Phokus Research Group @ 2017 SHOT Show
January 13th, 2017U.S. Optics Inc. Announces Full Production of the new B-Series Long Range Rifle Scopes
January 12th, 2017Brea, California– 11/11/2017– U.S. Optics Inc., an international riflescope and optics manufacturer, proudly announced today a completely redesigned product line to replace the current commercial off the shelf MR, LR, and ER series of scopes. The development of the new B-Series is a direct result of U.S. Optics Inc.’s dedication to satisfy the ever changing needs of its consumers.
The new B-Series has been developed based upon the requests of military, law enforcement, and competitive shooters. The needs of these professionals were at the forefront of our design and engineering process that produced a lighter, shorter, and more streamline rifle optic.
“As a company, we take pride in listening to our customers’ needs and delivering. Our Legacy optics have proven that we excel in quality and durability, so we took those strengths and developed our optics into an all-encompassing product. We’re very excited to announce the B-Series and know that our customers will be more than happy with the results.”– Jason Kyle (General Manager for U.S. Optics)
The Bravo Series boasts a variety of new features that were engineered into the design of the new scope without compromising its durability and clarity. Some of these new features include:
• Shorter overall length to better accommodate night vision
• 34mm tube across the entire B-Series line
• Compact turret section for compatibility with commonly used mounts
• Locking Elevation and Windage Knobs
• Elevation Revolution counter
• Zero Stop
• Integrated Parallax and Illumination Control
• New MIL and MOA reticle options
All of these enhancements come together in a refined package that transmits a sharp image with maximum clarity, all packaged in a rugged housing that will performs flawlessly across all environmental conditions.
B-Series optics starting at $1699.00
For more information please visit USOptics.com.
Honeywell Lightens Tactical Vests For Law Enforcement Officers By Up To 40 Percent
January 12th, 2017New fabric made from next-generation Honeywell Spectra® fiber offers breakthrough lightweight protection
MORRIS PLAINS, NJ, Jan 12, 2017 — Honeywell (NYSE: HON) announced today that it has released Centurion™, a composite fabric designed to make law enforcement apparel and equipment 35 to 40 percent lighter. Centurion is the latest performance fabric made from Honeywell Spectra® fiber and is suitable for any type of application where the product needs to be strong but lightweight.
Traditionally, law enforcement officers have carried extra gear such as ammunition and radios by attaching them to modular lightweight load-carrying equipment (MOLLE) web designs that include straps sewn onto their tactical vests. MOLLE straps add extra weight and can make movement more difficult for officers.
By contrast, vests made with Centurion fabric are 35 to 40 percent lighter because they do not require extra fabric. Centurion is laser-cut according to user preference, resulting in slits along the vests from which officers can hang, hook or tie gear as needed. Because nothing needs to be sewn into these vests, they are lighter and more comfortable for officers to wear, as well as faster and easier for manufacturers to produce. Combined with Spectra fiber’s strength, Centurion-made vests are resistant to cuts, abrasion and water, making them suitable for many tough environments.
“Centurion represents the next evolution of lightweight law enforcement equipment, removing several pounds from the more than 20 pounds that an officer can typically wear while on patrol,” said Lori Wagner, armor marketing manager for Honeywell Packaging and Composites. “At the core of Centurion fabric’s remarkable properties is Spectra, Honeywell’s next-generation fiber that is the material of choice for law enforcement agencies around the world as well as the U.S. military. Honeywell’s armor technology not only provides life-saving materials, but also produces industry-leading, high-performance, lightweight fabric like Centurion, designed to help those who protect us.”
Spectra fiber is made from ultra-high molecular-weight polyethylene using a patented gel-spinning process. Pound for pound, Spectra is 15 times stronger than steel, yet light enough to float. It has up to 60 percent greater strength than alternate aramid fiber. Spectra fiber is used to create Spectra Shield®, an advanced ballistic-resistant material. Honeywell’s Shield technology is a patented Honeywell process designed to optimize the ballistic performance characteristics of Spectra as well as aramid fiber in Gold Shield® materials.
Spectra Shield and Gold Shield products have been widely adopted and proven for the most advanced armor applications globally, from bullet-resistant vests, breast plates and helmets to combat vehicles and military aircraft – all which require lightweight solutions and superior performance.
Honeywell maintains an active Spectra fiber and ballistic materials research program focused on continuous improvement and development of high-performance materials. For more information about Spectra fiber, visit www.honeywell-spectra.com.
ORWM – Snowpeak
January 12th, 2017Japanese brand Snowpeak has long been known for their Titanium cups and outdoor cookware, but they’ve also been offering apparel for the past several years. The designer is Japanese and she has been curating vintage military clothing from around the world. The Fall/Winter 17 line includes several military inspired items including this M65-style Field Jaxket and Fatigue Pant made from Ripstop PolyCotton.
What’s really cool about them is this ensemble is the camouflage pattern developed by the designer. It incorporatesCold War-era East German NVA raindrop elements as well as design cues from Snowpeak’s asterisk logo, both in micro and macro. The pattern will be offered on several other items as well.
Magpul – Zhukov-U Hand Guard for AK47/AK74
January 12th, 2017
The Zhukov-U Hand Guard shaves off 1.5” from the original Zhukov AK Hand Guard to accommodate shorter barreled rifles and pistols, and keeps the front end of full length rifles a little more lively. The shorter version also allows us to accommodate the military issue cleaning rods, so you don’t have to give that up to get the benefits of the Zhukov anymore! The Zhukov-U shares the same type of sturdy aluminum chassis as the longer standard Zhukov for strength and heat mitigation sheathed in a comfortable, injection molded exterior for superior ergonomics. The Zhukov-U includes M-LOK slots for accessory attachment, and is fully compatible with the UltiMAK gas tube rail. Installation requires removing handguard retainer.
-1.5” shorter than standard Zhukov hand guard
-Fits stamped and milled AK-47/AK-74 rifles with standard-length gas systems
-Optimized for short barrel rifles such as AK-102, AK-104, & AK-105
-Full-length aluminum chassis for strength and rigidity?-Heat shield relieved to accept standard AK cleaning rod?-Durable polymer outer Hand Guard
-M-LOK slots for accessory attachment
-Extended length for modern shooting techniques
-Vented gas tube cover
-UltiMAK compatible
Not all colors available yet.
www.magpul.com/products/zhukov-u-hand-guard-ak47-ak74
ORWM – Mystery Ranch Accessories
January 12th, 2017Here are two new accessories from Mystery Ranch I think SSD readers may be interested in.
First up is the Rain Cover with Hood. It’s pretty straight forward. MR figures that of you want to keep your pack dry, you might want to do the same with your head.
Offered in two sizes, 10 and 30 liters, these Dry Cells feature roll tops and sonic welded seams.
Heckler & Koch to Expand in Columbus, Georgia
January 12th, 2017Heckler & Koch, a manufacturer of firearms and accessories, will invest $28.5 million to expand its existing operations in Columbus, Georgia. The new 50,000 square-foot facility in the Corporate Ridge Business Park will be ready in the summer of 2017 at which time HK will consolidate its New Hampshire operations into Columbus.
HK worked closely with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Development Authority of Columbus prior to making the decision that is expected to create 84 new jobs over the next 2 years.
“HK’s new U.S. factory will make use of advanced manufacturing technologies and will be staffed by German and American engineers and technicians,” said Francisco Hidalgo, CEO of HKUSA. “The HK products will maintain the same level of quality and reliability that the consumer has grown to expect from HK. Our company motto is and will remain ‘No Compromise’.”
“Georgia’s pro-business environment and well-connected logistics network allows manufacturing companies to thrive in our state,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Heckler & Koch’s decision to expand its existing operations corroborates our efforts to not only attract companies to Georgia, but to also retain them and support their growth. We look forward to working with our partners in Columbus to support HK in all of their endeavors.”
“One of our main priorities is to assist existing companies to achieve success,” said Brian Anderson, president & CEO of the Greater Columbus Georgia Chamber of Commerce. “By taking time to understand HK’s business, our team was able to provide the company access to valuable resources and guidance that will keep them firmly planted in the Columbus region.
“HK has been a company that has quietly excelled in Columbus for many years and we are certainly excited about their investment and plans to hire more people,” said Russ Carreker, chairman of the Development Authority of Columbus. “Columbus is a great place to achieve business success and we’re grateful HK chose to grow its business here.”
Threaded barrel variant of the acclaimed striker fired HK VP -tested and proven with a variety of the leading high quality sound suppressors. Available in 9 mm and .40 S&W.
Color frame variant of the HK VP in Flat Dark Earth (FDE), the tan/brown color scheme used by many international military and security units. Available in 9 mm and .40 S&W.
Grey frame variant of the HK VP is an attractive and functional color alternative to traditional color schemes. Available in 9 mm and .40 S&W.
ORWM – Princeton Tec
January 12th, 2017Princeton Tec has three updated products for the outdoor market.
First off is the Axis is based on the Synch. They’ve added a button and rheostat-like switch on the side which allow you to control the various functions which include Red, Spot and Flood with 200 peak lumens dimmable to 5 lumens. When you’ve reached either high or low lumens, the light will flash momentarily. Available in rechargeable and 3 x AAA batteries with a max runtime of 117 hours at the low spot setting.
Next up is the addition to the Helix lantern line. The Backcountry lantern is now rechargeable with a collapsible globe and legs.
Last, but not least is the Aqua Strobe. Essentially, they replaced the Xenon bulb with an LED lamp. It is positively buoyant and will float with the head up so it’s always visible. The waterproof light offers 100 lumes with visibility over one mile. One AA battery runs for 12 hours.
Princeton Tec lights are available for Unit and Agency purchase from ADS Inc.
