Right across the footbridge from the Tampa Convention Center on the second floor of the Embassy Suites, are several additional companies including BE Meyers & Co (where you can also see MAWL-Man and a Hodge Unicorn gun), Magpul (with drinks and snacks!), Blue Force Gear, Cubic and Booz Allen Hamilton.
The Marine Corps conducted a study which showed that full auto fire is more effective than semi auto fire when engaging moving targets. However, the weapon had to already be set to full auto. Otherwise, the time it took to rotate the selector switch into position would result in a missed target. They asked Geissele Automatics to take a look at the issue and they came up with the High Speed Selector.
You can think of it as a spring loaded selector with a quarter throw. When you depress it, the rifle transitions from semi to full auto and when you let up, it transitions back to semi auto fire. It’s kind of like hitting the nitrous button on a hot rod.
Handl Defense has been making accessories for the FN SCAR for years and thought they’d try their hand at Heckler & Koch weapons. A common complaint of the HK417 is that it requires proprietary magazines. Not anymore.
Thanks to Handl’s new 417-M110 magwell adapter, the weapon will now accept SR25 pattern magazines like this one from Magpul. The HK417’s magwell is already oversized to accommodate the thick walled H&K magazine, so there’s plenty of room for the patented insert. It also uses a new magazine release.
When we recently reported that the 101st Abn Div and other Fort Campbell, Kentucky-based tenant units would be the first units equipped with the US Army’s new Modular Handgun System, there seems to be confusion by commenters over which model of pistol units would receive. The 4.7″ barrel M17 is similar to the full size P320 and will be the standard pistol. The Compact M18 features a 3.9″ barrel and will replace the M11, known commercially as the SIG P228.
Above you can see precisely how the M17 will be shipped to the Army. Below, is the M18.
Each pistol comes with one 17 round and two 21 round magazines as well as three frames (small, medium and large). Unlike many pistols, the frames are not the firearm but rather expendable parts. The trigger pack is the serial numbered item. The difference between the M17 and M18 is the length of the barrels and slides.
Currently, the pistol features a anti-tamper device so Soldiers can’t swap out frames on their own. However, the Army is considering removing this feature and replacing it with a standard commercial fastener.
An additional anti-tamper device prevents Soldiers from accessing the striker mechanism.
SIG introduced two additional safety features. There is a 1911-style ambi-safety as well as a loaded chamber indicator at top center of the breech on the slide. Finally, the slides have a removable sight plate with a Delta Point Pro footprint.
This new Mk13 trigger was designed by Geissele at the request of NSWC-Crane. It fits the AI chassis and Stiller action only and is specifically intended for use by snipers. The reason I say this is that because it is non-adjustable, its commercial appeal will be limited. Geissele sets this trigger at the factor and in this case it’s 2-stage and 3.5 lbs. The trigger was also specifically designed to pass Crane’s 5′ drop test unto steel plate with the safety off. This is the first time a bolt gun trigger has passed the drop test with the safety off. Finally, it uses Geissele’s proprietary NanoWeapon coating.
Essex Junction, Vermont (May 15, 2017) – Designed and built in conjunction with Special Operations Forces (SOF) users, Revision Military’s new Caiman Head System reinforces the Company’s standing as the world leader in integrated head protection systems. The Caiman Head System is a true full-spectrum special operations helmet solution, and will be commercially available in stages, starting with the Caiman Carbon Bump Helmet System. The Caiman Carbon Bump System—including carbon bump helmet, a streamlined rail system, and an innovative liner and suspension system—will be available for sale at the end of July.
“This new head system, built from the ground up and tailored to the feedback and specialized needs of SOF users, epitomizes Revision’s forward-thinking, holistic mindset,” said Jonathan Blanshay, CEO, Revision Military. “Revision upended traditional helmet development for the Family of Tactical Headborne Systems (FTHS) project. The project management team put in untold legwork, going to great lengths to engage key SOF contacts and stakeholders directly, and absorbing unfiltered, informed feedback. This collaborative, iterative process allowed the team to eliminate guesswork and address SOF user demands in real time. Caiman is not a head system created in a vacuum; the contributions from SOF operators are undeniable.”
Optimized for coastal, riverine, maritime, high-altitude, freefall, and ground maneuvers, the Batlskin Caiman Helmet System is designed to withstand an extreme range of environmental conditions–—tropic or arctic, day or night, arid desert or open ocean, and beyond. Revision has also developed a new set of accessories that will enhance this cutting-edge, lightweight helmet for boat, vehicle, HALO/HAHO, mountain, river, and direct action missions. The Caiman system is the first carbon bump helmet in the industry that can be ballistically-enabled with add-on armor appliques for ballistic, blunt-force, blast-force, and fragmentation protection during specialized operations. Skeletonization of all system components has significantly reduced the overall weight, emphasizing scalability and versatility for highly dynamic and unpredictable situations.
Providing a unique combination of agility, protection, adaptability, and integration, the Caiman system is ideal for SOF global operators, as well as law enforcement, paramilitary, and peacekeeping forces the world over. Revision’s Batlskin Caiman suite also includes a Ballistic Helmet System, and both the Carbon Bump System and the Ballistic Head Protection System have a series of accessories and components for mission-specific modularity. In total, the Caiman suite emphasizes scalability for use in a wide variety of specialized maneuvers. To give significance to the many facets of the full Caiman Head System, the suite will be rolled out in several phases. The Caiman Ballistic System and additional Caiman accessories will be available commercially in subsequent product rollout campaigns later this year and early in 2018.
