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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

B.E. Meyers & Co. Announces Retirement of Master Prototype Machinist After 35 Years of Service

Friday, April 10th, 2026

10 April, 2026, REDMOND, WA — B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc., a Defense Technology Manufacturer specializing in advanced photonic solutions for military, law enforcement, consumer and aerospace applications worldwide has announced the retirement of Master Prototype Machinist, Paul Phelps, after more than three decades of service.

Phelps, whose craftsmanship has been a cornerstone of the company’s success, joined B.E. Meyers & Co. in 1991, during a critical moment in the company’s history, when it transitioned from its initial focus on night vision devices toward specialized and advanced laser systems.

Over the course of his 35-year career with B.E. Meyers & Co., Phelps has had a personal hand in every product in the company’s catalog, transforming raw materials into the precision technologies trusted by the most specialized operators around the globe.

“None of our success would have been possible without the dedication and skilled craftsmanship of our employees,” Matt Meyers, CEO of B.E. Meyers, & Co., reflects. “Paul’s expertise inprecision movement and time is unparalleled. His involvement in every product has helped shape who B.E. Meyers is today.”

Phelps maintained a singular standard, “Quality work on time, every time.” Known for his ability to execute complex designs with robust precision, ensured that the company’ products maintained their repute for durability in the most demanding environments.

To honor his monumental contribution to the company’s legacy, B.E. Meyers & Co. has commissioned a custom, commemorative timepiece from Ares Watch Co., an American brand known for its mission-ready timepieces. Known for its shared values of American craftsmanship and uncompromising reliability, Ares watches are built by artisans. The collaborative Ares Automatic Field Watchwatch serves as a functional celebration of Phelps’ career with B.E. Meyers, & Co.  

SPECS:
FIELD-1 Movement

The FIELD-1 Mission Timer is manufactured with a precision Swiss movement:

    •    Swiss Automatic: ARES currently uses ETA Swiss movements for our automatic DIVER-1 (ETA 2824)

FIELD-1 Case, Caseback, Crown & Bezel

    •    Turned from a solid bar of 316L stainless steel in Ogden, UT 

    •    Hand finished in bead blast Urban Stainless 

Crystal, Dial & Hands

    •    Domed sapphire crystal with inner anti-reflective AR coating

    •    Brass dial with Super LumiNova C3 printed hour indicators, painted minute indices and logo

    •    Brushed hands with C3 in brushed stainless 

Performance & Testing

    •    Individually tested and certified, fully assembled, to 35BAR = 350M.

    •    Anti-magnetic rating 18.8Oe, shock resistant to NIHS-91-10 standards, and thermo-compensated -0 to 50+ C

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Shadow Pack

Friday, April 10th, 2026

The FirstSpear SHADOW PACK is built to move weapons without advertising it. It discreetly carries short rifles, sub-guns, and shotguns inside a low-profile, non-tactical exterior that blends in where loud gear doesn’t belong.

Designed for plain-clothes, surveillance, and urban work, it keeps capability close without drawing a second look. Adjustable shoulder straps and a quick-release sternum strap keep it secure on the move and gone when it needs to be. Internal and external pockets keep mags, tools, and essentials organized and within reach.

A rear zippered compartment keeps small essentials secure and out of sight, while an integrated muzzle cover and adjustable bungee retention straps keep your weapon stable and controlled. Lightweight and durable, it holds up without weighing you down. It’s not tactical—until it absolutely is.

To request an estimate click image above or visit First-Spear.com/Request-For-Estimate. 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.

Flux Defense Introduces the Big Black Barrel — Now Harder Than Ever

Thursday, April 9th, 2026

Flux Defense today announced the Big Black Barrel, a 6″ replacement barrel engineered specifically for the Raider 365 to deliver maximum ballistic performance while preserving the platform’s compact size and function.

Key Features:

  • Length: 6″ — sits flush with the Raider 365 chassis
  • Caliber: 9mm
  • Material: 4150 CMV steel (same base material used in machine-gun barrels)
  • Finish: Black Nitride for enhanced hardness and corrosion resistance
  • Performance: Increased velocity and softer felt recoil versus shorter barrels
  • Compatibility: Exclusively for Sig P365 / Raider 365 — NOT compatible with Sig P320
  • Branding: Flux Defense + True Precision

4150 CMV Strength and Exclusivity

Built from 4150 CMV steel and precision heat-treated, the Big Black Barrel offers superior tensile strength, toughness, wear resistance, and fatigue life compared with typical pistol-barrel steels. Combined with a Black Nitride finish, it delivers improved longevity, reduced friction, and consistent ballistic performance. Flux Defense is the only manufacturer producing a 4150 CMV replacement barrel specifically engineered for the Sig P365/Raider 365 platform.

“The Big Black Barrel gives Raider 365 owners a true performance upgrade — more velocity, softer shooting, and the durability you expect from 4150 CMV steel,” said Alex Aubrey, Chief Marketing Officer, Flux Defense. “We engineered this barrel to retain the Raider’s compact footprint while unlocking the most ballistic capability possible from a 6-inch configuration.”

Availability

Available through authorized Flux Defense dealers and distributors and online: fluxdefense.com/shop/big-black-barrel-true-precision

For more information, visit fluxdefense.com

TNVC Announces Availability of Next-Generation Nocturn Industries Night Vision Housings: TALON, RAPTOR, and CHIMERA

Thursday, April 9th, 2026

Redlands, CA — April 8, 2026 — TNVC (Tactical Night Vision Company), a leading provider of Night Vision, Thermal, and Visual Augmentation Systems (VAS) solutions, is proud to announce the availability of the next generation of night vision housings from Nocturn Industries. The TALON (U.N.V.M.), RAPTOR (U.A.N.V.B.-S.C.), and CHIMERA (U.A.P.N.V.G.) are available through TNVC, delivering cutting-edge advancements in weight reduction, ergonomics, and operational capability. As the demand for adaptable, lightweight, and mission-configurable night vision systems continues to grow across military, law enforcement, and commercial end-users, these next-generation housings represent a significant leap forward in how users operate in low-light and no-light environments.

Next-Generation Platforms Built for Real-World Performance

The Nocturn Industries lineup reflects a design philosophy centered on end-user requirements, emphasizing modularity, intuitive controls, and reduced system weight without sacrificing durability or capability.

TALON (U.N.V.M.) — Ultralight Monocular, Maximum Capability

The TALON is an ultralight monocular platform designed for users who prioritize simplicity, scalability, and reduced load. Compatible with industry-standard components, the TALON offers a streamlined control interface while maintaining full operational capability for a wide range of applications, from individual movement to integration into larger system configurations.

RAPTOR (U.A.N.V.B.-S.C.) — Advanced Articulating Binocular System

The RAPTOR builds upon proven binocular concepts with an emphasis on articulation, balance, and user control. Featuring a single control interface for power, gain, and IR functions, the RAPTOR reduces cognitive load while improving efficiency under stress. Its articulating design allows for enhanced stowage options, improved helmet balance, and adaptability across mission profiles.

CHIMERA (U.A.P.N.V.G.) — The Evolution of Panoramic Night Vision

The CHIMERA represents a breakthrough in panoramic night vision technology as the first articulating quad-tube system of its kind. Designed to provide an expanded field of view while maintaining a low-profile form factor, the CHIMERA allows individual pod articulation and rearward stowage, reducing snag hazards, improving mobility in confined spaces, and optimizing center of gravity for extended wear.

A System Approach to Night Vision

“At TNVC, we don’t view night vision as standalone equipment, we view it as part of a complete system,” said Ephraim Rogers, the MECOM Manager at TNVC. “The TALON, RAPTOR, and CHIMERA exemplify modular, user-driven solutions that allow end-users to define their requirements and build capability around their mission.”

TNVC integrates these housings into fully configured systems, pairing them with high-performance image intensifier tubes, optics, mounting solutions, and accessories. Backed by TNVC’s education-first approach, customers receive not only equipment, but the knowledge and training required to employ it effectively.

Driving Capability Through Education

For over two decades, TNVC has remained committed to bridging the gap between advanced night vision technology and the end user through training, transparency, and trusted expertise. The introduction of these next-generation housings aligns with TNVC’s core belief:

Training is the greatest capability multiplier and the most important upgrade in any system. Through its Nightfighter training programs and educational resources, TNVC ensures that users can fully leverage the advantages offered by modern night vision platforms.

Availability

The Nocturn Industries TALON, RAPTOR, and CHIMERA housings are available now through TNVC. Complete system builds, component upgrades, and consultation services are offered to help customers tailor solutions to their specific operational requirements.

For more information, visit www.tnvc.com or contact TNVC directly for system configuration support.

About TNVC

TNVC is a Veteran-Owned Small Business specializing in Night Vision, Thermal Imaging, and Visual Augmentation Systems (VAS), along with training, lifecycle support, and systems integration. TNVC supports military, law enforcement, and commercial customers worldwide by delivering mission-focused solutions built on trust, education, and performance.

Built on Trust. Driven by Education. Illuminating the Dark.