Magpul has released episode 2 of their video series The Hodge Rifle Build. This time, Jim Hodge discusses “The Heart of the Gun” the upper receiver and barrel. You’ll hear his view on how the right barrel leads to the consistency, reliability, accuracy, and velocity you’ll need for a great AR15.
About 30 years ago, the military diving community realized that commercial diving technology was moving at a much faster rate than the equipment in the standard stock system. As a result, the Navy Experimental Diving Unit began evaluating and approving commercial equipment as well as items developed or adapted for military use. In order to avoid stockpiling outdated gear, they turned to the Defense Logistics Agency which used their “preferred vendor” program as a procurement vehicle to quickly purchase commercial items directly from the vendor. As many of the diving units within the Department of Defense have special operations missions, they realized that they could use this program to buy other specialized equipment.
Over time, DLA adapted the program and renamed it the Special Operational Equipment Tailored Logistic Support Program and awarded contracts to several companies to provide a wide breadth of emerging specialized individual and unit equipment.
Many don’t understand that this program is a standing contract from DLA and that unit purchases are actually through DLA and can be accomplished using multiple payment means including Government Purchase Cards, Military Standard Requisitioning and Issue Procedures (MILSTRIP), and Military Interdepartmental Purchase Request (MIPR). Even through the contract is fulfilled by a commercial contract holder, the transaction remains within DoD.
The Special Operational Equipment tailored logistics support program enables customers to order commercial, off-the-shelf part numbered items within the scope of the contract. Since multiple vendors are solicited for prices, customers benefit from a competitive business model that will ensure best value for the customer.
– DLA
The advantages to using TLS are many. For example, the unit can acquire commercially available items not offered through the stock system. Additionally, a unit can submit a laundry list of multiple items and have everything fulfilled by a single supplier who will work with vendors to assemble the items required and even kit them, if required.
As an example, let’s take a look at the needs of a unit requiring various equipment for an upcoming training event. These are just some of the types of equipment Noble can provide.
Dynamic Lethality Training: TOAST
Noble offers the Tactically Offensive Automated Systems Target or TOAST, a lightweight and portable system built to boost warfighter lethality. At under 30 pounds, TOAST mimics human motion with variable speeds and 20 preprogrammed patterns to replicate real combat scenarios like ambushes and close quarters battle. Battery powered for 3 to 4 hours, remote controlled via tablet, and weather resistant, it includes hit detection for over 1000 high caliber rounds and thermal integration for realistic optic training. Developed with combat veterans, TOAST drives rapid skill progression for special operations and conventional forces.
Arctic Edge: OSM-COMBAT-ASSAULT Skis for Tactical Mobility
For Arctic operations, Noble provides the OSM-COMBAT-ASSAULT skis, made in the USA by DPS for fast and efficient dismounted mobility over flat to rolling terrain. Designed for special operations, conventional forces, and recon units, these short and maneuverable skis excel in tight quarters, brush, and forests. With a fishscale base and permanent PHANTOM Glide, they outperform snowshoes and require minimal ski experience. Available in 153 and 163 centimeter sizes, they pair with standard cold weather or Vapor Barrier boots and for mission ready performance.
Signature Management: Precision Stealth for Any Battlefield
Signature management is vital to evade detection across thermal, visual, and digital spectra in modern combat zones. Noble’s team, with decades of operational experience, thoroughly validates cutting edge solutions for environments from urban to arctic. They focus on multispectral camouflage and counter surveillance gear, ensuring Berry and TAA compliance while tailoring solutions to specific mission profiles, whether special operations insertions or conventional patrols. From low observable fabrics to advanced thermal suppression, Noble delivers gear that keeps operators concealed and mission ready. Contact Noble for customized recommendations.
Seamless Procurement for Any Mission
As a prime vendor on TLS for special operations and FED SLED, with over 150 BPA, IDIQ, and other contract vehicles, Noble simplifies acquisition. No mission is too small and no project is too complex. They make it Mission Possible.
Noble’s Tactical Team offers over 60 years of combined experience in global tactical operations. They stay sharp through constant collaboration with end users and program officials, focusing on mission ready solutions for lethality, Arctic and Jungle operations, SIGnature MANagement, SuBT/ HTD , Human Performance, Remote Controlled and Autonomous Vehicles, and Training and Simulation.
Contact:
Roger Knight, VP, Rknight@noble.com
Orin Brown – Army, Air Force, Obrown@noble.com
Tom Kerr – SOCOM, Marine Corps, tkerr@noble.com
Drew Turner – Strategic Partners & Vendor Management, Dturner@Noble.com
You get a set of carbon fiber Alignment Rods for multiple calibers such as — .223/5.56mm, 7.62/.300 Blackout, 8.6mm/.338 Lapua, 6.5mm., 9mm, and .45 to verify that your suppressor is properly aligned with the barrel of your firearm to avoid baffle strikes or other serious malfunctions or accidents.
Made from durable carbon fiber with tight straightness tolerances (within 0.003″), these rods help prevent baffle strikes by confirming proper concentricity between your suppressor and barrel.
After installing your can, simply insert your rod with the correct caliber to get a visual confirmation that the rod is centered within the suppressor bore.
www.strikeindustries.com/si-send-it-stick
Xenia, OH – [May 21, 2025]
B5 Systems, a leading provider of professional-grade firearm accessories, proudly announces the launch of its new Modular Platform Stock.
Designed with modularity, durability, and performance in mind, the Modular Platform Stock brings comfort and customization to firearms utilizing 1913 Picatinny mounted stocks.
B5 Systems Modular Platform Stock Features:
• Adjustable Spring Assist Cheekpiece, adding ½” Height
• Integral Left Side Folding Steel Hinge
• 5 position Collapsible Length of Pull Adjustment
• Cushioned Non-Slip Buttpad
• Fixed Sling Mounts
• Steel Anti-Rotational QD Mounts
• Color Matched Steel Hardware
Available in B5 Systems’ standard five colorways: Black, Flat Dark Earth (FDE), Coyote Brown, OD Green, and Wolf Grey. Proudly Made In the USA.
For more information about these and other products visit us at www.B5Systems.com
NEWINGTON, N.H., (May 20, 2025) – SIG SAUER, industry leading manufacturer of elite military weapon systems, is proud to congratulate the U.S. Army on the milestone of officially designating Type Classification – Standard (TC-STD) to the SIG SAUER Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW) M7 rifle and M250 (belt fed) automatic rifle — cornerstone systems of the U.S. Army’s modernization program and overmatch efforts. The M7 is the M4 carbine replacement, and the M250 replaces the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon; the systems bring superior range and lethality over legacy systems, providing a greater threat to enemy forces through superior overmatch.
The Type Classification affirms the M7 and M250 meet stringent performance, safety, and reliability standards for widespread military use. This designation ensures seamless integration into the U.S. Army’s inventory, streamlining procurement, training, and maintenance across units and asserting the materiel fully satisfies U.S. Army operational needs. This milestone marks the transition of these advanced firearms from developmental to standardized status, signifying readiness for widespread fielding.
“This approval underscores the U.S. Army’s commitment to equipping our soldiers with next generation lethality to maintain tactical superiority and enhance mission success” states Steve Rose, Executive Vice President, Defense Strategies Group. “The M7 and M250 represent a transformative leap in combat capability.”
The NGSW Program, initiated in 2017, aims to revolutionize small arms capabilities for the U.S. Army. Following a 27-month prototype phase, extensive testing culminated in the selection of SIG SAUER’s XM7 and XM250 in April 2022.
Regulus is Proud to Announce the Opening of a New Permanent Headquarters in the Philippines. Chief Operating Officer Richard Allred had the honor of cutting the ribbon to open the new office. Allred explained the significance of Regulus’s permanent physical presence. “Our mission has always been to get the products and services that matter the most to the people who need them the most: this office represents our commitment to renewing and expanding that charge in the Philippines.” This new office will facilitate stronger US/Philippine defense integration and public/private cooperation that will directly benefit the Filipino people. Allred added, “We are proud to take the next step in serving and cementing the relationship between America and one of the most robust and reliable democratic allies in a dynamic region.”
Regulus’s new headquarters will strengthen a crucial ally in a number of ways. It advances the Philippines’ mission to maintain peace and deter aggression and opens new opportunities for cooperation in defense industrial strategy. It creates new opportunities for public/private cooperation in nation-strengthening sectors like healthcare and telecommunications. Finally, this office will provide new jobs and opportunities for economic growth to an increasingly vibrant economy. Cumulatively, this new physical presence will deepen an already robust relationship between Regulus and the Philippines and enhance a valuable economic and defense industrial partnership that demonstrates the crucial role US logistics partners play in supporting America’s Asia Pacific Strategy.
SWANSBORO, NC, May 20, 2025 – High Speed Gear® (HSG), a trusted leader in tactical gear solutions, is proud to celebrate 25 years of delivering innovative, American-made tactical solutions to the world’s most demanding professionals. Since the company’s founding in 1999, HSG has remained steadfast in their mission: to provide gear that performs when it matters most – because those who serve and protect deserve nothing less. For 25 years, HSG has stood as a pillar of quality, performance, and innovation.
From the iconic TACO® pouches to a full line of battle-proven gear, every product in the High Speed Gear Products Group is built with precision, pride, and purpose – right here in the USA. With manufacturing operations based in North Carolina and Georgia, our commitment to quality craftsmanship, rapid innovation, and American jobs remains stronger than ever.
“For a quarter of a century, our gear has earned the trust of U.S. Marines, Soldiers, SWAT teams, patrol officers, and competitive shooters alike,” said Allison Mitchum, VP of Sales and Marketing. “That trust is rooted in the fact that our products are built to last for professionals who rely on performance, not promises.”
At a time when many companies are building gear overseas and struggling with supply chain volatility and tariffs, High Speed Gear continues to double down on domestic manufacturing. Our customers benefit from consistent product availability, unmatched quality, locked-in pricing, and a company that reinvests in American workers and communities. Customerscan rely on HSG’s standard pricing structure, which doesn’t change due to tariffs or overseas sourcing issues. In addition, HSG is willing to support cut-and-sew OEM partnerships, offering reliable, American-made solutions for companies seeking dependable manufacturing support during these uncertain times.
The High Speed Gear Products Group includes four respected brands – High Speed Gear®, Comp-Tac®, BlackPoint Tactical®, and Crucial Concealment® – each united under the shared commitment to serve those who serve others. Whether it’s military, law enforcement, or everyday citizens exercising their rights, our gear is engineered with real-world input and battle-tested under real-world conditions.
As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, we are humbled by the loyalty of our customers and partners and energized for what comes next. The mission continues – and we’re ready for the next 25 years.
www.highspeedgear.com
Manassas, Virginia – Aimpoint, the leading manufacturer and innovator of red dot sighting technology, announces the launch of its ACTIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT DISCOUNT PROGRAM, extending increased support of the professional end-user community by offering deeper discounts and priority access to Aimpoint® industry-leading optics.
Aimpoint stands behind the men and women who protect and serve our country. Whether the individual is an active-duty service member, veteran, first responder, or security contractor, the ACTIVE LAW ENFORCEMENT DISCOUNT PROGRAM ensures that professionals in critical roles have access to trusted, high-performance optics designed for duty use.
Completed within minutes at aimpoint.us/le-military-discount, the application and verification process allows quick access to establishing an account, where the exclusive pricing structure can be viewed. Additional benefits of the program include:
– NEW purchase program for individual officers making premium AIMPOINT optics accessible whether on or off duty.
– Streamlined account setup allows approval within minutes to begin using the program.
– Exclusive communications for members, including early product announcements and insider news.
– Professional training content curated by the Aimpoint Professional Training team.
– Priority customer service. You are always our priority.
“With a legacy of commitment to our nation’s Law Enforcement and Military, Aimpoint prioritizes the needs of Professionals who require ultimate reliability in their gear, ” said Keith Parker, Director of Professional Sales & Training at Aimpoint. “We are pleased to extend the new discount program and the opportunity to support individuals’ duty and lifestyle needs.”
About Aimpoint
As the originator of red dot sighting technology, Aimpoint is trusted as the worldwide leader of reflex sights in both quality and technical support. For 50 years, AIMPOINT red dot sights have been the top choice of military, law enforcement, hunters, and sport shooters worldwide. For more information on AIMPOINT products, visit the company’s webpage: www.aimpoint.us
