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Don’t Forget, ADS Federal Range Day Is This Friday

June 7th, 2017

When:
9 June, 2017 from 9am – 2pm

Where:
Crucible Training Facility
60 Jack Ellington Road
Fredericksburg, VA 22406

What:
105 vendors, 45 the range building, others spread out throughout grounds, offering an interactive environment

StarChase Car Chase – taking place throughout the day

Unmanned Aircraft Systems enclosed in a 20×20 area of netting – drone and counterdrone measures

TYR Tactical mobile showroom

Four ranges to try out the latest hardware
*Bring eyewear. Ear plugs are provided

Special Events:
Trijicon RMR Training Course “Miniature Reflex Sights on Service Handguns”
– 09:30 – 11:30 at Range 1
Participants will learn:
-Presentation on concept, evolution and considerations when selecting a miniature reflex sight
-Zeroing sights
-Presentation drills (15 yards)
-Known distance drills (25, 50, 75, and 100 yards)
-Shooting from dynamic positions (rollover prone, supine, fetal)
-Shooting while moving forward (forward, back, and lateral)
Dress: Long trousers with belt, hat with a bill, appropriate shoes.
Eye/ear pro, weapons/ammo, holster and magazines all provided!

Shooting Contest – 11:30 – 12:30
Located at Trijicon Range 1
Pistol Plate Competition
The win goes to whomever can knock the plates down the fastest.

Lunch:
11:00

Raffle:
12:30

Posted in ADS | Comments Off on Don’t Forget, ADS Federal Range Day Is This Friday

A New 7.62 Round?

June 7th, 2017

Last month, Chief of Staff of the Army, GRN Mark Milley gave testimony before the Senate Armed Services Committee regarding an unspecified, new 7.62 round which can defeat threat body armor. The Program Manager, Maneuver Ammunition Systems recently gave a presentation on the capabilities of the Army’s current small arms ammunition at Ft Bragg. This target coupon was shown as an example of 5.56mm and 7.62mm rounds being shot at 3/8″ mild steel from a distance of 300m.

Long story short, the ammunition is better than ever. The 5.56mm ammunition is optimized to offer the desired effect on target. Its 7.62mm equivalent, M80A1, went through that steel like a hot knife through butter.

Even the 5.56mm M855A1 makes quick work of threats, as long as it hits the target. The Army has excellent ammunition; now it needs to work on improving its combat marksmanship.

Photos via 82nd Airborne Division Master Gunner page on Facebook.

Posted in Ammo | 26 Comments »

Sorry Marines, You Are NOT Getting Suppressors

June 7th, 2017

In May, we posted an article about developments surrounding the US Marine Corps’ M27 IAR and offered an update on their ongoing suppressor experimentation. The information in the article came from a briefing at the NDIA Armaments Symposium by Mr Chris Woodburn, Deputy, Maneuver Branch of the Marine Corps Capabilities Development Directorate who said that while squad experimentation was ongoing, the Marine Corps’ current priority was for Machine Gun Suppressors and not rifles.

Not long after, the Marine Corps posted a video starring Gunner Christian Wade, the 2nd Marine Division’s Gunner, called “Gunner’s Fact or Fiction”, about how suppressors work and busting a myth or two in the process. It is very well done, but Gunner Wade, who has a commanding presence, said something right at the close of the video, causing it to go viral. Gunner Wade said, “And you’re gonna get one pretty soon,” referring to suppressors. Understandably, Marines and suppressor fans everywhere went nuts.

As great as Gunner Wade’s assertion sounds, this went completely against what had been put out just weeks before at the NDIA event. Consequently, we reached out to MARCORSYSCOM for clarification. In conjunction with MCCDD, they provided us with this statment.

“The information Mr. Woodburn provided at the NDIA Armaments Symposium in Fredericksburg, VA, is correct.”

If Mr Woodburn was correct, that means that Gunner Wade misspoke. We don’t think he did it intentionally, but it did result in a whole lot of misinformation.

They went on to clarify:

“Suppressors are an existing capability within the Marine Corps, currently used by Scout Snipers and Reconnaissance Marines; we are experimenting with suppressors for the infantry squads. Gunner Wade’s work in 2nd Marine Division is part of that experimentation. We do not have an active acquisition program in place; we are gathering information to feed the requirements and development process. At this time, we are not resourced to provide infantry squads with suppressors beyond the current experimentation.”

This makes it pretty clear. Never say never, but don’t hold your breath either. Marines aren’t getting suppressors, at least, anytime soon.

Posted in Suppressors | 33 Comments »

Dear SSD – Can You ID This Pack?

June 7th, 2017

An SSD reader, who also happens to be an Aggie, sent us this photo and wanted to know the make and model.

He thinks it might be a variant of the Proper Medic pack, but this member of the US Army’s The Old Guard seems to be using it for K9 purposes. Interstingly, there’s a tag on the side, but unfortunately, the photo isn’t high enough resolution to read it.

Since we have the greatest readership the world over, we thought one of you might know the exact model.

Photo shared under Fair Use.

Posted in Ask SSD, Packs | 19 Comments »

JM4 Tactical Releases New High-Ride Holster Line

June 6th, 2017

After a “high” demand for a holster to sit higher on the waistline, JM4 Tactical does not disappoint by introducing two new options, the High-Ride QCC and the High-Ride

Abilene, TX – June 2017 JM4 Tactical, the leading innovators of magnetic tension holsters, recently deputed the launch of two new outstanding products: The High-Ride QCC and The High-Ride Tuckable. Customers inquired about a higher shooter’s grip for holsters and JM4 Tactical answered. Both the High-Ride QCC and the High-Ride Tuckable holsters were specifically designed to set up higher on the hip for easier access while remaining concealed. The High-Ride holster options are great new additions to the JM4 Tactical product line by allowing their customers the ability to choose a holster that better fits their individual lifestyle.

Consistent with the rest of JM4’s products, the High-Ride QCC and the High-Ride Tuckable are manufactured in the United States with top of the line Hermann Grade “A” steer hide leather. The premium leather allows the holsters to be durable and flexible for a long-lasting comfortable fit. The new additions will be available in tan, brown and black.

For more information about JM4 Tactical and their products visit jm4tactical.com.

Posted in Holsters, Press Release | Comments Off on JM4 Tactical Releases New High-Ride Holster Line

GSM Outdoors Acquires Bullseye Camera Systems

June 6th, 2017

Grand Prairie, TX – May, 2017 – GSM Outdoors, an industry leader in outdoor related products and accessories announces their acquisition of Bullseye Camera Systems, maker of long range target cameras.

Bullseye Cam currently offers two models of target cameras. Their “Sight In” model features 300 yard range, while their “Long Range” model reaches out to a mile with direct line of sight. What is most unique about Bullseye Camera is their proprietary software that allows the user to easily reference their last shot as it blinks on your screen, as well as mark and track your shot sequence. Additional features include live recording, measuring your groups, calculating adjustments, grid overlay and head to head gaming mode against other shooters. The days of requiring a spotting scope/spotter are a thing of the past, bring the target to you right on your phone, tablet, or computer screen without having to squint to see your shots.

Bullseye Cam will be the first acquisition under GSM that launches the start of a new organic brand called Shooting Made Easy (SME) and will be referred to as Bullseye cam by SME. Bullseye Cam has undergone a new logo and packaging design that will bring a better overall customer experience to retail.

“The acquisition of Bullseye Cam could not have come at a better time”, states Eddie Castro, CEO of GSM, “Not only does this fit perfectly under GSM’s umbrella and go hand in hand with our current shooting accessories under Walkers and SSI, but the market place for long range shooting is exploding”.

“We are really excited to launch Shooting Made Easy (SME) with the Bullseye Camera systems”, states Ben Smith, Director of Sales and Marketing of GSM. “In addition to Bullseye Cameras being extremely helpful during the sight in process, they bring a new level of excitement to the shooting sports with all of their other in app features”.

For more information on Bullseye Camera Systems and to watch video tutorial, visit bullseyecamera.com.

Tags: Bullseye Camera Systems, GSM Outdoors
Posted in Optics, Press Release | Comments Off on GSM Outdoors Acquires Bullseye Camera Systems

GAO Denies GLOCK Protest For US Army M17 Modular Handgun System Award To SIG SAUER

June 6th, 2017

Yesterday was the deadline for the Government Accoutability Office to issue a ruling on GLOCK’s protest of the US Army’s Modular Handgun System award to competitor SIG SAUER of February 24th. The GAO denied the protest, meaning the Army’s planned fielding of the M17/18 will move forward, starting with the 101st Air Assault Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, later this year.

Below is the GAO’s statement.

The following is a statement from Ralph O. White, Managing Associate General Counsel for Procurement Law at GAO, regarding today’s decision resolving the protest filed by Glock, Inc., of Smyrna, Georgia, B-414401, June 5, 2017.

On June 5, 2017, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) denied a protest filed by Glock, Inc., of Smyrna, Georgia, against the award of a contract by the Department of the Army to Sig Sauer, Inc., of Newington, New Hampshire. The solicitation, issued under request for proposals (RFP) No. W15QKN-15-R-0002, is for the procurement of a modular handgun system. The protester challenged the Army’s interpretation of the solicitation regarding the minimum number of contract awards required by the RFP. The protester also alleged that the Army improperly evaluated its proposal. The maximum contract value, including all options, is approximately $170 million.

GAO denied the challenge to the interpretation of the solicitation, finding that the RFP allowed the Army to make only one award, although up to three awards were permitted by the RFP’s terms. GAO also denied the challenge to the Army’s evaluation of Glock’s proposal on the basis that any errors did not prejudice Glock in the competition.

GAO’s decision expresses no view as to the merits of the protester’s proposal. Judgments about which offeror will most successfully meet the government’s needs are reserved for the procuring agencies, subject only to statutory and regulatory requirements, such as full and open competition, and fairness to potential offerors. GAO’s bid protest process is handled by GAO’s Office of General Counsel and examines whether procuring agencies have complied with procurement laws and regulations.

Today’s decision was issued under a protective order because the decision may contain proprietary and source selection sensitive information. GAO has directed counsel for the parties to promptly identify information that cannot be publicly released so that GAO can expeditiously prepare and release a public version of the decision. When the public version of the decision is available, it will be posted to our website, www.gao.gov.

Tags: GAO, Glock, Sig Sauer
Posted in Contracts, weapons | 11 Comments »

73 Years Ago Today

June 6th, 2017

Gen Dwight D Eisenhower gives the order of the day: “Full victory – nothing else” to paratroopers in England, just before they board their C-47s to participate in the first assault in the invasion of the continent of Europe. 6 June 1944.

Posted in History | 4 Comments »