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5.11, Inc Welcomes New Senior Vice President of Omni Channel Retail, Mark Parker

Wednesday, January 27th, 2021

Parker brings over 40 years of experience across multiple functions of the retail industry to the brandIRVINE, Calif. (January 25, 2021) – 5.11, Inc., the global innovator of purpose-built apparel, footwear and gear, has announced the addition of retail-industry veteran Mark Parker as Senior Vice President of Omni Channel Retail. Parker joins the company with over 40 years of retail experience and will lead 5.11’s efforts in enhancing the brand’s direct-to-consumer channels and customer experience.

“Mark has an extensive background across multiple functions of the retail sector,” said 5.11 CEO Francisco Morales. “He has worked with many world-class brands and led omni channel teams, human resources, digital development, communications and more, both domestically and internationally. His experience, knowledge, and commitment will be a tremendous asset to 5.11.”

Mark Parker, 5.11’s New Senior Vice President of Omni Channel RetailParker’s 40 years of professional experience includes time with The Disney Store, Vans, and The North Face, giving him a significant understanding of the outdoor apparel and gear industry. The last eight years of his career were focused on developing integrated omni channel experiences through retail and digital innovation and organizational development.

“5.11 has long been known as a pioneer and leading-innovator of tactical and outdoor products,” stated Parker. “It is an outstanding brand with a strong and loyal customer base. I couldn’t be more excited to join the 5.11 team and work to ensure their customers can engage in a frictionless and integrated retail experience and an elevated level of customer service.”

Mark grew up in Southport, United Kingdom and is a true citizen of the world, having lived in Madrid, Spain, Hong Kong, Singapore, Lugano, Switzerland, California, and Florida. He is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys spending time on mountain trails with his family and dog.

To learn more about 5.11, please visit www.511tactical.com.

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SIG Ammunition Produced & Delivered Over 825,000 Rounds of 6.8x51mm Composite Case Ammo for US Army Next Generation Squad Weapons Program Prototype Test #2

Wednesday, January 27th, 2021

Last month SIG Ammunition delivered 825,000 rounds of their composite cased 6.8x51mm ammunition to the US Army for Prototype Test #2 of the Next Generation Squad Weapons program. This is in addition to earlier deliveries as part of the program as well as ammunition used for in-house development and testing. All told, I’d estimate they’re approaching over one million rounds of next generation hybrid cased ammunition.

The NGSW program will replace the 5.56mm M4 Carbine and M249 Squad Automatic Weapon with a new Rifle and Automatic Rifle at the squad level in close combat formations like infantry and cavalry scouts. The other services are monitoring the program as well to decide if they want to participate.

In addition to the ammunition, NGSW-AR lightweight machine guns, and NGSW-R rifles mentioned above, the program also includes suppressors. Additionally, they are working on a dedicated Fire Control system with other vendor teams.

At the heart of this program is the ammunition. The Army gave industry a 6.8mm projectile and a performance specification, but left it up to them on how to best deliver that projectile within the required performance parameters.

Turns out, that performance they are seeking is similar to 270 Win Short Mag. The velocities required to achieve the desired effects for that 6.8mm projectile on target call for extremely high chamber pressures in excess of 80,000 psi; previously unheard of for small arms.

As if it wasn’t enough that the ammunition is a larger caliber than what it is replacing, it has to be at least 20% lighter as well. The SIG ammunition hybrid design beats that goal at 23.5% lighter than the weight of an equivalent energy cartridge (270 WSM). Below, you can see the hybrid case next to conventional all brass cased ammunition.

This is no science project. The Army plans to pick a solution by next year. While the engineering alone is daunting, industry has to also be able to actually manufacture the ammunition and weapons they’ve designed, in the event they are selected.

NGSW Candidates

The requirement has led to some interesting solutions. From an opening crowd of 16 industry teams offering various solutions, the Army narrowed it down to just three: SIG SAUER with their own hybrid cased ammunition consisting of brass body and steel head; General Dynamics-OTS teamed with True Velocity to introduce a recyclable polymer cased cartridge; and Textron Systems using a Case Telescoped cartridge which features a polymer case that completely encases the projectile and propellant, resembling a rimless shotgun shell. This slide depicts all of the candidate systems.

SIG’s Hybrid Case Ammunition Solution

SIG has been producing this ammunition in their Jacksonville, Arkansas factory. Last Fall, I had the opportunity to check out their operation. During the tour I witnessed manufacturing of commercial ammunition as well as the .300 WinMag ammunition under contract for the US Army and the new composite case rounds in 6.8x51mm for the NGSW program.

I’ll highlight their process for manufacturing the composite case at the time of my visit. Over time, it may change slightly due to regular upgrades in both processes and machinery. For example, when the cartridge case was first created, SIG used a three-piece design which included an internal aluminum lock washer to hold the head and case together. In the cutaway below you can see the washer in the three-piece design. Since then, they’ve refined it to a two-piece design which streamlines manufacturing and also saves even more weight and cost.

The hybrid design not only lowers weight compared to traditional all brass cased ammunition, but there are additional advantages as well. There is also more strength in the steel head where you need it, yet they retain the malleable brass case that works very well in the firing cycle. Forming the brass case body the way they do also means it is more uniform and they get an extra 200-300 feet per second muzzle velocity from the same load compared to conventional all brass case.

SIG Ammunition manufactures the hybrid case and complete round using the same types of machines used to manufacture all brass cased ammunition.

In this image you can see the processes to manufacture a conventional all brass 5.56mm case which is the lower set in the image.

1. Cup

2. Final Draw and Trim

3. Primer Pocket

4. Head Stamp

5. Pierce / Body Anneal

6. Taper

7. Mouth Anneal / Stress Relief

8. Polish / Final Inspect

With the hybrid case (upper set of cases), the steel head is manufactured separately and the case body and head are combined in a press. Otherwise, the processes are quite similar to conventional bass cased ammo.

While SIG is working on their own primers, which are still a ways out, SIG uses commercial primers and propellants combined with government furnished projectiles to manufacture the 6.8x51mm next generation ammunition.

Commercial Applications

Never fear. While this ammunition was developed for NGSW, SIG is poised to offer a commercial version, called 277 SIG FURY.

From the outset of the NGSW program SIG planned on offering this ammunition commercially to the consumer. During my visit Jason Imhoff, Director of Ammunition Engineering at SIG, related, “The thought of civilians not having access to a new military cartridge never even crossed my mind.”

They went through the process to introduce a new cartridge to the market, working with the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers’ Institute (SAAMI) beginning in June 2019 when SIG submitted drawings and proof load information to the summer meeting.

Due to the round’s high chamber pressures, SIG had to work with SAAMI’s Technical Working Group to develop new certification procedures. Despite delays due to COVID, the Joint Technical Committee approved the Technical Data Package.

Initially, 277 SIG FURY will be offered as an option for the SIG Cross bolt action rifle. In fact, the Cross was developed using 277 SIG Fury proof loads. However, I wouldn’t be surprised to see the upcoming MCX Spear, a heavy variant of the MCX which they developed for NGSW, chambered in 277 SIG FURY offered for sale down the road.

Jason Imhoff also told me that SIG doesn’t plan on stopping with the .277 variant. He foresees a 6.5 and possibly .308 versions of SIG FURY which utilize the hybrid case for higher velocities. Who knows where they’ll go after that.

The Way Ahead

Prototype Test #2 of the Next Generation Squad Weapons program has already begun and the Army will soon make a decision on which candidate system it wants to move forward with. Meanwhile, SIG will continue to refine their hybrid ammunition case technology and offer it to civilian and government customers alike.

Posted in Advertiser, Ammo | 42 Comments »

Vertx Combines Utility and Style with the New Vaporcore Shirt

Tuesday, January 26th, 2021

Capitol Dress Shirt Newest Addition to the Prepared Professional’s™ Arsenal

Cincinnati, Ohio – Vertx®, a leading manufacturer of low-profile tactical apparel and accessories, announces the launch of the Capitol Dress Shirt; a classic, professional button down with 37.5® active particle technology. Offered in White Noise, a crisp white, and Jettison Blue, a classic blue, the shirts are now available online at vertx.com and in-store. Customers can find their nearest dealer using the Vertx® store locator at vertx.com/store-locator.

“At Vertx® we serve many professionals working in both public and private security where they are often required to dress for casual and formal environments,” said Denny Bogard, GM/VP of Vertx. “A full day in suit and tie gets uncomfortable pretty quickly and especially on the job. We’ve designed the Capitol Shirt to combat the challenges our customers face when it comes to the mobility and comfort of professional attire.”

Part of the expanding line of VaporeCore™ products, the Capitol Dress Shirt is built using 37.5® active particle technology fabrics. 37.5® particles attract sweat vapor away from the skin and absorb the body’s natural infrared (IR) light, releasing it when hot. This means that under layers and during strenuous activity, the Capitol Shirt is working with the wearer to keep them cool, dry and odor-free. In addition to its temperature-regulating fabric, the Capitol is constructed to provide the utmost in mobility. Its tapered athletic fit and extended tail eliminates interference with holsters and when drawing. Even when worn under a jacket or sport coat, the Capitol’s underarm articulation allows for unrestricted range of motion. The Capitol proves that tactical advantage and professional appearance aren’t mutually exclusive. Learn more about the Vertx® Capitol Dress Shirt and the rest of the VaporCore™ line at vertx.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Clothing, Press Release | 2 Comments »

SENTRY Products Group CEO, Mike Noell, Talks to The Mentors Radio

Tuesday, January 26th, 2021

Former Navy SEAL and successful serial entrepreneur, Mike Noell, chats with host and entrepreneurial CEO Tom Loarie on life, business, and lessons learned.

Virginia Beach, Va. (January 2021) – Founder and CEO of SENTRY Products Group, LLC™, Mike Noell, spent some time with The Mentors Radio host and fellow entrepreneur, Tom Loarie, on a podcast on Jan. 6, 2021.

The Mentors Radio features three entrepreneurial CEOs hosting top-performing innovators, advisors, entrepreneurs, and CEOs from around the globe. The podcasts provide listeners with the backgrounds and stories behind some of the most successful brands and companies. Digging into their guests’ life stories, The Mentors Radio hosts reveal the business practices, life lessons, and sometimes, difficult decisions leaders make every day.

On Jan. 6, 2021, The Mentors Radio host, Tom Loarie, spoke with Mike Noell, former Navy SEAL, former founder and CEO of BLACKHAWK!, and current founder and CEO of SENTRY Products Group, LLC, based in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Host Tom started right off by asking Mike about his “Aha!” business moment. Mike’s moment came while as a Navy SEAL during the first Gulf War in 1991. His SEAL unit was teamed up with Marines on a mission of deep reconnaissance and to provide the Kurdish people with humanitarian relief at the southern border of Turkey during the no-fly initiative established by the US. Wearing loaded packs weighing over 100 lbs., he and his team inserted via helicopters 60 kilometers into Northern Iraq. As fate would have it, the strap on Mike’s backpack broke and took him down with the fallout. A Bouncing Betty mine greeted him, just inches from where he fell. What could have been a catastrophe to him and his team, became Mike’s “come to Jesus” moment where he decided that if he got out of there alive, he would create gear that would never fail a warfighter. This would be the birth of BLACKHAWK!

For many in the military, and specifically the special operations groups, the BLACKHAWK! brand was the epitome tactical gear brand in the world for over a decade and was synonymous with superior mission-designed products. In April of 2010, the company was purchased by ATK. The resounding success of the BLACKHAWK! brand and eventual sale, left many in the industry assuming Mike Noell had successfully retired from the highly competitive world of designing and manufacturing gear.

Mike’s history as a competitive athlete (swimming) and competitive sailor, combined with his service as a Navy SEAL prepared him for a high-octane life, so retirement was not an option. This year marks the fifth year of SENTRY Products Group and the year Mike believes the brand will show significant growth in the marketplace, through their combined efforts of product launches, marketing, and sales. SENTRY Products Group is just the latest entrepreneurial passion of Mike and his team of former BLACKHAWK! executives to showcase and bring a variety of products to the market for law enforcement, military, security, and outdoor communities.

His years as a Navy SEAL had provided Mike with some of the critical skills he would take into the business world, such as to never quit, that failure is not an option, and to not try, but do. Combined with his father’s experience as a problem solver and entrepreneur, Mike’s initial endeavor into the cut and sew business for his military pals was not easy. “We started in a garage. All the gear that our guys were using was old and out of date with all the new electronics that they started to carry in the field. They needed new pouches and load-bearing systems. It was a time of transitioning out of the Vietnam era and into today where our special operators and specifically the Navy SEALS needed to accomplish their missions better and faster, and gear was critical to their success.”

BLACKHAWK! grew and over the years, Mike brought on a team of experts in their chosen fields that took the brand to the very top of its category in brand awareness, customer loyalty, and sales figures. After over a decade, Mike realized that to continue the rapid growth and technologies required to keep the company at the top spot, a financial partner was essential. Instead of a partner, the company was sold and Mike quietly went into a semi-retirement state.

“I didn’t have a good work-life balance and running a company like BLACKHAWK! was a 24/7 job. I took some time with my family and to regroup,” Mike reflected when asked by the host how he brought balance into his life. “My passion is in helping those on the line by providing them with the tools they need to make their missions successful, so after some time for reflection, I jumped back into the business world with SENTRY Products Group. At SENTRY, I now have the A-team from BLACKHAWK!, and over the past five years we have made four acquisitions, brought back our production facilities, and have some great new and innovative products lined up for release.”

Mike wrapped up his hour-long interview by telling listeners that what drives him is his customer base and what he and his team can do to make their jobs and lives more successful. “Find your passion and pursue it.”

To hear the full podcast and SENTRY Products Group CEO Mike Noell talk about what he learned from his time with the Navy SEALS and as a founder of two highly innovative companies, visit www.thementorsradio.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, Press Release | 1 Comment »

5.11 Tactical Updates Rush Pack Series

Tuesday, January 26th, 2021

Earlier this month 5.11 Tactical released an update to their flagship pack, the Rush series, introducing the new 2.0 configuration. Their tag line, “a million missions and counting,” shows how ubiquitous this pack has become and how welcome these changes will be to their users.

Recently, we spoke with Sharon Park, the Senior Category Manager for Gear at 5.11 Tactical where she oversees Load Bearing, Tools and EDC accessories. The Rush 2.0 series is right in her wheelhouse and she told us of her job, “I love gear.” After taking a look at what they’ve done, the results back up her claim.

For the update, Park’s marching orders were straight forward, keep the appearance familiar, add features, but maintain the price. A simple, yet challenging, list of demands.

5.11 Tactical endeavors to offer value to their customers, balancing quality and affordability. They seem to be doing a good job, considering how much 5.11 gear you see out in the field. Not only is it standard issue for agency after agency, but end users gravitate 5.11’s way and it was those same end users Park’s team listened to for this project.

Offered in three sizes, 5.11 Tactical sees the Rush series as their ultimate every day pack. According to Park it offers, “modularity and versatility to our duty customers as well as the tactical enthusiast, student and outdoor adventurer.” That’s a lot of different user groups to satisfy.

They keep a running list of customer wish lists for all of their products and referenced the Rush list before they commenced on the upgrades.

Available in 12, 24, 72 and 100 sizes, the numerical naming convention equates to hours rather than size in liters. However, the 2.0 upgrades were only applied to the three smaller sizes of the Rush as the 100 is a more recent design. The mid-sized Rush24 is the most popular in the lineup, offering 37 liters of load carriage space whereas the Rush12 comes in at 24 liters and the Rush72 at 75 liters. The line is rounded out with the Rush100 which i mentioned earlier and it’s much more like a traditional hiking pack with 60 liters of carrying capacity.

The packs have always featured quick access to the contents, and the upgrades, which have been classified by the design team as major and minor, concentrate on access to gear.

On the major side, they’ve added a padded laptop compartment which was their most requested feature addition. They also added a concealed carry compartment similar to the one on the MOAB 6 and 10 sling packs, and enlarged the eyewear pouch within the top zippered pouch.

Minor improvements include an updated admin pocket, relocated hydration port and they’ve also revised the interior organization.

As far as construction, the 2.0 models continue to be made from 5.11’s proprietary 1050D nylon along with YKK zippers.

They also kept their basic colors and added a couple of new ones, Kangaroo which replaces Sandstone and Ranger Green which replaces Tac OD. These color changes also cane from that end user wish list. Overall, pack color choices vary slightly by size model, but yes, MultiCam is an option.

Speaking of overall appearance, she also told us an interesting item we’d never heard before. The Rush pack series features the “5.11 signature centerline design” which they have registered as trade dress. There are loads of knock-off packs on the market and the Rush is no stranger to being copied. One of the ways you can tell a genuine 5.11 Tactical pack is by that seam flap that resembles a vertical line down the center of the pack.

The Rush 2.0 series is available now at www.511tactical.com/rush-packs.

Posted in Advertiser, Packs | 1 Comment »

SilencerCo Teams Up With Vertx and Dark Angel Medical to Host the Shot Show Not Show Giveaway

Monday, January 25th, 2021

WEST VALLEY CITY, UT – In the absence of SHOT Show, we decided to team up with our partners Vertx and Dark Angel Medical to host a SHOT Show Not Shot Giveaway, a five-day giveaway being held from January 26 – 30, with high-end prize packages you will definitely want to win.

With plans of giving away 14 silencers, five Dark Angel Medical kits, five Vertx bags, and an all-expenses paid trip to SilencerCo’s headquarters in Utah to tour their factory and shoot on their range, this giveaway will not disappoint.

The Shot Show Not Show Giveaway consists of five exclusive packages that will get anyone excited. Here are the package details.

Package 1: January 26

• SilencerCo Sparrow 22
• A Dark Angel Medical Pocket Mini Plus
• Vertx Tourist Sling

Package 2: January 27

• SilencerCo Sparrow 22
• SilencerCo Osprey 9
• Dark Angel Medical EDC with CAT
• Vertx Contingency Duffel

Package 3: January 28

• SilencerCo Sparrow 22
• SilencerCo Osprey 9
• SilencerCo Saker ASR 556
• Dark Angel Medical EDC with CAT + 5.5-inch shears
• Vertx Dead Letter Sling

Package 4: January 29

• SilencerCo Sparrow 22
• SilencerCo Osprey 9
• SilencerCo Saker ASR 556
• SilencerCo Omega 36M
• Dark Angel Medical DARK (standard Loadout)
• Vertx Commuter Sling XL 2.0

Package 5: January 30

• All Expenses Paid Trip
• SilencerCo Sparrow 22
• SilencerCo Osprey 9
• SilencerCo Saker ASR 556
• SilencerCo Omega 36M
• Dark Angel Medical DARK with Extra CAT and Rip Shears
• Vertx Gamut 2.0 Canopy Green/Tropic MC

To enter the giveaway, participants need to follow all three participating companies on Instagram and like their Not Shot Show posts. The participating company Instagram profiles are @silencerco, @darkangelmedical, and @vertx_official. In addition, each like, comment, and tagged account will serve as an additional entry.

Winners will be announced on Tuesday, February 2, on SilencerCo’s Instagram page.

For more information and prize details, please visit: silencerco.com/not-show-giveaway

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SCUBAPRO Sunday – BMCM (MDV) Carl Brashear

Sunday, January 24th, 2021

Master Diver Carl Brashear was born on January 19, 1931, in Tonieville, Kentucky. He joined the Navy in Feb 1948. A 31-year Navy veteran, Brashear retired in 1979 as a Master Chief Boatswain’s Mate, the highest enlisted rank in the U.S. Navy. In 1966 while diving to recover a lost nuclear weapon off Spain’s coast, Brashear was severely injured in an accident. As a result, surgeons amputated his left leg below the knee. He refused to submit to a medical board’s attempt to retire him as unfit for duty. After demonstrating that he could still dive and perform his other duties, he was assigned to Harbor Clearance Unit 2, Naval Air Station Norfolk, Experimental Diving Unit. He was the first person to be returned to full service as a Navy diver after losing a limb in a diving salvage accident. There was a movie made about him in 2000 called Men of Honor. Master Chief Brasher was everything a good senior leader should be; he led from the front, he didn’t take no for an answer when he knew he was right, took care of the people below him, and left the Navy a better place then he found it.