Coming 1 October is a pistol format .22 LR version of the popular H&K MP5. Produced by Umarex there is also a rifle variant which incorporates a barrel shroud and collapsible stock.
Heckler & Koch Introduces MP5 .22 LR Variants
September 3rd, 2021MSR Updates its Best-Selling Tent Model, the Hubba Hubba for Spring 2022 and Introduces the LowDown Remote Stove Adapter
September 3rd, 2021The Freelite tent series, MSR’s lightest semi-freestanding tent, will also receive significant updates in 2022.
SEATTLE, Wash. (August 10, 2021) — Seattle-based Mountain Safety Research® (MSR®), the high-performance outdoor equipment that’s part of the parent company Cascade Designs, is excited to announce updates to its award-winning Hubba series for spring 2022. The best-selling and award winning Hubba Hubba is known for its fast and easy set up thanks to its freestanding design and symmetrical poles, and now features a significant weight reduction and updated features. Additionally, all three size versions (previously Hubba NX, Hubba Hubba NX and Mutha Hubba NX) will be unified under the recognizable name – Hubba Hubba.
The updated designs include up to a 14 oz reduction in weight compared to previous models, keeping the Hubba Hubba series a premiere lightweight option. The three-season tent series will now also feature easy-open, no-curve door zippers, tech-friendly cable ports on all storage pockets, ultra-tough Easton Syclone poles and durable floor materials. The Hubba Hubba’s durable mesh and fabric materials balance comfort, airflow, protection and privacy through the widest range of conditions. The waterproof Durashield-coated fly and floors and taped seams provide reliable, durable weather protection and the reinforced patches and stitching at guy points add extra stability in windy conditions. Finally, the true rectangular floor and extra headroom make the Hubba Hubba incredibly spacious and easy to set up, eliminating sleeping pad overlap, thanks to the symmetrical pole design.
To learn more about all of the Hubba Hubba tent updates, check out this video featuring MSR’s tent designer, Terry Breaux.
“For experienced outdoors enthusiasts with limited free time but many outdoor pursuits, the new Hubba Hubba and FreeLite tents are updated to offer more livability, now in lighter weight designs,” said Terry Breaux, MSR’s Tent Category Manager. “These updates will allow you to go farther and do more without sacrificing comfort or space.”
Brand new for this season and far more than just an accessory, the LowDown Remote Stove Adapter amplifies the performance and versatility of all current MSR top mounted canister stoves and stove systems. Placing the stove on a low, stable base, away from the canister, allows these ultralight stoves to serve you reliably on group trips, in basecamp settings and deep in the backcountry. Cooking with larger pots and on uneven surfaces are now both easier, making this seemingly small add-on a big game-changer for every kind of camping kit.
“The big advantage of the LowDown adapter is that you are able to control the stove from about a foot away from your hot burner, while boiling water or simmering a meal, instead of directly underneath it,” said Scott Youmans, Product Line Manager at MSR for Stoves, Cookware, and Winter. “This makes for a much more comfortable flame adjustment experience and in our experience, users fine tune their flame control much more when it’s easier to do. The end result is an easier, more comfortable cooking experience.”
Also receiving updates for spring 2022 is the Freelite tent series, MSR’s lightest semi-freestanding tent capable of handling various multi-day outdoor trips. The reimagined FreeLite series will offer targeted performance and value to the ounce-counting weekend warrior. The updates deliver on the MSR promise of greater livability for less weight, while also maintaining the stalwart reliability that MSR is known for. The updated models are up to 9 oz lighter than previous models, and feature easy-open, no-curve door zippers, cable ports on all storage pockets, and the ultimate in durability and performance, thanks to DAC’s lightest weight aluminum poles and Durashield Coating, providing the peace of mind that your tent will last for many seasons to come.
The Freelite is available in one, two and three-person size options. To learn more about all of the Freelite series updates, check out this video.
The updated Hubba Hubba tent series (MSRP: $379.95-$549.95 USD), the LowDown Remote Stove Adapter (MSRP: $49.95 USD) and the updated Freelite series (MSRP: $349.95-$449.95 USD) will launch to the public starting January 1, 2022. For more information about MSR, please visit: msrgear.com.
La Sportiva Reinvigorates Several Iconic Climbing and Approach Shoe Models for Spring 2022
September 3rd, 2021La Sportiva, makers of the world’s finest mountain footwear, apparel, and ski hard goods, today announces that for Spring 2022, several iconic climbing shoe models are fully redesigned and updated for modern climbing. The Mantra, Katana Lace, Finale, Tarantula, and Tarantulace are all brand new. The updates continue in the approach category with new renditions of the TX2 Evo and TX2 Evo Leather and the introduction of the new TX Canyon. Kids also have new models with the TX Canyon, Tarantula JR, Ultra Raptor II Mid JR GTX, and Ultra Raptor II JR models.
“La Sportiva is never content to rest on its past successes and is consistently pursuing innovations, even to models that are very successful,” says Jonathan Lantz, president of La Sportiva North America. “La Sportiva enthusiasts often suggest that certain models are perfect and shouldn’t be changed but for Spring 22, the Mantra, Katana Lace, Finale, Tarantula, and Tarantulace all have major changes, as does the TX2, which has been the basis for our success in the approach category. Overall, La Sportiva continues to push innovations as far as possible and we’re confident that customers will embrace these new models as superior performers.”
For climbing shoe minimalists who enjoy dancing up the wall, the Mantra relaunch is a dream come true. This slipper combines La Sportiva’s No-Edge concept with D-Tech Technology, the sole wraps the shoe laterally for a total absence of edges. The deconstructed upper and reduced sole thicknesses improves sensitivity by bringing the foot closer to the rock’s surface. The Mantra weighs 5.2 ounces and carries a $160 MSRP. The Katana Lace is an all-day edging machine that performs well on slabs, thin cracks, and steep routes outside. Tubular construction provides comfort while a highly breathable tongue works in conjunction with the liner for moisture management. The Katana Lace is 8.8 ounces for men and 7.5 ounces for women and retails for $210. The new Finale is a shoe equally at home at the gym or the crag and with 40% of the shoe made from recycled materials, it reduces overall environmental impact. It is constructed from eco-leather that does not use heavy metals in the tanning process and is biodegradable. At 8.4 ounces for men and 7.9 ounces for women, it is $120. The new Tarantula, with its focus on comfort, is easy to use and get on and off. Yet, the slight asymmetry is aggressive enough to perform on steeper routes and trickier moves. The Tarantula is 8.4 ounces for men, 7.5 ounces for women and retails for $95. The best-selling climbing shoe in the US, the Tarantulace, is now even better, with an unlined leather upper, asymmetric shape, and roomier toe box. Updated aesthetics and design increase performance while maintaining the same fit and feel for $85.
La Sportiva Mantra
La Sportiva Katana Lace (M)
La Sportiva Katana Lace (W)
La Sportiva Tarantula (M)
La Sportiva Tarantula (W)
La Sportiva Tarantulace (M)
La Sportiva Tarantulace (W)
The extremely popular TX line gets a major upgrade with the ability to easily resole it. The TX2 EVO and TX2 EVO Leather are both lightweight approach shoes that stow easily thanks to strong C2 ComboCord and can be resoled to extend the life of the shoe. Vibram Idrogrip provides excellent traction on wet or dry surfaces at $139 for the TX2 EVO and $129 for the TX2 Evo Leather. Canyoneering shoes need to do it all and the La Sportiva TX Canyon offers support, flexibility, traction while wet or dry, and can shed water quickly. Recycled materials contribute to a reduced environmental impact and a larger, wider fit accounts for neoprene socks. The TC Canyon will retail for $169.
La Sportiva TX Canyon
La Sportiva TX2 EVO (M)
La Sportiva TX2 EVO (W)
La Sportiva TX2 EVO Leather (M)
La Sportiva TX2 EVO Leather (W)
Not to be left out, kids get three great new models including the Tarantula JR, a smaller version of the popular Tarantula climbing shoe. It’s neutral comfort and highly adjustable closure system will fit a wide range of kids and help them get into climbing for $75. The Ultra Raptor Mid II Mid JR GTX is the perfect choice for getting kids into hiking. It’s mid-height, Gore-Tex waterproof protection and quick-pull lacing system provide a capable boot for younger trail enthusiasts at $85. The Ultra Raptor II JR is an everyday trail walking, running, or hiking shoe to keep kids moving and enjoying the outdoors. Aggressive lugs with sticky FriXion rubber provides maximum traction on all surfaces for $75.
The entire footwear line for both men and women will be available at fine specialty retailers across the country and at www.sportiva.com in Spring 2022.
FirstSpear Friday Focus: New Tubes X-Strap
September 3rd, 2021This Friday we’re looking at a new product, the Tubes X-Strap. Some mission sets call for unique approaches to load carriage. Some of our Users at the Tip of the Spear need compatibility with a Free Fall Harness, others are spending a lot of time in an Armored Seat and still others are carrying a back plate in a Pack that they cannot take off or risk mission compromise.
The X-Strap is designed to work with either the FS AAC family of plate carriers or Strandhogg this harness quickly Tubes into place and allows you to work with the front of your plate carrier in place without a back panel or cummerbund. The X-Strap system has enough adjustment to go on over the top of a Soft Armor Carrier or Cold Weather Clothing. A small amount of stretch is provided on each side and the Back Panel provides for attachment of FS Cell Tags.
• Integrates with plate carrier front
• Tubes technology
• One size fits all
This Harness in conjunction with a Front Panel is optimized for use with the FS AR, NBBP or UC Plates, hard armor that is heavier than those designs may not carry well.
For more information check out, https://www.first-spear.com/x-strap
38 RQS Trains to Support SpaceX, Boeing
September 3rd, 2021PATRICK SPACE FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) —
Pararescuemen, aircrew flight equipment Airmen and maritime operations specialists assigned to the 38th Rescue Squadron, Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, conducted rescue training in the Banana River and Atlantic Ocean near Patrick Space Force Base, Aug. 23-27.
The 38th RQS Blue Team performed free fall jumps and equipment drops into water to prepare for potential operations supporting the SpaceX human spaceflight program and Boeing’s spaceflight program as well as other immediate response-force operations.
“When astronauts are doing their launches, we cover down in the Pacific or Atlantic Ocean,” said Tech. Sgt. Michael Galindo, 38th RQS pararescueman and Blue Team section chief. “That way, if they have an emergency and they need a bailout, we’re the rescue team on-site who would recover them from their capsule.”
In the event of a malfunction during launch, the capsule will detach itself from the rocket and jettison away from potential explosions or other hazards. The goal is for the capsule to land in an ocean where pararescue jumpers can go in and extract anyone on board.
In order to execute this type of rescue operation, the team needs to be proficient in several areas. For starters, they need to know how to safely land in the ocean with their water gear. Additionally, there are two different boat packages they need to be familiar with: a Rigging Alternate Method Boat, or RAMB, which is a deflated Combat Rubber Raiding Craft that can be dropped by parachute into the water and then inflated upon landing; and a hard duck, which is an inflated CRRC fixed to a wooden base and dropped by parachute as well.
Using these packages, Galindo said their team can load the boats with medical supplies, paddles, boat engines and anything else they would need for their rescue operations. Then, the team can drop them from cargo aircraft and jump into the drop zone immediately after to conduct their rescue mission.
“In October, we’re actually doing two weeks of additional training at Cape Canaveral to learn how to access the SpaceX and Boeing capsules … and then make sure we can get access to the astronauts,” said Capt. Trent Vonich, 38th RQS Blue Team flight commander.
Conducting these training exercises on a routine basis ensures the teams are ready to go at a moment’s notice. This level of proficiency offers a layer of comfort for the astronauts conducting launches off the coast.
“It reassures them that if they do have an emergency, they know there’s a team who is highly trained in these types of rescues,” Galindo said. “It’s important for us to constantly keep current on this type of jump because there’s a lot that goes into it.”
While this training was specifically tailored to support the human spaceflight programs, it doubles as preparation for potential rescue operations in contingency locations.
“The top two locations in which that would occur would be the Arabian Gulf and the South China Sea,” Vonich said. “Adversaries have a number of capabilities that could potentially put one of our aircraft in the water, and we would have to go jump into the gulf or sea and do exactly what we did in today’s training.”
Whether rescuing downed pilots off foreign coasts or supporting rocket launches in the U.S., the 38th RQS could not execute their mission without trusted teamwork.
“It’s a lot of work being a pararescueman,” Galindo said. “I’m surrounded by a bunch of great people who are constantly challenging me. We have those who are always trying to improve themselves, whether mentally or physically, and it just drives me to be a better person and reach my potential.”
SpaceX plans to launch a crew of three Oct. 31, and the team will be prepared to respond if needed.
“Heaven forbid anything goes wrong, we’ll be ready if it does,” Vonich said.
Story and photos by SSgt Devin Boyer, 23rd Wing Public Affairs
Additional photos by SSgt Melanie A. Bulow-Gonterman
Blackhawk Releases Foundation Series Tac Nylon Gear
September 2nd, 2021
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – September 2, 2021 – Blackhawk®, a leader in law enforcement and military equipment for over 20 years, has announced the introduction of its new Foundation Series Tac Nylon gear, offering more modular capabilities, stronger construction and lighter weight than the typical ballistic nylon gear found on the market.
At the core of the Foundation Series is a durable nylon laminate material and a low-profile, laser-cut design. This delivers one of the lightest plate carriers available without sacrificing durability. This suite of tactical gear is also designed for increased comfort thanks to adjustable straps and elastic construction.
The Foundation Series is exceptionally modular, allowing users to customize their setup with whatever gear they need. Integrated MOLLE backers or “tuck straps” are laser cut into the material rather than sewn on, which, combined with the system’s polymer stiffeners, gives users a stronger attachment system for their pouches and other equipment.
“Everyone’s always heard that you can’t achieve success without a solid foundation, and that was certainly an inspiration for our new Foundation Series,” said Nick Ferros, Tactical Product Manager for Blackhawk. “Our latest offering provides limitless customizable options for all levels of shooters who take their gear and training seriously. With its elite modularity, quality and comfort, the Foundation Series is definitely in a class of its own.”
Foundational to the series are the chest rig, gun belts, as well as the Small/Medium and Large plate carriers. Each Foundation placard (sold separately) has side loops for fast attaching split bar buckles, which not only allows for quickly swapping out placards, but also helps pull the chest rig to the body, keeping it secure when users are on the move. The Foundation Series Chest Rig features low-profile shoulder straps paired with an adjustable waist strap to accommodate a wide range of body types.
The Foundation Series Plate Carrier is just as flexible, adaptable and lightweight. It features a four-inch elastic cummerbund that accommodates magazines, tourniquets, radios and other accessories. Four-way stretch material on the interior accommodates multiple plate thicknesses and a one-piece exterior panel naturally pulls the plates against a user’s body. The same placard mounting interface on the plate carrier mirrors that on the chest rig, allowing users to rapidly move essentials between the two.
Offering a complete collection of tactical gear, the Foundation Series includes MOLLE and first responder placards, MOLLE belts, magazine and utility pouches, and more. Lightweight, low-profile and comfortable, the Foundation Series Gunbelt provides a secure all-day platform that’s perfect for professional use or active range training. The interior surface is sewn with a male hook that mates perfectly to the Foundation Inner Belt. In addition, Foundation Series Mag Pouches are available to fit a variety of AR15/M4 style, SR25/AR10 style, and common pistol magazines. They are designed to easily attach to any of the Foundation Series platforms and conform to the body of the magazines or other similarly sized items for a secure fit in a lightweight and slim package. Another popular addition is the Foundation Series IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit). This must-have pouch features a QASM surface bucket to hold first aid essentials securely while offering ambidextrous/one-handed access. Once deployed, the internal pouch lays flat or can be hung for easy access.
From its breadth of options and modularity to its light weight, durability and comfort, the Foundation Series is a premier solution for individual law enforcement officers and the tactical enthusiast that take their training seriously.
The Foundation Series chest rig platform (placard not included) has an MSRP of $54.95. Plate carriers have an MSRP of $149.95 and will be available in late 2021. Additionally, the Foundation Series can be purchased in a full bundle or pouch bundle. To learn more and to see the full lineup of Foundation Series pieces, head to Blackhawk.com.
Brownells Unveils Exclusive New Rifle During Labor Day Event
September 2nd, 2021
GRINNELL, Iowa (September 2, 2021) – Brownells is partnering with Foxtrot Mike Products for the Gen II FM-15 Zhukov, a new rifle design offered exclusively at Brownells and unveiled during the 2021 Labor Day event at Brownells.com
Chambered in 223 Wylde, the Gen II FM-15 Zhukov features an upper assembly with a self-contained recoil mechanism using nested springs, allowing the rifle to be fired with the stock folded.
The Gen II FM-15 also has a non-reciprocating charging handle located forward over the barrel, which can be changed to either side, and oriented either up or down depending on the shooter’s preference.
The Zhukov version of the Gen II FM-15 comes complete with AK-47-style Zhukov furniture from Magpul. The lower accepts most standard AR-15 magazines, parts and triggers.
Listed as #100-043-206, the Gen II FM-15 Zhukov retails for $1,049.99 and will be available for pre-orders.
“Brownells is excited to be the source for this exclusive variant of the FM-15 with Magpul Zhukov folding stock,” said Brownells Director of Product Development Paul Levy. “The Foxtrot Mike developed operating system and unique charging handle makes this rifle stand out from a functionality perspective, and provides users an addition to their collection.”
The Brownells Labor Day event landing page is live starting September 2, and the event will last through September 6.
In addition to the FM-15, Brownells will be offering other exclusive firearms, unique product bundles, deals on shipping, and an assortment of lower receivers and parts.
On Friday, Brownells will make available a wide range of Geissele products at special prices not seen in a long time.
To learn more about the FM-15 Zhukov and the other Brownells exclusives, visit the Brownells Labor Day Event page.
New from SIG – Hogue LEGION K320 Knife
September 2nd, 2021SIG SAUER has collaborated with Hogue to introduce the newest addition to the exclusive LEGION knife collection: the K320 LEGION knife.
Designed to match the look and feel of the P320 XFIVE LEGION pistol, this folding knife features a stainless steel blade, ambidextrous controls and a belt clip that can be installed in locations for tip up, tip down, left-side, or right-side carry.
www.sigsauer.com/hogue-legion-k320-knife
