SIG SAUER - Never Settle

Announcing Patriot Weaponry

March 21st, 2016

Adam Mattis, President of R3 Strategic Consultancy is proud to announce the launch of a new AR manufacturer owned by US Army Veteran, Kody Karch. Patriot Weaponry aim to stand out in a sea of black-gun makers by producing what they dub to be the “Ferrari of ARs.” In partnership with Proof Research, Kody builds each weapon to the customers taste utilizing the finest in carbon fiber, titanium, and precision modified components. Give them a look!

Patriot Weaponry – Launch from R3 Strategic on Vimeo.

Hill People Gear – Connor Pocket / Pocket

March 21st, 2016

  
The Connor is the successor to HPG’s discontinued Highlander Pack. Although the Connor was designed as an add on pocket (their largest compression pocket, suitable for use on the Ute and larger packs), it can also be used as a stand alone pack when used with a harness.

Features:
-Large main dimensional pocket fully lined with First Spear’s 6/12 PALS cut velcro loop fabric lets you create whatever organizational system you want.
-Center zip outer pocket with stretchy tweave fabric on the outside expands as you stuff it.
-Twin outer mesh pockets on either side of the center zip. Meant for drying your socks on the trail. Sized to take a bike bottle size bottle.
-Hypalon compression wings can be folded underneath for use on the Ute pack or brought around to the front when the Connor is used stand alone. The wings have a 2 channel pals grid cut into them for additional pouches either inside or outside of the wings.
-Dual mini-wand pockets are just big enough to accept bike bottle sized bottle, but excel for smaller items like trekking or fishing poles.
-Generously long bottom compression straps.
-Stay pocket is accessible from the suspension side. Can be used to store other flat items if desired.
-Harness mounting points are midway up the back to allow for a wide range of torso lengths.
-Includes (2) ITW repair ladderloc buckles. In pack mode, they are used for the load lifters. In pocket mode, they can be used on the very bottom tabs to tie into the bottom most compression straps on the Ute pack.

www.hillpeoplegear.com

How About A Zipperless Sleeping Bag?

March 21st, 2016

Yep, it’s been done plenty of times, a sleeping bag with no zipper.  But the Nozipp uses magnets to keep the bag closed in cold weather, yet allow you to get right out without snagged zippers.

  
Additionally, the Nozipp boasts a “Comfortable Temperature Range” of 15°F to 65°F  because of the overlapping flaps design which allows the user to vent the bag in warmer weather yet snuggle up with double insulation over the torso.  That versatility also allows for extra room inside the bag when needed, like to keep gear warm.

  
Check it out on Kickstarter or www.nozipp.com.

SPARTANAT Limited Deployment Bag in PenCott GreenZone

March 21st, 2016

SPARTANAT is a relatively well known gear blog in Europe.  The 72 liter SPARTANAT Limited Deployment Bag is their first foray into goods, after writing about them for many years.  It is being manufactured by Berlin’s Green Ant.  GreenZone camouflage is quite popular in the Germanic speaking countries.  It was all over the floor at IWA.

  
The SPARTANAT Limited Deployment Bag in PenCott GreenZone goes on sale this Wednesday.  Look for details soon.  

Military Through The Ages At The Jamestown Settlement

March 21st, 2016

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This previous weekend, the 19th and 20th, The Jamestown Settlement in Colonial Wiliamsburg was hosting a Military Through The Ages event, where volunteer reenactors played the part of military personnel of various ages, from the Roman Legions of the 1st century AD all the way through the modern day. At each encampment, visitors could view the weaponry, outfits, food, and other elements from the respective time periods.

Below, you can see a few highlights from our favorite encampments from the event:

Roman Legio IX – 62 AD

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The Fendvald Vikings – 1000

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Das TeufelsAlpdrucken Fahnlein (The Devil’s Nightmare Regiment) – 1529

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MACV RECONDO School – 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne) – 1st Special Forces – 1966-1970

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Every encampment was staffed by eager volunteers who were more than willing to impart any knowledge that we requested, although the level of detail did vary between the various groups. The volunteer we spoke with at the Das TeufelsAlpdrucken Fahnlein encampment, for example, was very knowledgeable about the weaponry and tactics of the Germanic mercenaries, although we did stump him when we asked him exactly what part of Bavaria his ‘character’ hailed from; to be fair, we asked him about that level of detail mostly for fun, rather than trying to poke holes in his story.

Additionally, there was an artillery section, where groups from the various time periods fired off cannons and the like. There was a modern-day Howitzer being fired with blank canisters that as we’re sure you can imagine made quite the noise report.

All in all, it was a fun day to be had, and seeing various periods of warfare on display, enacted by passionate volunteers in period-accurate dress was a nice touch. We’re eager to see what next year’s event holds.

To learn more about ‘Military Through the Ages’, check out www.historyisfun.org/jamestown-settlement/military-through-the-ages.

Side Project LLC – LINK for CZ Scorpion + Magpul Zhukov Folding Stock Now Available For Order

March 21st, 2016

 

We told you about the new company Side Project LLC right at the beginning of SHOT Show and their upcoming LINK which allows you to mate a Magpul Zhukov stock as a side folder to your CZ Scorpion. Now, it’s available for order.

The Side Project LINK is machined from aircraft-grade aluminum with mil-spec anodized finish. Price includes LINK and Zhukov folding stock. Don’t forget, all 922(r) and NFA rules apply.

sideprojectllc.com/products/link-for-cz-scorpion-magpul-zhukov-folding-stock

Quality Costs

March 20th, 2016

I realize that the average American buys his jockey shorts in packs of six for five bucks from some big box store. But, he also knows nothing about the industry that made them for him. Those underpants are a commodity item, made as cheaply as possible for the convenience of the American consumer.  That does not translate well to products made for the military, and by extension, the tactical market.  

The things we write about in SSD aren’t commodity items for mass consumption. Whether they are made in the US or overseas, we generally write about specialized products. Those are going to cost more due to a variety of factors.  These include materials, construction (which includes the labor) and overhead (the cost of doing business)

I certainly can’t afford many of the things we place on SSD and I certainly don’t expect you too either. But crying about the price of an item is not a barometer of its value.  With value comes satisfaction.  

Regardless of whether an item is purchased or issued, please consider the old adage, “Buy once, cry once.” If it’s something you really need, you’ll figure out how to get it. Always remember, quality costs but quality works, and quality lasts.  

First Tactical – New Belt Line

March 20th, 2016

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Introducing First Tactical’s Line of Range and BDU Belts.

First Tactical Belts are pre-curved for an ergonomic fit and composed of a double layer reinforced nylon webbing with a HD polymer buckle.

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Each belt features a double bar buckle that is built for low profile and a metal-free, airport-friendly wear. Designed to have half the bulkiness of its competitors, the double bar buckle works with First Tactical’s flip tab adjustment to facilitate grip for easy cinch and release.

Each style of belt features a twill weave edge which provides smoother feeding through belt loops while five rows of stitching and two layers of rip-resistant HD nylon webbing provide strength for all of your gear.

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The belts also feature a small inner pocket, perfect for a cuff key, money, or other compact gear.

Both the Range and BDU Belts come in Black, Coyote, and OD Green with widths of 1.5” or 1.75”. Both sizes range from small to 4XL. The Range belts sell for $19.99, while the BDU Belts sell for $14.99.

www.firsttactical.com