GORE-TEX Defense Fabrics’ All Weather Integrated Clothing System

SHIELD Sights Announces OMSsc Micro Red Dot Sight

February 14th, 2025

For Immediate Release: Crewkerne England – Pioneer in red dot sight manufacturing and design, SHIELD Sights announces the OMSsc Sub Compact Red Dot Sight. The OMSsc is the first transparent roof red dot sight providing an unparalleled field of view and a more accurate measure of ambient light conditions.

The OMSsc takes the compact and unobstructed field of view to the next level. Like the RMSsc, the OMSsc uses the smaller CR1632 battery to minimize the sight width and  provide a seamless fit with the smallest pistols on the market. The main body is composed of machined aerospace grade T6 6082 Aluminium and anodized for excellent corrosion resistance. The all-new clear glass lens has no magnification and features an anti-reflective clear coating to provide an unobstructed view of the field of fire.

Like the other optics in the SHIELD Sights line up, The OMSsc shares the SHIELD standard footprint allowing backward and forward compatibility and the ability to co-witness with standard height iron sights. The OMSsc is always ready with no need to shake awake or turn on, simply draw, aim, and shoot. The open top combined with an auto brightness adjustment that samples the ambient light thousands of times per second provides optimal brightness for the current lighting environment.

Features

– Aerospace grade anodized T6 6082 Aluminium offering excellent corrosion

– Zero magnification crystal clear glass lens with no colour anti-reflective coating

– Micro compact body design

– Available in 4 or 8MOA options

– CR1632 3V Lithium 1.5 year average use

– Night Vision compatible

– IP67 Rating

MSRP: $379.99

Website: www.shieldsights.com

GPO’s New CENTURI 3-12x44i Super Compact Riflescope Perfect for Compact MSR’s, and Rimfire Rifles

February 14th, 2025

RICHMOND, Va. (Feb. 11, 2025) — GPO USA, a leading manufacturer of sporting optics and accessories, is proud to announce its latest high-performance riflescope, the CENTURI™ 3-12x44i Super Compact. This riflescope is designed for shooters seeking premium optics with unparalleled compactness.

Engineered specifically for short, ultralight MSR and rimfire rifles, the second focal plane non-magnifying reticle CENTURI riflescope incorporates all the essential features desired by North American shooters and hunters. Measuring just 9.9 inches in length and weighing only 18.9 ounces, it delivers the perfect blend of value and performance. The double HD glass elements provide exceptional optical clarity, ensuring vivid detail. The G4i illuminated micro-dot reticle enhances precision targeting, while the fast-focus ocular allows for quick adjustments.

Additional features include a 30mm tube, full 100-inch elevation and windage adjustment capabilities, and a third turret parallax adjustment knob, a particularly rare feature for a riflescope with a maximum magnification of 12X. It also boasts GPObright™ lens coating technology, PASSIONdrop™ hydrophobic lens coatings, SFP-capped ¼ MOA Zero-Stop reset turrets, and a magnification throw lever. The CENTURI 3-12x44i comes with several accessories, including a see-through bikini scope cover for both the objective and ocular lenses, an instruction manual, a microfiber cleaning cloth, and a CR2032 battery.

“This is a particularly unique scope for the compact riflescope market. It’s a precision, full-strength, big-bore riflescope built on a 9.9-inch frame,” said Mike Jensen, owner of GPO USA. “A 3-12x44i scope, just over 9 inches, with a third turret parallax adjustment—MSR and rimfire guys are eating it up.”

Whether navigating tight terrains or seeking precision in the field, the CENTURI 3-12x44i showcases compact versatility and optical excellence, making it an ideal choice for those who demand both high performance and value from their optics.

It also comes with GPO USA’s industry-leading Spectacular Lifetime Warranty™, which is fully transferable. If the product is not functioning properly, GPO USA will repair or replace it with a product of equal or greater value in perfect working condition.

CENTURI 3-12x44i Super-Compact Specifications

Item#:   RC420

Magnification:  3x-12x

Weight:   18.9 oz.

Length:   9.9”

Eye Relief:  3.75”

FOV@100y:  45’-11’

Tube size:   30mm

Turret Click Adj. ¼ MOA

Max Elevation:  100 inches

Max Windage:  100 inches

Turret style:  Capped

Turret Zero Stop: No

Locking Turret:  No

Locking Turret Rotation indicator: No

Turret rotation UP: Counter-Clockwise

Throw Lever:  Provided

Reticle Illuminated: G4i

Parallax: Yes

Parallax:  10y to infinity

The new PASSION™ CENTURI 3-12x44i Compact riflescope has an MSRP of $519.99. It is currently available at select retailers nationwide and conveniently online at www.gpo-usa.com.

Strike Industries Launches Next Generation Textile and Gear Initiative

February 14th, 2025

Las Vegas, February 14, 2025 – Strike Industries is launching a new division dedicated to revolutionizing smart textile technology for combat, duty, and first responder use. This effort is made possible through Strike’s most recent collaboration with Little King Global, one of the world’s most advanced fabric developers and is a major supplier of smart high performance textiles to major athletic brands including Nike and Under Armour.

This new division’s key mission is to help develop next generation fabric technologies tailored for tactical operations, enhancing comfort, durability, and performance in the field. After months of intensive research and development, we are excited to introduce two breakthrough innovations which are now available for licensing and collaboration with industry leaders and defense forces.

Silent Magazine Pouches

Traditional hook-and-loop (Velcro) fasteners have provided excellent security for magazine pouches and a variety of load bearing equipment for many years. However, the noise they generate can compromise stealth during critical operations.

“Taco” and kydex insert style solutions have been a major improvement but they still leave some room for the possibility of magazines or items falling out. There’s also still some sound inevitably made when removing mags or other gear.

To address these concerns we’ve created a Silent Magazine Pouch which features a 3D Sheer Force Distribution Design (Patent Pending) that completely eliminates all sound when the cover flap is lifted to access your mags or other items while maintaining a strong and reliable fastening performance.

Reactive Camouflage

Strike has also developed a prototype, which was first displayed at 2025 SHOT Show, of a UV Reactive Camouflage fabric that enables soldiers to have their uniform adapt its color based on the UV exposure in their environment – naturally enhancing concealment in the matter of seconds.

Future developments will focus on expanding the reactive properties based on additional environmental factors, including temperature, humidity, and thermal signature management to further aid the modern soldier’s ability to survive and effectively fight in various combat situations.

Join Us In Shaping the Future of Next Generation Textiles and Gear Strike Industries’ Next Generation Textiles and Gear Division is committed to pushing the boundaries of textile technology and is seeking collaborative partnerships to pursue new solutions for our Armed Forces and Allies.

For more information or inquiries, please contact sales@strikeindustries.com (Attn: NGTG)

SIG SAUER Global Defense Range Demo Day – Pitbull Remote Control Weapon Station

February 14th, 2025

SIG SAUER showcased their Pitbull Remote Control Weapon Station during the recent Global Defense Range Demo Day in Las Vegas. This is their third generation from an internal development standpoint but SIG considers it their first commercial generation.

There is currently a small number systems mounted on autonomous vehicles (HMMWV and M113-based) operational in Israel with that number tripling in the near future.

The system has been mounted on vehicles, fixed positions as well as tripods, maritime platforms, and has even shown promise on large Unmanned Air Systems.

It is scalable and will accept different machine guns with a different yoke and cradle, based upon the weapon used. Seen here is the MMG in 338 NM, but it will also accept the XM250 in various calibers (and similar MGs like FN MAG) as well as the M2 MG.

The RCWS is lightweight at 85 kg lbs without weapon and has a silhouette of just 60 cm. There are no center of gravity issues and stabilization and tracking are accomplished using two single-axis gimbals with mechanical hard stops on wise and elevation for safety. Additionally, the base can be slewed at a rate of 90° per second with compete 360° rotation.

For surveillance and to identify targets and items of interest, the system’s sensors consist of an integrated eye-safe laser range finder and EO/IR optics with 40x optical zoom on the day side. The images are low latency for rapid target acquisition and engagement.

To interface with the software, the user manipulates the touchscreen Ranger Control Unit which can be hard wired or connected remotely via a communications system.

While the weapon station itself is impressive, the real magic is in the software. And by magic, I mean artificial intelligence. For instance, there is target reconciliation and target modeling software to teach the system what legitimate targets and other items of interest look like. Naturally, this leads to automotive target detection.

The RCU can be used for simple point and shoot or cursor on target engagement, but the software offers several other interesting modes of operation:

Fire Assist – This user definable mode selects shot group size (in centimeters) and will only engage when the shots will land within that designated target space. The software only engages the target when it aligns a shot which will hit within that target space, even if the RWCS is mounted to a platform which is moving

Speed Advance – This predictive mapping capability is meant for moving targets as well as for Counter-UAS engagements. Once again, the software only engages the target when it aligns a shot which will hit the target, even if the RWCS is mounted to a platform which is moving. The software also analyzes the speed of a moving target and applies the appropriate lead.

Video Radar – In a stand alone mode, without connection to additional sensors like RADAR, this mode uses the video sensors to automatically detect and track up to five items of interest.

Fire Inhibiting Zones: These user definable areas can be designated to prevent blue-on-blue incidents or to avoid collateral damage.

Here is a video provided by SIG SAUER.

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Wool Beanie w/ Leather Patch

February 14th, 2025

The FirstSpear WOOL BEANIE W/ LEATHER PATCH is a high-quality, American-made winter essential designed for warmth and comfort. Crafted from ACM 600 Merino Wool blend, it provides supreme insulation while wicking away moisture to keep you dry. Whether you’re at the range or navigating city streets, this beanie delivers both function and style.

Its carefully tapered design extends slightly longer at the neck to provide insulating protection against cold drafts while keeping the beanie securely in place during movement. 

The double-stitched edging enhances durability and ensures long-lasting wear. Featuring a stylishly offset laser-engraved leather FS logo patch it fully covers the ears offering a sleek look.

Its soft, comfortable construction makes it ideal for all-day wear. Proudly sourced and made in the USA, it reflects FirstSpear’s commitment to quality and performance.

Designed as a one-size-fits-most accessory, it offers a versatile fit for various head sizes. The combination of Merino wool and polyester enhances durability while maintaining warmth and breathability.

FirstSpear is the premier source for cutting edge-tactical gear for military, law enforcement and those who train. For more information visit First-Spear.com.

Army Breaks Ground on State-of-the-Art 6.8 mm Ammunition Production Facility

February 14th, 2025

INDEPENDENCE, Missouri – The U.S. Army’s Joint Program Executive Office for Armaments and Ammunition, along with the Joint Munitions Command, officially broke ground on a new 6.8 mm ammunition production facility in support of the Next Generation Squad Weapon Program at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant on Wednesday, Feb. 5. The 6.8 mm family of ammunition, set to be produced at the new facility, will play a vital role in advancing the Army’s modernization priorities.

Developed collaboratively by the JPEO A&A, the U.S. Army’s Combat Capabilities Development Command’s Armaments Center, and the Army Research Laboratory, the 6.8 mm family of ammunition is specifically engineered to maximize the performance of the XM7 Rifle and the XM250 Automatic Rifle. When fired through these Next Generation Squad Weapons, 6.8 mm rounds deliver increased range, improved accuracy, and enhanced lethality, ensuring Soldiers maintain overmatch on the battlefield.

“It is not lost on me that victory on the battlefield begins in our production facilities,” said Maj. Gen. John T. Reim, Joint Program Executive Officer for Armaments and Ammunition. “Lake City has been central to our nation’s ammunition production since 1941, and this new facility builds on that proud and historic legacy.”

The cutting-edge facility, which will be operated by Olin Winchester, is the culmination of an 18-month design process led by JPEO A&A with support from a diverse team of U.S. government and commercial contractors.

Spanning 450,000 square feet, the facility will feature modern manufacturing systems capable of producing all components of 6.8 mm ammunition. This includes cartridge case and projectile manufacturing, energetic operations for loading and charging ammunition, product packaging, process quality controls, testing laboratories, maintenance operations and administrative areas.

With 90% of the work supported by industries in the Kansas City region and nearly 50 local businesses involved in the construction, the new facility will strengthen the defense industrial base, create well-paying jobs, and will drive economic growth in the local community.

Once operational, the facility will have an annual production capacity of 385 million cases, 490 million projectiles and 385 million load-assemble-pack operations for 6.8 mm ammunition. This enhanced capacity will significantly bolster U.S. munitions production, ensuring the Army maintains its readiness and ability to serve as a credible deterrent to would-be adversaries.

JPEO A&A and the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Command Armaments Center are headquartered at Picatinny Arsenal, New Jersey. Together, they play a critical role in developing, procuring and fielding cutting-edge armaments and ammunition, ensuring the readiness and modernization of the U.S. Army and its international partners.

By U.S. Army Public Affairs

The Next Ridgeline by the Green Beret Foundation

February 13th, 2025

Are you recently retired, separated, or preparing to transition out of service? The Next Ridgeline 2.0, a Green Beret Foundation program, empowers Green Berets and their families to navigate a purposeful transition. This program provides comprehensive support and resources, creating a seamless pathway to meaningful post-service opportunities.

Join us in finding your next Ridgeline in 2025. Submit your request for Next Ridgeline support:

greenberetfoundation.org/request-support

SureFire Field Notes Ep 77 – The Most important Lesson in Driving: Travis Hanson w/ Team O’Neil Rally School

February 13th, 2025

In this episode of SureFire Field Notes, Travis Hanson of the famous Team O’Neill Rally School talks about one of the most fundamental skills many drivers fail to master, looking where you want the car to go, because where you are looking is where the car is going.