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Hands On – SIG MPX Copperhead

January 7th, 2019

Although it came first to market, the SIG MPX has screamed for an ultra compact treatment like its big brother, the MCX Rattler. And that’s just what SIG did when they created the MPX Copperhead.

I got the chance to take a full auto version of this 9mm to the range last summer. It boasts a 3.5″ barrel within a one-piece upper receiver and an overall length of 14.5″ in its pistol configuration with new proprietary collapsible SIG stabilizing brace. The Copperhead in the photos is fitted with their standard collapsible stock. Additionally, the Copperhead will be offered in a Tan cerakote.

www.sigsauer.com

Tags: Sig Sauer
Posted in Advertiser, weapons | 4 Comments »

FN America Introduces FN 509 Midsize

January 7th, 2019

Introducing the newest addition to the FN 509® Series, the FN 509 Midsize. Featuring a four-inch slide and barrel, midsize frame and 15-round capacity.

The 9mm pistol ships standard with 15-round capacity and is compatible with all FN 509 magazines with use of a sleeve. The improved controls aid in manipulation, the new improved texturing on the two included backstraps provides better recoil management and a new, flatter faced trigger allows for more controllable trigger press and cleaner break.

Available now, $649 MSRP.

fnamerica.com/products/pistols/fn-509-midsize

Posted in Firearms | Comments Off on FN America Introduces FN 509 Midsize

New for 2019 from Mystery Ranch

January 7th, 2019

Here are a few new Mountain, Everyday Carry Packs, and Hunting Packs for 2019 from our friends at Mystery Ranch.

The SAWTOOTH 45 is your go-to pack for effective organization for any backcountry hunter who goes out for an overnighter or an all-day excursion.

The BEARTOOTH 80 pack is built for the hunter who values varied access to the essentials and major load-hauling capabilities.

This pared-down, streamlined load hauler carries ample gear for multi-day backcountry hunts, and includes their OVERLOAD Shelf for packing out that bull or buck of a lifetime and now on their new Guide Light MT Frame.

The new URBAN ASSAULT 18 daypack is for those seeking the convenience of the 3-ZIP design but in a smaller size.

The RAVINE will serve you well on those light, overnight trips when you want for your puffy jacket, camera, and basic camp kit. The framing strikes the ideal balance between lightweight yet beefy; it’s amply supportive for the medium-size loads this 3050 cu-in pack was designed to transport.

One pack = 10 uses. This mid-size daypack fills a sweet spot in your pack quiver, functioning for a spectrum of outdoor, travel and urban pursuits. From ambitious day trips to austere overnighters, the CAIRN has you covered. With our adjustable, women’s-specific yoke, it’s quick and easy to dial in the fit on this workhorse rucksack.

The new FORAGER POCKET has been designed to fit on the waist belt of the Expedition packs for Spring 2019 or on the hip by sliding it onto a belt. It also attaches to any MOLLE system.

Posted in Advertiser, Packs | 4 Comments »

The Digital Message Device Group

January 7th, 2019

Not long after ET used a modified Speak & Spell to phone home, select units within the US Army were using the OA-8990/P Digital Message Device Group (aka KY-879/P) to communicate.

I used the DMDG from the late 80s up until the mid-90s while assigned to both 3rd ID LRS and in 3rd SFG(A) on a SOT-A.

Manufactured by Racal Communications, it was a burst transmission device. Messages were formatted and encrypted via one-time pad and then entered into the device via the keyboard. The dot matrix screen could be backlit but was used only with caution so as not to give away the user’s location at night. Although, the nylon cover could be configured to partially conceal the screen from three sides, the glow reflecting off of the user’s face was noticeable, especially if he was wearing glasses.

The DMDG sent a digital burst signal when used primarily in conjunction with HF radios. Initially these were the AN-PRC-74 and 70, but I only ever used the device with the AN/PRC-104A and 132. It could also used with SATCOM systems such as the AN/PSC-3, AN/LST-5 and AN/MST-20.

In the photo at the top, you can see the cables used to connect the DMDG to the radio as well as an external battery such as the Magnesium BA-4386 (also used in the AN/PRC-77) which only provided about four hours of power.

The combination of burst transmission and HF comms was intended to thwart threat radio direction finding efforts but the baud rate was so slow (266.6 baud), messages took a really long time to transmit. At that speed, you could only transmit 27 characters a second on HF. For SATCOM shots, you could speed it up to 1200 baud but satellite time wasn’t as prevalent during the 80s and 90s.

During an International (NATO) LRRP exercise in the late 80s, I learned that the Dutch 104th Reconnaissance Co used the MA-4450 Message Entry and Read-Out Device. The MEROD looked like the DMDG, but offered onboard encryption.

By the mid-90s we began to transition to the AN/PRC-137 Special Mission Radio System which was much smaller and lighter than earlier radios and used a palmtop Data Messaging Device to transmit messages via a radio which could be queried by a base station for message traffic. When used for Special Reconnaissance missions this allowed to communicator to leave the radio a safe distance from the element. This combined with much faster data transfer rates greatly lowered the risk of threat direction finding.

The DMDG is now a relic of the Cold War. Today, handheld cellular devices provide more capability than we could carry just two decades ago. Communicators use a variety of multi-band devices which offer onboard encryption as well as data transfer rates high enough to provide live video feeds using waveforms which boast low probability of detection and intercept.

Posted in Comms, History, SOF | 9 Comments »

Centerline Systems – SHERPA Belt & Suspenders

January 7th, 2019

Centerline Systems is well known in the woodcraft community for their steel canteens. They designed their upcoming SHERPA Belt, Y-Harness and Padded Strap Wraps as a modular, minimalist way to carry equipment on the outside of your clothing under a variety of weather conditions and activities.

Coming soon from clsgear.com.

Posted in Load Carrying | 2 Comments »

OTTE Gear To Exhibit At SHOT Show

January 6th, 2019

It’s great to see OTTE Gear back and they’ll be showing some of their classic designs as well as some new gear in booth #L212 at SHOT Show January 22-25. Visit shotshow.org for more details on the show.

Posted in SHOT Show | 11 Comments »

SCUBAPRO Sunday – Go Sport Fin

January 6th, 2019

The Go Sport Fin has a new boot fit fin design. As the name implies, SCUBAPRO new Go Sport Fin is designed for when you need a lightweight fin with a lot of power. Lightweight, comfortable, durable, and a fast and nimble performer, the Go is the ideal fin for diving, snorkeling and surface swimming.

Lightweight: When it comes to a premium light fin, nothing compares to the Go. With integrating high quality with lightweight. This translates into convenience and weight savings on the road, and comfort and ease of use in the water.

Super Comfortable: The Go Sport design combines the fitment benefits of an open heel fin. The replaceable self-adjusting bungee heel strap allows for a versatile fit — one diver can wear multiple sizes. The strap also makes it easy to don and doff the fin, and it fits comfortably against a booted heel.

Ultra Durable: While extremely comfortable, the Go Sport is also virtually indestructible. Its sturdy 100% Monprene construction avoids the problems of de-lamination, broken blades and torn foot pockets that tend to plague average thermoplastic fins. This enables the Go Sport to stand up to long-term, heavy-duty use.

High Performance: The Go fin excels in strength, comfort, and convenience, but where it really shines is in kicking performance. The Go is built with a 25° pre-angled blade with a central power panel that provides longitudinal rigidity and creates a channeling effect. Power bars on the underside of the rails prevent over-flex; this helps maintain the optimum angle of attack under high load conditions. The result: you get a lightweight fin that delivers speed, power, stability and maneuverability with a minimum of effort.

Travel-Friendly: Being lightweight is always a plus when traveling, but so is compactness. Go fins are designed to fit easily in IATA carry-on compliant luggage. Even better, they pack extremely well due to an innovative piggyback stack system. An interlocking tooth on one fin blade hooks into the second fin, and then the bungee strap from the second fin hooks the heel of the first fin into place. It’s a snug pairing that makes packing and traveling that much easier. The perfect addition to the SCUBAPRO fin range, the Go Sport dedicated travel fin is lightweight, comfortable and virtually indestructible.

This truly is one of the best fins I have ever used. It is very compact and light. It is great for morning PTs or when you have to carry fins out in the field. It can be used for over the beach or river and stream crossings.

www.scubapro.com

Posted in Advertiser, Guest Post, Maritime | Comments Off on SCUBAPRO Sunday – Go Sport Fin