The convention center is massive and I had to go in a side door to get out of the rain here in Dallas. Looks like a fun weekend!
Archive for May, 2018
147th NRA Annual Meetings & Exhibits
Friday, May 4th, 2018SIG Optics Unveils Ballistic Data Xchange
Friday, May 4th, 2018
Ballistic Data Xchange is a new, Bluetooth enabled optics system from SIG Optics. It consists of Telescopic Sight, Laser Range Finder, and Ballistic Data App. BDX facilitates the transfer of ranging data from the Range Finder to their ballistic software package and into the weapon scope which displays your hold. SIG Optics partnered with Applied Ballistics to create a new Bluetooth enabled app called Applied Ballistics Ultralight. The app should be available via Google next week, and Apple Store a few weeks later.
“Connect The Dot”
It’s simple to use. Range the target. The data is sent to the scope via Bluetooth. A blinking LED indicates the hold has been transferred to the scope.vElevation and wind age holds are indicated via the Automated illuminated Holdover Dot on the Reticle.
Interestingly, although this “Digital Focal Plane” is on the second focal plane and dots scale with magnification like a FFP scope.
These illuminated dots on the reticle are situated at 18 Windage points (9 per side) and 72 holdover points equaling 30 MOA on 10x.
BDX is intended for use out to 800 yds with 1 MOA accuracy. Although, you can trick a bit with a 200 yds zero, for longer range shots.
BDX also features LevelPlex, a digital anti-cant system.
KinETHIC
Once again, BDX is a hunting platform and SIG introduced KinETHIC to assist with determining whether a shot will be an ethical kill. When enabled, the KinETHIC feature will indicate if the projectile will fall below a preset threshold of energy (Ft/lbs).
BDX Offerings
If the promise of new tech wasn’t enough, BDX enabled gear is the same price as traditional rangefinders and scopes. Rangefinders start at $299, while scopes start at $599.
Products include KILO1400BDX, KILO1800BDX, KILO2200BDX, KILO2400BDX, and the new KILO3000BDX rangefinder binocular. The last twill pair with a Kestrel.
SIERRA3BDX riflescope offerings include 3.5-10x42mm, 4.5-14x44mm, 4.5-14x50mm, and 6.5-20x52mm.
Although BDX was created for the hunter, there’s some technology here worth further exploration.
Press Release
Below is SIG’s press release for additional details:
SIG SAUER® Electro-Optics Transforms Hunting with the launch of BDX™
NEWINGTON, N.H., (May 4, 2018) – The SIG SAUER Electro-Optics division today unveiled their all new Ballistic Data Xchange (BDX) rangefinders and riflescopes with integrated Applied Ballistics® and wireless Bluetooth® technology. This groundbreaking BDX technology enables interoperability and key ballistic holdover information to be exchanged wirelessly between SIG SAUER BDX Electro-Optics products. The foundation of the BDX system was designed for simplicity and ease of use. SIG SAUER BDX requires no new learning, and uses the same tools hunters and shooters have been using for years.
How does BDX work? The BDX rangefinder and riflescope system is simple, fast, and intuitive. Simply download the “SIG BDX” app available for Android or iOS smartphones, pair the KILO BDX rangefinder and SIERRA3BDX riflescope, set up a basic ballistic profile, and then you’re ready to shoot or hunt.
Once you are in the field, range your target as you normally would, and the KILO BDX rangefinder will utilize onboard Applied Ballistics Ultralight™ to instantly send your dope to the scope via Bluetooth.
Using your basic ballistic profile the ballistic solution is calculated for your target and will instantly illuminate on the BDX-R1 Digital Ballistic Reticle with windage and elevation holds in the SIERRA3BDX riflescope. A blue LED on the riflescope power selector indicates that the BDX system is paired, and when the reticle has received new ballistic holdover and windage data from the rangefinder.
“Rangefinding riflescopes of the past have had two major shortcomings: they are either big, boxy and heavy, or extremely expensive,” said Andy York, president, SIG SAUER Electro-Optics. “The revolutionary and affordable BDX system packs advanced ballistics technology into a simple platform that looks just like the rangefinder and riflescope that every hunter is using today. It is extremely simple to use; range a target, put the digital ballistic holdover dot on target, pull the trigger, impact. Incredibly accurate and extremely simple, just connect the dot.”
The BDX family of rangefinders includes: KILO1400BDX, KILO1800BDX, KILO2200BDX,
KILO2400BDX, and KILO3000BDX rangefinder binocular. These rangefinders include many of the legacy features that the KILO name was built on: Lightwave DSP™ digital rangefinder engine, Hyperscan™ with 4 times per second scan rate, RangeLock™, and the Lumatic™ auto-adjusting display.
Available in 3.5-10x42mm, 4.5-14x44mm, 4.5-14x50mm, and 6.5-20x52mm, the SIERRA3BDX riflescopes have the look, feel, weight, and size of traditional riflescopes.
They feature HD glass for superior resolution and optical clarity, 30mm main tubes, side-focus parallax adjustments, and the LevelPlex™ digital anti-cant system. The BDX-R1 Digital Ballistic Reticle is the evolution of holdover, providing a ballistic solution out to 800 yards with 1 MOA of accuracy.
Rounding out these superior features is SIG SAUER’s kinetic energy transfer indicator: KinETHIC™.
KinETHIC provides assistance in assuring an ethical hunt by indicating when energy on target drops below a threshold that can be set by the hunter using the BDX App.
“Ethics in hunting are a contract we make with ourselves based on the standards we as sportsmen adhere to as a group, what we feel good about personally, and respect for the game and our hunting traditions,” said Andy York president, SIG SAUER Electro-Optics. “KinETHIC is a feature that asks the hunter to make an educated and ethical decision beforehand by taking into consideration what the velocity and energy capabilities of your bullet and load are to deliver a killing shot. It then lets you know if the shot you are about to take will fulfill this contract. If not, it provides a visual affirmation to stalk-in closer. Knowing your maximum effective hunting range is more than just knowing what you can hit.”
KILO BDX Rangefinders starting at $299.99 MSRP
SIERRA3BDX Riflescopes starting at $599.99 MSRP
Available at dealers July, 2018.
Spike’s Tactical / Winkler Knives Collaboration
Friday, May 4th, 2018Limited to just 50 Knives, the Spike’s Tactical Hunter is individually crafted at Winkler Knives’ Shop in Blowing Rock, North Carolina.
Steel: 80CrV2
Wood Handle: Curly Maple
Blade: 4.75”
Overall: 9.25”
Thickness: .205″
Weight: 6 oz
Weight in Sheath: 10.4 oz
Order yours here.
VIEVU, a Subsidiary of Safariland, to be Acquired by Axon Enterprise, Inc
Friday, May 4th, 2018
ONTARIO, California – The Safariland Group (“Safariland” or “Company”) the parent company of VIEVU®, a leader in body-worn camera and video evidence management, today announced that the Company has entered into a definitive agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc. (NASDAQ: AAXN) (“Axon”) under which Axon will acquire VIEVU. As part of the agreement, Safariland and Axon entered into a 10-year agreement under which Safariland will become the preferred holster provider for Axon’s TASER Conducted Electric Weapons (CEW).
“Today marks an important milestone in Safariland’s 54-year history of innovation and quality as we continue to deliver on our pledge to support first responders and the communities they serve,” said Warren Kanders, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Safariland. “The integration of VIEVU’s digital evidence management solutions with Axon’s suite of products and services will create an even stronger portfolio of best-in-class products to better serve customers and safeguard those who dedicate their lives to protecting others.”
Kanders continued, “We are pleased that Axon shares Safariland’s commitment to innovation and to delivering leading products for public safety professionals, and very excited to leverage our expertise in holsters and duty gear into becoming the preferred holster provider for TASER CEWs. This transaction enables Safariland to focus our resources where they will deliver the greatest value to all our stakeholders. Safariland remains committed to continuing to develop innovative, technologically advanced products across our premier group of brands to save lives and keep our communities safe.”
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Safariland, a leading global provider of a broad range of safety and survivability products designed for the public safety, military, professional and outdoor markets, acquired VIEVU in 2015.
Friday Focus – FirstSpear Wins ABAV Contract
Friday, May 4th, 2018Fenton, MO – FirstSpear, industry leading innovator and manufacturer of military and law enforcement load bearing equipment, armor platform technology, and performance technical apparel has been awarded the SOCOM Aviation Body Armor Contract, ABAV.
The FirstSpear ABAV system endured a rigorous selection process that pushed the limits of performance and durability of the modular platforms required by todays best aviators. Evolving the transition from Air, Land, and Maritime Operations the FirstSpear system incorporated all of the features required by the end user in a streamlined package constructed from an all new FirstSpear Fire Retardant laser cut 6/12™ material.
Fully integrated emergency flotation is built right into the cummerbund allowing maximum freedom of movement for the operator while providing up to 73lbs of lift at surface in sea water during an emergency. The FirstSpear instant adjust back panel allows the end user to easily adjust cummerbund size between standard dress and flight suits to CBRNE or Cold weather gear. This functionality also allows the option to switch between land and maritime adaptive cummerbunds in just a few seconds thanks to FirstSpear Tubes™.
The ABAV was designed to enhance the survivability and lethality of the aviator within a single system that can be configured in just moments notice for the full spectrum of operational environments. FirstSpear is proud to support the men and women of our armed forces and will remain dedicated to providing the best possible equipment to those who need it most.
FirstSpear was founded in 2010 by a team of industry professionals and former U.S. servicemen with a mandate to shift industry paradigms and upend the status quo of load bearing technology and personal protective equipment. FirstSpear dedicates their efforts to support those willing to not just sacrifice and preserve our heritage but also secure our future.
Grey Ghost Does Dallas
Friday, May 4th, 2018
Come see these magnificent bastards at the NRA annual meeting and exposition in Dallas Texas, this weekend only!
Magpul – Rifleman’s Loop Sling
Friday, May 4th, 2018
Building on the heritage and proven performance of Magpul’s MS Sling series, the Magpul RLS (Rifleman Loop Sling) is a durable, lightweight, and affordable shooting aid and retention device. What at first appears to be an unassuming weapon sling is quickly transformed by the end user into a rock-solid, adjustable, isometrically-tensioned shooting aid. Combining the best features of Rhodesian and 1907 match-style slings, the RLS is born of Magpul’s famous proprietary nylon mesh webbing and high-strength polymer hardware.
The American-made Magpul RLS combines legendary Magpul innovation, quality, and design into a simple and effective shooting aid for less money than many slings that merely carry a rifle.
Coming Summer 2018, in Black or Coyote.
PPSS Group’s Latest Body Armour Video The Most Powerful Yet
Thursday, May 3rd, 2018PPSS Group have released their latest body armour demo video today and it is the most powerful and most dynamic to date.
Witnessing a CEO who is willing to be subjected to assaults using knives, expandable batons, machetes, baseball bats and hypodermic needles is a very unique experience. He clearly trusts his products.
Having frequently produced product demo videos over the past few years, their CEO Robert Kaiser wanted to make sure this latest production really highlights his body armour’s true performance:
“Our mission statement is ‘to protect frontline professionals from human threats’ and this new video is once again physical evidence on what our body armour are really capable of.”
“Our objective is to protect and maybe even save the lives of those who protect us and serve their countries, and body armour made by PPSS Group will precisely do that.”
The firm’s stab resistant vests, as featured in the video, have made a worldwide impression due to their unmatched protection from blunt force trauma and unlimited shellfire. They are now being issued to several international homeland security agencies, such as the prison service, border control, immigration and customs, as well as privately owned security and facility management firms.
PPSS Group is headquartered in the UK but its body armours can be purchased via their international licensed distribution partners or their head office in North Yorkshire, England.
PPSS Group is specialised in the development, manufacturing and supply of high performance body armour, offering unrivalled protection from firearms, edged weapons and blunt force trauma. The firm’s social media presence: Face book , LinkedIn , Twitter , Go ogle+ and Instagram .
