SureFire

High Ground Launches NEW Website

October 20th, 2017

Our customers have spoken and we listened…High Ground (HG) is pleased to announce the launching of a new E-Commerce website providing an improved user experience to purchase all the popular High Ground tactical gear. The website will also offer fantastic deals on discounted overstock & clearance inventory.

“We are excited to launch and release this new website platform, over the years as technology has changed and almost everyone having access to a tablet or smart phone, our existing platform/system was no longer meeting the needs of our customers” said Mike Runella, Director of Business Development for High Ground. “Our new website and online store not only includes new products but allows the end user to stay informed through out the process with easier check out, updated tracking, order status and, most importantly, the end user will be notified during the process.

“Our new online store answers the call from operators and end-users worldwide for trusted High Ground brand they can purchase at the click of a button. This launch is just the beginning of the NEW High Ground brand. Customers are encouraged to visit frequently as we continue to build and add tactical gear and ballistics to the site.”

“The launch of the new robust website platform will enhance the customer experience and seamlessly put out High Ground products in the hands of the war fighter so they can complete their missions ” commented Bob Rosania, CEO of Ehmke Manufacturing Company, Inc., the manufacturer of High Ground tactical gear product line. He added, “just as our HG gear continues to evolve to match the changing needs of our clients, our website infrastructure needs to mature to improve the purchasing and tracking process.”

Additionally, High Ground will be introducing their new “VITAL Tactical & Defense” line of bags, packs, and distributed product slated for release at SHOT Show 2018. Utilizing a more basic, economical gear design. These products will still maintain TAA compliancy and high quality for all verticals and end-users alike. Also, look forward to High Ground’s new medical line and trauma packs within VITAL Tactical & Defense that will be offered fully supplied/outfitted for today’s battlefield and missions.

The High Ground line will also be offered online and merchandised across the country through High Ground’s authorized distributor/dealer network including GSA, TLS, FedMall suppliers.

The new E-Commerce web site is just the latest in features added to High Ground brand.

Visit www.highgroundgear.com for more information.

High Ground; We Make Every Stitch Count…

FirstSpear Friday Focus – Ragged Old Flag and Thin Blue Line Shirts

October 20th, 2017

“You asked, we delivered!” Just in time for cooler weather the FirstSpear Ragged Old Flag and Thin Blue Line shirts are now available in 100% USA long sleeve variants.

Additionally, the All new FS youth shirts are also now in-stock in the everyday wear section on first-spear.com.

SmartWool – Men’s Merino 250 Sport Pattern Hoody

October 20th, 2017

The new Men’s Merino 250 Sport Pattern Hoody from SmartWool is getting a lot of press this season. That’s because they’ve combined their 250 weight Merino baselayer material with DWR treated shoulders and pockets. It is an athletic fit that won’t lose its shape.

It’s also available in an all Black variant.

www.smartwool.com/shop/mens-merino-250-sport-pattern-hoody

RMA’s Level III (Model #1078) Hard Armor Plate Garners NIJ Certification

October 19th, 2017

CENTERVILLE, IA – October 17, 2017 – RMA Armament is excited to announce that its 3.3-pound Level III, model #1078 hard armor plate has earned its NIJ .06 Certification mark. With the certification, RMA now boasts three different Level III options on the National Institute of Justice’s certified product list (CPL), joining the 3.0-pound single curve model #1088 and the small-to-extra large multi-curve models #1061-1064 plates.

“Our first and foremost stated goal at RMA is to not only produce the highest quality armor on the market, but also to make it the most affordable for our brothers and sisters serving this country in law enforcement and in the military,” said RMA CEO Blake Waldrop. “And this certification continues to further our efforts toward that end.

“NIJ Certification is an important part of the plate vetting process for all potential customers because there can be a stark difference between NIJ Certified plates and NIJ Compliant plates. Certified plates are of the highest standard due the fact that multiple plates are put through numerous tests prior to ballistic testing. Many times a compliant plate has only been ballistically tested a single time, to the minimum standard, without the other important tests. And in our minds, that’s just not good enough. Because of the certification status, our plates provide peace of mind to the wearer, which allows them the peace of mind to do their job effectively and stay protected during any type of mission.”

In testing at the NIJ certified Oregon Ballistic Laboratory, RMA’s nine Level III (model #1078) plates each defeated six rounds of .308 M80 NATO from 50 feet, registering a minimum back-face signature of just 29.85 mm. For compliance to the NIJ 0101.06 level III standard, a hard armor plate must defeat six 7.62×51 M80 NATO rounds with a BFS of less than 44 mm.

The Level III model #1078 hard armor rifle plates are available to order at www.rmadefense.com.

Details:
-NIJ Certified 0101.06 (Defeats up to six 7.62×51 M80 NATO rounds)
-10” x 12”, Single-Curve
-SAPI/ESAPI Cut
-3.3 lbs. (1.49kg)
-Positive Buoyancy
-Lightweight Polyethylene Construction
-Made in Centerville, IA, USA

www.rmadefense.com

Hutchison to Become Aurora COO as Boeing Picks Cherry to Lead Phantom Works

October 19th, 2017

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Manassas, VA, October 17, 2017 – Aurora Flight Sciences today named Matthew G. Hutchison to be the company’s Chief Operating Officer. Hutchison replaces Mark C. Cherry, who was today named by Boeing as the new head of the Boeing Phantom Works. Boeing recently announced a transaction to acquire Aurora.

Hutchison currently serves as Vice President for Engineering at Aurora. He joined Aurora in 1993 as an engineering analyst supporting the company’s unmanned-aircraft development programs. He was instrumental in the creation of Athena Technologies, a spinout from Aurora that was sold to Rockwell Collins in 2008, and ultimately led their Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Controls Technologies business. Hutchison rejoined Aurora in 2014. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering, both from Virginia Tech and was recently named as an Associate Fellow in the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).

“This is great news for Boeing and great news for Aurora. Matt and Mark are two of our industry’s outstanding leaders and this further strengthens the ties between Aurora and Boeing,” said Chairman and CEO John Langford.

US Army Improved Hot Weather Combat Uniform

October 19th, 2017

If you’re a Soldier, a new jungle uniform is in your future. The Army has developed an Improved Hot Weather Combat Uniform (IHWCU) for use in hot-wet environments and is working to put it into production.

The two-piece ensemble consists of a Coat and Trouser printed in the Operational Camoufiage Pattern. So far, prototypes have been made from Invista’s Cordura NYCO fabric, a 57/43 blend, which is lighter, faster drying and more breathble than the ACU’s 50/50 NYCO. However, other fabrics are currently under evaluation.

Coat, Improved Hot Weather Combat Uniform


IHWCU worn by CPT Daniel Ferenczy, APM for Extreme Weather Clothing and Footwear, PM-SPIE, PEO Soldier

Features:
-single-breasted
-raglan sleeve front with a five (5) button closure
-a fold down collar with a fusible interlining
-long sleeves with cuffs and one (1) button, three (3) buttonholes adjustable cuff tab
-The top of the button down closure is open to accommodate a pen
-front has loop tape to accommodate the Name and US Army Tape
-front placket has a loop tape for the Rank Patch
-coat has two (2) bellow style top opening upper sleeve pockets and includes an eyelet drain-hole
-sleeves have an elbow reinforcement patch
-Both sleeves have an Identification Friend or Foe tab cover that can be opened and closed using hook and loop fastener
-IFF tab cover is centered and sewn onto the sleeve above the upper sleeve pocket
-double turned and cleaned finished hem

Trousers, Improved Hot Weather Combat Uniform

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(Rear of the IHWCU Trouser, showing the cargo and lower leg pocket layout.)

Features:
-covered fly with a four (4) button/ buttonhole closure, or three (3) button/buttonhole closure, depending on size
-seven (7) belt loops
-two (2) side hanging pockets
-two (2) front side pleated cargo pockets with three (3) button/ two (2) buttonhole closure flaps
-high end of cargo pockets at front of pocket rather than rear like ACU
-two (2) lower leg side pockets with one (1) button/ one (1) buttonhole closure flaps
-side cargo pockets shall have three (3) sewn-in eyelets hidden by the bellows
-double needle seat patch and a pleated knee reinforcement incorporated into the pant leg at the knee
-one (1) piece single gusset
-two (2) front side hanging pockets
-mesh fabric attached on the inside of the trousers at the bottom of the legs as inner cuffs
-bottom of the trousers leg hems, the inner cuffs, and the waistband shall have drawstrings

Right now, Natick has issued an RFI to industry in order to identify manufacturers for up to 150,000 sets of the new uniform. However, that number could drastically increase depending on whether the Army decides to make the IHWCU an optional wear item or solely Organizational Clothing & Individual Equipment (OCIE) issue.

Bravo Company – Combat Rail Systems

October 19th, 2017

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COMBAT RAIL SYSTEMS
Designed to the specification of combat end users, BCM® Combat Rail Systems are built free float, for improved accuracy, with Aluminum alloys, that are light weight but do not compromise rigidity. Mission flexible platforms, ideal for end user customization in the placement of optics and accessories such as light mounts, vertical grips, hand stops, lasers and bi-pods; BCM Combat Rail Systems are available in three interface systems:

+ KeyMod™
+ M-LOK®*
+ 1913 Picatinny Rail

Whatever your mission requires, bcm offers products ready for any American going in harm’s way.

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KMR ALPHA :: KEYMOD™ SYSTEMS
The BCM® KeyMod Rail(KMR-Alpha) delivers a robust, ultra-light modular handguard for the AR platform, second to none on the market today.

Manufactured from Aircraft Grade Aluminum alloy, the KMR-A gives end users an extensive range of customization options, with seven KeyMod lined mounting surfaces and one with baked in MIL-STD-1913 at the 12 O’Clock position. The KMR-A features ergonomics tailored to combat end user requirements, with its reduced profiled maximized for positive control of the weapon system in the lightest possible package.

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MCMR :: M-LOK® COMPATIBLE MODULAR RAIL SYSTEM
The BCM® M-LOK® Compatible* Modular Rail” (MCMR) delivers the same optimized ergonomic profile and lock up** developed for the KMR-Alpha rail system, but with an M-LOK® compatible interface. Precision Machined Aerospace 6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy, the MCMR is both rigid and light-weight, featuring mounting interfaces on seven sides in addition to the baked in MIL-STD-1913 at the 12 O’Clock position.

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QRF :: QUAD RAIL FREE FLOAT RAIL SYSTEM
A MIL-STD-1913 rail, the BCM® QRF(Quad Rail Free Float) Rail System is built with Picatinny Rails running the full length of the handguard at 12, 3, 6 and 9 O’Clock. Precision machined from high-strength lightweight Aerospace 6061-T6 Aluminum Alloy, the BCM QRF features the same lock up* as and steel barrel nut insuring the rail resists movement even under extreme use.

With four QD limited rotation sling swivel slots built into the rail at 3 and 6 O’Clock, the QRF provides end users an uninterrupted mounting surface at 12 O’Clock when mated with a BCM or other Mil-Spec upper receiver, allowing for the fine tuned positioning of optics, lasers or other accessories potentially vital to mission success.

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COMBAT RAIL LOCK UP
The entire BCM® Combat Rail System fleet uses our patented(US Patent 8904691) lock up system where self-locking cross bolts apply force at the 12:00 position of the handguard equally distributing force around the surface area of the rail. This insures continuous top center alignment of the rail and mitigates forwards/backwards movement of the handguard when the weapon system is fired.

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MADE IN AMERICA
All BCM® Combat Rail Systems and accessories unite state of the art manufacturing with lightweight and durable materials to ensure components that last a lifetime, performing far beyond performance requirements established nearly six decades ago. Like all BCM rifles and BCMGUNFIGHTER™ accessories, all BCM Combat Rail Systems are made in the USA.

Learn more at bravocompanymfg.com/combat_rails

* M-LOK® is a registered trademark of Magpul Industries Corp. – www.magpul.com/ip
** Bravo Company MFG, Inc. US Patent 8904691

You Never Know Where They’ll Show Up

October 19th, 2017

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Thanks for the photo of the Blue Ridge during Fall, Ken!