Hey folks, your old pal 12-Gauge Chimp here bringing you another knife review. Today I'll be reviewing the Agama made by Ka-Bar.
Here's the factory specs on the Agama.
Blade length: 3.75 inches
Blade material: 3cr13 stainless steel
Handle material: Black G-10 scales
Overall length: 8.38 inches.
I had not planned on purchasing another knife this year, but I was considering replacing my EDC knife with something a bit better made. Before I got the Agama, I carried an assisted opening knife based off of the Kershaw Leek design. I still plan to carry both knives, but the Agama will be my main edc knife from now on.
The Agama is a pretty cool folder with a partially serrated edge and a G10 handle. The blade is fairly sharp for a production knife and will sharpen fairly easy. I wish I could say the same about the assisted opener I usually carry, but what can you expect of a 5 dollar knife. The Agama cost me a little over 13 dollars US, but it usually sells for 39 dollars US. I ended up getting it during a weekend sale at the sporting goods shop I frequently shop at. Since it does not have a traditional thumbstud to open it, I had to practice opening it with the hole that is cut in the blade. After a bit of practice, I can open the Agama with ease.
I haven't gotten around to actually cutting anything with it aside from a sheet of paper I used to test the blades sharpness.
Overall, I'm happy with my purchase and I'm also happy that I finally own a Ka-Bar. Granted, it's not a traditional Ka-Bar, but I will eventually add one of the legendary Ka-Bar USMC fixed blade knives to my growing collection.
The Ka-Bar K2 Agama folding knife gets a 5 out of 5 and the 12-Gauge Chimp seal of approval.
As always, this is 12-Gauge Chimp signing off.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Random Thoughts # 10: Buying a new gun
Hey folks, your old pal 12-Gauge Chimp here with a new edition of random thoughts.
After perusing the used gun ads online, I found a gun I could actually afford. I found an ad for a Marlin Model 60 .22LR rifle and the price was definitely in my price range. After a bit of looking around and contemplating, I found a brand new rifle of the same brand and model for a little bit more money. I decided that rather than gamble on a used rifle, I could just go ahead and buy a new one instead. I did a bit of additional looking around and I found a better deal on a .22LR rifle.
Instead of buying the Marlin Model 60, I have decided to buy a Mossberg Plinkster. It's a bit cheaper in cost than the Marlin and it uses detachable magazines versus the tube magazine of the Marlin. With it being a new rifle, I'm going to have to fire a couple hundred rounds through it to smooth out any manufacturing blemishes in the action and barrel, but that's half the fun of owning a new gun. That and I can easily afford to blow through a couple hundred rounds of .22LR ammo in one range trip. If I try that with any other caliber, my wallet is screaming profanities at me in several different languages.
If all goes according to my plans, I should have the Mossberg Plinkster in my possession within the next few months. Stay tuned for a range report and a review to come soon after.
Well, that'll do it for this edition of Random Thoughts with 12-Gauge Chimp.
As always, this is 12-Gauge Chimp signing off.
After perusing the used gun ads online, I found a gun I could actually afford. I found an ad for a Marlin Model 60 .22LR rifle and the price was definitely in my price range. After a bit of looking around and contemplating, I found a brand new rifle of the same brand and model for a little bit more money. I decided that rather than gamble on a used rifle, I could just go ahead and buy a new one instead. I did a bit of additional looking around and I found a better deal on a .22LR rifle.
Instead of buying the Marlin Model 60, I have decided to buy a Mossberg Plinkster. It's a bit cheaper in cost than the Marlin and it uses detachable magazines versus the tube magazine of the Marlin. With it being a new rifle, I'm going to have to fire a couple hundred rounds through it to smooth out any manufacturing blemishes in the action and barrel, but that's half the fun of owning a new gun. That and I can easily afford to blow through a couple hundred rounds of .22LR ammo in one range trip. If I try that with any other caliber, my wallet is screaming profanities at me in several different languages.
If all goes according to my plans, I should have the Mossberg Plinkster in my possession within the next few months. Stay tuned for a range report and a review to come soon after.
Well, that'll do it for this edition of Random Thoughts with 12-Gauge Chimp.
As always, this is 12-Gauge Chimp signing off.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Guns and Gear Review # 7: Buck Nighthawk fixed blade
Hey there folks, 12-Gauge Chimp here with another knife review. Today we're going to be looking at a knife that has been in my collection for quite some time. I will be reviewing the Buck Nighthawk.
Here's the factory specifications of the Buck Nighthawk.
Blade type: Modified clip point
Blade length: 4 -7/8"
Blade material: 420HC Stainless steel
Overall length: 10 3/8"
This was my very first high end ( to me anyway) knife purchase. I paid around 39 dollars US for it at a big box sporting goods store in 2005.
It's not exactly the knife of choice for most folks, but for a beginner or someone who's new to fixed blade knives, it works perfectly. It is a very well made knife which is what Buck is known for. The blade is partially serrated, which is great for cutting things like rope. I haven't done a whole heck of a lot with the knife, aside from cutting some rope and shaving a bit of hair off my arm to test the sharpness of the blade.
The blade of the Buck Nighthawk is made from 420HC (high carbon) stainless steel with a black anti-rust coating baked onto it. The handle is made of a high impact nylon with a green rubber inlay. This is meant to act as a no slip grip and cushion the users hand when hacking or cutting. The sheath is comprised of ballistic nylon with an ABS plastic insert to keep the blade from wiggling back and forth in the sheath. The Buck logo is embroidered on the sheath in white and it's a well put together sheath.
Overall, the Buck Nighthawk is a well made knife and is a great addition to any collection. It's a knife that can withstand a ton of abuse and will not fail. It's also great knife to take with you when you go camping.
I'm going to rate this knife as a 5 out of 5. It's one of the best knifes for a beginner in fixed blade knife collecting and it is one of the best low cost knives out there.
I hope you have enjoyed my review of the Buck Nighthawk and as always this is 12-Gauge Chimp signing off.
Here's the factory specifications of the Buck Nighthawk.
Blade type: Modified clip point
Blade length: 4 -7/8"
Blade material: 420HC Stainless steel
Overall length: 10 3/8"
This was my very first high end ( to me anyway) knife purchase. I paid around 39 dollars US for it at a big box sporting goods store in 2005.
It's not exactly the knife of choice for most folks, but for a beginner or someone who's new to fixed blade knives, it works perfectly. It is a very well made knife which is what Buck is known for. The blade is partially serrated, which is great for cutting things like rope. I haven't done a whole heck of a lot with the knife, aside from cutting some rope and shaving a bit of hair off my arm to test the sharpness of the blade.
The blade of the Buck Nighthawk is made from 420HC (high carbon) stainless steel with a black anti-rust coating baked onto it. The handle is made of a high impact nylon with a green rubber inlay. This is meant to act as a no slip grip and cushion the users hand when hacking or cutting. The sheath is comprised of ballistic nylon with an ABS plastic insert to keep the blade from wiggling back and forth in the sheath. The Buck logo is embroidered on the sheath in white and it's a well put together sheath.
Overall, the Buck Nighthawk is a well made knife and is a great addition to any collection. It's a knife that can withstand a ton of abuse and will not fail. It's also great knife to take with you when you go camping.
I'm going to rate this knife as a 5 out of 5. It's one of the best knifes for a beginner in fixed blade knife collecting and it is one of the best low cost knives out there.
I hope you have enjoyed my review of the Buck Nighthawk and as always this is 12-Gauge Chimp signing off.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Random Thoughts # 9: UCW 7.62x39mm ammo
Hey there folks, your old pal 12-Gauge Chimp here with a brand spanking new edition of Random Thoughts.
I recently found out the sporting goods store where I purchased my Mosin-Nagant had a small supply of Winchester military grade buckshot. Being the sucker I am for military stuff, I decided to buy a couple boxes. Well, when I went to purchase a box or three the manager of the store informed me they had sold out and he didn't know when they'd get any more in. Disappointed, I glanced over at the ammo shelves and noticed they had quite a few boxes of UCW 7.62x39mm ammo. I've heard of this ammo, but had never seen any in the shops I frequent. I bought two boxes and am eagerly awaiting when the weather heats up so I can get out to the range and test this ammo in my Model 59 SKS. Unlike my Mosin, my SKS will eat any kind of 7.62x39mm ammo I can get ahold of and that includes lacquer coated ammo.
Now that I think about it, most companies that produce lacquer coated 7.62x39 ammo have switched to a polymer coating. No matter, my SKS can and will chamber and fire the stuff.
Enough about my guns, on to the ammo.
It's made in Russia by the Ulyanovsk Cartridge Works and is imported into the US by various companies. It's Berdan primed and non-corrosive, which is a plus in my book. Most commercially made ammo coming out of Russia is non-corrosive and only the military surplus ammo is corrosively primed.
One thing I did hear about the ammo is that some folks in my area who had bought it claimed it jammed their AKs or SKS's. I told the counter guy that if folks would clean their guns once in awhile, they wouldn't have that problem. Folks, just because an AK or an SKS is tough, reliable and idiot-proof, it doesn't mean you never have to clean it.
That'll do it for this edition of Random Thoughts with 12-Gauge Chimp. Stay tuned for the next edition coming soon.
As always, this is 12-Gauge Chimp signing off.
I recently found out the sporting goods store where I purchased my Mosin-Nagant had a small supply of Winchester military grade buckshot. Being the sucker I am for military stuff, I decided to buy a couple boxes. Well, when I went to purchase a box or three the manager of the store informed me they had sold out and he didn't know when they'd get any more in. Disappointed, I glanced over at the ammo shelves and noticed they had quite a few boxes of UCW 7.62x39mm ammo. I've heard of this ammo, but had never seen any in the shops I frequent. I bought two boxes and am eagerly awaiting when the weather heats up so I can get out to the range and test this ammo in my Model 59 SKS. Unlike my Mosin, my SKS will eat any kind of 7.62x39mm ammo I can get ahold of and that includes lacquer coated ammo.
Now that I think about it, most companies that produce lacquer coated 7.62x39 ammo have switched to a polymer coating. No matter, my SKS can and will chamber and fire the stuff.
Enough about my guns, on to the ammo.
It's made in Russia by the Ulyanovsk Cartridge Works and is imported into the US by various companies. It's Berdan primed and non-corrosive, which is a plus in my book. Most commercially made ammo coming out of Russia is non-corrosive and only the military surplus ammo is corrosively primed.
One thing I did hear about the ammo is that some folks in my area who had bought it claimed it jammed their AKs or SKS's. I told the counter guy that if folks would clean their guns once in awhile, they wouldn't have that problem. Folks, just because an AK or an SKS is tough, reliable and idiot-proof, it doesn't mean you never have to clean it.
That'll do it for this edition of Random Thoughts with 12-Gauge Chimp. Stay tuned for the next edition coming soon.
As always, this is 12-Gauge Chimp signing off.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Updates for February: I'm still here.
Hey folks, your old pal 12-Gauge Chimp here with some updates.
You all are probably wondering where I've been these last couple weeks. Well, I have had a lot of things come up and haven't really had time to update the site like I would like to. That being said, I have a couple updates for you all and here they are.
1. I am in the process of ordering an actual Nepalese kukri. Hopefully I will get the knife within the next few months and I will post a review and what I think of it as soon as I can.
2. No new guns just yet. I know you are all wondering when I will be doing another gun review and I am eagerly awaiting adding an AK and a CZ-82 to my collection. I know I mentioned buying another Mosin Nagant rifle awhile back, but instead changed my mind. I have now buckled down and decided to buy the CZ and AK when I am able to and this will be the last time I mention buying a new gun or guns for the time being. No more changing my mind.
3. I will try to post some more knife reviews as soon as I can. I just haven't bought any new knives in a few weeks. Actually I did, but they were just some cheap knockoffs of the Kershaw Leek assisted opening knife, nothing really review worthy about them.
4. My site is on the first page of search results for " Mossberg Bullpup review " on Google. That is pretty cool.
Ok, that's pretty much it for updates for this month. I hope you folks will continue to visit my blog and remember, if you like something on my site feel free to comment on an entry or if you really like the site, become a Friend of the Chimp.
As always, this is 12-Gauge Chimp signing off.
You all are probably wondering where I've been these last couple weeks. Well, I have had a lot of things come up and haven't really had time to update the site like I would like to. That being said, I have a couple updates for you all and here they are.
1. I am in the process of ordering an actual Nepalese kukri. Hopefully I will get the knife within the next few months and I will post a review and what I think of it as soon as I can.
2. No new guns just yet. I know you are all wondering when I will be doing another gun review and I am eagerly awaiting adding an AK and a CZ-82 to my collection. I know I mentioned buying another Mosin Nagant rifle awhile back, but instead changed my mind. I have now buckled down and decided to buy the CZ and AK when I am able to and this will be the last time I mention buying a new gun or guns for the time being. No more changing my mind.
3. I will try to post some more knife reviews as soon as I can. I just haven't bought any new knives in a few weeks. Actually I did, but they were just some cheap knockoffs of the Kershaw Leek assisted opening knife, nothing really review worthy about them.
4. My site is on the first page of search results for " Mossberg Bullpup review " on Google. That is pretty cool.
Ok, that's pretty much it for updates for this month. I hope you folks will continue to visit my blog and remember, if you like something on my site feel free to comment on an entry or if you really like the site, become a Friend of the Chimp.
As always, this is 12-Gauge Chimp signing off.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Range Report # 3: Mossberg 500 Bullpup and Mosin M91/30
Hey folks, it's your old pal 12-Gauge Chimp bringing you a new range report.
I finally got a chance to go to the range near my place today. I shot two firearms from my collection today, my prized Mossberg 500 Bullpup and my 1932 vintage Mosin Nagant M91/30.
I recently purchased some Silver Bear 7.62x54R cartridges for my Mosin M91/30 and I was a bit curious as to how they would work in my rifle. As you all may remember, my Mosin HATES lacquer coated ammo with a passion and I was unsure how it would take to the zinc plating on the new ammo. I chambered one round and did a quick glance around the range for something to smack the bolt with just in case. Turns out I didn't need anything because the bolt was easily operated and I was able to keep the rifle shouldered and chamber a fresh round. I will be ordering this ammo in bulk as soon as I am able to, it is that good.
When I depleted my single box of Silver Bear ammo, I turned my attention to my Mossberg.
I had bought a box of 12 gauge slugs awhile back and I wanted to see if my shotgun was able to shoot them well. Well, they work and oh my are they powerful. I shot at an old microwave and the result was a rather large hole. I fired one slug and was subconciously expecting rather stout recoil, but to my surprise the recoil was about the same as firing a round of my standard 12 gauge load of Federal number 8 shot shells. I went through the single box I had brought along for testing purposes and then loaded my Mossberg with the aforementioned Federal shells. I had brought along a box of Remington brand buckshot shells, but I didn't get around to testing those. Maybe next time. One thing I did notice after firing the Remington slugs, the bolt release on my shotgun seemed to stick after firing a shell, but that could be due to the fact that I probably didn't have the grip safety pushed in completely. However, I will not be firing any more slugs through my shotgun, from now on I will only fire standard shells and buckshot loads in it. The slugs will be saved for the next shotgun I buy, which will probably be a Mossberg 590 or some other type of Mossberg.
Anyway, both the Remington 12 gauge shotgun slugs and the Silver Bear 7.62x54R rifle cartridges get the 12-Gauge Chimp seal of approval.
Overall, I had a fun day at the range and now know which brand of ammo my Mosin likes. I'm still going to try and find a brand of lacquer coated 7.62x54R ammo that my Mosin will digest the same way it does with the Silver Bear ammo.
As always, this is 12-Gauge Chimp signing off.
I finally got a chance to go to the range near my place today. I shot two firearms from my collection today, my prized Mossberg 500 Bullpup and my 1932 vintage Mosin Nagant M91/30.
I recently purchased some Silver Bear 7.62x54R cartridges for my Mosin M91/30 and I was a bit curious as to how they would work in my rifle. As you all may remember, my Mosin HATES lacquer coated ammo with a passion and I was unsure how it would take to the zinc plating on the new ammo. I chambered one round and did a quick glance around the range for something to smack the bolt with just in case. Turns out I didn't need anything because the bolt was easily operated and I was able to keep the rifle shouldered and chamber a fresh round. I will be ordering this ammo in bulk as soon as I am able to, it is that good.
When I depleted my single box of Silver Bear ammo, I turned my attention to my Mossberg.
I had bought a box of 12 gauge slugs awhile back and I wanted to see if my shotgun was able to shoot them well. Well, they work and oh my are they powerful. I shot at an old microwave and the result was a rather large hole. I fired one slug and was subconciously expecting rather stout recoil, but to my surprise the recoil was about the same as firing a round of my standard 12 gauge load of Federal number 8 shot shells. I went through the single box I had brought along for testing purposes and then loaded my Mossberg with the aforementioned Federal shells. I had brought along a box of Remington brand buckshot shells, but I didn't get around to testing those. Maybe next time. One thing I did notice after firing the Remington slugs, the bolt release on my shotgun seemed to stick after firing a shell, but that could be due to the fact that I probably didn't have the grip safety pushed in completely. However, I will not be firing any more slugs through my shotgun, from now on I will only fire standard shells and buckshot loads in it. The slugs will be saved for the next shotgun I buy, which will probably be a Mossberg 590 or some other type of Mossberg.
Anyway, both the Remington 12 gauge shotgun slugs and the Silver Bear 7.62x54R rifle cartridges get the 12-Gauge Chimp seal of approval.
Overall, I had a fun day at the range and now know which brand of ammo my Mosin likes. I'm still going to try and find a brand of lacquer coated 7.62x54R ammo that my Mosin will digest the same way it does with the Silver Bear ammo.
As always, this is 12-Gauge Chimp signing off.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Guns and Gear Review #6: Maxam/M-Tech Kukri
Hello folks, it's your old pal 12 Gauge Chimp here, bringing you another knife review.
Today, I'll be reviewing the Maxam/M-Tech Kukri.
Factory Specifications for : Maxam/M-Tech Kukri
Blade type: Kukri, rat tail tang, fixed blade
Blade material: 440 stainless steel
Blade length: 10"
Overall length: 14.5"
I purchased this knife at a local VFW flea market for the price of around 15 dollars US. It came with the usual nylon sheath that many low price knives have. The finish is nice being a sort of anti-rust coating. The handle is a hard rubber with a lanyard hole molded in. Overall, it's a nice looking knife.
After a little bit of research on my part, I found out the blade was made of 440 stainless steel, which in it's own way is a good type of steel. However, for a knife that will see heavy use like the kukri, 440 stainless steel is all but useless. The sheath that came with the kukri was advertised as being " Ballistic Nylon " which, in reality, it turned out to be plain nylon webbing. The exact same kind you'd get with numerous low quality knives. It holds the knife in, but that's about all it does. A snap is supposed to keep the knife secure, but I found out that even with the snap fastened, I can still draw the knife out. That's not good.
The handle was a bit loose, but after drilling a couple holes into it and filling it with an epoxy mix, that problem was solved. It still rattles a bit, but not as much as it did before.
After residing at the bottom of my knife drawer, I decided to test the kukri's cutting ability. That and I wanted to see if I could hack open a coconut with it, which it actually does a pretty decent job of by the way. I did kind of ding the blade after my first couple of attempts at hacking the coconut, but once I got into the swing of things, that coconut was split into two pieces.
Overall, I'm happy with the knife. It's not a bad knife, but it's not one of the best out there. I will continue to look for a kukri and the Maxam/M-Tech Kukri will be used only for the occasional coconut hacking.
I'm going to rate this knife a 3 out of 5. Not bad, but could be better.
As always, this is 12-Gauge Chimp signing off.
Today, I'll be reviewing the Maxam/M-Tech Kukri.
Factory Specifications for : Maxam/M-Tech Kukri
Blade type: Kukri, rat tail tang, fixed blade
Blade material: 440 stainless steel
Blade length: 10"
Overall length: 14.5"
I purchased this knife at a local VFW flea market for the price of around 15 dollars US. It came with the usual nylon sheath that many low price knives have. The finish is nice being a sort of anti-rust coating. The handle is a hard rubber with a lanyard hole molded in. Overall, it's a nice looking knife.
After a little bit of research on my part, I found out the blade was made of 440 stainless steel, which in it's own way is a good type of steel. However, for a knife that will see heavy use like the kukri, 440 stainless steel is all but useless. The sheath that came with the kukri was advertised as being " Ballistic Nylon " which, in reality, it turned out to be plain nylon webbing. The exact same kind you'd get with numerous low quality knives. It holds the knife in, but that's about all it does. A snap is supposed to keep the knife secure, but I found out that even with the snap fastened, I can still draw the knife out. That's not good.
The handle was a bit loose, but after drilling a couple holes into it and filling it with an epoxy mix, that problem was solved. It still rattles a bit, but not as much as it did before.
After residing at the bottom of my knife drawer, I decided to test the kukri's cutting ability. That and I wanted to see if I could hack open a coconut with it, which it actually does a pretty decent job of by the way. I did kind of ding the blade after my first couple of attempts at hacking the coconut, but once I got into the swing of things, that coconut was split into two pieces.
Overall, I'm happy with the knife. It's not a bad knife, but it's not one of the best out there. I will continue to look for a kukri and the Maxam/M-Tech Kukri will be used only for the occasional coconut hacking.
I'm going to rate this knife a 3 out of 5. Not bad, but could be better.
As always, this is 12-Gauge Chimp signing off.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)