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Villain Weapon Systems ATPIAL-C EFL – Enhanced Illuminator Performance Available and In-Stock Now Exclusively from TNVC

Monday, February 13th, 2023

Redlands, California, February 12, 2023—TNVC is proud to announce our new partnership and collaboration with Villain Weapon Systems (VWS) beginning with Exclusive Distribution of the VWS ATPIAL-C External Focusing Lens (EFL), with several new projects in the works!

tnvc.com/shop/villain-weapon-systems-atpial-c-external-focusing-lens-efl

Initially introduced by TNVC in 2014, the L3Harris / Insight ATPIAL-C, the Class I / 3R “civilian legal” variant of the DoD-issued AN/PEQ-15 was the first directly “commercialized” variant of an issued, MIL-SPEC laser system available on the market and still remains one of the most popular options for commercial NIR Multi-Function Aiming Lasers (MFALs).

While newer commercial lasers have been released in the decade since the ATPIAL-C was developed, the L3Harris ATPIAL remains one of the most widely used, combat proven, and reliable MFALs in existence, with many users appreciating the familiarity of the ATPIAL-C to their issued AN/PEQ-15 systems, something that cannot be understated in a device intended to be used primarily in the dark, by feel only, where it is critical that you are able to get the device to do what you want when you want it, without having to fiddle with controls or guess at what setting the device is switched to.

DoD Image

Nevertheless, due to the requirements of making the standard power Class IIIB (45mW) into a Class I / 3R variant that could be sold and purchased by non-government customers openly and without restrictions or shady back-door deals, and while it can be effective in many environments and conditions, the “as-issued” the ATPIAL-C has reduced NIR illuminator performance and functionality compared to its Class IIIB counterpart.

Developed and released by Villain Weapon Systems in 2022, the ATPIAL-C External Focusing Lens (EFL) greatly improves the performance, functionality, and effectiveness of the ATPIAL-C at an affordable price ($129.00 retail), opening up the operating envelope of the ATPIAL-C, making it more than capable of handling most carbine applications within the effective PID range of head-mounted, unity night vision systems without permanent or warranty/serviceability voiding modifications, and without significantly altering the manual of arms and ergonomics that is one of the reasons for the ATPIAL-C’s continued popularity.

The VWS ATPIAL-C EFL is a ruggedized housing and lens system that allows the user to focus their fixed ATPIAL-C illuminator. Focusing your illuminator creates a useful, intense light source for long range engagements. Once installed (requires removal of the factory diffuser cover), simply flip the focusing lens in front of the aperture of the illuminator and increase the intensity of the laser illuminator an approximate 3-6x. The premium focusing lenses chosen for this task have Near-Infrared Anti-Reflective coatings to ensure maximum light transmission (~90%). These specialty coatings applied to the lens also ensure little to no laser light gets back-reflected into laser cavity.

The VWS ATPIAL-C EFL comes in two variants, with Mid-Range (MR) and Long-Range (LR) focusing lens options:

Mid-Range: Focuses your illuminator approximately 3x. Your 6°/105mrad illuminator will be focused to an approximate 2°/35mrad beam.

This lens is great for Mid Range engagements or higher light environments.

Long-Range: Focuses your illuminator approximately 6x. Your 6°/105mrad illuminator will be focused to an approximate 1°/17mrad beam. This lens is great in conjunction with magnifiers/scopes for illumination out to longer ranges. (Not recommended for targets inside of 50 meters)

While the EFL does remove the “close-range” soft, diffused illuminator cover, the already wide beam divergence and diffused output of the Class I ATPIAL-C provides suitable illumination for most close-range applications, and is still accessible on the EFL by flipping the EFL lens/cover out of the way — snap the cover on for mid-to-long ranges, flip the cover off for closer-in use.

“The EFL is a fantastic upgrade to the ATPIAL-C, and I’m extremely pleased that we have been able to partner with Brandon [Olson – Owner/Founder of VWS] and Villain Weapon Systems, not only do we have some interesting new products in the works, but our partnership and distribution agreement will allow the EFL to be produced in much larger numbers than previously and therefore become much more widely available. We really enjoy collaborations like this, and working with small, innovative, and nimble companies that are creating great new products,” says Augee Kim, COO of Tactical Night Vision Company.

“The EFL is a relatively low cost upgrade [$129 Retail] that not only greatly increases the capabilities and effectiveness of the thousands of ATPIAL-Cs that are already out in the field being used, but with a total package price of under $1,900 makes the ATPIAL-C with the EFL a strong contender, even in 2023, offering effective performance at lower cost and/or without the accompanying bulk and ergonomic issues of some other options, the more options the better.”

Villain Weapon Systems ATPIAL-C EFL – IN-STOCK AND AVAILABLE NOW EXCLUSIVELY FROM TNVC:

tnvc.com/shop/villain-weapon-systems-atpial-c-external-focusing-lens-efl

L3Harris ATPIAL-C: Available Now at TNVC:

tnvc.com/shop/l3-insight-atpial-c-class1-ir-laser

***NOTE: The ATPIAL-C EFL is not designed to work with standard / high power ATPIAL / AN/PEQ-15s or any of its derivations. DAMAGE MAY OCCUR TO STANDARD / HIGH POWER PEQ-15s IF THIS LENS IS USED.***

Posted in Advertiser, Lights, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Viridian Now Offers E SERIES Green and Red Laser Sight Offerings for the Palmetto State Armory Dagger

Sunday, January 29th, 2023

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – January 25, 2023 – Viridian Weapon Technologies continues to assert that human eyes see green better and is now shipping E SERIES™ Green Lasers designed to improve performance and provide rapid target acquisition for Palmetto State Armory’s Dagger compact pistol. The newer Green Laser joins Viridian’s Red Laser Sight as ultra-functional model-specific options for the popular handgun. Viridian also offers holsters to fit the PSA Dagger and laser combinations.

The latest E SERIES Green and Red Laser Sights are made for the conceal and carry owner who wants power and affordability. The E SERIES Green Laser Sight is essential for daily carry, offering the most laser power legally available on the market. With this improved precision and visibility, one can be confident in their aim when it matters most. That’s why we call it essential.

Furthering the commitment to everyday carry—Viridian also offers Kydex holsters handcrafted in Minnesota. The PSA Dagger Model can be worn outside or inside the waistband and features advanced Kydex thermoforming techniques. These holsters are tested in the harshest conditions to ensure the user’s firearm/laser (and/or light) system is safe and secure when its needed most.

“The E SERIES line continues to be a priority and very popular with our customers and partners,” said Viridian President and CEO, Brian Hedeen. “Palmetto State Armory’s Dagger is a very popular concealed carry option, and our green and red lasers make it that much more versatile for personal protection. When you factor in the fact we also have model-specific holsters made right here at our HQ, it’s easy to see why more people are relying on us to complete their comprehensive EDC system.”

E Series Green Laser Sights are designed to easily fit onto the pistol’s trigger guard, hold up to the toughest conditions and provide more than one hour of battery life with a constant laser. These sights offer user-controlled activation and are powered by 1/3n batteries. They’re easy to mount, include tools in the package and have an auto-off feature that kicks in after five minutes.

The Dagger is a compact pistol that maintains Palmetto State Armory’s value and delivers with ergonomics and controllability. The Dagger offers a smooth fire due to its single-action striker-fired trigger mechanism and fast draw that is free of snags due to a smooth edge design. Quality is ever present in the Dagger’s stainless steel and advanced polymer composition with additional diamond-like carbon coating on the slide for further strength. The Palmetto Dagger has many options for upgrades with aftermarket offerings such as the Viridian Essential Green Laser Sight, Viridian Essential Red Laser Sight or the Kydex holster.

These sights are backed by Viridian’s seven-year warranty and have been designed to fit the Palmetto State Armory Dagger model and many more popular handgun models.

All specifications and information one the full Viridian lineup is available at ViridianWeaponTech.com.

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Thyrm Expands Its Helmet Mount Lineup with the VariArc-VS

Friday, January 27th, 2023

Sunnyvale, CA — Thyrm has released a universal solution for helmet-mounted illumination – the VariArc-VS. This version of the VariArc shares its ability to rotate 360 degrees with the Team Wendy, Ops-Core, and M-LOK versions already on the market. Velcro mounting makes the VS a universal solution for all helmets.

The VariArc-VS features positive indexing at forward, umbrella, and admin task angles. A firm twist and the mount unlocks to rotate through eight additional lower-force index points for total control of lighting direction. Its small footprint and low-profile keep things tidy and the Picatinny rail and Scout light mounts allow for maximum compatibility with visible and IR lights. The VariArc-VS is built to remain fully functional through extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, sand, water, drops on concrete, and rough handling.

The VariArc-VS™ Helmet Mount:
• High-strength hook Velcro provides secure attachment with a space-efficient footprint
• Both Picatinny rail and direct scout-light mounts included
• Positively locks in the forward index position
• Directs light through 360 degrees, with 8 additional lower-force index positions
• Works in vertical positions for umbrella lighting rooms, canopy illumination, and IR strobe signaling
• Can be used in downward angles for admin & task lighting
• Angled pivot allows user to optimize mounting for a lower profile or a more vertical rotation plane
• Large openings on both ends of the base allow for retention cords including 550 paracord
• Durable, reinforced polymer construction with steel hardware
• Designed and made in the USA

thyrm.com/product/variarc-vs-helmet-mount

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Sneak Peek – EOTech On Gun Laser

Monday, January 16th, 2023

Introducing the On Gun Laser (OGL) full power! Currently available to LE/MIL only.

EOTECH will be producing a civilian legal version coming in the future.

First look available at SHOT Show, see it at booth #20159

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Unity Tactical Launches New Line of Modular Electronic Switches

Tuesday, January 10th, 2023

Dual Button AXON™ and Single Button AXON™ SL bring ergonomically correct activation angles in smaller footprints

BROUSSARD, LA. (Jan. 10, 2023) – UNITY™ Tactical, a leading innovation and design company for the tactical community, announced today the launch of its newest line of modular electronic switches: AXON™. The AXON line launches with a dual button option – AXON – and a single button option – AXON SL.

AXON allows lights and lasers to fire from individual buttons with versions available for popular issued devices. With one 45-degree angled button and one flat button, its unique design provides tactile differentiation between the two buttons to eliminate confusion in dark, cold and high-stress situations. At only 2.70 inches in length, AXON has the smallest footprint of any dual button switch on the market, taking up less space on the M1913 or M-LOK® rail.

AXON’s light (angled) button features a switch that allows for both momentary and constant activation, while the laser button features a momentary-only button that supports the laser’s double-click-for-constant-on feature. Standard AXON models feature each button firing devices independently. SYNC models fire the laser independently, while the light button will fire both light and laser simultaneously. NGAL variants operate in a SYNC capacity but offer a visible override feature for light and laser.

“AXON is the direct result of customer feedback,” said Mike Roth, VP of business development for UNITY Tactical. “It brings a technically advanced and ergonomically correct solution within a two-button, hard-mounted switch – all in a smaller footprint, giving the end user utmost efficiency in space and capability.”

AXON SL is the even smaller, single button switch in the AXON family. Like AXON’s light button, its 45-degree angled button face provides an ergonomically correct activation angle, making it easy to index under stress, while wearing PPE or facing extreme environmental conditions.

The mechanical switch design allows weapon light models to fire in both momentary and constant-on modes in a familiar click tailcap design. Laser versions utilize a momentary only switch to facilitate use with the native double tap for constant feature found in most common lasers on the market. Dual lead variants are SYNC, firing both light and laser simultaneously.

“We constantly seek to innovate and improve the functionality and durability of our products,” said Trent Zimmer, founder and president of UNITY Tactical. “With each iteration, we aim to make our solutions smaller and more capable. The AXON line of switches is the future of modular electronic switch technology and we’re proud of the additional abilities it provides end users.”

AXON is available in standard (SureFire®/Crane Laser) and SYNC (SureFire/Crane Laser, SureFire/DBAL and SureFire/NGAL) variants in black and FDE for attachment to M1913 and M-LOK rails. It retails between $154.00 and $299.00 depending on the model and is available for purchase now through authorized UNITY dealers and on UNITYtactical.com.

AXON SL is available in single lead (SureFire, Crane Laser and NGAL) and dual lead (SureFire/Crane Laser and SureFire/NGAL) variants in black and FDE for attachment to M1913 rails. It retails between $114.00 and $275.00 depending on the model. AXON SL is available for purchase now through authorized UNITY dealers, with orders shipping starting Feb. 20. It will be available for sale on UNITYtactical.com starting March 1.

AXON and AXON SL will be both be on display at the UNITY Tactical booth #61503 at SHOT Show at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas from Jan. 17-20, 2023.

Posted in Advertiser, Lights, Press Release, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on Unity Tactical Launches New Line of Modular Electronic Switches

Emissary Development Updates X300 Paddle Shifter for 2023

Wednesday, January 4th, 2023

An updated version of Emissary Development’s paddle shifter for the SureFire X300 weapon light is entering production.

They have added a set screw locking feature that gives the paddle shifter a significantly better hold onto the switch armature. This new feature will also makes install easier.

The armature port has also been opened to also aid in a smoother install. It also allows for better quality control during manufacturing.

They’ve also updated the paddle profile.

While nearly all holsters are compatible with the older model there were a handful of Safariland holsters that, due to the overhanging material in the holster opening, made it possible to snag the paddle and were therefore not listed as compatible (without modification) on the holster compatibility list. The new profile tucks the edge of the paddle closer to the frame to prevent any snag issues.

They still will recommend modifying the Safariland holsters to prevent any wear or unwanted contact with the paddle, but they believe this new profile adjustment will have a big difference when it comes to preventing snagging as a whole.

Emissary Development wants customers to know that if you’ve had any previous issues with holster compatibility with your older model they are offering to replace them with this new model. Reach out to their support team and they’ll take care of you.

Coming after SHOT Show.

emissarydevelopment.com

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5.11 Holiday Gift Guide – Light Marker 2

Thursday, December 1st, 2022

The goal of this week’s holiday gift guide I created in conjunction with 5.11 Tactical was to come up with items which pretty everyone could use and are good values. One interesting item I ran across when going over their latest offerings is the Light Marker 2 which is a PALS compatible luminous bar which can be used to mark your equipment. Non-powered, it’s carved via 5.11’s Firefly Glow Technology which releases light before needing to be recharged.

www.511tactical.com/light-marker-2

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SureFire Field Notes Ep 74 –How To Setup your Carbine for No/Low Light with Jamey Caldwell

Wednesday, November 30th, 2022

In this episode, Jamey Caldwell of 1 Minute Out discusses how to properly setup a carbine for both day and night use with NVG’s. Sergeant Major (r) Jamey Caldwell, spent more than 21 years in the United States Army, serving his entire career in Special Operations. SGM Caldwell served 7 years with the 75th Ranger Regiment then spent the following 14 years in a Special Missions Unit that maintained a high operational tempo in Bosnia, Iraq, Afghanistan, and numerous other countries in the world. He has deployed to combat 14 times and has conducted well over 500 missions. SGM Caldwell has been awarded three medals for valorous actions in combat while under direct fire from the enemy. During his career, SGM Caldwell has consistently dedicated himself to the success of the mission and put the unit’s goals in front of his own. He has been sought after for his leadership skills, planning, leading combat operations, marksmanship, and CQB instruction, culminating from years of adaptive thinking in combat situations.

www.1minuteout.com

www.SureFire.com

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