John Wick Chapter 2 is now out in theaters, so it seems an appropriate time to put up this series of photos BCM released as an homage to the John Wick series.
BCM’s Homage To John Wick
February 11th, 2017“Soviet And Mujahideen Uniforms, Clothing And Equipment Of The Soviet-Afghan War, 1979-1989”
February 11th, 2017Published in 2016, “Soviet And Mujahideen Uniforms, Clothing And Equipment Of The Soviet-Afghan War, 1979-1989” by Zammis Schein catalogs the author’s extensive collection of wartime artifacts.
The 500-page volume contains every conceivable variant of Soviet uniform, including armor crew, aircrew, infantry and spetznaz as well as women’s ensembles.
Mujahideen clothing has also been catalogued. Much of it will be quite familiar to those who have served in Afghanistan. In fact, that’s where the author began his collection, while working as an interpreter.
The collection is certainly impressive and includes inert models of the infamous PFM-1 “Butterfly” landmine.
Additionally, the author has included pocket litter such as ID cards, letters and other ephemera.
The book has value as a reference document but I wish it had also featured the historical images depicting the equipment in use which were used by the author to validate the items.
You can get your copy from www.amazon.com.
Anachrobellum – Modern Budo Hoodie
February 10th, 2017
The Modern Budu Hoodie is the latest offering from Anachrobellum. The artwork is by Marc Lee and depicts a Samurai carrying Mk17 w/EOTech XPS, PEQ-15 and OSS suppressor. Even his Kabuto is decked out with GPNVG-18s and S&S Precision Manta Strobe.
teespring.com/modern-budo-hoodie
BREAKING: USMC Begins Process To Issue M27 IAR to Every Rifleman; Issues RFI To Industry
February 10th, 2017Earlier today MARCORSYSCOM issued “Request for Information (RFI) M67854-17-I-1218 For Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM), Quantico, VA Infantry Automatic Rifle (IAR)”. They are very clear at this point that is solely an initiation of market research under Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 10 and is NOT a Request for Proposal (RFP). To be clear, issuing an RFI is a natural step in the acquisition process.
This action comes after a short duration experiment last Fall during which, an entire Marine Infantry Battalion was equipped with the IAR instead of their issue M4s. The experiment was obviously a success. At the time there was still no requirement but apparently, they’ve worked that out and lined up funding to make this happen.
As the RFI only calls for the production of an additional 11,000 rifles, this means that only additional select Infantrymen will be issued the M27. Conversely, the Marines purchased over 45,000 M4 carbines. When the M27 IAR was initially selected, the Marines had undertaken a study to determine what it would cost and how quickly the manufacturer H&K, could build the rifles in order to pure fleet the service. At the time, H&K did not have the production capacity to meet the Marine Corps’ fielding timeline so the plan was scrapped. This new move may very well be incremental in nature, with further fielding taking a longer timeline and encompassing a larger portion of the Marines.
The 5.56mm M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle is manufactured by Heckler & Koch. It is based on their HK416 carbine and was fielded to the Marines to supplant beltfed the M249 SAW in the Rifle Squad. This RFI will assuredly be used by SYSCOM to create a a sole-source “Justification and Approval” in order to purchase the rifles directly from manufacturer H&K without going for an open solicitation. While the RFI describes the M27’s salient characteristics to a “T”, what may throw a monkey wrench in this plan is if another manufacturer or two claim they can build the weapons as well with a model based on a 416 clone.
We will watch this procurement closely and keep you updated on its progress. Offerers have until March 17th at 3:00 PM to respond.
GAOS – Check Out The Taurus SPECTRUM
February 10th, 2017
(Miami, FL) –Taurus USA is announcing their appearance at the 2017 Great American Outdoors Show in Harrisburg, PA currently taking place until February 12. The new SPECTRUM™that shook the industry with its first debut last month at SHOT Show will be displayed for consumers to see first hand. The new SPECTRUM leads the concealed carry market in both function and innovation with its comfortable grip, non-energized trigger and comfortable everyday carry.
The Great American Outdoors Show is a nine day show highlighting manufacturers from hunting and shooting to fishing boats and outfitters. Stop by booth #473 to see and feel the difference of the American made TAURUS SPECTRUM pistol.
Taurus USA engineers took a fresh look at how the gun interfaces with the user. The concealed carry customer is concerned about control, comfort and safety while shooting a micro 380 pistol. To address this challenge, Taurus USA collaborated with PolyOne Corporation – a global provider of specialized polymer materials, services, and solutions. Together they conducted a major ergonomic study to better understand the challenges of making a small pistol that fits various hand sizes. Drawing on PolyOne’s expertise, Taurus USA executed an enhanced grip design featuring unique contours that enable the hand to naturally conform to the firearm, providing a more secure grip.
Taurus USA also took an innovative approach in addressing the challenges of slide racking by replacing traditional slide serrations and redesigned the slide itself. Taurus USA developed a stylish design which allows the fingers to engage indentations on the slide, providing positive contact points for enhanced traction, minimizing short strokes while racking – enhancing safety. Additionally, the same concept of soft touch material that is used on the grip is also incorporated into the slide design to enhance traction. These elements, when combined, create a comfortable manipulation when chambering a round.
The SPECTRUM pistol has a safe, long and smooth 7-9 pound trigger that offers the crisp release common to a striker-fired system. Unique to Taurus, this true double-action only (DAO) trigger system features a non-energized striker, with no pre-cock or pre-load applied, ensuring no contact between the sear and striker. The wide, flat trigger aids in correct finger placement. For additional safety, the gun comes equipped with a striker block, providing peace of mind for everyday carry.
The full design of the gun has been taken into consideration, to the point of take down. It requires only one turn on the take down pin to disassemble the gun, separating the slide assembly from the frame. Keeping safety in mind, the trigger does not have to be pulled to disassemble the gun. Another feature providing greater versatility of the SPECTRUM pistol is the reversible magazine release for right or left handed shooters.
The SPECTRUM pistol features include:
Standard Color Offering: (MSRP: $289)
The SPECTRUM pistol is available in eight Standard Color offerings which include; a black, gray or white frame option, either black or gray overmold color option and with either a black or stainless slide color option.
House Colors Include: (MSRP: $305)
Three house colors are available in the following configurations:
1) Black frame, FDE overmold, Black slide
2) White frame, Cyan blue overmold, Stainless slide
3) Gray frame, Mint overmold, Black slide
Federal Resources Completes Marley International Group Acquisition
February 10th, 2017Stevensville, MD (February 9, 2017) – Federal Resources of Stevensville, Maryland has acquired Marley International Group, a global product marketing firm with focused operations in the Arabian Gulf.
Federal Resources, a prime supplier of defense and security solutions to the U.S. government, is expanding its presence to include allied nations where U.S. interests are served.
Marley International Group was founded as a multi-national partnership of professionals from the medical, defense, and energy industries. Specializing in all aspects of the contract selling process, the team of experts provides strategic advice to U.S. manufacturers who wish to expand in the Arabian Gulf.
Robert McWilliams, CEO of Federal Resources, announced to shareholders and employees that the acquisition is imperative in following the company’s strategic efforts to expand upon its global reach and continually enhance the key product and service solutions for which the company is known. “We believe the Marley acquisition gives us tremendous reach and insight into emerging markets vis-a-vis its established customer and agent base.”
“Marley International has built a strong network of relationships and established product pipelines in key markets that will continue to propel and position Federal Resources as an internationally known solutions provider,” says Marley International’s Managing Director, David Loeser.
Terms of the transaction were not disclosed but Federal Resources reported they would merge operations in its Stevensville, Maryland headquarters and potentially establish offices abroad.
THYRM Releases the CellVault XL
February 10th, 2017
Sunnyvale, CA — Thyrm expands its CellVault™ line of storage products with the new CellVault™ XL. It features twice the capacity of the original CellVault while staying small enough for easy mounting and instant accessibility.
Users can store up to 6 CR123’s, 8 AAA’s, 4 AA’s, and even two 18650 rechargeable batteries. A removable, internal divider keeps batteries safe and organized. With the divider removed, the CellVault XL can hold a no-compromises survival kit or make sure data and valuables stay protected and handy.
“Customers love the original CellVault’s slim profile for adding critical battery storage to their gear, but many have a bit more dedicated space. So we designed the CellVault XL to maximize storage on a full MOLLE/PALS column. The extra space lets users carry more survival items, more batteries, and adds the ability to store 18650 rechargeables,” stated Thyrm CEO Andrew Frazier. “We were blown away by how many uses customers found for the original CellVault, so we can’t wait to see how the XL’s larger capacity allows for even more possibilities.”
Like the original CellVault, the XL is built to withstand the elements. Mounting also remains unchanged. The CellVault XL easily attaches to one available M.O.L.L.E. webbing column, straps or belts, and features lanyard loops at both ends for more attachment options. It’s available in black, urban gray, olive drab, flat dark earth, and rescue orange to match the user’s gear or intended environment.
Thyrm is proud to design and manufacture the entire CellVault product-line in the USA. Available at your favorite local dealer, online retailer, and thyrm.com.
FirstSpear Friday Focus – Cord and Tube Holder
February 10th, 2017In this week’s focus, we’ll take a look at FirstSpear’s Cord and Tube Holders. It’s a simple design consisting of an elastic webbing loop on a Hook square. They come in a pack of six and work great for holding buoyancy compensator hoses, and radio/comms cables, and hydration hoses.
They can be easily installed on shoulderstraps.
Additionally, they can be inserted into the 6/12 to offer attachment points.
