Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

XS Sights Introduces New F8 Night Sights

September 7th, 2017

Fort Worth, TX (September 6, 2017) – XS Sights is pleased to introduce the F8 Night Sights – its newest high-visibility personal defense sights for fast target acquisition in all light conditions. Featuring a figure-eight, inline sight picture for an easy two-point alignment, the F8 sights are designed to instantly increase front sight focus thanks to the large (0.160” wide) high-contrast front sight with a photoluminescent orange colored ring surrounding the tritium. This proprietary, durable XS Orange paint is formulated with a focus on yellow, one of the most visible colors in low light, making it easier to see in rapidly changing light conditions.

Another significant advantage of the F8 Night Sights is the ability of the XS Orange ring to absorb ambient light. This allows it to glow in low light levels, aiding shooters in finding the front sight before the tritium becomes visible. The F8 sight is also easily visible in daylight.

The wide notch rear sight is designed to increase the visibility of the front sight by allowing more light around the sides of the front sight. This expanded sight gap helps shooters find the front sight faster when drawing from a holster and shooting on the move. The tritium vial on the rear sight enables quick and easy alignment with the front sight in various light conditions while the chamfered notch eliminates the bottom edges of the sight, drawing focus to the top edges of the sight for proper alignment. The overhung rear sight reduces glare in bright daylight for greater sight definition, and its angled ledge aids in one-handed slide manipulations in emergency situations.

“Night sights don’t just need to glow in the dark, they need to be visible at all times,” said Zack Kinsley, marketing manager for XS Sights. “Gun fights don’t happen in perfect light or complete darkness. They happen in-between these two broad spectrums, and our F8 Night Sights are optimized for fast and accurate target acquisition in varying light conditions. In a defensive shooting situation, this can make all the difference for law enforcement and civilians alike.”

The F8 Night Sights are backed by a 10-year, ‘no questions asked’ warranty. After 10 years, XS will replace the sight at a discounted price.

XS F8 Night Sights will be available for order for the following pistol models at NASGW in October. More pistol models will come in the months ahead.

Glock 17, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 30, 34, 40, 41, 42, 43
Sig Sauer – 9mm and .40 S&W in P226, P229, P320 and other original P series pistols
S&W M&P Full Size, Compact and S&W M&P Shield
Springfield XD, XDS, XDM, and XDE
FNH FN509

MSRP: $184.99

For more information, visit www.xssights.com.

Tags: XS Sights
Posted in Press Release, Weapon Accessories | 2 Comments »

Triple Aught Design To Open Outpost In Boulder

September 7th, 2017

Triple Aught Design has been kicking around the idea of setting up shops, referred to as outposts, in regions outside of the San Francisco Bay Area.

Although I figured their first one would be in New York City, they’ve set their eye on Boulder, Colorado, with an opening date of 1 October. At least it will be a shorter commute for Phil.

tripleaughtdesign.com

Tags: Triple Aught Design
Posted in Industry | 4 Comments »

Raider Legacy Day

September 7th, 2017

Written by Jon Chang

Camp Pendleton, August 11, 2017 – The buses rolled off I-5 Northbound onto Camp Pendleton at 0930. Pulling up to the 1st Marine Raider Battalion Headquarters, the guests; veteran US Marine Raiders from the second World War and their families, walked off and were invited to explore the reception area of the new HQ, lined with tributes to MARSOC warfighters fallen since the formation of MARSOC in 2006.

MARSOC (Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command) was formed under a directive from the Secretary of Defense, Donald Rumsfeld, in October 2005 to create a Marine component to the US Special Operations Command(USSOCOM) and was activated on February 24, 2006, MARSOC at Camp Lejeune, NC. Tasked to conduct foreign internal defense, special reconnaissance, and direct action missions, MARSOC has continuously deployed since August 2006, based on USSOCOM priorities.

After a brief announcement, the guests gathered in the auditorium where Colonel Mike Brooks, Marine Raider Regiment Commanding Officer, offered a heartfelt talk on the legacy of the Raider Regiment. Above all else, Colonel Brooks voiced the duty of his Marines to uphold the honor and service of those men that had come before them.

When he concluded, the veterans were then invited to tour the grounds, featuring displays with the latest in weapon systems, vehicles, communications, EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) tech, SCUBA, dog teams, free fall capabilities and drones being employed by MARSOC today. Each booth, was hosted by multiple MARSOC Marines who answered questions and ran demonstrations showcasing the capabilities explaining how they had given them the edge in the field over their opponents.

It was a chance for the veteran Raiders and today’s MARSOC fighters to interact freely and casually, as Marines and as men, trading stories about their experiences, both triumphs and sacrifices, in conflicts separated by almost half a century. With the time on base coming to a close, the veterans departed and began the trip south, back to San Diego.

That evening, the Raiders and their families reunited for a honorary dinner and a ballroom gala event, complete with World War II themed performers and a Marine Corps band playing for the packed house.

Before the festivities began, several speakers would address the audience, among them, Master Sergeant Brian Jacklin (1st Marine Raider battalion) who spoke to today’s generation of Raiders, sharing his thoughts on the history today’s Marines had to live up to as both professional warriors and problem solvers.

Master Sergeant Jacklin was followed by Major General Eric Smith, the Commanding General 1st Marine Division. Major General Smith had just returned from Bloody Ridge in the Solomon Islands, where the Raiders had fought the Japanese in a decisive battle during September 1942. Claiming nearly 40,000 lives in 3 days, the site, also known as Edson’s Ridge, was declared a National Park by the Prime Minister of the Solomons and a monument to the battle unveiled to the public. The General had returned with a sample of earth from the ridge and presented it to one of the veteran Raiders who had fought there.

Finally, Colonel Andy Christian (RET) took the podium to announce the merger of the MARSOC Foundation with the U.S. Marine Raider Foundation to form Marine Raider Foundation and screen a short film formally commemorating the union. The Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established to provide benevolent support to active duty and medically retired Marine Raiders and their families, as well as to the families of Raiders who have lost their lives in service to our nation. The foundation aims to meet needs unmet by the government with an emphasis on building personal and family resiliency and supporting the full reintegration of wounded, ill, injured and transitioning raiders, their families and MARSOC’s gold star families.

The evening then concluded, with the various acts beginning their performances and the dance floor opening to the guests.

Being among so many people who literally forged history and who’s actions preserved our nation was a humbling event. It’s a privilege to meet such men and reassuring to know that today’s Marines are upholding their legacy at the tip of the spear.

Tags: Raider Legacy Day
Posted in History | Comments Off on Raider Legacy Day

CTOMS – TRACE Systems Training

September 7th, 2017

Weight of equipment is often the deciding factor to determine if it is carried on an operation or not. Traditionally, rope systems are only carried when the primary mission requires them. Contingency requirements often aren’t justification enough for the extra gear. Not bringing certain equipment alters mission capability and limits the versatility of a team, including increasing risk. This leaves teams to solve high angle and confined space access, egress and rescue problems with improvisation, often without success or at extreme risk. Sometimes capabilities need to be discrete. Sometimes they need to be fast, simple and efficient. And they should always be safe.

Traditional rope systems are heavy and complex. We’ve set out to change all that. TRACE Systems is the world’s smallest and lightest comprehensive capability micro-rope system.

We are offering a 3-day course, which includes the following content exclusively with TRACE Systems:
TRACE Systems anchoring principals and systems;
Rappelling, single and two person loads;
Ascending;
Lowering systems;
Hauling systems;
Guiding lines;
Bridging/high lines (w/ reeve);
Single & two rescuer systems operations; and
Given enough interest early on, we can add an additional day of climbing systems. Please note your interest when registering.

This course is ideal for professionals interested in lightening their load while maintaining high angle capabilities and acceptable safety factors. Ideal for tactical team high angle operations, SAR, covert insertion, marine interdiction, and anywhere equipment weight and bulk in a high angle environment is a concern.

Who: Military, Law Enforcement, Search and Rescue, etc. (the system is not for recreational use)
Where: Los Angeles, CA, LASD SEB
When October 4 to 6, 2017 0800 – 1700
Cost: $500 USD
Equipment Rental Fee: $75 USD
Booking: email training@ctoms.ca

Posted in Advertiser, Mountaineering, Training | Comments Off on CTOMS – TRACE Systems Training

SBT Series QD Sling Adapter By Midwest Industries

September 7th, 2017

Midwest Industries built a QD sling adapter for the SBT series of side-folding braces. It is made from 6061 Aluminum and user installed.

www.sb-tactical.com/product/sbt-series-midwest-industries-qd-sling-adapter

Tags: Midwest Industries, SB Tactical
Posted in Advertiser, Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on SBT Series QD Sling Adapter By Midwest Industries

Quantico Tactical Thursday – SNIPERCAP by Agile Precision

September 7th, 2017

The Multi-Function Lens Cover to Rule Them All.

Quantico Tactical is proud to carry the SNIPERCAP by Agile Precision. The SNIPERCAP gives a shooter new optics capabilities in a robust design that o?ers protection for the objective lens of a ri?e scope. In addition to o?ering sealed water resistant protection for your optic’s objective lens, it allows the user to adjust the aperture exposing the lens. This gives the user a great tactical advantage in signature management and light transmission.

The SNIPERCAP creates an adjustable iris that allows the shooter to augment their optic in multiple ways. In its fully open mode, it acts as a typical sunshade for the scope. In the fully closed position, the SNIPERCAP gives water-resistant protection for the objective lens of the ri?e scope. This o?ers a major advantage over other protective caps. There are no ?ip caps to be broken, and nothing to remove or get lost. The true capabilities of this design, however, lie in between the two.

By twisting the cap the user can vary the aperture from fully open to completely closed depending on what the situation allows. There are ten potential aperture sizes with tactile clicks at each stop allowing the user to operate by feel. When in a tactical scenario where the shooter must avoid detection, reducing the aperture virtually eliminates glint o? the objective lens while still allowing the shooter to view the target. The size of the aperture can be adjusted based on ambient light conditions to balance the need for optical clarity and minimal glint.

If using an in-line night vision device, the SNIPERCAP can act as a coupler. Reducing the aperture size reduces glare coming o? the objective lens from the night vision display and in some cases completely seals around the ocular lens.

The SNIPERCAP is available for several optics including the:
• Leupold Mk4 12-40×60 Spotting Scope
• Leupold Mk6 3-18 Rifle Scope 44mm Objective
• Steiner M5Xi 3-15 50mm Objective
• Steiner M5Xi 5-25 56mm Objective
• S&B PMII 56mm Objective

The SNIPERCAP is available to US Military and Law Enforcement organizations from Quantico Tactical via our GSA Schedule or DLAs TLS Program.

For a quote or more information about Quantico Tactical or the Agile Precision SNIPERCAP please e-mail GovtOps@QuanticoTactical, call 910.944.5800 or visit www.QuanticoTactical.com

Tags: Agile Precision, Quantico Tactical
Posted in Advertiser, Optics | 7 Comments »

US Army Leverages Foreign Comparative Testing To Procure M3E1 Carl Gustavs

September 7th, 2017

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. — Used on battlefields around the world since 1991, the M3 Multi-Role Anti-Armor Anti-Personnel Weapon System, or MAAWS, has seen several iterations.

The latest version, or M3E1, is not only lighter, but shorter and ergonomically designed with a longer handle and better grips. These features, as well as its ability to use multiple types of rounds for firing, has led the Army to approve a requirement for 1,111 M3E1 units.

“The current system that the Army uses is the AT4, which only allows Soldiers to fire one shot, and then they have to throw the system away. With the M3E1, Soldiers can use different types of ammunition which gives them an increased capability on the battlefield,” said Randy Everett, Foreign Comparative Testing, or FCT, project manager.

The M3E1 is part of the Product Manager Crew Served Weapons portfolio, which is processing a contract to procure 1,111 M3E1s and an Urgent Material Release to field them as soon as possible.

The U.S. Army FCT program office, which is positioned within U.S. Army Research, Development and Engineering Command, receives oversight from the Office of the Secretary of Defense’s Comparative Technology Office. The FCT program provides an avenue for Army engineers, scientists and program managers to test and evaluate items and technologies from allies and other friendly nations that may fill an Army capability gap.

The program encourages international cooperation and helps reduce the DOD’s overall acquisition costs by providing funds to formally test and evaluate foreign non-developmental items, commercial-off-the-shelf items, or technologies which are in the late state of development that may satisfy U.S. military requirements.

In 1988, U.S. Special Forces identified a need for a shoulder-fired, recoilless rifle to replace the M67, and Saab Dynamics developed the M3, which was a likely candidate to address the need. It was through the FCT program that the first M3s were delivered to U.S. Rangers and U.S. Navy Seals in 1994.

Kevin Finch, MAAWS product director, has worked on the M3 program throughout the years, collaborating with Saab Dynamics AB, the Swedish vendor, to perfect their system.

According to Soldier feedback, the M3 was too heavy and bulky. By using titanium, the updated M3E1 is more than six pounds lighter. The M3E1 is also 2.5 inches shorter and has an improved carrying handle, extra shoulder padding and an improved sighting system that can be adjusted for better comfort without sacrificing performance.

In response to the new requirement, a wiring harness was included in the M3E1 configuration that provides a foregrip controller and programmable fuze setter for an interchangeable fire control system. For added safety and cost savings, an automatic round counter enables Soldiers and logisticians to accurately track the service life of each weapon.

The system was tested for gun tube safe service life at IMT Materialteknik AB in Sundsvall, Sweden by the U.S. Army Test & Evaluation Command and other subject matter experts. Testing at the vendor’s test facility in Sweden eliminated the need to purchase ammunition and material, and it limited range time in the U.S., saving the Army nearly one million dollars.

The M3E1 uses the same family of ammunition as the M3, which has already been successfully tested.

As a result of this project, the Army received the OSD award for the FCT program. Click here to read the article.

“Our original investment of $3 million has led to an approximate $40 million procurement for the Army, which is a great return on investment. But, most importantly, the M3E1 can be reused so it gives Soldiers increased flexibility and capability on the battlefield,” Everett said.

For more information on the FCT program, visit cto.acqcenter.com.

Posted in PEO-Soldier, Press Release, weapons | 11 Comments »