Dating from November 2006, this Colt Defense LLC patent for a “Modular Firearm” covers an M4 rifle with a magazine well that “may be replaceable and removable such that magazine well may be replaced with a different magazine well to change caliber.” There are a couple of other gems in there as well so go take a look.
Thanks to a sharp reader for the heads up!
According to Arc’teryx, Polartec is giving away a Strato Hoody Jacket. Just visit their Facebook page and leave a comment. Ok, so it’s not a LEAF product, but Arc’teryx makes some cool civy stuff too.
At the recent Infantry Warfighting Conference at Fort Benning, Georgia we caught up with Tyr Tactical and one item at their booth had tongues wagging; the MICO Machine Gunner Assault Pack. Designed to carry 500 rounds of belted 7.62 ammo in the pack body with another 75 rounds in the feed chute, it looks like something straight out of Hollywood. But, unlike some movie creation, this is real and actually works. Thanks to Scottsdale Gun Club, Tyr was able to demonstrate the MICO in action. It is a very specialized piece of equipment and we don’t see guys wearing this one a multi-day patrol, but it does put a lot of rounds with the weapon. The photo above features an armor vest we didn’t see at IWC and isn’t on their website. Could it be their SPD 8 entry?
According the Tyr’s Facebook page, a variant for 5.56 ammo is in the works. The 7.62 MICO Pack is available in MultiCam, Coyote, and Ranger Green.
Soldier Systems Daily will be on hand for Modern Day Marine’s 30th anniversary show, 28 – 30 September at Quantico, Virginia. Modern Day Marine is one of our favorite trade shows each year due to its concentration on warfighting solutions and excellent attendance by Marines as well as those in the DC area. If you are in the area, be sure to check it out. Hope to see you there!
Insulated clothing manufacturer Canada Goose has produced an insulated vest that features MOLLE webbing. Although you can tell it is intended primarily for the Law Enforcement market, it could also be used by those who require ready access to ammunition, first-aid, radio or other pouches during cold weather. This down filled vest accommodates Police badges and patches both front and back. Additionally, you can attach microphones to the shoulder or upper chest on either side. Available in generous sizing from Small to 5XLarge, it can be worn over any number of layers of clothing.
The Norgon Ambi-Catch is a Commercial Off The Shelf, ambidextrous magazine release. Installation is simple and can be accomplished at the operator level, quickly replacing the issue mag catch.
Ever wonder why your M4/M16 doesn’t have an ambidextrous magazine catch? Well if you are in the Marine Corps it probably does, because in 2007 the USMC issued the Ambi-Catch, NSN 1005-01-537-6498 and authorized units to install it on their M4 and M16 rifles. Likewise if you are a Coalition Soldier. The Canadian C7/C8 rifles have long incorporated the Ambi-Catch and the new Danish M/10 also includes the device. Additionally, select units of the US Army have used the Ambi-Catch to further increase the flexibility of the M16 family of weapons.
One note of caution. The Ambi-Catch works well with military issue Multiple Magazine Holders but is not compatible with the Redi-Mag or Redi-Mod being used by many of you.
Not sure if this should be featured in a survival or a lingerie catalog, but either way, it will raise eyebrows. The new Emergency Bra combines support, good looks, and in an emergency it converts into two respiratory devices. The $30 price tag doesn’t seem overly exorbitant but as it’s only available in B and C cup sizes we are guessing the average wearer would be swimming in a D cup in gas mask mode. But, what a way to go.
It’s actually been around for awhile but has recently received some revived press coverage and we can see why. The Emergency Bra certainly catches the eye but does it work? We’re not really sure since the makers have not been very forthcoming about technical aspects such as types of filters and particulate size. However, we will know it is a hit if it makes it into the next James Bond film. Oh James…
-Tactical FanBoy
Nice recovery by this pilot of a North Island, California based Navy HH-60 conducting flying on Lake Tahoe, near NAS Fallon in Nevada.
