Strikemark Targets supplied several of their SM-1 targets for use during range day.
Look for a report on an innovative new product from them tomorrow.
Archive for 2011
NBOW Range Day – Strikemark Targets
Thursday, September 8th, 2011NBOW Range Day – PPE
Thursday, September 8th, 2011
PPE demonstrated their DX3A package. It more than held up to the task it was designed for stopping 9mm, .40, .45 as well as 12 ga shot and slug. It was refreshing to see them chrono the ammo and weapon combo before each set of shots.
After the initial volley, Mike Runella added their Speed Plate to the vest. It is a lightweight PE based plate designed specifically for special threats like 5.7mm.
In a veritable torture test, several attendees were asked to unload a magazine into the vest one after another. Even after all of this, no penetrations.
NBOW Range Day – Sig Sauer
Thursday, September 8th, 2011
Sig Sauer recently introduced the M400 which features a gas impingement system carbine. Based on market needs for a reliable, less expensive alternative to the 516’s piston operating system. Both the 516 and M400 feature Sig Sauer’s ambidextrous lower receiver.
Here you can see the 516 paired with the Elite suppressor. They have measured less than 100 db with this can. An interesting feature of the 516, is that you can dial the gas down to the point that it can be fired without cycling the bolt, further reducing the audible signature by 2-3 db. Of course, the biggest downside to suppressed 5.56 is the lack of subsonic ammo.
NBOW Range Day – Bushnell
Thursday, September 8th, 2011Here is the Bushnell Elite Tactical Scope mounted on an LMT 308 MWS. It is a 3 x 21 scope and features the Horus 59 reticle and large turrets to facilitate adjustments in low light and inclement weather. Look for it after the first of the year.
Bushnell Products are available through Simpson Sales Company, Inc.
NBOW Range Day – Medford Knife & Tool
Thursday, September 8th, 2011
Greg Medford, HMFIC of Medford Knife & Tool was on hand, showing his unique wares. Look for a more in-depth article tomorrow. In the meantime, check out www.medfordknife.com and leave a comment here if there’s anything you’d like to know.
NBOW Range Day – H&K
Thursday, September 8th, 2011I am attending the New Breed of Warrior range day at US Training Center in Moyock, NC.
H&K demo’d several weapons including the USMC’s new M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle. Here you can see the weapon with most of the issue accessories. The backup sights will be swapped out for the KAC micro sight and the Marines have asked for a slight modification to the butt stock. The latch for removal of the pad will be changed in order to make it more difficult to remove. This way it won’t accidentally be removed.
Additionally, H&K unveiled their new HK169 Grenade Launcher. Designed to replace the HK69 stand alone GL, it takes the US Army issue M320 and strips the sights off the top in favor of a rail. Additionally, it integrates the side folding stock from the G36. These changes save about 1.5 lbs. When the stock is removed almost another pound can be shaved from the weight.
I fired two TPT rounds from the HK169 which is one of only three examples here in the US. It was fitted with rudimentary leaf sights so there was a little bit of Kentucky windage but I was on target by the second round.
Ops-Core Wins Norwegian Helmet Contract
Thursday, September 8th, 2011
Boston-based Ops-Core, Inc was awarded a contract last week to supply the Norwegian Army with their Future Assault Shell Technology (FAST) helmet. The FAST helmet will replace the current PASGT style aramid helmet manufactured by Cato Ringstad AS.
While specific numbers have not yet been released, the Norwegian Army will purchase enough helmets to not only outfit their active forces, but some of the National Guard as well. The current strength of the Norwegian Army sits at around 22,000. However, a post on a Norwegian military forum in July by someone close to the program forecasted the delivery of 1000 helmets for operational use before the end of the year.
In order to supply these helmets, Ops-Core won a year-long competitive program named “Project 4004” with several down select mile-stones which included troop trials, ballistic and other safety testing. Norwegian Special Forces have already been using the Ops-Core helmet for over a year in training as well as operational roles so Ops-Core’s selection, while arduous, was not surprising.
In a press release from Ops-Core, member of Norwegian Defense Logistic Organization (NDLO) program manager Per Morten Brunborg is quoted as saying, “The FAST helmet gave our program flexibility to adapt to a variety of service positions and mission profiles that were difficult to accomplish with only one helmet in the past.†He went on to add, “This helmet saves the overall program money by allowing us to field it service wide in several configurations, instead of having to field several different kinds of helmets like we used to. It’s also very beneficial that we can provide our soldiers better ballistic performance at a much lighter weight than our previous helmet. The Ops-Core FAST High Cut version provides the Norwegian Army the right balance between comfort and integration of attachments, which stress the soldiers neck less than the previous solutions and enhances the durability of the soldier.†As you can see, not only did the Norwegian Army find the FAST helmet’s modularity made possible by the Visual Augmentation System (VAS) shroud and Accessory Rail Connector (ARC) rails particularly desirable, but also its lightweight protection as well.
The FAST helmet boasts a ballistic shell developed during a multi-year collaboration effort between Ops-Core, Ceradyne and DSM Dyneema. Ceradyne, the sub-contractor who molds the shell, has a special seamless processing technique using Dyneema’s ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene material that yields outstanding ballistic protection at lower weights. Much of the systems technology used in this helmet has also been in the works over the last ten years with significant inputs from the US Army’s PEO Soldier, the Army Research Lab, and Natick Soldier Systems Center. The FAST helmet actually has more in common with the new Enhanced Combat Helmet (ECH) for the US Army and Marine Corps than the baseline MICH.
Deliveries of the FAST helmet to Norway are scheduled to commence in 4th Quarter of 2011 and continue through 3rd Quarter of 2012. In what is most likely a Norwegian version of an IDIQ contract, it is valid for 10 years and is good for future Norwegian procurement and purchasing activities. On a final note, Ops-Core is well represented throughout Europe by Norwegian company NFM but the helmets will reportedly be manufactured in the US.
For more information, please visit the Ops-Core website at www.ops-core.com.
LEAF on Layering
Thursday, September 8th, 2011LEAF brings in real experts, like the folks who not only design their clothing, but use it as well, to explain key features. In this video, Tony Richardson, designer extraordinaire, discusses layering.
