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US Army Special Operations Command Seeks Precision Intermediate Caliber Ammunition

May 4th, 2017

During a briefing earlier this week at the NDIA Armaments Congerence in Fredericksburg, Virginia, COL Samuel Ashley, the DCS G8 for the US Army Special Operations Command, discussed a current initiative to identify a Precision Intermediate Caliber ammunition from within the 6.5mm family. In this joint effort between USASOC and PEO Soldier’s PM for Soldier Weapons, they will test 23 different cartridges in 6.5mm Creedmoor and .260 Remington later this month, using the Army’s 2000m Doppler RADAR equipped range, at the nearby Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. Based on this research, they will conduct a user evaluation of the selected cartridge, in October. This is a very fast paced effort which aims to identify a 6.5mm family cartridge for integration into a USASOC requirement for a new semiautomatic sniper weapon. It will also give others a leg up in identifying a viable option for an intermediate caliber.

USSOCOM briefer, LTC Mark Owens, PM for Ammo, Weapons and Visual Augmentation Systems supports the efforts of SOF components like USASOC, and added some additional insight into where the ammunition selected from the USASOC study might go. He mentioned that in FY18 we should see the development of a 6.5mm Assault Machine Gun which would result in the fielding, soon thereafter, of an Intermediate Caliber Assault Machine Gun. The cartridge decision will also lead to the fielding of an Intermediate Caliber Sniper Rifle/Carbine in the years FY19-23.

Posted in Ammo, SOF, weapons | 40 Comments »

USMC M27 Update – Designated Marksman Role Added

May 4th, 2017

During this week’s NDIA Armamement Symposium, Mr Chris Woodburn, Deputy, Maneuver Branch of the Marine Corps Capabilities Development Directorate discussed the expanded roles for the M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle. Adopted in 2011, the M27 is based on Heckler & Koch’s 5.56mm HK416.

The Marine Corps has determined that the M27 has the longest range in the squad and plans to capitalize on this capability. In the near-term, they are planning to reconfigure an undetermined quantity of M27s with 3-9x optics for use as Squad Designated Marksman Rifle (SDM-R). This will happen starting in FY18, with fielding completed by FY19.

Additionally, evaluation of squads equipped solely with the M27 continues by the Marine Corps Warfighting Laboratory. However, signs continue to point to a Marine Corps move to field the M27 to all Infantry. The Commandant of the Marine Corps, Gen Robert Neller has a saying, “All Marines are riflemen, but not all Marines are infantrymen.” Based on the current resource constrained environment, his modernization priorities have been the infantry. For instance, the Marines plan to replace their M203 40mm grenade launchers with the M320, which is incidentally also made by H&K, like the M27. While the M320 assuredly adds capability to the squad due to its compatibility with a wider range of ammunition, it is also compatible with the M27, unlike the M203 it will replace.

On another note, Mr Woodburn was asked during a Q&A period about when we should expect the test report for last year’s suppressor evaluation. He said that it should be ready by Fall but that the Marine Corps’ suppressor priority was for its Medium Machine Guns. Scuttlebutt suggests that the Marines noted a decrease in range during the evaluation when used with the M4 and M27. Furthermore, Mr Woodburn mentioned that the Marines are interested in finding a suppressor that is compatible with the M27, which could be construed as further evidence of the Marine Corps’ intent to field more M27s. Or, it could mean that the IAR would be next in line after the suppression of the medium machinegun fleet.

The M27 Sources Sought Notice, released in February by the Marines, received several submissions from industry. MARCORSYSCOM is currently evaluating those submissions in order to help formulate an acquisition strategy. While the Marines are keeping their cards close to their chest, I believe they do intend to field the M27 to at least the Infantry. We will keep an eye on the M27 SDM-R implementation and update you when the USMC takes further action to increase the density of M27 in the rifle squad.

Posted in MARCORSYSCOM, weapons | 22 Comments »

Brownells Honors “FedEx Guy” With All American Dream Gun

May 4th, 2017

Matt Uhrin (left) holds the All American Dream Gun presented to him by Pete Brownell (right).

ATLANTA, Georgia (May 2, 2017) – Brownells’ NRA Annual Meeting & Exhibits special guest Matt Uhrin – also known as the famous flag-saving “FedEx Guy” – was honored by Brownells CEO Pete Brownell during a presentation in the Brownells booth on Saturday, April 29, 2017.

Uhrin, an Iowa City, Iowa-area package delivery man, was recognized for his patriotism and courageous actions for intervening in a late-January 2017 protest where demonstrators were preparing to burn American flags. A U.S. Army combat veteran, Uhrin, who had sent fallen brothers and sisters home from the Mid-East under America’s symbol of freedom rushed into the crowd of protestors, bravely saving three American flags.

In recognition of his actions, Brownells CEO Pete Brownell presented Uhrin with the one-of-a-kind Brownells/Smith & Wesson® All American Dream Gun®. The firearm is a highly-customized Smith & Wesson M&P® M2.0™ 9mm pistol and features, most appropriately, an American Flag paint scheme.

“Matt is a shining example of a patriot, local hero and a real American,” said Brownell. “Too many times we see indifference in society; it’s just great to see someone bold enough to do the right thing. I want to thank Matt for his service to our country both at home and abroad and I’m proud to give him this fantastic firearm.”

www.brownells.com

Posted in Industry, Press Release | 5 Comments »

Army To Issue New M17 Modular Handgun To Ft Campbell Troops First

May 3rd, 2017

Earlier today at the NDIA Armaments Conference, PEO Soldier’s PM for Soldier Weapons, LTC Steven Power stated that the First Unit Equipped for the M17 Modular Handgun will be the 101st at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, during the first quarter of Fiscal Year 18. He also stated that other units on Fort Campbell would also receive the first of 190,000 Pistols the Army plans to buy.

In addition to multiple other Army units on the post, the 5th Special Forces Group ( Airborne) and elements of the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment are also there. Yesterday, USASOC Deputy Chief of Staff for Requirements (G8), COL Samuel Ashley stated that despite adoption of the GLOCK 19 by elements of the command, it was part of the Army’s fielding of the M17 as a replacement for their M9 pistols.

In January during SHOT Show, the Army selected the SIG SAUER P320 as its new modular handgun. However, in Februrary, GLOCK protested the award. The GAO has until 5 June to make a decision on whether or not to sustain the protest. Despite this, the Army has developed a fielding plan for the new pistol, no matter who produces it.

Posted in Contracts, PEO-Soldier, weapons | 20 Comments »

SureFire Field Notes – Travis Haley

May 3rd, 2017

SureFire Field Notes is a multi-segment informational video series with tips and techniques from subject matter experts of all backgrounds. In this episode, Travis Haley of Haley Strategic Partners discusses various low-light techniques with a handheld flashlight and how to practice with them.

Travis Haley is a veteran Force Reconnaissance Marine with 15 years of dedicated real world experience including: combat tours in Middle East, Africa and Central Asia. After leaving the military, Mr Haley served as a special operations and security contractor before partnering with Magpul as founder and CEO of their training division, Magpul Dynamics. Mr Haley also served as CEO of the parent company, Magpul Industries, before breaking off to form the endeavor that would become Haley Strategic Partners.

www.haleystrategic.com
www.surefire.com

Tags: Surefire, Travis Haley
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US Army 7.62 Rifle Update

May 3rd, 2017

Last month, we told you about a directed requirement from Army Vice Chief of Staff GEN Daniel Allyn for a new 7.62 Squad Designated Marksman Rifle and internal, service discussions for expansion of that capability as a Battle Rifle, to all members of the rifle squad.

Based on briefings conducted at the NDIA Armaments Conference by PEO Soldier’s PM Weapons team, along with discussions with industry, we have an update on Army plans to field a new 7.62 NATO capability within the next 24 months.

First off, although a contract has been awarded for H&K’s Compact Semi Automatic Sniper System, the weapon remains unfunded for FY17. Currently, type classification is planned for FY18.

However, the Army is also committed to concurrently fielding an SDMR based on the same platform as the CSASS.

According to briefing slides provided by PM Soldier Weapons, an Army directed requirement to engage enemy personnel at the Squad level from 0-600m, dated December, 2016 will purchase “6,069 HK G28E rifles” via an urgent material release.

The Army plans to use the existing M80A1 ammo for the SDMR, which is a 7.62 version of the 5.56mm M855A1. The rifles are said to be configured in a similar fashion to the CSASS, with Geissele M-Lok rail and OSS suppressor. However, the SDMRs will be outfitted with an as-of-yet still unselected 1-6x variable optic rather than the CSASS optic from Schmidt & Bender.

While there has been talk of adding up to two SDMRs per Squad, internal Army discussions continue about expanding the basis of issue of a 7.62 rifle, now referred to as the Interim Service Combat Rifle to all BCT members. However, there is still no formal requirement for the ISCR, and acquisition officials are leaning forward on the foxhole in anticipation, prepared to make this happen as quickly as possible.

Posted in PEO-Soldier, weapons | 58 Comments »

Announcing SOF Select Show 2017

May 3rd, 2017

The inaugural SOF Select Show is May 16-18 at the Westin Harbour Island Hotel, in Tampa, Florida. SOF Select Show is a new way of interacting with the companies that support the Special Operations community. While you’ll be able to interact one-on-one with each of the brands, the event will also present capabilities based solutions with examples of how different products from the various companies are paired for use in the field.

Additionally, on the evening of Tuesday, the 16th, the event will host a social hour and fundraiser for the Special Operations Care Fund which will include a really cool raffle. It’s a fantastic way to relax, catch up with old friends, and support a charity which has impacted the lives of many SOF operators and their families. Raffle tickets will be available on site.

Look for additional information, including participating companies soon, here on SSD.

Select Show 2017 is owned and produced by Cove Event Management. Feel free to email rebecca@coveevents.com for inquiries.

Tags: SOF Select Show
Posted in Industry | Comments Off on Announcing SOF Select Show 2017

TenCate Blowing Out Over 1 Million Yards Of Fabric

May 3rd, 2017

Considering so many readers are small business owners or DIYers, I thought this would be a great share. TenCate Protective Fabrics is having an inventory clearance sale. They have over a million yards of fabric that they need to get rid of at significant discounts.

They have woven flame resistant fabrics in different weights and styles (ripstop, plain weave, twill). Different prints and colors (UCP – yes, they still have that), old-school woodland, black, khaki, etc.. They also have flame resistant knits in various shades, weights and styles (mesh, jersey, pique, interlock, etc.). Many of the fabrics were made for military use, but they also have fabric used in the oil and gas, electrical safety and fire safety markets. For pricing and additional information, please contact John Blackmon.

Tags: TenCate
Posted in Materials | 3 Comments »