I ran into HOG Saddle during last week’s vendor day at the USASOC Sniper Competition. Coming soon from Shadow Tech, the Dual Optic Grabbing (DOG) Leg. This thing is ingenious.
Essentially, it’s an erector which allows you to use your NVGs in conjunction with magnified observation devices like a spotting scope. While the DOG Leg is Picatinny and ARCA Rail compatible on one end, the other has a dovetail mount for your NVG. This set up does not require attachment of the NVG directly to the spotting scope, so there’s no threading.
Gear up for your most challenging missions with the Recon Collection. Engineered to withstand the toughest conditions, these tactical uniforms offer unmatched durability and resilience. Each uniform option includes Tactical Pants, Long- and Short-Sleeve Combat Shirts, and a Garrison Shirt. Choose from two fabric options tailored to your mission requirements.
Recon Flex: This modern adaptation of the traditional Recon uniform is crafted from lightweight stretch mini-ripstop fabric, ensuring optimal functionality for peak performance. Available in Black, Desert Tan, Navy, OD Green, and Smoke Grey.
Recon X: Constructed with No Melt No Drip (Cordura® NYCO Extreme) fabric, the Recon X Collection is built to withstand extreme environments and offer added protection against sparks and fire hazards you may encounter on the job. Available in Navy, Ranger Green, and Scorpion/OCP.
Check out their website for more info about the Recon Collection.
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DES MOINES, Iowa – The 132d Wing’s Cyberspace Range Squadron hosted its first training event at the 132d Wing, Iowa Air National Guard, Feb. 29-March 3.
The 132d RANS is a first-of-its-kind cyber range provider for the Air National Guard, focusing on certifying cyberspace capabilities to the joint force.
Members of the 168th Cyberspace Operations Squadron, also attached to the 132d Wing, were the first clients of the range and used the training to hone their skills on the weapon system.
“The event hosted by the RANS provided an opportunity for our operators to train in a realistic and holistic manner that is not present in other training platforms,” said Capt. Joseph Wilburn, 168th COS team lead. “The RANS team and their weapon system simulator possess the flexibility to adapt to the operator’s specific training needs in real time that ensures skill improvement remains consistent throughout the event. The training event demonstrated by the RANS represents a significant force multiplier for Air National Guard cyber protection teams.”
The exercise aimed to increase the proficiency of the 168th COS in detecting, validating and responding to cyber threats. The exercises improve Cyber Mission Force mission readiness by providing scenarios as a service, meeting the annual training requirements of cyber units.
“Our first range event was significant because it proved to the cyber community that we are capable of providing this service and why Iowa is the right choice for the Range Squadron,” said Lt. Col. Kevin Taylor, 132d RANS commander.
Capt. Chad McDonnell, 132d RANS director of operations, said the training events offer more than just a virtual range environment where cyber operators can practice. The RANS provides all the required roles for evaluating teams, opposing force teams, cyber intelligence and a mission partner to serve as the organization the team is defending. Additionally, they build the range environment so their customers can deploy their physical cyber weapon system.
“This is not only important because it allows them to train like they fight, but it allows their maintenance team the opportunity to receive crucial training as well by physically deploying their equipment to an alternate location, configuring it to connect to the mission partner’s network, and providing weapon system maintenance for the operators during the event,” said McDonnell.
At the end of the event, exercise facilitators provided the 168th COS’s training, standards and evaluation shop with a document that identified every task and event they accomplished to maintain their operator currencies and proficiencies.
“We’re able to do all of this because we have fully qualified cyber operators with real-world mobilizations under their belt, in addition to the years of experience in the civilian sector,” said McDonnell. “Our Airmen and the experience they bring is truly our greatest asset to this unit.”
By MSgt Michael Kelly, 132d Wing, Public Affairs, Iowa Air National Guard
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(Cincinnati, OH) Faxon Firearms, a Cincinnati, Ohio-based manufacturer of quality rifle and pistol components and complete firearms, is proud to provide its latest guide: The Ultimate Guide to Barrel Profiles.
Building or tweaking an AR-15 can involve a variety of things, some vital, some arguable or even cosmetic. It could be receiver sets, muzzle devices, anti-walk pins, or any of a dozen other things, but one of the most important considerations is that of a barrel – and when you’re choosing a barrel, you need to be thinking about barrel profiles.
Finding the right barrel profile is a Big Deal. It’s not just about looks; it shapes how your rifle handles and shoots and fits your shooting lifestyle, whether that’s defending your home, hunting in the woods, or just having fun at the range.
Why should you care? Because every profile offers something different; there relative advantages and arguable disadvantages to each one.
From the heavy hitters to the lightweight models, we’ll walk you through what each might mean for your build or intended upgrade. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or someone whose just getting started, we want to make the choice that feels – and functions – just right.
AR15 Barrel Profiles Explained
The term “barrel profile” refers to the thickness of the barrel on an AR-15-style rifle (like the Faxon Sentry). Different barrel profiles can impact the gun’s performance in various ways.
For instance, thinner barrels are lightweight and easy to handle, while thicker barrels provide more stability by adding weight to the front of the gun and can withstand more heat. The weight of your barrel is going to impact the weight of your rifle. Though those few ounces might seem insignificant, they’re not, particularly if you’re manipulating the weapon for extended periods, carrying a bunch of weight in other ways (armor, gear, etc.), or maybe just dealing with physical constraints or limitations.
It’s important to consider the trade-offs of different barrel options available (particularly vis-a-vis accuracy, heat dispersion, durability, and weight) before making your choice!
Let’s take a look at some AR15 barrel profiles and see what makes each one unique.
Faxon Gunner Profile
The Faxon Firearms Gunner profile blends two of the best-performing profiles of all time: Government (Gov’t) and Pencil.
Faxon’s Gunner profile combines the durability of the Gov’t profile with the weight savings and maneuverability of the Pencil profile.
The Gunner profile brings the balance of the rifle back towards the shooter’s body, limiting fatigue and allowing you to shoot, train, or hunt all day long.
Government/SOCOM Profile
A SOCOM barrel for an AR-15 is designed differently from the standard M4/A2 barrel.
Instead of being consistently thick throughout, it has a thinner section past the gas block and a thicker section near the chamber. SOCOM barrels often have a slot for attaching a grenade launcher and provide a balance between strength and weight.
If you’re looking for a barrel that can handle sustained shooting while still being lightweight, a SOCOM barrel may be a good option for you.
Pencil Profile
The pencil barrel is the original profile for the AR-15. It typically measures 0.625 inches in diameter.
It is known for being slim and lightweight, making it easy to carry and handle. Its thinness, however, makes it heat more quickly than its cousins, particularly during rapid fire. Overheating the barrel leads to elastic deformation or warping, which in turn affects accuracy and reliability.
Unlike run-of-the-mill pencil barrels, Faxon Firearms barrels are properly heat-treated and stress-relieved. The Faxon manufacturing process improves heat resistance and longevity.
The durability of this AR15 barrel profile is ideal for shooters with a light or medium shooting schedule.
Learn more about barrel characteristics and how they affect the performance and longevity of your weapon, particularly AR15 barrel profiles.
What is the best all-around barrel profile to use?
Of course, barrel profile doesn’t just affect AR15s and large-frame pistols. The barrel characteristics (not just the profile) of any firearm can greatly affect its overall performance and handling.
We’ve looked at the three most common barrel profiles: Gunner, Government, and Pencil.
Of those, the Government/SOCOM provides the most stability with the greatest potential for accuracy. It does so because it’s the thickest and heaviest style, which adds weight to the gun and to the shooter’s aggregate loadout.
The Pencil version is the thinnest and lightest option, making it easier to handle and carry but it does sacrifice some stability and accuracy potential.
Faxon believes the Faxon Firearms Gunner barrel is the best general barrel choice. It provides the best balance of the other two, offering a good compromise between weight, performance, and durability.
Ultimately, the choice of barrel profile will depend on the individual’s personal preferences, but should absolutely be appropriate for the intended use of the rifle.
Consider the trade-offs and choose the barrel profile that best suits your needs!
In part 3 of 3 we are going to cover how the GRAM attaches to the sustainment to create the MATBOCK Tech Ruck
In the video above we also have links to Part 1, where we covered the Graverobber™ Assault Medic Insert Panel and Part 2, where we covered the Graverobber™ Assault Medic
This well-organized medical bag and series are why we decided to call it the Graverobber™. The ability to scale up or down based on mission requirements is paramount for the units we support.
Next week, we will cover the LIFT System and how this product line can save you nearly 36lbs. If you have any questions, reach out to us at sales@matbock.com
During last week’s USASOC Sniper Competition vendor day I caught up with Edgar Sherman Design and checked out several upcoming products.
The first one I’ll introduce you to is the Kestrel Chest Rig. It integrates several cool features.
One innovation is their new laser cut PALS slots which eliminate straight dark lines to help reduce signature.
The ammunition pockets have adjustable floors which allow customization of magazine height. These pockets will also accept other items such as radios.
To the front you can see that there is a Fidlok buckle to affix the harness to he chest panel. This aids with rapid donning and doffing.
Reliance on End User Devices has become ubiquitous and ESD has taken a hard look at how they are used and how they should be integrated into load carriage.
Since so many are using external batteries for their EUD, ESD’s answer is a bib which incorporates a battery slot at the rear.
Here you can get a look at the harness.
Edgar tells me the Kestrel is about three months out.
One of the standouts from last week’s USASOC Sniper Competition vendor day is the Machine Gun Suppressor prototype from Knights Armament Co. It is distinctly different from the dedicated Lightweight Assault Machine Gun suppressor which debuted in 2019.
While this one is for 5.56mm weapons and is mounted to the Knights LAMG, they also have a 7.62 version.
The Army has been looking at multiple machine gun suppressors over the past few years, but they can’t seem to decide if they want a QD suppressor or a barrel with dedicated suppressor. This is Knights’ QD MG suppressor.
There aren’t a lot of details at this point so instead, I’m going to give a couple of extra images to check out. The red tint is due to the red tablecloth and natural light through the festival tent roof. One feature which jumps out is the distinct cooling fin design. You can also see the QD latch.
FORT LIBERTY, N.C. – The U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School hosted the U.S. Army Special Operations Command International Best Sniper Competition at Fort Liberty, North Carolina, March 18-22.
In its 15th year, sniper teams from the special operations force from across the U.S. Special Operations Command, the Department of Homeland Security, and international partners were challenged during a 23-stage, multiple-day competition to demonstrate skill and capability through performance.
“Snipers (were tested) on their skills in intense events that look, feel, and sound like modern-ground combat,” said Lt. Col. Scott Elliott, the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Special Warfare Training Group, commander. “The instructors of the Special Forces Sniper Course, the premiere U.S. military school for long-range marksmanship and sniper options, designed events that will challenge the three-person teams’ ability to work together.”
This year’s competition saw 20 sniper teams that represented seven countries including Belgium, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and the Netherlands.
Sniper teams from 1st, 3rd, 5th,7th, 10th, and 19th Special Forces groups, as well as the 75th Ranger Regiment, represented the U.S. Army Special Operations Command. Both U.S. Marine Forces Special Operations Command and Naval Special Warfare Command had two sniper teams each, and one team from the U.S. Coast Guard completed the roster of competitors.
Cadets from Virginia Tech were on hand to watch the competition. This was a chance for the cadets to watch some of the world’s best SOF snipers. One cadet had a special interest in the competition and the SOF community.
“I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to come witness the International Sniper competition here at Fort Liberty,” said Cadet Brindle from the Virginia Tech Reserve Officers’ Training Corps. “I’ve always wanted to pursue a career in special operations. I’m just glad to get some insight and meet some amazing people.”
Virginia Tech ROTC cadets were able to watch the competition and see realistic military training with U.S and foreign allied partners. The events in the competition were based on real-world scenarios and were taken from historical and current sniper missions conducted around the globe.
Sgt. 1st Class Lin, a sniper team member from the 1st Special Forces Group (Airborne) and a competitor in this year’s competition, spoke of the reality of the scenarios.
“In this competition specifically, there are a lot of practical applications,” Lin said. “It’s a lot of real-world application, a lot of SOF sniper techniques, tactics and procedures are incorporated into these stages and experiences.”
Lin added that it was a complete group effort for special operation snipers. We must be able to operate independently, but also as a team, directly integrating with each other.
The competition offered the competitors precision training that would be performed in real-world scenarios while comparing their skills against the best for friendly international competition.
This year’s USASOC International Best Sniper was the team from 3rd Special Forces Group. The French Team finished in second and 10th Special Forces Group was in 3rd place. Congratulations to all the sniper team competitors.
Following the International Sniper Competition, SWCS will host the Best Combat Diver Competition at the Special Forces Underwater Operations School in Key West, Florida, in June.
For more information about the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center and School, visit www.swcs.mil.
“Snipers (were tested) on their skills in intense events that look, feel, and sound like modern-ground combat,” said Lt. Col. Scott Elliott, the 2nd Battalion, 2nd Special Warfare Training Group, commander. “The instructors of the Special Forces Sniper Course, the premiere U.S. military school for long-range marksmanship and sniper options, designed events that will challenge the three-person teams’ ability to work together.”
Sniper teams from 1st, 3rd, 5th,7th, 10th, and 19th Special Forces groups, as well as the 75th Ranger Regiment, represented the U.S. Army Special Operations Command. Both U.S. Marine Forces Special Operations Command and Naval Special Warfare Command had two sniper teams each, and one team from the U.S. Coast Guard completed the roster of competitors.
