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Archive for the ‘weapons’ Category

FN Wins US Army Contract to Build M240 Machine Guns and Spare Receivers

Thursday, June 10th, 2021

(McLean, VA – June 10, 2021) FN America, LLC is pleased to announce that the company has been awarded a firm-fixed-price contract to supply the U.S. Army with M240 series machine gun variants and spare receivers. The contract, awarded through 2026, is multi-faceted and will support both the U.S. Army and other Department of Defense (DoD) programs.

“The U.S. Army contract for the M240 machine gun was the first military contract FN was awarded and the first to be produced from our production facility in South Carolina,” noted Mark Cherpes, President and CEO for FN America, LLC. “We’re incredibly honored to continue our relationship with the Army, supporting them with high quality and reliable weapon systems for our servicemen and women.”

The M240 general purpose machine gun, derived from the FN MAG 58, was adopted by the U.S. military in the late 1970s, and has been in continual service since being introduced. This contract provides a procurement vehicle for the US Army to purchase multiple variants of the M240 machine gun, including the M240 coaxial, the M240B, M240L, M240D and M240H models.

Throughout its history, FN has been one of the largest suppliers of small arms to the U.S. military and continues to develop innovative, future technology. In addition to the M240 and its variants, the company currently holds contracts for the FN M249 lightweight machine gun; the FN MK 46, MK 48, MK 17, and MK 20 SSR for USSOCOM, and various other contracts.

For more information about FN’s military product line or current U.S. military contracts, please visit www.fnamerica.com.

SIG SAUER Custom Works Introduces P320 XCOMPACT and P365XL Spectre Series Pistols

Thursday, June 10th, 2021

NEWINGTON, N.H., (June 10, 2021) – SIG SAUER is pleased to introduce the Spectre series pistols from SIG SAUER Custom Works.  The P320 XCOMPACT Spectre and P365XL Spectre pistols feature the new Laser Engraved LXG Grip Module, and custom distressed slide, combined with the popular XSERIES features, delivering a custom concealed carry experience straight from the SIG SAUER factory. 

“This latest creation form SIG Custom Works brings an entirely new level of customization to our two most popular lines of pistols – the P320 and P365,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales, SIG SAUER, Inc.  “The all new LXG grip module is laser engraved in-house, and the custom pattern on all four sides delivers an aggressive, stylish texture for a stronger, more controlled grip.  The custom slides are distressed with the exclusive Spectre XSERIES lightening cuts, making the Spectre series of pistols truly unique, and a real standout for concealed carry.”

The SIG Custom Works Spectre series pistols are 9mm striker-fired pistols, featuring the all-new LXG Grip Module with laser engraving on all four sides, a deep trigger undercut, and extended beavertail, complemented by the Custom Works Spectre slide with distressed finish and custom Spectre XSERIES lightening cuts. Both pistols include XSERIES flat triggers, XRAY3 Day/Night sights, and custom optic ready slides. The SIG Custom Works P320 Spectre is direct-mount compatible with the SIG SAUER Electro-Optics ROMEO1Pro , the soon to be released SIG SAUER Electro-Optics ROMEO2, Delta Point Pro, and RMR Reflex Optics, and ships with (2) 15-round steel magazines. The SIG Custom Works P365XL Spectre is compatible with the SIG SAUER Electro-Optics ROMEOZero or RMSC sights, and ships with (2) 12-round steel magazines. Each Spectre pistol comes with a SIG Custom Works Challenge Coin and Certificate of Authenticity.

P320 XCOMPACT Spectre:
Overall length: 7.4 inches
Overall height: 5.3 inches
Overall width: 1.3 inches
Barrel length: 3.9 inches
Sight Radius: 5.8inches
Weight (w/magazine): 26 oz.

P365XL Spectre:
Overall length: 6.6 inches
Overall height: 4.8 inches
Overall width: 1.1 inches
Barrel length: 3.7 inches
Sight Radius: 5.6inches
Weight (w/magazine): 20.7 oz.

The SIG SAUER P320 Spectre and P365XL Spectre are now shipping and available at retailers. To learn more about the SIG SAUER P320 and P365XL Spectre series pistols, or watch the P320 Spectre series and P365XL Spectre series product videos with Phil Strader visit sigsauer.com.

Sneak Peek – Stenzel Industries AK-21

Thursday, June 10th, 2021

The upcoming Stenzel Industries AK-21 which was designed with the durability and the reliability of an AK in mind, while boasting the modularity and manufacturing efficiency of the AR-15.

AK-21 features:
-multi caliber interchangeability
-billet aluminum construction
-non reciprocating L side charging handle
-true free float barrel system
-ambidextrous fire selector
-BHO after last round fired
-ambidextrous bolt release

Visit their website landing page to sign up to be notified when the preorder sale launches.

stenzelindustries.com

CBP Purchases B&T USA GLO6 Less Lethal Launcher Systems

Monday, June 7th, 2021

US Customs and Border Protection, part of the US Department of Homeland Security is purchasing 150 B&T USA GL06 Less-Lethal Launchers. This is the latest B&T USA procurement by CBP, who has purchased a sizable number of APC9K-G submachine guns by leveraging the US Army Sub Compact Weapon contract. The vehicle contract was modified earlier this year to allow other agencies to purchase from it and to supply Glock and SIG compatible lower receiver groups.

The GL06 is a shoulder-fired less lethal system capable of firing a complete range of lethal and less-lethal 40x46mm munitions and impact rounds through its fully rifled bore — delivering unmatched accuracy at standoff distances out to, and beyond, 40 meters. The GL06 is claimed to be lighter and more compact than other stand-alone platforms of the same class, yet is capable of greater accuracy, has superior ergonomics and offers a greater flexibility in munition selection to include the company’s own SIR and SIR-X (Safe Impact Rounds).

CBP GL06s will be delivered as configured from B&T USA, fitted with Aimpoint Micro TL optics, as well as their quick-detach optic mounts and vertical forward grips.

bt-arms.com

SIG SAUER Announces P320 AXG PRO – A Metal Framed Striker Fired Pistol

Tuesday, June 1st, 2021

SIG SAUER has introduced the P320 AXG PRO, the first full-sized pistol in the metal framed P320 AXG family. It pairs a Pro-Cut Nitron slide with their black anodized AXG Grip module. You get the reliability of a P320 with the heft and durability of a stainless steel frame.

The black anodized AXG grip is complimented by Hogue G10 grip panels/rear insert and a detachable magwell for improved reloads. The flat XSeries trigger ensures a clean break at 90 degrees for improved accuracy and trigger reset. The optic-ready Pro-Cut slide is fitted with XRay3 day/night sights and compatible with Romeo1PRO, Romeo2, Deltapoint PRO, and RMR optics for a direct-to-slide fit without the need for adaptor plates. Each pistol comes standard with (2) 17rd steel mags fitted with Henning Group aluminum basepads. (Shown with optional 21rd magazine). Dressed out, that’s 35.4 ounces.

www.sigsauer.com/p320-axg-pro

Saab Unveils and Demonstrates New Guided Multipurpose Munition

Tuesday, June 1st, 2021

Saab, in cooperation with the U.S. Army and Raytheon Missiles & Defense, has successfully demonstrated the new Guided Multipurpose Munition (GMM). The GMM System Capability Demonstration was a joint activity between Saab and Raytheon Missiles & Defense, funded under a U.S. Government Rapid Innovation Funding (RIF) effort awarded by the U.S. Army. This three-year contract effort culminated in a live firing demonstration in November 2020. RIF efforts are intended to support the development of promising technologies that address military capability to fulfill an operational or national need.

On November 5 2020, at the Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, Saab, in collaboration with the U.S. Army and Raytheon Missiles & Defense, fired Guided Multipurpose Munitions for the first time with live warheads. GMM was fired from both the Carl-Gustaf recoilless rifle and an adaption of an AT4 disposable launcher. The munitions were guided to their target using a semi-active laser guidance system and designator.

Through a series of live fire engagements, multiple targets were engaged and destroyed at ranges from 1550 to 2500 meters. The targets were triple brick wall, double-reinforced concrete wall, and an up-armored vehicle, demonstrating the devastating combination of a high-performance break-in charge, and a follow-through charge designed to ensure effects even in hardened targets. The increased range, in combination with a Confined Space capability, will offer troops greater tactical flexibility when selecting a firing position.   

GMM represents the next step in both the evolution of guided man-portable munitions and the Saab-Raytheon collaboration, and expands the shoulder-launched guided capability to the AT4. GMM also has the capability for future applications on remote weapons stations, manned and unmanned aerial and ground systems, and indirect fire.

“GMM marks the next step in the evolution of our shoulder-launched systems. It is the most advanced munition yet and will offer greater precision, outstanding performance with pin-point accuracy and multi-target capability,” says Görgen Johansson, head of Saab business area Dynamics.

“Raytheon and Saab have been working together on the GMM, and take pride in the fact that they can provide the Army with a standard guided munition they can fire from prolific soldier-borne launchers as well as weapons stations and unmanned vehicles. This universal munition will increase overall lethality and help prepare for every conceivable conflict on the spectrum,” says Tom Laliberty, vice president of Land Warfare & Air Defense, a Raytheon Missiles & Defense mission area.

The initial work on GMM began in 2017, which resulted in the concept of the Guided Carl-Gustaf Munition that was demonstrated in September 2019.

Saab’s Carl-Gustaf and AT4 weapon systems are used by the U.S. Armed Forces as well as the ground forces of more than 40 other countries.

InVeris – BlueFire Wireless Training Weapons

Monday, May 31st, 2021

InVeris Training Solutions‘ BlueFire wireless weapons provide realism by maintaining form, fit, and function. Weapon recoil and cycling is achieved with a rechargeable magazine of compressed gas. Additionally, the weapons utilize wireless Bluetooth technology to communicate with the system, allowing the same control as FATS legacy tethered weapons but with full range of motion.

There are over 300 versions of BlueFire weapons available, including Glock 17, Glock 17 Gen4, Glock 19, Sig P226, Sig P229, Beretta M9, S&W M&P 9 and 40, H&K G36E, M4, M16A2/A4 and SRS Rifle (M16 type) simulators. There are also taser and OC trainers.

BlueFire training systems are available for units and agencies through Atlantic Diving Supply.

USSOCOM Small Arms Update

Thursday, May 20th, 2021

During this week’s Special Operations Forces Industry Conference hosted by NDIA, LTC John M. (Tosh) Lancaster, USA, serves as Program Manager SOF Lethality, but the update on SOF small arms and ammunition programs was provided by his boss, PEO – SOF Warrior, COL Joel Babbitt, USA, as part of the entire portfolio.

Weapons

While there are multiple efforts underway to enhance the lethality of SOF, two primary capabilities were briefed which offer overmatch to our forces who have faced enemy small arms with longer ranges, by increasing their operational envelope.

The first is the Mid-Range Gas Gun (MRGG and pronounced like “Margie”). Chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor, this gas operated rifle will be offered in two variants: Assault and Sniper Support. Consequently, you will see the variants referred to as MRGG-A and MRGG-S respectively. USSOCOM adopted 6.5 CM in 2018 which replaces 7.62mm NATO for Sniper Support Weapons.

The second effort is the Lightweight Machine Gun – Medium (LMG-M) in 338 Norma Mag, a true game changer which offers accurate fire at ranges approaching that of an M2 .50 HMG, but at a dry weapon weight below the M240.

Weapons Timeline

USSOCOM plans to procure both of these weapons using Middle Tier Acquisition.

Mid-Range Gas Gun

A Military User Assessment was conducted in 2019 for MRGG to inform this requirement with COL Babbitt mentioning that SOCOM has, “conquered the intellectual high ground,” on how to best use 6.5 CM. According to industry sources, while numerous companies participated in that event at Camp Atterbury, only Larue and LMT were down selected for further evaluation. Finally, it’s important to note that this requirement is limited to Naval Special Warfare.

Lightweight Machine Gun – Medium

LMG-M promises engagement of both point and area targets out to 2500 meters. MARSOC has already conducted a Combat Evaluation of SIG SAUER’s Light Machine Gun to inform this requirement. According to PEO SOF Warrior, one point of feedback was that Operators were impressed that they were hitting the target with the first round. A fire control system will also be procured via its own program.

Ammunition

Since both of these weapons fire SOF unique calibers (based on use within DoD), SOCOM also has to develop and procure the ammunition. This requires developing cartridges and soliciting industry for their manufacture, just like any other commodity.

Ammo Timeline

While limited amounts of both 6.5 CM and 338 NM ammunition has been procured via OTA, full production will be accomplished via a full and open competitive contract opportunity.

Since it’s in the slide, we’ll also mention that the Lightweight Cased Ammunition program has had some great success with .50 but there are still issues being worked through on the 7.62mm NATO rounds. COL Babbitt related that, “the smaller the caliber, the more difficult to achieve lighter weight.” This is because the case isn’t as large and that’s where the weight reduction is being realized, by transitioning from brass to polymer.

6.5 Creedmoor

COTS ammunition was utilized for the 2018 effort to decide between 260 Remington and 6.5 CM as an intermediary caliber for SOF. Now, a government specified projectile and load have been developed and are being procured.

338 Norma Mag

The 338 NM caliber is also part of the new Mk22 Advanced Sniper Rifle which has been adopted by all the Army and Marine Corps as well as USSOCOM. However, cartridges for use by Machine Guns will be different than those used by snipers. Additionally, MG ammunition requires a link which is a government controlled design. While the sniper round will become service common, the MG round will remain SOF peculiar, at least until the services adopt a 338 NM MG.