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Wilcox Industries Modular Fire Control System

Thursday, July 31st, 2008

With this sight, Wilcox has combined the simplicity of the leaf sight with a laser range finder and anti-cant device. Due to the flight characteristics of currently fielded 40MM rounds even small aiming errors are amplified into big misses. Additionally, environmental conditions such as barometric pressure and temperature as well as the inclination of the weapon system can have a significant impact on the range to target, and ultimately accuracy.

The Wilcox Modular Fire Control System (FCS) is designed for use with the HK GLM (M320) as well as both the Colt M203 9â€ QD and 12â€ Barrels. The FCS Laser Gimbal automatically articulates the aiming laser to indicate the proper weapon elevation necessary to match the trajectory of 40mm grenade in flight to hit its intended target when the operator lases the target. After establishing the actual range to target, the ballistic computer takes real time data from built-in sensors and gives the shooter the additional capability of establishing a more accurately compensated range to target, designated as â€œBallistic Rangeâ€, for a first round hit capability. The Ballistic Range Indicator blinks, indicating a good fix of the target. The grenadier can then verify by touching the remote pressure pad. Pressing a second time rotates the Laser Gimbal and articulates the Aiming Laser to the proper angle to engage the target. The grenadier then simply aligns the laser to the target and fires. A double tap cancels the process to start over. This complete operation can be accomplished in a couple of seconds.

Note the integral leaf sight designed by H&K with 50m graduated increments.

A mode selection knob found at the bottom right of the control panel allows the operator to select from eight possible modes of operation:
– IR Laser High with Range Finder
– IR Laser Low with Range Finder
– IR Laser Low Only
– IR Laser High Only
– Visible Laser and Range Finder
– Visible Laser Only
– Range Finder Only
– Off

The details are awesome. Even the objective lens of the FCS features an anti-reflective coating shrouded with Tenebraex honey comb for off angle flash protection. Naturally it mounts to any Mil-Std-1913 rails and is fastened via two thumb nuts. It weighs in under 20 oz and is waterproof to 1.5m. It is powered by a single CR123 but we do not have any date on battery life yet. The Modular Fire Control System comes standard in Black but may be special ordered in Tan.

For more information and a list of retailers contact Wilcox Industries.

All photos courtesy Wilcox Industries.

Tags: M203, M320, Wilcox Industries
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Reed Knight Presented Top 10 Army Inventions of 2007 Award

Tuesday, July 29th, 2008

Titusville, Florida: On Thursday June 12, 2008 the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Material Command and the U.S. Army Vice Chief of Staff awarded C. Reed Knight Jr., owner of Knight’s Armament Company of Titusville, Florida one of the Army’s “Top Ten Greatest Inventions of 2007” award in a ceremony held in Arlington, Virginia.

The award was presented to Mr. Knight for the M110 7.62mm Semi-Automatic Sniper System (SASS) that was Type Classified by the Army in 2007.

Knight Armament Company initially won the Army program to develop and field a new sniper rifle system during 2005 in a hotly contested competition against some of the bigger and well known names in the gun industry. However, Knight’s ability to beat all others during months of rigorous army testing was partly due to the maturity of their existing design- the Mk 11 Mod 0 Sniper Rifle System officially adopted by the U.S. Navy for the United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) in 2000. That was when Knight’s had less than 100 employees and was located in Vero Beach, Florida. But since the Gulf War has ended, they have moved to Titusville Florida, creating 350 new job opportunities; while greatly expanding their production capability by about 10 times.

“When we read the Army’s SASS requirement prior to the 2005 competitive selection, we knew that we were already close to achieving what the Army wanted by modifying the rifle we were currently building for USSOCOM,” so said Mr. C. Reed Knight Jr., “so we designed and incorporated some new features that the Army advertised they needed.” But what is really neat about this award is that it’s the result of thousands of soldiers voting for our rifle. Nine other items also received enough votes to make this top ten ranking, but Knight’s was totally privately developed and funded whereas many others were government funded-and Knight’s was the only rifle selected.

The completeness of this “kit” was another advantage Knight’s was able to gain through its many years of supporting this type mission with specialized sniper rifles for other elite services, accessories designed for tactical dominance, state-of-the-art night vision solutions, and sound suppressors to name a few.

The M110 SASS delivers precision, rapid fire on targets,and enables execution of operational missions not possible using the current weapon system.High capacity, ammo configurable, quick change magazines enable suppressed, increased rate of fire precision lethality against personal targets and light material targets. This capability allows for more rapid and focused engagements on several targets with multiple follow-on shots. The SASS is the first U.S. Army weapon system that integrates a quick attach/detach sound suppressor to aid with Warfighter survivability.

More information on the entire line of Knights products can be found here.

Tags: KAC, M110, PEO-Soldier
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Blackheart International Pistol Mag Storage Pouch

Monday, July 14th, 2008

The best products usually stem from the simplest ideas. After spending day in and day out on the range the crew at Blackheart International came up with a simple pouch to organize magazines. Not does it allow you to organize your magazines by type (or type of ammunition), the velcro flap on the pouch also keeps them dust and grime free.

The pouch fits easily in a range bag or can be used alone. Simple and effective.

To order, go to Blackheart International. While you are there check out their extensive line of manuals all written with real world experience.

Tags: Blackheart International
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Mirrorsight Tactical Barrel Mount Kit

Thursday, July 10th, 2008

Essentially the Tactical Front Barrel Mount is an easily mountable, snap on mirror for the weapon. Intended for personnel conducting searches and MOUT operations, the TBM is designed to position the mirror at 6:00 oâ€™clock under the barrel so you can then â€œrollâ€ your weapon onto its left or right side as you need to alternate between opposing corners as you move down a hallway or to search vehicles. The mirror is a very durable ballistic polycarbonate with anti-fog and anti-scratch coating, and features a hard cover for total protection.

– Enables the Operator to see around corners & entryways, up & down stairways, and over barricades
– Safely locate an active shooter
– TBM is a clip-on hardened spring steel bracket
– Quickly snap on the 3â€x 4â€ Polycarbonate mirror for â€œhands-freeâ€ use
– Attachable wide angle convex mirror, ideal for alley, corridor, and vehicle searches

The TBM is available from Mirror Sight.

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Offduty Part 3 – The Nerf Gun

Sunday, July 6th, 2008

Three words: Tactical Accessory Rail. Those three words make the new line of Nerf N-Strike guns the coolest toys ever. And what can be more fun than shooting “harmless” foam darts at one another? We realize they are intended for kids, but the ability to tailor the Nerf gun, reconfiguring it into different configurations with accessories make it almost as much fun as using a real carbine. In fact, there is a growing community of folks who modify their N-Strikes.

Base guns all feature the 1913-esque rail mount and Nerf produces several accessories like the weapon light and extra magazines. The editor purchased the Longshot CS-6 for his four year old last Christmas and his teenagers have yet to forgive him. Can you say intimidation?

And joining the lineup soon, a tripod mounted, box-fed machine gun; the N-STRIKE VULCAN EBF-25. Available this fall and retailing for $59.99, the belt-fed EBF-25 fires 25 rounds of screaming fury. That’s right, the mini darts make noise when fired in order to psych your opponents out. Spare belts will also be available.

The entire office has agreed to spend the “curse” jar money for one. Too bad the summer interns won’t be around to feel the wrath of the Vulcan.

And we won’t even go into the new Rocket Launchers for the Iron Man and Hulk movies.

Available from toy stores and discount retailers everywhere.

Tags: Nerf
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Vickers Tactical Gloves

Tuesday, June 17th, 2008

About a year ago, the Larry Vickers signature glove line hit the market and made an instant splash but seemed to fall off just as quickly as it appeared. But the gloves didn’t go away, and during the lull have been in use by a variety of personnel. Some of the delay was due to the distributor, Backyard Outfitter cutting their ties with Woolrich and reforming as a new company; Elite Operator Tactical. EOTAC is back and ready to hit the market with an improved line of clothing and accessories for the armed professional.

Obviously, based on the name, the gloves were designed by Larry Vickers. Many of you probably already know LAV so he should need no introduction, but for those of you who don’t know Larry, he is a retired career Army Special Forces Soldier and noted firearms expert and tactical trainer. Check out his website at the link below to learn more about him.

A few things about these gloves really stick out. When LAV was designing the gloves he didn’t want to just be another version of the same old flight glove copies everyone else was making so he worked with a well known glove maker from the outdoor industry to incorporate the latest in hand wear technology. Naturally, they are fire retardant and utilize a 9 oz Nomex knit on the gauntlet as well as on the back of the fingers and hand. Additionally, they have an ergonomic design found in few tactical offerings. What is really great about these gloves is that in addition to standard sizes (XS-3XL), they also come in Cadet sizes for those with shorter fingers. Finally, they are available in both OD and Coyote.

Based on price point and features, you really need to check these out.

For more information contact Vickers Tactical.

Be on the lookout for more information on EOTAC’s new line.

Tags: Gloves, Larry Vickers, LAV, Vickers Tactical
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Tango Down Quick Detach Foregrip Hits Market

Wednesday, June 11th, 2008

The new grip unveiled at SHOT Show is now hitting the market. It is molded from their proprietary bulletâ€“proof heat and impact modified polymer, and features the new American Defense quick detach mechanism. The grip can adjust to any rail (MIL-STD or not) without tools. It mounts and detaches in a flash, and from what I saw at SHOT is rock solid. The grip features TD’s patented pressure switch pocket and water proof (to 66â€™) storage compartment and comes in 3 styles and 3 colors (black, flat dark earth and foliage green).

For a great write up see the Military Morons review at Military Morons.

Tags: Tango Down
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ITW Fastmag

Tuesday, June 10th, 2008

Three years ago ITW licensed the Fastmag as well as several other designs from Downeast, developers of the MOLLE frame. The first generation of the Fastmag was placed into limited production and proved very popular. However, it quickly became apparent that there was room to mature the design. Many felt that the original version was too wide as it took up too much real estate on a PALS platform. Additionally, engineers at ITW knew that they could enhance the retention of the magazine. Obviously they hit a home run on that one if this video from our friends at MilSpec Monkey is any indication.

There have been many posts online showing the new Fastmag but no one has shown it alongside the earlier version. These photos give you an idea of the many changes made to improve the product.

See all of the ITW products here.

Tags: Fastmag, ITW
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