Team Wendy will exhibit the new M-216 Ski Search & Rescue Helmet at next week’s Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in SLC, booth #BR336.
2nd MarDiv Gunner Investigates Variable Power Optics
July 20th, 2017Dubbed the Project Rifle Squad Variable Power Optic, 2nd Marine Division Gunner, Christian Wade has been taking a look at new optics for Marines and has been posting his progress on social media. Initially, he's conducting his own testing in order to gain a baseline knowledge and then plans to outfit his so-called "Über-Squad" at 1st Bn, 6th Marines with Variable Power Optics, mounted to suppressed M27 IARs.
The weapon he is currently using features a M4A1 SOPMOD RIS II URG, Trigger: Geissele. Bolt group: Fail Zero. Suppressor: Gemtech TREK-T. He also plans to employ an HK416 14.5" URG with a Geissele rail system. So far, the optics he is working with are the Trijicon VCOG 1-6×24 and a 1-8×28 AccuPower. However, he quickly realized that he had set up the optic mount bridging both the upper receiver and rail in order to get proper eye relief with the mount he had.
This led him to post this update to his project.
Issue: I do not want to "bridge the gap". Thanks to a couple contributors for pointing that out. I had the optics mounted across the gap between the receiver and the rail (I don't want to do that if I don't have to….and I don't believe I have to).
So dilemma: To achieve the optimal balance of eye relief, butt-stock extension vs. overall length and portability, and height over bore. Rifle Combat Optic eye relief is ~1.5-2" whereas these optics are ~4". I don't want to pull the stock out from where every Infantryman has been trained for years to have them (and they won't do that anyway…no matter what I want).
My solution for now is a riser attached to only the Upper Receiver (and not the rail) that raises the optic HoB to M27 IAR height while allowing me to "push the optic" farther forward. I have also slipped the optic as far forward in the mount as possible. This might be good for now.
Now, dont get confused. Gunner Wade is doing this on a micro scale at 2nd MarDiv, so this isnt a Marine Corps wide project, at least not yet. It always takes one person with vision to kickstart change. In fact, one of the things I admire about Gunner Wade is his passion for his job. He not only cares about Marines, but he wants them to be the best equipped. He takes time to learn about the equipment and challenges preconceived notions. He also works to inform his Marines, and others. What's more, he effectively uses social media to do it. That's what an expert looks like, and that's what a leader looks like.
I look forward to seeing how this project progresses.
If you want to keep up with Gunner Wade, he has a Facebook page.
Jungle Loadout
July 20th, 2017A friend of mine with decades of SOF and PR experience, most recently in the SOUTHCOM AOR shared this briefing with us. He uses the attached it to prepare others for deployments. While it goes over the equipment he uses, it does not include firearms. Rather, the briefing focuses on existence and survival equipment. The slides offer some great examples but are by no means definitive.
To download your copy, click here.
I encourage those of you with similar experience to share it in the comments section. For those of you who do not, use this as an opportunity to learn. Feel free to ask questions.
Fuerzas Comando 2017 – Day 3 Standings
July 20th, 2017Fuerzas Comando is a skills competition between around 700 military and police Special Operations personnel from 20 countries in the Western Hemisphere. This year’s exercise is being hosted by Paraguay July 18-27.
Wooden H&K MP7 Replica
July 20th, 2017
Jenni Edwards, a UK-based artist, creates highly detailed laser cut and laminated scale models of modern firearms. Her works include 2 models of the SCAR which are currently in the FNH Belgian HQ, as well as MP7 models which were produced for the UK’s Royal Armouries. The latter model is what’s currently available for sale via Edwards’ Etsy shop, ‘Splintersell’. The model is made of maple and birch, and features fully moving parts, including:
The model also features a functioning green dot sight, a removable suppressor, and weapon accurate markings.
www.etsy.com/listing/167338406/wooden-heckler-koch-mp7-made-out-of-a
Thanks to ‘Allen’ for the tip!
You Never Know Where They’ll Show Up
July 20th, 2017
Thanks to JC for this photo of Falkor Defense in Kalispell, MT.
Adams Arms To Exhibit At TriggrCon 2017 in Tacoma, WA
July 19th, 2017
Adams Arms will be making its second appearance at this year’s TRIGGRCON in Tacoma, Washington. TRIGGRCON is an exclusive media event where a small group of firearms manufactures are invited to showcase innovative products and is the perfect outlet to unveil new products to the public. Media and consumers can expect to see all-new Adams Arms products such as the P-Series Rifle models featuring the Micro Gas Block as well as the unveiling of the 1st Adams Arms Rail!
Consumers and firearms enthusiasts are welcomed to stop by the Adams Arms booth (#314) to get a hands-on look at the all new P-Series lineup as well as partake in an exclusive giveaway.
Giveaway participation includes:
– Stop by booth #314 and take a photo wearing the signature “Make Black Rifles Great Again” hat. Upload and tag the photo using the hashtag, #MBRGA, on Instagram for a chance to win a piston kit.
– If you’re unable to attend TRIGGRCON, you can still win a piston kit! To enter, follow Adams Arms’ Instagram page, search #MBRGA, and vote on your favorite photo.
TRIGGRCON is free to attend and open to the public on Saturday and Sunday, July 29th and 30th. To register to attend and find out more information, visit www.TriggrCon.com.
For more information about Adams Arms, the P-Series lineup, TRIGGRCON, or upcoming shows, email sales@adamsarms.net or visit www.AdamsArms.net. For further updates, make sure to like/follow Adams Arms on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
ZU Bladeworx Australia Announces Collaboration With Danny Gator
July 19th, 2017ZU Bladeworx Australia is proud to announce their latest knife, the Omega, designed by Danny Gator. ZU Bladeworx continues to work with Australian CQC experts Paul Cale and Ray Floro, and Danny is the first American subject matter expert to work with ZU Bladeworx.
About Danny Gator
Gator founded Firebase Combat Studies group in 2005. He served first as a United States Marine, then transitioned to civilian law enforcement where he worked as a SWAT deputy with the Orange County Sheriffs office in Orlando, Florida. After the attacks on September 11, 2001, he worked with the State Department Diplomatic Protection Services in the Middle East, and eventually as a Protective Special Agent, where he led numerous protective missions in support of counter terrorism operations.
To date, he has served as cadre instructor for the Department of Energy, State Department Anti-Terrorism Assistance Program, Universal Shooting Academy, Surefire Institute, Strategos International and Deliberate Dynamics. He remains active within training and protective operations.
Danny’s philosophy behind the Omega
“a compact fixed blade should be a part every professional’s first line gear. First line is equipment carried on your body and supports the individuals mission. Items such as weapons, communications and medical are categories that makeup the 1st line. The Omega is designed to serve as a backup to your handgun. Omega is your last, and possibly, the final line of defense. The Persian blade design is a battle proven design; with the addition of the retention ring, it makes for a unique, compact fixed blade. Designed to be drawn by the support hand when carrying a firearm, the user can configure the carry for a reverse grip or standard grip.”
About the Omega
The Omega is a one piece double edged knife machined from a 15mm thick billet of Cryodur 2379 (D2) steel. It is 100% manufactured in Australia. The handle is 3/8 inch thick and the blade is 1/4 inch thick. The Omega weighs just under 6.5 ounces. It has an overall length of just over 8 inches.
ZU Bladeworx is an edged weapons manufacturer to the Australian Army and has been issued an Australian Defence Force Vendor number.
Empire Outfitters in NY represents ZU Bladeworx in the USA and Canada.
