Archive for September, 2017
Keep ‘Em Flying – PTX and ‘SkyRanger’ at DSEI
Friday, September 8th, 2017FirstSpear Friday Focus – Non Stocking Non Standard – Tubes Split Front Modular Chest Rig
Friday, September 8th, 2017
Originally developed for a FS professional user the Modular Split Front Chest Rig is an ultra light load bearing harness featuring a 4” Tube quick release on the front and H style adjustable back. Industry leading 6/12™ attachment fields on either side of the Tube allows complete customization with your 6/12, 6/9, or MOLLE style pockets. One size fits all with a wide range of adjustment in the shoulders and waist.
Now available in the Non-stocking Non-Standard section of first-spear.com. Extremely limited quantities of Multicam only remain and no back orders will be filled.
New Modular Handgun System, Sig Sauer P320, in Testing at Army Sites Across the Country
Friday, September 8th, 2017FORT BRAGG, N.C. — Various service members will be at Fort Bragg over the next few weeks for testing of the new modular handgun system, the Sig Sauer P320, for the U.S. Army Operational Test Command based at Fort Hood, Texas.
If fielded, according to officials, the new modular handgun system, also known as MHS, will offer improved durability and adjustability over the current M9, as well as performance improvements.
Most Soldiers who tested the MHS at Fort Bragg’s Range 29 on Sunday were assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, said OTC’s Col. Brian McHugh. Testing will also be conducted by Sailors, Airmen and Marines.
Capt. Christina Smith, program manager, Individual Weapons, has traveled to different testing sites to ensure the system’s quality. “It’s worth it to make sure you get the right product to the right Soldiers,” she said.
Testers were pulled from across the military, including Soldiers of the Special Operations Aviation Regiment, based in Kentucky, and of the 3rd Infantry Division, based in Georgia. Some of the military occupational specialties involved include police, pilots, infantry and crew chiefs.
“We wanted to make sure that we have a huge sample to make sure that we’ve got this right — that the Army has it right,” said McHugh.
“These are the Soldiers who would be using the weapon every day, so getting their feedback on the pistol is really what is important for operational testing,” explained Maj. Mindy Brown, test officer, OTC.
It was important to bring the test to Fort Bragg because the installation has the ranges to support realistic conditions.
“You are using real Soldiers in a realistic environment,” Brown said.
Soldiers provided feedback on the interchangeability of the weapon with the M4, as well as its functionality while wearing cold weather gear.
Sgt. 1st Class Kevin Custer, of 160th SOAR, appreciated being able to participate in MHS testing. “It’s good. We don’t really get the opportunity to test the equipment in the unit we’re in,” he said.
Sgt. Emily Todd, 16th Military Police Brigade, also testing is ideal. “It’s a great opportunity for Soldiers to get to shoot more rounds . . . it’s nice to have a forward look into what the Army might use some day,” she added.
Story By Tina Ray, “The Paraglide” Focus Editor & Staff Writer, Fort Bragg, N.C.September 7, 2017
Photo Credit: U.S. Army photos by Lewis Perkins
Best Military Charities for Hurricane Harvey Disaster
Friday, September 8th, 2017The last few weeks have been difficult for people living in Texas. First, they had to survive the wrath of Nature that came as Hurricane Harvey and second, they now have to deal with the aftermath of the said hurricane (floods, landfalls, and more).
The unprecedented rain and floods left behind a lot of damage so, if you want to help, it will be most welcomed. If you’re not close to the disaster area, and you can’t participate in the rescue missions, you can offer help by donating money to charities involved.
Still, it’s not recommended to write checks with your eyes closed – even in the darkest times, some people still try to profit. To make sure your money will reach people in need take a look at the list of trusted military charities below.
#1: Army Emergency Relief Fund
Donation page: Click here
Their main focus is on helping soldiers (active and retired) and their families. However, they also get involved in major disasters (such as the events in Texas right now). Right now, the AER offers assistance for anyone in need of an evacuation or any other needs associated with the impact of the storm.
The AER is one of the most credible military charities in the USA and they are active through 75 sections located all over the world on Army installations. They are also working with the American Red Cross so you can get easier in touch.
#2: Operation Supply Drop (OSD)
Donation page: Click here
The OSD was founded in 2010 but, as they grew, they shifted focus to military veterans and their families. Nowadays, they work on helping veterans re-integrate into society by collaborating with various local experts such as GoogGun, and offering people a new view on life as a retired soldier.
Nowadays, the charity has both veterans and civilians who help local military populations. They have 37 locations in the country and the team of volunteers is strong and reliable.
#3: Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society
Donation page: Click here
Their main mission is to provide active and retired Sailors and Marines and their families with financial, educations, and other types of support.
Right now, they offer assistance to service members and their families if they were impacted by the Harvey Tropical Storm. The charity has a good reputation and the members of the NMCRS are always reliable so you don’t have to worry about funds being diverted another way.
#4: Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA)
Donation page: Click here
As the name says, this military aid society focuses on helping the men and women of the United States Coast Guard. The CGMA is the official relief society for these people and they function as an individual organization.
Right now, the CGMA is prepared to help coast guard families and active or retired members who need to be evacuated due to the hurricane. They have locations all over the US but, in case people can’t reach a local representative, they can be reached via the American Red Cross as well.
They are active in major disasters and their main purpose is to provide emergency assistance to anyone who gets in touch. So, if you want to support their actions, your help is welcomed.
A Few Final words…
In the end, you should know that civilian charities cover the Hurricane Harvey situation as well, in a try to reduce the number of victims and to help people get over this natural disaster. It will take a long time before Texans will rebuild their homes and lives, which is why your help is paramount right now.
– Michael N
Michael is a passionate gun supporter and writer.
PPSS Group – New Emergency Body Armour Will Help Protect Civilians
Thursday, September 7th, 2017Designed for individual protection, a new rapidly deployable ‘Emergency Body Armour™’ is offering the latest in globally respected and field-tested body armour technology, displaying truly outstanding protection from edged weapon, such as machetes and knives.
Following a number of well documented knife attacks on civilians in recent years, PPSS Group started a comprehensive R&D project with the aim to design a ultra-lightweight body armour that can be strategically located in public places and deployed within a very few seconds, in case of emergency.
The UK firm is now making this new ‘Emergency Body Armour’ available to airports, train stations, hospitals, city centre hotels, and other key locations civilians may flee to and seek shelter when faced by a suddenly occurring threat.
According to the company behind this concept, this latest ‘Emergency Body Armour’ also offers unmatched protection from blunt force trauma injuries, usually suffered following an assault by a blunt object.
A top healthcare security specialist in Britain wished to remain anonymous, but commented: “To have something small, compact and lightweight stashed away or strategically placed that you could pull out and throw on, would make a huge difference between a potential life and death situation.”
Robert Kaiser, CEO of PPSS Group strongly agrees with this statement. Presenting at yesterday’s global product launch at London’s Hilton Canary Wharf Hotel he said: “An Emergency Body Armour makes sense, and it will help to protect human lives and reduce the number of casualties when a serious threat occurs.”
Following the issuing of body armour to all Police Forces in the UK in the 90s, many hospital and university security teams have now equipped their teams with stab resistant vests since. The same can be said for several public sector enforcement teams, such as Trading Standards, Licensing, Community Safety, Environmental Health and Car Parking Enforcement.
Be Sure To Visit Edgar Brothers At DSEI
Thursday, September 7th, 2017Edgar Brothers will be exhibiting at this years DSEi exhibition at ExCeL London between the 12th-15th September – Make sure to stop by stand S4-170.
XS Sights Introduces New F8 Night Sights
Thursday, September 7th, 2017Fort Worth, TX (September 6, 2017) – XS Sights is pleased to introduce the F8 Night Sights – its newest high-visibility personal defense sights for fast target acquisition in all light conditions. Featuring a figure-eight, inline sight picture for an easy two-point alignment, the F8 sights are designed to instantly increase front sight focus thanks to the large (0.160” wide) high-contrast front sight with a photoluminescent orange colored ring surrounding the tritium. This proprietary, durable XS Orange paint is formulated with a focus on yellow, one of the most visible colors in low light, making it easier to see in rapidly changing light conditions.
Another significant advantage of the F8 Night Sights is the ability of the XS Orange ring to absorb ambient light. This allows it to glow in low light levels, aiding shooters in finding the front sight before the tritium becomes visible. The F8 sight is also easily visible in daylight.
The wide notch rear sight is designed to increase the visibility of the front sight by allowing more light around the sides of the front sight. This expanded sight gap helps shooters find the front sight faster when drawing from a holster and shooting on the move. The tritium vial on the rear sight enables quick and easy alignment with the front sight in various light conditions while the chamfered notch eliminates the bottom edges of the sight, drawing focus to the top edges of the sight for proper alignment. The overhung rear sight reduces glare in bright daylight for greater sight definition, and its angled ledge aids in one-handed slide manipulations in emergency situations.
“Night sights don’t just need to glow in the dark, they need to be visible at all times,” said Zack Kinsley, marketing manager for XS Sights. “Gun fights don’t happen in perfect light or complete darkness. They happen in-between these two broad spectrums, and our F8 Night Sights are optimized for fast and accurate target acquisition in varying light conditions. In a defensive shooting situation, this can make all the difference for law enforcement and civilians alike.”
The F8 Night Sights are backed by a 10-year, ‘no questions asked’ warranty. After 10 years, XS will replace the sight at a discounted price.
XS F8 Night Sights will be available for order for the following pistol models at NASGW in October. More pistol models will come in the months ahead.
Glock 17, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 30, 34, 40, 41, 42, 43
Sig Sauer – 9mm and .40 S&W in P226, P229, P320 and other original P series pistols
S&W M&P Full Size, Compact and S&W M&P Shield
Springfield XD, XDS, XDM, and XDE
FNH FN509
MSRP: $184.99
For more information, visit www.xssights.com.
Triple Aught Design To Open Outpost In Boulder
Thursday, September 7th, 2017Triple Aught Design has been kicking around the idea of setting up shops, referred to as outposts, in regions outside of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Although I figured their first one would be in New York City, they’ve set their eye on Boulder, Colorado, with an opening date of 1 October. At least it will be a shorter commute for Phil.
