SIG SAUER - Never Settle

Archive for the ‘Industry’ Category

What’s New with HSP?

Wednesday, January 16th, 2013

Yesterday, I had a chance to sit down with Travis Haley and his team to talk about HSP for 2013. There’s a whole lot going on and unfortunately, I am only able to share a little bit of what we will see.

20130116-003132.jpg

One of the things that I appreciate about Haley Strategic Partners is that they work with others in industry to introduce new products and technologies. Case in point is the new INCOG IWB Holster System developed in conjunction with G-code.

These are rolling off the assembly line and although not shown here, models for the M&P will soon join the GLOCK holsters already out there.

20130116-003247.jpg

Additionally, HSP is working with Inforce to introduce a new version of their handheld light. I got to play with it a little bit and the ribbed section in the middle really increases the utility of the light.

Additionally, I’d look out for a new mobility training course as well as some very specialized pieces of kit in addition to a few items that virtually everyone will want to try. Hopefully, they’ll share their plans sooner rather than later.

Hydrapak Announces Partnerships with London Bridge Trading and Source One Distributors

Monday, January 14th, 2013

This announcement by Hydrapak, may well have some interesting implications for a market long dominated by Camelbak and to a lesser extent Source Hydration. Hydrapak has been around since 2001 and been an OEM provider of hydration bladders. LBT is well known for producing quality load carrying and armor systems and Source One Distributors brings their TLS and prime vendor experience to the table. It looks to be quite a combo.

Hydrapak, a leading global supplier of active-lifestyle hydration equipment, today announced partnerships with London Bridge Trading, a leading equipment designer and manufacturer for the United States Armed Forces, and Source One Distributors, a top military equipment distributor.

The new collaborations, featuring Hydrapak’s ultra-durable 1st Wave technology, make the Oakland-based company a leading supplier of hydration solutions for American troops at home and abroad.

“Hydrapak’s innovative hydration technologies and Source One’s knowledge of military distribution channels and tactical gear will allow us to provide additional assistance to the men and women of our armed forces,” said Vinny Chhibber, Source One’s marketing manager.

“Though our two companies are in a new relationship, Hydrapak has worked with us like we’ve been together for years,” said Vincent Moran, LBT’s vice-president of purchasing. “We look forward to a bright future with Hydrapak.”

Hydrapak introduced its 1st Wave hydration systems in 2011, its first product line designed specifically to the requirements of military, law enforcement, and industrial needs. In addition to reservoirs constructed with extra-thick thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), 1st Wave products also feature TPU- and Neoprene-insulated drinking tubes and dust covers for bite valves – design innovations that acknowledge the harsh environments where soldiers serve.

“We’re a hydration company that’s willing to innovate and capable of innovating,” said Hydrapak CEO and Lead Engineer Matt Lyon. He added that the company’s experience as an OEM provider for top brands such as The North Face, Salomon, and DaKine makes it uniquely suited to design and distribution partnerships.

GLOCK Opens Online Community Called GLOCK ID Pre-registration to SHOT Show Attendees

Monday, January 14th, 2013

If you’re attending SHOT Show and are a GLOCK enthusiast, then you’re going to get a chance to be one of the first to sign up for their new online community; GLOCK ID. They released this earlier this morning.

Today GLOCK, Inc. announced a brand new, exclusive online community for gun enthusiasts and loyal fans, GLOCK ID; pre-registration for access is now open. The community offers members several key components:

-a virtual gun safe to keep track of range time, cleaning dates and more;
-training lessons;
-a community Q&A for peer discussion;
-an engaging process for earning points and ‘patches’ to rank up and earn GLOCK rewards.

GLOCK ID members have the opportunity to contribute and participate with other GLOCK enthusiasts while earning points, which ultimately lead to GLOCK rewards that can only be earned by interacting with GLOCK ID and its members.

“GLOCK ID was created specifically for our enthusiast communities,” noted Josh Dorsey, GLOCK Vice President. “Those key audiences value our brand commitment to excellence and know that GLOCK has proven worthy of their investment. The community fuels the GLOCK brand advocacy through ranks and rewards and is designed to increase customer engagement and online activity.”

The ranks and rewards structure encourages competition and engagement. By participating in various activities (watching a training video, answering fellow members’ questions, logging time at the range, etc.), members of GLOCK ID can earn patches. Those patches translate into points, which then designate a member’s rank within the community. Finally, those rank levels determine tangible rewards from GLOCK.

The pre-registration process will continue until the initial community launch in February 2013, and a limited number of memberships are available. First access was given to GLOCK’s social media fans on the company’s Facebook and Twitter pages. Those who pre-register at the Shooting, Hunting, Outdoor Tradeshow (“SHOT Show”, January 15-18, 2013), are guaranteed early access to the community and an exclusive “Early Adopter” patch, as well as the chance to win a GLOCK pistol (eligibility to win a GLOCK pistol available only to SHOT Show attendees) and a personal voicemail recorded greeting from R. Lee Ermey, “The Gunny”. Those who pre-register after the Show, but before the launch date, will also receive the exclusive “Early Adopter” patch.

Visit GLOCK at the SHOT Show, in booth #12254, January 15-18, 2013 at the Sands Expo and Convention Center, in Las Vegas. The conference is the largest and most comprehensive trade show for all professionals involved with the shooting sports, hunting and law enforcement industries. It is the world’s premier exposition of combined firearms, ammunition, law enforcement, cutlery, outdoor apparel, optics and related products and services.

SOTech Announces Collaboration with Tyler Grey

Monday, January 14th, 2013

Tyler Grey is an old friend of mine but I haven’t known him nearly as long as I’ve known the folks at SOTech (Jim Cragg introduced us) and I have good things to say about both. That’s why I was very happy to hear that they were collaborating on a new signature series of tactical equipment. Tyler was badly wounded downrange and his recovery has been heroic. He has been advising on video games and Hollywood sets over the last couple years while setting up a firearms training program. He has also been advising SOTech on their designs for awhile so they decided to make it official and launch a signature line.

Tyler-Grey

Look for the new “Go to Hell” bag at SHOT Show. www.SOTechTactical.com

Snake Hound Machine Has Been Busy

Monday, January 14th, 2013

First off, the AK-style weapon specialists have launched a new website – snakehoundmachine.com.

Snake Hound Machine

Second, they are coming out in a big way at SHOT SHow. They gave us this statement which will tell you where to find their guns at SHOT Show and a little about ordering them.

We have two completely custom AK-47 type rifles on display at SHOT, generously hosted by Mission First Tactical located in booth #11966. We also have one rifle on display with Samson MFG at booth #20327, and one rifle on display with Versa-pod Bipods at booth #10070.

The Mission First Tactical display rifles are demonstration models of our 2013 line and both rifles will be available to order at time of release.

Every rifle we make is done one at a time, by hand, to exacting tolerances. We want to make the absolutely best AKM rifles in the world. The current state of the market, and price and availability of parts and components has greatly dictated our prices and lead times. We will be offering 3 AKM models in 2013 and a limit of 25 rifles per model. Once those orders have been placed we will stop taking orders until all orders have been fulfilled. A reasonable expectation for delivery is six to eight months, with all rifles being delivered in 2013.

Here are their new weapons:

Ultimate Battle Rifle
The Ultimate Battle Rifle (UBR) model is a complete flattop AK with absolute cowitness sights and M4 stock.

Components are as follows:
? Snake Hound Machine Receiver
? Snake Hound Machine Combat Trigger
? 14.75” SHM Barrel
? Pinned and welded Ares Armor Effin-A compensator
? Nickel chrome plated axis pins, American made chrome silicon overpowered springs and buffer assembly, Hand fitted bolt and bolt carrier, Hand polished internals, Precision headspaced chamber, Oversized milled trigger guard
? Tromix Extended Charging Handle
? Enhanced Safety with BHO
? Vltor AK Stock Adaptor
? Mission First Battlelink Stock and Riser
? Mission First EPG47 Grip
? Custom Titanium Cerakote
? Damage Industries Modular Forearm Assembly
? Samson MFG Fixed AR Sights
? Snake Hound Machine Beryl Rail
Price for the UBR is $3230.00
More details: store.snakehoundmachine.com/shm-ubr-ak-47

Recon Lightweight Tactical Weapon
The Recon Lightweight Tactical Weapon (RLTW) is a lightweight AK with a more traditional leaf sight configuration and an M4 stock. The leaf sight has been enhanced with an outlined “V-notch” and fiber-optic front sight post to increase visibility and decrease target acquisition time.

Production models of the RLTW will have an installed Ultimak railed gas tube and be optics ready to cowitness with micro red dot optics.

Components are as follows:
? Snake Hound Machine Receiver
? Snake Hound Machine Combat Trigger
? 14.75” Snake Hound Machine Barrel
? Pinned and welded Ares Armor Effin-A compensator
? Nickel chrome plated axis pins, American made chrome silicon overpowered springs and buffer assembly, Hand fitted bolt and bolt carrier, Hand polished internals, Precision headspaced chamber, Oversized milled trigger guard
? Tromix Extended Charging Handle
? Enhanced Safety with BHO
? Vltor AK Stock Adaptor
? Mission First Battlelink Stock and Riser
? Mission First EPG47 Grip, Custom Titanium Cerakote
? Mission First Tekko Forearm
? Enhanced V-Notch Leaf sight, Fiber-Optic Front Sight Post, Combination Front Sight Gas Block, (Production model optics ready with installed Ultimak Rail)
Price for the RLTW is $2915.00
More details: http://store.snakehoundmachine.com/shm-rltw-ak-47/

M63 AKM
The Standard Configuration M63 AKM will be offered again. The rifle comes standard with wood furniture.
Price for the M63 is $1650.00
More details: store.snakehoundmachine.com/shm-american-made-m63-akm

Snake Hound Machine 870
Also launching will be their new SHM 870 model. The SHM 870 includes:
? Remington 870 Express Magnum
? 26” barrel
? RCI X-tension +5 billet aluminum magazine tube
? Milled aluminum magazine follower
? Magpul SGA furniture
? Snake Hound Machine polished bolt and internal receiver
Price for the SHM 870 is $800.00
More details: store.snakehoundmachine.com/shm-870

Finally, The SHOT show demonstration RLTW as shown will be auctioned on Gunbroker.com during SHOT.

Custom AK

Custom AK

Auction ends at 10pm eastern on 20 Jan 2013 – www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=325837948

Las Vegas – It’s All About Perception

Sunday, January 13th, 2013

20130113-150504.jpg

We scored a photo if the other side of the new Battlefield Vegas sign. Last week, we posted the sign’s opposite side and several readers thought that the sign was backward. No, it was just symmetrical. If you’re in Vegas be sure to check these guys out.

www.BattlefieldVegas.com

Gore-tex Extended Comfort Range Footwear Technology Now Available

Sunday, January 13th, 2013

20130112-151443.jpg

W L Gore & Associates, Inc has announced that its most advanced comfort technology is now available in tactical military and law enforcement footwear. Available in desert tan and black from the Belleville Boot Company, Propper International, Reebok, and Shoe Technology Company (STC), GORE-TEX Extended Comfort Footwear provides protection outside in challenging conditions and comfort inside the station, vehicle, or garrison. GORE-TEX Extended Comfort Footwear enables military and law enforcement professionals to have a single pair of boots for the widest range of climates. Like all GORE-TEX products, this new technology delivers durable protection from exposure to rain and inclement weather while allowing moisture vapor to escape from the boot, which helps keep feet dry and more comfortable. The unique single-wall construction of GORE-TEX Extended Comfort Footwear eliminates the need for extra lining, making the footwear a more lightweight alternative.

Nat Haskell is the New Executive Director of Smith Elite

Sunday, January 13th, 2013

I’ve known Nat Haskell for several years now during his time with Ops-Core. He’s a stellar individual with a no nonsense approach that I find refreshing in this business. I’m looking forward to seeing him at work with Smith Elite. Congratulations to all.

Smith Optics is excited to announce the addition of Nat Haskell as the Executive Director of Smith Elite. Nat came to Smith from Ops-Core where he was highly successful as the Director of Business Development. The Ops-Core management team and Nat had an amicable split and this move hopes to fortify the already strong relationship between the two head borne protection companies. Smith feels that this strengthened relationship will help drive innovative eyewear products with increased protection and improved integration with not only the premier helmet platform, the FAST ballistic helmet, but all helmet systems.

“I am excited to be part of the Smith Elite team. We have a very strong group of dedicated professionals who share my passion for providing customer focused ballistic protection that is purpose built for our war fighters and law enforcement professionals.” – Nat Haskell Executive Director of Smith Elite.

“I feel that Nat brings a well balanced body of experience from leading the rapid growth of an exciting product line and brand in Ops-Core, as well as a strong educational background, which is capped by an MBA in Entrepreneurship from Babson College. This added to his background as an end user with military and government service, including his numerous deployments to combat zones throughout the Middle East, allows him to easily bridge the gap between the users and the Smith development team,“ said Ned Post, President of Smith Optics.

Smith Elite has an exciting year ahead with a lot of opportunities and new products, such as the PIVLOCK V2 Tactical, the Boogie Sport, the Prospect Tactical, and a full line of Asian fit eyewear. Smith is confident that Nat will be able to drive our continually expanding product line successfully into the market. We feel that under Nat’s leadership Smith Elite is poised to continue its tradition of providing the highest quality ballistic eyewear and proving our superiority through our proprietary lens serialization program.

elite.smithoptics.com