Gun Digest is giving away a free digital copy of the “Handbook of Standard Reticle Patterns by Manufacturer”, Compiled by D. Andrew Kopas. It’s a 82-page reference contains diagrams of tactical reticles from all the major optics manufacturers. All you have to do is register on their site. It’s a pretty handy reference considering how many different reticles are on the market.
The 2012 Hot Shots calendar is now available for pre-order with a 1 September release date. Produced by UK-based Edgar Brothers, it pairs models Charlotte McKenna, Rosie Jones, Holly Peers, India Reynolds and Stacey Noblett with the latest in weapons and kit featuring products from Magpul and Crye Precision.
If that wasn’t enough, consider this. 50% of the proceeds are donated to the UK based Help for Heroes.
Feel free to check out the behind the scenes video on Youtube, follow Hot Shots on Twitter, and like them on Facebook for special giveaways.
Support Help for Heroes and pre-order your copy of the 2012 Hot Shots calendar now.
The 31st edition of Modern Day Marine is right around the corner! Sept 27-29 in Quantico, VA. The schedule of events include:
• The MDM golf tournament hosted by “The Gunnyâ€, R.Lee Ermey on Monday the 26th at 0800
• Opening Ceremony, 0945, Tuesday
• Enlisted Awards Parade, 0900, Wednesday
• Black-tie dinner, Ritz-Carlton/Pentagon-City, 630pm, Wednesday
• Exhibits open from 1000-3:30pm, Tuesday-Thursday
For more information, please check out the website at www.marinemilitaryexpos.com and please be sure to check out the MDM Facebook page for updated information over the next four weeks!
Important note: There is front door-step shuttle service being provided from the Marine Corps Museum and Quantico Corporate Center during the show. Both are located in close proximity to the show. Please help ease congestion on base and utilize this terrific service.
We ran into newcomer Exotac at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market earlier this month in Salt Lake City. These guys know fire, or at least how to start them and we were lucky enough to get a chance to take a look at a couple of their upcoming products.
They will soon be offering tins of natural fire starter tinder and candles. The tinderTIN fire starter is pinewood that is heavy with sap (fatwood or lighter knot) so it will catch a light and keep going. Two different tinderTINs will be offered including fatwood shavings and splinters. To create the candleTIN, Exotac experimented with an untold number of wick and base material combinations before settling on their current combination which offers 2 different styles of wicks. Additionally, each candleTIN features 3 wicks in the same candle. The hot burn wick is used for drying out tinder and boiling water. The temperature can be controlled somewhat by how many wicks you light at once. The slow wick combined with the large size candle will burn for 30 hours! I haven’t seen tinned candles like these since the old survival candles that came in the multi-place crew kits.
They also developed a new ferocerrium rod called the fireROD specifically for use with the Habilis Bushtools Bush Tool. It fits right in a special slot on the sheath and features a waterproof tinder storage capsule in its shaft. The actual rod is replaceable and burns at nearly 5500 deg f.
Digital Concealment Systems, LLC, developers of the A-TACS pattern has signed Tactical Performance Corp on as a licensee. They produce a variety of innovative uniform and tactical designs in their own factory, that are available primarily overseas. Their clothing in particular is worth taking a look at due to the interesting design features. Below are some extracts from a press release from DCS describing Tactical Performance.
Coming soon to a foot near you are Combat Flip Flops.
One of the major issues in Afghanistan is developing a robust economy. It’s one of the best ways to combat the insurgency. Put people to work and let them develop a stake in their way of life. A couple of American entrepreneurs saw this first hand and decided to do something about it. Their answer is Combat Flip Flops.
All Models are made with Super comfortable recycled Leather straps and footbeds with heat stamped graphics, a chunky EVA midsole and rubber outsole. All materials are sourced from Afghanistan, assembled by Afghans in a professional environment, and packaged with recycled material from combat uniforms, boots, or tactical equipment.
When you look at the various models you will notice a few embellishments that scream Afghanistan. For example, the use of the poppy and 7.62 x 39 head stamps. Look for Combat Flip Flops to be available by the first of the year. Interested retailers contact them NOW to get in on this. These are going to be big.
Both the 18Xray NSN and Gun Hammer NSN knives are becoming extremely popular down range and sellers can’t keep them in stock. Designed by renown knifemaker Darrel Ralph, they are intended for everyday use.
18Xray NSNs
1095-01-568-8897 Tanto
The 18Xray measures 8-7/8†Open, with a 3-13/16†154cm Blade with a DLC Non-Glare Finish. The handle is crafted from Mil-Spec Type III hard coated aircraft aluminum.
Gun Hammer
NSN 1095-01-597-2670
The Gun Hammer gets its name from its 1911-style looks. As you can see from the photo, the 3D Machined ETAC grip pattern scales are designed to maintain purchase, even when wet. It is available in two blade styles, the radically different Radian Re-Curve blade style (not pictured) boasts an extremely aggressive, modern style, while the more traditional style blade (shown below) draws inspiration from a classic Bowie knife blade shape. Both blades are 3.5″ and made from CPM S30V Blade Steel.
Slide Auto Safety
Both models feature Darrel Ralph’s SAS (Slide Auto Safety) system. This is an AUTOMATIC safety system. The system is always in the safe mode either in the open or closed position. The button works much like a GLOCK Trigger system safety. To open the knife you have to push forward and down simultaneously. The blade fires and the button returns to the safe position automatically. It’s very natural but eliminates accidental openings of automatic knives in pockets or other equally embarrassing places. I’ve tried it and it works like a charm. No hang up. You just have to remember to give it a nudge forward while you are mashing the button.
Made in the USA, both knives feature a Limited Forever Warranty.
SSD readers will enjoy a discount of 20% for Military and LE through September. When ordering use coupon code SS18. This offer is only valid at www.hmtknives.com.
*These are Automatic opening knives (assisted opening available) www.htmknives.com
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Beez Combat Systems just released their IOTV carrier line. Just like their previous OTV carriers, the new IOTV carriers accepts issue armor. The BCS IOTV carrier supports the Gen1 and Gen2 US Army IOTV issue body armor in a lighter and simpler body armor carrier system. The IOTV carrier has mounting webbing which makes it fully configurable to support issue groin protection, lower back protection, deltoid protection and neck-throat protection. Internal front and rear plate pockets support SAPI plates.
The IOTV carrier is available in three versions (IOTV cumber, IOTV molle, IOTV LBAV) and in multiple colors which allows the individual to quickly utilize issue armor. Colors – Multicam, A-TACS, Coyote, Ranger Green, Khaki, OD and Black. The carriers are not quick-release.
