We recently wrote about TangoDown’s new ARC magazines developed for SOCOM’s SCAR program. Below is some video of the magazine being used in an M4-style weapon.
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Archive for the ‘weapons’ Category
ARC Magazine Video
Tuesday, December 9th, 2008Blackheart International Gunfighter Belt Kit
Sunday, December 7th, 2008
Blackheart International does a great job of kitting equipment in order to make it easier for unit supply personnel to purchase gear. This is especially important during time crunches and often saves money as well. Their latest effort is the Gunfighter Belt Kit which includes:
Blackhawk Web Belt– The adjustable belt features a three-point buckle.
Special Operations Holster – A mainstay in holster design, it’s full flap keeps the pistol well protected from the elements. The flap can also be affixed in the open position or a spare magazine pouch can be mounted horizontally. The holster fits most large frame pistols.
Double Pistol Mag Pouch– In addition to the holster’s front pouch that will hold a back-up magazine, light, or multi-tool the kit comes with a double magazine carrier.
Leatherman Core Multi-tool and Case– The Core is a durable Multi-tool with 18 tools including two blades, needle-nose pliers, wire cutters, and screwdrivers.
KA-BAR with Sheath– The legendary Ka-Bar serves as an excellent chopping tool and comes mounted in a hard sheath.
When assembling the kit, Blackheart weighed the utility of an item against cost. The equipment is common to most gun belts. The kit does not include weapon or magazines. It comes in Coyote Tan and is available with a Large (up to 43″) or X-Large (44″ to 49″) belt and right or left hand draw holster, from Blackheart International.
Photo from Blackheart International.
TangoDown SCAR Rail Panels
Sunday, December 7th, 2008This is kind of a follow up to our article on the ARC magazines developed by TangoDown for the SCAR program. In addition to the specialized magazines TangoDown whipped out a couple of other cool items including a new version of their successful rail cover. The main change is that the SCAR panels are thinner than the originals. Military Morons has been running some for a couple of years now and has a great introductory write up.
Visit Military Morons to check out his article and pictures.
ARC Magazines from TangoDown
Wednesday, December 3rd, 2008Under development for three years, the ARC Magazine was designed specifically for USSOCOM’s SCAR program. However, it will also fit M16-style weapons including receivers with out of spec magwells. Unfortunately, magwell tolerances has been an issue for many magazines for years going back to the Israeli Orlite mags that hit the US market over 20 years ago and an ongoing problem ever since. Manufactured from a high strength polymer, the ARC magazine will be available initially in 5.56x45mm and 7.62x51mm for both FN SCAR light and heavy weapons.
Notice how the lower half of the magazine has a somewhat more pronounced curve than a standard 30 round M16 magazine. The allows the magazine to have the optimal ammunition stack. Additionally, the joint is secured with an adhesive with a higher strength than the actual magazine body.
This is a no maintenance magazine other than to brush it down and spray it out with compressed air or water. Also, note that there is no floor plate. This means that it is a five sided box construction and extremely strong. Additionally, the chromium spring resists corrosion. Tangodown has also developed a maritime version with a one way drain valve for OTB operations.
The ‘gasket’ between magwell and magazine is actually a soft durometer silicone seal that is bonded to the magazine and will only be found on the government issue variants and serves as a sand or dust seal.
The ARC Magazine will be available in Black, Flat Dark Earth, and Foliage Green. Due to the different geometry of the ARC magazine new pouches are under development for the GI model but the commercial variant will fit most standard ammo pouches.
Bravo Company USA is currently taking pre-orders.
Photos from TangoDown LLC.
The Art of the Tactical Carbine DVD
Friday, November 21st, 2008
Hosted by Magpul Dynamics’ Travis Haley and Chris Costa the “Art of the Tactical Carbine” is an excellent training resource. Obviously, a video is no substitution for hands on training but it is a great refresher and may introduce you to some new techniques. The pace is brisk but they take the time to demonstrate, explain what is going on and why and often provide further instruction with a student. The three disc set covers respectively; Fundamentals, Advanced Skills, and Drills.
The video is a great example of the quality of the DVDs and the production value is fantastic. The method of filming makes you feel as if you are a member of the class. I have only have one slight complaint overall and that is with the sound. At times the voices are booming and at other times I had to increase the volume but this by no means distracted from the content. I highly recommend it as an addition to any tactical library.
The DVD is available for order from Magpul.com.
WARNING: This item cannot be exported from the United States of America without a valid permit due to U.S. State Dept. ITAR restrictions. Unfortunately this also includes military APO addresses.
Video courtesy of Magpul Dynamics.
Blue Force Gear Update
Tuesday, November 11th, 2008Blue Force Gear has got a lot going on. Recently Stephen Hilliard came on board and brought with him his design expertise in nylon gear. Already available are two unique products; the Tourniquet NOW! Strap and the Ten-Speed Mag Pouch.
Designer Stephen Hilliard designed the Tourniquet NOW! Strap in order to replace the expedient rubber band system used to attach tourniquets to load carrying equipment. The strap is simple and folds the tourniquet at the ready. The Tourniquet NOW! Strap is available in Coyote Brown, Foliage Green, and Camo Green.
BFG developed the Ten-Speed Mag Pouch after owner Ashley Burnsed saw a bicyclist with his water bottle in an elastic carrier. Weighing in at three ounces, and most of that is BFG’s new PALS-compatible attachment system, the pouch’s open topped body is manufactured from elastic and designed to provide positive retention of magazines or other items such as flash bangs. It is truly a specialist item that closes flat when not in use. Current variants are available with a dark olive green body edged in Multicam.
In addition to those tactical nylon accessories, the gang at Blue Force Gear has several other products lined up for release over the next couple of months.
Finally, Blue Force Gear is expanding their relationship with Larry Vickers beyond just slings and introducing a line of 1911 parts called Vickers 1911 gear. Although not yet available for sale on the site, a Hammer, Sear, and Disconnector kit should be up by the end of the week in both standard and slotted styles.
For more information contact Blue Force Gear.
Photos from Blue force Gear.
FNH USA to Sell SCAR Commercially
Saturday, November 8th, 2008Leading off their press release with, “SCAR 16S and SCAR 17S As close to USSOCOM as you can get without enlisting.” FNH USA announced that the plan to begin selling semi-auto commercial variants of their Special Operations Combat Assault rifle in early 2009. The 16S is chambered in 5.56X45mm NATO (223 Rem.) and the SCAR 17S fires the 7.62X51mm NATO (308 Win.). Both rifles feature ambidextrous controls and are finished in Flat Dark Earth.
Both 10 and 30 round magazines will be available as well as a full line of accessories. Additionally, many weapons accessories developed for the M16 family are compatible with the SCAR although we fully expect purpose designed items to hit the market soon. In fact, we already know that a magazine has been especially designed for the SCAR by TangoDown LLC.
For more information check out FNH USA’s website.
MM & EMDOM’s New KitMat
Tuesday, October 21st, 2008When rolled the KitMat takes up no more space than an issue GI cleaning kit but offers so much more. When unfolded, the KitMat integrates two pouches for maintenance tools, a cleaning mat and an innovative feature to secure small parts during maintenance to ensure they won’t be misplaced. The mat measures 24″ x 19″ and the entire KitMat is manufactured from 1000D Cordura. At one end are two pouches for cleaning tools as well as the Velcro parts retention area. At the other end is an elastic cord used to secure the KitMat for storage.
As you can see, when rolled up for stowage, the KitMat is just a little larger than a 30 round magazine.
Unlike other cleaning kits, it has an integral cleaning mat. You don’t always have the advantage of a clean table or workbench to clean your weapon so this feature is much appreciated.
The KitMat has an ingenious feature that secures small parts under strips of Velcro.
The KitMat is a well thought out addition to any shooters range bag and available in UCP, Foliage Green, Black, and Sewer Green. However, I personally would not recommend the Black as so many weapon parts are also Black and any advantage the cleaning mat offers in keeping track of your parts will be offset by the lack of contrast. To order contact EMDOM.
Pictures courtesy of Emdom.
