We’ve been writing about Kitanica for over 10 years and we still live their dedication to innovation and American manufacturing. So when Chris Cronin told us they had added side zips to their Mk VI jacket, we told him we were going to pass the word.
Yep, it’s expensive, but you’re buying American craftsmanship.
October 25, 2019 (Bozeman, MT) – Chase Tactical, LLC is proud to announce that Michael Wratten has joined the team as VP of Business Development. Michael started off his career with the Los Angeles Police Department where he served over 18 years as a police officer with LAPD and the West Covina Police Department. Michael founded Shellback Tactical in 2003 and was the key designer of the complete Shellback Tactical product line seen today. Over the past decade, Michael has acquired extensive experience in tactical nylon design and Business Development. He has also consulted for companies in the defense and military markets.
“We are extremely excited to have Mike on board as a member of our team. There is no doubt that Mike will be a key factor in our continued growth across all of the verticals and he will certainly strengthen relationships with our existing and future client base and business partners.” said Brent Chase, CEO of Chase Tactical.
“I am very excited and looking forward to this new role, its challenges and the opportunity to be part of Chase Tactical’s growth. It also gives me the opportunity to serve and provide the men and women in the Military and Law Enforcement communities with the quality equipment they need and deserve!” said Michael Wratten.
Chase Tactical, founded in 2012 and headquartered in Bozeman, MT, is a veteran owned and operated manufacturer of premium tactical products focused on the military and law enforcement markets.
Mike can be contacted directly at Mike.W@ChaseTactical.Com or (406) 219-7603
The HIP Gunner is Elite Survival Systems’ take on an updated concealed carry Fanny pack. The styling is much more streamlined and doesn’t scream “GUN!” It features a ripcord opening and it can be worn at the waist or over the shoulder.
Inside, there’s two ambidextrous holsters to fit most compact pistols as well as two elastic loops to hold magazines.
Offered in Black and Heather.
www.elitesurvival.com/concealment-bags-packs/hip-gunner-concealed-carry-fanny-pack
Crafting combat footwear for the Vietnam War
> American troops in the Vietnam War needed a better combat boot.
The year was 1967, and the Vietnam War raged on. With half a million American troops in South Vietnam, the U.S. was at the height of its combat operations.
One major challenge? The standard, all-leather boot issued to troops was falling apart. As America’s warfighters trudged through the dense bamboo, razor-sharp grass, and perilous swamps of southeast Asia, the stitching on their boots was rotting. The federal government sought a more reliable construction to withstand the hot, wet, and humid conditions troops encountered every day.
A shoemaker’s mission: Combat boots that prevailed in the hot, harsh jungle.
“When lives are on the line – as they were every day in the Vietnam War – no gear is more critical than durable combat boots.”
– Jim McRae, Vice President, Director, and Secretary, McRae Industries
Changing course
Responding to the call: McRae Footwear got its start as a government contractor by making boots for American troops in Vietnam.
More than 9,000 miles away from Vietnam, in tiny Mount Gilead, NC, a children’s shoe company had a solution to the military’s boot problem. Gro-Rite Shoes built its footwear following “Process 82.” Instead of the standard practice of stitching on soles by using the welt construction, rubber outsoles were molded directly onto the leather, yielding a highly functional and long-lasting boot.
Responding to the call: McRae Footwear got its start as a government contractor by making boots for American troops in Vietnam.
Functional and long-lasting: McRae’s olive drab jungle boot.
The U.S. Department of Defense asked Gro-Rite to consider producing combat boots for the Vietnam War. The company bid on and was awarded its first federal contract. The product: olive drab jungle boots, with a hunter-green canvas upper section and thick black rubber outsole.
The war order secured, the company changed its name to McRae Footwear and swiftly exited the children’s shoe business. Although McRae shared the jungle boot contract with 13 other government suppliers, work was plentiful. Jungle boot construction continued steadily in Mount Gilead until 1973, when U.S. troops left Vietnam.
Building a relationship with the federal government
“The military boot business was a huge change for us,” says Jim McRae, vice president, director, and secretary of McRae Industries. “We had the equipment and we had the knowledge, but we needed to learn about government specifications and the ins and outs of being a government contractor.”
Sparked by the abiding tenacity of company founder Branson McRae, the company continued making military boots of various designs for the government using the vulcanizing/direct molded sole construction. Over the years, McRae has emerged as a trusted supplier of military boots.
The jungle boots were so successful that they remained a military-spec item until the mid-1990s. McRae still manufactures commercial versions of these boots using the same vulcanizing presses and molds from the Vietnam War era. Today’s boot is constructed of green canvas-colored nylon Cordura for light weight and maximum airflow.
“The Vietnam War had a huge impact on our nation,” Jim says. “It also had a huge impact on our family business. We started bidding for government contracts, and we have been fortunate ever since to continuously win government work.”
WTF’s Patch Panels are available in three sizes; 23″ (28cm) x 17″ (43cm), 35″ (89cm) x 23.5″ (68cm), and 53″ (135cm) x 35″ (89cm). Patch panels are available in black, coyote brown, ranger green, and Multicam.
WTF’s Patch Panels are made in the USA from Berry compliant, milspec, laser cut materials. Milspec eyelets make it easy to hang and milspec thread holds it all together.
www.wtfidea.com/patch-panels-and-patches
New for fall 2019, KDG launches the first of a series of aftermarket accessories for Heckler and Koch firearms: The KDG HK 762 Ambi (Ambidextrous) Magazine Release. This is the first ambidextrous magazine release for the HK 417 variant rifles. The mag release is a lever instead of a button; where the release has been moved backward toward the shooters hand allowing the shooter to use naturally with their index finger without having to adjust their grip. The Ambi Magazine Release is precision machined from 2 pieces of 4140 steel. Both pieces are Salt Bath Nitrocarburized case hardened, providing a protective corrosion resistant black finish. The Ambi mag release is compatible with all HK 417, MR762, G28, and any other 417 variant rifles (Including the new CSASS A1 rifle.)
To learn more, visit kineticdg.com/product/hk762ambimagrelease
or email at info@kineticdg.com
Instagram: @kineticdevelopmentgroup
Facebook: www.facebook.com/kineticdevgru
Now Available: MiniMI™ Mini Cord Lock. These cord locks are smaller than your average and before now, only available as an import product. Our MiniMI™ Mini Cord Locks are 100% Made in the USA and Berry Compliant!
Our mini cord locks are great for usage on apparel, gear, bags, and more. Cord locks have numerous applications including: fastening clothing and camping equipment, use with drawstrings on garments and bags, and use with window blind and shade cords. These come assembled, ready to add to the cordage on your product.
Specifications:
1/16″ – 3/32″ Mini Cord Lock
Colors: Black/Tan
MOQ: 1 bag (300 pcs/bag | 5,100 pcs/case)
Made in the USA/Berry Compliant
MiniMI™ Mini Cord Locks are now in stock. Please contact us or give us a call at 440-899-8050 for pricing, samples, and more information.
They are now taking pre-orders for these IMPCT models on the JuggCase website. Initial shipments are anticipated sometime in November, and availability on Amazon is planned for December.
