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Blueridge Armor Releases Vengeance Series Hard Armor Shield Line

July 25th, 2017

BlueRidge Armor announced the launch of the VENGEANCE™ series, a new hard armor tactical shield line. Introductory models of the new ballistic shields were displayed July 13th and 14th at the ADS Warrior Expo East in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

The VENGEANCE™ Series builds off BlueRidge Armors popular WMX1 Transporter Platform. Partnering with Dix Defense distribution and Elzetta Lighting, maker of the toughest flashlights on the planet, the new series introduces an exclusive patent pending viewport, and two available patent pending lighting systems. The VENGEANCE™ viewport offers the same side to side peripheral vision of a traditional rectangular viewport, while improving lower peripheral vision and maintaining a high degree of upper helmet coverage as the result of its unique Deep-V top.

Elzetta Lighting developed two new shield handle systems with integrated high output LED lights. A Horizontal handle system incorporates a proprietary single point, ambidextrous pressure switch eliminating exposed wiring. The revolutionary Tridextrous™ handle system offers three grip angles and greatly improves ergonomic three-point control of the shield. Three intuitive light activation points are easily accessible for both right and left handed users. Both systems feature high output 1000 lumen LED lights, incorporate distinct diamond textured grip surfaces and are proudly made in America.

BlueRidge Armor, LLC., Dix Defense and Elzetta Lighting are independent, privately held companies.

For further information please contact:

BlueRidge Armor LLC, Phone – 844-556-M855 – email – info@blueridgearmor.com – blueridgearmor.com

Dix Defense, Phone – 336.558.9512 email – dixenterprises@dixdefense.com – dixdefense.com

Elzetta Lighting, Phone – 859-707-7471 email – info@Elzetta.com – elzetta.com

Posted in Armor, Industry, LE, Lights, Press Release | Comments Off on Blueridge Armor Releases Vengeance Series Hard Armor Shield Line

New Gerber Sharkbelly Now Available

July 25th, 2017

PORTLAND, OREGON (July 25th, 2017) – GERBER, an industry-leading manufacturer of personal knives, multi-tools, and gear, announces the introduction of the new Sharkbelly. This smartly designed knife is an update to the classic everyday carry pocket knife with lightweight utility and standout features. Designed and built in Gerber’s Portland, Oregon manufacturing facility, this American made knife is available in partially serrated and full fine edge blade variations.

The 420HC modern sheepsfoot-style blade is easily deployed with a sizable thumb hole, revealing flat top serrations that are easy to sharpen on a flat stone and practical for daily use. The tactile SharkSkin Grip™ succeeds in function and aesthetics with unidirectional scales that provide additional traction when in hand – smooth in one direction and grippy in the other.

The SharkBelly’s scratch-resistant wire pocket clip means it can be worn anywhere without worry of causing damage to a car, bike, or other valuables you might brush up against, and weighing in at just under 2.3 oz, it has a place in any pocket or pack.

Learn more about the Sharkbelly here. $39, available now.

Learn more about Gerber’s commitment to American manufacturing here.

Tags: Gerber
Posted in Advertiser, Knives, Press Release | Comments Off on New Gerber Sharkbelly Now Available

Propper 4PV Armor Records First Save

July 25th, 2017

St. Charles, MO — Troup County (GA) Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Hockett, 24 years old and newly married, recently became the best kind of statistic – a survivor – thanks in part to his Propper 4PV concealable armor.

According to the sheriff’s office, Hockett was responding just before noon on January 9 to a welfare check call in the rural community when he was allegedly shot by Matthew Edmonson multiple times with a shotgun-type weapon, including in the side, where the 4PV he was wearing under his uniform stopped the projectiles from penetrating. Hockett returned fire, striking the suspect once in the shoulder, then retreated to his vehicle, where he called for backup as he drove to safety. In all, Hockett was struck in the forehead, side, hand, and elbow. The suspect was later taken into custody by the SWAT team after a long standoff.

The Sheriff’s Office released the following statement:

Around 11:55 [January 9th, 2017] a Deputy with the Troup County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a residence on Jackson St in Troup County regarding a welfare check on an individual. When the deputy arrived he exited his vehicle to go around a fence toward the house and heard what he described as a banging sound. As he looked in the direction of the noise he saw a white male firing a gun at him. The deputy then retreated at which time the individual got into a truck and began driving toward the deputy. At that point the individual exited his truck and began firing at the deputy who announced to the person that he was a deputy and the deputy returned fire striking the male who then got in the truck and went back to the house.
The deputy, Michael Hockett, was struck by gunfire and was able to retreat to his vehicle and call for further assistance and was transported to West Georgia Medical Center where he was treated for non-life threatening injuries and released a short time later.
At 6:25 PM the suspect, identified as 28 year old Matthew Edmondson, was arrested without further incident after coming out of the residence he had been held up in since the incident began. Edmondson was assessed on scene by emergency personnel and was transported to Columbus Medical Center for a gunshot wound to his shoulder.
The scene has been turned over to the GBI and charges are pending against Edmondson. Nothing further at this time.

“We are extremely grateful that the vest did its job and Deputy Hockett survived this potentially deadly encounter,” said Skip Church, Vice President of Armor Products for Propper. “The four-panel design of the 4PV placed the protection where he needed it. A typical two-piece vest would not have performed as well.”

The 4PV’s four-panel system includes separate side panels that bridge the gap between the front and back panels, filling in the vulnerable opening found in two-piece designs.

Hockett was presented with a brand new replacement vest courtesy of Propper at a ceremony honoring his bravery. This is the first recorded save by a Propper 4PV since the company began making armor in 2014.

Dashcam footage of the incident.

www.propper.com

Tags: Propper
Posted in Advertiser, Armor, LE, Press Release | 6 Comments »

Gentex Awarded $13M U.S. Army Contract for Apache Aviator Integrated Helmet

July 25th, 2017

Direct contract enables better pricing, and streamlined engineering and integration support

Simpson, PA, July 24, 2017. Gentex Corporation, a global leader in personal protection and situational awareness solutions for defense forces, emergency responders, and industrial personnel has been awarded a $13,443,811 firm-fixed-price contract by the U.S. Army for the delivery of Apache Aviator Integrated Helmets (AAIH).

Worn by Apache helicopter crews, the AAIH is an integrated helmet, display, and sight system with improved safety features and comfort that provides situational awareness and targeting information. The integrated helmet is a key component of the next generation Apache helicopter, the AH-64E, which will be flown by over 15 countries.

Prior to the competitive win, Gentex had been supplying the helmet to the Army as a subcontractor under a prior agreement. “We’re proud to have been chosen to continue producing this next generation aviator helmet for the Army,” said Robert McCay, vice president aircrew systems, Gentex Corporation. “Providing the helmet to the Army directly allows for better pricing, and streamlined engineering and integration support.”

The AAIH is based on the highly successful Gentex HGU-56/P Rotary Wing Helmet System, which Gentex has been supplying to the U.S. DoD since 1993. Work for the AAIH contract will be conducted at Gentex’s large capacity manufacturing facility in Simpson, Pennsylvania, and is expected to be complete by June, 2022.

Tags: Gentex
Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, Helmets, Press Release | Comments Off on Gentex Awarded $13M U.S. Army Contract for Apache Aviator Integrated Helmet

Return of the TangoDown iO Cover for the Aimpoint T-1 Optic

July 25th, 2017

TangoDown is pleased to announce the return of the iO Cover for the Aimpoint™ T-1 (iO-003). The iO-003 maintains the same sleek & snug fit of the original iO cover.

Manufactured from durable thermoplastic polyurethane, the caps resist solvents, oils and UV exposure. Additionally, they accept most spray paints and hydro-dip processes.

The iO-003 offers deeper solid caps which provide protection from scratching the lenses.

They conveniently nest together to keep them out of the way while the optic is in use. In addition to deeper caps, the iO-003 has protection ears for the elevation adjustment cap. Protect your Aimpoint™ and know your expensive investment is safe under all conditions!

The iO-003 accommodates the following optics only: Aimpoint™ T-1/H-1/R-1

Current Color Options: Black & Flat Dark Earth

MSRP: $28.95

Visit tangodown.com/shop/io-cover for more information on the iO-003.

Tags: TangoDown
Posted in Advertiser, Optics, Press Release | 11 Comments »

You Never Know Where They’ll Show Up

July 25th, 2017

Greetings from the Atlantikwall Museum Nordwijk, The Netherlands.

This picture shows a distance meter made by Carl Zeiss Jena. The museum opens on Sundays.

Thanks JP!

Posted in KCRF | Comments Off on You Never Know Where They’ll Show Up

Radian Weapons – RAPTOR-LT Ambidextrous Charging Handle

July 24th, 2017

Radian Weapons' new Raptor-LT ambidextrous charging handles are machined from 7075 aluminum, MILSPEC Type III hard anodized, then over-molded with high-strength, fiberglass reinforced polymer.

They are compatible with AR15/M16 or AR10/SR25-pattern rifles ans available in black, flat dark earth, and grey, which are designed to match standard Magpul color offerings.

Like all Radian products, the Raptor-LT comes with a limited lifetime warranty and is 100% designed and manufactured in the USA.

radianweapons.com/accessories/charging-handles/raptor-lt-ambidextrous-charging-handle

Tags: Radian Weapons
Posted in Weapon Accessories | Comments Off on Radian Weapons – RAPTOR-LT Ambidextrous Charging Handle

NDIA Applauds Trump’s Intent For Defense Industrial Base Review

July 24th, 2017

ARLINGTON, VA – The National Defense Industrial Association applauded Friday President Donald Trump’s intent to sign an executive order for a wide “whole of government” review of the defense industrial base, saying the action is a long time in coming and offering its hand in research and study.

“The review is long overdue,” said retired Air Force Gen. Hawk Carlisle on Friday. “Fully understanding sound, solid ways to strengthen our industrial base is crucial to U.S. national security.”

Comments from Carlisle, president and CEO of the Arlington, VA-based defense nonprofit organization that champions issues and policy for a strong defense industrial base, came after the White House announced Friday that Trump would sign the “Executive Order on Assessing and Strengthening the Manufacturing and Defense Industrial Base and Supply Chain Resiliency of the United States.”

The order says the United States has lost more than 60,000 factory jobs and more that 5 million manufacturing jobs since 2001, Trade Policy Director Peter Navarro said during a press briefing. America’s defense industrial base now facing increasing gaps in its capabilities, he said.

Carlisle agreed. “The United States must concentrate on its ability to stay ahead,” he said. “We need to ensure that we maintain core capabilities and advance our manufacturing capacity and supply chain. We have to build better and faster, and we have to ensure that we have the workforce available to make that happen.”

Warfighting capability versus capacity is among those issues. “We don’t have capacity for what the nation is asking our warfighters to do,” Carlisle said. For instance, he said, there is a shortage of fighter jets as well as pilots to fly them. “We are on a precipice,” he said, “and we are burning out our warriors.”

Carlisle said NDIA is ready to work with both the Defense Department and industry to complete this review under the whole-of-government approach, which calls on diverse segments of government to study an issue for a common solution.

“Our 80,000-plus members are the best and brightest, and the reason NDIA remains a leader in defense and national security organizations,” Carlisle said. “We are ready to get this examination started.”

Trump was expected to sign the executive order Friday night; it is then due to be done 270 days later, likely by next spring. The Pentagon will lead the review, considered the first such assessment of the defense industrial base.

NDIA offers Carlisle and its broad base of defense industry experts for further comment on this executive order.

Tags: NDIA
Posted in Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on NDIA Applauds Trump’s Intent For Defense Industrial Base Review