Panteao Productions introduces a new title in their Documentary series of videos called “Colt Model of 1911 – 100 Years of Service.” The US Army adopted John Browning’s .45 1911 on March 29, 1911 and while it is the most widely copied handgun in history, Colt is the only company to manufacture the pistol continuously since then.
According to Panteao, “We take you to the Colt factory in West Hartford, CT and follow the manufacturing process of the 1911. Among the modern machinery and manufacturing processes you’ll also see the same machines that have been in service for the past 80 years. You’ll also see many of the assembly and fitting steps still carried out by hand, just as they were when the 1911 first went into production.”
Outdoor Research has introduced two new styles of handwear that offer the ability to use a touch screen device without having to take off your gloves. Integrating TouchTecâ„¢ technology, the Ambit glove is a fully seam taped, gauntlet style glove. Insulated with EnduraLoftâ„¢, the liner is made from waterproof/breathable Ventiaâ„¢ Plus. In addition to the Ambit there is also a lightweight glove called the Sensor which is offered in both mens and womens sizing.
I tried out a pair briefly during a sales call over the summer. While I can’t speak to the glove’s warmth in various temperatures I can say that I was pleased to be able to control my iPhone while wearing an insulated glove.
The various forms of HSGI’s Taco, arguably the most versatile mag pouch on the market, are beginning to spread abroad. A prominent coalition partner just bought a couple thousand or more of them for one of their special operations units and HSGI recently shipped a bunch off to the US Border Patrol to use on duty. Congratulations Gene, and all of HSGI — not for the big sale, but for building something so effective and reliable it is an honest asset to the boys and girls on the ground.
High Ground is seeking applicants for a new position. While the job title is “Sales Associate”, but after reading through this description, I’d say it is a higher profile job and a great opportunity to get in on the ground floor with a company that has a long history. I know that sounds like an oxymoron, but it isn’t. High Ground itself may feel like a start up, but it’s foundation is a time honored business, that is well respected in the contract sewing business.
Here is what High Ground is looking for in their sales force:
This is an outside sales position, located on the East Coast, and intended to service East Coast SOCOM. Travel expectation is high: 50%-75%.
Qualifications
• Must be excited to help create a new and innovative Tactical Gear Company
• US SOCOM Experience a plus or Conventional US Military Experience with Supply/Procurement Experience
• Must Understand SOCOM / DOD Methods of Purchasing
• Demonstrated successful sales experience or a successful tour as a Military Recruiter
• Aggressive listener, possessing the ability to interpret customer’s requirements
• Willingness to travel 75% of Time (including overseas)
• Professional manner; able to relate to SOCOM Operators and SOCOM purchasers
• Disciplined, able to work independently with strong initiative
• Goal Oriented
• Excellent Communications Skills
• Must have sense of humor
General Responsibilities
• Responsible for developing and/or maintaining relationships with operator-level, military members in order to demonstrate new products, get feedback, and respond to operator needs
• Responsible for developing and/or maintaining relationships with Program-level military purchasers in order to demonstrate new products and incorporate those products into military component’s supply system
• Maintain and Cultivate Distributor relationships in target military base regions
• Responsible for understanding and educating new sales personnel on current and/developing SOCOM Purchasing Vehicles
• Execute company sales plan and help support sales team efforts
• Develop and submit sales forecasts when required.
• Perform “prospecting†and “qualifying†sales calls via telephone and internet.
• Able to Learn and understand HG products and HG Design Philosophy
• Conduct business in an ethical and truthful matter.
• Help support trade shows and exhibits.
We first mentioned the BioLite stove in February of 2010. Thanks to SSD reader Brian M, we know that the CampStove is now available for pre-order after a very long wait indeed.
As you can see, the production version is different from the prototypes we originally showed. BioLite relies on wood gassifier technology combined with a fan that is powered by the conversion of heat generated by the stove to electricity through the use of a Thermoelectric Generator made from solid state semi-conductor elements. The use of woodgas has been around for years and converts the combustible elements of wood into a highly efficient flammable gas by super heating the wood. However, BioLite was originally envisioned for use in developing nations and it burns not only wood but also pine cones, underbrush, pellets, rice husks and even dung.
The CampStove doesn’t just produce heat. It also produces electricity that can be used to charge electronic items such as phones and lights. It takes up about the same volume as a Nalgene bottle and can be used for camping, post-disaster recovery or for any application where you want to use wood and other debris to produce heat and power.
I’ve had a Vertx Smock prototype for well over a year. It’s served me well and I’ve worn it in a variety of environments. But, for me, there were two issues with the prototype. The first is that the pockets were closed with snaps and the fabric is 50/50 NYCO. Nothing wrong with the NYCO but when combined with the innovative design of the Vertx Smock, it just didn’t seem up to the task. A garment like this needs a softshell fabric and Vertx came through. They have combined the same fabric used on their Gunfighter Storm shirt (anti-microbial 40D face fabric treated with Scholler Nanosphere) and paired it with fleece in the hood and lower cargo pockets which are well suited to warming cold hands.
Almost every other smock I’ve seen on the market follows the traditional styling found on the original British smocks; fixed hood, big chest and hip cargo pockets along with a single FFD pocket on the sleeve. Vertx took an entirely different approach.
Their smock features a removable hood, pit zips (with a mesh liner to keep the nasties out), and pockets. Pockets unlike anything you’ve ever seen. The poacher’s pocket is divided in two and the opening is angled so you can get into it be reaching around behind. On both sides of the hips between the poacher’s pocket and the front hip pockets there are pockets for a single 5.56 magazine, kept at the ready. I am sure users will come up with a myriad of other uses for this pocket as well. The chest and hip pockets are of the patch cargo variety but feature rounded edges so that items won’t get caught in the corner of a pocket and the pleats keep the pockets nice and flat when empty but expand with ample room for your gear. The napoleon style chest pockets also feature integrated magazine pockets.
The bicep pockets aren’t exactly inset but their expansive design is very low profile with a vertical zipper closure. Both bicep pockets feature Velcro fields for ID or other insignia. Also, the elbows are reinforced.
The fit is designed to fit over armor so it’s got plenty of room for additional layers. Additionally, all of the buttons are of the slotted Canadian style so there is little to no chance they will fail. In fact, I’d say the base fabric will give way first.
Battleware caught up with the smock’s creator, Dave Walsh and shot this video of Dave talking about this “wearable go bag’s” various features.
If you’re looking for a combat oriented softshell then this is the one for you. The pocket configuration is unlike anything else you will find out there and this in turn, offers a unique look not found with other garments. Remember, it’s a softshell and priced accordingly. But it’s quality and innovation you are buying.
At this point I haven’t had any wear time with the production version. They just simply aren’t available. But…one lucky SSD reader is going to get a chance to win the very first smock. That’s right, Vertx is sponsoring a contest to give away the first smock out the door.
Sure, RE Factor Tactical has some really great morale t-shirts, but they also offer an item that has some tactical utility. Their 9-Line Medevac sticker is perfect for mounting in vehicles, on radios and anywhere you might need a handy reference. You used to be able to get these from TASC but they were never this well done.
One thing we really like about RE FActor Tactical is that they are vets themselves and donate a portion of their profits to military related charities. Made from Water Resistant Vinyl in Tan, sized 2.5″ x 4″ or 4″ x 6″.
Referred to as a “Gobbler Knuckle”, it’s an interesting concept piece. Combining a 1911 bushing wrench with integrated hex wrench holes (including a 3/8″ for LaRue levers and KAC scope mounts) as well as a bottle opener, the “Gobbler Knuckle” features finger holes incorporated into the design which offer a better grip when using it to remove “stuck bushings or stuck beer tops, stuck scope mounts . . . Or other “stuck stuff.” Right now it’s still just a prototype. Hopefully, AAC will put these into production.
Panteao Productions introduces a new title in their Documentary series of videos called “Colt Model of 1911 – 100 Years of Service.” The US Army adopted John Browning’s .45 1911 on March 29, 1911 and while it is the most widely copied handgun in history, Colt is the only company to manufacture the pistol continuously since then.
