December 2021 | Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

Archive for December, 2021

GSM Outdoors Acquires SOG Specialty Knives

Monday, December 27th, 2021

Irving, TX – GSM Outdoors, a multi-brand manufacturer and technology innovator of specialized hunting and shooting sport accessories, is thrilled to announce the acquisition of SOG Specialty Knives, Inc., one of the most respected tactical and purpose-built knife manufactures in the U.S.

“Since 1986, SOG has been synonymous with austere-duty knives intended to meet the needs of defense professionals,” said Eddie Castro, CEO of GSM Outdoors. “The name is instantly recognized by military, first responders, and blade enthusiasts for their high-quality craftsmanship and reliable performance. Our acquisition of SOG represents an important expansion of the GSM family of brands, and we look forward to taking the brand to that next level of consumer support and product innovation.”

Originally hailed for the company’s combat-inspired fixed-blade knives, SOG has since expanded its knives and specialty tools to include folders, multi-tools, and gear intended for professional use, outdoor recreation, and everyday carry.

“SOG is a prestigious brand among outdoor and tactical retailers nationwide,” said Zach Henderson, GSM’s Vice President of Sales, “and the company enjoys an enthusiastic consumer base. We are understandably excited to add SOG to our portfolio of knife and utility tool companies, including Cold Steel. We look forward to working with our industry partners to further expand the SOG brand across the professional and outdoor consumer segments.”

To see the full line of SOG Specialty Knives & Tools for work, recreation, and everyday applications, visit SOGKnives.com.

If you’d like to check out the entire family of GSM brands, please visit www.gsmoutdoors.com. We look forward to earning and keeping your business!

Posted in Industry, Knives, Press Release | 4 Comments »

Air Venturi Debuts Bullpup Avenger

Monday, December 27th, 2021

It’s not a Red Rider BB Gun with a compass in the stock, but considering how much some of you guys love bullpups, I thought this was worth a share.

Solon, OH — Air Venturi is excited to announce the launch of the Bullpup version of its wildly successful Air Venturi Avenger PCP Air Rifle.

“After the initial success we had with the synthetic stock Avenger rifle, we listened to the customer feedback and the consensus was clear that they wanted a wood stock version, and they wanted a Bullpup” explained Air Venturi President, Val Gamerman. “We were happy to launch a wood stock version of the rifle early in 2021, but our real excitement and focus has been on this Bullpup version.”

The Bullpup offers the same fantastic performance as the rifle, but in a much more compact package. Shaving nearly 10” off of the overall length and coming in at just 33” from muzzle to buttpad, the Avenger Bullpup offers increased maneuverability without sacrificing any of the fan favorite attributes the rifle versions are known for. “Another change we know customers will love is a new polymer that has been used to create the Bullpup stock, it has a higher quality look and feel to it compared to the original synthetic stock on the rifle” says Gamerman.

Talking about the stock, users will find a number of unique enhancements built into the Avenger Bullpup. Two magazine storage slots in the underside of the stock keep your magazines secure and easily accessible when they’re not in use. A new tool-less adjustable buttpad can be easily manipulated as needed by the shooter. Additionally, a four position adjustable cheek piece further enhances the shooting experience. For those that want to accessorize the bullpup, there are three picatinny accessory rails at the fore-end of the stock so bipods, lights, lasers or other attachments can be added.

At the heart of this PCP is an externally adjustable regulator and externally adjustable hammer spring. These allow the user to customize the Avenger’s performance to fit their needs. Achieving speeds over 1000 fps in .177 caliber and over 900 fps in .22 and .25 caliber, the Avenger packs plenty of power. The trigger can be adjusted to the shooters liking as well. Mounting your optics is achieved via a picatinny rail that is nearly 10” long.

airventuri.com

Posted in Off-Duty, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Savage Arms Announces New 110 Magpul Hunter

Monday, December 27th, 2021

WESTFIELD, Massachusetts – December 27, 2021 – Savage is pleased to announce it has teamed up with Magpul® to pair a premium aftermarket stock with Savage’s proven 110 action. The combination mates Savage’s reputation for accuracy with Magpul’s renowned versatility to create a unique 110 that’s ideal for any shooter.

“Magpul builds incredible accessories,” Jessica Treglia, Sr. Brand Manager at Savage Arms, said. “Their Hunter Stocks are a solid compliment for the versatility of the 110 action and barrel. But this is much more than an aftermarket stock. We’ve designed a 110 with a heavy barrel and durable coatings that match the look and feel of the Magpul Hunter Stocks.”

The 110 Magpul Hunter combines decades of 110 innovations. At the heart of the rifle is a factory blueprinted action with an 18” threaded heavy barrel. The Cerakote® Tungsten finish prevents corrosion and exposure to the elements. The knurled bolt handle, adjustable length of pull, and comb height options from Magpul round out ergonomic improvements to this Model 110. Those features, paired with the user-adjustable AccuTrigger™, allow for crisp, clean shots and Savage accuracy. These new rifles will be available in both left and right-handed configurations.

Model 110 Magpul Hunter Features

• Factory blueprinted action available in right and left hand
• Magpul® Hunter Stock upgraded with aluminum bedding block,
• fully adjustable length of pull (13-15”), comb height, and enhanced ergonomics
• M-LOK slots on forend sides and bottom for mounting options
• 1.5-4 lb user-adjustable AccuTrigger
• 18” Carbon Steel Heavy Barrel Threaded (5/8-24”) for muzzle devices
• Tactical, knurled bolt handle for improved handling
• Tungsten Cerakote® Barrel, Receiver, and Bolt Handle
• 5-round AICS Magpul Magazine included
• Drilled & Tapped Receiver (8-40)
• 1-Piece 20 MOA Rail

Part No. / Description / MSRP

57734 / Magpul Hunter Right Hand.308 Win. 18-inch barrel / $1,049

57735 / Magpul Hunter Right Hand 6.5 Creedmoor 18-inch barrel / $1,049

57736 / Magpul Hunter Left Hand .308 Win. 18-inch barrel / $1,049

57737 / Magpul Hunter Left Hand 6.5 Creedmoor 18-inch barrel / $1,049

Learn more at www.savagearms.com.

Posted in Firearms, Press Release | 1 Comment »

SOFWERX Wants to Help You Understand the Small Business Innovation Research Process

Monday, December 27th, 2021

SOFWERX in conjunction with Dcode is presenting Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) 101 on 19 January 2022.

Dcode’s procurement experts and USSOCOM leaders will walk you through how SBIRs and STTRs are being leveraged and the value this funding can provide as your company looks to grow.

RSVP NLT 18 January 2022 11:59 PM ET.

Visit events.sofwerx.org/dcode.

Posted in Research, SOF | Comments Off on SOFWERX Wants to Help You Understand the Small Business Innovation Research Process

M17 Rear Sight Installation – Updated Procedure & Torque Spec

Monday, December 27th, 2021

On 13 December 2021, instructions were made publicly available by TACOM on the PS Magazine website for M17 Rear Sight Installation. This is for maintainers.

END USER SOLDIERS ARE NOT AUTHORIZED TO PERFORM THIS PROCEDURE.

1. Insert the loaded chamber indicator spring and loaded chamber indicator into the slide.

2. Inspect the rear sight screw, NSN 1005-01-665-4524 (PN 13067025), to see if there’s a red Nylok® patch on the first 4 threads of the screw.

Note: Perform steps 3 and 4 for screws with a Nylok® patch.

3. Thoroughly clean the screw and rear sight threads to clear away excess Nylok® or Loctite®.

4. Apply one drop of Loctite 243, NSN 8030-01-620-3313, to the interior threads of the rear sight.

Note: Perform step 5 for one-piece rear sight installation.

5. Install the rear sight plate assembly onto the slide.

Note: Perform step 6 for two-piece rear sight installation.

6. Install the rear sight plate and rear sight onto the slide.

7. Install the screw into the rear sight. Tighten the screw to 21 in-lb.

8. Back the screw out until it is loose but not completely out.

9. Tighten the screw to 34 in-lb.

10. Check the rear sight plate and rear sight to ensure they are not loose. The use of sealing compound, Loctite 243, allows reuse of the rear sight screw. The rear sight screw will no longer be a mandatory replacement part (MRP).

PS Magazine article (no credentials required – open source):

www.psmagazine.army.mil/News/Article/2871712/m17m18-pistol-new-rear-sight-installation-instructions

TACOM Message (credentials required):

tulsa.tacom.army.mil/Maintenance

– SSG Ian Tashima, CA Asst State Marksmanship Coordinator

Posted in Guest Post, MRO, weapons | 1 Comment »

Tardigrade Tactical: MCRS – Modular Chest Rig System

Monday, December 27th, 2021

The MCRS is a system of modular chest rig components that enables the end-user to customize their chest rig setup to any mission requirement.

The MCRS include different types of MOLLE/PALS compatible fronts, all with build in compartments on the back, ranging from:

– “Classic” chest rig fronts (Infantry Chest Rig Front) with the width of 6 to 16 MOLLE/PALS columns.

– “Split fronts” (Recon Split Front) with interchangable buckles for connecting the two sides of the split fronts.

– Plackart compatible chest rig fronts (Infantry Chest Rig Front – Plackart Ready) that allows the end-user to change between plackarts according to the task and hand.

The MCRS also includes a variety of harnesses and additional components to attach to any chest rig front, including slim, ergonomic and modular harnesses adoptable to both LE and MIL end-users.

The MCRS – Modular Chest Rig System is an expandable and adaptable system, and system as a whole will continue to grow in the future, and as we get feedback and input from our end-users, we will be able to include these when developing future components.

20% launch- and pre-order discount, ending December 31st, 2021!

www.tardigradetactical.com

Posted in International, Load Carrying, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Signature Block Pronouns Now Allowed for Airmen, Guardians

Monday, December 27th, 2021

WASHINGTON (AFNS) —

A recent update to the Department of the Air Force writing guide, The Tongue and Quill, now allows Airmen and Guardians to include pronouns in their signature block.

The Tongue and Quill provides formatting standards and guidelines for a number of official documents, including email, memoranda, letters and papers.

“An inclusive force is a mission-ready force, and I’m thankful to the LGBTQ Initiatives Team for helping us realize this opportunity to be a more inclusive force,” said Under Secretary of the Air Force Gina Ortiz Jones.

The LGBTQ Initiatives Team, or LIT, a part of the Department of the Air Force Barrier Analysis Working Group, advocated for this change, one of the latest initiatives the DAF undertook to address barriers to service and promote a more inclusive culture.

“The change request was driven by awareness of a restrictive policy that was being used against transgender Airmen and Guardians who were authentically representing themselves,” said Lt. Col. Bree Fram, a LIT Transgender Policy Team co-lead. “It was also important for many individuals often confused as being a different gender in their communications.”

This effort was led by the LIT, with support from the Pacific Islander/Asian American Community Team, and the Women’s Initiatives Team, other teams of the DAFBAWG.
Master Sgt. Jamie Hash, the other LIT Transgender Policy Team co-lead, also explained that the explicit permission to use pronouns, a practice that is now common in the civilian sector, gets the DAF further down the road of explicitly acknowledging the existence and dignity of non-binary military members and civilians. She added that this change eliminates confusion for people with non-Anglo/Western or gender-neutral names.

“The LIT provided an opportunity to streamline the process for this change,” Hash said, explaining that this change was a request she started from her installation’s Diversity and Inclusion committee. “It is an example of how the DAFBAWG teams are addressing barriers, collaborating, and executing solutions in ways that have not been seen before to help Airmen and Guardians thrive.”

Official signature blocks should include name, rank, service affiliation, duty title, organization name, phone numbers and social media contact information. Pronouns such as he/him, she/her, or they/them are now authorized but not required. An example is:

ANGEL ALONSO, Capt, USAF (he/him/his)
Occupational Therapy Element Leader
48th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron
RAF Lakenheath, UK
DSN: 555-1212

Pronouns can be placed immediately after the name in parentheses or on separate lines within the signature block.

“A foundational competency of the DAF is to foster inclusion,” Fram said. “The use of correct pronouns is an easy way to show care and respect for Airmen and Guardians as individuals, and can help the DAF retain highly qualified individuals. Allowing pronouns in an individual’s signature block is a quick and simple way to eliminate confusion and promote a more inclusive culture.

By Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Posted in Air Force, Guest Post | 36 Comments »

Morakniv Classic Knives

Sunday, December 26th, 2021

Morakniv Classic knives aren’t particularly new, but I like the look all the same. I own a couple of Morakniv knives because they are inexpensive and reliable and stash them in places like tackle boxes and car trunks. Their classic line offers that same low price and high quality but adds some class.

There are three basic models as well as a version for splitting wood. For example, above you see a Classic No 3 with its red-stained and barrel-shaped birch handle paired with a 135 mm long carbon steel blade. While the sheath is polymer, decorated with the Dalecarlian shield design. Plus, the sheath has a Swedish vegetable tanned leather belt hanger.

morakniv.se/en/knifeseries/classic-en

Posted in Knives | 1 Comment »