Review – Hunters HD Gold Shooting Glasses

On February 5, 2025 By Tom LindsayIn Eye Protection, Range Officer, Review, Safety, USPSA1 Comment

In 2021, I got the honor to serve as Range Officer for the USPSA Georgia State Championships. As they do in many higher level matches, I got to choose from an awards table, and I got awarded a pair of Hunters HD Gold shooting glasses, and I must say, they have been the best pair of safety glasses, shooting or otherwise, that I have ever had the pleasure of wearing.

First, what makes them so usable is the glasses designed so that no matter how bright the day is, or how dark, I see the same view through the lenses. This is a wonderful feature that lets me wear them in the brightest day, or in stormy weather.

Second, the frames are very comfortable, with side shields. They are very sturdy, and easily cleanable.

Third, they adhere fully to ANSI standards, making them the safest glasses I own. For those who may not know, I am a degreed chemical engineer, who spent over 20 years in the petroleum and specialty chemicals industry, before moving into engineering recruiting. One of the earliest things I learned in industry is the first thing that new shooters should be taught – SAFETY COMES FIRST. Never enter an operating area with wearing the appropriate safety gear – eyewear, hearing protection, safety boots, hard hats, and the like.

Likewise, in shooting, we have safety rules we follow, the most well known being Jeff Cooper’s Rules. To the Four classic rules, I added Rule Zero: Eyes and ears! In other words, always wear safety glasses and hearing protection.

The American National Safety Institute – ANSI – sets the standard for safety glasses under code Z87.1.

So, when I got my glasses, I noted they are code Z87-2+, meaning they are specified as impact resistant.

As a side note, I reached out to the safety manager at the company where I work, and he agreed that in addition to being shooting glasses, these would be very good for me to wear as working safety glasses, were I to go into an industrial environment that required safety glasses.

Also, I must say that working with Brian Conley at Hunters HD Gold was one of the easiest order processes I have had the pleasure of having.

In summary, I have found my Hunters HD Gold shooting glasses to be the safest, most visually appealing, and most comfortable shooting glasses I have ever used, and I highly recommend them to my fellow shooters, and to those who need eye protection.

Review – Federal American Eagle 9mm

On November 10, 2023November 11, 2023 By Tom LindsayIn Ammunition, Review

Despite not having posted about it in a while, I shoot USPSA matches at least once a month, either here in Georgia, or over at the Talladega CMP range. One of the most important factors in my improvement has been finding reliable ammo, that works well with my gun, and my shooting style. As I mentioned in my post earlier this year, over the course of the last couple of years I did some testing and found that my gun shoots best with 124gr ammo.

A couple of months ago I was contacted by AmmoMan about trying some ammo of my choice, and reviewing it for their site. So, I decided to take a look at an ammo brand I had not shot in matches, and give it a try.

After some thought, I decided to try Federal American Eagle.

First, I will say, the ordering process at AmmoMan was quick, and it was shipped the next day, which is much different than other sites I have visited. Shipping was free (as it is for all orders over $99), and it arrived the next day. I was ready to shoot.

I got enough to shoot a USPSA match as well as a GSSF match, and here are my insights:

My first impression was how clean and consistent it was. I intentionally looked at ever round, and I saw no scrapes, nicks, or dings.
Performance was equally consistent. I had no jams, no misfires, no hangups, and no other issues.
Accuracy was as I expected for the 124gr, which definitely gives me better recoil.
My gun was as clean as usual, and it didn’t appear to create any extra smoke.

All in all, I would give Federal a 5 star review, and I look forward to using it again in the future!

P-Mags – Questions for my Readers

On July 3, 2016July 3, 2016 By Tom LindsayIn AR, Planning, Reloading, Review2 Comments

I recently got to spend some time with an experienced Army sergeant, who has spent his share of time in harm’s way. When we were visiting, he noticed my P-Mag supply, and asked if they were all I used.

Naturally I was concerned that a professional would question this, in much the same way if my doctor were over, and questioned my brand of first aid products; they must have a good reason.

As it turns out, he did. He told me that, in fact, he had used them quite a bit, exclusively in fact, for quite a while. He liked a lot of things about them – grip and texture, weight, durability – but he eventually stopped, due to one reason. After a long time carrying them, they started misfeeding, and the followers got hung. He found out they had gotten full of sand, and that was causing the problems. So, since he could, he just switched over to the Army issued metal mags, and had no problems thereafter.

So, that got me thinking: should I get rid of mine and switch?

But before I tell about that I thought I would ask you, O Reader: what is your experience with P-Mags? Please share, and I will continue next week.

Podcast Review – When The Balloon Goes Up!

On February 13, 2013 By Tom LindsayIn Podcasts, Review1 Comment

Ron Larimer has taken the When The Balloon Goes Up brand to another level, with a new podcast. They have produced 3 so far, and I am impressed.

It’s a good entry to the podcast galaxy, not too long, and not too short. It’s a great mix of interviews, shooting news, and reviews. Ron is the host, and brings in people to help and interview, like Ben Stoeger and Julie Golob.

Each show is only about 20 minutes, and I find it fills a gap in my rotation. I leave the longer shows for car commutes, but this one fits in well in a lunch time, or short commute.

Give the show a listen, and let me know what you think.