SureFire

The Next Generation A-TACS “X” Line of Camo Patterns Released Signaling New Direction for Company

October 2nd, 2018

There’s something new brewing at Digital Concealment Systems, the company that launched the A-TACS Camo patterns. Original A-TACS AU released in 2009, A-TACS FG released in 2011, and A-TACS LE released in 2013 are being retired as their new X series of patterns have now been completed and are coming online to replace the three original “Legacy” patterns.  The X line represents the conclusion of more than three years of development culminating with the release of new AU-X (Arid/Urban Xtreme) and FG-X (Foliage Green Xtreme). It also represents a new streamlined direction for the company itself. Not only have Camouflage Patterns evolved, the company ownership has also followed suit. The company has been re-organized with a new focus and is now run by Founder and Pattern Developer, Phil Duke and Clint Hoover, who previously served as A-TACS Spokesman, Business Development and Marketing strategist.

With 25 years serving in the United States Army as a US Army Ranger Medic, Special Forces Weapons Sergeant with Assaulter/Sniper assignments. Clint Hoover brings a wealth of experience not only into the day to day operation, he has also brought his real world experience into the development of the new enhanced line of camouflage patterns currently being introduced. “Our focus has historically been on the Special Operations community, this includes JSOC, Tier 1, SOF assets worldwide, further to that, Tactical Law Enforcement, Three Letter Agencies and OGAs” Hoover stated. “With the now complete X line of patterns, we have re-doubled our focus, and partnered with only like-minded gear and uniform manufacturing partners”, according to Hoover.

Likewise, many of the A-TACS Brand Partners are stepping up to the plate. For example, TRUSPEC and A-TACS Camo have partnered in the creation of a brand new uniform style exclusive to the A-TACS X line, that will make its debut at the 2019 SHOT Show. “This uniform will incorporate many of the features Special Operations teams are looking for in the highest quality Vat-Dyed NyCo fabric–and we will be delivering it at a price unheard of for a garment of this quality”, said Drew Sylvester, Director of Sales at TRUSPEC. This uniform will be available in four of the new A-TACS Camo patterns in early 2019.

During the on-going “War on Terrorism” and the ever-changing threat landscape, new innovations in tactical camouflage were born. With adversaries, in every geological hiding spot around the world, SOF must be able to adapt their appearance within areas of operation in short order. With the popularity and over-proliferation of some camouflage patterns currently in widespread use, A-TACS Camos’ sole purpose was to offer our nation’s Special Operators and Tactical Law Enforcement professionals the most advanced concealment available and reduce the possibility of “battlefield confusion”. “We have created six new patterns to enable Special Operations professionals to effectively blend into changing environmental scenarios.  These patterns can easily be mixed and matched to any mission-specific geographical requirement by simply changing and intermingling uniform tops, bottoms and nylon gear in any variable combination of the three main colorways in the X line”, according to Duke. During the development of the A-TACS X line-up, careful consideration was given regarding the use of common color with variable ratios in all three patterns in the central line, consisting of A-TACS AU-X, A-TACS iX and A-TACS FG-X. “If you look back to the Special Forces, Recon Team, Seals and MAC-V-SOG projects, they truly took camouflage to the next level. Mixing camo uniforms and gear further breaks up the human silhouette. This has continued up to current day, looking at recent operations around the world and now, through years of research and development, we have taken that concept to the next level,” Hoover stated.

The centerpiece of this concept is A-TACS iX (Intermediate Xtreme), introduced in 2015, with the bookends of A-TACS AU-X (Arid/Urban Xtreme) and A-TACS FG-X (Foliage Green Xtreme) being introduced on uniforms and gear at the 2019 SHOT Show in Las Vegas.  Rounding out the line-up is A-TACS LE-X (Law Enforcement Xtreme), A-TACS (Ghost) Grey, and A-TACS AT-X (Arctic Tundra Xtreme). This family of concealment solutions provides end-users with a diverse choice of modular clothing to facilitate rapidly changing mission criteria.

“It is our mission to improve the design, advance printing capabilities and concealment effectiveness of our camouflage patterns. Advanced capabilities include: a full effective camouflage system, nocturnal diffusion of light, optics perception, Near Infra Red, Thermal Threat Solutions and the cumulative global experiences of special operations soldiers’ usage of camouflage,” According to Hoover. “Stay tuned, the best is yet to come!”

For information on A-TACS fabrics, Trims, Kydex, hydrographic’s and vinyl’s. Go to www.a-tacs.com

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You’ve Come A Long Way Baby

October 2nd, 2018

This Is For All Of You Guys Who Think Your Gear Sucks.

This was the height of technology in the early-1980s.

Defoor Proformance Introduces Tactical Combat Casualty Care All Combatants and First Responders

October 1st, 2018

For the first time, Defoor Proformance has opened enrollment for their Tactical Combat Casualty Care All Combatants and First Responders course.

Course Description:

NAEMT (National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians) TCCC-AC is a one day course that was designed for first Responders in a tactical and non-tactical environment. The course focuses on the most common cause of preventable death and the three phases of care. Care Under Fire, Tactical Field Care and Evacuation. There will be a heavy emphasis on repetitive scenario training incorporating state of the art training simulators and an advanced hemorrhage lab. Every student that successfully passes the course will be awarded a certification from NAEMT. 

All instructors are 18D long course graduates with multiple combat deployments in the past 10 years serving as an operational medic with their assigned unit.

There are prerequisites for attendance and these course dates will fill quickly. Be sure to visit defoor-proformance-shooting.myshopify.com for full details.

New Savage Rascals Raise the Bar in Pint-Sized Performance

October 1st, 2018

WESTFIELD, Massachusetts – September 24, 2018 – Savage is pleased to take micro rimfire rifle performance to new heights with the new Rascal FV-SR (Suppressor Ready), Rascal Target and Rascal Target XP. Shipments of these firearms have been delivered to dealers.

The Rascal FV-SR enhances accuracy with a heavy barrel featuring a threaded (1/2-28) muzzle. Like the original Rascal, the single-shot rifle cocks by lifting the bolt and unloads easily—without pulling the trigger. The design also builds superior shooting skills thanks to full-size rifle features, including a peep sight, tough synthetic stock and Savage’s user-adjustable Accu-Trigger system. The two new suppressor-ready Rascal models are available in pink or black.

The new Rascal Target is built for accuracy and adaptability, thanks to a precision hardwood stock, heavy 16 1/8-inch barrel, one-piece Picatinny rail and threaded (1/2-28) muzzle. Like the Rascal FV-SR, the Rascal Target offers full-size rifle features, including Savage’s user-adjustable AccuTrigger system and suppressor-ready barrels. Collectively, the platform offers far better safety, functionality and accuracy than competing designs.

The Rascal Target XP offers all the Rascal Target amenities in a ready-to-shoot package that comes with a mounted and boresighted 4x32mm scope, as well as a bipod sling swivel stud mount. A left-hand model of this configuration is also available.

Rascal Target, Target XP Features & Benefits

• Precision hardwood stock

• 16 1/8-inch heavy barrel with threaded muzzle (Suppressor Ready)

• One-piece Picatinny rail

• Reliable, single-shot action

• Manual safety

• Unload without pulling the trigger

• Adjustable AccuTrigger

• Feed ramp

• Includes ear plugs and firearms lock

• 11-degree target crown

• 4x32mm scope (Rascal Target XP)

• Bipod sling swivel stud mount (Rascal Target XP)

Part No. / Description / MSRP

13834 / Rascal FV-SR Black, 22 S, L, LR, 16.125-inch barrel / $219

13835 / Rascal FV-SR Pink, 22 S, L, LR, 16.125-inch barrel / $219

13823 / Rascal Target, 22 S, L, LR, 16.125-inch barrel / $314

13824 / Rascal Target XP, 22 S, L, LR, 16.125-inch barrel / $399

13836 / Rascal Target XP LH, 22 S, L, LR, 16.125-inch barrel / $399

Learn more about Savage at: www.savagearms.com.

USSOCOM Selects Nightforce For Squad-Variable Powered Scopes (First Focal Plane) Contract Worth Up To $21 Million

October 1st, 2018

Late last year, Naval Special Warfare Center – Crane, working as the weapons procurement arm of the United States Special Operations Command, released a solicitation to industry for Squad-Variable Power Scopes to be used on M4 carbines to to 600m.

The plan was to buy First Focal Plane Scopes and other associated items as a 100% set-aside for small business, while a Second Focal Plane Scope and other associated gear would be full and open competition.

Today, they announced the First Focal Plane contract, awarding a little over $15 Million initially to Nightforce. Ultimately, the contract could be worth as much as $21 Million.

The Optic is the ATACR (Advanced Tactical Rifle) 1-8x. It is similar to the commercial variant except that it will be in FDE and utilize a custom BDC reticle specified by USSOCOM.

This is the DoD announcement:

Lightforce (sic) USA Inc.,* Orofina, Idaho, is awarded a $15,760,499 firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract for the production of Squad-Variable Powered Scopes (S-VPS) in support of U.S. Special Operations Command.  This procurement is for the S-VPS, spare parts and training. The S-VPS is a low-profile, wide-field-of-view, passive scope for near-range engagements out to and beyond the maximum effective range of the weapon system, for small arms employed by special operations forces. This contract includes options which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of the contract to $21,172,435. Work will be performed in Orofino, Idaho, and is expected to be completed by September 2023. Fiscal 2018 procurement (Defense-wide) funding in the amount of $1,512,000 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract was competitively procured via the Federal Business Opportunities website, with five offers received. The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division, Crane, Indiana, is the contracting activity (N00164-19-D-JQ31).

Please Consider Supporting Team Baldy

October 1st, 2018

A friend of mine informed me of a family in need. Derek Baldwin retired from the Army but has been unable to work for many years due to repeated bouts with cancer. His family has cared from him throughout his illness. Unfortunately, cancer took him from us this past weekend, leaving his loved ones with a great deal of debt. His friends are working with a local SOF 501(c)3 charity Duskin & Stephens Foundation to raise money for his family to offset their debt. Please consider donating.

Derek Baldwin (Baldy) was an amazing unsung hero in the SOF Community. He died approx 0300 on Saturday the 29th of September 2018 due to liver cancer failure.

Baldy served in 2nd BN, 75th Ranger Regiment, then served on an SFODA in 10th SFG, and then later served under JSOC for many years. I personally have known him since 2005 when he was one of my Military Free Fall instructors. The man absolutely loved jumping out of airplanes.

In 2010 while I was visiting a friend in the hospital from an IED explosion, I happened to see the name Baldwin on the door next to my friends room. I asked the staff if his nickname was “Baldy”. Due to patient privacy I was told they couldn’t tell me anything. So I walked in and Baldy was laying there. Fresh out of surgery from Colon Cancer. We brought in an X-Box and lots of things for him to help pass the time. Eventually he got a clean bill of health.

Several years later, the cancer came back in the form of Liver Cancer. The doctors and staff from USSOCOM made sure that he had the best treatment. He underwent many years of treatments at some of the best hospitals. A lot of them experimental treatments. Throughout all of that, Baldy would call and check on his friends to see how they and their families were. Always asking to see if he could help.

Ultimately, Baldy went the extra mile in everything he did. Unfortunately, even the past couple of years he fought death on a daily basis. I wish I could tell you the impact this man had on our nation’s freedom. I simply can’t due to the nature of the work he did. While I was visiting with Baldy and his family during the last hours of his life, multiple high ranking commanders called to check on him from different places in the world.

While all of his  wonderful character traits were amazing, he did fail to properly plan for his death. There is about $20k in debt, plus another $11K in funeral arrangements.  There will be lawyer fees as well for the execution of his estate. I am targeting $50k to help his son Mike Baldwin cover some of this.

Mike and his family have been care-taking for Baldy for the past 6 years. He and his son (little Derek) are pictured here with Baldy. I think this is the perfect fitting picture. Whatever money is left after the bills are paid, will go into a trust fund for Little Derek.

Duskin & Stephens Foundation has worked closely with us during this time of need. They have graciously offered to help in this non-profit donation.

I can’t thank you enough for helping with this hero’s family.

CJ Sends

www.gofundme.com/team-baldy

Check Out The Latest From Gentex At AUSA

October 1st, 2018

SIG SAUER Introduces the “New Face of Freedom”: The TREAD Rifle

October 1st, 2018

SIG SAUER Introduces the “New Face of Freedom”: The M400 TREAD Rifle Featuring a Full Line of Accessories

Newington, N.H. (October 1, 2018) –

Today, SIG SAUER, Inc. introduced the M400 TREAD, a premium entry-level rifle, accompanied by a full-line of TREAD branded accessories that gives the consumer the freedom to grow.

“SIG SAUER has created a premium rifle, at a moderate price point, that is packed with innovation and flexibility, and does not sacrifice the quality that our consumers demand from SIG,” began Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President SIG SAUER, Inc. “The base model of the TREAD is loaded with features that would be considered costly upgrades from our competitors base model. At this price point, most rifles are equipped with a barrel mounted sight post that blocks your field of view when using optics. Right out of the box, the TREAD features a factory-installed, aluminum, free floating M-LOK™ handguard for improved accuracy, and can be easily removed with two hex screws to change out to the TREAD accessory option.”

The M400 TREAD is an optics ready, aluminum frame rifle. TREAD features a 16” stainless steel barrel with a free-floating M-LOK handguard, a single-stage polished/hard-coat trigger, ambidextrous controls, a Magpul™ SL-K 6 position telescoping stock, a mid-length gas system, and is available in 5.56 NATO.

“It was important to us that TREAD owners had the freedom to easily, and affordably, tailor their rifle for their preferences. With this launch, we have created a full line of TREAD branded accessories that gives our consumers the freedom to grow, and customize their TREAD rifle. The TREAD accessories are premium interchangeable parts that require no specialty tools or armorer training, and are available for purchase with the TREAD rifle in stores today,” continued Taylor. “This rifle, combined with the accessories, both premium SIG SAUER products offered at a budget-friendly price, will set a new standard for the industry, and our entire TREAD brand can best be defined as the new face of freedom.”

The TREAD branded accessories include: an M-LOK handguard with lightening cuts to reduce weight, available in 13” and 15” lengths; a 3 chamber compensator; an ambidextrous charging handle made of aircraft grade aluminum and a dual roll pin design; a ROMEO5 optic featuring a 2MOA dot with ten illumination settings, MOTAC, and 50k battery life; flip-up front and rear iron sights that are easy to install, adjustable, and deploy quickly; an M-LOK front sight adapter with co-witness height made of lightweight aluminum; multiple configurations of M-LOK grip kits made of high strength polymer; and a factory upgraded flat blade, single stage trigger.

M400 TREAD Rifle Specs:
• Total Length: 30.8”
• Barrel Length: 16”
• Weight (incl. magazine): 7lbs
• Height: 7.5”
• Width: 2.5”
• Barrel Twist: 1:8”
MSRP: $951.00

M400 TREAD Branded Accessories Specs (all prices MSRP):
• M-LOK Handguard 15”: $149.00
• M-LOK Handguard 13”: $149.00
• ROMEO 5 Optic: $149.00
• Adjustable Flip-Up Sights: $149.00
• Single-Stage Trigger: $119.99
• Ambidextrous Charging Handle: $49.00
• 3 Chamber Compensator: $49.00
• M-LOK Front Sight Adapter: $29.00
• M-LOK Hand-Stop Kit: $29.00
• M-LOK Vertical Grip Kit: $29.00

The M400 TREAD and TREAD accessories is available in retail stores. The full-line of TREAD rifle accessories and TREAD branded apparel can also be purchased at sigsauer.com.