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Army Now Authorized Users Of Magpul GEN M3 PMAG Magazine NSNs

Thursday, September 28th, 2017

According to Maintenance Information (MI) Message 17-045, although the Enhanced Performance Magazine (NSN 1005-01-630-9508) is still the primary magazine for the M4/M16 series rifles and carbines, units are now authorized to requisition the following polymer magazines NSN 1005-01-615-5169 (BLACK) and NSN 1005-01-659-7086 (COYOTE TAN) as Additional Authorization List (AAL) items.

Below is the message minus addressees:

BT UNCLAS SUBJ/TACOM LCMC 17-045, M16/M4 NEW MAGAZINES
Subject: Maintenance Information (MI) Message, TACOM Life Cycle Management Command, (TACOM LCMC) Control No. MI 17-045, (Informational), M16/M4 New Magazines.

Models Affected:
Rifle, 5.56mm, M16A2 (NSN 1005-01-128-9936); Rifle, 5.56mm, M16A4 (NSN 1005-01-383-2872); Carbine, 5.56mm, M4 (NSN 1005-01-231-0973); Carbine, 5.56 mm, M4A1 (NSN 1005-01-382-0953)

Total Density of Equipment Affected is 900000, and Density of Equipment affected in SWA is 50000.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
X “ATTENTION” X
X THIS MESSAGE CONTAINS INFORMATION THAT IS VITAL X
X TO THE SAFETY OF ARMY PERSONNEL AND THE OPERATION X
X OR MAINTENANCE OF ARMY EQUIPMENT X
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

REFERENCES: TM 9-1005-319-10
TM 9-1005-319-23&P
MAINTENANCE INFORMATION (MI) MESSAGE, #12-039 dated May 2012

1. Distribution:

This is a Maintenance Information (MI) Message. Commanders/Directors of Army Commands (ACOM)/Army Service Component Commands (ASCC)/Direct Reporting Units (DRU), Army National Guard (ARNG), US Army Reserve (USAR) Command, US Navy (USN), US Air Force (USAF), US Marine Corps (USMC) and other Service Commanders and Responsible Offices will retransmit this message to all subordinate Commanders/Activities.

2. Message Library:

This message will be available on the Maintenance Messages Web Site located on the TACOM Unique Logistics Support Applications (TULSA) portal within twenty-four hours of transmission. Access to the Maintenance Messages Web site requires CAC authentication. You must first request access to the Maintenance Messages Web site. To request access go to [CAUTION] https://tulsa.tacom.army.mil [CAUTION]. For assistance, email the TULSA Helpdesk at usarmy.detroit.tacom.mbx.ilsc-tulsa@mail.mil. The Maintenance Messages Web site also has the capability to email maintenance messages directly to your inbox. To subscribe to the mailing list, click on, -E-Mail Subscriptions-, on the Navigation bar.

3. Issue:

Units are now authorized to requisition the following polymer magazines NSN 1005-01-615-5169 (BLACK) and NSN 1005-01-659-7086 (COYOTE TAN) as Additional Authorization List (AAL) items.

4. User Actions:

a. The Enhanced Performance Magazine (NSN 1005-01-630-9508) is still the primary magazine for the M4/M16 series rifles and carbines, and will still be included as a Component of End Item.

Units are now also authorized to requisition, at the commander’s discretion, polymer magazines NSN 1005-01-615-5169 (BLACK) and NSN
1005-01-659-7086 (COYOTE TAN) as AAL items.

b. Field Level, Operator

c. This message supersedes TACOM LCMC, MAINTENANCE INFORMATION (MI) MESSAGE, #12-039 dated May 2012.

d. NSN 1005-01-615-5169 (Black), P/N MAG556-BLK, 1LX50
NSN 1005-01-659-7086 (Coyote Tan), P/N MAG556-MCT, 1LX50

e. Units and Soldiers are authorized to procure and use polymer magazines in M16 and M4 rifles & carbines at the Commander’s discretion. Ongoing testing, due to be complete in 1QFY18, demonstrate Magpul PMAG Gen 3 Black magazines are currently providing adequate performance and reliability in the M4A1 Carbine under virtually all conditions and are appropriate for use. Tests demonstrate PMAG magazines crack/break in cold (below 0 degrees
Fahrenheit) environments when dropped and units should use Army-standard aluminum magazines in basic to severe cold environments.

Caution should be exercised when using the magazine in basic cold to severe cold environments (-0F to -60F). Cracking and/or shattering was observed during drop testing at and below -0 Fahrenheit and lighter damage at higher temperatures. Visually inspect for cracks, breaks, chips, or other damage to magazine assembly if dropped. Replace if defective or unserviceable.

5. Unit Commanders:

a. Commanders are authorized to requisition polymer magazines NSN
1005-01-615-5169 and NSN 1005-01-659-7086, at their discretion.

b. Contact your local TACOM LCMC Logistics Assistance Representative
(LAR) or your State Surface Maintenance Manager upon receipt of this message for assistance. For assistance in locating your TACOM LCMC LAR, see paragraph 8c.

6. TACOM LCMC/PM actions:

a. Publications: TM 9-1005-319-23&P Estimated completion date 2nd Qtr CY 2018

TM 9-1005-319-10 Estimated completion date 1st Qtr CY 2018

b. Follow-up action(s): N/A

c. Assistance to the field: N/A

7. Supply Status:

a. Parts required: NSN 1005-01-615-5169 (Black), P/N MAG556-BLK,
1LX50 NSN 1005-01-659-7086 (Coyote Tan), P/N MAG556-MCT, 1LX50

b. Requisitioning instructions: Units are required to requisition the magazines through the DoD supply system

c. Disposition/Availability: N/A

d. Cost Impact: NSN 1005-01-615-5169 $14.00
NSN 1005-01-659-7086 $10.00

e. Who pays: Units requisitioning AAL items

8. POCs:

a. The originator of this message is Kenneth Hiltunen, XXX.

b. There are no appropriate POCs

Tags: Magpul
Posted in Advertiser, Weapon Accessories | 12 Comments »

Hoptic – Quiver

Thursday, September 28th, 2017

The Hoptic Quiver holds two spare .30 family (.243 Up To .30-06) rounds.

Available with KeyMod, MLok, or Picatinny mounts.

Machined from 6061-T6 Aluminum and Type III Hard Anodized in Black, FDE and Red. It weighs 1.5 oz (with KeyMod hardware).
www.hopticusa.com

Tags: Hoptic
Posted in Weapon Accessories | 16 Comments »

AMERICAN DEFENSE MFG Announces Delta Scope Mount Ring Cap w/ Offset Rail

Wednesday, September 27th, 2017

NEW BERLIN, WI – 25SEPT2017 – American Defense Mfg® is proud to release our AD Delta Scope Mount Ring Cap w/ Offset Rail (PART # AD-DRCO).

At the request of our customers, we are now offering alternate ring caps for the Delta Series Mounts featuring a single rail section to accommodate the ever-growing use of backup red dot sights. This ring cap features a single slot 45 degree offset picatinny rail that can be used on either the left or right side of the mount. Includes 1 replacement ring cap and 4 mounting screws. Precision machined from 6061 T6 aluminum and finished in hard coat T3 Mil-Spec anodize. The Delta Mount has assigned NSN 1005-13-121-5535. Available in 0 / 20 / 30 MOA base in black or flat dark earth.

Materials & Construction:
The Delta Ring Caps With Rail is precision CNC machined from a block of 6061 T6 aluminum and finished in hard coat Type 3 Mil-Spec anodize for a rock hard lasting finish.

• Precision machined from 6061 T6 Aluminum.
• Hard coat anodized for a lifetime of performance.
• American Defense MFG® products feature a lifetime warranty.
• 100% Made with in the U.S.A.

Specifications:
The Delta Ring Caps With Rail has the following specifications:

• Weight: 1 Ounce.
• Only adds .25 Ounce of weight to the Delta mount over the standard ring cap.

www.admmfg.com

Tags: ADM
Posted in Advertiser, Optics, Weapon Accessories | 1 Comment »

NTOA – Shadow Tech PIG 0311-G Tripod

Monday, September 25th, 2017

Shadow Works introduced the PIG 0311-G Tripod for budget minded shooters and departments. The PIG Saddle Mount and a tripod is $230 or $138 for just the tripod.

In addition to the Interchangeable spiked feet, the PIG 0311-G Tripod features a Removable Load Bearing Hook. Additionally, the tripod will splay to 11″ thanks to the short center column. That rotating center column also allows you to direct mount a HOG or PIG Saddle.

hogsaddle.com

Tags: Shadow Tech LLC
Posted in NTOA, Weapon Accessories | 7 Comments »

MDM 17 – SureFire Advanced Rifle Operating Core

Wednesday, September 20th, 2017

SureFire’s new Advanced Rifle Operating Core is a system consisting of an enhanced Bolt Carrier Group, Barrel Extension, Buffer and Spring.

Because AROC requires a new Barrel Extension, they’ve also developed a Drop-In BCG called the Optimized Bolt Carrier. It includes Buffer and Spring. Although it’s not fully optimized like AROC, it is backward compatible with existing Mil-Spec AR pattern rifles.

Below, you can see (top to bottom) the AROC, OBC and standard AR BCGs.

The AROC Bolt offers 30% longer bolt lugs. Naturally, this means it requires a longer Barrel Extension. This was done to eliminate bolt lug breakage.

Additionally, the Buffer is longer than the Mil-Spec version. The H8S comes with AROC and is 8 oz. The 2 oz H2S comes with the OBC. The included Action Spring offers additional tension.

Regardless of which SureFire BCG, the Gas Key features a single screw which SureFire’s Barry Dueck related is stronger than the standard two screw model.

The BCG features an internal weight which is spring loaded in both directions. This, along with the other elements, combine to offer additional travel time. This also affects the angle from the bolt to the feed ramp. With a standard M4, the angle is 52 Deg. For an M16A4, it’s 45 Deg. But with AROC, it’s 37 Deg.

When the Bolt is at the end of its stroke while using a Mil-Spec BCG, it takes 28 milliseconds for the bolt to travel back into battery. With AROC, it’s 38 milliseconds. That slight difference is signifigant, especially when firing full auto or suppressed, or both.

On the range, AROC was demonstrated successfully with both Piston and Direct Impingement rifles. Although we previewed a version of this at 2016 SOFIC, SureFire has been working with suppliers to bring the cost down signifigantly from the initial estimates. At this point, Bolt Carrier Groups are a commodity item. Prices are so low that even specialized versions, such as this, have to be price competitive as possible.

No word yet in when this will be released commercially.

www.surefire.com

Tags: Surefire
Posted in Advertiser, Black Rifle, MDM, Weapon Accessories | 19 Comments »

MDM 17 – Pro-Shot Products

Wednesday, September 20th, 2017

This year Pro-Shot Products is celebrating their 35th anniversary. They are a family owned business, located in Illinois, who make weapon cleaning products.

Pro-Shot Products has some innovate stuff, like their locking handles for their cleaning rods.

While they are very big in the commercial market, they’ve just recently began to sell in military channels. They are available through ADS Inc for unit and agency orders and have already begun to ship cleaning supplies to a variety of customers.

www.proshotproducts.com

Tags: Pro-Shot Products
Posted in Advertiser, MDM, MRO, Weapon Accessories | 3 Comments »

Sneak Peek – Kinetic Research Group Bravo Chassis

Monday, September 18th, 2017

KRG’s Bravo chassis page is live and loaded with details.

They are planning to open up ordering/shipping by 24 November 2017. Although they don’t have a final price for the long action Rem700 version yet, it will be released shortly after the R700 (SA) and T3.

kineticresearchgroup.com/product/bravo-chassis

Tags: Kinetic Research Group
Posted in Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on Sneak Peek – Kinetic Research Group Bravo Chassis

Why Hasn’t The US Army Adopted Polymer Magazines?

Monday, September 18th, 2017

Despite adoption of polymer magazines by USSOCOM, the Marine Corps, and even the Air Force, the US Army has yet to join them. To make matters worse, the Army has evaluated polymer rifle magazines several times, and seems to have ignored their own results. In fact, the Air Force is said to have based their decision on the last Army test report. Granted, the Army has authorized use of the Magpul GEN M3 PMAG, but unlike the others, they haven’t made it their primary magazine.

While there’s been lots of online conjecture as to why the Army hasn’t adopted a polymer magazine, the true answer may well lie in this slide from a briefing presented by LTC Steve Power, PM Individal Weapons at PEO Soldier’s PM Small Arms, during NDIA’s 2017 Armament Systems Forum, this past May.

The Army is going to conduct yet another polymer magazine evaluation under the Soldier Enhancement Program. Direct your attention to the sub bullet on the slide below, which states, “Assess legal and contractual issues that could arise of pursued.” Most fail to understand the significance of that statement. Turns out, what’s holding the Army back is something bigger than any of us; procurement set asides.

To begin to understand why it’s so important, you need to know that AbilityOne has a government-only sales website sponsored by three organizations, National Industries for the Blind, SourceAmerica (formerly NISH), and the US AbilityOne Commission, the operating name for The Committee for Purchase From People Who are Blind or Severely Disabled. They are all involved in providing goods to the US Government, based on the Javits-Wagner-O’Day Act or “JWOD Act” authorized under 41 U.S.C. 8501-8506c. These nonprofit agencies manufacture a variety of commodities throughout the United States, and employ people who are blind or have other severe disabilities. It’s a public/private success story.

Not only is the program Congressionally mandated, the AbilityOne Program employs more than 47,000 Americans. As you can imagine, this gives it a lot of clout. Essentially, once a commodity is provided via a directed source, it always will be. That’s why the legal review was mentioned as a factor, perhaps as important as, if not more than, how well the magazines work.

By now, you’ve said to yourself, “Well the other services have transitioned to the PMAG, why can’t the Army?” The answer lies in the numbers. The Army’s buying power is massive when it comes to small arms amd accessories. It buys more than the other three services combined, and that’s even if you add SOCOM into the equation. For the Army to drop a directed source is a very big deal and they will assuredly face Congressional pressure over such a move.

While it’s certainly frustrating to see the Army move so slowly toward the the wholesale adoption of a polymer magazine, we understand that there’s a bit more to it. That’s why we are publishing this information. You need to understand it as well. The Army needs to get its ducks in a row in order to make the business case for transition. But now that all of the cards are on the table regarding what’s at stake, there’s no excuse to keep kicking the can down the road. While performance must trump set asides, the question is, how much does performance need to improve for the Army to upset the rice bowl?

Posted in Contracts, Weapon Accessories | 56 Comments »