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Magpul Announces New Updated ELG Fitments

Wednesday, April 15th, 2026

The original Magpul Enhanced Lever Gun (ELG) Hand Guard fit only the model 1895 in .45-70. They’ve announced an updated model to now fit all modern Marlin lever guns (including those made by Ruger and Remington) with a forearm end cap in all current chamberings.

That means one hand guard will fit the 1895, 1894, and 336 models with a simple clamp swap to fit the proper magazine tube. Now, you can bring all your favorite Marlin lever guns into the 21st century with hand guard M-LOK slots at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock, and a built-in handstop.

The ELG Hand Guard pairs perfectly with their ELG Stock, which already fits all modern Marlin lever actions.

Features:

  • Quick and easy installation for all modern Marlin lever-actions w/ forearm end cap
  • M-LOK slots to mount accessories
  • Integrated handstop

Offered in Black, Flat Dark Earth, and OD Green.

Magpul will also be exhibiting at this week’s National Rifle Association Annual Meeting (booth 2443) in Houston.

magpul.com/elg-m-lok-hand-guard-marlin

Redefining Rotary Wing Protection: Gentex Launches Next Generation Helmet Platform at AAAA 2026

Tuesday, April 14th, 2026

At AAAA this week, Gentex Corporation will unveil its Next Generation Rotary Wing Helmet, a purpose-built solution engineered to elevate safety, adaptability, and mission performance for modern aircrew. Designed with a Modular Open Systems Approach (MOSA), the helmet provides a scalable platform that supports both current and future helmet-mounted display (HMD) technologies, ensuring long-term operational relevance as mission requirements evolve.

Built to meet the U.S. Army’s most stringent impact and protection standards, including 56/P (FNS/PD 96-18) and DOI specifications, the helmet delivers enhanced impact and debris resistance, in a lighter weight platform. Gentex’s LockDown® Liner System technology enables a secure, stable fit, while improvements in field of view, cable management, and overall system integration create a lighter, compact and more comfortable solution optimized for extended missions and demanding operational environments.

At the core of the system is an architecture that enables airframe- and mission-specific customization. Designed to be both upgradable and interchangeable, the helmet evolves alongside mission demands, supporting rapid integration of new technologies without compromising performance. This adaptability is further enhanced through close industry collaboration, allowing for tailored configurations that incorporate system-specific components and respond to the dynamic needs of operators.

By combining advanced safety features with scalable, future-ready design, Gentex continues to deliver innovative solutions that meet the evolving challenges of rotary wing operations.  Stop by Booth 1052 in Nashville this week or sign up at www.gentexcorp.com to continue to learn more.

Platatac MAC ALICE Pack V3

Tuesday, April 14th, 2026

Right off the bat you’re going to notice something different about the MAC ALICE Pack V3 from Platatac from other packs. The lower accessory pockets are upside down. This is because it can be difficult to access stuffed pockets when thy are stacked one atop the other. Don’t worry, these pockets feature drawstring collars as well as straps with side release buckles.

Offering 68-82 liters of carrying capacity, there’s a 48 liter main compartment along with a lid and side pockets offering loads of organization.

Internally, the main compartment features a laser cut PALS field allowing the user to attach heavy items like a radio close to the frame via pouches. You’ll also note a zippered mesh divider for better separation of sleeping and sustainment gear as well as dual internal mesh storage pockets and full-length hydration sleeves.

Compatible with both ALICE and the DownEast 1606 frame (MOLLE), the MAC ALICE Pack V3 is offered in TFP or Ranger Green.

platatac.com/products/platatac-mac-alice-pack-v3

Darley and the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Launch Fifth Annual Fire Service Thought Leadership Essay Competition

Monday, April 13th, 2026

ITASCA, IL – April 13th, 2026 – Darley, a leading provider of defense, fire, and emergency services equipment, in collaboration with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), is proud to announce the launch of the fifth annual Fire Service Thought Leadership Essay Competition. Now in its fifth year, the competition has become one of the fire service’s premier platforms for original thinking, drawing over 90 entries annually from firefighters, company officers, and chief officers across the country.

This year’s prompt asks a question the fire service can no longer afford to sidestep: how can artificial intelligence be used to improve firefighter health, wellness, and safety over the next two years?

AI is already showing up in firehouses. Incident reporting, staffing models, wildfire prediction, roadway risk forecasting, and fire-based EMS operations are all areas where AI tools are beginning to take hold. Taking inspiration from the NFL’s “Digital Athlete” platform built with AWS, which uses data, AI simulations, and predictive models to identify injury risks and design smarter training for players, this year’s contest challenges fire and rescue personnel to think seriously about what that kind of capability could mean for the people who run into burning buildings for a living.

“The people best positioned to shape how AI gets used in the fire service are the ones on shift,” said Paul Darley, CEO & Chairman at Darley. “Sometimes the best ideas in the fire service don’t always make it past the apparatus bay. We built this competition because writing is an act of leadership, and we want you to use this platform to spotlight your ideas and create discussion amongst industry peers.”

Essays may explore AI-enabled training such as:

  • Virtual and augmented reality staff rides
  • Predictive analytics for wildland and all-hazard incidents
  • Decision-support tools for complex EMS, hazmat, and technical rescue operations
  • Fatigue and workload tracking for high-volume EMS crews
  • Exposure and injury trend analysis

Submissions are encouraged to connect ideas to real operational needs, draw from line-of-duty lessons, and align with the 12 NFFF Fire and Life Safety Initiatives.

“Artificial intelligence is not a replacement for firefighter judgment; it is a force multiplier for firefighter survivability,” said National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Director of Fire Programs Danny Kistner. “By combining AI with immersive staff rides, predictive modeling, and resilience-building programs, we can help departments see risk sooner, train with greater realism, and support their people long before and long after the call. This directly aligns with the NFFF mission—to honor our fallen by doing everything possible to reduce preventable deaths and injuries. We invite you to join this competition and submit your ideas for how AI can further this mission in the fire service.”

The competition follows a Tier 3 AI usage standard. Writers may use generative AI tools to brainstorm, organize thinking, and refine outlines, but all sentences in the final submission must be written by the author in their own words. Essays may be screened with AI-detection tools, and any AI use must be disclosed.

Since its launch, the competition has tackled recruitment and diversity, resistance to change in the fire service, and the mental health struggles firefighters carry long after the incident is over. Winners receive cash prizes, present at events including the Texas A&M Leadership Conference and FRI, and are published across major fire service media including Fire Engineering, Firehouse, CRACKYL, and FireRescue1.

The competition was conceived by Garry Briese and is sponsored by Darley in collaboration with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

Submissions are now open. Visit darley.com/essay-competition to learn more and submit.

Colt Optics Launches VMR Series Riflescope

Monday, April 13th, 2026

Michigan (April 13, 2026) – Colt Electro Optics LLC(“Colt Optics”) hereby announces the release its first products, the VMR series riflescopes.

Colt Optics was founded in Michigan in 2024 by a group of optics industry veterans and the Colt CZ Group in order to design and build professional grade products. At Colt Optics, we believe the equipment you rely on should never be the weak link. Whether in the field, on the range, or in critical moments, shooters need optics they can trust without hesitation. That is why every Colt Optics system is developed by our Michigan-based team of optics industry professionals, bringing together decades of real-world shooting experience and proven engineering discipline.

We have built an engineering and product team with deep industry experience to produce high caliber optics that we will stand behind with our lifetime warranty and unwavering support for our customers,said Dennis Finnegan, COO of Colt Optics.    

From concept through validation, each optic is engineered with quality assurance in the United States, with a relentless focus on performance, durability, and consistency. Just as importantly, our products are shaped by the people who use them, refined through continuous feedback from professional and commercial shooters to ensure every detail delivers when it matters most.

The Colt Optics VMR series riflescopes are built to give shooters the confidence to perform in demanding environments. Whether engaging at distance or operating under pressure, the VMR series delivers the clarity, durability, and consistency required to stay focused on the shot, not the equipment.

With precision-engineered optics, rugged mechanical construction, and disciplined testing behind every system, each VMR scope is designed to hold zero, track accurately, and maintain performance when it matters most. The VMR series is available in 1-8x, 3-18x, and 4.5-27x configurations to support a wide range of mission and shooting applications.

We set out to build riflescopes that shooters can rely on without question, regardless of the environment or mission,said Jon Meyer, Vice President of Product Developmentfor Colt Optics. “The VMR series reflects that focus on performance, durability, and real-world usability.

VMR 1-8×28

The VMR 1-8×28 is built for shooters who need to move fast without sacrificing control. At 1x, it delivers a clear, intuitive sight picture that supports rapid target acquisition in close-quarters environments. As magnification increases, it provides the precision needed for more deliberate engagements without forcing the shooter to compromise.

Designed for real-world use, the optic emphasizes a forgiving eye box and consistent sight picture to reduce friction during transitions and maintain speed under pressure. Whether engaging at distance or working in confined spaces, it allows the shooter to stay focused on the target, not the optic.

Available in MRAD and MOA configurations, it features a 34mm one-piece 6061 aluminum tube, low-profile capped turrets, and an illuminated reticle with 11 brightness settings. Powered by a CR2032 battery rated for 575 hours at mid-setting, it is built for reliable, field-ready performance.

VMR 3-18×44

The VMR 3-18x is built for shooters who need one optic to perform across a wide range of conditions and distances without compromise. Whether engaging closer targets or stretching out for precision work, it provides the clarity and control needed to stay effective in any environment.

Designed for real-world use, it delivers a balanced combination of magnification, usability, and repeatable performance. The system is built to maintain a consistent sight picture, track accurately, and hold zero, giving shooters the confidence to make precise corrections and stay on target when it matters most.

With rugged mechanical construction, advanced optical performance, and disciplined testing behind every system, the VMR 3-18x is engineered to perform reliably under demanding conditions. It is built for professionals and serious shooters who rely on their equipment to deliver consistent results, not occasional performance.

The VMR 3-18x features the HXT-58 reticle, designed for precision shooting applications, with a refined center aiming point that minimizes target obstruction while maintaining exact point-of-aim control.

VMR 4.5-27×56

The VMR 4.5-27x is built for shooters who demand precise, repeatable performance at distance. When small errors matter and conditions are less than ideal, it delivers the clarity and consistency required to make confident, accountable shots.

Designed to support long-range engagements, the system emphasizes reliable tracking, consistent return to zero, and a stable sight picture across the full magnification range. Every adjustment is meant to be trusted, allowing shooters to make corrections with confidence and stay focused on execution.

A forgiving eye box and consistent eye relief support fast target acquisition from a variety of shooting positions, while precision-machined internals ensure exact lens alignment and dependable adjustments. Rugged mechanical and electronic systems are built to withstand harsh environments, maintain zero under recoil, and perform through repeated impacts.

The VMR 4.5-27x features the HXT-28 reticle, designed for precision-focused shooting, with a fine center aiming point that enables exact engagement of small or distant targets.

Our 1-8x and 3-18x VMR series riflescopes will be available to purchase from retailers in the next few weeks, with our 4.5-27x coming later this summer. Please visit www.coltoptics.com for more information.

USMC Awards Gentex Contract for Integrated Helmet Systems

Monday, April 13th, 2026

The Department of War made the following announcement on Friday, 10 April, 2026 at COB;

Gentex Corp., Simpson, Pennsylvania, is awarded a $128,484,849 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the Integrated Helmet Systems. This contract provides for the procurement of Integrated Helmet Systems with associated components and accessories. The ordering period will be a maximum of five years and is expected to be completed in April 2031. Work will be performed in Simpson, Pennsylvania. No funds will be obligated at time of award. Funds will be obligated on individual task/delivery orders as they are issued. The requirement was procured under the authority of 10 U.S. Code 4022(f) as a follow-on production agreement to the prototype agreement (M67854-20-9-1000). Marine Corps Systems Command, Quantico, Virginia, is the contracting activity (M67854-26-D-5401). 

I’d like to remind readers that Galvion was also issued a contract by the Marine Corps for this program last August for $131,396,296. Both contracts are Indefinite Quantity Indefinite Delivery (IDIQ).

This program has been underway for quite some time. To give you an idea, the photo was taken of the Gentex helmet in May of 2022.

BFG Monday: The Hidden Weight That’s Destroying Our Warfighters

Monday, April 13th, 2026

Injuries in the lower back and limbs “are attributed primarily to running and foot marching long distances with heavy loads”according to an article by U.S. Medicine. At Blue Force Gear (“BFG”), we understand that every gram – yes, every single gram – counts. That’s why we developed our patented Helium Whisper MOLLE pouch attachment system over a decade ago that drastically reduces weight and streamlines the back panel design to eliminate potential manufacturing failures many Soldiers, Marines, and Airmen are familiar with.


Photo credit: Army SPC Juan Perez

Though revolutionary for their time, legacy MOLLE pouch attachment systems are simply heavier than our newer technology. The back panels alone require more than 25 separate components (snaps, stiffeners, multiple sewn layers of fabric and webbing) to attach a single pouch to a vest or plate carrier(compared to a similar BFG Helium Whisper pouch). Every one of those components adds weight. Every sewn seam and metal snap is a potential failure point waiting to manifest at the worst possible moment.

Helium Whisper replaces all of those parts with a single laser-cut piece of proprietary ULTRACOMP high-performance fabric facing laminate. The result is a system built from just 6 parts that cuts the attachment system weight by as much as 50% compared to legacy alternatives. Fewer parts mean fewer opportunities for something to break, corrode, or come apart and the laser precise design eliminates backers that are out of spec. The attachment straps are integral to the backer itself, with no sewn seams to fail or tear away. When a pouch is placed under tension, Helium Whisper tightens its grip rather than pulling apart.

The math is simple: a warfighter running full kit of legacy MOLLE pouches is carrying a significant and entirely unnecessary weight penalty, extra ounces on every pouch can add up to 3 to 5 pounds across a full Rifleman loadout. Those pounds punish knees, destroy backs, and slow down the men and women who cannot afford to be slowed down. Helium Whisper doesn’t just cut weight, it saves lives.

To learn more about how your unit can increase lethality and survivability and drastically reduce load carriage weight, contact the BFG Military Department or visit BlueForceGear.com.

About Blue Force Gear®

Widely known for supplying the world’s best weapon slings, Blue Force Gear also leads the lightweight load carriage equipment revolution with Ten-Speed multi-use pouches, MOLLEminus platforms, and their patented Helium Whisper attachment system. Their proprietary ULTRACOMP high-performance coated fabric laminate material, unrivaled innovation, attention to detail, and obsession with reducing weight sets Blue Force Gear apart from others in the tactical equipment industry. Blue Force Gear is a Great Place to Work Certified Company. For more information on products, proprietary technologies, or how BFG continues to reduce weight for the warfighter, visit their website: www.blueforcegear.com

Ferro Concepts – TRAK Bag

Friday, April 10th, 2026

The TRAK (Tactical Rope Access Kit) Bag is a streamlined, purpose-built solution for lightweight rope operations, personal escape, and hasty rescues. Optimized for high mobility where weight and bulk must be minimized, it provides a compact platform for maintaining rope and essential hardware in a readily deployable state. From vertical urban movement to jungle environments and roof-top breaches, the TRAK Bag delivers immediate access when seconds count.

Available in MultiCam and Black.

ferroconcepts.com/products/trak-bag