergency, the safety cutter can also be used to cut a seatbelt.

SureFire EB2 Backup Flashlight: The EB2 is a compact flashlight from SureFire that takes two CR123A lithium batteries and produces 500 lumens on high power and 5 lumens on low. Battery life on the high setting is 2.25 hours, while low power allows 67 hours of operation. It’s 5.8″ long and 1.1″ thick at the bezel, weighing 4.2 ounces. A nice touch is the flashlight’s steel 2-way clip, allowing it to be carried head up or head down, and secured to the bill of a cap or article of clothing for hands-free use. The flashlight is available in black or tan, and with a choice of two tailcap switches: click on/off or press for momentary light and twist for constant on.

Sonic Defenders Plus: Tactical officers need protection against the noise of gunfire, flash-bangs or breaching charges. Sonic Defenders from SureFire are one answer. They’re inexpensive, compact and fit different-sized ear canals. Testing showed the triple-flanged stems provide comfort as well as a good seal. They come in three sizes (small, medium or large) and in black, clear or orange. Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) is 24dB with the filter caps in and 12 dB with the caps out, allowing hearing softer sounds such as conversations. They are compatible with radio gear and fit into the clear plastic carrying case provided. Compared with electronic earmuffs, these provide a lower NRR. However, they are inexpensive and very compact — literally pocket size. The noise reduction is non-electronic, so battery life is not a problem. Sound waves above 85 dB hit ridges inside the filter and cancel themselves out.

BSA TW30RDLL Red Dot Sight with Laser: The TW30RDLL from BSA Optics is a 3-way combination sight and illumination device with a red dot (adjustable for intensity) in the 1X optical system, a laser mounted underneath and a 140-lumen flashlight mounted on a rail above the sight tube. The main tube is 8.5″ long, including a soft black rubber eyecup, and weighs 18 ounces. An optional rubber ring is provided for those who don’t want to use the eyecup. The red-dot sight takes one flat lithium CV2032 3V battery, and the flashlight takes two CR123A batteries. The base is a combination Picatinny rail and Weaver 5/8″ mount, and the mounting screws have slotted heads. The objective lens is 30mm and the non-magnifying optics provide unlimited eye relief. The rheostat for adjusting the dot’s intensity is on the left in front of the eyepiece, and it also serves as an on/off switch for both the red dot and the laser. On top and on the right are knobs for adjusting windage and elevation, graduated in .25″ increments. A knurled knob adjusts the laser’s elevation and a slotted head screw controls the laser’s azimuth.

LGD-426 Dual-laser System for SIG P-226: Crimson Trace has been making Lasergrip sights for decades, and this innovative model combines a red-dot laser with an infrared laser for covert use. The Class IIIa red laser is at 635nm and the IR one at 850nm, a longer wavelength not visible to the human eye. The unit takes two flat lithium CR2032 batteries, included, one in each grip panel. The main on/off slide switch is on the lower part of the right grip and the IR/RED selector is in the left one. Both switches are recessed to prevent inadvertent operation. The laser housing is at the top of the right grip and does not protrude enough to impede holstering the pistol. Both grips are very tight fits on the frame. The instructions state the lasers are pre-sighted at the factory for a 50′ point of impact, and the tight fit helps ensure proper alignment. Both IR and red lasers are collimated for the same point of impact, but the instructions suggest checking this both by eye and with night vision equipment. Testing by eye and with a night vision monocular showed both dots were properly aligned. The two grip push buttons provide ambidextrous operation and turned on the lasers with very moderate pressure.
By Tony Lesce