July 25, 2016: The ETS Group is proud to announce the release of their new line of made in the USA, H&K® MP5 9mm clear polymer magazines. Starting at $39.99, there are four models available:
Compatible with all MP5 Style 9mm firearms such as HK MP5, MP5K, HK94, SP89, SP5K, Zenith, MKE, Omega, POF, HK Contract MP5 9mm Variants, MP5 style SW5, BW5, CA94, D54, V94, clones or other custom builds.
The ETS Group MP5 clear polymer magazines are optimized to run hollow points and provide the same reliability you’ve come to expect from standard H&K® magazines. Their translucent body structure allows you to easily see your ammo count and type, while its durable construction features extreme impact-resistance so they won’t crack when dropped and the feed lips won’t spread when fully loaded and stored. Furthermore, the ETS Group offers a lifetime warranty on all magazines!
Features
Optimized to run hollow points
Same reliability you’ve come to expect from H&K® magazines
Translucent body—allowing you to see your ammo count and type
Extreme impact resistance—won’t crack or break when dropped
Very resistant to harsh chemicals
Superior heat, cold and UV resistance—won’t become brittle over time, even when exposed to harsh environments or extreme cold
Creep resistant—the feedlips and body won’t spread when being stored long term, even when fully loaded
Far lighter than steel magazines
Fits standard MP5 mag pouches and couplers
Lifetime Warranty
To see ETS’s full line of MP5 magazines, visit www.etsgroup.us.
(McLean, VA – July 19, 2018) FN America, LLC announces today the expansion of the FN 509® Series of striker-fired pistols with the release of the FN 509 Tactical, an optics- and suppressor-ready 9mm pistol. The pistol features the company’s patent-pending Low-Profile Optics Mounting System™ that enables the platform to accept more than ten commercially-available miniature red dot (MRD) optics and remain adaptable to future optics releases with no requirement of direct milling of the slide.
“The FN 509 Tactical and the FN Low-Profile Optics Mounting System are another leap forward in the optics-ready pistol market,” said John Keppeler, vice president of sales and marketing for FN America, LLC. “FN set the trend for factory optics-ready pistols with the release of the FNP-45 Tactical nearly a decade ago and we’re set to do it again with this release. From barrel to base plate, the FN 509 Tactical really is the ultimate tactical pistol.”
The FN 509 Tactical, an extension of the FN 509 family, is based on FN’s submission pistol that the U.S. Army tested for its Modular Handgun Trials, but includes the significant improvements to the design that were implemented in the FN 509. Like the optics mounting system, FN’s team of engineers set out to develop the ultimate tactical pistol by addressing the market’s existing limitations.
As a result, the FN 509 Tactical features an FN-signature 4.5-inch, cold hammer-forged, stainless-steel barrel with target crown, ½” x 28 threads that accept the bulk of 9mm suppressors available and thread cap with integrated O-ring to prevent loosening during use. Lastly, the 24-round magazines, nearly identical in length to the pistol’s slide, maximize ammunition capacity without impacting carry convenience.
The optics mount accepts the majority of MRD’s on the market with no need to direct mill the slide, allowing for a low-profile mount and co-witness with the suppressor-height iron sights. The slide cap, for use when not shooting with an optic, has raised sight wings that protect iron sight alignment if the pistol is dropped or jostled, and provides a textured ramp for racking the slide against a belt loop, pant pocket or boot.
See the FN 509 Tactical at the company’s next stop on the FN Battle-Proven Tour at the Bojangles Southern 500 NASCAR Race in Darlington, South Carolina, Sept. 1-2, 2018. For more information about the FN 509 Tactical, please visit www.fnamerica.com.
Newington, N.H. (July 18, 2018) – SIG SAUER, Inc. is pleased to introduce the commercial variant of the U.S. Army’s M17 official service pistol called the P320-M17.
After one of the most rigorous and highly competitive review processes in the history of military firearms the SIG SAUER M17 was awarded the Modular Handgun System (MHS) contract for the U.S. Army. The M17 is a P320-based platform, and was selected for its uniquely innovative modularity, uncompromising performance, and unmatched capability. The P320-M17 closely follows the specifications of the U.S. Army’s M17.
“It was truly an honor for SIG SAUER to be chosen as the U.S. Army’s choice with the M17. When the selection was announced, civilian interest in the pistol was immediate,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, SIG SAUER, Inc. “We are proud to bring this P320-M17 to the marketplace to meet the substantial civilian interest, and the high demand, to own the pistol the Army uses as well as the other branches of the U.S. Military.”
The P320-M17 is a 9mm, striker-fired pistol and comes with two 17-round magazines. The pistol features a coyote-tan PVD coated stainless steel slide with the same optic cut as specified by the MHS contract, and black controls just like the pistols currently being shipped to the U.S. Army; it comes equipped with a SIGLITE front night sight and removable Night Sight rear plate. The P320-M17 features a coyote-tan carry-length grip module, available in three sizes, and comes standard with a manual safety. Non-manual safety P320-M17 pistols will be shipped at a later date.
The P320-M17 Specs:
Total length: 8”
Barrel length: 4.7”
Weight (incl. magazine): 29.6 oz.
Height: 5.5”
Width: 1.3”
Sight radius: 6.6”
MSRP: $768.00
The P320-M17 is shipping to stores in August 2018.
To complement the P320-M17, an exclusive M17 Collector’s Case is available for purchase separately at sigsauer.com/store. The case is a solid cherry box, with dark mahogany stain, a tempered glass top, a brushed nickel latch, and a keyhole back for optional wall-hanging. The M17 Collector’s Case features a slate-grey flocked foam insert with an affixed U.S. Army logo, and precision laser placement cuts for the P320-M17 pistol, and included P320-M17 certificate and P320-M17 Official Challenge Coin.
M17 Collectors Case MSRP: $199.99 (sold separately at sigsauer.com/store)
Lakewood, WA – Grey Ghost Precision, leading manufacturers of accurate, reliable, and attainable weapon systems, is excited to announce the that they are now offering three new Diamond-Like Coating (DLC) color options to their SPG43 GLOCK43 Slides.
GGP announced the release of their SPG43, the first true aftermarket upgrade slide for the G43 at SHOT Show 2018, in Las Vegas, NV. Precisely machined from a billet blank of American made, certified 17-4PH Stainless Steel with critical tolerances held to +/- .003”, the SPG43 has withheld the reliability and accuracy that Grey Ghost Precision’s products have been known for within the industry.
The initial line of SPG43 slides were originally only available in a DLC signature Grey color; and are now offered in Black, Bronze and Flat Dark Earth, in addition to Grey for both V1 and V2 versions.
DLC was chosen for its high levels of strength, hardness and corrosion resistance, along with its inherent lubricity which lends itself to reducing friction between metal surfaces.
“We are excited to bring more DLC color options to our customers,” stated GGP Vice President of Firearms, Jason Curns. “With the explosion of aftermarket options for the G43, it was important for us to give our loyal GGP customers more choices to build the G43 of their personal specifications.”
As is the case with every other product that comes out the door at Grey Ghost Precision, the SPG43’s attention to detail, fitment and mindset for the end user is paramount. The team spends no time, wasted on production – partnering with only the best in the industry, receiving feedback on exactly what the end users are looking for in a concealed carry pistol.
SPG43SPECS
• Made from American 17-4PH Stainless Steel
• All critical dimensions held within +/-.003dz
• Strategically placed patterns for ease of use and function
• Coated with choice of Black, Grey, Bronze or Flat Dark Earth color options in DLC
• Ready to accept all GLOCK or aftermarket OEM G43 components
• Ready for GLOCK or OEM components to install right away
(McLean, VA – July 16, 2018) FN America, LLC is pleased to announce that the company has been awarded contracts to produce two prototypes under the Prototype Opportunity Notice (PON) 1 for the U.S. Army’s Next Generation Squad Automatic Rifle program, commonly referred to as NGSAR. The company can confirm earlier speculation that one of the submissions is a lightweight machine gun and the other is the FN HAMR™, a heat adaptive modular rifle.
The Army has specified a need for a prototype rifle weighing less than 12 pounds, including a 20-percent reduction in weight of ammunition and fire control unit. To deliver against the two awarded contracts, FN has partnered with industry-leading organizations such as Federal Cartridge Company (FCC) to utilize emerging technologies to enhance lethality of FN’s NGSAR contenders and offer a complete systems solution.
Throughout history, FN has played a pivotal role in designing and delivering machine guns to the U.S. military, including the FN M249 SAW, and is poised to deliver a solution that is truly next generation.
For more information about FN’s military product line currently under contract, please visit www.fnamerica.com.
So often in media, we see a blurb about an acquisition program and a year or so later we see a follow up story announcing a winner. What happened during that year? This article is my attempt to provide insight into the goings-on of an acquisition program.
In the summer of 2016 I had the great fortune to participate in the summer weapons trials in Pakistan. This was part of a $1.3B USD acquisition program that would select the future battle rifle for Pakistan. The program required the initially purchase of rifles from the original equipment factory with manufacturing and licensing rights to third party sales eventually shifting to new facilities being constructed in Pakistan. Of the handful of US companies registered to attend, I found myself to be the lone representative from the United States. Our offering was a 7.62 NATO, AR10-type rifle with a piston operating system. I arrived in early June for a brief two-week trip and ended up leaving two months later.
As this is a firearms related blog, I’ll focus primarily on the testing aspects of the trials, but I would like to start off with some general thoughts.
Pakistan was the United States’ key ally in Southwest Asia during the Cold War. President John F. Kennedy solidified this relationship by giving Pakistani President Mohammad Ayub Khan a hero’s welcome in 1961. Fifty-five years later, as China’s influence in Pakistan grew with the construction of the New Silk Road and Gwadar Port, the US shifted its interests from Pakistan to India. It is anticipated this area will soon dominate global trade. As a participant in the General Staff Requirement (GSR) New Assault Rifle solicitation I had opportunity to visit Pakistan. During my time there, my friend Adnan acknowledged this shift but said the US and Pakistan will again be close because the peoples of both countries like to fight and share the warrior ethos.
I was continually impressed with the general knowledge of global politics possessed by even the common person.
An individual might live in abject poverty, but they were keen to discuss the upcoming US election. I was constantly being asked about my opinion of Clinton and Trump.
Typical roadside
I was impressed by the warmth of the Pakistani people and their friendliness. I had the privilege to meet and form friendships with both the son of the former president of Kashmir and the husband of the former Bangladesh princess. We shared fantastic conversations.
Amer and Adnan, great guys
Pakistan is a very poor country. I showed up with the expectation that we could procure some of the basic tools needed to service the weapons during testing. Just run down to Walmart. Nope! For example, not even basic Allen wrench sets were available. I informed my host Shameel, he should have told me all they have is dirt and water and to bring everything else.
When I arrived in Pakistan, the US embassy was on lockdown. I was the only American walking around. It was a little disconcerting to see NGO, Embassy, and military types riding around in armored Land Cruisers I was just in a stock Toyota Corolla, but low vis works. From my military and defense sales experiences, not having any US government back up or support was a bit unnerving at times. That is when having good friends is vital.
Shameel and I at PAKORD Base, tremendous business associate.
On to the trial…
The weapons trial consisted of numerous tests; below is a partial list:
• Technical briefings
• Hot chamber cook-off
• Iron sight accuracy
• Optics accuracy
• Penetration
• Hot and cold environmental chambers
• Interchangeability
• Endurance
• Pluff mud
• Sand test
• Mud
Each of these tests took place at different military installations and with varying numbers of participants.
The following companies were invited to participate in the trials:
• Beretta
• Kalashnikov
• Sig Sauer
• Mechanical and Chemical Industry Corporation (MKEK)
• CZ
• PWS
• FN Herstal
• LWRC Intl
• Zastava Arms
• Anderson Manufacturing Inc
• HK
• Hanwha
• Denel Land Systems
• Colt
• Steyr
• Armalite
Several of the companies had already completed the accuracy and environmental testing during the winter trials. For the duration of the test only three companies were present; CZ, MKEK, and the company I represented. Each weapon OEM and/or Pakistani representative paid for their participation in the trials including; travel, accommodations, use of military facilities, ammunition, etc — very different from the US or European approach where the military pays for the official testing.
Following is a summary of several of the tests, separated by facility with key observations notes.
Islamabad
The capital city of Islamabad was our operational hub from which we traveled to the various test facilities. I took receipt of weapons from the freight forwarders and conducted an inspection as the weapons were inventoried into the Pakistani armory. All participants conducted preliminary briefings on capabilities and waited for the requisite stamps and signatures for access to the military bases.
PAKORD Base
Cook-off test. Firing 120 rounds as quickly as possible, last 20 rd magazine is inserted into the weapon and a round is chambered. To the best of my knowledge only the FN SCAR and HK G3 cooked off.
Accuracy at 100m. Three rifles firing three ten shot groups apiece.
Ammunition conditioned to 21°C (69.8° F). At least two of the three groups must be less than 3.5moa or a 102mm circle. In all accuracy testing the most accurate weapon was the US AR10 style rifle.
Team CZ with their test fixture
Accuracy at Effective Range. 400m firing iron sights. 600m firing optical sight. Three rifles firing three ten shot groups apiece.
Ammunition conditioned to 21°C (69.8° F). On the range were MKE, CZ, and myself. MKE was assigned two of the top shooters in the Pakistan army.
CZ brought their factory sponsored competitive shooters. Representing the US was just me wishing I had spent more time using iron sights and blaming Drake and Magpul for my inability with their Pro Sights.(Actually, Drake and Magpul are great people.) My take away is that shooting groups for accuracy using iron sights is challenging especially when using the equivalent of M80 ball ammunition. There was considerable variability inherent in the ammunition.
Range Facility after the grass was cut. When we first showed up it looked like a field of straw.
Monsoon rains made for muddy conditions. Seeing the black cobras crossing the roads kept me cautious when walking around.
Penetration at Effective Range.
Shooting 10 gauge (3.42m) steel plates measuring 1.5m x 1.5m. 600m firing optical sight. Three rifles firing three ten shot groups apiece.
8 out of 10 shots from 2 out of 3 groups from each weapon must pass through the plate. During winter trials none of the rifles was able to consistently penetrate the plate.
MKE and CZ started with mixed results, but all my shots penetrated the plate. I had set my rounds in the sun and when they were hot to the touch I made my shots. MKE and CZ quickly followed my example and were soon penetrating the plate with every shot. It was interesting to see the lack of temperature stability for the powder/primer combination.
Extreme Climate Test. Hot. 360 rounds loaded into magazines and three test weapons were conditioned at +60°C (140°F) for 12 hours. All the test weapons performed without issue except for the US weapons, all of which had the bolt catch fall out of the weapon during testing and one of which launched the muzzle break down range.
Cold. 720 rounds loaded into magazines and three test weapons were conditioned at -40°C (-40°F). Two cycles of 120x rounds fired from each weapon. All the test weapons performed without issue except for the US weapons which would not chamber a round and did not fire a single shot.
Interchangeability Test. Ten weapons broken down and placed into ten trays. The first weapon started in tray one. The second weapon started in tray two and ended in tray one.
The third weapon started in tray three and ended in tray two. The other weapons followed. Breakdown as follows: (1) Barrel and Receiver (2) Bolt Assembly (3) Bolt Carrier/Cam Plate (4) Pistol Grip (5) Trigger Mechanism (6) Gas Tube Assembly (7) Piston Assembly (8) Recoil/Return Spring (9) Magazine (10) Butt Stock
The components in each tray were assembled and ten shots fired. There weren’t any function issues amongst the competitors, but fitment was tight on several of the CZ weapons.
Endurance Testing. Condition of the weapons; cleaned and oiled. Multiple series of 120 round intervals. First magazine, five single shots and the remained fired in 3 to 5 shot bursts, with a rate of fire of 85 rounds per minute. Subsequent magazines fired in 3 to 5 shot bursts, with a rate of fire of 85 rounds per minute. After the 120-round sequence, the weapons cooled to within 2°C (35.6°F) of ambient, and then another interval was fired. Weapons were cleaned and lubricated every 1,200 rounds.
Accuracy at 100M, muzzle velocity, and rate-of-fire were tested at the beginning and end of each cleaning and lubrication cycle. Only CZ and FN participated in the endurance testing with varying results.
Base Gharo
Mud Immersion Test. Condition of the rifles; bolt closed on an empty chamber with a loaded magazine inserted and the muzzle capped. The SSG took the rifles into the tidal pluff mud and rolled them in the mud until they were completely covered.
MKE and CZ rifles along with Serbian and Chinese AK’s were able to get one or two rounds fired before jamming. The US weapon wouldn’t even chamber a round. The Russian Kalashnikov AK ran without issue. The SSG operators commented that when conducting operations where they know they will pass through pluff mud the only weapon they will carry is the AK.
SSG Range built by US Seabees
Pluff Mud. I wish I had better photos capturing how much mud covered the weapons.
Sukkur
Sand Test. Condition of the weapons, the muzzles were capped, and a round chambered. The weapons were buried under two feet of sand and left to bake for one hour. The temperature was 56°C (133°F) in the shade. After the requisite bake, the weapons were dug up and test fired. The US weapon wouldn’t fire. The CZ and MKE rifle along with the Serbian and Chinese AKs were able to get one or two round fired before jamming. The Russian Kalashnikov AK ran without issue.
Can you identify all the weapons?
Vladimir Onokoy, leader of the Kalashnikov trial team (another solo representative)
Mud Test. Condition of the weapons; the muzzles were capped, and a round chambered. Only the Chinese and Russian AK’s fired. The Chinese AK had a single jam and once cleared continued to run. The Russian Kalashnikov AK ran without issue.
Conclusion: No rifle passed all the tests without issues; however, the FN SCAR was the only rifle that was finalized, officially accepted, with licensed manufacturing approved.
However, since the completion of the trials, Pakistan has purchased 140,000 AK 103 rifles. The number of SCAR rifles purchased is zero – too expensive.
Takeaways: The AR10-type weapon is inherently accurate especially when compared to other service rifles, but the design leaves it very susceptible to dirt and debris. Adding a piston system to the AR15/10/M4/M16 does not improve the reliability of the system in harsh environments due to design limitations. Considering these trials, it is interesting to ponder weapon testing requirements of the United States and the small arms currently being used and purchased by the Services. The selection approach of the United States may need to be rethought. If you operate in harsh conditions where maintenance and cleaning may not be available, and you absolutely must have a rifle that fires every time you pull the trigger, then the Russian Kalashnikov AK is the answer. Otherwise, keep your weapon clean and don’t let it get dirty.
Aside from all the technical and performance components of a procurement, you can’t discount the dynamics that money and politics play in winning a solicitation – which might be a subject better off discussed over a beer.
Keep an eye out for a subsequent article detailing how to test the functional accuracy of your rifle using lessons learned in Scandinavian and Pakistan testing. Stop believing the marketing hype and get to know your rifle.
John Kennedy is a co-founder of www.proofmarkllc.com, a firearms accessories design and manufacturing company. John was a contractor in OEF and OIF, with a background ranging from nuclear fuel production to ballistic protection. He currently consults on risk management and global defense.
The company has also loaded the shotshells used by the shooters during the training sessions at its Marshall, Texas, factory.
Dallas, Texas, July 13 – RIO Ammunition is sponsoring the ISSF World Cup shooting range in Tucson, Arizona. With this sponsorship RIO Ammunition, based in Dallas, Texas, further strengthens its commitment to sports shooting, a sector in which the brand is a reference since being founded more than 120 years ago.
RIO is sponsoring range number 2 and is a supplier of the training shotshells for shooters during the competition. To mark this special occasion RIO has released a limited edition of their emblematic Star Team Evo cartridge with “World Cup 2018” engraved in the hull. These special shotshells have been loaded at the company’s Marshall, Texas, factory which is one of the most advanced in the world and the only non-metallic ammunition factory in the state. In addition, the company will have a VIP area inside the shooting range for all their shooters, collaborators and clients.
This World Cup will also see the debut in the International RIO Team of Antonio Bailón who is currently 10th in the International Shooting Sport Federation’s (ISSF) ranking. Antonio joins the other Spaniard Alberto Fernández, who holds 7th position in the ranking, and between them they have 16 medals in ISSF World Cups and World Championships.
“At RIO we are proud to continue to support shooters and hunters from all over the world as we have been doing for more than 120 years. This sponsorship is another example of our commitment to this sport and to the US market. During the next few days the best international shooters will be able to test the performance of these specially-loaded cartridges from our Marshall factory and for those of us at RIO it makes us proud to do what we do.”, explains Eduardo Baeza, RIO’s Director in the US.
For more information on RIO Ammunition visit our webpage www.rioammo.com.
Tags: RIO Ammunition Posted in Press Release, weapons | Comments Off on RIO Ammunition strengthens its commitment to clay shooting with the sponsorship of the ISSF World Cup shooting range in Tucson, Arizona
Although announced just today, the U.S. Army Contracting Command – New Jersey (ACC-NJ), on behalf of Project Manager Soldier Weapons, awarded five companies contracts to develop prototype weapon technologies on June 25, 2018.
These were for six separate Fixed Priced, Full and Open Competition (F&OC), Prototype OTA’s to:
FN America LLC. – Columbia, SC; OTA’s W15QKN-18-9-1018 & W15QKN-18-9-1019
General Dynamics-OTS Inc. – Williston, VT; OTA W15QKN-18-9-1020
PCP Tactical, LLC – Vero Beach, FL; OTA W15QKN-18-9-1021
Sig Sauer Inc. – Newington, NH; OTA W15QKN-18-9-1022
These Prototype Other Transaction Agreements will be for the manufacture and development of a Next Generation Squad Automatic Rifle (NGSAR) system demonstrator representative of a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 and Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) 6. The expected Prototype OTA duration is twelve months after award.
Earlier this year, the Army released a Prototype Opportunity Notice for NGSAR, which is intended to replace the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon in Brigade Combat Teams. The prototype must weigh less than 12 pounds, with ammunition weighing 20 percent less than an equivalent brass case and integrate fire control. Although the caliber and type of ammunition is left open to vendors, most are using the government provided 6.8mm projectile. Notice I said projectile. It will be up to them to create a cartridge which is lightweight, yet delivers an undisclosed velocity which is beyond any other intermediate caliber cartridge previously evaluated. With that comes the challenge of increased chamber pressures and recoil which must be dealt with.
