The US Army Small Arms Championships is coming up 10-16 March at Ft Benning. Sorry for the last minute notification.
This “All Army” competition is open to every component: US Army Reserve, National Guard, US Army Cadet Command (ROTC), and all US Army active duty Soldiers. The program is available here.
If your team has not registered yet, do so quick as spots are filling up. Registration closes on March 1, 2019 and can be found at ct.thecmp.org.
The flyer seen above is located here.
Every year, the Tax-Man a-cometh, but for the last seven years, TNVC has been there to take a little bit of the sting out of tax season and rebates that are never quite enough! This year, for our seventh straight year, we are happy to bring you some of the deepest discounts we’ve ever given for our 7th Annual Infrared Sale! (IRS—get it?)
This year, we are featuring blow out pricing on several of our most popular Steiner eOptics Class I, civilian-legal IR and laser devices, as well as $500 off the TNV/DTNVG, and our lowest price ever on the TNVC Torch PRO MK II IR illuminator! We’ve also got the new Unity Tactical Cold Weather Liner (CWL)!
These blow-out priced Steiner eOptics units are Blemished or Reconditioned items that may display some cosmetic imperfections or damage to packaging, but are fully functional and ready to go and come with a the same, full manufacturer’s warranty as new units! Reconditioned units have been used in product photographs or demos, but restored to full, like-new condition minus a few cosmetic marks!
These Blem and Reconditioned units are being offered at up to 33% off of our normal retail pricing, including:
• CQBL-1s under $600
• DBAL-D2s under $1,000
• DBAL-A3s under $900
• SPIR Special Purpose IR illuminators under $500
And that’s just in Round 1 of the IR Sale! We will be receiving and updating the website throughout the sale with new inventory, so if you see something you like and it’s out of stock, don’t despair, because it might be coming in soon! But don’t delay, all sale products are in-stock and ready to ship with live inventory, and once these heavily discounted units are gone—THEY ARE GONE! Please limit one per customer of these discounted units.
Steiner eOptics CQBL-1 Blemished Unit
Steiner eOptics DBAL-D2 Reconditioned Unit
Of course, these Steiner units are not all that we’re offering this year. In honor of our IR Sale, we’re also offering the popular TNV/DTNVG (Dual Tube Night Vision Goggle), now backed with our industry leading 5-Year Warranty with Gen. 3 L-3 OMNI VIII tubes for $500 off regular price!
We’ve also introduced the Unity Tactical Cold Weather Liner (CWL), and are offering the TNVC Torch PRO MK II for just $199.99!
Make sure to check back for more announcements as our 7th Annual IR Sale goes on, with more new stock and new products being added, and don’t forget! Free standard shipping on all orders of over $500!
Sale ends April 15th, 2019—so get those returns filed soon!
Are you planning for the Armageddon, the impending Second Civil War of Blue vs. Red, and/or World War III: The Final Battle against the Soviet Machine? YES!
Do you need something that is not susceptible to EMP interference? YES!
Does it need to be Armored, tracked, and capable of mounting weapons? YES!
Does it need to be available now? YES YES YES! You cannot plan too early.
THESE M3 HALF TRACKS HAVE EVERYTHING YOU ARE LOOKING FOR. GET THOSE TAX RETURN CHECKS READY!
FORT MEADE, Md. — As 3D printing increases both in the field and at depots, the Army’s Center of Excellence for Additive and Advanced Manufacturing is slated to reach initial operating capability this year at Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois.
A Soldier holds a cap used to protect the fire extinguishing system housed in the wheel wells of Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles. Without the cap, MRAPs are deemed non-mission-capable. Soldiers in Korea saved 1,472 operational days for their MRAPs by 3-D printing the caps for about $2.50 each. (Photo Credit: Sam Curtis)
Lt. Gen. Aundre Piggee, the Army’s deputy chief of staff, G-4, outlined the Army’s current 3D printing capabilities at the 2019 Military Additive Manufacturing Summit and Technology Showcase Feb. 6, in Tampa, Florida.
At the summit, defense, academia, and industry officials were privy to the latest additive manufacturing technologies, event officials said. The Army will leverage these improved 3D printing capabilities to bolster equipment readiness and reduce logistics burdens, Piggee said.
The forum served as an opportunity to hear from military leaders and subject-matter experts on the future of additive manufacturing to support warfighter readiness and achieve operational effectiveness.
SAVING OPERATIONAL DAYS
Back in December 2017, Army G-4 released an executive order allowing commanders in the field to invest up to $10,000 of their operating budgets in 3D printers, software, and training, Piggee said.
3D printing technology “enables our Soldiers to explore and implement creative solutions to problems we can only imagine, but they live with on a daily basis,” he said. “We wanted to give them flexibility and the power to innovate.”
In Korea, for example, Soldiers identified a fire-suppression cap degradation issue, impacting their fleet of Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles known as MRAPs. These caps protect the fire extinguisher nozzles, housed in the MRAP’s wheel wells, and blow off when the fire extinguishing system activates.
“There are 20 caps per vehicle. Without them it makes the MRAPS non-mission capable,” Piggee said. “Soldiers put an order in October for replacements — estimated delivery: five months later.”
“Without the caps, Soldier safety would be an issue. We do not need to add any extra risk to Soldiers,” he added.
In turn, Soldiers in Korea turned to 3D printing technology and requested engineering support from the Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center at Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey.
The team in Korea went on to produce 284 fire-suppression caps, which are currently in use until replacements arrive, the general said.
“We fixed a readiness problem with our MRAPs. It was only a small cap that was the issue, and we 3D printed a fix for it. Just 1,472 non-mission-capable days saved — for about $2.50 per part — and some creative thinking.”
FUTURE CHALLENGES
While the Army has seen success through its additive manufacturing processes, there are several key challenges the military must face before moving forward, Piggee said.
This photo shows a 3D printer producing six-inch cap, used to protect the fire extinguishing system housed the wheel wells of Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles. Soldiers in Korea identified a fire-suppression cap degradation issue and turned to 3D printing technology for help. The team requested engineering support from the Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center at Picatinny Arsenal, N.J. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army)
For example, intellectual property rights could restrict the Army’s authority to reverse engineer a part, or produce a component locally, he said.
“Almost everything we use in the field is designed by contractors, using federal dollars,” Piggee said. “This is more legal, than technical. IP is an important issue as we modernize, and we will work with industry to find solutions.”
Cybersecurity is another concern moving forward, he added.
The additive manufacturing community employs a digital library of 3-D printed parts, called the “Repository for Additive Parts for Tactical and Operational Readiness,” or RAPTOR. As Soldiers or engineers produce parts, they put the blueprint in the system.
“The repository now has more than 140 certified parts, and it is growing,” Piggee said.
“We don’t want adversaries to get into our files and download our spare parts. Or to make counterfeit parts that … are engineered to fail,” he added. “And we do not want internal flaws in the printing that could degrade our weapon systems.”
Aside from their cybersecurity concerns, the Army needs to find a way to certify and standardize all 3D printed parts and materials, to meet a product’s predetermined safety standards.
“This takes a lot of labor, and there is a price tag on that, but this is crucial for Soldier safety,” Piggee said.
In spite of all the challenges, combining innovative thinking with today’s technology will help the Army evolve and prepare the force for combat against a near-peer threat, he said.
“Logistics will be contested in every domain. We need every innovation to set a theater and sustain Soldiers in future missions — whether it is artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles dropping off supplies, or a 3-D printer at the point of need,” Piggee said.
By Devon L. Suits, Army News Service
TangoDown® Inc is pleased to announce the addition of the BG-AKOE BATTLEGRIP®. After releasing the BG-AK in late 2018, we wanted to offer a variant for those who are NOT seeking a storage compartment for their AK grip. The BG-AKOE is made of the same durable material as our entire BATTLEGRIP® line and offers similar TD Inc signature features: comfortable ergonomic design and aggressive non-slip texture.
A quick summary of the BG-AK and BG-AKOE history – Several years ago, we designed and manufactured the AK rifle grip for an Arizona start-up company. When they closed-up shop, we received a huge number of requests for the grip, as it was known to be based on our successful BG-16 AR-15 product. As the creators of the AK grip, we made the decision to produce the original grip, from the original designers, and from the original molds.
To learn more about the TangoDown® BG-AKOE grip, visit tangodown.com/bg-akoe-battlegrip
Fits all true AK-pattern rifles.
Color Availability: Black
MSRP: $18.95
To learn more about the BG-AK released in October 2018 visit tangodown.com/bg-ak-battlegrip
Customer Questions: sales@tangodown.com
The M231 Firing Port Weapon is a rather obscure footnote in US Small Arms history. Thanks to Marty Bordson, owner of Badger Ordnance, I recently got the chance to fire one.
Designed to be shot from the firing ports of the M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle (the M2 was the Infantry variant), the M231 was based on the M16A1. As you can see, it featured a short, threaded handguard which was screwed into place in the firing port. Initially, the M231 featured a wire stock, reminiscent of the M3 “Grease Gun” but it was later removed as it was prone to rattle off and become a nuisance in the vehicle. Although, the real reason was probably to dissuade the rifle’s use in place of the standard M16 by dismounted Infantry.
Below, you can see the modified selector lever, peculiar to the M231. It is either SAFE or AUTO and the SOP was to fire Tracer ammo, aimed through a vision block. The M231 was meant to deal with enemy dismounts who might try to engage from the sides and rear of the Bradley.
Marty made a couple of mods to the rifle in order to use it while hunting hogs. He changed out the flash hider so it would accept a Mack Brothers suppressor and fitted a mount and PEQ-15 to the carrying handle. Obviously, that didn’t do me any good during the day. I sighted over the top of the receiver and aimed at the berm.
Perhaps the most interesting feature of the M231 is that it fires from the open bolt to help keep it cool. With a cyclic rate of around 1200 rpm, the added suppressor just sped it up, and also exacerbated the gas issues. I also had access to a Magpul D60 PMAG, while those using the M231 in its heyday would have only had USGI 30 rd magazines. My firing hand was covered in carbon when the magazine was finished and I had to stop halfway through, due to the back gas. The video below shows me firing the second half of the magazine. I can only imagine what it was like in the vehicle when there were six firing at once. For a period, there was supposed to be a vent hose for the gas, but the few accounts I’ve heard of these actually being fired from within the vehicle, it didn’t work.
Eventually, the M2 Bradley was upgraded with slab sides designed to accept reactive armor panels which eliminated the side firing ports. However, the M231 is said to soldier on, at least in arms rooms, as the M2 has retained the two firing ports on the rear hatch. As late as the invasion of Iraq, armored troops were spotted using the M231.
The Allez Micro Hoodie from Montane’s Tactical Range is a versatile super lightweight, warm and breathable hoodie.
Montane is one of the UK’s leading outdoor clothing brands and have used their decades of experience in both technical garments and expeditionary warfare, to provide a focused range that is intended to be used for long range light role operations.
They were the first brand to truly push the limits of single layer mountain clothing and work closely with serious mountain professionals working in hostile conditions across the globe as a proving ground for garment design.
The Allez Micro Hoodie is constructed from wicking and fast drying POLARTEC® Power Grid™ fabric and features POLYGIENE® permanent odour control. The Micro Hoodie has flatlocked sewn seams throughout to provide stretch and articulated arms with engineered tailoring for greater freedom of movement when navigating through the coarse terrain of forest and mountain environments. Once you take into account the additional features of Montane’s ½ length YKK MONTANE® reverse coil semi-auto front zip with wind-strip and low profile cuffs with thumb loops, the Allez hoodie is adaptable, super lightweight and specifically engineered to be meet the needs of troops in the most extreme environments.
Helikon-Tex is proud to present their new and upcoming products at the largest tactical-outdoor exhibition – IWA 2019 in Nuremberg, Germany.
The gear spans the full Helikon-Tex main product lines, with special emphasis on the Urban and Range Line. Both lines feature totally new garments and equipment as well as new melange colours to join the current palette.
Helikon-Tex is bringing out new types of shirts, presented in more convenient packaging, that were designed specifically for guys looking for tactical features while maintaining a low profile look. Both Urban and Patrol Line shirts are packed with functional carrying space, though the first one is much more discreet in the way it looks. Shirts from the Outback Line are perfect for travelers, because they are light and dry quickly. The Bushcraft line shirts are made with a more rugged material and are better suited for use in wooded/forestry environments. Helikon-Tex has created universal shirts, not only for visits the shooting range or go into the wild, but also for daily wear, while doing tasks in the city.
“At Helikon-Tex, we’re constantly discussing our products with those who are military and outdoor gear enthusiasts. We received feedback that some are are looking for something more casual than a typical military shirt, but with some tactical features. That’s why we came up with the idea of a whole range of shirts which will be compatible with our other tactical-outdoor products, but also you can wear with jeans,” says Jedrzej Mieszczak, Helikon-Tex Executive Vice President.
New Shirts for a Tactical Gentleman
Helikon-Tex is bringing out new types of shirts presented in more convenient package that were designed specifically for guys looking for tactical features while maintaining a low profile look.
Helikon-Tex MBDU Flannel Shirt®
The key and main innovation is the combination of civilian appearance and tactical features. A well put together tactical shirt guarantees you an advantage when you need to move dynamically for instance on a shooting range but at the same time is comfortable and practical for day to day wear.
79,90 €
Helikon-Tex Defender Mk2 Pilgrim Shirt®
It’s designed to endure hard environmental conditions while you focus on work or relax in nature. Pleasant to the touch fabric, similar to flannel is extremely comfortable. Made with thicker but still breathable fabric with the addition of DuPont™Sorona® to avoid odor.
72,90 €
Helikon-Tex Defender Mk2 Gentleman Shirt®
A 100% low profile, elegant shirt that keeps all the tactical features while looking convenient and discreet. It’s made with a technically advanced polyester fabric that mimics thin cotton, dries quickly and keeps you cool.
47,90 €
Helikon-Tex Defender Mk2 City®
Low profile and daily comfort. It’s pretty obvious that none of us like to wear shirts that only look good but leave no freedom of movement to manage your everyday tasks.
63,00 €
Helikon-Tex Defender Mk2 Tropical Shirt®
To keep things light and simple without sacrificing the functionality Helikon-Tex came up with the Defender Mk2 Tropical Shirt, a lightweight, breathable shirt with UPF30 sun protection. It dries extremely quickly.
44,90 €
New Urban, Outback and Range gear
Helikon-Tex Downtown Backpack®
Designed with a special compartment that holds a standard service pistol for quick draw accessibility, as well as internal storage for a laptop or other essentials, it’s the ideal choice for undercover operations. Available colors: Black and Grey.
99,00 €
Helikon-Tex Training Mini Rig® in Melange Colors
Inspired by one of the most famous US tactical shooting instructors – we created the compact Training Mini Rig, which lets you carry important equipment more easily when you’re in the prone position, on the move, or taking up position behind a barrier. Now available in nylon fabrics and melange colors like Melange Black-Grey, Melange Blue and Melange Grey.
85,00 €
Whatsmore, Helikon-Tex is about to show a plentiful of products for the very first time.
Those include
• Fully modular Chest Rig COMPETITION MultiGun Rig® – minimalistic design, but full of power and configuration options. Extended Shooting Mat, Nautic Belt, Belt Kit and Multi Pistol Wallet from the shooting specific Range Line;
• EDC Sling Backpack to further expand the Urban Line;
• Elevation Backpack, Trip Roll Organizer and Mikro Packcell Pouch as a great tools to fulfill the Outback Line,
• Completely new MBDU Wildwood® uniform (Modern Basic Duty Uniform), Map Case and Guardian Pack from the Patrol Line.
