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Archive for January, 2018

SHOT Show 2018 – HK433 Modular Assault Rifle

Thursday, January 25th, 2018

Stay tuned for coverage from SHOT Show 2028, when HK formally announces a semi-auto civilian variant for the US market.

The HK433 is a modular assault rifle in development by H&K, which is currently undergoing evaluation with the Bundeswehr to replace the G36 as Germany’s new service rifle. This particular model shown at the show was revealed by a rep to be a 4th iteration prototype, and we were told that it’s expected that several more prototype iterations will be made before the design is finalized.

Getting to the details of the rifle, the HK433 is a lightweight, gas operated rifle chambered for the NATO standard 5.56x45mm cartridge. It features a flat, non-reciprocating charging handle, with toolless conversion for left and right-handed shooters. The standard handguard has HKey attachment interfaces at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions, with a Picatinny rail at the 6 o’clock position, although HK notes there’s an M-LOK interface handguard that will also be offered. A monolithic sight rail along the top of the weapon allows for the attachment of red dot sights, scopes, and other optics.

The lower receiver is ambidextrous and exchangeable for either a G36 or HK416 style magazine release; the model at the show was set up with the G36 paddle release. The HK433 is capable of semi-auto and full-auto fire, with a 45 degree safety lever that can be engaged in either cocked or storage condition. The HK433 features a foldable buttstock with height-adjustable cheek rest that is also retractable to 5 different positions. The entire weapon is designed for tool-free disassembly with the major assemblies held together with captive pins. Interestingly, the receiver features a maintenance-free round counter, which also stores info on the serial number, weapon type, year of manufacture, and more, which can be read with RFID technology.

Multiple barrel lengths will be offered for the HK433, from 11″ to 20″, and the gas port will be fully adjustable without the use of tools.

The HK433 will be offered in Black and Flat Dark Earth.

hk-usa.com

SHOT Show 2018 – FightLite Industries SCR ‘Raider’ Pistol

Thursday, January 25th, 2018

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The SCR ‘Raider’ is a pistol variant of the SCR, a weapon that blends the aesthetics of a traditional rifle with the trigger and safety of a shotgun, and the upper receiver of an AR-15. Because of this, FightLite was able to use a modified Shockwave Technologies’ Raptor grip to turn this rifle into a pistol. The Raider is offered in multiple variations:

– 5.56 and .300 BLK
– Threaded barrel or w/ Muzzle Brake
– KeyMod or M-LOK forend

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We got to try a 5.56 version out at Range day, and despite its intermediate caliber and relatively small size, the Raider is a pretty smooth gun. It spits fire and is loud, especially under a range enclosure, but it’s extremely controllable. Oh, and running one of these with a red dot or reflex sight is highly recommended; iron sights would be a bit awkward to use the way its designed.

fightlite.com

SHOT Show 18 – SureFire SOCOM260-SPS Suppressor

Thursday, January 25th, 2018

You read that right. This is SureFire’s new SOCOM260-SPS Suppressor, designed for a special customer who shoots 260 Remington.

It is made of titanium and weighs 12.0 ounces and is 7.9″ long.

www.surefire.com

Introducing Atlas Standard

Thursday, January 25th, 2018

Nestled just down the row from Crye Precision at this year’s SHOT Show is a booth with no windows and a plain, single door. Few are even allowed entry. When I stepped through the door, a scene out of the hit spy movie “Kingsman” played out before my eyes.

It was as if I had entered the Accessory Room, where new agents are outfitted. Every wall showcased weapons, clothing, and equipment.

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What made this unlike the movie, is that it was real. I was the first person at SHOT Show to preview Atlas Standard.

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Atlas Standard is the brainchild of Crye Precision founders Caleb Crye and Greg Thompson who have worked for the past couple of years to create a travel clothing line that rivals the combat gear they had developed for CP.

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Atlas Standard is a full range which includes trousers, shirts, and jackets, with each component designed to move with the wearer and work in concert with the other pieces.

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Atlas Standard doesn’t just look great, it also has some special features. Caleb opened a field jacket and showed me a panel which accepts items you don’t want others to see. That could be quite a few different things. It’s travel clothing after all. What you do in it while traveling, is entirely up to you.

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He went on to tell me that the line takes design cues from European clothing to help Americans keep a low profile during international journeys.

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In addition to a pouch suite which interfaces with the clothing, there are several belt options. I was told, you’ll be able to get the entire “John Wick” kit.

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They don’t even have a website yet, so this is just a sneak peek of what is yet to come. Look for the Atlas Standard line, in Spring 2018.

Annual Team 5 Fundraiser

Thursday, January 25th, 2018

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Team 5 Foundation is only SOFMED medical team that deploys to the most overlooked remote areas using SOF doctors, medics and nurses. Every mission is accomplished using only volunteer time and donated equipment and medicine. The foundation is running their annual fundraiser auction online at www.team-5.org.

SHOT Show 18 – Team Wendy

Thursday, January 25th, 2018

Team Wendy is showing their new Exfil Ballistic SL. It provides NIJ level IIIA protection, providing less than 25mm back face deformation for 124 gr 9mm FMJ @1195 FPS in a package that weighs 2.2 lbs.

Additionally, it integrates the new Wilcox SL Shroud and updated SL rail which allows visor attachment. The visor utilized a lens by ESS meeting full MCEP requirements. Look for a full face riot shield later this year.

Polaris Government and Defense Announces Recent Contracts with Latvia and Turkmenistan

Thursday, January 25th, 2018

Polaris® Government and Defense Signs a Two-Year Agreement with Latvia

 

Minneapolis, January 24, 2018 –  Latvian National Armed Forces has entered a two-year agreement with Polaris Government and Defense for vehicles via the U.S. government’s foreign military sales program. The approximately US$500 thousand contract is for undisclosed quantities of the Polaris MRZR® 2 side-by-side vehicles, SPORTSMAN® 6×6 and MV850™ all-terrain vehicles. The contract also includes spare parts for the vehicles, as well as operator and maintenance training, which will be conducted in country by Polaris.

“Latvia’s contract for MRZR 2 and ATVs will greatly enhance the mobility of their fleet in the Baltics, positively impacting their tactical advantage and support efforts to reinforce Latvia borders,” stated Doug Malikowski, director of international business development, Polaris Government and Defense.

Over the years, Latvia has strengthened security on the border due to increased regional disputes. The Polaris ultralight and all-terrain vehicles will be used primarily for border security. Polaris military vehicles provide off-road mobility for expeditionary forces in the U.S. and more than 25 allied countries to meet current and future mission demands and threats. Polaris service ranges throughout the world, creating a high degree of interoperability and commonality among U.S. and allied forces, such as Latvia.

Polaris vehicles ensure flexibility and modularity to support the various ranging uses including: border patrol, rapid personnel deployment, command and control, casualty and evacuation and supply transport missions. The vehicles are proven, reliable, and easily maintained through the Polaris global network.

Turkmenistan Special Operation Forces Equipped with Polaris Vehicles

 

Minneapolis, January 24, 2018 – The Turkmenistan Special Operation Forces has awarded a multimillion-dollar contract to Polaris Government and Defense for military and commercial vehicles. The Polaris vehicles provide mobility options to their combat commanders to pose multiple dilemmas to the enemy.

“Polaris is looking forward to supporting the Government of Turkmenistan and their defense forces as they update their ground vehicle fleet with Polaris lightweight tactical vehicles,” said Doug Malikowski, director of international business development. “The vehicles we provide are highly transportable, off-road capable and are relied on for helping Special Forces navigate restrictive and complex environments.”

Polaris was also honored to have had its vehicles featured in the Turkmenistan Independence Day parade. Polaris Government and Defense has other military customers in Central Asia including Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Philippines, and Malaysia.

With seating for up to nine, DAGOR™ comprises the optimal balance of rapid air transportability, payload capacity and advanced mobility. DAGOR gives an advantage back to dismounted warfighters, allowing formations to move faster, carry more and significantly reduce combat fatigue. And its weight and size allow it to be internally transportable on a variety of in-service aircraft, including CH-47 and C-130.

The Polaris MRZR® platform is flexible and modular to support uses ranging from rapid personnel deployment, to command and control, casualty evacuation to supply transport missions. MRZRs have redefined ultralight, off-road mobility for military vehicles and are mission critical for expeditionary forces in the U.S. and allied countries.

The MV850™ is loaded with features which make it as comfortable as it is powerful. Operators experience less fatigue because the MV850 provides the smoothest, most responsive power steering available in an all-terrain vehicle, variable assist for easier steering and active descent control and engine breaking system work together to monitor and control descent and deceleration. A powerful engine, two fuel tanks and 270 kg (600 lbs) of total rack capacity make it optimal for long distances.

Polaris vehicles are proven, affordable, reliable and easily maintained throughout the lifecycle with a commercial supply chain and the Polaris global network. to meet current and future mission demands and threats. And because the vehicles are in service throughout the world, there is a high degree of interoperability and commonality among U.S. and allied forces.

Leatherman Celebrates 35th Anniversary with Revival of Original Pocket Survival Tool

Thursday, January 25th, 2018

The first-of-its-kind multi-tool returns: The Limited Edition PST and Collector’s Edition PST

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Portland, OR — January 23, 2018 — This is the first Tool Tale: In 1975, recent college graduate Tim Leatherman and his wife Chau set off on a roadtrip throughout Europe. Along the way, the unreliable Fiat the newlyweds had purchased for $300 required multiple roadside fixes. Tim had the right know-how, but not the right tools to fix it. Tim returned home with an idea for a multi-tool to tackle life’s unexpected challenges. He asked his wife if she could support the family while he pursued his idea. He thought it would take him a month to develop a prototype. After eight years of toiling in his garage and multiple rejections, the Pocket Survival Tool (PST) was born. In their first year of business, Tim and his co-founder hoped to sell 4,000 tools; instead, they sold 30,000. And over the next decade, they would sell over one million PST multi-tools.

Today, on the brand’s 35th Anniversary, Leatherman is continuing Tim’s legacy of unwavering perseverance, ingenious design, and commitment to quality with the revival of the Limited Edition PST.

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“I’m incredibly proud to introduce a Limited Edition Pocket Survival Tool nearly identical to my original design. Every tool is crafted just like the original, but not in my garage!” said Leatherman, who serves as chairman of Leatherman Tool Group. “Seeing it brings back memories of what it took to launch this company. I’m in awe of how it has grown over the years and thankful for our dedicated employees and faithful fans who helped us reach this milestone.”

The PST comes in two styles: Limited Edition PST for $200 and the serialized Collector’s Edition PST for $275. Made of 100% stainless steel, the Limited Edition PST has 14 tools in one including: Needlenose Pliers, Regular Pliers, Wire Cutters, Hard-wire Cutters, 420HC Knife, Wood/Metal File, Phillips Screwdriver, Large Screwdriver, Medium Screwdriver, Small Screwdriver, Awl, Ruler (8 in/20 cm), Can Opener and Bottle Opener. Each PST is stamped with Tim Leatherman’s signature and comes with an American-made leather sheath, emblazoned with a diagonal wordmark in gold foil, a throwback to the original. The Limited Edition PST will be available January 23rd at select Leatherman retailers.

The Collector’s Edition comes with a serial number in a beautiful wooden box with a collector’s commemortive coin and a certificate of authenticity. Only 500 Collector’s Edition PST are being produced and will be available at leatherman.com on February 1, 2018.