February 2021 | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for February, 2021

Tactics & Applications, LLC Acquires Lightfighter.net, Solidifying Hub of Online Shooting Community

Friday, February 26th, 2021

For nearly 20 years, Lightfighter.net has been regarded as the definitive source for factual discussion, learning, and exchange of ideas in an online forum for the tactical shooting community. For those in martial professions such as Law Enforcement, Military, or Security Contracting; it set the tone and standard for experiential and fact based input for the greater gun community. This is but one of many legacy footprints that can be attributed to the late Pat Rogers and many other esteemed and noteworthy members.

Since 2017, Tactics & Applications has provided members of the 2A community a social media based service they never had previously; a place where they could speak directly (and casually) to some of the greatest minds the industry has to offer. All this without their questions and discussions being marred, muddied, or distracted by conflicts of interest or irrelevant input from those lacking experience or credibility in the topics being discussed. This to ensure they get not only the information they are looking for, but with the proper context and frame of reference.

With the current state of affairs across both the political spectrum and social media landscapes, it is imperative that professionals and 2A enthusiasts alike have an unbiased safe haven for discussion, education, and community. Tactics & Applications has acquired Lightfighter.net to ensure that the atmosphere and avenues conducive to producing and archiving the information both entities are known for are safe and secure going forward. The sanctity and preservation of these information sources is therefore guaranteed beyond the whim and auspices of social media moguls, politicians, and other questionable actors.

The most historically relevant collection of data and experience known throughout the firearms industry and tactical end-user community, and the most recently relevant aggregate of quality content and discussion between the generators and audience thereof have now been combined under one roof. All this to ensure the longevity and proper care of the information and surrounding community trusted across the country with life & death conversation and decision making.

Founder and CEO of Tactics & Applications, LLC, Frank Woods, says “I’m grateful for the opportunity to be the curator of the great base of information that is Lightfighter, and the opportunity to continue the legacy of the forum, while making improvements to both communities for the good of all 2A enthusiasts.” He went on to say, “The gravity of this honor is ever present and I do not take it lightly. I’m proud of my team and their hard work to make this acquisition happen, and we are as excited as ever to move forward with the community.”

For advertising opportunities, please contact sales@tacticsandapplications.com to inquire.

Posted in Industry, Press Release | 5 Comments »

Vortakt Barrel Works Adds Fully Automated Manufacturing Cell

Thursday, February 25th, 2021

Groundbreaking technology expands production capacity in response to firearm industry demand

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. (February 25, 2021) – Vortakt Barrel Works announced today that it is adding a fully automated manufacturing cell to expand its barrel blank production capacity, further improving the level of support offered to OEM firearm manufacturers.

“The market for firearms has seen incredible growth throughout 2020 and into 2021. Vortakt’s close working relationship with our sister division UNISIG allows us to rapidly expand our production volume to meet market demands. Adding this new automation cell is just the next step in our continued march toward unparalleled manufacturing excellence.” said Chad Weister, Division Manager of Vortakt Barrel Works.

The manufacturing cell is designed to improve upon the barrel blank manufacturing process and incorporates the following machines:

• Two UNISIG UNI-10-4-2i-450-CR Gundrills, each with 2 spindles to drill and ream barrel blanks, enabling all 4 spindles to run simultaneously.

• One UNISIG R-2A-1000 Button Rifling machine designed to function in tandem with the gun drilling and reaming operations.

• A Fanuc M-20iA Robot to transfer blanks from a drop-in feeder through each operation with engineered precision while also handling rifling tool exchange between each barrel blank, eliminating the need for any manual material handling.

With robotic automation driving the production process, the new manufacturing cell will be able to manufacture thirty barrels each hour, for a total capacity exceeding 3,600 barrels per week. The cell is designed to accommodate the most popular pistol and AR-15 barrel designs currently on the market.

For more information on Vortakt’s new fully automated manufacturing cell, visit vortakt.com/automated-manufacturing-cell.

Posted in Industry, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on Vortakt Barrel Works Adds Fully Automated Manufacturing Cell

Elite Shotgun Shooters Hawley, Horton, Cherry, Frauens and More Join Team Remington

Thursday, February 25th, 2021

Lonoke, Arkansas – February 16, 2021 – Remington Ammunition has announced its formation of an elite team of shooters who will compete in top national and worldwide competitions in 2021. The building of Remington’s strongest team ever included recruiting seven of today’s top shooters across all shotgun disciplines.

For Trap, the team has signed Sean Hawley of Vernal, Utah and Chase Horton of St. Charles, Illinois. For Skeet, Clay Baldwin of Corona Del Mar, California and Lauren Burge of Mount Pleasant, Texas joined the team. Also representing Team Remington, for Skeet, Reanna Frauens of Coral Springs, Florida, Michael Luongo of Chester, South Carolina and Master NSSA instructor and 24-time NSSA World Champion Todd Bender. Finally, representing team Remington, in the sporting clays division is Tennessee’s Wendell Cherry, a world-renowned coach and sporting clays champion in the PSCA and FITASC circuits Cherry, from Red Boiling Springs, TN was the recent High Overall at the Zoli Classic, held at the South Florida Shooting Club in Palm City, Florida January 28-31, 2021.

“We’ve assembled a great group of driven and highly skilled ambassadors from the competitive shooting world who can win any event they are competing in,” said Jason Nash, V.P. of Marketing for Remington Ammunition. “These talented individuals are both great role models and great shooters—which is the theme for Team Remington—and guiding principles for how we choose our members.”

The list of career accomplishments from these athletes throughout their competitive shooting careers shows a true dedication and passion for the shooting sports.

Sean Hawley, an ATA Hall of Fame member, is one of the best All-Around shooters in the ATA competitive circuit. He is noted for his Doubles shooting and has won many awards at the Grand American. Sean is a multiple-time first team All-American and is involved daily in the shooting world as a gun club owner and the current editor of Trapshooting USA magazine. Chase Horton is the 2020 ATA Captain of the Open All-American team and has also won the 2019 HOA at the Grand American.

Both Clay Baldwin and Lauren Burge are the current World Skeet HOA champions and are the 2021 Captains of their respective All-American teams for the NSSA.

Reanna Frauens is an upcoming shooter and freshman at the University of Florida. She has won many awards in SCTP in both sporting and trap and is the current National Sporting Clay champion in the women’s FITASC event. A key talent, Michael Luongo is a serious contender at any competition he enters and has many major wins in his career.

Find legendary Remington ammunition at dealers nationwide and online. For more information on Remington ammunition and accessories, visit www.remington.com.

Posted in Industry, Press Release, Shooting Sports | Comments Off on Elite Shotgun Shooters Hawley, Horton, Cherry, Frauens and More Join Team Remington

Safariland Introduces Two Enhanced Armor Systems

Thursday, February 25th, 2021

SHIFT 360 Scalable Plate Rack System and FAV (Fast Attack Vest)

ONTARIO, California – Safariland®, a brand of The Safariland Group, a leading global provider of safety products designed for the public safety, military, professional and outdoor markets, announced today that it has released two new highly customizable armor systems: the SHIFT 360 Scalable Plate Rack System and the FAV (Fast Attack Vest).

“Safariland’s armor represents the best embodiment of its mission statement: Together, We Save Lives,” James Duncan, VP/GM of Armor for Safariland said. “These new armor systems will offer even more flexibility for those who serve. The SHIFT 360 offers maneuverability and adaptable, user customizable coverage for the most extreme threats. And the FAV allows for life-saving protection for those who prioritize speed.”

The third generation, SHIFT 360 is scalable plate rack system designed to accommodate multiple sizes ranging from small to extra-large SAPI plates. The lightweight, highly durable, flex internal lining system ensures a tight and secure fit and will support a variety of plate thicknesses. And the SHIFT is available with either Advanced Webless System with our new proprietary Divergent MOLLE (AWS) in 500D Cordura® nylon, or Traditional Modular Webbing (TMW) in 500D Cordura® nylon (Coming soon).

The SHIFT 360 is available in Black, Navy, Ranger Green, Tan, Multicam, Tactical Green, and Coyote.

The Gen 3 FAV provides front, back, shoulder and side soft armor ballistic coverage. The independent, bottom-loading front and rear rifle plate pockets accommodate 10”x12” and SAPI plate sizes. Our new external cummerbund system provides enhanced fit and adjustability with proprietary attachment options for Velcro or First Spear Tubes. An internal flex-pouch accommodates radio and accessory storage, while SWIFT Clip attachment offers compatibility with a variety of different pouch systems.

The FAV is available in Black, Navy, Ranger Green, Tan, Multicam, Tactical Green, and Coyote.

Posted in Armor, Press Release | Comments Off on Safariland Introduces Two Enhanced Armor Systems

Princeton Tec Introduces New, Self-Contained Headlamp to MPLS Family

Thursday, February 25th, 2021

Pennsauken, NJ – February 25, 2021 – Princeton Tec, manufacturer of headlamps and personal lighting for the outdoor, tactical, industrial and SCUBA markets, has announced the newest addition to the MPLS (Modular Personal Lighting System) Headlamp family, the Vizz Tactical – MPLS.

The Vizz Tactical – MPLS is feature-rich, with a dimmable 420 lumens white spot, making it the brightest of the series, and the 50 lumens dimmable white flood allows for close-up tasks.

For those requiring special light, the Vizz Tactical – MPLS is equipped with four color LEDS: red, blue, green and IR – all available in the same light and are programmable to set the preferred order of illumination. Each of the distinct beam profiles and customizations are easily accessed via a simple press, hold or double press of the large, easy-to-find push button located at the top of the light.

When not in use the Vizz Tactical – MPLS can be locked to prevent accidental turn on to prevent the 3AAA batteries from becoming drained. As with all of PTEC Professional Series headlamps, the Vizz Tactical – MPLS is waterproof (IPX7) and is equipped with regulated circuitry making it lithium battery compatible.

“Princeton Tec provides the best lighting solutions, tailored to our customers’ needs,” said Princeton Tec Vice President, Dave Cozzone. “As an American manufacturer, we take pride in delivering top-quality lighting products and meeting the needs of our war fighters who continue to put themselves in harm’s way to protect our freedoms.”

VIZZ Tactical – MPLS Specs:

Power:
420 Lumens

Lamp:
1 Maxbright LED
1 Red Ultrabright LED
1 Blue Ultrabright LED
1 Green Ultrabright LED
1 IR Ultranight LED

Burn Time:
110 Hours

Batteries:
3AAA (Included) / Lithium Compatible

Weight:
3.20z / 92g

Waterproof:
IPX7 (1 Meter)

The Vizz Tactical – MPLS is available for purchase through authorized Princeton Tec dealers, or visiting princetontec.com/product/vizz-tactical-mpls.

Posted in Advertiser, Lights, Press Release | 6 Comments »

New Mini All-In-One Torque Driver from Fix It Sticks

Thursday, February 25th, 2021

Chicago, IL- Fix It Sticks, the industry innovator of modular firearms maintenance tools and torque limiters has introduced the Mini All-In-One torque driver. Available individually, the Mini All-In-One provides five torque values commonly needed by expert and professional shooters into one compact driver. Developed from requests and input from shooters, the Mini All-In-One has torque values on the lower end of the scale useful for smaller, more detailed tasks such as tightening certain pistol sights, scope mounts, polymer accessories and rails and other soft material applications.

Using the Mini All-In-One is quick and easy because there are no settings to adjust or hassle with before use. Simply install any ¼” bit or socket into the Mini All-In-One as needed and tighten the fastener until the proper torque is achieved. A precise, graduated torque scale is laser etched on the side to indicate the torque value as it is applied. The settings marked on the side are 6 inch-pounds, 10 inch-pounds, 15 inch-pounds, 20 inch-pounds, and 25 inch-pounds. The Mini All-In-One can also be used to apply torque in between the specified settings by watching the inch-pounds indicator as torque is being applied.

The new Mini All-In-One Torque Driver kit works with all of the Fix It Sticks T-handle wrenches or any ¼” hex bit driver.

Perfect for use at the range or in the field, the Mini All-In-One Torque Driver is a great addition to any tool kit and has an MSRP of $55.00.

store.fixitsticks.com/products/small-all-in-one-torque-driver

Posted in Gadgets, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | 5 Comments »

Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Receives Its First-Ever Spider Silk Shipment Its Vietnamese Production Facility

Thursday, February 25th, 2021

Prodigy Textiles reaches major milestone delivering first fibers to Company Headquarters

ANN ARBOR, Mich., – February 23, 2021– Kraig Biocraft Laboratories, Inc. (OTCQB: KBLB) (“the Company” or “Kraig Labs”), the biotechnology company focused on the development and commercialization of spider silk, announces that the Company received its first small shipment of spider silk from Prodigy textiles, its wholly-owned Vietnamese subsidiary.

The Company has received fiber requests from a broad range of interested parties, including companies that produce products in the fields of sports apparel, industrial textiles, first responder supplies, medical products, and other manufacturers. In order to meet this demand, the Company established Prodigy Textiles to scale up the production of its recombinant spider silk fibers, threads, and textiles.

The Company’s operations at its Prodigy Textiles facility are now moving forward to significantly expand the Company’s spider silk production. The Company expects to begin filling the backlog of material requests, including requests from Polartec LLC and MtheMovement, as this added capacity comes online.

“I want to thank the Prodigy Textiles team for making this milestone possible and setting the stage for our expansion. This helps us transition from being the leading developer of spider silk technologies to the producer and supplier of high quality spider silk fibers,” said Jon Rice, the Company’s Chief Operations Officer. “Now we can focus on meeting the substantial demand for spider silk and solidifying market channel partnerships to reach our goal to develop and bring new products to market.”

To view the most recent news from Kraig Labs and/or to sign up for Company alerts, please go to www.KraigLabs.com/news.

h/t Carryology

Posted in International, Materials, Press Release | Comments Off on Kraig Biocraft Laboratories Receives Its First-Ever Spider Silk Shipment Its Vietnamese Production Facility

Soldiers Use Biometrics to Vet Drivers Sustaining Syrian Logistics Ops

Thursday, February 25th, 2021

ERBIL AIR BASE, IRAQ – Military intelligence Soldiers assigned to the Syrian Logistics Cell at Erbil leverage biometric technology to screen drivers for a long haul to outposts in the area of operations.

“Biometrics screenings are important because they not only keep the drivers safe as they enter Syria, but they also help protect military convoys as they complete the Syrian haul line,” said Chief Warrant Officer David Lente, the officer in charge of the SLC’s military intelligence team, or S2. “It’s a way to filter out any drivers who have nefarious goals.”

The Syrian Logistic Cell operates out of Erbil Air Base in the northern section of Iraq, where the Soldiers equip and sustain the warfighters in the AO.

The principle biometrics tool includes scans of the iris and fingerprints and taking the driver’s photo, said Lente. If there is a hit on the driver’s record, then the Soldier performs additional follow-up.

“This is utilized when a deeper dive in the driver’s history of activity is required. It is a more thorough scrub of the driver for any criminal activity,” he said. It has more in-depth information on the drivers and allows the military or civilians checking a driver into a secure installation to view any previous notes left on their file.

Drivers are vetted often and their photos and personal information must be updated regularly. “The biggest task we are working through now is updating all the records of the drivers for 2021 since there are hundreds of drivers who could potentially be used each cycle,” said Lente.

According to Spc. Nicholas Filak, an SLC intelligence specialist, the biometrics program is supplemented with driver interviews used to collect atmospherics concerning the area of operation. “Road conditions, possible hazards, traffic delays, enemy threats, any kind of disruptions along the route could cause the GLOC [ground lines of communication] to be halted or delayed,” Filak said.

Chief Warrant Officer Mark Tegtmeyer, the officer in charge of the SLC Mobility Team, said the drivers are part of a rigorous logistics planning cycle allowing continuity among all key personnel, including the truck drivers.

The SLC team also works closely with other strategic partners on EAB to further gather information, Lente said. This ensures that cross communication is occurring with all agencies involved.

By CPT Elizabeth Rogers

Posted in Army, Guest Post, Optics | 2 Comments »