If you want a quick overview, check out US Elite’s handy guide to the 2016 line at blog.us-elitegear.com/blog/arcteryxleaf2016.
Archive for January, 2016
US Elite Offering 2016 Arc’teryx LEAF Line
Wednesday, January 13th, 2016Adam Pini Joins Raven Concealment Systems As Outside Sales Rep
Wednesday, January 13th, 2016 
Amidst all the chaos of SHOT Show 2016 preparations, we forgot to let everyone know about an exciting development:
We are proud to announce the addition of Mr. Adam Pini as our new Outside Sales Representative. Adam comes to us with extensive sales experience in the black-rifle market, having previously worked for excellent brands like LWRC, ADM, and WarSport.
He’s also a heck of a shooter, and has hair like a movie star. Be sure to look him up at the RCS booth (#8606) at SHOT and let him show you how RCS can help your gun shop or gear store make great money!
He can be reached directly at: a.pini@ravenconcealment.com
Walther Welcomes Luke Thorkildsen as Vice President of Marketing and Product Development
Wednesday, January 13th, 2016
FORT SMITH, ARKANSAS –- Walther Arms, Inc. is excited to announce the addition of Luke Thorkildsen to the position of Vice President of Marketing and Product Development.
Originally from Texas, Luke Thorkildsen holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Entrepreneurial Business and Strategic Management from the University of North Texas. Before joining Walther, Luke had a distinguished career in the outdoor industry serving with the iconic companies of Coleman and Bear Archery. At Bear, Luke led a new projects team that focused on entering a new category and developing a new line of crossbows focused on fit, feel, and balance. Under Luke’s leadership the team researched, planned and developed ground breaking new products protected by multiple new patents. At Coleman Luke held the positions of Global Director of Product Development for Battery Lighting and Global Category Manager. He led teams in the development of multiple new successful product lines.
Adam Blalock Walther Arms CEO stated, “I’m excited that Luke Thorkildsen is joining our team. Luke has a proven track record with some very strong brands. His skillset, approach and passion for winning with the consumer will make him a great addition to our growing team.”
At Walther Thorkildsen will be responsible for Marketing the Walther Brand in the United States as well as leading product development.
Walther is the premier provider of personal protection and recreational firearms of various calibers ranging from .22 to .45. With a vast devotion for continued innovation and customer focus in a fast growing industry, Walther Arms engineers products that are Built for Life.
James Gilliland New Director of US Optics Academy
Wednesday, January 13th, 2016
Brea, California – U.S. Optics Inc., an international riflescope and optics manufacturer, proudly announced today the appointment of Jim Gilliland as director of their training academy. The appointment of Gilliland signals a new direction and commitment for expansion over the long run for U.S. Optics, Inc.
Master Sergeant Jim Gilliland is a recently retired Army veteran with an extensive list of both military and civilian accomplishments. Gilliland holds the current record for the longest, successful single shot engagement at ¾ of a mile. The sniper section of the 3rd Infantry Division, which he hand selected and lead was recognized as the best sniper section in Iraq for 2005.
“I am extremely honored and excited to be selected to become the new director of the academy. U.S. Optics’ commitment to the perfection of the art of long range shooting is something I’ve always strived for as well. I believe together we can achieve great things. I look forward to seeing where this road ahead will lead us,” said Gilliland.
Gilliland has held multiple positions utilizing his expertise in firearms consulting with the Army on development, as well as, heading the training ranges at Fort Benning.
General Manager of U.S. Optics, Jason Kyle talks about a specific factor that went in to deciding to select Mr. Gilliland as the new director.
The decision is to “provide our customers and ourselves with the opportunity to learn from such an invaluable source. Bringing on board experienced talents such as Mr. Gilliland no doubt raise the bar in not only how we teach at the academy but also how we envision our future as a whole for U.S Optics.”
Jim Gilliland is an active duty Army veteran Master Sergeant. Deployed twice to Afghanistan as a squad leader, he’s participated in such missions as the highly televised night combat airborne assault in the Helmand providence.
Assigned to the 3rd Infantry Division, he personally hand selected and trained the sniper section and later deployed for one year as their sniper section leader. It was during this time that he became accredited with taking the longest, successful single shot engagement at 3 quarters of a mile with a 7.62 rifle. The Joint Chief Counter IED Task Force recognized Jim’s sniper section as the best sniper section in Iraq in 2005.
Jim has also been directly involved in the selection, refinement, and development of all future Army small arms as the senior enlisted adviser of the Soldier Requirement Division, Small Arms Branch and Branch NCOIC. Currently, MSG Gilliland is working in a battalion operations office which oversees most of the small arms training ranges, schools, and cadre at Fort Benning in Georgia.
With such an extraordinary military career under his belt, Jim’s passion and expertise in firearms also encompasses his life outside of the military as well. His extensive list of work collaborations with industry leaders, such as Blackwater, has made him one the top authorities in the field.
Jim has been featured in numerous popular tactical and hunting magazines and catalogues including Soldier of Fortune. He’s appeared in on screen projects such as John Plasters video “Ultimate Sniper 3”, the History Channel’s “Sniper” series and his own training video with Panteao Productions, “Make Ready” series. He also hosts his own segments on the television show “Trigger Time” on the Pursuit channel.
With all of Jim’s extraordinary accomplishments, he still prides himself on being humble and is steadfast in upholding his beliefs for family values, selfless service and American patriotism.
Military Awards and decorations:
Ranger Tab
Master parachutist badge W/ Bronze service star
Expert Infantryman’s badge
Combat infantryman’s badge
Expert rifleman’s badge
Meritorious Service Award
Bronze star
Army Commendation Medal x 4
Army achievement Medal x 4
Army Good Conduct Medal x 5
National Defense Service Medal
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal x 2
Iraqi Campaign Medal W/ Campaign Star
Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Non Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon x 3
Army Service Ribbon
Over Seas Service Ribbon x 2
Other Military Education:
Ranger School
Sniper School
Jump Master School (Currently Master Rated)
Survival Evasion Resistance and Escape Course (SERE)
Airborne School
Mountain Warfare School, summer and winter Phase
Emergency Medical Technician Basic
Senior Leaders Course
Advanced Leader Course
Warrior Leaders Course
Senior Tactics Instructor
Small Group Instructor Course
Total Army Instructor Course
Combat Lifesaver Course
Safety swimmer and Boat Operator Course
Life Guard Course
Army Situational Awareness Course
2016 Arc’teryx LEAF Available Through Tactical Distributors
Wednesday, January 13th, 2016
Magpul’s PRS GEN3 To Be Exhibited At SHOT Show
Wednesday, January 13th, 2016 
An optimized update of the revolutionary Magpul Precision Rifle Stock (PRS) for the AR15/M4 and SR-25 platforms, the PRS GEN3 is compatible with carbine, rifle, and A5-length receiver extensions for unrivaled compatibility. Featuring tool-less adjustments for comb height and length of pull, rotation-limited QD sling mounts, and a height and cant-adjustable rubber butt pad, the PRS GEN3 remains the finest precision stock available for AR-pattern weapons.
With solid adjustments for length of pull and cheek piece height via aluminum detent knobs, the PRS GEN3 (Precision Rifle/Sniper) stock provides a stable interface and is intended for semi-automatic sniper or varmint type rifles. Offering a nearly universal fit, it installs on rifle-length receiver extensions as well as mil-spec carbine and A5-length tubes. Includes a cant/height-adjustable rubber butt-pad and rotation-limiting QD sling swivel cups as well as M-LOK slots on the bottom for rear monopod mounting.
Made in U.S.A.
FEATURES
·Mounts to rifle-length, mil-spec carbine, or A5-length receiver extension tubes (not included)
·Enhanced strength butt-plate withstands severe impact and recoil up to .50 BMG
·Rubber butt-pad provides positive shoulder purchase to prevent slippage and is adjustable for both cant and height
·Machined aluminum LOP and Cheek Piece adjustment knobs with positive locking click detents
·Steel adjustment shafts finished with Melonite® for wear and corrosion resistance
·All aluminum components finished with MIL-A-8625F, Type III, Class 2 hard anodizing
·Bottom M-LOK slots provide additional sling mounting possibilities or for attaching 1913 Picatinny rails for use with a monopod
Sling Mounts
·Front/Rear – rotation limited QD sling swivel mounts (swivels not included)
·Rear – 1.25″ aluminum sling loop (left-right reversible)
www.magpul.com/products/prs-gen3-precision-adjustable-stock
Arc’teryx LEAF 2016 Line Available For Order
Wednesday, January 13th, 2016
For over 25 years, Arc’teryx has specialized in clothing and equipment for cold weather and mountain pursuits. These world-renowned designs are worn by elite athletes in some of the most demanding environments.
Almost 15 years ago, elite military forces began to adopt Arc’teryx equipment to combat challenging weather and terrain.
Based on these successes, Arc’teryx LEAF was formed. Eventually, dedicated designs were created for the unique requirements of military and law enforcement customers.
While the 2016 line is the most extensive yet, the core remains focused on cold weather performance. This is the CW Jacket LT, the epitome of Arc’teryx LEAF design.
To learn more, watch this video.
Check out leaf.arcteryx.com or LEAF retailers to order yours.
Benchmade and AmericanSnipers.org Announce 2016 Collaborations
Wednesday, January 13th, 2016(Oregon City, OR) Benchmade Knife Company, manufacturer of premium sports cutlery for the last 26 years, is pleased to announce the latest product collaboration with AmericanSnipers.org in their continued support of American Law Enforcement and Military snipers.
AmericanSnipers.org is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization comprised of active and retired Law Enforcement and Military snipers who volunteer their time to raise equipment and monetary donations at firearms industry and military events/functions. All funds donated to AmericanSnipers.org go towards the procurement of requested supplies that will deploy with snipers to help them in their missions around the globe.
For 2016 Benchmade will introduce the 178SGRY-AS SOCP Dagger, a special edition version of the Greg Thompson design that will feature a gray coating and AmericanSnipers.org logo and iconic AmericanSnipers.org skull. In addition, Benchmade will also continue to produce 2015’s collaboration with AmericanSnipers.org, the 551BKSN-AS Griptilian. Portions of the sales from these special edition knives will go directly to the AmericanSnipers.org to aid them in their initiatives.
“The staff members of Americansnipers.org are very excited to be working with Benchmade Knife Company to raise funds to support our military snipers.” says an official from AmericanSnipers.org. “As with all donations to Americansnipers.org, all of the funds raised from this collaboration will be used to purchase and ship the specialized equipment that is needed, but not always issued, to our sniper units. Thank you Benchmade for supporting Americansnipers.org and our US military snipers!”
Visit Benchmade Knife Company’s website to see more information or to purchase either of special edition AmericanSnipers.org collaborations or visit Benchmade this year at the 2016 Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade Show (SHOT) January 19th through the 22nd at Sands Convention Center in Las Vegas. Benchmade Knife Company will be located at booth #10357.
