An Cosantóir

| 37 gear review Eikhorn Solingen Pocket Rescue Tool IX Retail Price €98.00 Military knives and bayonets from the Original Eickhorn-Solingen Company enjoy a tradition of nearly 150 years experience in the development and production of professional edged weapons. Military, Police and Rescue Personnel throughout the world depend on Solingen produced OES products and services. Features of Eickhorn-Solingen Ltd. Pocket Rescue Tools (PRT) with Tanto blade are: Overall length: 20.6cm, Blade length: 8.4cm, Blade thickness: 2.5mm, Weight: 130g, Steel: Böhler N695. Laser cut ice hardened corrosion free steel blade in black or steel finish. Other speciations are: military specification - 40°C + 80°C operating temperatures, laser cut serrated cutting edge, window puncher/glass breaker, half serrated cutting edge, maintenance free ergonomically designed all weather handle grip with aluminium finish, oversized thumb stud, internal blade release mechanism, pocket clip and each blade individually serial numbered for 100% traceability Our tester, BQMS Chris Ward (2 E Bde HQ/Army Diving Gp) says... I own a number of pocket rescue type knives, i.e. victorinox, leatherman, etc. The knife has a great feel to it, but is ergonomically designed for a right handed person. The blade is very impressive, sharp, well designed and not too long. The serrated portion is ideal for cutting small items, i.e. ropes, etc. An ideal tool to have in the car for emergencies. The blade lock/release button is easy to use with a little practice, even with gloves. The thumb stud on the blade is difficult to use especially when wearing gloves (again designed for a right handed person). From a soldiering point of view the Pocket Rescue Tool is limited, i.e. a soldier doesn't require a window breaker of seat belt ripper. Each soldier carries a bayonet when on the ground, so the blade on the PRT will only be used for cutting ropes, opening boxes, ration packs, etc. It is difficult to use the PRT with one hand. If it was a little smaller in length it would be easier to use. My recommendation: Remove window breaker and seat belt ripper, make the tool/knife a little smaller in length. This should reduce the price of the tool dramatically, making it more affordable. Ease of Operation 7 - Durability 9 - Value for money 6 Sponsored by Team Alpha.ie Otis 5.56mm Butt Stock Cleaning System Retail Price €59.75 This weapons maintenance system provides you the necessary tools to completely break down and clean some of the most critical parts of your firearm. The Memory-Flex® cleaning rods, solid brass slotted tips, 100% cotton cleaning patches, bore brushes, and an all-in-one cleaner, lubricant, and preservative allow you to quickly clean the receiver, chamber, neck and bore. Also with these components, you can easily strip the copper, carbon and other residue from in the barrel. The Otis 5.56mm Cleaning System: Dimensions: 4" x 4" x 2 1/2", 12" & 30" Memory-Flex® Cables for effective and correct Breech-to-Muzzle® cleaning, 5.56MM brass and 40MM nylon brushes, 100% cotton patches and CLP remove copper, heavy carbon build-up and fouling, patented 40MM rubberized patch saver® for complete 360° cleaning of barrel, precision scraper, pick and end brush for fine cleaning of the receiver, trigger group and bolt and a lightweight soft pack with MOLLE belt attachment for convenient carrying. Our tester, Cpl Darren Murphy (5 Inf Bn) says... I used the cleaning kit on the Standard NCO Course and found it ideal for our rifles. It had a number of different attachments that could be used for various weapons systems, if you owned your own rifle for example. After heavy firing, the cleaning tools included had my rifle spotless alot faster than those who used the issue kit. The pouch can also be attached to your Assault vest if need be for quick access. It was highly sought after on the course, so I had to keep a close eye on it! I would highly recommend this kit. Ease of Operation 9 - Durability 8 - Value for money 7 Comp e titi o n This month Team-Alpha is offering a €120 Voucher to use on their website. For a chance to win this month's prize answer the following question: What price is the Black 5.11 RUSH12 Backpack on www.team-alpha.ie? Answers on a postcard to An Cosantóir's regular address or by email to subs@military.ie by the 21st Jan 2013. Winner will be the first correct entry drawn. Last month's winner of a pair of 5.11 Coyote Trainers (value €119.99) was Jimmy Losty, Naval Base. www.military.ie the defence forces magazine

• Cover