PROTAG Duet, photo from manufacturer.

We get material all the time and only sometimes get to actually see or try the product. In the "pitched but not caught" department we have a tracker for your bag full of valuables: the Protag Duet. A Bluetooth tracker for people who carry valuables off-body sets off an alarm to prevent you leaving your valuables behind. Carrying a gun off-body is never a good idea. As much as we say that, there are some times and some circumstances in which it's going to happen. Having an alarm that sounds off when you get too far from that item may help prevent you from a serious Rule 5 problem. The release stated, in part, ". . . you also cannot accidentally leave your purse or bag behind somewhere with a gun in it. Seems like a no-brainer, but it happens." When you have a tablet, laptop, cameras in the bag, the Protag Duet is great idea too. You download the app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store onto your mobile phone and create an account, pair the Protag Duet with your phone and attach it to your bag. If you wander more than 33 feet away from the bag, the Duet will sound an alarm. It's currently available at B&H and Amazon.com. Hatch Sling Pack

Hatch S7 Sling Pack, Safariland photo.

This item arrived at the station, the Hatch S7 Sling Pack. Constructed of heavy-duty 1000-denier nylon and featuring numerous pockets for carrying everything from magazines to cell phones, MOLLE loops cover the side pocket. You can attach magazine pouches, a medical pouch, or other gear. The C-clip located on the back allows you to clip onto your belt to minimize any bouncing while running. You can quickly 'unclip' the S7 from the belt to bring it around front and dig gear out of it. An interesting aspect is that the top flap opens outward, away from the wearer. You get free access to the interior without fighting a top flap that keeps closing while you're trying to fish out magazines, dressings, etc. The interior color – silver – contrasts with the outside of the pouch and contrasts with magazines, flashlights, etc., making it easy to see when you have adequate lights. There are many compartments – three outside, eight on the inside and a number of elastic gear holder positions. Offered in black, it retails for around $50. For details, see S7 Sling Pack. Vickers/Tango Down Glock 43 Magazine Extensions Like the Glock 43 but you wish they made it with the capacity of, say, the S&W Shield? We showed you a "3D printed" magazine extension in December before our annual hiatus. It was sent by TangoDown. Designed with Vickers Tactical, the +2 magazine extension is supplied with a heat-treated stainless steel spring, floorplate retainer and extended floorplate. The kit – around $10 – converts one Glock 43 magazine.

Vickers/TD Glock 43 magazine extension on the left, standard G43 mag on the right.

The longer magazine gives most of us a better firing grip – and rules the gun out for pocket carry. Pay your nickel and take your choice. Or carry the G43 with a standard magazine in a pocket and use the Vickers/TangoDown magazine for a spare. Even using the GTUL magazine assembly/disassembly tool for help, it was a bit of a 3-handed operation to get the spring and retainer along with the Glock follower all together. After a moment of mucking about, everything just clicked and the magazine was assembled. I've not yet gotten the modified magazine out to the range to check feeding and lock back on empty, but I imagine it will work like the prototype did. Want to go from 6+1 to 8+1 in your Glock 43 (only)? Get more information from VT/TD +2 Glock 43. Product Update Department August 11, 2015, we ran the following bit of information: "As we reported on June 30, Renegade Holster and Leather Co. – maker of a legendary elastic ankle holster - is out of business and The Wilderness Tactical of Phoenix now makes the Wilderness Renegade Ankle Holster. They said that they are maintaining the tradition of quality from both companies while adding some enhancements. Ankle rigs in both all-elastic and those with leather holster bodies – made by a legendary leathersmith, Garrity's Gunleather, are available for a range of handguns. After we ran the news about the newly remade holster series, I had the chance to try the elastic version for the S&W J-frame revolver. It fits close, tight and the revolver is secure. My gun has the Crimson Trace Lasergrip and there was some question if the trigger guard security tab would have enough trigger to secure. "It did. The M&P340 fits snugly in the pouch and draws cleanly. As I'm not aging particularly gracefully, ankle rigs are a "yesterday" method of carry overall, but this rig was handy on a recent driving trip. It'll be staying here and while it won't see daily use, I have specific applications for it. "You really can't beat a deal like this. I failed to try the original Renegade Ankle Holster. I'm glad I got the chance for a "do-over." "This high quality rig is available from their website and from Garrity's Gunleather." It's a terrific rig and the holster has since been updated – and you can get a magazine pouch/ammo-strip pouch to retrofit as well. I saw their new Wilderness Renegade Ankle Holster: Fitting and Use video on social media. The video shows the updated design and its proper use. For information on the holster, see their website. -- Rich Grassi