Tropo Performance

Introducing the Fred Perrin x WNDSN Escape Coin

May 4th, 2021

WNDSN Applied Sciences Lab is pleased to announce the release of a collaboration with French knife maker Fred Perrin, an OSS-inspired coin knife based on the heavy metal WNDSN eclipse challenge coin.

The front side of the coin shows the WNDSN metrology motto: “ex mensura, scientia” or “knowledge from measurement” and a graphical representation of a lunar eclipse that utilizes the old alchemical symbol for verdigris and, later, the astronomical symbol for the Earth. On the back side — on top of four graphical quadrants featuring a shadow square, standing for solving problems of space, a set of equal hour lines, standing for determining time, and the sine quadrant as the most elegant of mathematical instruments — Fred installs the blade, perfectly keeping with the lines, and, in its closed state, perfectly flush with the coin surface itself.

The famous Office of Strategic Services (OSS) was a wartime intelligence agency of the United States during World War II. The OSS Research & Development produced its own line of novel spy tools and gadgets, including compasses hidden in uniform buttons, playing cards that concealed maps, a diverse selection of lapel and otherwise concealable knives as well as coins (in the denomination of the respective country of operations) with integrated blades for escape purposes.

Based in the city of tradecraft, and heavily influenced by the atmosphere and climate of the cold war, WNDSN’s roots are inseparably connected to the divided city of Berlin and its flair of competing interests from all over the world.

Enter Fred Perrin, famous French knife maker and covert weapons designer, well known for his legendary LaGriffe (the claw) design, a small, concealable knife with a ring right behind the blade for retention and control. Fred is a former French Army Commando and a world-ranked martial artist.

Fred has a sizeable portfolio of covert tools made in the spirit of the OSS and its siblings in other countries, among which happens to be a version of the (in)famous “escape coin”. Now, many makers are making these coins, but Fred is the only one who’s integrating a thumb stud as his signature take on that by now almost a century old design.

The blade is made from 1095 carbon steel, the coin and hardware, thumb stud, pivot, and stopper pin choice is between raw copper or brass — either of which will patina beautifully.

Available directly from Fred Perrin.

The EX Performance Adjustable Stock from Adaptive Tactical is the Ideal Upgrade for a Variety of AR Rifles, Shotguns, and Rimfire Platforms

May 4th, 2021

The advanced design and high-impact, polymer construction of the EX Performance Adjustable Stock, complete with an extra thick hexagonal non-slip vented rubber recoil pad, aids in a reduction of felt recoil and shooting fatigue, proving its performance for the long haul.

Nampa, Idaho (May 2021) – Adaptive Tactical, LLC, manufacturers of innovative firearm stocks and accessories, is proud to announce its highly successful EX Performance Adjustable M4-Style Stock for AR15/AR10 Carbines has received some updates for 2021 to meet growing customer demand. With its advanced design and high-impact, polymer construction, the EX Performance Adjustable Stock is the ideal upgrade. The stock is engineered for compatibility with MILSPEC buffer tubes, so it works on a variety of AR rifles, shotguns, and rimfire platforms. The oversized pin, durable construction, and extremely comfortable recoil pad make it an ideal option for customers building larger caliber rifles such as .308, .458 SOCOM, and even .50 cal. Designed for owner installation, the quality of its sleek industrial design and construction is evident in the details of this great product.

“Our EX Performance Adjustable Stock is a highly successful stock, in fact, our number one selling item, but we wore out the mold with the increased demand in 2020. With the number of units we produced, we were forced to cease production and rebuild the mold,” commented Gary Cauble, vice president of sales and marketing at Adaptive Tactical. “During the revamp of the mold, we decided to streamline the appearance of the stock to better match a wider variety of modern rifle receivers and consumer preferences. By doing so, we have not only been able to update the look of the product, but we have improved the mold to increase our production capacity to meet growing customer demand.”

The EX Performance Adjustable Stock was engineered with a component level focus on long-term durability and performance. The finished product is a collection of USA manufactured parts that merge to create an incredible stock. This M4-style stock features an easy-to-reach rapid adjust lever for a custom, adjustable length-of-pull. It incorporates an oversized steel extra strength adjustment pin to handle the power and energy generated by the heaviest calibers. An extra thick hexagonal non-slip vented rubber recoil pad absorbs the relentless and pounding recoil of the nastiest rifle rounds, reducing felt recoil and shooting fatigue. A pair of adjustable lever pin covers eliminate the discomfort often associated with removing adjustable rear stocks, while the integrated non-rust sling swivel stud and QD sling swivel insert make for quick and versatile sling mounting options. Glass filled nylon construction guarantees years of reliability for all seasons and conditions.

Available in Black, Flat Dark Earth (FDE), and Orange Less Lethal, the EX Performance Adjustable Stock weighs in at 12 oz. with recoil pad (8 oz. without pad) and has an MSRP of $49.99.

Adaptive Tactical’s Ex Performance Adjustable Stock creates the perfect set with the new Adaptive Tactical Lightweight Tactical Grip (LTG) for AR15/AR9 rifles and AR pistols (available in April 2021). This bundle combines the LTG and the EX Performance AR Adjustable Stock in a cost-saving, made-for-each-other set.

The LTG’s one-piece frame design reduces overall material and significantly reduces weight compared to other grip designs. Non-conductive polymer material will not retain heat nor cold and maintain a comfortable surface temperature while providing an improved grip in all weather conditions. The LTG is easily installed and includes mounting hardware. Proudly made in the U.S.A., the LTG is available in Black (AT-01900) or FDE (AT-01900-E). Bundle MSRP $55.98.

For more information on Adaptive Tactical, visit www.adaptivetactical.com or “like” us on Facebook and “follow” us on Instagram. Competitive OEM pricing is available and new dealers and distributors are welcome – please call 208-442-8000 for pricing and information.

Textron Systems Unveils Its Cottonmouth Purpose-Built Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle

May 4th, 2021

HUNT VALLEY, MD. – Textron Systems Corporation, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, today announced the unveiling of Cottonmouth, a vehicle purpose-built for the U.S. Marine Corps’ Advanced Reconnaissance Vehicle (ARV) program. Cottonmouth is a next-generation Naval Sensor Node as an amphibious scout vehicle that offers cutting-edge sensor technology.

Leveraging Textron Systems’ history and range of specialty military vehicle experience, Cottonmouth delivers advanced maneuverability and a synergized sensor system to enhance reconnaissance operations.

Cottonmouth has a 6×6 compact build that allows four vehicles to fit on a single Ship to Shore Connector, or SSC, enhancing the Marine Corps’ ability to support Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations. Textron Systems’ vehicle is equipped with multi-spectrum sensors, providing seamless communication between the Navy and Marine Corps to employ unmanned systems and joint-warfighting weapons systems. This provides the next-generation decision dominance needed to defeat threats beyond line of sight. Among the integrated sensors is teammate Elbit Systems of America’s IronVision™, which uses “see-through” technology to provide the vehicle with advanced visibility and 360 deg situational awareness.

“We listened to the customer and have invested in developing and producing Cottonmouth as a purpose-built vehicle to give the U.S. Marine Corps the amphibious mobility they need for quarterbacking the future fight,” said Senior Vice President David Phil lips of Textron Systems.

“Along with Textron Systems’ extensive experience designing, producing, fielding and supporting high-performance armored vehicles, our Cottonmouth offers the Marine Corps a low-risk, mission-oriented solution. It is representative of a revolutionary, not evolutionary, system” Textron Systems’ Cottonmouth began USMC requirements validation testing at the National Automotive Test Center in February 2021. This testing continues in Q2 with a validation of the amphibious capabilities.

www.textronsystems.com/capabilities/innovations/cottonmouth

TacJobs – Brick and Mortar Operations Chief & Entry Level Representatives at O P Tactical Inc.

May 4th, 2021

O P Tactical Inc. a verified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, is seeking a highly motivated Brick and Mortar Manager to join our team of gear obsessed professionals.  Primary duties of this individual are to synchronize daily operations, including inventory, walk in sales staff scheduling, sales, among other myriad duties that fall under the daily operations of a multi-faceted retail business.  All applicants are considered, individuals with a background in retail management, the gear industry, ecommerce, military, LE, and sales are preferred.

OPT is also seeking entry level individuals for basic order fulfilment as a member of our ecommerce team.  Duties involve picking items for orders, boxing orders, and basic maintenance in our facility, among other daily tasks that may come up.

O P Tactical Incorporated is an equal opportunity employer.

Interested candidates should send resume including military and / or law enforcement experience to optactical@yahoo.com

 

The Billy Waugh Demo Folding Knife: from RYP.Desig

May 4th, 2021

RYP (Robert Young Pelton) and William Harsey Jr. have collaborated on a knife — a knife designed as a tribute to the legendary Billy Waugh.

“Why the hell would anyone want my name on their knife?” Waugh asked when they approached him with the idea.

Journalist-Adventurer RYP first met Waugh, a retired Special Forces soldier turned CIA paramilitary, at a Texas Waffle House for an interview. One of the things Pelton, a knife designer, wanted to know was what sort of hardware Billy carried on his missions behind enemy lines during the Vietnam War. Billy remembers his favorite tools being the local (machete-like) parang and the machine-stamped Demo knife issued to soldiers.

RYP offered to design a series of knives that would integrate Waugh’s hard-earned ideas into a reimagining of tactical blades.

That’s when Billy scoffed and gave his reply.

Billy Waugh

Here’s more from the release:

Pelton disobeyed orders and recruited legendary Special Forces knife designer and friend William Harsey Jr to make Billy proud. Together they fine-tuned collaborated on a design only a warrior of Billy Waugh’s level could sign off on.

The design was inspired by the standard issue multi-purpose knife Waugh remembers from his Vietnam days.  The DEMO is not the result of the lowest bidder. The Billy Waugh version is not only a knife fitting of the special operator, but an homage to toughness, and performance under fire.  The DEMO features a balanced three dimensional Titanium alloy body with a retro diamond pattern and vintage finish.  The four inch flat grind M390 blade is on bearings, with flipper, glass breaker screw, and an Awl on bronze washers.  The knife comes with a replacement flat head screw.  The deep pocket combat clip is engraved with Billy Waugh’s signature. The blade is laser engraved with William Harsey’s signature.

Limited quantities of the Billy Waugh edition will be created with the unsigned DEMO version going into production runs later this year.

Billy Waugh

BILLY WAUGH:  AN ARMY SPECIAL FORCES AND CIA LEGEND

Billy Waugh at age  91 has a military and intelligence career that can only qualify as legendary.  Prevented from enlisting for WW2 because of his age, Billy signed up for the newly created Special Forces – choosing the most dangerous tasks our nation demanded. Billy is the recipient of eight Purple Hearts and has a lifetime of service to America.  Billy Waugh continued his Special Forces career all the way to the opening months of the war in Afghanistan. His 20 years to the CIA post-retirement made Billy officially the oldest serving CIA contractor in history.  Billy’s book “Hunting the Jackal” covers his time tracking Carlos the Jackal and Bin Laden, and “Isaac Camacho An American Hero” is his homage to a fellow Green Beret.

Billy Waugh prepping for a HALO jump in the Republic of Vietnam

Billy Waugh prepping for a HALO jump in the Republic of Vietnam. Waugh was medically retired, went to work for the CIA, and remained in service ever since. He spent his 70th birthday on a mountainside in Afghanistan during the opening days of OEF.

WILLIAM HARSEY JR

To honor a legend of Billy Waugh’s background, Pelton teamed up with award winning designer William Harsey Jr. Harsey grew up as a logger in the Pacific Northwest but managed to get a degree in fine design. He put his elegant artwork and knowledge of the craft to design knives, and the rest is history. Harsey is the creator of the Applegate Fairbairn Combat Folder and the equally famous “Yarborough” design, which is issued to each Special Forces graduate. Harsey’s designs can be purchased from Gerber, Spartan Blades and Chris Reeves Knives.

ROBERT YOUNG PELTON

Robert Young Pelton is not only an award winning knife designer but best known for his lifetime of documenting war zones on film, and in his books. His time with SF ODA 595 or the “Horse Soldiers” in Afghanistan during the winter of 2001, led to the unit adopting his patch.  Billy Waugh is featured in Licensed to Kill — Hired Guns in the War on Terror  Pelton’s best seller on contractors, paramilitaries and mercenaries.  Waugh and Pelton have shared some of the same wars and hit it off. They have been friends ever since. Billy has been approached numerous times with the idea to make a Billy Waugh specific model.  Billy has graciously refused – until now.

RYP.Design is a new venture in which Pelton will partner with designers and legends to create unique products ranging from books to graphic novels to knives to survival designs.  The initial limited edition DEMO is only offered for sale through two websites: www.ryp.design and exclusive RYP Design dealer, Straack –www.straack.com.

RYP DESIGN PRESENTS THE BILLY WAUGH DEMO LIMITED EDITION

KNIFE SPECIFICATIONS AND PRICING

Weight: 6.80 oz/ 193g

Overall Length: 9.13″/ 232mm

Blade Length: 3.78″/ 96mm

Blade Steel: M390

Rockwell Hardness: 60

Blade Coating: Matte black PVD, then stonewashed

Blade Thickness: .16″/ 4mm

Handle Material: 3D Titanium

SET Breaching Tools Now Available from Strohman Enterprise

May 4th, 2021

Strohman Enterprise has expanded their line of offerings by becoming the sole US distributor of SET (formerly Swedish Entry Tools offered by 5.11 Tactical).

In addition to full kits and individual components they can facilitate training as well.

Visit www.strohmanenterprise.com/setbreaching for more info.

Check out the complete catalog here.

Sitka Arrowhead Equipment – Midlayer Pullover and Hoody Featuring Polartec Fleece

May 4th, 2021

Early on in the development process, even before Sitka Arrowhead Equipment had a formal name, they teamed up with Polartec to introduce Performance Fleece to the line.

Polartec has a long history of working with USSOCOM, providing many of the fabrics used in the Protective Combat Uniform program so it was a natural fit for Arrowhead. Polartec has become the go-to fabric supplier across the US military as well as for international partner forces.

To create the Midlayer Pullover and Hoody Sitka designers selected an in-line garment called the Fanatic Hoody, as a starting point and incorporated a couple of different Polartec fabrics based on performance characteristics.

Arrowhead offered us this insight:

For the main body of the garment, Polartec® Wind Pro® with Hardface® delivers exceptional wind and abrasion resistance. Comprised of an advanced knit construction it provides four times the wind resistance of traditional technical fleece, while maintaining a high degree of breathability. The added proprietary Hardface® treatment increases abrasion resistance, durability, and weather resistance while maximizing its performance as a versatile combat layering system.

Polartec® Power Stretch® Pro, noted for its dynamic stretch and comfort, is strategically mapped under the arms, down the sides, and in the hood.

Features include Low Profile Hood with integrated face mask (for the Hoody) and Wrist Thumb Holes as well as zippered chest pocket.

Offered in Coyote and Black, sizes Small – XXLarge, these garments are TAA compliant; made in El Salvador for those of you who do the buying.

US Elite has a blog post on this subject you might want to check out and don’t forget, they’re hosting daily concurrent Facebook and Instagram Live events at 1430 EDT which include product giveaways.

Find an Arrowhead dealer here.

Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. Announces Intent to Divest Thompson/Center Arms Brand

May 4th, 2021

SPRINGFIELD, Mass., May 3, 2021 — Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select Market: SWBI), a leader in firearm manufacturing and design, today announced that it plans to divest its Thompson/Center Arms brand. This decision is part of the Company’s broader strategic plan that will focus on its core Smith & Wesson brands.

Mark P. Smith, President and CEO of Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc., said, “Thompson/Center is a beloved hunting brand with a longstanding heritage, and we are committed to ensuring a smooth transition. Thompson/Center Arms’ loyal consumers should rest assured that they will continue to receive the world-class firearms, accessories, and customer service support that the brand has been known for since its founding in 1965.  We remain fully committed to the hunting and long-range shooting market, and with this divestiture we will be able to now focus on these categories under our iconic Smith & Wesson brand.  Additionally, this will allow us to immediately redirect manufacturing capacity to increase overall production volumes, allowing us to gain additional market share while simultaneously increasing profitability.”

At this time, a buyer for the Thompson/Center Arms brand has not been identified; however, the divestiture is not expected to have a material financial impact on the Company’s first quarter fiscal year 2022 results and the Company expects the divestiture to be accretive to the Company’s full year fiscal 2022 through higher overall production levels, increased margins, and lower marketing costs. The Company states that this decision will not result in a workforce reduction as its flexible manufacturing model allows it to repurpose capacity immediately to other areas without a headcount reduction.

Interested parties should contact the Company via email at investorrelations@smith-wesson.com or by calling 413-747-3448.