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XM25 Video

Tuesday, April 5th, 2011

PEO Soldier released a video the other day of the XM25 Counter Defilade Target Engagement System.

Much ado has been made about the blast pattern of the 25mm round but ultimately, you have to remember that this is a smart weapon. The round is designed to deliver the minimum effective munition to detonate right on target in order to generate as little collateral damage as possible. Perhaps the intent is that the weapon will do it all for the Grenadier so that all he has to do is point at the target, pull the trigger and the target will be destroyed. But, much like the current M203 and M320 40mm grenade launchers, you can hand it to a guy and he will make some noise or you can train the guy up and he can put a round into a second story window from a block away. It all comes down to training and experience. So if the blast pattern has some idiosyncrasies, a good gunner can use those to his advantage. Time will tell.

Tags: XM25
Posted in PEO-Soldier, weapons | Comments Off on XM25 Video

Esther Gear – Concealed Carry for the Ladies

Tuesday, April 5th, 2011

A lady might carry a gun but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t want to carry it in a good looking bag. Esther Gear builds bags that can’t quite be described as traditional purses but are definitely outdoor chic meaning, you wouldn’t wear them for a night on the town, but make great EDC bags paired with a Gore-tex jacket.

Their Haddasah purse features ample storage. It conceals a handgun in its own separate pocket and holster and also includes a secure zip pocket for important items such as a check book and wallet. There is also an outside pocket that closes with a magnetic closure and buckle. Finally, two hung pockets are located between the main zipper compartment and outside pocket for phone and keys.

Check them out at esthergear.com.

Note: The ladies we spoke with informed us that the bright colors looked less conspicuous than the black models.

Tags: Esther Gear
Posted in For the Ladies, Packs, weapons | 1 Comment »

AR Magvault

Wednesday, March 30th, 2011

We ran across this product and it looks like it might be a good option for those that need to keep your AR-style weapon safe. The AR Magvault is designed to fit into the magwell and lock into place with a key. This will prevent any magazines from being inserted in the magwell or rounds being chambered. The AR Magvault is bright orange so that you know that it is in place. The manufacturer, Gun Vault claims that it will fit virtually any AR-style gun but we suggest you contact them if you are running other than a mil-spec weapon.

www.gunvault.com

Tags: Magvault
Posted in weapons | 4 Comments »

ATK Awarded XM25 Contract

Monday, March 28th, 2011

Back in early February we published a story about the deployment of three of the 25mm XM25 Counter Defilade Target Engagement Systems to Afghanistan for a Forward Area Operational Assessment. Word was that the weapons were performing well and the only real question was how to fund additional development of the system.

System developer ATK has announced today that they were awarded a 30 month, $65.8 Million contract for the Engineering and Manufacturing Development Phase by the US Army. EM&D is the next step toward full development and fielding for a program of record. The technology behind the XM25 is impressive. The system includes not only the basic weapon and ammunition but also target acquisition and fire control systems which integrate the thermal sight with direct-view optics, laser rangefinder, compass, fuze-setter, ballistic computer, laser pointer and illuminator.

“The XM25 provides the soldier on the ground a precision weapon to quickly and accurately engage targets behind cover or exposed targets, at ranges and accuracies not seen in today’s small arms,” said Bruce DeWitt, Vice President and General Manager of ATK’s Advanced Weapons Division. “A soldier using basic rifle marksmanship skills can effectively engage targets in less than five seconds while also reducing the chances for collateral damage.”

Interestingly, ATK is referring to the XM25 as the Individual Semi-Automatic Airburst System rather than the Counter Defilade Target Engagement System that we have seen in times past.

In addition to program lead ATK, the team also includes Heckler & Koch and L-3 Brashear.

Tags: ATK, XM25
Posted in Contracts, PEO-Soldier, weapons | 5 Comments »

Field Density Altitude Compensator

Thursday, March 24th, 2011

US Tactical Supply is now offering the Field Density Altitude Compensator from Adaptive Consulting and Training Services. It is a simple device designed to allow the shooter to quickly compute a firing solution. Developed by Marine Snipers, the FDAC requires no batteries and is lightweight. Its two sides feature MOA (minute of angle) and .1 mil calculators that work in a fashion similar to a slide rule producing solutions based on the G7 drag model.

MOA Side

.1 mil

The FDAC is currently available in two versions (.308 and .300/.338) from www.ustacticalsupply.com who offers them on GSA as well as to retail customers. Look for a .50 version coming this summer.

Tags: U.S. Tactical Supply
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HKUSA’s President on the MR556A1

Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011

Although this video was produced before SHOT Show, it still contains some interesting information on the MR556A1 which is now being delivered. Featuring HKUSA’s President Wayne Weber, the video also promises that the MR762 is not too far off.

Check out our SHOT Show coverage of the MR556A1 where we discuss new features that no one else has even picked up on yet.

Tags: HKUSA
Posted in SHOT Show, weapons | Comments Off on HKUSA’s President on the MR556A1

New Weapon Handbooks on the Way from BHI

Sunday, March 20th, 2011

Blackheart International has produced some excellent hip pocket sized handbooks for the HK416 and M16/M4 as well as the Glock. They are now preparing to release two new books on the AR15 and AK47. As with previous versions these new handbooks will feature a coil binding so that they can easily be flipped open to the proper page and will contain tailored information required to operate, maintain, and conduct basic training with the firearm. To keep apprised of the status of these new titles, visit www.BHIgear.com.

Tags: Blackheart International
Posted in Training, weapons | 1 Comment »

Futuristic Infantry Soldier As a System

Friday, March 18th, 2011

Futuristic Infantry Soldier As a System (F-INSAS) is the Indian Army’s Soldier modernization program planned to from 2012 to 2020. In the first phase, to be completed by 2012, they plan to begin fielding of a multi-caliber (5.56mm, 7.62mm, and purportedly 6.8mm) modular weapon system along with a detachable grenade launcher with airbursting grenades. By programs end in 2020, the Indian Army plans to complete fielding to all of its 465 infantry and paramilitary battalions of the complete system which includes helmet with visor, uniform with integrated armor and NBC protection as ell as a palmtop computer. F-INFAS follows the pattern of western Soldier modernization efforts with heavy emphasis on C4I2 (Command, Control, Communications Computers, Information and Intelligence). The goal is to turn the Soldier into “a self-contained fighting machine”. In addition to fielding all of this capability they also want to reduce the Soldier’s load by 50%.

While initially subsystem development has been outsourced to a variety of international concerns, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is serving as the prime and system integrator. Within India, both Tata Advanced Systems and Rolta Thales Ltd have a hand in F-INSAS’s development.

Tags: India
Posted in Digitization, weapons | 1 Comment »