SIG SAUER - Never Settle

Nightforce Optics Exhibiting at 2017 USASOC Sniper Competition

March 21st, 2017

Nightforce Optics, Inc., is proud to announce their platinum level sponsorship of the 2017 USASOC Sniper Competition.

Members of the MIL-GOV-LE team will be in attendance to exhibit products and provide support to customers and end-users. Products on display will include MIL-SPEC riflescopes and accessories, which are designed and built for today’s warfighter, and currently in-use around the globe.

This annual competition takes place during the week of March 20, 2017 at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. Teams from the United States and other allied special operations units will be tested in real-world based events designed by instructors of the Special Forces Sniper Course. Exhibitors will be located in a vendor tent on Range 37 on March 23-24, 2017.

Nightforce is a leading manufacturer and marketer of premium sport optics and related products, including riflescopes, spotting scopes and accessories. We are known for our rugged, high-precision engineered designs that are capable of holding up to punishing conditions. Based in Orofino, Idaho, Nightforce has established a benchmark for high-quality, high- performance products that have accompanied soldiers into battle, world champion shooters to the winner’s podium, and helped hunters take the trophy of a lifetime.

www.nightforceoptics.com

Kryptek Knee Pad

March 21st, 2017

As Kryptek works on their new tactical line, they’ve introduced some new technologies from several materials suppliers. For example, this bi-component kneepad which was developed under a cooperation between Vibram and D3O. Vibram is now working as D3O’s Berry partner to manufacture their shock absorbing foams here in the US.

Here, you can see how the Vibram kneecap is applied to the trouser. The D3O pad is placed in a pocket in the knee of the trouser.

Here is the reverse of the two knee pad components.

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www.kryptek.com

Arisaka Defense – 600 Series Light

March 21st, 2017

The Arisaka 600 Series Light is an illumination package consisting of the Arisaka 600 Series Light Body, Tailcap, and Malkoff Devices Scout head. 


Malkoff offers several head options that all use TIR lenses and are fully potted for durability. Beam profile, output, and run times vary:

E2ST (Super Throw) – 20,000 lux at 1 meter and 650 initial/550 continuous out-the-front lumens. This head has a very focused beam for maximum distance. Continuous run time is 15-20 minutes on 2x CR123 cells or 45-60 minutes on 1x 16650 cell.
E2S (Super) – 12,000 lux at 1 meter and 750 initial/700 continuous out-the-front lumens. This head has a wider beam profile, giving more spill (but still has plenty of throw). Continuous run time is 15-20 minutes on 2x CR123 cells or 45-60 minutes on 1x 16650 cell.
E2T – 10,000 lux at 1 meter and 350 out-the-front lumens. This gives the light plenty of throw for medium range use, while still retaining enough spill for close range and peripheral lighting. Continuous run time is 90-120 minutes on 2x CR123 cells.
The 600 Series Light Body is manufactured without the mounting interface for the stock Picatinny clamp found on Scout lights. This greatly increases the clearance for front sights when used in combination with the Arisaka Inline Scout Mount or Offset Scout Mount, and allows the entire light to be pulled in very close to the rail system.


Weight: 3.5 oz (including batteries)
Length: 5.125″
Diameter: 1.0″ at the head.
The light body, Arisaka momentary tailcap, and head are CNC machined from 6061-T6 aluminum and MIL-A-8625 Type III hard coat anodized. High quality Buna-N O-rings and CR123 batteries are included. The 600 Series Light will fit in any aftermarket Scout mount. Made in the USA.


Additionally, Arisaka will be exhibiting at the USASOC Sniper Competition, March 23 – 24 in the vendor tent on Range 37 on Ft Bragg.

arisakadefense.com/products/600-series-light

Fight and Flight Tactical – Ambidextrous Sling Pack

March 21st, 2017

Fight and Flight Tactical is a Veteran owned small business and this is their Ambidextrous Sling Pack or A.S.P., which is an EDC bag for keeping a carbine close at hand.

The A.S.P. has three compartments, all pass-through, designed to carry an SBR, Pistol variant of a modern sporting rifle (with a folding stock), or an SMG (with a folding stock or no stock) in the main compartment, spare mags in the front compartment, and a body armor panel in the rear compartment. The sling strap can be reconfigured to work left or right handed, just by switching the bottom attachment point. Many have asked, “why a sling pack?” A two-strap backpack wouldn’t be able to deploy quickly and would have one of the straps flapping around, getting in your way. All three compartments have loop fastener inside for infinite configuration possibilities.

There are a wide variety of color combinations. Check the website for availability.

www.fightandflight.com

XGO Factory Visit

March 21st, 2017

Last week, I had the chance for a quick visit to XGO’s parent company, Longworth Industries, to tour not only their factory, where they assemble garments, but also their mill, where they create their fabrics.

The factory was humming right along when I arrived mid-afternoon. Longworth currently runs one shift per day in this factory which produces XGO clothing for military and LE customers all year long, with seasonal production of their commercial, Polarmax line.

At any one time, Longworth Industries holds about $1.5 Million in raw goods, but not much of it lays dormant. Each lot is checked for proper color shade and to ensure the fabric meets its basic characteristics.

While each day, the management team lays out the day’s production goals, fabric is cut in a continuing process to stay ahead of the sewing floor.

One of the most interesting processes for me was their use of ink cups to print labels. Longworth had previously used a heat transfer process for their labels.

Conveniently, Longworth’s fabric mill is located right next door to their garment factory.

The majority of XGO’s Berry Compliant fabrics are milled here. Above, you see a bi-component knit being woven with different outer and inner yarns. They also use a dye house located nearby and the XGO headquarters and warehouse aren’t far away. The close proximity of their supply chain helps control costs.

The mill runs three shifts with some additional overtime. That’s an interesting ratio. At their current rate, which includes a multitude of variables, they run three shifts at the mill to produce one shift’s worth of garments.

Although central North Corlina was once well known for its textile industry, new employees must be trained, particularly sewing machine operators. This is an issue, I’ve seen time and time again, regardless of the location. People just don’t grow up sewing anymore. However, the team they’ve got right now, was doing a great job of assembling garments.

I want to thank to Longworth Industries team for hosting me on short notice. They have assembled a great team.

www.proxgo.com

Revision Awarded US Army Next-Generation ACH Contract

March 21st, 2017

Essex Junction, Vermont (March 21, 2017) – Revision Military, the world leader in integrated head systems, has been awarded the U.S. Army’s Advanced Combat Helmet Generation II (ACH GEN II) helmet contract. This five-year indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) helmet contract (W91CRB-17-D-0008), awarded on a full and open competition basis to Revision, has a maximum value of $98,111,803 and estimated completion date of March 6, 2022. Revision’s ACH helmet solution is up to 24 percent lighter than the legacy ACH helmet system and this contract represents the first large-scale, significant advancement in ACH technology in 15 years.

Since last contracted by the U.S. Army in 2012—when Revision delivered a total of 180,000 ACH helmets—Revision has invested millions of dollars in new manufacturing equipment and processes, research into the characterization and optimization of advanced ballistic materials, and in the building of a world-class team of scientists and engineers in order to evolve the Company’s capabilities. Additionally, since 2013, Revision’s Newport, Vermont facility—where helmets for this contract will be manufactured—has expanded by 16,000 sq. ft., and the number of employees that work at this facility has more than doubled. As a result of these ongoing investments, and the development of composite materials technological expertise, Revision was able to exceed the weight reduction requirements stipulated in the Army’s solicitation by a sizable margin: The ACH Gen II solicitation required a minimum 15 percent weight reduction compared to the current ACH helmet; Revision’s solution offers up to 24 percent weight reduction over the legacy ACH design, pushing the envelope of attainable weight reduction while maintaining superior ballistic protection.

Revision is dedicated to re-envisioning military head systems with integrated technologies that feature new, cutting edge materials, in a variety of designs and configurations, to exceed all customer requirements. With extensive knowledge of ballistics, electronics, optics, power, and other innovative technologies, Revision is a creative solutions provider, capable of designing and developing custom head protection solutions to meet the changing needs of global militaries.

“With this solicitation, PEO Soldier challenged the helmet industry, raising the technology bar substantially. Revision answered in a big way, dedicating significant resources to set a new standard for lightweight helmet design and performance,” said Jonathan Blanshay, CEO. “Revision has been a proud U.S. Army supplier since 2005, and our investment in this program epitomizes Revision’s unwavering dedication to forward-thinking head systems technology and manufacturing. In the years since Revision was last contracted by the U.S. Army, we’ve become a much stronger company and head systems technology innovator, securing helmet contracts around the world—including for the British Army’s VIRTUS program—and emerging as the vanguard of the U.S. helmet industry. We’re excited to provide this cutting-edge technology to troops in the field who will benefit greatly from the improved performance and significantly lower weight of this next-generation head system. In short, Revision has fully modernized the traditional ACH helmet, bringing this crucial equipment up to speed with the fast pace of modern warfare.”

“This was an intense competition that draws on the reliability and skill of Revision Military’s workforce in Vermont,” said Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.). “The quality of these helmets will protect soldiers from ballistic impacts, while also making them more comfortable with their up to 24% lighter build. Like all Vermonters, I am incredibly proud of the men and women at Revision Military Newport for their hard work and dedication, both of which greatly contributed to Revision being selected for this contract. In past visits to the facility, I have seen firsthand the commitment these employees have to their trade, a commitment depended on by the men and women of our Armed Forces.”
Over Revision’s history, the Company has delivered 1.1 million helmets to the U.S. military, with an additional 300,000 helmets internationally. Across all of these program deliveries, Revision has never received a single warranty claim for product malfunction or defect, has never had to recall a single faulty product, and has never failed a single Lot Acceptance or First Article test. Revision is also the most experienced and most knowledgeable Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) manufacturer in the industry. With robust design and development expertise, significant investment in efficient, high-volume manufacturing, and vertical integration, Revision stands ready to meet this U.S. Army’s demand, and will use the revenue generated through this program to continue to build capabilities and advanced innovations to benefit the U.S. military for years to come.

www.revisionmilitary.com

You Never Know Where They’ll Show Up

March 21st, 2017

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Thanks Evan; your gear is looking good as always!

Kelty Tactical – Berry Compliant Falcon 4000 Pack

March 20th, 2017

During the recent Ft Bragg Warfighter Expo, sponsored by ADS, I found out that the USAF’s 820th Base Defense Group just fielded the newly Berry Compliant Falcon 4000 daypack. It is a hybrid top and panel loader.

Additionally, the top flap is removable and can be used as a waist or shoulder pack on its own.

In the event you separate the top flap, there is a simple, low-profile hood which can be deployed to close the top opening which features a PALS field.

Features:
-Made from 500D Cordura in Coyote
-Internal divider unzips into one main compartment
-Key clip
-Zippered stash pocket inside top lid
-Large zippered mesh pocket on the bottom side of top lid
-Large zippered mesh pocket under low-profile hood
-Dual hydration ports and reservoir sleeves for hydration bladders
-Large front pocket with internal organization
-Extra-large, fleece-lined pocket accommodates wrap-style sunglasses or goggles
-Internal zippered mesh pocket
-Double haul loops on backpanel
-Side compression straps
-Spindrift collar
-Ice-axe loop
-Drain holes
-Removable pack cover is two tone (desert tan and white) 

The suspension offers:
-Aluminum stays
-HDPE frame sheet
-Breathable backpanel with Spacermesh
-Padded backpanel
-Two-layer padded waistbelt
-Padded shoulder straps
-Load-lifter straps
-Adjustable sternum strap
-Quick-release shoulder straps

Kelty Tactical products are available for Unit and Agency purchase through ADS Inc.

kelty.com/falcon-4000