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OTB Boots Launches the Reengineered T-KOOL 2.0, Expanding Its Lineup of Tactical Footwear

Friday, August 7th, 2026

The updated design delivers enhanced durability, comfort, and performance while maintaining the low-profile appearance that has made the T-KOOL a favorite among elite military operators and law enforcement officers.

BOSTON, Aug. 7, 2026 — OTB Boots today announced the launch of the T-KOOL 2.0, a redesigned version of its low-profile tactical boot that combines skate shoe-inspired style, athletic comfort, and mission-ready performance. The new model introduces meaningful upgrades while preserving the understated styling that allows it to transition seamlessly between operational environments and everyday wear.

The T-KOOL 2.0 was engineered for users who need technical footwear without the appearance of a traditional tactical boot. While its casual silhouette blends naturally into urban settings, every component was designed to perform under demanding conditions.

The 2.0 version features an all-new outsole with a reinforced fast-rope guard that improves abrasion resistance during repeated roping operations. Additionally, the outsole features reverse herringbone lugs that provide traction across varied terrain while maintaining flexibility for dynamic movement and a full-length stability plate enhances support when carrying heavy loads or navigating uneven surfaces. More than one inch of premium Future Foam EVA cushioning delivers lasting comfort throughout extended periods of wear.

Additional features include a waterproof suede upper, climbing rubber toe and heel protection, and a lightweight construction that supports a wide range of training, operational, and everyday applications.

“The T-KOOL has always occupied a unique place in our lineup because it challenges what people expect from tactical footwear,” said Dan Ellis, Founder of OTB Boots. “With the T-KOOL 2.0, we focused on improving the performance where it matters most. The result is a boot that offers greater durability, cushioning, and increased capability while staying true to the low-profile design.”

The introduction of the T-KOOL 2.0 continues OTB Boots’ commitment to developing footwear for military personnel, law enforcement officers, first responders, and outdoor professionals who demand technical performance without unnecessary weight or bulk. The launch follows a series of product introductions that have expanded the company’s portfolio across tactical, maritime, and specialized operational footwear.

The T-KOOL 2.0 is available immediately in a Mid height configuration in brown and black suede through the OTB Boots online store

See the Radical CS5 MOD1 Compact Suppressor at Next Week’s Marine Gunner Association Industry Day

Friday, August 7th, 2026

The CS5 MOD1 is a next-generation, compact suppressor engineered for peak performance with minimal footprint. Designed with a focus on low backpressure, it reduces the load on the operator while providing superior signature reduction.

Improvements to CS5 Mod 1 are based on years of customer feedback from the previous generation of CS5. While overall performance of CS5 was favorable, the team concentrated on factors like weight, secondary retention, and kinematics enhancements.

CS5 Mod 1’s streamlined profile improves muzzle balance and handling without compromising weapon kinematics, all while featuring a rugged quick-disconnect system for rapid deployment. The CS5 Mod 1 introduces Radical Defense’s new TLR² Mounting Interface: Taper-Lock Ratcheting Retention keeps OAL short and maintains sub-MOA POI shift repeatability. Recessed engagement teeth on the redesigned Flash Hider Mount, the KFMR prevents premature wear and impact damage.

Featuring a rear biased Center of Gravity (CG), the CS5 Mod 1 improves muzzle balance, aiding control and reducing muzzle flip. Its forward-venting design significantly reduces back pressure reducing bolt speed, increasing reliability, and reducing the amount of toxic blowback introduced to the operator. Additionally, CS5 Mod 1 optimizes flash and sound suppression with integrated Blast Over Pressure (BOP) mitigation with a dB rating of 138.74dB at the Shooter’s Ear was recorded on an 11.5-inch 5.56 Carbine.

The full CS5 Mod 1 ecosystem includes the 5.56 carbine suppressor, a Blank Safety Device (BSD) capable of catching three live rounds of M855A1, and a Sim Training Suppressor.

CS5 Mod 1 will be on display next week at the USMC Marine Gunner Association Industry Day in King George, VA.

For more information, visit rdusa.com.

B.E. Meyers & Co. Invited to Present at APFIT Event on Capitol Hill

Friday, August 7th, 2026

AUGUST 6, 2026 (Redmond, WA) – B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc.™ was invited to present the successful results of its APFIT award (Accelerate the Procurement and Fielding of Innovative Technologies) to APFIT program stakeholders in Congress and the Department of War at the Cannon House Office Building on July 21, 2026. Funding from APFIT was used to accelerate production of the Squad Aiming Laser – Ultra High Power (SAL-UHP), a multi-function, multi-platform aiming laser. This support enabled significant increases in manufacturing throughput and contributed to the successful adoption of the SAL?UHP by United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).

Established in fiscal year 2022, APFIT provides procurement funding for innovative projects that have completed development and are ready to transition into operational use. The B.E. Meyers & Co.™ SAL-UHP is a variant of the DAGIR®?V1, which was tested, validated, and ultimately adopted by USSOCOM as the LA-30, thanks in part to APFIT support. B.E. Meyers & Co.™ and the SAL-UHP were ideal fits for the APFIT program, which is specifically designed to help small businesses and non-traditional defense contractors bridge the “valley of death” between completion of development and large-scale production.

At the APFIT event, Senior Business Development Manager and U.S. Army veteran Chris Austin, along with CEO Matthew Meyers, showcased the SAL-UHP and highlighted the program’s success. Meyers, representing the second generation of family ownership, was joined by third?generation member Jack Meyers, who assisted with the presentation.

The DAGIR® series represents a major advancement in multi-function aiming and illumination technology. It combines a Near-Infrared illuminator with both NIR and visible aiming lasers in a compact, ruggedized system. Engineered with advanced optical design, the DAGIR® series delivers exceptional illumination quality, intuitive ergonomics, and a refined form factor. USSOCOM previously selected the DAGIR®?V1 under the SAL-UHP program, designating it the LA-30 (NSN 5855-01-724-3043). The DAGIR®-V2, which includes an additional visual laser override button, has also been adopted by USSOCOM under the Miniature Aiming Laser – Ultra High Power (MAL-UHP) contract.

The DAGIR®’s advanced capabilities align closely with the U.S. Department of War’s efforts to maintain and expand U.S. warfighter advantages in night-fighting technology. As a veteran/operated company, B.E. Meyers & Co. is proud to support the enhancement of warfighter night-fighting capability and remains committed to delivering the highest-quality advanced photonics systems for those who serve.

Third generation Meyers family member Jack Meyers with House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman, Representative Ken Calvert (R-CA)

CEO and second-generation Meyers family member Matthew Meyers briefing Rep Ken Calbert (R-CA)

U.S. Army Veterans Matthew Meyers and Senior Business Development Manager, Chris Austin

Who We Are:

B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc.™ is a Defense Technology Manufacturer located in Redmond, Washington. As a privately held, Veteran-operated, second-generation US Small Business in our 52nd year, we are a global leader in tactical laser systems for combat applications, as well as optoelectronic systems for rotary wing aircraft, fixed wing platforms, and UAVs, along with other integrated systems. We are a true “Made in America” operation, with design, development, production, and final assembly occurring in our Redmond, Washington headquarters.  We are proud of our work and who we serve as we evolve critical defense technology and reenergize American Manufacturing.

Who We Support:

Our customers include all branches of US Department of War, US Federal and State Law Enforcement agencies, select US consumer channel partners, international allies in over 50+ countries, as well as defense primes both in the US and internationally.  Our key product brands in these spaces include VSLAP®, IZLID®, GLARE®, MAWL®, DAGIR®, BOARS®, MILR®, KIJI®, and others.

Made in America:

B.E. Meyers & Co.™ operates in multiple market segments as a defense-centric Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) at our core. Our business and our products are:

§     US based

§     US owned

§     Certified SBA Small Business

§     ITAR compliant

§     ISO 9001:2015

§     Made in America

§     Buy American Act compliant

§     Berry Amendment compliant

Strategic Sourcing:
With respect to strategic sourcing amid the U.S.-China trade war, B.E. Meyers & Co.™ is dedicated to an, “Anywhere But China” supply chain policy wherever possible, and especially for key components.

We continually promote efforts to diversify our supply chain, and we also invest in ensuring critical components are stocked to avoid disruptions.

Product Lines:
The DAGIR® series is currently under contract with various US DoW and other entities.
Please see Chuck Pressburg of Presscheck Consulting’s overview of the DAGIR® series here, as well as Steele Industries overview here.

For sales information on the DAGIR®, and other innovative laser solutions from B.E. Meyers & Co., please visit bemeyers.com or connect with us at info@bemeyers.com.

“DAGIR”, “IZLID”, “MAWL”, “MILR”, “KIJI”, “GLARE”, “DIAL”, and “BOARS” are federally registered trademarks of B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc.

US Air Force Supplemental Inspection of M18 Modular Handguns Found Zero Evidence of Conditions Which Would Allow “Uncommanded Discharge”

Friday, August 7th, 2026

Last July Amn Brayden Lovan was tragically killed in a shooting which occurred in the Weapons Storage Area of FE Warren AFB, Wyoming. It is alleged he was shot by another member of his squadron, Amn Marcus White-Allen who was charged with involuntary manslaughter as well as making a false official statement. That Airman was later found dead in his dorm room when his command failed to hold him in pre-trial confinement.

But that’s not the story most people heard for many months after the shooting. The Air Force failed to address the death in a timely fashion which gave opportunity for false accounts of the shooting to infest the internet. Even after lies about the M18 MHS “going off on its own” the Air Force allowed the issue to fester while Air Force Global Strike Command Commanding General Gen Thomas Bussiere removed the weapon from service so that the command’s inventory could be inspected for defects, despite knowing almost immediately that the assailant had lied about his role in the death.

While General Bussiere (who is now retired) remained on leave and failed to address the issue, a paranoid firestorm led to calls to remove MHS from service across the entire Department of War (as well as other agencies at all levels of government) based on unfounded rumors that were circulating the internet. Although the pistols were returned to service with AFGSC by late August, the command did not fully set the record straight as to how AMN Lovat died for over three months.

Eventually, the Air Force directed a complete “Supplemental Inspection” of the service’s entire inventory of MHS. This was “to ensure Airmen/Guardians with an arming requirement, whether at home station or deployed, have a weapon which is safe, reliable, and functional if the moment of need may arise.” The Supplemental Inspection Criteria went above and beyond the requirements of the Technical Order at the time and have since been incorporated into the TO.

Despite consisting of nearly 126,000 pistols, the AF inspection was completed last year and the report was signed on 23 January, 2026 by Brig Gen Brian Filler, Director of Security Forces.

Unfortunately, it has taken over six months for us to obtain a redacted version of the Final Report. At only three pages it is succinct and to the point.

The executive summary tells the story:

“100% of the inspected weapons exhibited no signs of any condition that could have allowed the weapons to experience an “uncommanded discharge.”

Rather than just telling you what is in it, we are sharing the report for you to read every detail yourself. This revelation should put further rumors to bed that the Air Force inventory of sidearms is not safe. To the contrary, MHS is both safe and reliable and this has been attested to time and again. As you can see, no weapon exhibited anything beyond normal wear and tear and those deficiencies have been addressed by maintenance.

Adopted in 2017, there are currently around 500,00 MHS in the US military’s inventory consisting of the M17 and M18 pistols. They are based on the SIG SAUER P320 pistol which is also issued to militaries and law enforcement agencies worldwide. Combined with civilian owned versions of the pistol, they number in the millions.

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Pistol Magazine Pocket, Speed Reload, Single

Friday, August 7th, 2026

The pistol reload is only as fast as the pocket it comes from. The FirstSpear Pistol Magazine Pocket, Speed Reload, Single is built on the same proven architecture as the FirstSpear M4 Speed Reload Pocket, purpose-sized for pistol magazines across a wide range of platforms including the G17/19, G21, G22/23, 1911, M9/226, S&W M&P 9mm, HK USP-9, HK P2000, and P30. Shock cord and speed tab retention keep the magazine secured until you need it, then get out of the way when you do.

Features:

  • BASED ON THE FS M4 SPEED RELOAD POCKET
  • SHOCK CORD AND SPEED TAB RETENTION
  • WIDE PISTOL PLATFORM COMPATIBILITY
  • AVAILABLE IN 6/9™ AND 6/12™ ATTACHMENT STYLES

At its core, the Pistol Magazine Pocket, Speed Reload, Single delivers positive retention and fast access in a single, low-profile package. Speed tabs are removable for a more streamlined setup. Available in Black, Coyote, Manatee Grey, MultiCam, Foliage Green, and Ranger Green, and configurable in both 6/9™ and 6/12™ attachment styles to fit any platform. Also available in double and triple configurations for higher-capacity loadouts.

Built for military personnel, law enforcement officers, and prepared professionals who demand reliable equipment, the Pistol Magazine Pocket, Speed Reload, Single delivers fast, consistent access to your pistol magazine without adding unnecessary bulk to the loadout. FirstSpear is the premier source for cutting-edge tactical gear for military, law enforcement, and those who train. To request an estimate, visit First-Spear.com/Request-For-Estimate. For more information visit First-Spear.com.

When Industry Leaders Unite, Innovation Follows

Thursday, August 6th, 2026

Barrett CEO Bryan James recently met with Strategic Sciences CEO Russ Oliver and President Patrick Kisgen to explore how Strategic Sciences’ advanced technologies can integrate with Barrett systems while advancing the future of shoulder-fired capabilities.

Together, we’re building the next generation of battlefield capabilities and delivering innovative solutions for today’s warfighter and tomorrow’s mission.

Mission First Tactical Introduces AIWB WML Ambidextrous Holster

Thursday, August 6th, 2026

Horsham, PA – (July 31st, 2026)Mission First Tactical (MFT) manufacturers of state-of-the-art, USA made rifle/carbine accessories and holsters, introduces the new MFT AIWB WML Ambidextrous Holster. This light-bearing, red dot ready, newest addition to the MFT holster line is the perfect companion forconceal carry.  

The MFT AIWB Holster is a versatile AIWB, IWB or convertible OWB, capable of use both inside the waistband/appendix (IWB), and outside the waistband (OWB) in both right & left-hand positioning; strong side, outside, inside your waistband or appendix carry. Each holster is handmade in the USA to precise tolerances for each model of handgun using the most advanced techniques and materials for an all-day comfortable carry. Adjustable retention and the famous “audible click” features make each draw and re-holstering smooth and secure. Each holster includes a 1 ½” belt clip. You can easily convert your MFT IWB holster to OWB carry by simply swapping out the belt clip for a MFT Comfort Paddle (sold separately). The new MFT AIWB holster is weapon mounted light compatible withStreamlight TLR series tactical lights and works with all RMR reflex sights.

Features include:

• Appendix, Inside the Waistband (IWB), Outside the Waistband (OWB)

• Ambidextrous – wearable right or left-hand

• Adjustable Cant 0 – 15 degrees

• Audible Passive Retention

• Laser CAD Design for Perfect Fit, Smoother Draw, Less Wear

• Sculpted for RMR (reflex red dot sights)

• Tall Sight Channel – open muzzle

• Abbreviated Sweat Guard

• Superior .08 Boltaron material

• Made with quality screws, rivets and attachments

• Made in the USA at MFT facilities; molded, trimmed, assembled, buffed by hand

• Lifetime Warranty

MSRP: $59.99

Available models include: Glock 19, 23, 43 & 45; Sig Sauer P356; Springfield Hellcat Pro

To learn more about Mission First Tactical and their complete product lineup, please visit www.missionfirsttactical.com. Stay connected with the latest updates by following MFT on Facebook and Instagram.

Streamlight Launches ProTac 2.0 Ducks Unlimited Headlamp

Wednesday, August 5th, 2026

Limited-Edition Rechargeable Headlamp Combines High-Performance Lighting With Outdoor Heritage

EAGLEVILLE, PA, August 4, 2026 – Streamlight®, Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting, announced the launch of the ProTac® 2.0 Ducks Unlimited headlamp, a limited-edition, co-branded rechargeable headlamp designed for hunters, outdoor enthusiasts and anyone who requires dependable, hands-free lighting in low-light environments.

Featuring the same high-performance capabilities as Streamlight’s ProTac 2.0® Headlamp, the Ducks Unlimited edition comes in a Desert Tan finish and includes a custom Ducks Unlimited elastic head strap, a green filter for enhanced visibility in outdoor environments, Streamlight’s SL-B50® rechargeable battery pack that charges directly via an included USB-C charging cord, and a free trial membership to Ducks Unlimited.

Jeremy Smith, Ducks Unlimited’s Senior Director of Corporate Relations, shares: “Ducks Unlimited is proud to partner with Streamlight, offering an exclusive co-branded headlamp built to withstand the harsh elements waterfowl hunters endure. A portion of every sale directly benefits DU’s wetlands conservation efforts to ensure waterfowl for future generations.”

The ProTac 2.0 Ducks Unlimited headlamp offers three output levels to match a range of lighting needs. On High, it delivers 2,000 lumens, 14,500 candela, a 241-meter beam distance, and a 2.25-hour run time. Medium provides 650 lumens, 4,200 candela, a 130-meter beam distance, and a 4.5-hour run time. Low offers 110 lumens, 750 candela, a 55-meter beam distance, and up to 25 hours of run time.

The headlamp features Streamlight’s TEN-TAP® programming, allowing users to choose from three operating programs (High/Medium/Low; High Only; Low/High) to suit their preferences. Its one-handed push-button switch offers both momentary and constant-on operation.

The light is powered by an SL-B50 Streamlight proprietary 4,900mAh Lithium Ion USB rechargeable battery, accessed by the light’s sliding sleeve. It features LED status lights to indicate charging status, including red for charging and green for fully charged.

“The ProTac 2.0 Ducks Unlimited headlamp combines Streamlight’s proven lighting technology with a design that reflects the heritage and passion of Ducks Unlimited supporters,” said Allen Lance, Streamlight’s Vice President of Sales. “Users will appreciate its powerful output, rechargeable convenience, and dependable durability.”

The headlamp measures 4.92 inches in length and weighs 10.48 ounces with battery. Its durable aluminum construction, IP64-rated dust-tight rating, 2-meter water-resistant design, and 2-meter impact resistance ensure reliable performance in rugged outdoor and work environments.

The ProTac 2.0 Ducks Unlimited headlamp has an MSRP of $229.60 and is backed by Streamlight’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.

For more information, visit www.streamlight.com.