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B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. Announces Jared Reston as Latest Brand Ambassador

February 12th, 2021

February 12, 2021 (Redmond, WA) – B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. is proud to announce the addition of Jared Reston to their team of Brand Ambassadors. Reston brings over 20-years of law enforcement experience, with over 16-years as full-time SWAT, and over 10-years as a trainer leading his company Reston Group, to B.E. Meyers and Company’s team of Brand Ambassadors.

“I am proud to be named in the same sentence as B.E. Meyers & Co., Chuck Pressburg, Bill Blowers, and the rest of the Brand Ambassador team,” said Reston. “Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office was one of the early agencies to adopt the MAWL™, and I’ve been a believer ever since. I run MAWL on everything for several reasons: I’m a lefty and the ambidextrous controls are a huge advantage for me; I’ve never run out of distance with the MAWL, even at 500-yard engagement Special Precision Rifle engagements; and I’ve never found the edge with a MAWL – it’s like turning on the lights in any engagement. It’s great to be associated with a brand like B.E. Meyers & Co. that makes products for you and the guys you respect.”

Reston began his law enforcement career as a patrol officer with Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office in 2000. In 2004 Reston became a member of JSO’s full-time SWAT Team, where he trained in waterborne insertion and interdiction, K9 tactics, CQB, explosive breaking, less lethal, sniper, and assault tactics. Additionally, Reston served as an assigned Detective in the Department of Homeland Security/ Gang Investigations unit, and as the assistant team leader, and lead firearms instructor for the SWAT team. His career includes the successful completion of over one thousand SWAT missions.

In 2008, Reston was involved in a shoot-out with a shop lifter. Although Reston was hit seven times, he was able to return fire, ending the encounter and the effectively stopping the shooter. “Luck made the bullets not kill me, mindset kept me in the fight, skill made me win,” said Reston. For his bravery and skill, Reston was awarded The President of the United States’ “Medal of Valor”, American Police and Hall of Fame’s “National Police Officer of the Year”, Fraternal Order of Police’s “Florida Police Officer of the Year”, and the State of Florida’s “Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.”

While traveling the country and recounting this incident, Reston came to realize officers did not have the same multi-faceted training that had saved his life. This observation was the catalyst for Reston to found Reston Group, LLC, a training company focused on sharing his knowledge and experience in resolving lethal force incidents to help law enforcement, military, and responsible citizens sharpen their mindset, skills, and ultimately help save lives.

“Jared has provided both invaluable training and feedback on one of our core small arms solutions, the MAWL. His level of knowledge and expertise elevate him within the community of subject matter experts,” said Matthew Meyers, CEO of B.E. Meyers & Co. “We’re excited to add Jared to our team of Brand Ambassadors.”

Reston now works for Safariland, LLC as an Account Manager, in addition to his role as Founder and Lead Trainer of Reston Group, LLC.

www.bemeyers.com
www.restongrouptraining.com

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on B.E. Meyers & Co., Inc. Announces Jared Reston as Latest Brand Ambassador

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Assaulter’s Gun Belt

February 12th, 2021

This week’s focus is FirstSpear’s Assaulter’s Gun Belt (AGB). It’s a versatile belt designed to handle tough situations. Accessed through a two-point, high strength metallic buckle, the AGB is strong enough for you to facilitate combat-equipped buddy drags. It can integrate with the AGB Padded Sleeve to provide more comfort and provide you with additional 6/12 attachment points. FS also offers AGB point pads, deluxe suspenders and 6/9 belt links that can be purchase separately.

• Belt Width: 1.75”
• Buckle Width: 2”
• Integrates with the AGB Padded Sleeve
• Accommodates multiple FS components
• Completely removable buckle
• Compatible with Base Belt or Base Belt Lite when used with the AGB Sleeve

It’s a phenomenally rigid and surprisingly comfortable piece of first line gear.

“I’ll be honest, my old belt sucked and I wanted a replacement. A friend of mine kept plugging First Spear and I’m glad I listened to his suggestion. This belt is incredibly rigid and has served me well as an EDC belt as well as a full on stand-alone load bearing platform. Handles any and all things I’ve slapped on it and more with ease. I’m planning on purchasing another along with an AGB padded sleeve so I don’t have to pick between using the AGB as a standalone and having it set up as a fully dedicated battle belt. Why choose when you can have both? Compared to other belts I’ve used this belt is both much more rigid and surprisingly comfortable. I would not hesitate to replace this belt with an identical one, or to recommend First Spear products to any of my buddies. Top of the line, no compromise gear. Will be buying from you guys again.”
—Online Review

It can also accommodate many different FirstSpear components that will help optimize it for the full spectrum of tactical and discretionary operations. The buckle is completely removable from the belt for routing through smaller pant belt loops.

*This AGB is setup with the FS SSV Holster, AGB padded sleeve—sold separately*

Now available in black, khaki and MultiCam.

For more information check out, www.first-spear.com/assaulters-gun-belt-agb

Posted in Advertiser, FS Friday Focus, Guest Post, Load Carrying | 5 Comments »

Updated – CZ Group Announces Purchase of Colt

February 12th, 2021

CZ Group posted the following announcement to social media.

We are very pleased with another important milestone in the history of the CZ brand. Our parent group CZG has agreed on purchase of the American small arms manufacturer Colt. After the completion of the transaction, the legendary Colt brand will become the new sister company of CZUB.

No word on any US government oversight on the deal, considering government small arms contracts, ~~nor the status of a possible, associated purchase of~~ Colt Canada which could have immediate effects on the upcoming DND pistol tender.

Update: CZ stated they have purchased all the shares in Colt Holding Company LLC, the parent company of Colt’s Manufacturing Company LLC and its Canadian subsidiary, Colt Canada Corp.

Regardless, the deal should breathe some much needed life into the iconic American brand.

Update:

CZG – Ceská zbrojovka Group SE to acquire Colt

West Hartford, CT, February 12, 2021 – Colt Holding Company LLC (“Colt”) hereby announces that on February 11, 2021, it executed a definitive agreement to be acquired by CZG – Ceská zbrojovka Group SE (“CZG” or “the Group”) Colt is the parent company of U.S. firearms manufacturer, Colt’s Manufacturing Company LLC as well as its Canadian subsidiary, Colt Canada Corporation.

Subject to the terms and conditions of the definitive agreement, CZG shall acquire a 100% stake in Colt for upfront cash consideration of $220 million and the issuance of 1,098,620 shares of newly issued CZG common stock. The agreement also provides for potential earnout consideration of up to 1,098,620 shares of newly issued CZG common stock if defined EBITDA thresholds are achieved in years 2021 – 2023.

Commenting on today’s announcement, Lubomír Kovacík, President and Chairman of CZG, said:

“This merger is a strategic step for both companies. The acquisition of Colt, an iconic brand and a benchmark for the military, law enforcement and commercial markets globally, fits perfectly in our strategy to become the leader in the firearms manufacturing industry and a key partner for the armed forces. We are proud to include Colt, which has stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the U.S. Army for over 175 years, in our portfolio. We believe in the successful connection of our corporate cultures, the proven track record of the current management team and the complementary nature of the CZ and Colt brands. The combined group will have revenues in excess of USD 500 million and presents a real small arms powerhouse. The experience of CZ and Colt management will further strengthen both brands and ensure CZ and Colt continue to deliver top quality products and solutions to all our customers.”

Dennis Veilleux, President and CEO of Colt, agreed: “We are very pleased with the prospect of such a strategic combination. Having completed a historic turn-around of the operations and financial performance at Colt over the past five years, this important next step with CZG positions the company to take advantage of significant growth opportunities. We are excited to join forces with CZG which will be a powerful combination for both brands and for our customers.”

The acquisition is to be financed from CZG’s existing cash resources, including recent IPO proceeds, and from a contemplated bond issuance by CZG.

The transaction is subject to regulatory approval but is anticipated to close in the second quarter of 2021.

With this strategic move, CZG will acquire significant production capacity in the United States and Canada and substantially expand its global customer base. Colt is a traditional supplier to global military and law enforcement customers. Among others, Colt is a long-term supplier to the U.S. Army (which relationship dates back over 175 years) and, through its Canadian subsidiary, Colt is a designated exclusive supplier of small arms to the Canadian military.

Posted in Industry | 31 Comments »

DroneShield – Next Gen Artificial Intelligence Software Rollout

February 11th, 2021

DroneShield Ltd (ASX:DRO) (“DroneShield” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the rollout of its first fully Machine Learning/AI based detection and classification software to all of its existing customer systems.

DroneShield utilises its proprietary techniques in signal processing and Machine Learning/AI to do near-real time detection and identification of unmanned robotic systems and, more broadly, other potential threats in the Electronic Warfare fields. The result is a dramatic increase in detection responsiveness, lower false positives and a significant increase in the speed at which new threats are detected, classified and tracked by the DroneShield systems.

One of the key achievements that sets DroneShield’s technology substantially ahead of the existing technologies globally, is a very lightweight machine learning architecture designed to run on low power FPGA (Field-Programable Gate Array) hardware. This enables the system to be deployed for long term periods in power scarce, air-gapped environments.

The software is designed to run on all DroneShield platforms including RfPatrolTM, DroneSentryTM and DroneSentry-XTM.

Future device software updates will build on this system architecture and increase performance and the number of detectable threats.

Image: DroneSentry system

For inquiries, please contact info@droneshield.com

Posted in Press Release, UAS | Comments Off on DroneShield – Next Gen Artificial Intelligence Software Rollout

AMMO, Inc Executes Letter of Intent to Acquire GunBroker.com

February 11th, 2021

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Feb. 11, 2021 — AMMO, Inc. (Nasdaq: POWW ) (“AMMO” or the “Company”), a premier American ammunition and munition components manufacturer and technology leader, is pleased to announce it has entered into a non-binding letter of intent (“LOI”) dated February 9, 2021 with IA Tech LLC for its GunBroker.com business (GunBroker.com), the world’s largest on-line auction marketplace dedicated to firearms, hunting, shooting and related products. The Transaction will involve a merger or business combination resulting in GunBroker.com becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of AMMO (the “Transaction”).

GunBroker.com Transaction

• GunBroker.com is the world’s leading online marketplace for the legal sale of firearms, ammunition and accessories with over 6.0 million registered users

• GunBroker.com’s estimated 2020 revenue of approximately $60 million, over $40 million of EBITDA, positive net income and strong free cash flow

• Purchase price of approximately $240 million, representing a purchase price to EBITDA multiple of less than 6.0x

• Transaction further expands upon AMMO’s vertical integration strategy

• Current AMMO shareholders will own the majority of the combined company

“This Transaction is accretive to our shareholders and will be another vertical integration milestone for the Company which diversifies our revenue base with high profit-margin business offered through a premier brand deploying best-in-class secure transactional technology,” said Fred Wagenhals, AMMO’s Chairman and CEO.

Mr. Wagenhals noted that “we founded AMMO to be a disruptive technology-based company that could serve the shooting community with cutting-edge ammunition offerings, whether that be for the military, law enforcement, hunting or recreational shooting communities. GunBroker.com is a perfect fit and supports AMMO’s mission across many levels. Steve Urvan had the foresight and entrepreneurial drive to start GunBrokers.com more than 20 years ago with the same spirit and vision. With his drive and intimate understanding of how to serve our collective market, Steve created the world’s largest online marketplace for the purchase and sale of firearms, ammunition, and accessories.” Mr. Wagenhals explained that “the combination made sense to our management team and Board as it expands our ability to best ensure the retail market continues to be served at the highest level while affording AMMO with an opportunity to enhance its sales channels, operating margins and drive increased shareholder value.”

Steve Urvan commented: “I am excited at the prospect of bringing the GunBroker.com technology platform, marketplace, and my world-class team to the AMMO family of companies. GunBroker.com has long been the technology leader in the industry and we look forward to continuing to build innovative products and solutions for our expanding and loyal customer base.”

Pursuant to the terms of the LOI, the parties intend to sign a definitive agreement (the “Definitive Agreement”) and work expeditiously to close the Transaction on or before March 31, 2021. The final structure of the Transaction will be determined by the parties following the receipt of tax, corporate, and securities law advice. GunBroker.com’s enterprise value in the Transaction has been valued at approximately $240 million, which will be paid by the Company via a combination of cash and shares of common stock.

The completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to the following: completion of mutually satisfactory due diligence, execution of the Definitive Agreement, successful completion of a capital raise, and receipt of all required corporate and third-party approvals, including fulfillment of all applicable regulatory requirements and conditions necessary to complete the Transaction.

No assurances can be made that the parties will successfully negotiate and enter into a Definitive Agreement, or that the proposed Transaction will be closed on the terms and/or timeframe currently contemplated, or at all. As noted above, the Transaction remains subject to a regulatory and Board approval, along with other customary conditions.

Maxim Group LLC served as sell side advisor to IA Tech LLC for its GunBroker.com business.

Posted in Industry, Press Release | 2 Comments »

Blue Force Gear Expands Laser Cutting Capacity to Meet Industry Demand

February 11th, 2021

BFG is poised to immediately license and produce patented Helium Whisper™ attachment technology to manufacturers with increased laser cutting capacity.

Savannah, GA – 11 February 2021

Customers and Industry Partners have spoken, BFG listened. In response to overwhelming demand from military, first responder, commercial and third-party manufacturers Blue Force Gear has invested to expand laser cutting operations. Not only have more cutting machines been purchased but additional team members have been brought on staff to support 24-hour seven day a week operations. Since 2012, Blue Force Gear has been licensing Helium Whisper technology to industry partners like Velocity Systems, Safariland and other premium brands.

With multiple US and International patents and patents pending, the Helium Whisper® Attachment System is recognized across the globe by manufacturers and end users alike. The design and materials of the Helium Whisper Attachment System allows for up to a 70% weight savings over traditional MOLLE systems with the same or greater strength. The system also allows for significantly less bulk over legacy pouches.

“Laser cutting is the future. We’re able to cut patterns for gear, like the one-piece Helium Whisper backer, that were never before possible.”
-Alec Coin, Laser Production Manager

The Helium Whisper Attachment System was designed and commercially released in 2011 by Blue Force Gear. Since then, Blue Force Gear has been revolutionizing how MOLLE pouches and accessories were previously imagined with the introduction of ULTRAcomp®, a radical new laminate with numerous innovative characteristics like increased strength, superior abrasion resistance and immunity to staining and liquid absorption. Manufacturers who take advantage of this technology receive the benefits of simplified manufacturing, less material waste, less production time per piece and greater piece to piece precision. These benefits can be easily obtained through Blue Force Gear’s streamlined, simple licensing process.

“As ‘Lighten The Load” has received focus from DoD and Congress, more and more equipment manufacturers are adopting Helium Whisper to meet stringent weight reduction requirements. Helium Whisper is increasingly mentioned by name as the go-to solution and our licensing program is making it easy for other gear makers to remain competitive.”
– Doug Duggan, Director, OEM & International Sales.

Contact Blue Force Gear today to start producing pouches with the lightest, most elegant MOLLE attachment system in the industry.

Posted in Advertiser, Industry, Materials, Press Release | Comments Off on Blue Force Gear Expands Laser Cutting Capacity to Meet Industry Demand

The Luminae Running Rifle

February 11th, 2021

I once worked for a guy at Fort Bragg who wanted everyone in our Det to buy a 4×4 fence post and attach a sling to it for road marches and local training. Although we had perfectly good rifles in the arms room we could check out any time we needed them, he always failed to plan and would pull stuff out of his ass rather than create a training schedule.

Had it been available at the time, the Luminae Running Rifle would have been much preferable to walking around with a big chunk of wood.

These days, it makes even more sense due to the sensitivities over open carry, even on military installations.

The Luminae Running Rifle is a military training aid that simulates carrying a rifle but can be used in public places and does not need signed in and out of an armoury. Perfect for training or keeping fit.

The only drawback for American users is that it’s based on a bullpup, the British issue L85, but it makes sense as Luminae Designs is a British company.

Posted in International, Training, weapons | 19 Comments »

Improving Military Electronic Devices with WattUp RF Wireless Charging Technology

February 11th, 2021

Photo: U.S. Army. Use of this image is for informational purposes only – the appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

As military forces become more technologically enabled, optimizing the size, weight and power requirements (SWAPO) for tactical electronic devices continues to provide opportunities for improvement. WattUp wireless charging is one innovative technology that program offices could implement to enhance battery and device designs.

WattUp is an embedded charging technology which eliminates the dependence on charging cables, open ports or battery doors that reduce the physical integrity and ruggedness of a device. This delivers the dual benefit of reducing the complexity of product design – which can lower both manufacturing and build of materials (BOM) costs – as well as increase a device’s durability and dependability.

WattUp uses radio frequency (RF) technology to establish a link between a transmitter and a receiver, sending power via antennas. It does not use magnetic coils, which require precise alignment or physical contact with the device for charging to take place. This new technology enables both at-contact and over-the-air wireless charging. WattUp also offers improvements in the orientation, placement and interference issues that can occur with coil-based charging. Support for different sized and shaped devices, along with foreign object detection and enhanced thermal performance round out the benefits of WattUp wireless charging from Energous.

WattUp® Mid Field and Far Field Transmitters sense and communicate to authorized receiver devices via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), but do not interfere with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, as a different frequency band is used for the transmission of power. WattUp is also software-controlled, intelligently determining which devices receive power, when and in what priority. A WattUp transmitter can also charge several devices simultaneously, contributing to a complete wireless power ecosystem with interoperability across multiple receivers and transmitters. If there are no WattUp-enabled devices within range, the WattUp transmitter becomes idle so no power is wasted.

The WattUp receiver ASIC is a microchip embedded within the circuit board of the device that converts the transmitter’s radio waves into DC power to charge the device’s battery. WattUp receiver technology can be scaled to fit a variety of different electronic devices, including very small systems as small as in-ear communications and hearing protection.

The WattUp technology is FCC-approved for power to be transmitted at near field (0 – 5mm distance) and through the air at mid field ranges (up to 1m distance) – with distances of up to 5 meters being in the works.

Finally, the WattUp ecosystem features secure, cloud-based, management software, which enables users to track and manage multiple WattUp-enabled devices within a single environment. Users can set priorities and other alerts to maintain oversight of the health and power consumption of their devices and batteries – and get advance notice when they need recharging.

Military units need to have confidence in their equipment and the assurance that it will perform effectively when needed. Dead or defective batteries can be as unwelcome as non-serviceable weapon. With no need to manually check batteries or to physically connect devices to chargers, WattUp RF wireless charging technology gives leaders and soldiers the confidence that their batteries and devices will be charged and ready when needed.

To find out more about how WattUp® RF wireless charging technology can be applied to military applications, visit energous.com/military, or contact us at military@energous.com.

Posted in Guest Post, Power | 7 Comments »