RAAM GSS from Wilcox Ind

SHOT Show 17 – Jesse James Firearms Unlimited

January 20th, 2017

We’ll come right out and say it: Jesse James Firearms Unlimited is undoubtedly a boutique firearms manufacturer; they make weapons with flashy, cool designs, with or without intricate engraving, and attach high prices to said design. Given JJFU’s continued appearance at SHOT, and move to a bigger booth, this seems to be working quite well for them. And with that new booth, comes two new guns, the Stalin 12 and Califas Nomad.

Stalin-12

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The Stalin-12 is an AK-pattern shotgun in the same vein as the Russian Saiga-12 and Vepr-12, but made in the USA with a milled receiver in lieu of a stamped receiver, and an AR-esque selector switch. Reportedly, the Stalin-12 will MSRP at ~$7000, although a final price hasn’t been set, yet. There’s a great irony in seeing such a high price tag on a weapon named after a Communist dictator, to be sure.

Califas Nomad

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The Califas Nomad is a rifle built in the same vein as the ARES SCR, an AR-derivative rifle designed to be compliant in 2A-unfriendly states like New York and California, but with an unmistakable JJFU aesthetic. With a side charging handle, skeletonized forend, and fixed wood stock, the Califas Nomad is a neat looking piece, but it’s also gonna run you ~$3500.

www.jjfu.com

SHOT Show – FirstSpear Suite Sneak Peeks

January 20th, 2017

If you get a chance to check out the FirstSpear suite, these are some of the things you’ll see.

More gloves

Manatee Line One Belt

New Frog Kit

ECV K9 vest – developed in conjunction with K2 Solutions

AMU certified Aegir-38

All new Woobie constructed from Berry compliant performance Merino wool.

Looks like a Ranger Green Squadron Smock!!

www.first-spear.com

Blast From The Past – AUSA 2014 – SIG SAUER Gives Us A Look At Their Modular Handgun System Candidate

January 20th, 2017

In consideration of SIG SAUER’s win of the Modular Handgun Program earlier today, we are sharing this story from October 2014, showcasing what the SIG P320-based submission looked like at the time. Congrats to Team SIG on this win.

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At AUSA, SIG SAUER‘s Kevin Brittingham walked us through their candidate for the Army’s Modular Handgun System program which may replace the M9 Pistol issued since the mid-80s and is based on the Beretta 92F.

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Although based on the commercially available P320 modular pistol, SIG made a few changes to be in compliance with the Army’s requirement.

-Tan Color
-Ambi Thumb Safety
-Lower Profile Ambi Slide Release
-Loaded Chamber Indicator
-Trigger Boot
-Firing Pin Assembly

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Although SIG is very optimistic about their chances, they also look at programs like this as an opportunity to improve their firearms. Some of these changes may we find their way into the P320 and other SIG firearms.

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According to SIG, this is what the winning MHS candidates look like.

www.sigsauer.com

SHOT Show 17 – Reebok Duty

January 20th, 2017

The Strikepoint series is currently on the market. The 8″ version is an AR 670-1 complaint boot with cattlehide leather and 1000 Cordura upper. It features an anti-friction and anti-microbial lining. Additionally the Uform technology allows you to heat the boots in the oven to 200 degrees for 5 min and then wear them in order to mold them to your feet by wearing them for eight minutes. Also, you can reset them, if needed. The Strikepoint is also available in a 6″ model.

The R52 midsole is an ultra responsive high rebound foam and FootFuel footbed comfort technology combine for comfortable wear. The Strikepoint also enjoys a wide toe box.

The outsole is inspired by Reebok’s popular athletic footwear and incorporates Ropepro cleats for rope work and is stitched to the upper at the toe. On a final note, these go all the way to size 15!

This is the Sublite Cushion Tactical line which is comprised of five different models one of which is waterproof. From the outset, I couldn’t believe how light they are when I picked them up. For example, the 8″ is 15oz per boot. They offer leather and mesh upper meaning they’re highly breathable.

The MemoryTech insoles massage footbed adapts to the contours of your foot. They feature little nubs which feel like fingers massaging the sole of your foot. The Sublite foam midsole is also a responsive material. This combines with the full-foot flex grooves to offer improved flexibility and balance. The outsole is also slip resistant thanks to targeted rubber sections.

If you thought that size 15 was impressive for the Strikepoint, you’ll be pleased to know that the Sublite Cushion Tactical goes all the way to size 16!

Warson Brands is the official licensee from Reebok for safety and military footwear.

SHOT Show 17 – LBX Tactical

January 20th, 2017


This is the new LBX lightweight shell pack. It offers top/bottom/middle pack access with uretek zippers. Look for a summer/fall release date in a variety of colors.

This is the LBX4020 Armatus II in MultiCam Black with integrated G-Code Scorpion pouches.

www.lbxtactical.com

Stop the Presses! SIG Wins Modular Handgun System!!!!

January 19th, 2017

Just reported by DoD!

Sig Sauer Inc., Newington, New Hampshire, was awarded a $580,217,000 firm-fixed-price contract for the Modular Handgun System including handgun, accessories and ammunition to replace the current M9 handgun. Bids were solicited via the Internet with nine received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 19, 2027. Army Contracting Command, Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (W15QKN-17-D-0016).

SHOT Show 17 – Outdoor Research

January 19th, 2017

OR always has lots of new stuff for the warfighter. This SHOT Show they’re unveiling an entire clothing system which can go four layers deep.  They’ve taken their success in modular give Systems and taken it clothing.

We’ll start with their new Foundation crew and zip tops as well as bottom. Made from Polartec Power Wool, which is a plaited knit construction, they can be laundered with adverse effect to the wool. It’s a bicomponent fabric (poly and wool) which also gives moisture management, low odor and low shrinkage. Foundation features an athletic fit.

Next is the Barrow Pant made from Polartec WindPro and is a heavy weight insulating layer which can be worn alone or under a shell. It’s built with stretch and mobility in mind.

On the softshell side they’re offering the Obsidian Pant and Obsidian Hooded Jacket. These are made from Tweave 4-way stretch with a lighter version of Tweave under the arms. In fact, all of the garments feature their Dynamic Reach construction with no seams under the arm. However, they’ve added SuperFabric along the elbows of the Jacket as well as the rear of the Pant. The Jacket has a helmet compatible, adjustable hood. The Pants feature a slated button fly. The Pants also incorporate laser cut, glued pockets which is stitched for added durability. Lots of stretch in these garments and they’ve also incorporated a DWR coating.

The Prevail Hooded Jacket is a super lightweight wind jacket. It is almost silky and has some breathability but the full zip helps with ventilation as well. It has adjustable hood and packaway fabric. This Black version is a prototype. Production will be Coyote and MultiCam.

Their puffy garments go by the name of Tradecraft and include Jacket, Vest and Pants. They are all insulated with varying weights of PRIMALOFT Gold. The Vest features 130 gram fill while everything else is 70 gram. The Vest also has stretch panels under the arms. All of the garment shells are DWR treated 40D ripstop. However, the Jacket offers 70D on the upper arm and the Pant also has 70D on the lower leg and rear for abrasion resistance. Full sides zips for don and doff on the Pants.

The Colossus Parka 180 gram PrimaLoft Gold insulation. They’ve taken it down to -26 deg in mountain field trials. It incorporates an internal neck baffle, similar to a sleeping bag and has offset quilting to reduce cold spots. The hood is adjustable and an internal stuff it pocket for water bottles, etc.

Although not commercialized, they’ve made a few in MultiCam Alpine.

The Infiltrator Jacket and Pant is impressive. They’ve incorporated GORE-TEX Fabric with Stretch Technology in key areas, combines with Gore 3-Layer Light and Fast. In addition to the mechanical stretch, their Dynamic Reach construction was great when I tried the Jacket on. In addition to the Helmet Comaptible Halo Hood design, which moves with your head, they’ve added two TorsoFlo venting zippers at the hips. Additionally, the pockets are mesh so that when you open the zips, you get some decent ventilation.

The Pants have 3/4 zip for don and doff a paling with SuperFabric knees and seat. Here you can see the hybrid construction with GORE-TEX Fabric with Stretch Technology, SuperFabric and 3-Layer Light and Fast.

The Infiltrator Jackets and Pants will be available in April in Coyote, Grey and MultiCam.

Across the board, this set of garments is available as Berry or TAA compliant versions.

Outdoor Research products are available for unit and agency order through ADS Inc.

SHOT Show 17 – Snake Eater Tactical 

January 19th, 2017

Awhile back we posted a preview of Snake Eater Tactical’s rifle plate carrier and its unique grid mounting system.

Although he came up with the grid concept right away, over the past two years, Inventor Chris Calvert has refined the design of the plate carrier to give it a proper platform. They are using Whiskey 24’s Acronym laminate which is plenty strong for this application.

The idea of using 550 cord to attach pouches to a platform is foreign to many SSD readers because it went out of fashion before the war. You have to consider, the Grid system was designed specifically for use with 550 cord, unlike using parachute cord to attach a pouch to PALS which has a lot of wiggle room for the cord to move around. However, Snake Eater has moved beyond just 550 and has also used shock cord, for some applications, which can be used to hold items like tourniquets and chemical lights.

They’ve also introduced a Velcro panel to the front in order to attach cummerbunds or their magazine carrier panel as well as those from other vendors. 


As a complimentary feature they’ve offered loops to accept G-hooks or SR buckles. The loops can be tucked in when not in use.

The inside of the carrier uses four-way stretch and will accept Medium – XLarge SAPI cut plates so you don’t need sized carriers.

www.snakeeatertactical.com