XC3 Weaponlight

Archive for March, 2025

Black Hills Designs – RANGE-R Protector

Friday, March 28th, 2025

Shield your RANGE-R Card with this rugged, impact-resistant cover. Prevents scratches and wear while maintaining a slim, lightweight profile.

Includes an optional Velcro strip for secure mounting. Offered in Green, Brown, and MultiCam.

www.blackhillsdesigns.net/product/range-r-protector

Shadow Tech – NCT, a New Carbon Fiber Tripod

Friday, March 28th, 2025

Shadow Tech, manufacturers of the HOG Saddle weapon mount, recently showed me a new tripod they’ll be releasing soon.

Although it doesn’t yet have an official name they’ refer to it internally as the NCT for Not Chinese Tripod as it is manufactured in Kansas City using no Chinese parts.

Coming in August, it weighs in at 4.5 lbs and extends to a height of 65″. The carbon fiber legs are four-section and incorporate a new patented shimless tube design. Additionally, they offer an optional, retractable spiked foot.

stores.hogsaddle.com

FirstSpear Friday Focus – Rash Guard

Friday, March 28th, 2025

The FIRSTSPEAR RASH GUARD is built for performance and protection in training, maritime, and watersport environments. Made in the USA from a high-performance poly/spandex blend, this ultralight top offers a compression fit that conforms to your body for streamlined comfort.

Its quick-drying fabric ensures you stay comfortable even after repeated exposure to water, while the smooth flat seams reduce chafing and skin irritation caused by rubbing or abrasion. Designed for versatility, the Rash Guard provides natural sun and UV protection, making it ideal for extended hours in the sun.

Whether you’re tackling aquatic adventures, training in humid conditions, or seeking extra protection during water-based activities, this Rash Guard delivers. Its durable, American-made construction ensures it can handle the demands of intense use while maintaining its shape and performance.

Perfect for divers, kayakers, surfers, and tactical operators, the FIRSTSPEAR RASH GUARD is offered in both long and short-sleeve varieties and provides the perfect blend of protection, comfort, and reliability. For optimal performance, order your standard t-shirt size for a true compression fit, or size up 1-2 sizes for a more relaxed feel.

FirstSpear is the premier source for cutting edge-tactical gear for military, law enforcement and those who train. For more information visit First-Spear.com.

Army Collaborates with Ride-Share Companies to Improve Transportation

Friday, March 28th, 2025

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Army launched a pilot ride-share access program to improve installation access for over 600,000 military members, their families, retirees and civilians living at six Army installations. Over the next two months, ride-share access will be re-envisioned at Fort Bliss, Texas; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington; Schofield Barracks, Hawaii; Fort Shafter, Hawaii; and Tripler Army Medical Center, Hawaii.

“This program demonstrates our commitment to addressing the challenges faced by our military communities,” said Dan Driscoll, Secretary of the Army. “Through collaboration with the ride-share industry, we’re able to provide our Soldiers and their families with safe, reliable and convenient transportation options that support their unique needs and enhance their overall quality of life.”

The ride-share access pilot will standardize access procedures and requirements to safely increase ridership and promote additional transportation options. If successful, the Army plans to expand the program to additional installations across the country.

In accordance with the Army’s strict security standards, all visitors, including taxi and ride-sharing vehicle drivers, will undergo identity proofing and vetting through the FBI’s National Crime Information Center and Terrorist Screening Database. In addition to this credential vetting, drivers will also be required to establish their purpose for each visit by showing the ride-sharing hail on their smartphones and/or identifying the person and building for the pickup.

“This pilot is our response to see if we can safely collaborate with the ride-share industry to simplify transportation options for everyone living on, working on or even visiting our camps, posts and installations,” said Sgt. Maj. of the Army Michael Weimer. “We heard you and agree, it shouldn’t be so hard to coordinate transportation onto our installations, but also in and around some of our larger ones.”

By U.S. Army Public Affairs

GA-ASI Completes First Flight of Belgium’s MQ-9B SkyGuardian

Thursday, March 27th, 2025

SAN DIEGO – 25 March 2025 – General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and the Belgian Ministry of Defence completed the first flight of a new MQ-9B SkyGuardian® Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) that will be the first SkyGuardian delivered to Belgium as part of a four-aircraft purchase. The flight was based out of GA-ASI’s Desert Horizon Flight Operations Facility in El Mirage, California and took place on February 20, 2025.

First flight is part of a series of ground and flight tests conducted to validate the performance of the Belgian MQ-9B RPA. The objective of the flight was to prove controllability and safe landing of the aircraft. The flight was successful, and the program will move forward with further development flight tests.

“We’re excited to complete the first flight of SkyGuardian for Belgium,” said Chris Dusseault, vice president of MQ-9B in Europe. “Belgium joins the U.K.’s Royal Air Force and will become the second country to take delivery of our MQ-9B in Europe.”

MQ-9B is the world’s most advanced RPAS, delivering exceptionally long endurance and range—with auto takeoff and landing under pole-to-pole SATCOM-only control—and will be able to operate in unsegregated airspace using the GA-ASI-developed Detect and Avoid system. MQ-9B includes the SkyGuardian and SeaGuardian® models, with multiple deliveries made to the U.K.’s Royal Air Force (Protector), as well as orders from Canada, Poland, the Japan Coast Guard, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Taiwan, India, and the U.S. Air Force in support of the Special Operations Command. MQ-9B has also supported various U.S. Navy exercises, including Northern Edge, Integrated Battle Problem, and Group Sail.

The Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to Belgium also includes two Certifiable Ground Control Stations (CGCS).

For more information, visit www.ga-asi.com.

Vertx Goes Overt With Siege Bag Series Launch

Thursday, March 27th, 2025

Sometimes the mission demands more. Siege the Mission. Siege the Day. Siege Life.

CINCINNATI, Ohio (March 27, 2025) – Vertx, a leading manufacturer of cutting-edge tactical and everyday carry (EDC) bags and gear, is breaking new ground with the launch of the Siege Overt EDC bag series—designed for those who demand more from their gear. Known for crafting low-profile bags that allow you blend in with ease, Vertx now steps boldly into the overt carry market. The Siege series offers two robust pack sizes: a 25L backpack and a 15L sling. Available in Coyote, Wolf Grey, and It’s Black, these bags are ready to meet the demands of any mission.

“The Vertx customer knows our unmatched covert carry bags and slings,” said Erin Chrostowski, Product Line Manager at Vertx. “The Siege Series is something new our loyal customers have been craving for years. However, we didn’t just want to replicate what’s out there; we aimed to infuse it with Vertx DNA, crafting a top-tier overt bag. Our mission? To introduce Vertx to those who haven’t yet experienced our seamless adaptability, rugged durability, and everyday functionality. And for our current customers? This is the bag you’ve been waiting for.”

The Siege Series is equipped with the Vertx DNA their customers know and trust: light-colored interior that keeps gear visible in low-light environments, high-quality abrasion-resistant materials, mesh pocketing, hook-and-loop interior, and armor compatibility. But that’s just the beginning. The Siege backpack and sling come loaded with their own unique features:

Rapid-access EDC compartments to always keep your gear quickly accessible.

Expandable front pocket faced with tough 500D laser-cut MOLLE to increase your storage capacity without compromising durability.

Spacious main compartment with built-in admin storage and double-layered tech sleeves to keep everything organized and ready for deployment.

Available in three tactical colors: Coyote, Wolf Grey, and It’s Black – these packs are as versatile as they are reliable.

“Our goal when developing the Siege Series was to provide customers with something they haven’t been able to get from Vertx before – an overt pack option – which still provides the same quality our loyal supporters have come to expect thanks to the Vertx DNA,” added Anne Thurman, VP of Product Development at Vertx. “We’re proud of the way Siege is another example of Vertx’s continued industry leadership and innovation in the EDC space.”

Siege the mission and stay Ahead of What’s Next – shop now at www.vertx.com or find the nearest Vertx dealer to experience the difference firsthand.

Now Available TMAG 20 AR/M4 GEN M3

Thursday, March 27th, 2025

The 20 round version of Magpul’s Gen 3 TMAG (Transparent) magazine is now available for order.

Chambered in 5.56×45 NATO/.223 Remington, they are molded from a translucent material with an olive drab hue. Featuring ribbed front and rear straps for improved purchase during magazine changes, the sides are left smooth to enhance visibility.

magpul.com/tmag-20-ar-m4-gen-m3

Sierra Bullets and Barnes Bullets Launch New Websites

Thursday, March 27th, 2025

MONA, Utah – March 26, 2025 – Sierra Bullets and Barnes Bullets are proud to announce the launch of its new websites. Both sites have undergone significant upgrades to enhance functionality and improve user experiences, allowing customers to better access offerings from Sierra Bullets and Barnes Bullets. 

“The team has worked relentlessly over the past few months to get these sites up and running,” said Sierra Bullets’ and Barnes Bullets’ VP of Marketing and Business Development Andrew Sparks. “To bring the consumer a site where they can find what they need, easily and in multiple ways, was our number one priority. On top of that improved user experience, we included load data, dealer locators and improved content – we just want the user to enjoy being part of our family.”  

The new websites boast streamlined layouts and offer user-friendly navigation, providing visitors with easy access to all the tools and information they need in one place. Along with resources such as a load data and dealer locations, customers can effortlessly browse product details and view upgraded content. With these improvements, Sierra Bullets and Barnes Bullets deliver an exceptional online experience, demonstrating the brands’ commitment to quality in both its products and customer service.  

To check out the new websites and learn more about the latest new products and offerings from Sierra and Barnes, visit www.sierrabullets.com and www.barnesbullets.com