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Massif Offers PCU Level 7

October 21st, 2014

Designed for use down to -60 Deg F, the Level 7 garments from Massif are components of the latest update of the USSOCOM issued Protective Combat Uniform, Block 2. Yes, this is the actual garment issued to SOF. Although Massif is well known for their FR garments, the Level 7 Jacket and Pants are non-FR.

Massif did a great job redesigning the garments which retain the same overall functionality of their earlier incarnations with a few new enhancements. They’ve significantly reduced the weight from earlier incarnations of PCU Level 7 knocking about 25 ounces off of the total weight of the Jacket, Vest and Pants (size Medium) in this version.

The big story here is the fabric selection for this ensemble. The face fabric is 2.1oz Nextec Peak 40D Ripstop which is not only lightweight and tear resistant but the fabric is encapsulated in Silicone so it sheds and won’t absorb water. The liner too is a lightweight 40D ripstop fabric but is 1.5oz Brookwood Ecology which you may remember from the Level 4 windshirt. It has a very soft hand and is comfortable against wind and sun chapped skin. For insulation, Massif chose 3.6oz Climashield Apex for its CLO factor and compressibility. Zippers are color matched and incorporate zipper garages.

Level 7 Jacket

The Jacket has an ergonomically shaped, helmet-compatible smart hood for improved peripheral vision. It has a rear adjustment cord with barrel lock to keep it where you want it.

Additionally, there are two internal mesh pockets for water bottles or other items you need to keep warm as well as a zippered chest pocket accessible from the outside of the jacket.

Finally, there are two large, hand warmer pockets accessible via zippers on each side of the jacket.

Level 7 Pant

The Pants have full side zips for ventilation, and easy donning and doffing. Additionally, there is reinforced fabric along the knee for increased durability. They’ve also retained the elasticized waist to accommodate varying thicknesses of underlayers.

Overall, this new design has reduced garment weight, and improved functionality and comfort. Feedback from the field has been very positive.This a great opportunity for individuals as well as organizations that are not part of the SPEAR program to incorporate Level 7 into their gear. It’s important to note that Massif offers GSA and contract pricing for approved customers. Additionally, they have been very good in the past at working with individual military and LE. Available in MultiCam, sizes Small – XXLarge in Regular and Long lengths.

Tags: Brookwood, Climashield, Massif, Nextec, PCU
Posted in Clothing | 8 Comments »

SIG SAUER Gives Us A Look At Their Modular Handgun System Candidate

October 21st, 2014

At AUSA, SIG SAUER‘s Kevin Brittingham walked us through their candidate for the Army’s Modular Handgun System program which may replace the M9 Pistol issued since the mid-80s and based on the Beretta 92F.

Although based on the commercially available P320 modular pistol, SIG made a few changes to be in compliance with the Army’s requirement.

-Tan Color
-Ambi Thumb Safety
-Lower Profile Ambi Slide Release
-Loaded Chamber Indicator
-Trigger Boot
-Firing Pin Assembly

Although SIG is very optimistic about their chances, they also look at programs like this as an opportunity to improve their firearms. Some of these changes may we find their way into the P320 and other SIG firearms.

Tags: Sig Sauer
Posted in Contracts, weapons | 21 Comments »

Pipe Hitters Union – 10-Year Anniversary Gun Giveaway

October 21st, 2014

In celebration of their 10-Year Anniversary, Pipe Hitters Union is having a giveaway. One lucky winner will receive a variety of prizes, including apparel, load carrying gear, and a knife, from the following companies:

– Pipe Hitters Union
– Grey Ghost Gear
– Tactical Tailor
– MOTUS

Additionally, the prize pack includes a Bretheren Armament BAP 9mm pistol, styled with custom PHU cerakoting and engraving.

For more details, and to enter, visit www.pipehittersunion.com/phu-10-year-anniversary-gun-giveaway

Tags: Pipe Hitters Union
Posted in Contest | 4 Comments »

EOTech Is Discontinuing The Integrated Fore-End Lights (IFL) Product Line

October 21st, 2014

EOTech has announced to all distributors that they are discontinuing the Integrated Fore-End Lights (IFL) product line, citing an inconsistent supply of materials from their vendors. The full release can be read below:

October 20, 2014

Dear EOTech Distributors:

This letter is to inform your company that EOTech is discontinuing the distribution of its line of Integrated Fore-End Lights (IFL). The discontinuation will include all models and sku’s, for both the Mossberg 500 and Remington 870 firearms. Effective immediately, all existing purchase orders in EOTech’s system will unfortunately be canceled. We are giving notice of these product changes in order for your company to adjust its product purchasing records and close any orders that are pending.

We request that you carefully review these changes and notify your buyers so no future orders are placed. Additionally, effective immediately, MAP restrictions will be lifted to assist you in the movement of current inventory.

Warranty and customer service inquiries regarding the product line will continue unchanged per the L-3 Warrior Systems/EOTech contact information provided in the product literature.

If you have questions and would like to discuss the changes noted above or if you need information about adding new products to your program, please contact your EOTech sales representative directly and they will provide additional information and options.

The decision to exit this business was due to the inconsistent supply of materials from our vendors. We appreciate your understanding and assistance in helping us, help you, minimize the impact of this product discontinuation on your company. We would also like to thank you for your continued support and success of the EOTech product line.

www.eotechinc.com

Tags: EOTech
Posted in weapons | Comments Off on EOTech Is Discontinuing The Integrated Fore-End Lights (IFL) Product Line

Limitless Gear – OPFOR Magazine Carrier

October 21st, 2014

Limitless Gear has announced that the OPFOR 5.56 AR-15 Magazine Carrier is currently in production and is available to order. The OPFOR is a high strength polymer magazine carrier system which features two exclusive technologies:

Rapidly Scalable Equipment Ensemble (RSEE \R-C\), which is a new MOLLE/PALS compatible attachment system. RSEE enables users to quickly and effortlessly adjust or transfer their loadout to adjust to changing mission requirements.

Positive Magazine Retention (PMR), which is a magazine retention technology that automatically locks magazines in place. To remove a magazine all the user has to do is apply a natural twist and pull. PMR is designed to eliminate the need for flaps or bungee cords which can obstruct access to magazines.

OPFOR is made in the USA. Available in Coyote Brown.

www.limitlessgear.com

Tags: Limitless Gear
Posted in Load Carrying | 1 Comment »

Combat Boots, They’re Made For Combat

October 20th, 2014

From our friends at Do You Even Airborne Bro?

Tags: Do You Even Airborne Bro?
Posted in Boots | 30 Comments »

Hodge Defense AU Mod 2 Details Emerge

October 20th, 2014

Hodge Defense has been kind enough to pass along some details on the upcoming AU Mod 2. It’s a great machine that got a lot of behind-closed-doors exposure last week at AUSA.

The material story is quite interesting. Although we can’t say too much right now, the idea came to Jim Hodge a little more than a year ago, from a trusted agent in the small arms that alerted him to the info that ALCOA Defense was working on a new material. Jim ran with the information and it turns out that this new material, that’s never been used in small arms production until now, is Aluminum Lithium (AlLi). It’s lighter than 7000 series aluminum, exhibiting just 7% less strength than the characteristics we associate with Ti. Naturally, this means it’s expensive.

Hodge is working with ALCOA Defense to finish the details on the custom enhanced forgings that will get these guns rolling out. The forged upper receiver features a newer geometry, slightly thicker walls, and some proprietary tweaks. The forged lower has an integrated trigger guard and ambi controls. Both are reverse compatible with all mil-spec receivers. All aluminum will be type 3 hard coat anodized in black initially, and later DE, although truth be told, the AlLi is so corrosion resistant you don’t need it except to reduce shine. Additionally, Hodge Defense will offer 7075 receiver sets as an aftermarket product for those who are looking for the upgrades in design but at the lower price of the 7075.

The AU Mod 2 also features a proprietary handguard, with a patent pending lock-up for the Ti barrel nut. I’ve seen it and it is very slick and very strong. Although you can see KeyMod in the photo, the carbine will initially come with MLok and the KeyMod variant will follow shortly after. Additionally, a version of the handguard in 7075 will be available for sale separately and they are considering offering the AlLi model that comes with the rifle as well for aftermarket sale. If you’re wondering why Hodge is going with 7075 Al for the aftermarket handguard, it offers 40% more strength than the 6061 used in many handguards.

The barrel is cold hammer forged, 1/7 twist, mid gas, and Chrome Lined.

Finally, the AU Mod 2 will incorporate an ambi-charging handle, bar stock controls, tuned GI trigger, Magpul SL stock and MOE+ grip, impact extruded buffer tube, H buffer, and enhanced BCG.

These will continue to be hand built guns in San Antonio, Texas at the Hodge Defense shop and I expect to see them available before the end of the year. Hodge is also in negotiation with an industry partner to offer production versions of the AU Mod 2.

www.hodgedefense.com

Tags: ALCOA Defense, Hodge Defense Systems
Posted in Black Rifle | 13 Comments »

SilencerCo Launches Aftermarket Threaded Pistol Barrels

October 20th, 2014

Today, SilencerCo announced a line of pre-threaded aftermarket pistol barrels for most common Glock models, and the Sig P226. The full release can be read below:

WEST VALLEY CITY, UTAH – October 20, 2014 | Silencer industry leader SilencerCo launched a line of threaded aftermarket pistol barrels today.

This step towards diversification is the first of several planned accessories expansions from the Utah-based company, who has garnered a loyal customer base by offering innovative products and best-in-the-business customer service. While rifle barrels can easily be threaded to accept a suppressor, most pistols require the purchase of a threaded aftermarket barrel to take advantage of the benefits a silencer can offer.

“The only thing better than a normal pistol barrel is a threaded pistol barrel,” stated SilencerCo CEO Joshua Waldron. “All pistol silencers require one. We noticed a market need for high quality pistol barrels and we stepped in to offer them.”

SilencerCo will begin sales with most common Glock models this year, adding select Sig Sauer, Springfield XD and Smith & Wesson M&P models in the first quarter of 2015. Barrels for Glock 17 and 21 can be purchased now on the company’s website and will ship in late October.

www.silencerco.com/threaded-barrels

Tags: Silencerco
Posted in weapons | 6 Comments »