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Holosun Showing at AUSA 2018

Friday, October 5th, 2018

City of Industry, CA (October 1, 2018)

Creating innovative optic and lighting solutions since 2013, Holosun is at the forefront of optic, laser and infrared technologies for tactical shooters and hobbyists alike. Holosun is attending the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) conference in Washington, DC from October 8-10 this year. Holosun will be available at booth #2948.

Army personnel place the highest demands on their equipment and Holosun has introduced technology and features to address their specific needs. Among these innovations are Advanced Solar Fail Safe, Shake Awake technology, Multiple Reticle System (MRS), and titanium bodies in select models to protect these revolutionary technologies. Available with red or green LEDs, the soldier now has even more options to enhance accuracy and advance their marksmanship.

Army personnel attending the AUSA conference trade show should stop by the Holosun booth #2948 to see all of these features, options, and technologies in person as well as have any questions answered by the knowledgeable Holosun staff.

For more information, please visit www.holosun.com

Tags: Holosun
Posted in AUSA, Optics, Press Release | 5 Comments »

USSOCOM Selects Nightforce For Squad-Variable Powered Scopes (First Focal Plane) Contract Worth Up To $21 Million

Monday, October 1st, 2018

Late last year, Naval Special Warfare Center – Crane, working as the weapons procurement arm of the United States Special Operations Command, released a solicitation to industry for Squad-Variable Power Scopes to be used on M4 carbines to to 600m.

The plan was to buy First Focal Plane Scopes and other associated items as a 100% set-aside for small business, while a Second Focal Plane Scope and other associated gear would be full and open competition.

Today, they announced the First Focal Plane contract, awarding a little over $15 Million initially to Nightforce. Ultimately, the contract could be worth as much as $21 Million.

The Optic is the ATACR (Advanced Tactical Rifle) 1-8x. It is similar to the commercial variant except that it will be in FDE and utilize a custom BDC reticle specified by USSOCOM.

This is the DoD announcement:

Lightforce (sic) USA Inc.,* Orofina, Idaho, is awarded a $15,760,499 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the production of Squad-Variable Powered Scopes (S-VPS) in support of U.S. Special Operations Command. This procurement is for the S-VPS, spare parts and training. The S-VPS is a low-profile, wide-field-of-view, passive scope for near-range engagements out to and beyond the maximum effective range of the weapon system, for small arms employed by special operations forces. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of the contract to $21,172,435. Work will be performed in Orofino, Idaho, and is expected to be completed by September 2023. Fiscal 2018 procurement (Defense-wide) funding in the amount of $1,512,000 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with five offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Indiana, is the contracting activity (N00164-19-D-JQ31).

Tags: Nightforce
Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, Optics, SOF | 32 Comments »

US Marine Corps Uses the GLARE HELIOS For Subterranean Training Exercise

Monday, October 1st, 2018

U.S. Marines illuminate a tunnel with the high power yet EyeSafe® green laser ocular interruption capability from B.E. Meyers & Co. as part of a subterranean training exercise in the Nevada desert.

SUBTERRANEAN FOCUS

With the U.S. Military accelerating its efforts to effectively address subterranean threats, it has become increasingly apparent that new and innovative applications for existing technology are necessary to maintain dominance on the battlefield, both above and below ground. Recently, the USMC performed a subterranean training exercise in the Nevada desert and observed that the illumination capabilities of the B.E. Meyers & Co. GLARE® HELIOS™ Hail and Warning device far outweighed those of their white lights in the long, dark tunnels.

GLARE® FAMILY OF HAIL AND WARNING DEVICES

The 250 mW GLARE® HELIOS™ is the class 1M variant of the GLARE RECOIL®, the official Hail and Warning laser currently in use by the USMC as part of the Ocular Interrupter System (OIS) program (JETDS identifier LA-22/U). The LA-22/U was originally procured for EOF scenarios, however, it’s long-range illumination capabilities, and patented SmartRange™ technology make it the ideal illumination and designation system for a variety of other applications as well. The GLARE® HELIOS™ boasts the same potent dazzling and illumination capabilities as the LA-22/U, and is the only Hail and Warning device authorized by the FDA for use with Federal Agencies.

EXTENDED ILLUMINATION RANGE

Unlike white light illuminators, the divergence of the laser emitted by the GLARE® HELIOS™ is controlled by a motorized zoom and retains its illumination capabilities over extremely long distances. Compact white light systems that are currently available to soldiers are not sufficient for illuminating long stretches of pitch-black tunnel, and their low power keeps potential EOF scenarios within ranges that could pose a hazard to the operator.

Below is a GLARE® HELIOS™ compared against a weapon mounted white light illuminating a potential threat at over 100 yards. The extended standoff and illumination capabilities provided by the HELIOS™ are unmatched. With its patented EyeSafe® technology, and a divergence adjustment capable of 0.23° at its narrowest setting, the green beam is an ideal solution for any branch of military or law enforcement looking for compact, long-range illumination.

Pictured: Potential target is obscured at 100 yards with only white light illumination.

Pictured: Potential target is now illuminated at 100 yards with GLARE HELIOS™ laser.

The LA-22/U is available for procurement as NSN 5860-01-657-3893. It is currently in production and being delivered by B.E. Meyers & Co., the sole source provider to MARCORSYSCOM for the $49M IDIQ Ocular Interruption System (OIS) program, contract number M67854-14-D-1040.

Tags: BE Meyers & Co
Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Optics, USMC | 12 Comments »

USSOCOM Replaces EOTech Sights With EOTech Sights

Saturday, September 29th, 2018

Naval Surface Warfare Center – Crane Division, acting as the program office for special operations weapons procurement on behalf of United States Special Operations Command has announced a $23,637,320 contract to L-3 Communications EOTech for Close Quarters Battle Sights. We do not yet have verification of which model was selected.

As you may recall, in September, 2015, we broke the story of severe issues with EOTech Holographic Weapon Sights. Ultimately, many (but not all) units within USSOCOM withdrew the sights from service and the US Department of Justice charged L-3 Communications with fraud. L-3 settled for over $25 million. This led to a massive commercial refund program by EOTech, taking back virtually any EOTech sight identified by customers.

SOF units tested and fielded various interim replacements and USSOCOM undertook a formal program to identify a replacement as part of their Miniature Aiming System – Day suite of optics. This contract award is a result of that effort.

Internally, EOTech cleaned house, fixed their production issues, and introduced the VUDU line of telescopic sight. It’s a testament to the dedication of EOTech that they were able to turn themselves in three years and win the business back. I’m impressed.

Tags: EOTech, L-3 Communications
Posted in Contracts, Optics, SOF | 46 Comments »

Tom Cruise Spotted With MAWL/GIGN

Monday, September 24th, 2018

Last July, while on a promotional tour through France for Mission Impossible: Fallout, Tom Cruise paid an unplanned visit to the National Gendarmerie Intervention Group (GIGN) in Versailles. These photos from the GIGN’s Twitter account showcase Cruise on the range with GIGN operatives, shooting various weapons from their arsenal, including their primary weapon, the CZ Bren 2 equipped with the B.E. Meyers & Co. Modular Advanced Weapon Laser – Direct Action (MAWL®-DA).

DB2A0164-ACB6-40F2-B772-D4DEF1EDBFC9

The MAWL®-DA is the most end –user centric high powered NIR/VIS aiming and illumination laser available for individual weapons. It was designed from the ground up to provide improved ergonomics, interface, and performance for night fighters across the globe. After rigorous testing, the GIGN selected the MAWL®-DA as the superior choice for formal procurement and deployment within the unit.

Known for missions including counter-terrorism, hostage rescue, surveillance of national threats, protection of government officials, and targeting organized crime, it makes sense that the Mission Impossible star would want to meet with the elite unit that helped inspire the action in Fallout, and try their gear firsthand.

Tags: BE Meyers & Co
Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Optics | 8 Comments »

USSOCOM Awards L3 $48 Million Contract For Squad Aiming Lasers

Sunday, September 23rd, 2018

It’s the end of the fiscal year and Special Operations Command is wrapping up several of their requirements such as the Squad Aiming Laser. The Department of Defense made this announcement, late last week to L3 for the Squad Aiming Laser, who offers the Next-Generation Aiming Laser.

L3 Technologies Inc., Londonberry, New Hampshire, is awarded a $48,500,000 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the production of Squad Aiming Lasers (SAL), spare parts, and training in support of U.S. Special Operations Command. The SAL is a compact, ruggedized, aiming, pointing and illuminating laser system for compact rifles and assault rifles. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the performance period to ten years. Work will be performed in Londonberry, New Hampshire, and is expected to be completed by September 2023. If options are exercised, work will continue through September 2028. Fiscal 2018 Defense-wide procurement funding in the amount of $8,668,680 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with five offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Indiana, is the contracting activity (N00164-18-D-JQ27).

Below is a USSOCOM quad chart, summarizing the Squad Aiming Laser requirement.

Tags: L3
Posted in Contracts, Optics, SOF | 9 Comments »

SIG SAUER BDX Award-Winning Rangefinder and Riflescope System Now Available in Retails Stores for Hunting Season

Thursday, August 30th, 2018

Newington, N.H. (August 29, 2018) – SIG SAUER Electro-Optics is pleased to announce that the award-winning Ballistic Data Xchange (BDX™) Rangefinder and Riflescope System is now available in retail stores for hunting season. BDX is a rangefinder and riflescope system that uses your ballistics, environmental conditions, and Bluetooth to illuminate the exact holdover dot. The BDX System is simple, fast, and intuitive – just Connect The Dot™.

To use the BDX Rangefinder and Riflescope system, simply download the “SIG BDX” app, pair the KILO BDX Rangefinder and SIERRA3BDX Riflescope, set up your ballistic profile, and you are ready to hunt. Once you are in the field, range your target, put the ballistic holdover dot on the target, pull the trigger, impact.

The BDX family of rangefinders includes: KILO1400BDX, KILO1800BDX, KILO2200BDX, KILO2400BDX, and KILO3000BDX rangefinding binocular. These rangefinders include many of the unrivaled features that the KILO name was built on: Lightwave DSP™ digital rangefinder engine, Hyperscan™ with 4 times per second scan rate, RangeLock™, and the Lumatic™ auto-adjusting display.

The SIERRA3BDX riflescopes are available in 3.5-10x42mm, 4.5-14x44mm, 4.5-14x50mm, and 6.5-20x52mm, and have the look, feel, weight, and size of traditional riflescopes. The riflescopes feature HD glass for superior resolution and optical clarity, 30mm main tubes, side-focus parallax adjustments, and the LevelPlex™ digital anti-cant system. The BDX-R1 Digital Ballistic Reticle is the evolution of holdover, with a second focal plane reticle that scales your ballistic holdover dot with magnification like a first focal plane reticle, providing a ballistic solution out to 800 yards with 1 MOA of accuracy.

Rounding out these superior features is SIG SAUER’s kinetic energy transfer indicator: KinETHIC™. KinETHIC provides hunters assistance in assuring an ethical hunt by indicating when energy on target drops below a threshold that can be set by the hunter using the BDX App.

The SIG SAUER BDX System was recently awarded the 2018 Golden Triggr Award for “Innovation in Optics” at Triggrcon which showcases the newest, most innovative products in the firearms industry.

The complete SIG SAUER Electro-Optics BDX Rangefinder and Riflescope system retails for $699 – $1,399.

sigsauer.com

Tags: SIG Optics
Posted in Advertiser, Optics, Press Release | 1 Comment »

United States Customs & Border Protection Identifies Leupold Mark 5HD Riflescope for Future Use

Wednesday, August 29th, 2018

United States Customs & Border Protection (CBP) has identified and cleared the new-for-2108 Leupold Mark 5HD riflescope for future use by U.S. Border Patrol officers.

The award-winning Mark 5HD from Leupold & Stevens, Inc., launched in early 2018 and combines elite optical performance, rugged reliability, and user-friendly features in a package that could only be produced by leveraging the 70 years of optics manufacturing Leupold possesses. It has wowed end-users throughout the industry.

The U.S. Border Patrol, which has worked with Leupold in the past, has deemed the Mark 5HD worthy of potential use by its officers and agents across the nation.

“We’re dedicated to building optics that deliver game-changing optical performance and unquestioned reliability,” Bruce Pettet, president and chief executive officer for Leupold & Stevens, Inc., said. “The men and women of the U.S. Border Patrol deserve to have the best tools available, and we’re happy to be able to provide them a top-of-the-line optical solution that’s designed, machined, and assembled here in the United States.”

Two Mark 5HD models are currently available: A 5-25×56 model is ideal for those seeking maximum usable magnification and a 3.6-18×44 edition that balances compactness with big-time optical performance. Both feature 35mm maintubes for increased adjustment travel. Elite professional and top level competition shooters were consulted during the designing of the Mark 5HD, and the end result is an optic that provides everything necessary – in both quality and features. Both models deliver superior edge-to-edge clarity and extreme low-light performance. The Twilight Max® HD Light Management System delivers the perfect balance of image color and contrast, light transmission, and glare management.

“The Mark 5HD has been built from the ground up to deliver the unparalleled performance that law enforcement agents require,” said Sam Horstman, Director of Military Sales for Leupold & Stevens, Inc. “And, like all of our optics, the Mark 5HD has been strenuously tested for durability, and fully meets the extremely high standards that CBP demands. Border Patrol officers need their optics to perform, and we’re glad to be able to offer a solution that’s built to deliver on those expectations.”

Tags: Leupold
Posted in Contracts, Optics, Press Release | 4 Comments »