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Archive for 2016

Who Remembers the StrapMaster 2000?

Saturday, March 19th, 2016

Around 1999 SOCOM started issuing a pack system by Gregory/Bianchi, commercially called the UM21. It was affectionately known by many who used it, as the StrapMaster 2000 for the outrageously long Black 1″ webbing found all over the main pack. Usually issued in Woodland there were a limited number manufactured in 3-Color Desert camo, primarily for 5th Group.

This photo of a burdened mule was taken very early in Operation Enduring Freedom during the so-called Horse Soldier operations. It remains my favorite photo of the UM-21 because one look at the mule’s face and you’ll see how everyone felt while carrying that beast. In fact, you won’t run across many photos of troops actually wearing the Main Pack. Although it did incorporate a few innovative features, the Main Pack was partially manufactured from rubberized fabric and was heavy even when empty. The Main Pack (with PALS compatible side pockets), Patrol Pack and Butt Pack along with 5 stuff sacks made up the system weighing 17 lbs all told.

Although it was fielded as part of the Special Operations Forces Personal Equipment Advanced Requirements (SPEAR) program, it’s design and selection pre-dated the team that fielded such great items as the MICH, MLCS, PCU and SOF Handwear. In fact, it was developed before the Family of Packs was broken out as a separate program from Body Armor/Load Carrying System (BALCS). BALCS ALSO included body armor as well as an Enhanced Load Carrying System subsystems in addition to the UM21.

To learn more, download the UM21 manual.

Tags: Gregory
Posted in History, Packs | 26 Comments »

Gunfighter Moment – Larry Vickers

Saturday, March 19th, 2016

I’m gonna make this one short and sweet; when researching combat marksmanship trainers do your research – the industry is jam packed with scam artists. I see training scars and bad habits every class that originated from some ‘wannabe but never was’ instructors who are teaching stuff that is not only stupid but dangerous.

Do your research and if in doubt default to that resume. Nuff said – be safe and keep shooting.

LAV out

-Larry Vickers
Vickers Tactical Inc.
Host of TacTV

Larry Vickers of Vickers Tactical is a retired US Army 1st SFOD-Delta combat veteran with years of experience in the firearms industry as a combat marksmanship instructor and industry consultant. In recent years he has hosted tactical firearms related TV shows on the Sportsman Channel with the latest being TacTV of which Bravo Company is a presenting sponsor. Larry Vickers special operations background is one of the most unique in the industry today; he has been directly or indirectly involved in the some of the most significant special operations missions of the last quarter century. During Operation Just Cause he participated in Operation Acid Gambit – the rescue of Kurt Muse from Modelo Prison in Panama City, Panama. As a tactics and marksmanship instructor on active duty he helped train special operations personnel that later captured Saddam Hussein and eliminated his sons Uday and Qusay Hussein. In addition he was directly involved in the design and development of the HK416 for Tier One SOF use which was used by Naval Special Warfare personnel to kill Osama Bin Laden. Larry Vickers has developed various small arms accessories with the most notable being his signature sling manufactured by Blue Force Gear and Glock accessories made by Tangodown. In addition he has maintained strong relationships with premium companies within the tactical firearms industry such as BCM, Aimpoint, Black Hills Ammunition, Wilson Combat and Schmidt & Bender.

Larry Vickers travels the country conducting combat marksmanship classes for law abiding civilians, law enforcement and military and has partnered with Alias Training to coordinate classes to best meet the needs of the students attending the class.

Gunfighter Moment is a weekly feature brought to you by Alias Training & Security Services. Each week Alias brings us a different Trainer and in turn they offer us some words of wisdom.

Tags: Alias Training and Security Services, Larry Vickers, LAV, Vickers Tactical
Posted in Gunfighter Moment | 40 Comments »

And You Thought An Abrams Was Cramped

Saturday, March 19th, 2016

This is an M4 Sherman tank. This workhorse helped us win World War II.

This is the basic load and BII for the M4.

Posted in History | 18 Comments »

Browning Introduces Ammunition For Personal Defense & Training

Friday, March 18th, 2016

Browning Ammunition debuts its personal defense and training product lines in 2016. The BXP Personal Defense round features X-Point Technology and is designed for reliable expansion and penetration for superior personal defense performance.

The unique X-Point is designed to shield the hollow point through intermediate barriers.

The BPT Performance Target rounds are full metal jacketed premium training products that can be used to hone your handgun skills. All BPT pistol products are matched training counterparts to BXP Personal Defense loads. Confidence at the range with BPT Performance Target means confidence in real personal defense situations.

Available now at your favorite Browning retailer.

Both BXP and BPT offerings include:
.380 Auto 95-gr.
9mm Luger 147-gr.
40 S&W 180-gr.
45 Auto 230-gr.

www.browningammo.com

Tags: Browning
Posted in Press Release, weapons | 2 Comments »

Shellback Tactical – BANSHEE ELITE 2.0 Now Available for Pre-Order

Friday, March 18th, 2016

Shellback Tactical’s long awaited Banshee Elite 2.0 is now available for pre-order.

The shoulders on the BANSHEE ELITE are fully adjustable and padded. They’ve widened the shoulders to lay flatter on your body and have incorporated a hidden quick release buckle. The shoulders also have Hypalon both front and back have with 4 slits that is pliable allowing for easy access to the buckles.

The front and back of the BANSHEE feature 6 rows of PALS webbing and pile tape for flags and other identifiers. The interior of the front and back carrier on the body side are also comfort padded with 3D mesh sewn in an airflow pattern allowing for heat disbursement. Rifle plates are loaded from the bottom front/back and secured with a hook/loop closure. The drag handle on the BANSHEE ELITE is sewn through and secured down with hook and loop. The vest is now one-size and the pocket will accept different size plates.

The BANSHEE ELITE features an integrated Integrated Admin Pouch as well as 2 vertical nylon sewn strips to accept QASM buckles to accommodate chest rigs. It also comes with the BANSHEE ELITE Cummerbund that is removable and fully adjustable. The cummerbund has 6 interior pockets (3 each side) with bungee pull tabs that will accommodate 5.56 AR Style mags. The Exterior and Interior of the cummerbund also have 3 rows of PALS webbing to accept side plates or other pouches. The back of the carrier has a separate pocket from the plate pocket opens and can accept a 2 liter hydration bladder.

Available in Black, Coyote, Ranger Green and MultiCam.

www.shellbacktactical.com/banshee-2-elite-plate-carrier

Tags: Shellback Tactical
Posted in Armor | 7 Comments »

Hexonia – Ballistic Garments

Friday, March 18th, 2016

One of the brands I encountered at Enforce Tac and IWA earlier this month was Hexonia. They have been working on Gladius, the German Army’s Future Soldier System and produce some very interesting knit garments.

They’ve done a lot of work on the clothing subsystem of Gladius which includes ballistic undergarments as well as Combat Shirt. Hexonia’s approach to ballistic underwear, called BALUW is the combination of three dimensional production techniques utilizing specialty yarns. As you can see, they offer body mapped knits for the torso of the garment. Their production offers ergonomically shaped products with significantly reduced number of seams, or in some cases, no seams at all. BALUW is worn as a first layer directly on the skin. The tight fit is to ensure that it can’t be blown away from the skin by a blast wave. Even the elastic zones are made of ballistic material and increase comfort without reducing the level of protection.

Their material combination also has excellent physiological properties. It has a very smooth hand against the skin and doesn’t lead to any abrasions. Additionally, thanks to the hydrophobic materials, sweat is absorbed readily and wicked away from the body. What’s more, the material is flame retardant with no burn, melt or drip. Finally, BALUW can be washed at 60 °C.

www.hexonia.de

Tags: Hexonia
Posted in Armor, Clothing, FR, International, IWA | 10 Comments »

Meridian Transport Case from Triple Aught Design

Friday, March 18th, 2016

It’s hard to believe that development of a bag would yield an entire system that includes 31 products, but that’s what happened when Triple Aught Design came up with the Meridian Transport Case. Consisting of a clamshell-style case, transport cubes, control panel and compression straps, these options allow you to configure your load for this very well appointed piece of luggage.

It’s made from high quality materials. Made from VX-21 Ripstop Shell, VX-03 Lining and Hypalon Synthetic Rubber. The VX family of fabrics is quite common for luggage. As you can see from the specs below, it’s got plenty of room for travel.

Volume
Center Compartment : 1365.00 cu in (22.37 liters)
Side Compartments : 477.50 cu in (7.83 liters)
Total : 2320.50 cu in (38.03 liters)

Dimensions
Center Compartment : 21” (53.34 cm) W x 13” (33.02 cm) H x 5” (12.70 cm) D
Side Compartments : 21” (53.34 cm) W x 13” (33.02 cm) H x 1.75” (4.45 cm) D
Total : 21” (53.34 cm) W x 13” (33.02 cm) H x 8.5” (21.59 cm) D

Weight
72.00 oz (2.04 kg)

Pocket Configuration
One Zippered Centered Compartment with Full Clamshell Opening
Two Zippered Side Compartments with Full Clamshell Opening
Two Exterior Front Zippered Pockets
One Dual Entry Exterior Zippered Pocket with Attachment Rails
Two Open-Top Exterior Pockets (Next-to-Body Pocket Offers Additional Zippered Admin Pocket)

These photos depict the transport cubes (airflow, viewport and defender). There is also a control panel which is a PALS compatible insert. Both of these categories of accessories are available in various sizes offering plenty of options to customize your bag. Additionally, it includes a non-slip, ergonomic shoulder strap as well as tubular nylon carry handles. The Meridian Transport Case is designed to fit under an airline seat as well as in overhead bins, even on regional aircraft.

Released last week, it’s seen brisk sales, in spite of its price tag. I know it’s hard for a lot of people to wrap their heads around, but these were Made in the USA and that’s just not cheap. Granted, a few of the materials are foreign sourced, but the assembly was done here.

The color is Satin, Matte but it looks like Black to me.

www.tripleaughtdesign.com

Tags: Triple Aught Design
Posted in Load Carrying | 4 Comments »

SOG New Line of Packs Now Available for Order

Friday, March 18th, 2016

Lynnwood, WA. – SOG® Specialty Knives and Tools has announced the release of their new line of SOG Packs. A family of six bags ranging in size from a daily sling pack to a full-sized duffel, the SOG Packs break the mold on conventional tactical bags; bringing a line that serve every user ready for outdoor adventures or daily carry.

Not only do the new SOG packs offer typical functions like hydration sleeves, MOLLE attachment points, and durable fabrics, but also premium features such as Hypalon MOLLE fields, Quad-Zip full access compartments, integrated long item carriers, and suspension systems. Contemporary use of tactical packs calls for the need of added comfort, versatility, and durability – SOG packs deliver on all these benefits and more, all while maintaining a sleek unassuming look.

The versatility of the packs offers something for everyone. For longer expeditions, the adaptable Seraphim 35L or Prophet 33L can house all your gear without sacrificing mobility and comfort. For outings shorter than that, the Scout 24L can handle anything for an overnight or day trip while the Ranger 12L makes a great companion for quick escapes.

Modern urban warriors will find that the TOC 20L or EVAC 18L sling can easily organize their daily carry. Whether heading out for a multi-day excursion or a quick morning errand, there is a SOG pack for your needs.

SERAPHIM 35L
The SOG Seraphim is designed to be the pack that does it all by carrying everything in its 35L main compartment. Equipped with shock cord tie downs, any additional equipment can be cinched to the outside of the bag, attached to the Hypalon MOLLE field, or strapped inside the fold-down panel. In addition, the unique integrated long item carry caters to the adventurer who’s travels require an axe, fishing rod, bow, or rifle. The combination of these external features, along with the pack’s internal organizing components, make it one of the best and versatile 35L packs on the market.

PROPHET 33L
For a pack, the SOG Prophet is one that is adaptable to any purpose. This 33L pack goes from backpack to duffle bag in a snap by stowing the quick-release shoulder straps and hip belt out of the way. Each side of the pack houses lash points for long item carry, compression flaps for keeping the weight of the pack closer to the carrier, and Hypalon MOLLE fields for more external attachment points for extra gear. Accessing the inside main compartment via the Quad-Zip means the once arduous process of finding gear from the bottom of the pack, now doesn’t require unpacking everything on top of it. This pack’s ease of use and functionality make it one of the most versatile packs available.

SCOUT 24L
The SOG Scout brings way more to the table than any other 24L pack in the game. The panel loading main compartment comes fully equipped with multiple interior pockets, a padded laptop sleeve, hydration carry and MOLLE loop field. Accessing the main compartment through the Quad-Zip allows for you to find your gear from the bottom of the pack without unpacking everything on top of it. Any extra gear can be cinched to the pack’s side compression straps, attached to the Hypalon MOLLE field, or held on by the Scout’s unique wire long item carry. The top molded panel allows quick access to smaller items, such as sunglasses or phones. Due to the suspension, a fully loaded pack can be carried comfortably whether going for two or twenty miles.

TOC 20L
The SOG TOC is the ultimate 20L daypack for the urban warrior or forest adventurer. Its light overall weight makes it easy to carry; and the quick- adjust shoulder straps, padded hip belt and rigid suspension keep it comfortable all day long. As the “Tactical Operating Center,” this pack houses plenty of options for storage and organization: the main compartment has multiple interior zippered pockets and small sleeves, the molded top contains a small organizing system for quick access items, two side access pockets live on the front of the pack, and a pass-through side access laptop compartment keeps your notebook safe. Whether you are hopping on the subway or jumping over creeks, the TOC makes a great companion for the modern user all day.

RANGER 12L
The SOG Ranger is no stranger to a trip scouting new trails or a day hike in the local mountains. It’s fast and light, and the quick-adjust shoulder straps, hip belt, and sheet suspension keep it comfortable all day. This pack houses plenty of options for storage and organization: the main compartment has an interior zippered pocket and a padded tablet sleeve, the molded top contains a small organizing system for quick access items, the front organizer pocket with more interior sleeves, and an hydration carry to keep you hydrated. Any extra gear can be cinched to the pack’s side compression straps or attached to the Hypalon MOLLE field. For quick excursions, this 12L pack carries everything you need.

EVAC SLING 18L
For short distance carry, mobility, and quick on-the-run access to all your gear, the SOG EVAC 18L sling pack is the go-to pack. Side pockets allows for easy entry to your laptop, with the main and secondary compartment providing access to all your gear without taking the pack off. Inside the main compartment lives an organization panel for smaller items that may otherwise get lost in the bottom of the pack. The molded top pocket and front organizer pockets gives you even more storage flexibility. This pack’s design allows for rapid deployment and maneuverability of your gear without slowing you down.

Available now through www.sogknives.com, the full line of packs were first introduced at SHOT 2016.

Tags: SOG Knives and Tools
Posted in Packs, Press Release | 6 Comments »