And that pretty much sums it up. From www.onlineschools.org.
Overall, Soldiers like the new M320 40mm Grenade Launcher but prefer to carry it in the stand alone configuration due to its weight and attached aiming device. Employing the weapon in this fashion also has the added bonus that the Grenadier will concentrate on using the launcher as a primary weapon rather than an add-on the M16/M4.
The issue with this is how to carry it. Soldiers have dreamed up several Rube Goldberg contraptions to secure the weapon when not in use. However, the best answer I have seen is the Grenade Launcher Holster from S&S Precision. Available in left and right versions, the mounting systems allows the holster to be attached to the armor at virtually any angle. Since most troops use the launcher with butt stock, there is also a paddle available for the holster to allow it to be hip mounted.
The launcher is held in place by a molded plastic shroud that grips the barrel. Additionally, the barrel sits atop a plug that features an O ring designed to keep debris out of the muzzle. The Grenade Launcher Holster also comes with a bungee to further secure the weapon when needed.
I highly recommend that Grenadiers take a look at this solution. It is also something that the folks at PM-Individual Weapons should consider. Interested parties should email S&S Precision.
The major weak point with the current ammo pack for the M240 is that it you can’t add ammo to the belt while it is attached to the weapon. An enterprising Army NCO suggested that the Army’s Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) develop something that allowed access to the ammo while the bag is fitted to the weapon. Teaming with Savit Corporation, evaluations of both 50 and 100 round variants were accomplished. Users from the Infantry and Special Forces community recommended the 50 round Combat Ammo Pack which is now available. The new design replaced the one-piece steel collar with a split design incorporating spring-loaded latches to facilitate quick access to the ammunition within. The pouch assembly was designed with a combination of snaps and hook and loop fasteners on one side. These fasteners serve to close the pouch assembly but allow quick access to the end of the ammo belt when needed. The new Combat Ammo Pack is available from Rally Point Tactical.
At the recent NAVEXFOR expo in Virginia Beach I was introduced to the Small Arms Collimator (SAC). It is an optical device that allows shooters to confirm zero and/or re-zero weapons without live fire.
Rather than batteries it relies on a Tritium light source so it can be used day or night. When properly employed the Collimator provides zero accuracies within 1 MOA. Since no rounds need be fired zero can be checked in the field and the SAC is not only compatible with iron sights but with optical and night vision sights as well. Additionally, it is available for a wide variety of small arms including the M16 family of weapons.
The SAC is manufactured in the UK by Pyser-SGI, Ltd and offered exclusively in the US by Telluric Group. Visit Telluric Group for additional information on the Small Arms Collimator.
OP Tactical is selling Guns and Coffee patches in honor of the idea that a certain java joint is sticking to their guns despite pressure from the Brady bunch. So show your support for second amendment rights by wearing a Guns and Coffee patch and go drink a cup of lifer juice. Even better, $2 of each patch will go to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. Patches are available in 2.75″ and 3.5″ in full color as well as a MultiCam-compatible color scheme.
Ace Ltd has just released the Hammer M4 collapsible butt stock which was designed with input from special operations soldiers. They claim the stock is the strongest AR 15 series stock in the world because it dispenses with the polymer so prevalent in today’s designs and uses an all aluminum frame contoured for use against doors, windows or opponents in close quarter battles. It’s adjustable to seven positions, provided by a lockable lever, and the design also features an adjustable aluminum cheek piece and roller bearings which eliminate rattle when running. Additionally, four sling mount positions are provided. The Hammer stock is designed to be used with or without body armor. Accessories such as recoil pad or rubber butt pads to increase length of pull are also available. Visit J&T Distributing.
-Mike Perry
If you like the Stark pistol grips then their new fore grip might just be right up your alley. Designed to fit a Picatinny rail, the SE-3 is available with or without a pressure switch cutout enabling the user to attach almost any size pressure pads quickly and securely. Additionally, the VFG is reversible, making it ambidextrous for switch positioning. The base is flared allowing a secure grip which accommodates all hand sizes. Stark has also incorporated a storage compartment in the grip for batteries or other equipment, secured by a rubber plug. The is available in Black, Green, Earth as well as a slightly more expensive Desert Digital camouflage pattern. The SE-3 will be available beginning April 1st from www.starkequipment.com.