See, feel, and discover the latest Polartec Military fabric innovations and styles at AUSA 2019 in Washington, DC — Booth 3525
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Wednesday, October 2nd, 2019Leupold Mk 5 – Maybe The Best Scope They’ve Ever Made
Thursday, November 15th, 2018After speaking with Leupold at AUSA, I realized that a lot of folks don’t understand that the Mk 5HD is actually a better optic than the Extremely popular Mk 6, in spite of the model number being lower. Apparently, there’s a lot of misconception over the naming convention.
In this case, the higher number doesn’t designate superiority, but rather describes the erector array. The Mk 6 is a six time erector, while the Mk 5 is a five time erector.
Additionally, the front focal plane Mk 5 is relatively new, having just been introduced about a year ago. It’s newer than the Mk6.
The Mk 5 is a 3.6-18×44 optic that is just over 12″ long and has a 35mm tube, while the older Mark 6 is a comparable 3-18×44 scope but is just under 12″ and has a 34mm tube. There is also a 5-25×56 variant of the Mk 5HD.
Featuring the all-new M5C3 ZeroLock adjustments, the elevation dials deliver 30 mils of travel, a full extra 10mm of travel thanks to the three full turns. The scope also comes with a built in throw lever and fast focus adjustable eyepiece.
Below is a side by side comparison of the two optics.
There are several reticle available.
Additionally, the lens surfaces are treated with DiamondCoat 2, an ion-assist lens coating which is actually optimized for higher light transmission.
And by the way, the Mk5 not only offers all of that, it’s also less expensive. So, it’s lighter, has more adjustment, a couple of extra features, and is less expensive. It may well be the best optic Leupold has ever built.
www.leupold.com/scopes/rifle-scopes/mark-5hd-3-6-18×44
AUSA 18 – Aimpoint CompM5s Makes American Debut
Wednesday, October 10th, 2018Aimpoint openly displayed the CompM5s for the first time in the US.
Essentially, it’s the same as the CompM5, but the Comp5s has a low battery compartment.
Features:
2 MOA Dot
AAA battery
5 years constant on use with one battery
Advanced internals and lens design
AUSA 18 – DG Frame Set by Crossfire Australia
Wednesday, October 10th, 2018Crossfire Australia is well known name for the true gear aficionado. I was pleasantly surprised to see them exhibiting in the Australian pavilion at AUSA. Their DG Frame Set caught my eye.
They designed by and manufactured to their spec, the frame is said to flex at the same rate as the human back offering a more stable and comfortable ride.
I really like the looks of the harness. The waist belt is segmented allowing for it to be worn around the waist or secured around the back. Additionally, the harness system can be quickly set at three different heights to accommodate different torso lengths. The shoulder straps are shaped and tapered to work over body armor and smoothly transfer load away from the brachial plexus nerve group.
The DG Frame is compatible with most ALICE-style packs, including Crossfire’s offerings.
With the current exchange rate, this Frame is quite affordable for Americans concerned about price.
crossfire.com.au/collections/military/products/dg-frame-set
AUSA 18 – Stalker by Safran Optics 1
Wednesday, October 10th, 2018In 2016 the Stalker, by Safran Optics 1, was selected as the US Army’s Laser Target Locator Module II and has recently entered production. Safran Optics 1 has a long history of supporting DoD, having delivered over 30,000 handheld laser rangefinders.
The heart of the Stalker is a laser rangefinder with a range of 5,000m on harsh environmental conditions. It also integrates a digital magnetic compass, SASM GPS, 6x Direct View Optic and Low Level Light imager, and LWIR Thermal Imager.
In addition to increased capability, the Stalker offers a 3 lbs, or 40% weight reduction over the LTLM it replaces.
AUSA 18 – Gerber Updates CustomFit Dual & Quad Sheaths
Wednesday, October 10th, 2018Gerber’s CustomFit Dual & Quad Sheaths have a few big updates:
1) The MOLLE-compatible, Berry Compliant sheath system now meets DHS Clothing Requirements in Ranger Green, driven by requests through Border Patrol.
2) Gerber’s Individual Deployment [ID] Kit is now available with the CustomFit system, in two colorways: MultiCam/Tan499 & Coyote Brown/DT500. The ID Kit is also now shipping w/ a Streamlight® Sidewinder Compact® II Hands Free Light, providing a top-of-the-line, innovative power source that is compact and versatile.
3) Gerber has a number of new NSN’s available, including:
+ 5110-01-673-4008 – Center-Drive Black, Berry Compliant Black Sheath
+ 5110-01-673-4009 – Center-Drive Black, Berry Compliant Coyote Sheath
+ 5110-01-672-3970 – Empower Automatic, Black + Black, Fine Edge
+ 5110-01-673-7141 – Empower Automatic, Black + Black, Serrated
+ 5180-01-598-2249 – ID Kit, Coyote Brown Sheath
+ 5180-01-598-2251 – ID Kit, MultiCam Sheath
AUSA 18 – US Army Pinks and Greens Update
Wednesday, October 10th, 2018
Throughout the AUSA Annual Meeting there have been a handful of Soldiers wearing the “Pinks and Greens” service dress, a uniform combination inspired by the World War Two-era private purchase Officer’s uniform of the same name. Except that, if this uniform is adopted, it will be for wear by enlisted and officer alike.
Although the uniform has changed since we saw it last year, the most significant have been to the female uniform. You’ll notice four pockets and belts for both male and female versions. Even then, additional alterations may come with full type classification.
Although the decision to adopt the uniform could come at any time, most of those I have polled expected to be later, rather than sooner.
There are prototypes of an “Ike” short jacket but none were seen at AUSA. Likewise with the Leather Flight Jacket but wear testers said the USAF A-2 which is also a WWII Design has been evaluated for that role. Garrison caps now feature a slit down the top like the USAF version and the jury is still out on whether the Service Cap will feature a stiffener like the current ASU model or will be worn WWII “crusher” style.
AUSA – M240 Select Fire by Ohio Ordnance Works
Tuesday, October 9th, 2018Ohio Ordnance Works showed their Select Fire trigger pack which adds a semi-auto capability to the M-240 family of weapons. This includes the Brazilian M971, Canadian C6, British L7A1&2, Swedish & Latvian KSP 58B, and Taiwanese Type 74.
A semi-auto facilitates zero of the weapon’s optic. Additionally, it can be used to help conceal the position of the Machine Gun. Switching to full-auto is as simple as flipping a lever.
