SIG MMG 338 Program Series

Archive for April, 2016

Warrior Culture Gear Offering Caps In ODG Camo Patterns

Tuesday, April 26th, 2016

Warrior Culture Gear has kicked full production of their Warrior Caps, line and along with the introduction of these “Operator” Style Caps they are offering Orion Design Group’s Lupus and Ursus patterns, with Vipera on the way.

You’ll notice two styles. One features Velcro and the other the WCG logo. They are manufactured in Cleveland, Ohio out of US Mil-Spec NYCO.

www.warriorculturegear.com/collections/accessories

USASOC International Sniper Competition Winners Used Wilcox RAPTAR-S

Tuesday, April 26th, 2016

Not only did 2016’s winning two-man team from Fort Bragg’s 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) use the RAPTAR-S range finder from Wilcox Industries, but so did the second and third place teams.

The annual competition draws sniper teams from domestic and international military units as well as federal and state law enforcement agencies. This year, there were 24 teams, including four foreign teams, descended upon Fort Bragg’s SOF Sniper Course facility, the famous Range 37, in order to determine who’s the best. There were a total of 19 stages which used a combination of time, distance and the unknown, in both day and night, in disctances varying from 25 to 1,000 meters to challenge the competitors.

And it’s in that environment where the RAPTAR-S shines. Not only does it incorporate an Infra-red (IR) laser, visible laser, IR flood and laser range finder (LRF) the RAPTAR-S also features an applied ballistics computer created by their partner nVisti Tactical Innovation which specializes in the field of small arms fire control systems with expertise in laser range finders, ballistics, wind measurement and digital imaging. Through nVisti’s partnership with Applied Ballistics and Accuracy 1st, the company has been responsible for the development and integration of the ballistics, firmware and software for the RAPTAR-S weapon-mounted laser range finder.

The solver’s computations achieve nearly the accuracy of a full 6 degree of freedom model using a three degree of freedom (3DOF) modified point mass numerical solver considering all environmental conditions including average cross-wind or a cross-wind profile. It accounts for all major and minor trajectory variables including the use of measured G7 BC’s and even the option to use custom drag curves for over 400 bullets. The output is shown in MILs, MOAs, or even an ACOG BDC reticle. Included within the system is a ballistic calibration feature allows user to ‘train’ the software to match a specific rifle based on observed impacts at long range. Combined with the over 400 custom measured bullet drag curves (available for syncing via Android or PC), shooters have everything the need to make a much more precise trajectory calculation than any other software available.

Included within the RAPTAR-S, the Applied Ballistics solver measures temperature, pressure, humidity, inclination, cant, heading to the target, and GPS coordinates. By using these sensor readings and the custom drag curves, the solver is capable of producing ballistic solutions that are accurate to within 0.1 mils through the subsonic range of the bullet’s flight.

The ballistic data can be exported to most mobile devices or paired with BAE thermal sights as well as the UTC SWIR HWH-SMS camera. In the case of the latter two systems, the RAPTAR-S provides a ballistic solution to the disturbed reticle.

www.wilcoxind.com/RAPTAR-S

TYR Tactical Announces the Enhanced PICO Integrated Carrier – EPIC Non-Cutaway

Tuesday, April 26th, 2016

TYR Tactical has introduced the new Enhanced PICO Integrated Carrier – EPIC Non-Cutaway (TYR-EPIC-NC) to give customers a non-cutaway option for the EPIC line of vests. EPIC was designed specifically to ensure proper area of coverage while enhancing the users range of motion. What’s really cool is that this carrier can be retrofitted with a 2-Wire Cutaway Cummerbund if needed (sold separately).

EPIC Non-Cutaway utilizes a four piece design called the Integrated Ballistic System that increases ballistic protection and reduces back face deformation.

The four piece design includes a panel suspension and energy disbursement frame. Known as the Ballistic Vein, it increases the overall load carriage performance of a carrier and provides a more rigid platform for adding weight to the system. It also reduces fatigue by improving the complete structure of the carrier by retaining the soft armor panels in the proper configuration, preventing bunching and supporting the plates to improve edge hit protection. It reduces blunt trauma and back face deformation values and ultimately increases V50 performances by up to 125 feet per second by absorbing energy from projectile engagement.

FEATURES:
-PALS webbing for MOLLE attachment
-Hydration/Communication Tabs for routing
-Attachment points for a 2-Wire Cutaway Cummerbund (Sold Separately)
-EPIC Low Profile Shoulders
-Ballistic Vein increases load carriage performance, provides a rigid platform, reduces fatigue, stabilizes and enhances soft armor inserts.
-Reinforced Drag Handle
-Removable Assaulters Zip-On Back Panel
-Repair Buckle Kit
-Semi-Rigid Exterior MOLLE Cummerbund
-Compatible with the XFrame Dynamic Load Carriage System

The EPIC is available in three different styles depending on the profile (thickness) of your plate:

-EPIC 1 accommodates standard SAPI/ESAPI plates (.75” thick)
-EPIC 4 will hold the Morgan Level III plate (.75” thick)
-EPIC 6 will hold TYR-HA3/7 plate styles (.5” thick)

Available in the following soft armor packages:

-Certified T54/C Soft Armor which meets Level II NIJ0101.06 Specifications
-Certified T52/SP Soft Armor Level II NIJ0101.06 Specifications.
-Certified TXP3A Soft Armor Level IIIA NIJ0101.06 Specifications

Sizes: Small, Medium, Medium-Long, Large, XLarge, 2XLarge

Colors: Black, Coyote, Ranger Green, MultiCam

Don’t forget, they are on tour, so get 15% off your total purchase with coupon code IDTOUR15 for a limited time.

www.tyrtactical.com/products/details/new-featured-products/tyr-tactical-enhanced-pico-integrated-carrier-epic-non-cutaway

Court Dismisses Crye Precision’s Suit Against Duro Textiles

Tuesday, April 26th, 2016

On Friday, 22 April, 2016, Federal Judge Denise L. Cote published a ruling, granting Duro Textiles motion for summary judgement and dismissing with prejudice Crye Precision’s remaining claims against Duro Textiles, stemming from a lawsuit filed against Duro in early 2015. This is actually a second lawsuit although the initial suit was filed in late 2014 and withdrawn in early 2015.

Specifically, the Judge dismissed three specific allegations in this suit; breach of contract, trade dress infringement and common law unfair competition arising from Duro’s printing of a camouflage pattern owned by the US Government.

Crye Precision’s MultiCam licensing agreement was central to their claims against Duro. Duro last signed such an agreement with Crye in 2012 and once it had expired in 2014, and Duro began printing the Army’s OCP, legal actions commenced.

Below is the paragraph 3(h), in question.

According to New York law, this clause from the 2012 agreement is unenforceable due to reasons stipulated in the ruling. Furthermore, the judge ruled that it was too broad in scope. At face value, it seems like a pretty straightforward ruling by the court, until you consider that it could create a situation where the premise it is based upon fundamentally changes.  The full order, seen below, is quite detailed and worth the read.

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Click on image to open PDF

To be sure, this is a victory for Duro, but perhaps a bittersweet one. Duro was essentially a lone horse in printing OCP for the Army. Now, they are sure to see competition for this business in the future. What’s more, the Army may well lose control of the pattern it created for use in place of MultiCam. Whether the Army likes it or not, we may see commercial OCP, or really close copies, by Christmas.

Here’s why. Much to the chagrin of those of us watching from the sidelines, the Judge’s decision does not declare whether MultiCam and OCP (Scorpion W2) are similar. Rather, the court is very clear that Duro is just printing what the Army paid them to print; namely, OCP and claims that the government can tell the difference.

Judge Cote dismissed Crye Precision’s claim of trade dress infringement. The court’s ruling may well have set creating about an interesting situation. Consider this:

The Government is the creator and only purchaser of Scorpion W2. It is a sophisticated consumer, as its creation of Scorpion W2 and its announced switch from MUTLICAM in 2014 evidences. Duro’s only sales of Scorpion W2 have been for the Government, specifically to Government contractors and subcontractors in the supply chain for the U.S. Army. These contractors order Scorpion W2 from Duro by name. Thus, while MULTICAM and Scorpion W2 compete in the same Government sales market, there is no likelihood of actual confusion on the part of the Government or its contractors.

It’s the second and third order, or should I say “disorder” effects that will be interesting. For example, what if the consumer is no longer just the US Army but also commercial customers. Could that expanded consumer group tell the difference between these two patterns?

This exact situation may be additional fallout from this ruling, and it may not just affect Crye Precision. By declaring the competition clause of Crye’s licensing agreement void, could printers, licensed or not, begin to make counterfeit versions of MultiCam, or for that matter OCP, consequence free?

Although Judge Cote declared the provisions of Crye Precision’s licensing agreement too broad, you have to wonder how specific they would have to be to satisfy the court and protect the pattern(s). As far as I know, current licensees are under a newer 2014 version of the contract which may contain updated language that already addresses the court’s concerns and were signed under different circumstances than the long-standing agreements with Duro. It must be noted that this ruling by Judge Cote is specific to the situation with Duro.

It is yet to be seen whether Crye Precision will appeal the ruling, but it doesn’t stop them from defending their IP on other fronts. Also, although many are concerned with license fees for the printing of both MultiCam and OCP. This ruling doesn’t address them. Regardless, the bottom line here is that Crye is going to have to sue the US Army if it wants to ultimately settle the MultiCam vs OCP question. We’ll keep you posted if we hear anything.

Je Crache Sur Vous!

Tuesday, April 26th, 2016


Totally stolen!

You Never Know Where They’ll Show Up

Tuesday, April 26th, 2016

The Museum of Aviation History, Robins AFB, GA.

Thanks Angelo!

Steel Will Knives Seeks Qualified East Coast Sales Representation

Monday, April 25th, 2016

New York, NY- Steel Will Knives, a new premium brand that produces knives with the highest standards of quality, is seeking sales representation on the East Coast. With over 60 quality cutting tools currently available in their Outdoor, Tactical, and Urban line, Steel Will is focused on making an impact on the knife community and outdoor sporting goods industry.

Steel Will’s mission is to produce the finest knives that create a bond with their owners. They are committed to providing the best possible experience of knife ownership. Steel Will is interested in working with a sales representation group that will share the same goal when representing Steel Will’s complete line of premium knives. If your sales agency is interested and would like to learn more or schedule an interview, please email Boris Shekhman at Boris@SmgOutdoor.com.

Terminal Lance – The White Donkey

Monday, April 25th, 2016

Terminal Lance is a very popular cartoon strip created by Marine Veteran Maximillian Uriarte. Originally, “The White Donkey” was published via Kickstarter but it’s now available at book stores, for those who missed it.

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“Terminal Lance: The White Donkey” is the story of a Marine and his journey to Iraq. It’s definitely a labor of love. Uriarte worked on the 150-page graphic novel for three years. Pick up a copy and have a few laughs.