FirstSpear

Archive for the ‘Press Release’ Category

New Bushnell LMSS2 an Evolution of the Elite Tactical Lightweight Modular Spotting Scope

Wednesday, October 28th, 2020

Elite Tactical LMSS2 Offers Enhanced Lens Coatings, Updated Reticle Options

 

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – October 28, 2020 – Bushnell®, an industry leader in performance optics, has taken its professional-grade Elite Tactical compact spotting scope to an even higher level with the new 8-40x 60mm LMSS2.

The Elite Tactical LMSS2 combines compact elite-quality HD glass with a military-grade riflescope optical design. It builds on the original Lightweight Modular Spotting Scope (LMSS) with features including upgraded exterior lens coatings, updated HORUS reticle options and a power-change throw lever as well as other user control enhancements. Military personnel, law enforcement officers, competitive shooters and hunters can employ the LMSS2 to complement their Elite Tactical optics or other MIL-based riflescopes.

Ideal for training and competitive shooting that requires long-range target acquisition, the LMSS2’s key features include:

• ED Prime (HD) glass and fully multi-coated optics paired with ultra-wide-band coatings to allow for more light transmission in low-light situations, providing superior image brightness and color resolution

• Compact and lightweight HDOS system enables low-profile, lightweight construction without sacrificing resolution or contrast

• Aluminum alloy chassis construction is rugged and meets IXP7 waterproof standards; heavy-duty rubber overmold ensures that the glass and mechanical components are both secured and protected to maintain optical performance for years of use

• Bushnell’s exclusive EXO Barrier molecularly bonds to exterior lens surfaces and repels water, oil, fog, dust and debris so the user can see the target in any condition

• Throw Hammer PCR lever speeds up magnification changes and target engagements

The LMSS2 Elite Tactical is available with the H322 or the TREMOR4 spotting scope reticle. The H322 is designed as a companion to the H59 and H58 riflescope reticles, and is ideal for spotting with any MRAD-based riflescope reticle or where real-time measured targeting information is required. Its 0.2 milliradian (MRAD) Horus Grid and patented Rapid Range Bars make it well suited for those looking for robust wind and drop compensation, target range estimation and follow-up shot spotter communication capabilities. The TREMOR4 builds on the H322 and is designed as a companion to the TREMOR2, TREMOR3 or TREMOR5 riflescope reticles. It is also an exceptional reticle for spotting with any MRAD-based riflescope reticle. With its 0.2 mil Horus Grid and patented time of flight wind dots, it can be used with any ballistics and in any environmental conditions for excellent follow-up shot spotter communication capabilities.

With a minimum magnification of eight power – an ideal setting when employed with night vision – and a maximum of 40 power, the LMSS2 Elite Tactical is one of the most versatile premium spotting scopes on the market. It comes with a detachable (3 user selectable positions) picatinny rail, giving users the ability to quickly and easily mount red dot sights for faster target acquisition or laser rangefinders. An optional, third party rail kit designed as a direct-connect, OEM system further expands the scope’s accessory compatibility. Other features contributing to versatility, performance and ease of use include a twist-up eyecup, fast-focus diopter, integral ¼-20 tripod connection and bottom accessory rail connections.

The 8-40x 60mm LMSS2 Elite Tactical measures 12.7 inches in length and weighs 37 ounces without rail. Color is flat dark earth and black. Manufacturer’s suggested retail price is $1,749.99. Lens caps and cleaning cloth are included.

All Elite Tactical optics are covered by Bushnell’s Iron Clad Lifetime Warranty. For more information on the company’s full line of binoculars, spotting scopes and other optics, visit www.bushnell.com.

Following Investments in Onshore Manufacturing, Outdoor Research Promotes New VP of Government, Tactical, and PPE

Wednesday, October 28th, 2020

Longtime OR employee, Army veteran TJ Laynor to head Sales and Programs for a division that has seen $5 million in R+D and manufacturing facility investment over the last 2 years.
SEATTLE, Wash. (October 28, 2020) – After growing its manufacturing capacity dramatically by opening a new factory and increasing its onshore manufacturing jobs substantially over the last two years, Outdoor Research, Inc. (OR), a leader in the outdoor and tactical apparel industry, announced today it has promoted TJ Laynor to Vice President of Government and International Tactical Programs.

Laynor is a veteran of the Army who has worked for the Government/Tactical Division at Outdoor Research for a decade. In his new post, he will oversee sales and programs for the Government/Tactical and Medical PPE divisions. Outdoor Research has operated in the Government/Tactical arena for 30 years, building products for both elite units of the U.S. military and the tactical consumer market. Medical and PPE is an area into which OR expanded in 2020 with the onset of the COVID pandemic, investing in extensive new manufacturing equipment and technology to become a company that – since March – has built more than 6 million surgical, N95 and other face masks. OR also earned difficult-to-achieve FDA authorization and NIOSH certification for new products this year.

Contributing to its increased onshore manufacturing capabilities, over the last two years Outdoor Research has invested more than $5 million in improving R+D capabilities focused on these markets, including opening a second onshore factory in El Monte, California, while at the same time extensively modernizing and upgrading its manufacturing operation at its headquarters in Seattle, Washington. Outdoor Research has  grown the number of jobs in its two U.S. manufacturing operations to more than 500 employees.

Prior to Outdoor Research, Laynor, who joined the U.S. Army in the wake of Sept. 11, 2001, served in the military for nearly 10 years, completing a deployment in Afghanistan and two to Iraq. He and his wife, Dr. Samara Laynor met while deployed in Iraq. They have two children and reside in Tacoma, Washington.

“Whether in the mountains or the battlefield, the Outdoor Research brand has always been about solving problems and offering protection. And now we continue to grow with the addition of medical and PPE products,” Laynor said. “With the twists and turns that have come about through this year’s pandemic, this expansion aligns with the problem-solving vision of OR’s founder, Ron Gregg. I believe he would be proud of the unstoppable force that this team and this company has brought to bear in continuing to solve problems and provide the best protection available.”

Highly respected in the outdoor industry for developing functional solutions for extreme environments, Outdoor Research has a history of successfully leveraging the best commercial market technologies to serve the needs of the armed services and first responders. Over the past several years the company has conducted a comprehensive review of the U.S. supply chain and is in active development with textile mills and materials providers to expand and elevate the capabilities of products that are 100-percent American-made. That extensive innovation pipeline and network was crucial this past spring as the brand expanded into manufacturing surgical and N95 masks in a period of months.

“We’ve been investing in our Military/Tactical division and our onshore manufacturing capabilities over the last few years because we see the need to create critically needed, advanced products for the domestic market.” said Michelle Wardian, President of Outdoor Research. “The ability to respond quickly to rapidly evolving needs is paramount in the Military/Tactical arena, and we never could have imagined how much our domestic manufacturing experience would come into play in 2020 as the need for PPE made in the U.S.A. emerged. We are fortunate to have TJ’s highly credible experience continuing to guide our course forward.”

The Outdoor Research company mission is rooted in mountain environments. OR products are purpose-built to support the rigorous demands of our customers. Since 1981, Outdoor Research has engineered products to help outdoor adventurers respond to the challenges presented by the wild outdoors. OR’s decades of first-hand experience developing and manufacturing products that provide capability in uncompromising situations has provided the backdrop from which the military/tactical and medical/PPE teams were born. OR tactical products have been improved through cross-pollination from user groups, including the elite communities of military, law enforcement, and government agencies.

SIG SAUER Electro-Optics ROMEOZero Wins 2020 NASGW POMA-Caliber Award For “Best New Optic”

Wednesday, October 28th, 2020

NEWINGTON, N.H., (October 28, 2020) – SIG SAUER, Inc. is pleased to announce the SIG SAUER Electro-Optics ROMEOZero has been awarded the 2020 NASGW POMA-Caliber Award for “Best New Optic.”

The NASGW-POMA Caliber Awards are a partnership between the National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) and the Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA) to recognize new and innovative products within the sporting goods industry.  Products for the NASGW-POMA Caliber Awards are submitted by the manufacturers for the various product categories and are evaluated for uniqueness, market need, value of the product, ingenuity, and presentation.

“This is an exciting award for the ROMEOZero and underscores the new innovation that SIG SAUER Electro-Optics has brought to the concealed carry market,” said Andy York, President, SIG SAUER Electro-Optics.  “With sub-compacts and red dot optics gaining unprecedented popularity for everyday carry, the ROMEOZero provides quick target acquisition that you can rely on at an affordable price.”

The SIG SAUER Electro-Optics ROMOEZero is a micro open reflex sight that’s optimized for everyday concealed carry like the P365XL, and pistols with slim slide profiles such as single stack 1911’s and sub-compact firearms.  The sight features a ruggedized, WeaponsGrade™ textured polymer body and the Spectracoat™ HD Polymer lens system.  The ROMEOZero is available in 3MOA or 6MOA and features eight daytime illumination settings, MOTAC™ (Motion Activated Illumination System), and a 10-year battery life. 

The ROMEOZero is designed, engineered and assembled in the USA at SIG SAUER Electro-Optics facility located in Wilsonville, Oregon.  The optic is available for purchase at retailers nationwide and online at the sigssauer.com webstore.

Savage Announces New Thumbhole 320 Shotguns

Wednesday, October 28th, 2020

WESTFIELD, Massachusetts – October 28, 2020 – Savage Arms is pleased to announce the addition of three new models to their venerable Stevens 320 shotgun lineup. These new thumbhole stock pump-actions provide control and versatility and offer a new option for fans of the classic Stevens design and will be available this holiday season.

“Our Stevens shotguns have proven to be very versatile for hunters and home defense,” Jessica Treglia, Sr. Brand Manager at Savage Arms, said. “And now we’re adding the thumbhole option to our 320 line with a new Turkey gun, and two different defensive shotguns. These shotguns are light, highly ergonomic, and built on the tested pump action that makes Stevens shotguns so reliable.”

The new 320 Thumbhole Security provides a new level of ergonomics to the tested 320 action. The 320 Security Thumbhole model combines a 18.5” barrel with a matte black forend and aggressive stock texturing. Each is available with either ghost ring sights or a traditional front bead sight. Both options are chambered in 12 gauge and 20 gauge.

320 Thumbhole Security Features

• Pump action shotgun with dual slide bars and rotary bolt

• 12 & 20 Gauge Options

• Matte black synthetic stock and forend

• Thumbhole stock with ambidextrous cheek riser and rugged grip textures

• Chrome alloy steel 18.5” matte black security barrel

• 3-inch chamber

• Swivel stud on stock and magazine cap

• Bottom-loading tube magazine (5+1 Capacity)

• Recoil pad

• Ghost Ring Sight or Front Bead Sight models available.

Part No. / Description / MSRP

23246 / 320 Thumbhole BEAD, 12 GA. 18.5-inch barrel / $275

23247 / 320 Thumbhole BEAD, 20 GA. 18.5-inch barrel / $275

23248 / 320 Thumbhole GRS, 12 GA. 18.5-inch barrel / $305

23249 / 320 Thumbhole GRS, 20 GA. 18.5-inch barrel / $305

The reliable 320 pump action is now available in a thumbhole stock. The 320 Turkey also has an ambidextrous cheek riser. The olive drab stock and forend have built-in grip textures, and the receiver is drilled and tapped. It comes with an extended extra full turkey choke and adjustable fiberoptic sights.  With its proven rotary bolt, and dual slide bars, the new 320 Turkey Thumbhole is ready to hunt.

320 Turkey Thumbhole Features

• Pump action shotgun with dual slide bars and rotary bolt

• 12 & 20 Gauge Options

• OD Green synthetic stock and forend

• Thumbhole stock with ambidextrous cheek riser and rugged grip textures

• Chrome alloy steel 22” matte black, ventilated rib barrel

• 3-inch chamber

• Swivel stud on stock and magazine cap

• Bottom-loading tube magazine (5+1 Capacity)

• Recoil pad

• Adjustable fiberoptic turkey sights

• Extended Extra Full Choke Tube (Win. Choke)

Part No. / Description / MSRP

23250 / 320 Turkey Thumbhole, 12 GA. 22-inch barrel / $323

23251 / 320 Turkey Thumbhole, 20 GA. 22-inch barrel / $323

Petzl Connect Adjust – Black is the New Orange!

Wednesday, October 28th, 2020

Helix Operations are excited to have the first and only stock of the new Petzl Connect Adjust lanyard in black. Designed for climbing and mountaineering, the Petzl Connect Adjust is a single positioning lanyard with an adjustable arm offering quick adjustment when required.

The Petzl Connect Adjust has proved to be a versatile piece of equipment with a multitude of uses and is an essential piece of equipment carried by Instructors and operators. It is micro adjustable, compatible with a wide range of connectors, and simply attaches via a larks foots onto the belay loop to keep the system light and reduces the metalwork carried.

The Petzl Connect Adjust meets the EU regulation 2016/425 on Personal Protective Equipment and the applicable standard: UIAA 109:2018.

For further information, please contact sales@helixoperations.com.

Kimber Names Troy, Alabama Corporate Headquarters

Tuesday, October 27th, 2020

TROY, AL, October 26, 2020 — Kimber Mfg., is pleased to name Troy, Alabama, as its official corporate headquarters and to announce it is hiring aggressively in all departments. After a carefully planned shift of leadership, R&D and manufacturing resources, Kimber has made substantial progress in the transition to its new, state-of-the-art headquarters in Troy, Alabama. The final step in completing this new facility is adding staff across all departments.

Kimber’s new headquarters is situated on 80+ acres with more than 225,000 square-feet of space and is now home to industry-leading design engineering, product management and manufacturing capabilities. After an exhaustive search, Troy was chosen for a multitude of reasons including its proximity to top-tier engineering schools as well as gun- and business-friendly support from the city of Troy and the great state of Alabama.

Kimber’s Alabama expansion is well ahead of schedule, having filled hundreds of its planned Troy-based positions. Kimber is seeking qualified applicants across multiple positions and business areas including CNC technicians, machinists, quality control specialists, lean technicians, design engineers, compliance analysts, customer service representatives, materials planners, maintenance technicians, finishing operators, and assembly technicians.

“Kimber is a great place to work, especially if you love firearms,” said Pedi Gega, director of assembly and product finishing. “We have two indoor gun ranges, one outdoor range, a state-of-the-art design and prototype fabrication center, and a dynamic team of professionals who pride themselves in producing firearms with unmatched attention to detail, design and performance. Every Kimber firearm is created with a unique blend of advanced precision technology and authentic human craftsmanship.”

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply at www.kimberamerica.com/careers.

GM Defense Delivers First Infantry Squad Vehicle to US Army

Tuesday, October 27th, 2020

MILFORD, Mich. — GM Defense LLC, a subsidiary of General Motors, is celebrating the first delivery of the Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV) – a light and agile all-terrain troop carrier intended to transport a nine-Soldier infantry squad and their equipment – to the U.S. Army as part of a $214.3 million contract awarded in June. GM Defense will manufacture 649 ISVs and will support the production of up to 2,065 vehicles with additional authorization over eight years. This is the first major award and delivery for GM Defense since the subsidiary was reestablished by its parent company in 2017.

The ISV is based off the award-winning Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 midsize truck architecture and leverages 90 percent proven commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) parts, including Chevrolet Performance race components. The 5,000-pound ISV was uniquely engineered to fulfill military requirements and designed to provide rapid ground mobility. The expeditionary ISV is light enough to be sling loaded from a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter and compact enough to fit inside a CH-47 Chinook helicopter for air transportability. The COTS parts, combined with the ISV’s innovative Rollover Protection System, will provide agile transportability on the battlefield to support mission success.

“One hundred and twenty days from contract award to delivery is a significant milestone, and I am very proud of the team for this accomplishment,” said David Albritton, president of GM Defense. “We’re leveraging General Motors’ engineering prowess and immense manufacturing capabilities to bring transformative solutions to the military vehicle market. Our initial success with the ISV shows our commitment to our customer and highlights our unique right to win in the military mobility market.”

“The value we bring to our Army customer is our willingness to listen and adapt,” said Mark Dickens, GM Defense chief engineer. “During Soldier testing, the feedback we received was paramount in delivering a vehicle that met Soldiers’ needs, while maximizing safety and performance and taking their comfort into consideration. The production ISV we’re delivering today is an evolution from our original prototype design, and it’s certainly a vehicle that is a source of pride for the team.”

GM Defense has a teaming agreement with Ricardo Defense, which will lead the Integrated Product Support for the ISV, including technical manual development, new equipment training, provisioning, total package fielding and field service support.

“The success of the ISV program within 120 days is a true testament to the hard work and determination of a great partnership between GM Defense and Ricardo Defense,” said Chet Gryczan, president of Ricardo Defense. “Ricardo Defense is proud to be leading the creation and integration of critical ISV logistics products to ensure a successful transition of the ISV to the Army’s inventory.”

GM Defense is driving the future of military mobility by leveraging the best-in-class capabilities of General Motors for unmatched innovation, proven performance and breakthrough life-cycle economics. The ISV will bring world-class manufacturing efficiencies, ease of maintenance and a well-established global supply chain to the U.S. Army.

Stay tuned for future updates on www.GMDefenseLLC.com.

SIG SAUER Introduces SIG Custom Works Equinox Series

Tuesday, October 27th, 2020

NEWINGTON, N.H., (October 27, 2020) – SIG SAUER is pleased to announce the continued expansion of the SIG Custom Works series of pistols with the introduction of the SIG Custom Works Equinox Series of pistols for the P226 Equinox and P229 Equinox.

“This is an exciting addition to the SIG Custom Works series of pistols, and a must have for SIG aficionados and collectors alike,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales. “SIG Custom Works has recreated the popular two-tone, contrasting Equinox finish originally introduced over a decade ago for the iconic P226 and P229 pistols. These throwback limited-edition builds have the same look and feel of their predecessors that made the Equinox series a consistent request of SIG fans.”

The SIG Custom Works P226 and P229 Equinox pistols are 9mm hammer-fired pistols that each feature a black anodized metal frame and a Nitron stainless steel slide to achieve the two-tone equinox finish. The pistols are equipped with X-RAY 3 Day/Night Sights, Hogue classic contour SL G-10 grips, a short reset trigger, and pistol ships with (3) magazines. Exclusive SIG Custom Works feature include logo engraving on the slide, a Negrini SIG Custom Works case, challenge coin, and an official SIG Custom Works Certificate of Authenticity.

P226 Equinox Specs:
Overall length: 7.7 inches
Overall height: 5.5 inches
Overall width: 1.5 inches
Barrel length: 4.4 inches
Sight Radius: 6.3 inches
Weight (w/magazine): 34 oz.

P229 Equinox Specs:
Overall length: 7.1 inches
Overall height: 5.5 inches
Overall width: 1.5 inches
Barrel length: 3.9 inches
Sight Radius: 5.7 inches
Weight (w/magazine): 34 oz.

The SIG Custom Works Equinox Series is now shipping and available at retailers. To learn more about the SIG Custom Works P226 and P229 Equinox Series sigsauer.com.

The SIG Custom Works series of pistols includes the P320 AXG Scorpion, the classic line Nightmare Series, and the Equinox series.