Thanks JJ for this second set of photos of last week’s IWA.
Archive for the ‘Industry’ Category
A Quick Tour of IWA – Take 2
Tuesday, March 12th, 2013BCM Gunfighters
Tuesday, March 12th, 2013John Chapman, Kyle Defoor, Ken Hackathorn, Travis Haley, Dave Harrington, Pat McNamara, John McPhee, Mike Pannone, Pat Rogers and Larry Vickers. All legendary names in the tactical firearms training business. And, all use Bravo Company guns. BCM wanted to honor these men and showcase their input regarding their products, so they created the BCM Gunfighter Program.
To learn more visit www.bravocompanymfg.com/gunfighters
A Quick Tour of IWA
Tuesday, March 12th, 2013While we missed IWA again this year, SSD reader JJ sent us these photos.
Blue Force Gear Licenses Helium Whisper to STRATAGEM
Monday, March 11th, 2013
Blue Force Gear has licensed the Helium Whisper pouch attachment system to STRATAGEM which becomes the first international brand to integrate the technology into their product line.
“We at STRATAGEM are proud to be working with Blue Force Gear and use Helium Whisper as a component of our products,” said Markus Jahn, STRATAGEM’s CEO. “Helium Whisper allows us to grant our customers access to an outstanding technology, giving them the benefit of lighter and more efficient equipment by reducing the weight of our pouches dramatically. It enables us to raise the level of our pouches and to fulfill our aspiration of providing cutting edge products to today’s warfighter.”
“STRATAGEM is a top quality German company who services the elite with quality gear. We’re proud they’ve chosen Helium Whisper to help lighten the load of their customers,” said Doug Duggan, Blue Force Gear’s International Business Development Manager.
Helium Whisper allows modular pouch backs to be constructed from a single piece of high-performance laminate versus the multiple straps and snaps of outdated designs. This amazing breakthrough increases strength and durability of pouches while eliminating failure points and reducing weight by up to 60 percent. Helium Whisper licensing allows OEM customers to reduce sewing costs, minimize alignment errors, maintain or increase durability, and stay relevant to today’s weight-conscious military customers.
US Patriot Provides Clothing and Equipment for New Animal Planet Show “Battleground: Rhino Wars”
Sunday, March 10th, 2013The new Animal Planet 3 part miniseries, “Battleground: Rhino Wars” reveals the conflict between bloodthirsty poachers and one of South Africa’s anti-poaching units. To combat the ever-increasing rhino poaching epidemic, which is wiping out the rhino population, four U.S. Special Operations veterans have been recruited to prevent poachers from continuing this deadly destruction against these endangered species.
US Patriot outfitted these heroes with various uniforms and gear to help them pursue this very important mission. These “soldiers of extinction” are led by Craig “Saw,” team leader, Navy SEAL (fmr.), and includes Jeff “Biggs,” sniper, Navy SEAL (fmr.); Rob, intel, Navy SEAL (ret.); and “Oz,” medic, Green Beret.
Airdates: Thursday, March 7th at 9pm, Thursday, March 14th at 9pm, Thursday, March 21st at 9pm.
What’s Congress Doing To Help The Industry?
Friday, March 8th, 2013Lets face it, the tactical bubble has burst. As the war winds down, things have slowed up quite a bit, but sequestration has put an end to not only training but the purchase of commercial soldier systems commodities.
Tactical Tailor’s Casey Ingels is in Washington this week to meet with members of Congress. One remedy that has been mentioned is to introduce legislation that would require the Department of Homeland Security to fall under the Berry Amendment. Here’s the problem with that approach. It’s been done. In 2009 the Kissel Amendment (Berry Amendment Extension Act) required DHS to adopt Berry Amendment buying policies which require all textile based commodities to be manufactured in the US from US raw goods. Berry dates back to WWII and was intended to protect both the industrial base as well as the military. Unfortunately, the Kissel Amendment turned out to be a failure. In 2009, DHS decided that it didn’t really apply to them becuase of this statement in the law, “applied in a manner consistent with United States obligations under international agreements.” It gave them an out that they needed in order to continue to purchase foreign goods. Can you imagine anything more ridiculous? Border Patrol agents are issued foreign manufactured uniforms. It’s almost insulting.
Recently, the federal government agreed on new terms for TSA agents that would raise their annual clothing allowance to over $500. Currently, the contract for these uniforms is with fashion house VF. Agents have an account and order their uniform items online through VF’s website. Unfortunately, those uniforms are no made here in the US.
Two immediate things could happen that would breathe some life into the US tactical industry that has made possible the amazing modernization of the US service member’s clothing and individual equipment over the past 10 years.
First, the Army needs to stop messing around and announce their new camouflage pattern. Second, Congress needs enact tough legislation that places not only DHS but the entire federal government under Berry, requiring them to purchase their clothing and individual equipment from US sources. There are enough loopholes that foreign produced specialty items can be procured and if the demand is there, US based manufacturing will be established. Additionally, Congress needs to pressure the Obama administration to issue an executive order requiring DHS to comply with the spirit of the already existing Kissel amendment.
Potomac River Group to Distribute Wilcox’s RAPTAR Product Line
Thursday, March 7th, 2013Wilcox Industries has announced a sole distributorship in the United States of their Rapid Targeting and Ranging (RAPTAR) and RAPTAR Lite to the Potomac River Group (PRG) of Ashburn, VA. The agreement will cover all domestic and government sales of the RAPTAR product line.
This partnership enables Wilcox to focus on the manufacturing and production of the RAPTAR line while turning over the distribution efforts to PRG. Wilcox will continue to support PRG with marketing and technical support as requested.
“Wilcox recently launched the RAPTAR and RAPTAR-Lite at SHOT Show in January and have had a very positive response to the products already”, said Jim Teetzel, CEO of Wilcox, “PRG has shown that they have the capabilities to run with the current success and proceed productively with distribution efforts.”
“PRG is pleased to partner with Wilcox in the distribution of the RAPTAR and RAPTAR Lite”, said Frank Frysiek, CEO of PRG, “The RAPTAR will suit the needs of our Federal, state and local customers; while we expect the RAPTAR Lite will have applications for both law enforcement and sportsmen. Sales and dealer program details will be announced shortly.”
Wilcox’s RAPTAR is a lightweight, integrated technology system. RAPTAR harnesses and fuses an Infra Red (IR) Laser, a Visible Laser, IR Flood and a Laser Range Finder (LRF) all within a single, compact, ruggedized all-weather package. The RAPTAR Lite is a separate system that includes a red visible aiming laser, an infrared aiming laser, a variable focus infrared illuminator, and a 60 lumen SureFire flashlight that can be upgraded to a 120 lumen head to provide unsurpassed target illumination.
For ordering and pricing information on the RAPTAR and RAPTAR Lite please contact PRG at 703-771-3003.
Sheriff of Baghdad Is Live
Thursday, March 7th, 2013
The Sheriff of Baghdad now has a home on the web thanks to Righteous Duke Media. Be sure to check it out for info on courses, swag and everything Shrek.
