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Ft Benning Cancels Reverse Auction For 12,600 PMAGs

Monday, October 2nd, 2017

In August US Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command at Fort Benning announced an intent to purchase 12,600 GEN M3 PMAGs from a commercial source via reverse auction.

For this solicitation, MICC End User intends to conduct an online competitive reverse auction to be facilitated by the third-party reverse auction provider, FedBid, Inc. FedBid has developed an online, anonymous, browser based application to conduct the reverse auction. An Offeror may submit a series of pricing bids, which descend in price during the specified period of time for the aforementioned reverse auction.

Reverse auctions sound like a great idea, at least for commodity items like ink pens and toilet paper. Essentially, the government outsources the buy to a third party and they host the reverse auction which sees companies compete with each other to fulfill the contract for less and less money until a winner emerges which will do it for less than anyone else. The thing is, you have to be very careful with this purchasing vehicle. Because the winner will be doing it for pennies on the dollar, there’s lots of incentive to cut corners and give the government exactly what they asked for.

Below is the description of what they intended to buy. Emphasis added is mine, to point out that just a few words give bidders an excuse to substitute the PMAGs with something else entirely, in order to underbid eveyone else.

M4 Magazine. Color preference is coyote tan, but gray/black is also considered. Fits 30 rounds of 5.56×45 ammunition. Transparent window on side to see the ammunition level. Strong and durable springs. Light polymer material. Warranty for defective items. Include shipping. PMAG 30 AR/M4 GEN M3 Window or equal., 12600, EA;

If the units at Fort Benning had received an “equivalent” when they expected PMAGs, it wouldn’t have been the first time a reverse auction has failed to deliver what the unit thought they were asking for.

Fortunately, they cancelled this purchase. The Army issued Maintenance Information (MI) Message 17-045, which authorized units to requisition GEN M3 PMAGS under NSN 1005-01-615-5169 (BLACK) and NSN 1005-01-659-7086 (COYOTE TAN) as Additional Authorization List (AAL) items. By ordering through the stock system, they’ll get exactly what they want, and at contract price.

Tags: Magpul
Posted in Contracts, Weapon Accessories | 8 Comments »

NSWC Crane Awards $10M Contract To SureFire For Muzzle Brakes And Suppressors

Monday, October 2nd, 2017

Late last week, Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane posted an award for a $10 million contract to SureFire for “SUPPORT/SUSTAINMENT FOR MUZZLE BRAKES, AND SOUND SUPPRESSORS IN SUPPORT OF THE MK13 MOD 7 SNIPER RIFLE, 10.3 AND 14.5 M4A1 UPPER RECEIVER GROUP (URG)”.

This allows the units supported by Crane (primarily USSOCOM) to quickly procure additional muzzle brakes and suppressors.

Tags: Surefire
Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, Weapon Accessories | 2 Comments »

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 »