B5 Systems makes limited runs of specialty stocks throughout the year. Usually its a unique camo pattern or something like that. Just in time for Halloween though they’re bringing back a popular hit from last year: Glow in the Dark stocks. Let’s talk about their limited runs in general first though.
Hydro Dipping and Limited Runs
B5 Systems got set up for hydro dipping last year, which led to the availability of all of the unique patterns that they now do. Hydro dipping is a process that uses chemical reactions to transfer patterns onto an object. It’s a meticulous process, especially if you want it done right, and consistently from piece to piece. B5 has put the time in to master the process to capture both the aesthetic that they want, while retaining the durability of the finish. They hand prep each item, then they’re dipped, individually assessed and hand-touched up to ensure pattern consistency. Once that’s done, a protective clear coating is applied for longevity.
While some of the dipped products, like their Multicam finishes, are available regularly, other’s only show up for limited runs. They did a run of German Flecktarn pattern stocks recently that I’m still kicking myself for not jumping on when they were available. If it’s a limited run, they tend to sell out fast, so it’s best to jump on them when you see them.
The Glow in the Dark (GITD) stocks are a little different in that they’re molded with an actual GITD polymer, rather than being a hydro dipped finish. But the same rules apply when it comes to being a limited run. B5 Systems did a run of these last year, and they sold out within seconds of being released. This years Glow in the Dark stock set is going to be teased on October 24th, and released some time after that. If you want in on it, your best chance of getting one is to sign up for B5’s e-mail list so you learn about the drop time first.
2024 GITD Kit
The 2024 Halloween drop comes as a full kit. The kit features a Bravo Stock, a P-Grip 22, an M-LOK Vertical Grip and a set of Rail Covers. The stocks and rail covers are the same solid build and quality as all of B5’s regular stocks, these ones just glow. There are only going to be 400 sets available, and the kit runs for $119 MSRP.
Night Trials
I was fortunate to get a set to check out early, and they’re pretty fun. Installation is the same as other AR parts. Swapping stocks on one of my SBR’s was quick and easy, and swapping the grip just required the appropriate size Allen key. The front grip is M-LOK and locked easily onto my rail. I’ve come to really like B5 System’s rail covers. They a soft, flexible polymer that pushes into place in the M-LOK slots on your handguard. You don’t need any tools, and they stay in place once installed. They’re conformable to use too, and give a good grip on your otherwise slick handguards.
I tested my set out in the basement before I mounted them on my gun. I hit them with a flashlight and then turned out the lights. The green glow was pretty solid. I didn’t time it, but it seemed to hold the glow for a good while.
After installing them on my rifle, I took it outside to do some pics. When I brought it back in the house, I noticed that natural sunlight seemed to charge the GITD material up even better. I had a nice green glow going even just in the dim, but not dark, lighting inside the house.
Later that night I went out in full dark. I could barely make out the outline of my rifle in the dark but the stocks popped bright green. The camera really caught the glow of the light.
Practical or Tactical?
So, you might ask yourself, why would I want a set of Glow in the Dark stocks for my tactical rifle? Well, if it’s really a tactical rifle then the answer is, you wouldn’t. These things glow like crazy, and they’ll give your position away no questions asked. But I don’t think that’s really their purpose. Even though they’re built just as solid as B5’s more traditional color stocks, they’re just a fun option for your range or maybe even competition gun.
If you aren’t worried about hiding, and in fact might want to have a little bling to draw attention on the range, then these are for you. They’d probably be fun on a night shoot with some tracer rounds too I’d imagine. I know this isn’t everyone’s bag, as I’m sure the comments section will reflect, but I’m willing to bet that B5 System’s finds enough folks in it for the fun that they sell out fast again this year.
If you are interested in the 2024 GITD Kit, or any of the other future more conventional limited release sets from B5 Systems, be sure to sign up for their e-mails on their website.
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