FirstSpear TV

Archive for February, 2010

New Israeli Camo Garments

Friday, February 5th, 2010

Rather than issuing camouflage uniforms the Israeli Defense Force takes an entirely different approach consisting of baggy garments worn over fatigues and field equipment. This new pattern resembling a great coat was observed today.

New Israeli Camo Garment
(AP Photo/Ariel Schalit)

This is not to say that these garments haven’t been used operationally in the past, but rather this is the first time I have observed this particular cut in use. Previously, similar garments consisting of baggy over trousers and pullover top have been used some with an integrated hood. Additionally, the Mitznefet helmet cover has seen widespread use by Israeli troops. It is often worn atop the ballistic helmet to break up the outline and is sometimes reversible from a green-based to brown-based camo pattern. Newer helmet cover variants are said to exist that feature a more texturized material to make the cover appear more like foliage. All of the garments including the helmet cover are made from mesh in order to enhance breathability.

Israeli Camo Garment
(REUTERS/Amir Cohen)

Wings for Warriors

Thursday, February 4th, 2010

The Wounded EOD Warrior Foundation is sponsoring all you can eat wings at Lendy’s in Va Beach on March 26th from 1400-1800. In addition to the good eats, there will be a raffle with prizes awarded all through the afternoon. See below for details. Looking forward to seeing you there.

Wings 4 Warriors Outside Flap
Wings 4 Warriors Inside

Massif Update

Thursday, February 4th, 2010

Massif has launched a new web site and unveiled their new tactical line at SHOT Show.

Massif

Based on their highly successful Army Combat Shirt, the new FR garments feature the same fabrics as the military issue item. They will be available in a variety of color schemes including Foliage Green, Blue, Khaki, and MultiCam. You should see them begin to be available soon.

Massif Combat Shirt

In addition to the Combat Shirt, they are also offering short sleeve FR T-shirts and Softshell Jackets.

Massif FR Tshirt

The Trident 1911 from Cylinder & Slide

Thursday, February 4th, 2010

Bill LaughridgeThe Trident 1911 made quite a splash at SHOT Show and was developed by Bill Laughridge and a career Operator. The need for a pistol that will function under all types of field conditions was realized after said Operator saw all of the various makes of tactical pistols “choke” under real world situations and conditions. Bill’s 30+ years experience in building the 1911 pistol and the 20+ years of real world tactical experience of a career Operator resulted in the development and production of the Trident 1911 Pistol. From what I have seen, including a brief once over at SHOT Show, I am impressed.

The Operator's bona fidesThe Operator involved has carried 1911s, government as well as personal in combat and took Bill’s course in 2007 to learn the finer points of building and maintaining them. He and Bill wanted to build a real battle gun that could face the current fight with the addition of some of today’s relevant technology but none of the fluff.

The Trident is completely hand fitted and has only the essential, battle tested features needed on the 1911 platform to provide a totally reliable close quarters combat weapon. You will not find many of the “Must Have” features found on tactical 1911 pistols designed for urban street use. Rather, they found that many of these same “Must Have” features detract from the reliability and ergonomics needed in a 1911 pistol that is designed to function flawlessly in the world’s most hostile environments.

Built on the Springfield 1911A1 45 ACP Pistol, the Trident has been coated with the Fail Zero finish that allows the pistol to operate without lubrication. For those who do not need the added protection of the Fail Zero finish the Trident is available with the traditional parkerized finish with a corresponding reduction in price.

The Trident 1911 from Cylinder & Slide

Additionally, the Operator wanted a stronger front sight and a slightly enlarged slide stop. Together they fabricated the sight and got the slide stop from Greider. They added the fire control dots to make the weapon more intuitive to younger Soldiers who are generally not well versed in the 1911 platform in case the weapon had to be handed off. They lowered the ejection port and relieved for a bullet nose so there would be no issues unloading the weapon at a DFAC clearing barrel. It comes with or without a Dawson Rail and the rear sight options are either the Heine Ledge or a Warren Tactical rear, and both will incorporate 50 LPI serrations on the front edge for one handed slide racking.

The Trident is test fired at 15 yards after the initial build for function and zeroing of the sights. The front sight is sent out for the tritium insert with white ring and the pistol is sent to Fail Zero for the finish or parkerized in house. After the pistol has had the finish applied, refitted as needed, and the front sight is re-installed the pistol is test fired a second time for a final function check and to recheck the zero of the sights. Both 7 round magazines are fully loaded and fired twice during both test firings. The minimum number of rounds fired during both test firings is 56 rounds. A further 200 rounds must be fired by the purchaser to completely break in the pistol.

This is a no nonsense gun and the individual features that went into the build of this weapon are incredible and could take up several pages. I recommend that you head over to Cylinder & Slide and drool over the features.

To order visit www.cylinder-slide.com.

Robinson Arms Complaint Against RRA, Bushy, Remington and Magpul

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

On 14 January, 2010 RDMI (Robinsom Arms) filed suit in US District Court for Utah against Remington, Bushmaster, Rock River Arms, and Magpul Industries based on alleged infringement of their patent.

Below is the actual suit taken from court records.

Robinson Arms Lawsuit Alleging Patent Infringement

This is the third patent related suit filed against Magpul this year. The initial suit came from A.R.M.S. over their dual aperture rear sight followed by Vltor in October alleging violation of their patent on the Modular Firearm Buttstock.

Reading through the filing I find one thing a bit odd. It claims that the ACR has been offered for sale, which still has not happened, particularly in the state of Utah. Based on this it seems to me that the case was brought a bit prematurely and was staged to have the most dramatic effect during SHOT Show unless it was intended to delay the release of the ACR into the market. But then why include RRA?

Bulldog Tactical Equipment Redesigns Tow Strap

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

Designed to deal with the weight of the MRAP this new Tow Strap has demonstrated a straight pull strength of 98,600 lbs in testing. This product is available in two standard lengths, 15’ and 30’. However, Bulldog will do custom lengths for larger orders. The 30’ Tow Strap can be stored in less than one cubic foot and weighs less than 11 lbs and the 15’ Tow Strap only weighs 6 lbs. In addition to the user-friendly weight and size, the Bulldog Tow Strap is also buoyant and UV resistant. However, in my opinion one of the most important features is that it stores no kinetic energy, eliminating any whipping effect making it safer to use than other tow straps on the market.

Bulldog Equipment Tow Strap

The new lightweight version of the Tow Strap is available from www.BulldogEquipment.us.

Armor Integrated Chest Rig

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010

Arclight Systems' Armor Integrated Chest Rig worn in stand alone fashion

The new Armor Integrated Chest Rig from Arclight Systems, a new tactical design house, is designed to be worn alone or integrated directly with CIRAS and the CIACS, the Eagle LE Vest as well as other similar side closing vests without interfering with the release mechanism. The heart of the rig is the modular mission panel which is PALS compatible. Pre-configured panels will be available in the future.

Arclight Systems Armor Integrated Chest Rig

The rig is Berry compliant and available in 500D or 1000D Cordura in a variety of color options. Additionally, it features ITW GhillieTex hardware. The Armor Integrated Chest rig is available from Arclight Systems.

Another Option for the Afghan Camo Competition?

Tuesday, February 2nd, 2010

Fox News may have inadvertently revealed a third contender in the Army’s Afghan camo wear test. A mortar crew was photographed wearing the Army Physical Fitness Uniform while hard at work bring pain to the Taliban. Oddly enough, the PFU’s sporty running jacket blends in with the drab Afghanistan terrain as well as the ACU’s current Universal Camouflage Pattern. What’s more, the reflective stripes negate the need for a safety belt so favored by Fobbits and the Sergeant Major Mafia alike. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to wear it to the chow hall after 0900.

The PFU was the favored underdog choice of the Sergeant Major Mafia during the Afghan Camo Trials.

Naturally, this article was tongue in cheek and should not be construed as a real news story. It is presented solely for its humor value, as limited as that may be.