First Gear | Magpul DAKA Grid Organizer, SSP Eyewear’s Top Focal Eye Protection, Mission First Tactical’s Achro Bag

by
posted on August 7, 2024
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
Magpul DAKA Grid Organizer, SSP Eyewear’s Top Focal Eye Protection, Mission First Tactical’s Achro Bag
(Peter Fountain)

1. A Better System
The Magpul DAKA Grid Organizer far outshines the performance of the old egg-crate foam. The Organizer’s expanded polypropylene grid, and its variety of available blocks, straps and bins, allow you to secure your rifle and other gear items and to reconfigure them as needed. These will work with most of the popular cases on the market. The Magpul Hard Case is available in a variety of sizes from 35-53 inches long, and, though a little heavier than I’d prefer, they’re also built better than most, with enhanced hinges, locks, gaskets and handles. (magpul.com; cases with organizers: $309 to $369)

2. Top Focus
While wandering a trade-show floor one day, I happened to spot SSP Eyewear’s Top Focal eye protection. I had to wonder why someone didn’t think of this before. It’s a simple but very useful idea: reverse the bifocals so the magnifying portion is at the top, instead of the bottom. The benefits are hopefully obvious, as you’ll see your top turret or front sight better without needing a second set of glasses. This Ultra Kit comes with three top and three bottom focal lenses so you can mix and match, with magnification from 1 to 3 available, plus a lifetime warranty. (sspeyewear.com; $150)

3. Carry Discreetly
I have an embarrassing number of bags in my life because I’m always searching for one that will solve every problem. Will Mission First Tactical’s Achro bag be the one? Quite possibly, since it comes in several sizes and is well-thought-out. It has a tough, water-resistant nylon construction, comfortable and adjustable straps and an ambidextrous concealed-carry compartment. It also has generous cupholder pockets, plenty of space and pockets within (including a dedicated sunglasses pocket) and an optional MOLLE webbing outside to attach additional items. (missionfirsttactical.com; 22-liter: $149.99)

Latest

suppressors.jpeg
suppressors.jpeg

More than a Quarter Million Suppressor eForms Have Been Processed by the ATF this Month

When the $200 tax stamp on suppressors and other restricted items was set to be zeroed out at midnight on December 31, 2025, last summer, it was a given that demand would explode on January 1, 2026.

Fourth Circuit Reaffirms That the Second Amendment Does Not End at the Storefront Door

A panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit struck down Maryland’s attempt to impose a sweeping “default ban” on lawful concealed carry on private property open to the public.

The U.S. Supreme Court Hears Wolford v. Lopez

Today (January 20), the U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments on Hawaii’s ban on carrying guns on private property that is open to the public—at least unless the property owner has given express consent for the carrying of guns.

What the Supreme Court Justices Said About Hawaii’s Carry Restrictions

The U.S. Supreme Court heard Wolford v. Lopez. It is a challenge to Hawaii’s law banning citizens with permits to carry handguns from going armed on any private property in the state unless the property owner has given express permission to do so. Here is what was said.

 

Women On Target Program Equips Women

On Sept. 20, 2025, the sound of gunfire carried across the 110-acre grounds of the Arlington-Fairfax Chapter of the Izaak Walton League of America in Fairfax County, Va. But this wasn’t just another day at the range.

North Carolina Vote on Constitutional Carry Delayed Again

The North Carolina House of Representatives rescheduled the veto override vote on Senate Bill 50, or the “Freedom to Carry NC,” to February 9, 2026.



Get the best of America's 1st Freedom delivered to your inbox.