Tactical Pontoon Ruger RXM Peacemaker Rug-Pul Tune-up | A Great EDC Trigger Upgrade

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The Ruger RXM has quickly become one of my favorite platforms to modify, and over the last few months I've experimented with several different configurations. While I think Ruger did a great job overall, one area that immediately stood out to me was the factory trigger.

Previously, I reviewed the Timney Alpha Competition Trigger for the RXM and came away impressed. It's an excellent trigger, but Timney clearly markets it as a competition-only trigger. For shooters looking to build an everyday carry pistol, that distinction may be enough to make them consider other options.

That's what led me to the Tactical Pontoon RXM Peacemaker Rug-Pul Tune-Up Kit.

What's Included?

The Tactical Pontoon kit includes everything needed to significantly improve the trigger system:

  • Polished and tuned trigger bar

  • Peacemaker trigger shoe

  • Polished 4-pound connector

  • Overpowered trigger spring

  • Reduced-power striker spring

  • Reduced-power safety plunger spring

  • Sample of Badger Snot grease

I chose the black trigger shoe with the copper safety blade, although Tactical Pontoon offers several color combinations to match your build.

Trigger Feel

I already own another Tactical Pontoon Peacemaker trigger in my Shadow Systems CR920X, so I had a good baseline for comparison. The trigger in the RXM feels almost exactly the same.

There's a clearly defined wall followed by only a slight amount of creep before a crisp, predictable break. After spending time on the range, that predictability became one of my favorite characteristics. The wall is easy to identify, making it simple to prep the trigger and consistently know when the shot will break.

For an EDC-oriented trigger, that's exactly what I'm looking for.

Issues with the Icarus Precision ACE Frame

It's important to point out that my test pistol uses the Icarus Precision ACE aluminum frame.

I actually own two of these frames, and throughout my testing I've discovered they can be surprisingly inconsistent. Parts that function perfectly in one frame will occasionally bind or malfunction in the other. Unfortunately, I've seen this behavior with multiple components, not just this trigger.

Slide Binding

Immediately after installation, I noticed something unusual.

If I held the trigger to the rear after dry firing, I could rack the slide only when the pistol was level or pointed downward. If the muzzle was pointed upward, the slide would bind so badly that it couldn't be manually cycled.

After extensive dry-fire practice, the issue became less severe. Once I put live rounds through the gun, the slide cycled much more smoothly, although I can still induce some binding by slowly riding the slide forward instead of letting it cycle normally.

Based on my experience with these frames, I believe this is simply a break-in issue rather than a problem with the Tactical Pontoon trigger itself.

Trigger Shoe Reset

The second issue involved the trigger shoe.

Initially, after taking the trigger to the wall and releasing it, the trigger shoe would occasionally fail to spring completely forward. When this happened, the trigger safety blade remained partially depressed, meaning the trigger could be activated from the side without fully engaging the safety. That's obviously something I don't want to see.

Fortunately, after additional live fire, the problem has become much less frequent. Today the trigger shoe almost always resets correctly, and when it does hang up, it typically frees itself with only slight movement.

Again, I attribute this behavior to the frame tolerances rather than the trigger itself.

Final Thoughts

Despite the issues I encountered, I don't blame the Tactical Pontoon trigger. Everything points toward the Icarus Precision frame requiring additional fitting and break-in, something I've consistently experienced with these aluminum frames regardless of the internal components being installed.

As for the trigger itself, I think Tactical Pontoon has done an excellent job. It delivers a defined wall, minimal creep, and a crisp, repeatable break while remaining geared toward defensive or everyday carry use instead of competition shooting. For anyone looking for an alternative to the Timney Alpha that is purpose-built for EDC, the Peacemaker Rug-Pul Tune-Up Kit deserves serious consideration.

After spending time behind it, I can confidently say this is a trigger I'd recommend to anyone building out a Ruger RXM.

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FAB Defense AMP Pro SL Review

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My first handgun was a Glock 19 Gen 5. Like many people's first firearm, it carries a bit of sentimental value, so I've largely left it alone over the years. Aside from a few small upgrades to improve the handling, it's remained mostly stock.

Since then, my collection and my tastes have changed quite a bit. I tend to gravitate toward more customized pistols now, so my Glock 19 hasn't seen much range time. The problem is that I hate having firearms that just sit in the safe unused. I wanted to find a way to give it a new purpose, and that's what led me to the FAB Defense AMP Pro SL.

The AMP Pro SL is a chassis system that transforms a handgun into something that feels much closer to a pistol caliber carbine while still allowing you to remove the pistol whenever you want.

First Impressions

The chassis itself is primarily polymer, but it incorporates an aluminum upper rail that adds rigidity to the overall system. The Pro version also includes backup iron sights, a sling, and a carrying bag, giving you a fairly complete package right out of the box.

Installation is simple. The chassis consists of two main pieces: the primary body and a removable rear adapter. After removing the adapter, the handgun slides into the chassis from the front until the trigger guard seats against the frame. The pistol is retained by the front accessory rail, and the rear adapter then locks everything securely into place.

One thing I noticed during installation is that it helps to angle the pistol downward slightly when reinstalling the rear adapter. If your handgun has aftermarket grip tape or adhesive grips, the fit is also a little tighter than with a completely stock frame.

The Folding Foregrip

My AMP Pro SL arrived with FAB Defense's folding foregrip already installed.

The grip can remain folded or quickly deploy into an angled foregrip by pressing the release button on the left side. It can also telescope outward and extending the grip while it's folded creates a guard in front of the trigger. While I wouldn't consider it a true safety feature because there's still some movement in the system, it does provide a little extra protection during storage.

Another unexpected benefit is that the extended grip can temporarily hold a spare magazine. I don't believe it was designed specifically for this purpose, but it works surprisingly well.

If you'd rather have a dedicated magazine carrier, FAB Defense also offers the MG-9 Foregrip, which is compatible with the AMP Pro platform.

Why I Chose the Pro Model

One of the biggest reasons I chose the AMP Pro over the standard AMP is the full-length Picatinny rail.

My Glock 19 has no optic cut, and I wanted to keep it that way because of its sentimental value. The top rail lets me mount an optic directly to the chassis instead of modifying the slide.

If you already have an optic-mounted handgun, the standard AMP's open-top design may make more sense.

Shooting Performance

After spending time with the AMP Pro SL at the range, I came away genuinely impressed. The system does exactly what it sets out to do: it makes the handgun significantly more stable.

The included Slingshot Arm Brace deserves a lot of credit here. It's rigid enough to shoulder comfortably while also functioning well as an arm brace. When used as intended, it opens around your forearm and provides additional stability without feeling flimsy.

Simply having a third point of contact transforms the shooting experience. The added stability makes shooting both near and far considerably easier. Recoil feels more manageable because it's spread across your shoulder and upper body instead of being absorbed entirely through your hands.

The optic placement is another major advantage. Since the optic is mounted to the chassis rather than the reciprocating slide, the dot remains perfectly visible throughout recoil. Instead of jumping violently like it does on a traditional handgun, it barely moves inside the optic window. That made follow-up shots noticeably faster and easier.

Areas That Could Be Improved

Overall, I really like the system, but there are a few things I'd change.

Suppressor Compatibility

None of my suppressors fit inside the chassis. Even my relatively slim CGS Mod 9 was too wide to clear the opening. That's unfortunate because adding suppressor compatibility would make this platform even more enjoyable.

The Brace Should Fold the Opposite Direction

For right-handed shooters, I think a left-side folding design would be much more ergonomic.

With my CZ Scorpion, I can grab the firearm with my firing hand, unfold the brace with my left, and I’m ready to go. With the AMP Pro SL, unfolding the brace requires a few extra movements that simply aren't as natural.

The folding mechanism is also fairly stiff and entirely manual. It works, but I think it could be refined.

Extended Magazine Release Recommended

This chassis really benefits from an extended magazine release. Using the factory Glock Gen 5 release required quite a bit of repositioning because the brace partially limits access. An extended release would make reloads much easier, especially for shooters with average-sized hands.

Gas Blowback

One thing I noticed while shooting was increased gas blowback compared to the other 9mm PCCs that I own. It wasn't excessive or uncomfortable, but it was definitely more noticeable.

Great for Compact Storage

One of the nice surprises was how compact the completed setup is. It's compact enough to serve as a bag gun, which explains why FAB Defense includes the KPOS backpack with the system.

Final Thoughts

Overall, I'm extremely happy with the FAB Defense AMP Pro SL. It checks nearly every box I was hoping for. More importantly, it gave my first Glock a new purpose instead of letting it collect dust in the safe.

The chassis is well built, installation is straightforward, and the improvement in stability makes the gun significantly more enjoyable to shoot.

While I'd like to see better suppressor compatibility, a more ergonomic folding brace, and easier access to the magazine release, none of those issues outweigh the positives.

This will almost certainly become the permanent home for my Glock 19 Gen 5. It's one of those products that changes how you use a firearm, and I think anyone looking for a compact PCC-style handgun chassis should seriously consider giving the AMP Pro SL a look.

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Concealment Labs Concealment Liner Review: My Favorite Way to Conceal Carry in Athletic Clothing

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I wear athletic clothing most of the time, and I prefer carrying inside the waistband. Because of that, I'm always looking for products that let me comfortably conceal carry regardless of what I'm wearing.

Recently, I've been testing the Concealment Labs Concealment Liner, and after spending some time with it, I think it's one of the best solutions currently available.

Overview

The Concealment Liner is a fairly simple system built around a rigid Tegris frame. It's available in two sizes:

  • Flex - 8.5 inches wide

  • Mini - 6.5 inches wide

On each side of the frame is a proprietary buckle secured with two bolts. Instead of a traditional rigid connection, Concealment Labs incorporates shock cord into both ends of the frame.

The idea is to allow a small amount of stretch without requiring you to constantly adjust the belt. As you sit down, bend over, or even after eating, the shock cord allows the system to flex slightly while maintaining support.

The buckles are also adjustable, allowing you to change their angle and cant. That's something you don't commonly see on products like this, and it helps the belt conform better to your body instead of forcing everyone into the same geometry.

The belt itself uses webbing that feels very similar to a car seat belt. It's smooth, flexible, and surprisingly comfortable.

How It Works

Using the Concealment Liner is straightforward. You can either loosen the belt enough to step into it or wrap it around your waist and buckle it. Once it's in place, simply clip your holster directly onto the Tegris frame.

Because the system supports the weight of your firearm independently from your clothing, you can comfortably carry in almost any type of bottoms, whether they have belt loops or not.

Why It's Become My Favorite

I've tried quite a few concealed carry systems designed for athletic clothing. Most of them work reasonably well, but they all feel like different takes on the same basic concept. The Concealment Liner stands out in several important ways.

It Actually Stays Put
This is probably the biggest reason I've grown to like it. With other belt systems I've used, repeated draw and reholster drills gradually cause the belt to ride upward and loosen. Eventually I have to stop training and readjust everything. That hasn't happened with the Concealment Liner.

Oddly enough, the belt material is actually quite smooth, like a seat belt, so I expected it to shift even more. Instead, it has remained securely in place throughout my dry fire sessions. I'm sure there's eventually a point where enough repetitions would cause it to move, but I simply haven't reached that point yet. For my training, it has stayed exactly where I put it.

It's Extremely Comfortable
Because the Concealment Liner stays put on its own, it doesn't require extra accessories like the leg leash found on the Phlster Enigma. Likewise, it doesn't rely on clips like the Leisure Carry Clip-On Belt. The result is a thinner, simpler setup that reduces bulk while also helping minimize printing. Out of every athletic carry solution I've tried, this has easily been the most comfortable.

It's Not Perfect

Even though it's become my favorite system, there are still a few things I'd like to see improved.

The buckle works, but it's not particularly quick to use.
Personally, I don't want to loosen the belt enough to step into it every time, nor do I enjoy completely undoing the belt whenever I put it on or take it off. A quick-release buckle would make a huge difference here and would immediately improve the overall user experience.

The Shock Cord Makes Tightening Harder.
I actually like the idea of incorporating shock cord into the design. The problem is that it's used on both sides of the frame. Whenever I tighten the belt, part of my effort goes into stretching the shock cord instead of tightening the belt itself. Personally, I think the adjustment side should be rigid while leaving the opposite side elastic. That would preserve the flexibility during movement while making it much easier to achieve a tighter fit.

Long-Term Durability

Another question I have concerns the longevity of the shock cord. I'm stretching it multiple times every day, and eventually elastic wears out. Time will tell how durable it is, but I'd like to see Concealment Labs offer replacement buckles or rebuild kits if the cords eventually need servicing.

Loosening the Belt

The adjustment mechanism is also a little cumbersome when loosening the belt. Concealment Labs demonstrates loosening it with a single finger, and while that's technically possible with slack in the belt, I haven't found that to be the case once it's fully tightened.

When the belt is under tension, I usually need both hands. I first have to relieve pressure on the shock cord before I can move the buckle's locking bar and loosen the belt. It's definitely the slowest adjustment system I've personally used.

What I'd Like to See

If I could make one suggestion, it would be to borrow a few ideas from the Phlster Enigma. I've been using an Enigma for nearly four years, and its Fidlock magnetic buckle remains my favorite belt closure system. The quick-release mechanism is incredibly fast, and more importantly, I can loosen the belt with one finger regardless of how tight it's adjusted. Combining that style of buckle with everything else the Concealment Liner already does well would make this system extremely difficult to beat.

Final Thoughts

Even with those complaints, I'd still choose the Concealment Liner over the other athletic carry systems I own on most days.

There are certainly situations where something like the Phlster Enigma still makes sense, but for general concealed carry in gym shorts, joggers, sweatpants, or other athletic clothing, the Concealment Liner has become my preferred option.

It stays in place, it's exceptionally comfortable, and it allows me to carry inside the waistband without relying on whatever clothing I'm wearing.

Overall, I think Concealment Labs has built one of the best concealed carry solutions for athletic apparel currently available, and it's a product I can confidently recommend.

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Votatu PMD504-R Budget Red Dot

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I was recently sent the Votatu PMD504-R red dot for review. 

It features an aluminum housing, side brightness adjustments, and utilizes the RMR footprint. 

This optic is powered by a side-loading CR1632 battery and allows you to choose between 3 reticle options: dot, circle, or circle dot. 

Overall, this is an optic that has some comparable specs to many others in the market, but a major selling point is definitely the price point, considering that you can get it for a bit over $100 dollars.

I’m going to be mounting this to my FAB Defense AMP Pro SL build and will test it out on the range soon, so we’ll see how it fares. 

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Osight XE AMRS Red Dot

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This is the new Osight XE, an enclosed red dot that utilizes the RMR footprint. 

It features a multi reticle system that lets you cycle between 6 reticles, notably allowing the choice between a 2 MOA and 6 MOA dot. 

This optic also features a collapsible backup rear sight that pops up when the button on the left side of the XE is pressed. 

You may have noticed that this optic looks a lot like the Osight XR and that’s because it’s basically the same thing. However, the XR utilizes a built in battery that is recharged via the included magnetic charging cover, which itself is charged via USB-C. The XR is a good optic but a common request is for it to just use a normal interchangeable battery system and this is where the XE comes in. It ditches the rechargeable battery for a side loading battery tray and is powered by a CR battery. 

The Osight XR has been working well over the past few months and I can only assume that the XE will perform just as well considering that again, it’s basically the same optic as the XR. I’ll be testing the XE more and will come back with a more in depth review. 

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OSIGHT XE AMRS Enclosed Red Dot Sight, 2/6 MOA Dot & 32 MOA Circle Multi-Reticle

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