SIG MMG 338 Program Series

Archive for March, 2014

FirstSpear Friday Focus – New Medical Gear

Friday, March 14th, 2014

Each Friday, SSD takes a look at another facet of FirstSpear’s ever-growing line of clothing and equipment. This week we’ll check out a few new medical items including a pack and two IFAKs.

Medical Trauma Assault Pack

FS Med Pack Ready for Action

The Medical Trauma Assault Pack (MTAP), Thin Profile features a large zippered pocket allowing access to the contents. It also integrates the bungee attachment points to secure odd sized items as well as three “tear out” pockets which can be tossed to others providing aid. An easily accessed grab handle will allow the pack to be hung in vehicles or airframes.

FS Med Pack detail

Below are some shots of the TMAP from a couple different angles.

Ranger Med Pouch

FS Ranger Med Pouch Components

Ranger Med Pouch is a two-piece design with the insert completely removable from its carrying component. The insert is secured in place with a stretch hook closure that will remain secure through parachute, fast-rope operations etc. A hook and loop attachment point on the insert allows for indication patch or IFF. Hooks to gear via FirstSpear’s MOLLE-compatible 6/9 attachment system.

Below, you can see it closed and open.

Emergency Response Kit

FS ERK ready for action

The ERK is a low profile IFAK carrier made from softshell fabric that can be mounted to your gear so that the direction of pull is either up or down. A maritime resistant plastic snap provides additional security to the activation handle and when yanked, the insert (sold separately) is pulled free from the pouch.

Below, the ERK is displayed ready for carriage as well as how it deploys.

As always, here’s Ronnie Fowlkes to tell you all about them.

All are Made in USA and offered in Black, Coyote, Ranger Green and MultiCam.

www.first-spear.com

Ares Armor Threatened With Raid By BATFE – Obtains Temporary Restraining Order Against BATFE

Friday, March 14th, 2014

We were contacted yesterday by Ares Armor front man Dimiti Karras regarding an issue that has begun to come to the forefront of 2A rights. Although drawn in by ATF actions against one of Ares’ suppliers, they are now at the center of it. Not only is the story swirling the blogosphere, it’s also made its way to the evening news.

The story revolves around polymer 80% lower receivers for AR15-style rifles. These are considered non-guns are and consequently do not have serial numbers. They are purchased by those who wish to finish the work at home and so long as they do the work themselves for their own use, it is perfectly legal and the resulting firearm will not have a serial number. In some people’s eyes, this makes them even more evil than the standard evil that is a black rifle.

Reportedly, the BATFE raided California-based EP Armory last week due to a determination letter that had deemed EP’s 80% Polymer lower to be a firearm – the determination letter was quickly found to be factually incorrect, and the BATFE was alerted to this. Despite this, the BATFE still obtained warrants against EP Armory, and earlier this week also threatened to raid Ares Armor, who sells these 80% lowers, based on incorrect information. It must be mentioned the ATF has allowed EP Armory to go back to business.

Ares Armor’s lawyers contacted the ATF and they requested a list of every customer that had purchased an EP Armory polymer lower from Ares Armor and for them to turn over the remaining polymer lower inventory that they have in lieu of the threatened raid. Ares is willing to turn over the 80% lower receivers but they draw the line at giving up the information on customers they maintain have done nothing wrong. In response, Ares Armor has managed to obtain a Temporary Restraining Order against the BATFE issued by the United States district court of Southern California. That’s a new one on me. I can’t of anyone who’s ever done that before. The ATF has yet to respond to the order and both parties may end up in front of a federal judge later this month in order to determine if the restraining order has merit.

TRO Ares Armor and ATF

(Click to view order)

Update: Here is a scan of the official order issued by the United States District Court of the Southern District of California, separated into two parts.

Dutch SF to Sport New Uniforms for Mali Mission – UPDATED

Thursday, March 13th, 2014

We had to take this down a few weeks ago due to political considerations. Now, the Dutch government has made the announcement official.

Rumor has it that The Dutch SF will be wearing a new MultiCam uniform designed by NFM Group and made from TenCate Defender-M fabric. Ironically, this is the first time that Dutch uniforms will incorporate this FR fabric from Netherlands-based company TenCate. COBBS Industries will supply the Combat Clothing which includes Smock, Combat Pants and Combat Shirt.

GARM_Combat_jacket

GARM_Combat_pants

Panteao’s “Battle of Chickamauga” Documentary Nominated for People’s Choice Telly Award

Thursday, March 13th, 2014

Panteao’s “Battle of Chickamauga” documentary has been nominated for the 35th Annual People’s Choice Telly Award! Telly Awards honor the very best local, regional, and cable television commercials and programs, as well as the finest video and film productions, and work created for the Web.

As a nominee, “Battle of Chickamauga” is competing for the People’s Telly Award which is voted online by its fans and global web community. From now until April 4th, you can cast a vote for their video. A ten minute segment of Battle of the Black Sea has been added as a selection of the 34th Annual Telly Awards People’s Choice Awards on YouTube.

PeoplesTellyBug2 Please help them win the People’s Telly Award – VOTE for Panteao and ask your friends to vote! Every vote counts! To view the video and vote, follow the direct link to the video below and click the “thumbs up” at the bottom of the video.

www.tellyawards.com/peoplestelly/?cid=382&id=20903

Bad Company Tactical Launches New Site and Gives SSD a Look at Some New Items

Thursday, March 13th, 2014

BCT Home Page

In addition to a new website with improved navigation, Bad Company Tactical has introduced two new 18 series holsters; the Chapman and Curreri. We have some info on the Curreri.

Curreri

curreri

The Curreri holster is named in remembrance of SSG J. Curreri of 1st Special Forces Group. It is a standard concealment holster that can be placed inside or outside the waistband and is based on the “less is more” approach with its’ simple design and level 1 retention.

During a recent trip to San Antonio we met with Toby Melville and he showed us a few other items.

Fitted Universal Guard

BCT Fitted Universal Cover

Made from Kydex, the Universal Fitted Trigger Guard accepts a pistols fitted with the R2S Pistol Adapter. It is make and model specific for pistol and light as well as specific for either right or left handed users.

Rifle Rail Adapters

BCT Rifle Rail Adapter

These Picatinny compatible R2S Rifle Rail Adapters come in two sizes, Regular and Long. Designed to support up to 200 lbs, these can be reversed Left or Right and the dovetail design slips right into the baseplate which can be attached to a load carriage platform or vehicle for transport, or a wall for storage.

Utility Adapters

Bad Company Tactical (12)

Offered in both Vertical and Horizontal (seen above) models, BCT’s R2S Utility Adapters bring the dovetail attachment to other equipment than just small arms. You can use heavy duty zip ties to attach the Utility Adapter to your gear and mount the baseplate virtually anywhere. In the case below, it’s bolt cutters and Halligan Tool attached to a Jedburgh assault pack but, the applications are limited solely by your imagination.

TacJobs – BE Meyers Seeks a Mechanical Design Engineer

Thursday, March 13th, 2014

Based in the Seattle, Washington area, BE Meyers is seeking Mechanical Design Engineer to join their team.

SUMMARY: The Mechanical Engineer will research, plan, design, and test mechanical, electro-optical and electromechanical products and systems such as night vision, lasers, and weapon sights; coordinate activities involved in fabrication, operation, application, installation, and repair of mechanical or electromechanical products and laser systems. This position will have latitude and creativity in generating ideas for the creation, design, prototyping, and testing of new products. Familiarity with firearms is a must, and a passion for firearms and their use in military and law enforcement roles is a plus. Engineers with military combat experience and familiarity with military equipment and systems are highly encouraged to apply.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following.
• Enthusiastic and able to provide innovative and creative solutions
• Proposes new designs or concepts for review based on customer’s needs.
• Extensively use SolidWorks to layout and design complex mechanical, optical, electrical assemblies and parts.
• Conducts analysis, thermal and stress, to validate design approach
• Prepares technical reports including obtaining historical data and information, as well as direct involvement in projects.
• Assist with the preparation of estimates, cost reports, forecasts, schedules, account codes, budgets, and change orders.
• Creates engineering documents and drawing designs to produce product.
• Plans and conducts design verification testing for products and prototypes to ensure that the design meets specifications.
• Documents assembly procedures, work instructions, manufacturing instructions, technical manuals and BOM’s.
• Provide mechanical, optical, software and electrical engineering support, including assisting with product assembly, developing systems, and test equipment development.
• Direct and coordinate fabrication and assembly activities to ensure products and systems conform to engineering design and customer specifications
• Assess and applies MIL-STD documents to product design and testing.
• Supports internal and external customers as needed.
• Provides production support.
• Provides technical support to business development and manufacturing
• Research and analyze data such as customer design proposal and specifications to determine feasibility of design or application.
• Develop specifications, system architecture, test methodologies, and test equipment to design, manufacture and assist in new product release.
• Develop and conduct design DVT programs to ensure product meets requirements and complete documentation and reports for regulatory submission.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Strong communication skills.
• Executes assignments to company and customer standards.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Bachelor’s Degree (B.S.) in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent from four year college or university, and two to four years related experience. Associate’s Degree (A.A.) in Mechanical Engineering and 10 to 15 years of experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience with an emphasis on product design, including designing for manufacture and assembly.
• Experience with metrology equipment.
• Experience with Opto-electronic mechanical design.
• Experience with Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T).
• Experience with high-volume manufacturing methods.
• Experience with adherence to MIL-STD.
• CAD modeling design skills and CAD drafting skills required. SolidWorks preferred.
• Experienced in New Product Introduction methodology.
• Experienced in Design for Manufacture and assembly methodology.
• Experience with rapid prototyping processes such as Stereolithography.
• Experience in design for NC machining.
• Experience in launching products in a structured environment as a team member or leader.
• Experience in product development efforts requiring system and component level design and troubleshooting.
• Experience in organization and communication with design and development engineers to understand performance criteria and required testing.
• Experience in the technical and regulatory requirements specifications and processes associated with complex military devices.

For full details and an opportunity to apply visit bemeyers.applicantpro.com/jobs.

Season 1 Of Tac TV Now Available On YouTube

Thursday, March 13th, 2014

The entirety of Season 1 of Tac TV – hosted by Larry Vickers and featured on the Sportsman Channel – is now available on YouTube, through the VickersTacticalInc channel.

tac-tv.com

Tactical-Life.com – Next-Gen Body Armor

Thursday, March 13th, 2014

Next-Gen-Body-Armor-Point-Blank

This week’s post from Tatical-Life.com covers the evolution of modern body armor, including an explanation of NIJ standards, and the new Alpha-Elite body armor from Point Blank Enterprises, a Level 3A certified armor with the weight and thickness of a Level 2 vest.

For the full story, visit www.tactical-life.com/magazines/guns-and-weapons/guns-weapons-for-law-enforcement-april-2014/next-gen-body-armor.