B5 Systems

Archive for 2016

FirstSpear Range Day – TangoDown +2 Extension for G43 Mag

Monday, January 18th, 2016

  
Developed in conjunction with Vickers Tactical, this new floor plate from TangoDown for the GLOCK  43 offers two additional rounds.  It comes with a new retainer plate, floor plate and spring.  

FirstSpear Range Day – Ops-Core

Monday, January 18th, 2016

  
How about a stock Grey shade for your Ops-Core helmets?  It looks like it’s going to happen.

www.ops-core.com

FirstSpear Range Day – Oakley Alpha Ecosystem

Monday, January 18th, 2016

The Alpha Ecosystem from Oakley is a modular and scalable eye protection system that consists of multiple components.  The critical component is the common Alpha lens which was developed using the same eye tracking work studies that spawned last year’s Tombstone glasses.  Those studies included shooting, CQB, fast roping and mobility.  This time the application is all about tactical use and the field of view is awesome.  

  
The system consists or a frame, a goggle and a helogasket using the common Alpha lens. This is huge for the operator as well as his logistics support.  

The lens is held in place with a three point retention system.  Interestingly, this almost rimless design also allows the lens to vent and prevent fogging.  Lens technologies for this system are Prizm Shooting and Prizm Snow.  The Prizm variants TR45 is for low and bright light and TR22 is for bright light.  Both lens colors are offered on the Special Operations Eyewear Program.  

Frames are available in Black, Tan 499 and White.

www.oakleysi.com

FirstSpear Range Day – Aimpoint Magnifiers 

Monday, January 18th, 2016

  
Aimpoint is intriducing a 6x magnifier (mounted) as well as a commercial 3x magnifier (on table).

  
In addition to a twist off mount, you can flip the magnifier to the side when not needed.

www.aimpoint.com

SIG SAUER Range Day

Monday, January 18th, 2016

The first thing I noticed at SIG SAUER Range Day was that they have introduced KeyMod forends for the MCX, 516 and MPX.

 

Here’s a closeup of the 516 Forend.

  
Below is the updated 716 DMR.  They’ve shaved a little weight off of the design and it now weighs in at just under 8 lbs.     
All of the guns I shot today featured SIG Optics.  Look for an in depth report on this line soon on SSD.


This is the latest configuration of the MPX.  This Gen II version features the low-profile Handguard and Collapsible Stock.  I’ve requested an update from SIG on when these accessories will be available commercially.  

  
 

  
  
But the real surprise was an opportunity to shoot the Made in USA SIG P210A.  The A suffix is because it was made in America.  I’ve never fired a P210 because they are so uncommon in the US.  As I understand it, 210s will no longer be made in Europe.  It has a very light trigger and was fun to shoot.  

  

SHOT Show – Industry Day At The Range – Kimber K6s

Monday, January 18th, 2016

IMG_4767

Kimber, best known for their 1911s, is releasing something new for 2016, with the K6s revolver. Having been developed for approximately two years, the K6s is a 6-shot .357 MAG / .38 SPL revolver, with a slim profile, light weight, and internal hammer design, which makes it ideal for concealed carry, for use as a backup gun, and home defense. The barrel comes in at 2 inches, with an overall length of 6.62 inches and a width of only 1.39 inches. If you’re wondering how it shoots, the trigger has an approximate pull weight of 9.5 to 10.5 lbs., and the pull is smooth and consistent. Be on the lookout for the K6s when it releases later this year.

www.kimberamerica.com

LASD Purchases SOTech Patrol First Aid Kits

Monday, January 18th, 2016

  

SOTech proudly announces that the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department has ordered close to 1000 SOTech Patrol First Aid Kits. 100 of those kits are modified for issue to LASD’s elite Special Enforcement Bureau (SWAT). Of special note, the LASD Patrol set includes a tourniquet belt pouch which will be added to the officer’s gun belt. This pouch slides over SOTech’s belt hanger adapter which LASD already issues to attach their Taser holster, and now their IFAK. In 2015 LAPD bought 2700 of SOTech’s Basic IFAK which is nearly identical to the LASD version, but LAPD has not opted to include a tourniquet belt pouch yet. Both the LASD and LAPD IFAKs mount using SOTech’s patented Speed Clip system which can attach to a belt, MOLLE vest or clip on as a thigh rig. SOTech sells numerous versions of the Speed Clip Rig including the IFAK, Taser and M4 magazine rigs.

The history behind this design and LASD and LAPD’s involvement dates back to 1999 when we developed our Patrolman’s Medical Thigh Rig with officers and deputies from both departments. Ironically we found two officers still using these original rigs over 15 years later. The PMTR was a basis of design for the 30,000 SOF IFAKs that SOTech produced for USASOC and SOCOM throughout the GWOT. So it was fitting that LAPD and LASD approached SOTech in 2012 to develop what was then either a vehicle or an individual mount. SOTech also supplied 5000 slightly modified versions of this design to a federal law enforcement agency.

These kits are offered filled or as the pouch alone. Check them out at SHOT in the SOTech Booth 20113.

www.SOTechTactical.com

Caracal Commits to US Market With Wilcox Partnership

Monday, January 18th, 2016

 

Senior officials from Caracal, the Emirates Defence Industries Company (EDIC) and Wilcox Industries

LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Caracal and Wilcox Industries have announced today a new strategic partnership that will see Caracal firearms produced for the first time in the United States from Wilcox’s world-class manufacturing facility in Newington, New Hampshire.

On the new partnership, Hamad Al Ameri, CEO of Caracal said, “This partnership takes Caracal to the next level, and supports our long-term strategic goals for the United States. Our two highly-experienced teams will be working hand-in-hand, collaborating and sharing expertise on the design and development as well as the manufacturing and testing of new, exciting Caracal products customised for the US market.”

Wilcox is well-known to the industry as an innovation leader when it comes to tactical products developed to support special forces units in the United States and globally, and are highly sought after by many of the top gun makers.

Under the terms of the partnership, Caracal’s US-based subsidiary, Caracal USA will co-locate its headquarters with Wilcox, with its Idaho office serving as its marketing arm. Target weapons for production at the facility include the 5.56mm CAR 814 direct impingement, semi-automatic rifle and the CAR 816 short stroke gas-piston semi-automatic rifle, both of which are designed for the US sporting market. Select-fire variants of these rifles will also be made for the defence and security market. Caracal’s new generation Enhanced F 9mm pistol will also be made in the facility. The production of the CAR family of rifles will also enable Caracal USA and Wilcox to now compete for US government arms contracts.

Speaking on the strategic partnership, Mr. Jim Teetzel, founder and CEO of Wilcox Industries, said, “We are proud to have Caracal working and collaborating alongside our team. This unique partnership represents the future of the industry, where leading experts from around the world unite to develop cutting-edge products for the market.”

The partnership will also provide Caracal with manufacturing and distribution rights for the Wilcox fusion system and the 40mm Grenade Launcher Module (GLM).

 
Caracal CEO Hamad Al Ameri and Wilcox Industries CEO Jim Teetzel today following their announcement of a new strategic partnership that will see Caracal firearms produced for the first time in the United States from Wilcox’s world-class manufacturing facility in Newington, New Hampshire.

Caracal and Wilcox will be showcasing their latest products at SHOT Show 2016 at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas, Nevada from January 19th to 22nd. For members of the media and industry buyers, Caracal will have live demonstrations of select products at Industry Day at The Range located in Boulder City, Nevada on January 18th.

Wilcox is an industry leader in the design and manufacture of high quality tactical equipment for use by military and law enforcement in the United States. Product lines include Night Vision Mounting Systems, Small Arms Systems, the PATRIOT Hybrid Life Support System and Combat Systems including an accessory line that significantly enhances rifle modularity, all of which present a significant tactical advantage for the end user.

Caracal is the only OEM small arms company in the Middle East, and it is now being backed by a strong industrial parent company, the Emirates Defence Industries Company (EDIC). This unique arrangement allows for Caracal to receive maximum resources and support in order to drive the next phase of growth for the company, including its new US presence.

Attendees can visit Caracal at its booth 2829 in Hall 1and Wilcox at its booth 7208 in Hall 1 during SHOT Show.