While I don’t have one firearm that is on my all time, must have list, I’d say that the Stoner 63A is one I’d love to have.
The modular design is a feat of engineering, with an interesting list of users.
What’s your grail gun?
Archive for the ‘weapons’ Category
What’s Your Grail Gun?
Saturday, October 20th, 2018US Army Announces Industry Days for Next Generation Squad Weapons
Saturday, October 20th, 2018Just two weeks ago the US Army issued a draft Prototype Opportunity Notice for the Next Generation Squad Weapons, their number one Lethality priority which consists of the Next Generation Squad Weapon-Rifle (NGSW-R) and the Next Generation Squad Weapon-Automatic Rifle (NGSW-AR). The NGSW-R is the planned replacement for the M4/M4A1 Carbine and the NGSW-AR is the planned replacement for the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) in the Automatic Rifleman Role in Brigade Combat Teams (BCT). Both are planned to be chambered in 6.8mm, firing a completely new cartridge which does not currently exist. This program is more an ammunition program than a weapon program.
In a notice published earlier today on www.fbo.gov, the Army announced that it will hold industry days for the upcoming Next Generation Squad Weapons Prototype Opportunity Notice. They will be Wednesday to Friday, November 14 through 16, 2018. This pace shows how dedicated the Army is to the plan.
The NGSW program overview will be provided on November 14, 2018 beginning at 9:00 am and will be completed by 12:00 pm.
The one-on-one sessions will start November 14, 2018 at 1:00pm and continue through November 16, 2018 as necessary. One-on-one sessions will be limited to 45 minutes with a 15 minute break between sessions. Vendors may have partners join their one-on- one sessions.
Th Industry Days will be open to foreign companies but they must follow particular instructions.
Be sure to visit www.fbo.gov for full details.
Dutch Long Arms – Ascalon Prototype
Friday, October 19th, 2018
Pim de Waard, Dutch gunsmith and innovator, has a unique invention: a new Bolt Action Rifle system, named The Ascalon. The system is patented and will be marketed under the new brand Dutch Long Arms.
De Waard has applied this system in a completely new Long Range rifle, also patented.
The prototype has already proven to function beyond expectations, especially at long distances.
In Slovakia, Pim de Waard has extensively tested the prototype (the Ascalon 1) at 1,400 meters with caliber .338 Magnum. The results were amazing.
Right now Pim de Waard is producing the pre-production model in caliber .375 Cheytac, which will be shot at the King of 2 Miles in France in April 2019.
Hanson Uitgevers BV, which operates the patent, has granted the first license to Dutch Long Arms for the production of the first 10 Ascalon Long Range rifles.
For more details, see www.dutchlongarms.com
Tennessee Arms Company – Omega Rifle
Tuesday, October 16th, 2018
Tennessee Arms Company, best known for their polymer AR-15 and AR-10 lower receivers, is currently undergoing production on a new rifle they’ve dubbed the Omega Rifle. A design 10 years in the making, the Omega utilizes existing AR-15 pattern barrels and magazines, but also features a gas piston-operated action, is side charging, and has an adjustable trigger. The Omega will also come with a user-changeable back plate, which allows for the installation of various stocks, or a flat plate (for a pistol model). The model seen above is a working prototype, and doesn’t represent what the finalized commercial design will look like.
The unique feature of the Omega Rifle is its patented articulating bolt assembly. Somewhat comparable to KRISS’ Super V Recoil Mitigation System for the Vector weapons family, the Omega’s Articulating Bolt Assembly features a ‘Traveling Mass’, which moves downward during the firing cycle, sliding directly into the pistol grip; this system is designed to reduce felt recoil, with a shorter operation cycle and fewer moving parts than a standard AR-15.
The Omega Rifle is slated for a Spring 2019 release, at the latest. Tennessee Arms Company will soon be offering a pre-order for the Omega rifle chambered in 5.56mm. There are plans to expand the Omega’s chamberings to include 9mm, .308, and 7.62x39mm. We’re eager to see further developments on this new design as its release draws nearer.
The Remington V3 Tac-13, Represents the Ultimate in Compact Personal Defense
Tuesday, October 16th, 2018Ilion, NY – Remington’s advanced, patented gas-operated system now available with a 13” barrel and a Birdshead pistol grip.
The V3 Tac-13 is based off the revolutionary VersaPort gas system. The Remington V3 Tac-13 flawlessly cycles all 2 ¾ to 3-inch 12 gauge loads while reducing recoil to a level previously unheard of in autoloaders.
Features & Benefits:
• Birdshead Pistol Grip Allows for more ergonomic hold to help control the firearm and reduce recoil for the shooter.
• Hand Strap User adjustable to help control muzzle flip and improve handling characteristics.
• Lightweight Aluminum Receiver For easy, comfortable transport anywhere
• 13” Light Contour Barrel is compact and easy to carry anytime its needed
Additionally, its self-cleaning gas piston system greatly reduces time required for cleaning. With fewer parts than conventional gas systems, not only is cleaning easier but there are fewer parts to maintain.
Black Aces Tactical Announces the New $449 Pro Series S “Shockwave Semi”
Monday, October 15th, 2018Eric Lemoine, owner of Black Aces Tactical (BAT), an American manufacturer best known for its patented custom shotguns shotgun accessories, and price point suppressors, is excited to announce the release of the company’s new affordable Pro Series S Shockwave Semi.
Said Lemoine, “Black Aces Tactical has been working for months quietly behind the scenes to develop a No NFA/ No AOW Semiautomatic Shockwave that is capable of running both low and high brass reliably. Our parameters include first and for most a Non NFA classification. There is no way around it, our customers demands the Non NFA classification. Next, the weapon has to be affordable. When customers think “Shockwave”, immediately what comes to mind is an affordable weapon. A $1000 Non NFA weapon simple will no do.”
Starting at only$449 retail, the shooter now has an opportunity to own what is a coveted item, and to own it for a price that fits almost any budget. Slated to ship mid November, the Pro Series S features:
• No NFA/No AOW
• 6061 T6 Aluminum Receiver
• 14″ Barrel
• 26.5″ Overall Length
• Choice of Black Synthetic and optional Walnut Furniture
• 4+1 capacity
• Cycles both light and heavy loads
Said Lemoine, “Our industry has entered into an interesting time. It seems that within the narrow scope of 12 gauge, there is a full blown arms race quietly being waged and as a consequence the customer is now offered more choices than ever before. We are honored to be a driving force and influencer in this ever expanding industry.”.
The Pro Series S will be offered in two trim levels initially. The more cost effective of the pair is priced at $449 and features black synthetic furniture. As an upgrade, a walnut furniture model is available at $574. Both models are covered by the Black Aces Tactical lifetime warranty.
For more information about Black Aces Tactical, contact Eric Lemoine at 407-630-9359, email sales@blackacestactical.com, or visit www.blackacestactical.com
Army Chief of Staff Discusses Next Generation Squad Weapon
Monday, October 15th, 2018WASHINGTON — Several prototypes of a next-generation squad weapon were advanced forward for testing and a request for proposal was sent out, said Chief of Staff of the Army Gen. Mark A. Milley during a news conference at the Association of the U.S. Army’s Annual Meeting and Exposition, Oct. 8.
A weapons squad of U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Cavalry Regiment and deployed in support of Combined Joint Task Force — Operation Inherent Resolve fire two M240B machine guns during a live-fire training exercise near Al Asad Air Base, Iraq, Sept. 26, 2018. The Army is currently testing a prototype for a new squad weapon. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army National Guard photo by 1st Lt. Leland White)
Test firing of the weapon prototype indicates that it has an accurate range far in excess of any existing military rifle today, he said.
Additionally, it fires at speeds that far exceed the velocity of bullets today and it will penetrate any existing body armor or body armor expected to exist over the next 25 years, he added. This sophisticated weapon also has a sight system that integrates into Soldiers’ gear that incorporates the latest in information technology.
Producing such a highly capable weapon is clearly in the realm of the possible, Milley noted, after speaking with engineers designing the prototypes. Right now, feedback from the prototypes looks like it will fire 6.8mm rounds.
Because the weapon is so capable and so sophisticated, “not surprisingly, we expect it to be expensive,” he said. “So we’re probably not going to field the entire Army with this weapon. We’ll prioritize to those Soldiers in all components who are in close combat quarters-type duties such as Infantry, Armor, Cavalry, Rangers, Special Forces, combat engineers.”
Soldiers with the 173rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Airborne) hold their position during a live-fire portion of the Saber Junction 18 exercise at Grafenwoehr Training Area, Germany, Sept. 12, 2018. he Army is currently testing a prototype for a new squad weapon. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo by Pfc. Matthew Marcellus )
The Army is looking to buy somewhere in the range of 100,000 of these weapons initially and may expand that later on, he said. The Army hopes to have them out on the range at Fort Benning, Georgia, hopefully by next summer.
“We look forward to it. It’s exciting. But we don’t want to speak too much about its technical capabilities because our adversaries watch these things very closely, so we prefer to keep the technical details out of the news,” he said. “The bottom line is we’re committed to a new rifle and a new squad automatic weapon.”
By Mr. David Vergun (Army News Service)
SSD Editor’s note: I cannot stress enough that the 6.8 round being looked at by the Army for NSGW is NOT the 6.8 SPC investigated by USSOCOM in the early 2000s. It is an entirely new capability.
Tomb of the Unknowns Guards Begin Use of Custom M17 Pistols
Saturday, October 13th, 2018
Yesterday, Tomb Guards from the US Army’s 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) were presented with 4 ceremonial M17 pistols at Arlington National Cemetery. These works of art were created by SIG SAUER specifically for use by the Guards.
This ceremony marks the first use of the M17, which will accompany the Sentinels of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers they stand guard 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
The unique distinguishing features for the M17 Tomb of the Unknown Pistols include:
• Pistol Names: each of the four pistols bears the name of Silence, Respect, Dignity, or Perseverance and is featured on the dust cover. Dignity and Perseverance represent “The Sentinel’s Creed,” and Silence and Respect represent the request to the public by Arlington National Cemetery when visiting the Tomb of the Unknown, and during the Changing of the Guard;
• Custom Wood Grips: in 1921 the chosen Unknown was transported to the United States of America aboard the USS Olympia. The custom wood grips are made with wood from the USS Olympia and include the crest of the 3rd Guard, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier identification badge inset;
• Cocking Serrations: XXI cocking serrations are engraved on the slide to signify the twenty-one steps it takes for the Tomb Sentinels to walk by the Tomb of the Unknowns and the military honor of a 21 Gun Salute;
• Sight Plate: an engraved impression of the Greek Figures featured on the east panel of the Tomb – Peace, Victory, and Valor – are featured on the sight plate;
• Sights: a glass insert made with marble dust from the Tomb of the Unknown fills the sights of the ceremonial pistols;
• Engraved Magazines: the 21-round magazines feature an aluminum base plate engraved with the names of the Greek figures featured on the Tomb of the Unknown – Peace, Victory, and Valor – and include a name plate on the bottom of the magazine engraved with the Tomb Sentinel badge number.
• Serial Numbers: the pistols are serialized with a unique set of serial numbers that incorporate items of significance to the Old Guard: “LS” represents line six of the Sentinels’ Creed, “My standard will remain perfection; “02JUL37” to signify the first 24-hour guard posted at the Tomb of the Unknown on July 3, 1937; “21” to signify the 21 steps it takes the Tomb Sentinels to walk by the Tomb of the Unknown, and the military honor of a 21 Gun Salute. The full series of M17 Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Pistols serial numbers are LS02JUL37A21 (Silence), LS02JUL37B21 (Respect), LS02JUL37C21 (Dignity), LS02JUL37D21 (Perseverance).
(U.S. Army photos by SPC Gabriel Silva)
