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Archive for 2015

Raven Concealement Systems Shows Us The Next Big Thing In Holsters: The Eidolon

Friday, January 16th, 2015

Fortunately for us, Raven Concealment Systems created a handy graphic to explain where this “Eidolon” thing comes from.

Eidolon

A “phantom” of all things. Pretty lofty claims indeed for a holster, but this “specter” isn’t just about concealability; it’s also fast. To be sure, Raven Concealment Systems has been working on their latest creation for quite awhile now and have really dialed the design in, introducing new innovations in the process. I had seen a very early, orange 3D print version of it back at AUSA 2012 and since then Kyle Defoor began collaborating with development which helped a lot with the “fast” attributes in the design. The evolution of this design has quite a history and until earlier today I thought it still remained in development.

RCS Eidolon (1)

Earlier today a box arrived at my doorstep. I opened it up and it was filled with bits and pieces in plastic bags, looking so much like a Legos set. When it’s all laid out neatly it looks very much like the photo below. While it might look like a lot to some, all of those parts offer choices. You get a great deal of latitude in how you set up your Eidolon holster. Designed to be configured to accommodate a wide range of clothing and body types, the Eidolon incorporates several new features. You’ll be introduced to the “claw’ and “wedge” in the literature below and I’m sure lots of videos will begin to surface in the very new future as users become acquainted with the Eidolon. From what I’ve seen so far, RCS has introduced something new, in a holster market that has a lot of the same. I’m looking forward to things settling down so I can try this thing out for myself.

RCS Eidolon (5)

What follows is the Raven Concealment Systems press release:

Development of the Eidolon began three years ago when we set out to create our “next generation” flagship product. After a year of designing concepts, we began working with Kyle Defoor of Defoor Proformance. His input, driven by feedback he was getting from .gov and .mil clients he trains, helped us select which concept to push forward with. He then worked closely with us, testing prototypes and providing guidance on how to best tailor the holster to meet the needs of various groups conducting low-vis and no-vis missions.

The Eidolon is a professional-grade, injection-molded IWB/AIWB holster designed from the outset to accommodate modern pistols with or without a red-dot optic. It has several ground-breaking design elements which set it apart from any other product presently on the market:
– Its construction is neither a “pancake” style nor a “fold-over” style.
– A body shield and holster body which accommodates all of the most popular red-dot optics presently being fielded.
– An adjustable retention system that does not change the “feel” of the holster; only the amount of force required to draw the weapon.
– A revolutionary “claw” which pulls the butt of the pistol’s grip into the body without causing the belt line to distort.
– A comfortable, soft polymer “wedge” which, when used AIWB, tucks the back of the slide and grip closer to the body to further reduce/eliminate printing.
– This wedge also keeps the muzzle stood-off from the lower abdomen for enhanced comfort during all-day carry.

The Eidolon can be configured in hundreds of different set-ups to optimize concealment in a variety of body types and styles of dress. This holster can be tailored to work on men and women, regardless of size.

RCS Eidolon (6)

The belt attachments are available in both over-hook and tuckable soft-loop format, and can accommodate belts up to 1.75”. These attachments can be run in either single- or double-configuration, and allow a shooter to have the quick on/off capability of a VanGuard 2 while still being able to reholster one-handed.

The concealability of this holster is only surpassed by its speed. The Eidolon’s unique body design and adjustable retention system make it the fastest concealment holster available.
Prototypes and pre-production units of the Eidolon have been tested extensively both domestically and OCONUS, to include some of the major hot-spots of the modern world. These samples were beyond successful in both strong-side and appendix-carry roles.

A very limited run of pre-production Eidolons are now available for purchase. These are in-stock and will ship while SHOT Show is underway. The cost of these pre-production Eidolons is $99.99, and shipping is INCLUDED. They are available from now until supplies run out.

The final production models will be available from RCS dealers within 90 days.

Izzy Anzaldua Named President of Invincible Arms

Friday, January 16th, 2015

JANUARY 15, 2015 – Willoughby, OH – Invincible Arms, LLC is excited to announce the immediate appointment of Israel M. “Izzy” Anzaldua as President. In his role Anzaldua will oversee all day-to-day operations, sales, marketing and strategic direction for the company. Anzaldua is a veteran of the firearms industry with over two decades of experience with leading brands in the rifle category.

“Izzy is exactly who we need to take our company in the right direction,” commented Rick Sippola, Chairman of the Board of Invincible Arms. “We feel this coming year will be a challenging one for every manufacturer, but with Izzy at the helm we are confident he will help us get established and grow.”

Anzaldua started his career at Bushmaster Firearms in 1989 where he served for over 20 years. While the Director of Law Enforcement and Government Sales for Bushmaster he closed the Texas Department of Public Safety contract for 3,200 rifles and developed an Individual Officer Program which brought in another 3,800 rifles – representing the largest departmental purchase program in the history of the AR-15 platform. Later he served Bushmaster as Director of Global Training and Technical Services, a position he held until the Bushmaster plant was closed in March 2011. With a desire to remain in the firearms industry, Anzaldua returned to his native State of Florida as Vice President of Sales and Business Development at Core 15 Rifle Systems where he not only lead strong sales growth but also helped build increased production capacity and capability for the company. His latest appointment brings him full circle by utilizing his skills and experience to launch Invincible Arms in its start-up phase and grow it into a known and respected brand within the industry.

“After watching the market surge and retract so many times over the past few years we would rather have a steady production year and focus on providing the best product and service to our customers than try and grow as fast as we can for growth’s sake,” Anzaldua said of his approach to his new role. “That is what will sustain this brand and ensure we will be standing tall five years from now.”

Stop by to see Izzy and Invincible Arms at SHOT Show, Booth #16144.

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Cadex Defence Introduces 6 Complete Sniper Rifles at SHOT Show

Thursday, January 15th, 2015

Visit Cadex Defence at booth #13368.

Winkler Knives Exhibits in First SHOT Show Booth

Thursday, January 15th, 2015

I received this note this morning from ABS Master Bladesmith Daniel Winkler. He is a true artist and one of the friendliest people I know in industry. If you are at SHOT Show, it is well worth your time to stop by and see him.

Well after 5 years on the waiting list we finally have a booth at the 2015 Shot Show in Las Vegas, January 20 – 23 at the Sands Convention Center, Lower level Booth #861.

Besides Karen and me, will have retired SEAL and Army Special Operations Operator Kevin Holland. Also Dom Raso, former SEAL, NRA News commentator and originator of Dynamis Alliance, will be at the booth each day of the show.

If you can make it to the Shot Show please drop by and see us and our entire product line. Also please pass this invitation to any of your colleges that might be attending.

The Shot Show is a professional Trade Show open only to retailers, LE, Military and First Responders. It is not open to the general public.

Team Wendy EXFIL SAR Helmets Are Go!

Thursday, January 15th, 2015

CLEVELAND – When you’ve rolled out three successful helmets for the military in two years, what’s next? The answer for Team Wendy is to take its popular EXFIL helmet line into a space none of its competitors have gone before.

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With more than 15 years of experience developing leading-edge products that protect against serious and potentially life-threatening injuries, the Cleveland-based company is launching two EXFIL models for search and rescue personnel and outdoor adventurers—the EXFIL SAR Tactical and EXFIL SAR Backcountry. The two new models are the first search and rescue helmets built to offer tactical accessory mounting capabilities while providing protection that meets key industrial and mountaineering requirements.

“This helmet represents the first true marriage between tactical and professional search and rescue,” said Team Wendy CEO Jose Rizo Patron. “The innovations we’ve developed to support our soldiers will provide the search and rescue and mountaineering communities with a superior level of protection and performance. The EXFIL SAR helmets will have the look and feel—as well as the safety and quality—that Team Wendy has built its reputation on. These are Team Wendy EXFIL helmets through and through.”

The Tactical model is optimized for use with night vision devices and features a machined aluminum Wilcox NVG shroud insert as well as a four-point adjustable CAM-FIT retention system with full chin cup. For users who do not operate with night vision, the Backcountry sports a glass-reinforced polycarbonate shroud insert for mounting cameras and lights, and an under-the-chin retention strap with magnetic closure. Both models are ideal mounting platforms and are compatible with rail mounted accessories, such as the EXFIL Quick Release Adapter and EXFIL Peltor Quick Release Adapter. Additional accessories will be released later this year.

The protection offered by the EXFIL SAR Tactical and EXFIL SAR Backcountry is highlighted by meeting a wide variety of performance standards, including EN12492 European Standard for Mountaineering Helmets, EN1385 European Standard for Whitewater Helmets, and current Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) blunt impact requirements. The helmet also provides a high level of off-crown shock absorption not seen in many industrial and climbing helmets, meeting this requirement of EN14052 European Standard for High Performance Industrial Helmets.

Both the EXFIL SAR Tactical and Backcountry models are available in the following standard colors: white, red, black and US Coast Guard orange.

The EXFIL SAR Tactical retails for $304.95, while the EXFIL SAR Backcountry is available for $179.99 (without side rails) or $215.94 (with side rails). EXFIL SAR orders are now being accepted, and Team Wendy will begin shipping helmets in February.

EXFIL SAR Backcountry

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The EXFIL SAR Backcountry features a glass-reinforced polycarbonate shroud for mounting cameras and lights. It also includes a sport-style, under-the-chin retention strap with a Fidloc magnetic buckle and a Boa Closure System to dial in precise fit adjustment while providing a single-handed quick release. The Team Wendy SAR Accessory Rail 2.0 System is optional.

Performance
-Meets the requirements of EN12492:2012 Standard for Mountaineering Helmets
-Meets the requirements of EN1385:2012 Standard for Whitewater Helmets
-Meets Advanced Combat Helmet blunt impact requirements (per AR/PD 10-02 Rev A)
-Meets additional off-crown impact requirements of EN14052 European standard for high performance industrial helmets

Features
-High strength Lexan polycarbonate copolymer shell
-High-cut shell design with clearance for ear protection and communications headsets
-Built-in glass reinforced shroud for mounting head lamps and cameras
-Sport-style retention system with Fidlock magnetic buckle
-Boa Closure System integrated directly into helmet liner for optimized stability and fit
-Zorbium foam comfort liners in two thicknesses with Microban anti-microbial treated wicking fabric
-Optional SAR Accessory Rail 2.0 System that is Magpul MOE compatible and includes a pass-through for securing headlamp or goggle straps
-Two removable vent covers
-Compatible with the EXFIL Quick Release Adapter and the EXFIL Peltor Headset Quick Release Adapter; additional accessory items will be released later in 2015

EXFIL SAR Tactical

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The EXFIL SAR Tactical is optimized for use with night vision devices and features a machined aluminum Wilcox NVG shroud. The helmet also includes a four-point CAM-FIT retention system with chin cup for optimal stability and a Boa Closure System to dial in precise fit adjustment while providing a single-handed quick release. The Tactical model also includes the SAR Accessory Rail 2.0 System, which allows for custom mounting.

Performance
-Meets the requirements of EN12492:2012 Standard for Mountaineering Helmets
-Meets the requirements of EN1385:2012 Standard for Whitewater Helmets
-Meets Advanced Combat Helmet blunt impact requirements (per AR/PD 10-02 Rev A)
-Meets additional off-crown impact requirements of EN14052:2012 European standard for high performance industrial helmets.

Features
-High-strength Lexan polycarbonate copolymer shell
-High-cut shell design with clearance for ear protection and communications headsets
-Includes integrated Wilcox aluminum shroud conforming to the SOCOM SPEAR Program of Record
-Military-style cam-lock sliders for one-handed adjustment and secure fit Boa Closure System integrated directly into helmet liner for optimized stability and fit
-Zorbium foam comfort liners in two thicknesses with Microban anti-microbial treated wicking fabric
-SAR Accessory Rail 2.0 System
-Magpul MOE compatible
-Pass-through for securing headlamp or goggle straps
-Two removable vent covers
-Compatible with the EXFIL Quick Release Adapter and the EXFIL Peltor -Quick Release Adapter; additional accessory items will be released later in 2015

Sneak Peek – Mean Gene Leather Adopts Ares Gear’s Aegis Buckle

Thursday, January 15th, 2015

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In a deal that was just inked today, Mean Gene Leather will start using the Aegis belt buckle for leather belt applications, developed by Ares Gear. We owe this great linkup to Matt Jacques of Victory First (hence the logo on the buckle).

New Products From HSGI

Thursday, January 15th, 2015

HSGI has released three new products in time for SHOT Show.

Slim Grip SureGrip® Padded Belt

The Slim Grip SureGrip Padded Belt is a modular padded belt system which represents the next generation of the HSGI padded belt family. It features the same performance of the original system, but with a lower weight and reduced profile. It can be purchased either as a stand-alone sleeve, or with a 1.5″ Cobra belt with inner Velcro.

Features:

· 0.75″ thick and 3.0″ tall

· Neoprene padding creates a “gel like comfort”

· Adds a level of grip that is unlike any other low profile belt system on the market

· Two access ports at 3 and 9 o’clock positions for the attachment of subloads like holsters and mag pouches directly to the interior belt

· Assembled with a removable HPDE stiffener to add stability and to help install a Velcro® lined interior belt

www.highspeedgear.com/hsgi/slim-grip-31SPB.html

Micro Grip SureGrip Belt Liner

The Micro Grip Belt Liner turns any 1.75″ rigger’s belt or 2″ duty belt with inner Velcro loop into a padded belt. To apply, take the outer belt off of the inner belt, apply the liner, adjust the buckle, and wear the same belt over layers securely and quickly. Sizes are determined by the length of loop Velcro® on HSG belts, but will also match up with other brands.

Features:

· 0.25″ thick

· Neoprene padding creates a “gel like comfort”

· Adds a level of grip that is unlike any other belt system on the market

www.highspeedgear.com/hsgi/micro-grip-95MG.html

High Speed Gear SureGrip® Sling

The HSGI SureGrip Sling features a padded neoprene pad and unique application of a side release buckle, making it both comfortable and versatile.

Features:

· Mil Spec 1” webbing with durable hardware.

· Neoprene pad slides free on sling, but can be secured in place if user requires.

· Unique application of side release buckle allows easy length adjustment when used as a two-point sling.

· Sling comes with no attachment hardware but HSG offers IWC components to provide conversion from 2 to single point application of sling.

Pad is also available to purchase as a stand alone option to retrofit other popular slings on the market.

www.highspeedgear.com/hsgi/sling-95SGS0.html

PROOF Research / EraThr3 Mixer at SHOT – Free Beer, Free Pinup Calendars, Expensive Rifles

Thursday, January 15th, 2015

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Where do free beer, gorgeous women and guns go together? At the SHOT show of course. Join EraThr3’s Sheri Johnson in PROOF Research’s booth for a look at their new, limited-edition precision rifle, Operation Klepto.

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Free craft beer will be served and Sheri will be giving away complimentary signed copies of the 2015 EraThr3 pin-up calendar. Libations begin at the PROOF Research booth #1017 from 3pm-5:30pm Wednesday, Day 2, and again on Friday, Day 4, 1pm-3pm. Mark your calendars, start your engines, see you there.

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