Down East has been selling a demonstrator pack for several months now. It does the job of showing off the utility of their 1606 frame but it doesn’t have all of the bells and whistles that they feel would properly compliment their frame.
In order to rectify the situation they recently entered into a collaboration with Eagle Industries to produce a modular pack system based around the 1606 frame. So far two prototypes have been built and Down east hopes to go into production later this year with a model based on lessons learned from the demonstrators.
The main bag is about 2000 cubic inches and with all of the compartments extended and filled it maxes out at 5100 cubic inches. It is manufactured from 500D Cordura and features a removable lid, sleeping bag compartment, radio pocket, and numerous compression straps to help manage the load.
The lid can be separated from the pack and used as an assault pack. It is designed with easily deployable, simple set of shoulder straps and accommodates a water reservoir.
The pack also includes a rain cover that stores in a small slot at the bottom of the pack. The rain cover is lightweight and stays attached to the pack via a tether. Not only does it protect the pack’s contents from the environment it also provides a smooth exterior so that attached items are less prone to snagging and can be used to adapt the pack to changing operational environments through camouflage patterns applied to the cover.
There are numerous features that we have not disclosed in this article for two reasons. First, they may not find their way into the final design and second, we see no reason to give Down East’s and Eagle’s competition a leg up.
The pack is still in prototype phase and several will be going out for field testing this summer. Based on feedback the pack may enter production as early as this Fall.
Fore those looking to upgrade the suspension system on their ACH-style ballistic helmet, the Tactical Impact Protection System (TIPS) from GH Armor Systems may be just the ticket. GH Armor uses a high density EPP impact liner to mitigate shock.
They have combined several components to improve the fit, comfort, and shock mitigation of the ACH.
A microfiber headband cover as well as vents cut into the foam core help with heat mitigation. Additionally, the memory foam crown pad provides comfort.
The patented Dual-Fit tension and adjustment system allows the wearer to adjust the tension of the headband by twisting a dial at the rear of the helmet.
For more information visit www.helmetshock.com.
Made in the USA, the Go Time Triple mag accommodates three .223/5.56 type mags in a low profile carrier. Based on their popular Go Time Active Shooter Chest Rig platform, the magazines are secured with bungee pull tabs and each pouch features three rows of PALS webbing.
Available now in Black and Ranger green from Shellback Tactical.
Based on over 30 years of tactical light development and training Surefire has determined that Law Enforcement personnel need three complimentary illumination tools to cover the full range of situations they may find themselves in. They must be able to identify threats, disorient opponents, and illuminate targets. Surefire refers to this concept as the “Tactical Trinity”.
Surefire goes on the further define the Tactical Trinity as a primary light, a backup light, and a weapon light.
The primary light must be handy and provide a consistent 50 lumens of light which they refer to as a tactical level of light. There are a number of lights on the market that accomplish this and at a wide variety of price points. For years I carried a Surefire 6P but these days you can get the appropriate amount of illumination at an even lower price with the Nitrolon series from Surefire. What’s more, they come in Black, Tan, OD and Yellow. Surefire has also incorporated self defensive features into their lights like those seen on the E-2D Defender above.
Surefire urges the officer to select a backup light that is ultra compact yet provide the same level of light as a primary light. Some might think this is simply an excuse to get a guy to purchase an extra light but “Murphy” can rear his ugly head anywhere and there is nothing worse than needing light just when your batteries go on your primary light. Oddly enough, Surefire actually offers a light called the E1-B Backup and it is a great light. It is very compact and offers two-stage illumination. The initial click of the tailcap causes the light to provide a full 80 lumens and a second click brings it down to 5 lumens for administrative functions.
The final piece of the Tactical Trinity is a weapon light which must offer “overwhelming output”, offer practical, ergonomic switching options as well as be reliable. Depending on the primary weapon, Surefire offers everything from illumination tools purpose built specifically for weapons to to the X300 and new X400 series of pistol lights. The latest in the series, the X400 also integrates a visible laser.
While Surefire has developed this philosophy specifically for the LE community, the same tenets apply to military users but I would recommend the addition of a head lamp or helmet light. Surefire has invested in development of the latest technologies including Total Internal Refection (TIR) lenses and LED lamps. It is really worth your time to speak to a Surefire representative about their entire line of illumination tools to find the right product for your needs.
For more information be sure to check out their informative website.
Designed to fit SBRs (10.5″) carbines fully assembled or longer disassembled weapons, Blue Force Gear’s new Discreet Case has a removable padded divider to protect the broken down components as well as a small slot pocket for storing paperwork or small parts in addition to featuring a velcro patch for ID patches.
The whole point of the case is obviously discretion and their choice of colors reflects this. The usual, high demand color schemes of UCP, Black, Ranger Green, Coyote, Khaki, and Multicam are available as well as Burgundy, Royal Blue, and Emerald Green.
To complement the new case BFG is releasing an initial run of 15 different pouches and accessories for compartmentalizing inside the Discreet Case as well as the new DAP Pack (more on this soon). These pouches will also be a boon to those who use other products with velcro accessory panels.
The DAP Discreet Case made in the USA and available from Blue Force Gear or G & R Tactical.
Ruger has introduced the SR-556â„¢, a piston driven carbine. The rifles features a 16.125″ barrel with an overall length of 32.75″ – 36″ and weighs in at 7.92 lbs.
The operating system is a chrome-plated, two-stage piston paired with a four-position, chrome-plated gas regulator to facilitate tuning the rifle to specific ammunition or operating conditions. Additionally, the transfer rod is electroless nickel/Teflon coated. Ruger claims that the carbine is chambered in 5.56 but we are not yet able to verify this as promotional data states 5.56mm NATO/.223 Rem. The bolt, bolt carrier, and extractor are chrome plated and the SR-556 offers a cold hammer-forged, chrome-lined Mil-Spec 41V45 barrel. The barrel has a 1:9 twist and is capped with the AC-556 flash suppressor from the Mini-14. Additionally, the once-piece bolt carrier has an an integral transfer key.
Ruger has also incorporated Troy Industries Folding BattleSightsâ„¢ which co-witness with Mil-Spec optics and can be raised at the push of a button.
The furniture consists of a Troy Industries Quad Rail with three Troy Industries Rail Covers, a six-position telescoping M4-style buttstock, and Hogue® Monogrip® Pistol Grip. Troy developed the rail specifically for the SR-556. The rifle also comes with a lock, three 30-Round MAGPUL PMAG Magazines, and packed in a custom soft case.
Although the new rifle does include several extras it is a bit pricey, particularly for a new entry into the market.
The SR-556â„¢ is beginning to show up in gun stores. For more information visit Ruger.
Suppressor manufacturer Advanced Armament has reimagined their website. The overall look and feel is very good they have done a great job of integrating their corporate image through symbology. Upgrades include ease of navigation as well as adding a link to their blog.
Naturally, they feature their full line of silencers including the SCAR-SD (shown above) developed for USSOCOM’s new battle rifle as well as accessories such as the Blackout flash hider. Additionally, their line of lifestyle products is well designed and they offer something for everyone in the family including the kids.
Check it out at www.advanced-armament.com.
