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AUSA – D3O Introduces Internal Knee Pad System

October 15th, 2014

D3O has introduced a new two-piece, integrated knee pad system. The outer shell is a hard plastic, protecting the knee from hard knocks and sharp objects. It also features a flat spot to make taking a knee a little more natural. Leveraging D3O’s Trauma Reduction and Unrivalled Shock Technology (TRUST) technology, the insert is made from two different 3D0 high performance materials for comfort and shock mitigation. The LITE foam offers cushioning and the D3O XT absorbs shock, particularly over the knee cap.

The pads can be worn in three ways. The insert alone inside a kneepad slot. The two components together inside a kneepad slot. Or, the insert inside the slot and the outer shell on the exterior of the slot. The four slotted circles you see at the edges are the tops of tabs that line up with slots on the insert. You twist them to lock them in place in order to keep the two pieces together.

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Available soon in the US through Tactical Distributors, it can be integrated into many existing trousers by wearing just the insert piece or the two components together, inside a kneepad flap. Additionally, new pants can be manufactured to accept the D3O pad system by sewing 14 small sized buttonholes in order to accommodate the interface. This will allow users to wear the hard shell outsert on the outside of the knee in order to protect the fabric as well as the knee and the holes offer custom fit.

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AUSA – SIG SAUER Quick Attach Suppressors

October 15th, 2014

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SIG SAUER showed us their quick attach/detach suppressors offered in (l-r) .338, .30 and 5.56mm. We haven’t fired them so we can’t speak to performance or how the attachment contributes to suppressor blowback. However, just looking at them, there is an interesting feature. The system consists of a tapered adapter that is attached to the barrel. The suppressor attaches directly to the taper and a lock twists into place. The taper gives a lot of contact surface between the adapter and the suppressor. There are no shims or crush washers here; at least to mount the adapter. If you are going to run a muzzle brake, it does require a crush washer for proper alignment and it screws into threads in the adapter. The brake and suppressor do not contact one another.

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In these CAD drawings provided by SIG you can see how this attachment works. The suppressor rests against the taper.

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You can also see in this exploded view how the brake screws into the adapter.

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Although we didn’t photograph it, SIG is working on a new suppressor coating that they feel they can keep the suppressor (within CSASS parameters) cool enough to touch (~140 deg F) without burns.

AUSA – GD Flyer Features Accessories from Fighter Design USA

October 15th, 2014

General Dynamics was exhibiting their Flyer vehicle, selected for use by USOCOM. Fighter Design USA had several accessories on that vehicle including these quick release ratchet straps to hold cargo in place.

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Ratchet straps are commonly used to secure odd sized loads to the exterior of vehicles. The problem is that you can necessarily access them very quickly as you pop the ratchet loose, fighter Design’s Adam Slank took a look at it and came up with a different way. The solution is simple, yet ingenious making it easier to quickly access the equipment held in place with the ratchet strap. You pull a single pin and the entire strap is free. I really like solutions like this.

AUSA – Silynx Offering ANR Ear Pro

October 15th, 2014

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As part of their Tactical Communication and Protective System entry, Sylinx offered the U.S. Army what they are calling TCAPS Lite to help mitigate Noise Induced Hearing Loss. It offers the same Active Noise Reduction and volume control switches/battery case of the popular Clarus comms headset but without the ability to connect to a radio. This device offers a lower cost option for those not equipped with a radio but yet still require ANR which not only protects hearing but also increases situational awareness.

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silynxcom.com

AUSA – Rocky Updates Jungle Boot

October 15th, 2014

Based on feedback from the field, Rocky has updated their Jungle Boot, introduced about 18 months ago.

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In addition to the no-snag lacing they introduced last year, they’ve replaced the 550 cord laces with FR laces that don’t absorb water.

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They also slightly modified the balance of Cordura and leather area coverage to enhance breathability and they’ve incorporated a more durable ankle reinforcement.

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The biggest upgrade is in the sole. The older sole is on the left and the new model which incorporates a distinct heel is on the right. They also depended the lugs and made the gaps wider to more easily deal with mud.

www.rockyboots.com

AUSA – FNH Introduces CSASS Contender And In Doing So Will Offer MK 20 Commercially

October 15th, 2014

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At AUSA FNH USA is displaying their Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper System (CSASS) entry. Based on the tried and true SOF Combat Assault Rifle (SCAR) system, FN’s CSASS rifle is essentially the same package they developed for the Mk 20 Sniper Support Rifle selected by USSOCOM. FN also told me that the rifle would be available for commercial sale about a year from now and will be manufactured in the South Carolina plant. If you’ve been wanting an SSR, your chance is coming.

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Mk 20 SSR specs:

RECEIVER
-Hard-anodized monolithic aluminum receiver
-MIL-STD 1913 accessory rails at the 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock positions
-Adjustable, removable folding front and rearback-up iron sights

BARREL
-Hammer-forged, chrome-lined steel
-Fully free-floating design
-The barrel can be removed and replaced by the operator to facilitate cleaning and maintenance with negligible impact on previously established zero
-Flash hider optimized for suppressed fire

STOCK
-Non-folding, adjustable cheekpiece
-Length of pull adjusts without tools
-Aluminum and polymer construction

OPERATING CONTROLS
-Ambidextrous selector lever and magazine release
-Charging handle may be mounted on right or left side
-Enlarged trigger guard
-Adjustable gas regulator for use with or without suppressor to maintain felt recoil

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The extended hand guard was designed to accommodate mounting of the AN/PVS-30.

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The stock is adjustable for comb and length of pull.

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www.fnhusa.com

Magpul Industries – New M-LOK Accessories Available

October 14th, 2014

Some exciting news today, as Magpul Industries announced the release of four new M-LOK Accessories. The M-LOK compatible MVG, Offset Light/Optic Mount, QD Sling Mount, and Bipod Mount all offer increased functionality to M-LOK outfitted weapons. The new M-LOK accessories are made in the USA.

M-LOK MVG
M-LOK MVG

The M-LOK MOE Vertical Grip is designed to attach directly to M-LOK compatible handguards and forends, without the use of an additional Picatinny rail. Made from the same high-quality polymer as other Magpul products, the M-LOK MVG features Magpul’s new TPS texture which provides positive control for the shooter. With its shorter length and rounded contours, the M-LOK MVG has been optimized for the use of the ‘thumb break method’ of shooting, although it also functions equally well as a traditional foregrip.

M-LOK MVG 2

Available in Black and Flat Dark Earth.

store.magpul.com/product/MAG597/M-LOK

Offset Light Optic Mount Aluminum
M-LOK Offset Light/Optic Mount

The M-LOK Offset Light/Optic Mount offers users an ambidextrous platform to mount lights and optics at the 11 and 1 o’clock positions on any M-LOK compatible forend or handguard. It is machined from aluminum and milspec anodized, and has beveled ends and corners to reduce snagging and sharp edges. The M-LOK Offset Light/Optic Mount is compatible with any MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny compatible lights or optics. When used with the Magpul Light Mount V-Block and Rings, lights with a diameter of .75 to 1.03 inches can be used on the mount.

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Available in Black.

store.magpul.com/product/MAG604/M-LOK

QD mount
M-LOK QD Sling Mount

The M-LOK QD Sling Mount provides a forward attachment point for push-button QD slings, such as the Magpul MS4 sling. Machined from aluminum and milspec anodized, and has beveled ends to reduce snagging, and features an anti-rotation design to prevent swivels from spinning.

QD mount 2

Available in Black.

store.magpul.com/product/MAG606/M-LOK

Bipod Mount
M-LOK Bipod Mount

The M-LOK Bipod Mount accepts bipods with Harris-style stud mounts, allowing their attachment to M-LOK compatible forends and handguards. Machined from aluminum and milspec anodized, the Bipod Mount is low-profile, and thanks to the direct-connect properties of the M-LOK system, the bipod will sit closer to the mounting surface when compared to other adapters. Additionally, the M-LOK Bipod Mount is also compatible with other accessories that attach to traditional sling studs.

Bipod mount 2

Available in Black.

store.magpul.com/product/MAG609/M-LOK

As a reminder, M-LOK, which stands for Modular Lock System, is a free licensed platform system developed by Magpul that serves as an evolution of the MOE slot system used since 2007. It functions as a method for hard mounting accessories to a negative space mounting point.

M-LOK Overview from Magpul on Vimeo.

For more information on M-LOK, visit magpul.com/mlok.

TALON Grips Receives 4.81/5 On Review By The Members National Tactical Officers Association

October 14th, 2014

TALON Grips, a single piece wrap around adhesive grip designed to add a functional and positive interface between a firearm and its operator, have recently received a positive review by NTOA. The full release can be read below:

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colorado (August 15, 2014) – TALON Grips, Inc. is pleased to announce that the Members National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) have tested and recommends TALON Grips with an overall score of 4.81 out of 5.

“We were pleased to have the opportunity to participate in the NTOA’s ‘Member Tested and Recommended Program,’” said Mike Morris, president of TALON Grips. “TALON Grips strives to provide the most innovative and functional grips that will enhance the safety and user experience of law enforcement professionals and shooting enthusiasts alike.”
“TALON Grips are the least expensive, best upgrade you can make to any firearm,” said Kevin Kolvereid, current SWAT Team member and former Special Forces operative with the US Army.

The NTOA’s mission is to “enhance the performance and professional status of law enforcement personnel by providing a credible and proven training resource as well as a forum for the development of tactics and information exchange. The Association’s ultimate goal is to improve public safety and domestic security through training, education and tactical excellence.”

TALON Grips were created by a law enforcement officer, competitive shooter, firearms instructor, and armorer. The patented TALON Grips designs provide maximum coverage with minimal bulk. The increased interface between the user and the platform improves weapon retention, encourages quicker more accurate follow up shots with better recoil mitigation, and improve the user’s overall performance. Grips for over 100 models of firearms are available in rubber and granulate materials for different user preferences.

Founded in 2009 and located in Steamboat Springs, CO, TALON Grips are 100% made in USA. They are available through firearm retailers and directly from Talon Grips, Inc. at www.talongrips.com.