Smith Optics helped sponsor the 2013 Gelände Quaffing Grudge Match and now they are continuing the fun by holding the ‘Off The Wagon Days’ on 1 September in downtown Ketchum, Idaho. If you’re in town, check it out.
More Gelände Quaffing from Smith Optics
August 28th, 2013Fight And Flight Tactical – LLAMA Pack
August 28th, 2013
The LLAMA pack is designed to be a low-profile, multi-mission capable assault pack. The main compartment features a hydration/armor pouch, hangers for soft armor or hydration badder, loop on pocket for mounting accessories, and a hydration port. The front compartment is designed for accessing contents from left, right, or top and has a hydration hanger in the top of the pocket for an alternate or secondary hydration bladder.
Exterior side slip pockets each have a PALS webbing face for mounting exterior pouches. The pack face has five rows, four columns of PALS webbing and extended loops on the ends for routing shock cord to contain loose gear. Two axe loops on the lower face can be used for rifle barrels for muzzle-down carry – up to two rifles can be carried in this manner.
The tailgate has seven rows, five columns of PALS webbing, and loop fastener for name tapes and patches. The rear features a pocket for carrying longer rifles in muzzle-up position, and a hydration hanger for an alternate or tertiary hydration bladder. The tailgate is also removable, and secures to the pack with 1″ side release buckles and ITW quick-attach surface mount buckles.
A removable kidney pad secures into the main pack in a dedicated slot with hook and loop. It features 1/2″ orthotic foam padding and 8mm antimicrobial airmesh. The fit is adjustable, and it features two rows, six columns of PALS webbing. The shoulder straps feature 1/4″ orthotic foam padding and 8mm antimicrobial airmesh. They feature web dominators for commo cable and hydration tube management, and the sternum strap is removable. The back panel features 1/4″ orthotic foam padding and 8mm antimicrobial airmesh. Arm loops allow for the LLAMA to be use as an entry shield when outfitted with armor, and the back panel also has slots for internal frame stays, up to 1.5” wide x 15” long.
The LLAMA comes in the following camos and colors: MultiCam, Kryptek Highlander, Kryptek Typhon, Kryptek Nomad, Kryptek Madrake, Black, Ranger Green, Foliage Green, Pink, and Coyote brown; liner available in hi-vis orange or tactical Tan 499. A jumpable version will be available soon.
Winter’s Coming (In The Literal Sense)
August 28th, 2013Winter’s Coming. Are you prepared?
Here you can see the Mayflower UW Gen V Chest Rig and the Velocity Systems Overwhites, both in Kryptek Yeti.
Advanced Gunslinger Armament’s Hybrid Instant Transition Sling
August 28th, 2013This is a guest post from a local friend of SSD, Carlo Galinato as he discusses the HIT Sling from Advanced Gunslinger Armament, a company owned by a Navy SEAL. The market is rife with slings. They are a commodity item. I’m sure that someone is going to come long and tell us that their buddy developed a sling similar to this one. That’s ok. Your buddy didn’t invent the sling either. Some of you other guys might see this and decide it’s worth checking out.
When shopping for a sling, shooters usually choose between a single point and a two point sling, evaluating the pros and cons of each system to see which fit their needs the best. There are various hybrid slings currently on the market that allow the user to switch between a single point and a two point sling setup. Most of these hybrid slings lack the retention needed when transitioning between the two. This is where the Hybrid Instant Transition (HIT) Sling comes into play and fills that retention deficiency.
Advanced Gunslinger Armament (AGA) is a SOF Veteran owned company and is the creator of the HIT Sling. Developed through multiple deployments by a Navy SEAL, the HIT Sling has undergone various revisions and improvements to the production version you see today. The HIT Sling is the only sling on the market that allows the shooter to instantly transition from a two point sling to a single point sling all while never losing the retention of the firearm. AGA accomplishes this instant transition through the help of Blue Force Gear’s RED swivel.
I’ve taken the sling with me through a couple of carbine courses along with a dozen range visits over the last three months. The ease of carrying a carbine in two point configuration coupled with the ability to shoot freely in single point setup is quite uplifting. In the past, I primarily utilized a padded two point sling for most of the shooting that I do. Although I have not felt any difference in comfort with the HIT sling’s non-padded one inch nylon webbing, AGA has informed me that they plan on releasing a version with 1.25in or 1.5in nylon webbing for those wanting more comfort. The researching of quality components along with a test bed of SOF members has proved this sling to be a powerful contender for those wanting the best of both worlds.
Carlo Galinato
Boombot Media
“Caption This” Contest
August 28th, 2013
Caption this US Air Force photo of CSAF Gen Mark Welsh III during a recent visit to PACAF. I saw it and figured there’s some pure comedy gold out there. The winner will receive a Keep Calm – Return Fire Patch and have my admiration.
To enter:
1. In the comments section of THIS article on SSD share your caption. Only entries here are eligible to win.
2. Comments are open from now until 0001 Zulu on 30 August 2013.
3. Use any alias you want to post but be sure to use a valid email address since that’s how we’ll contact the winner.
4. 1 winner will be selected from the comments we receive. It will be the best caption, in our opinion.
5. One entry per email address. We will delete entries that violate this policy.
6. Must be 18 to enter. Void where prohibited.
S.O. Tech Using History To Inspire New Designs
August 27th, 2013
Stars and Stripes recently published an article on James Cragg, president and CEO of S.O. Tech. It details how Cragg and his company found inspiration in Civil War-era equipment such as Union Army Captain Anson Mills’ woven cartridge belt and cavalrymen’s saddlebags when designing their gear. Cragg, having two years ago attended attended the US Cavalry School in Montana to study the gear of the Indian Wars period, and this year attended the 150th Anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, has a firm understanding of the equipment of the era and how mistakes and innovations made then can be learned from to create better gear for the present.
Full article: korea.stripes.com/news/technical-advances-during-civil-war-make-advances-innovation-today
A-TACS LE Camo Pattern Now Available
August 27th, 2013
The long awaited A-TACS LE pattern that was featured at SHOT 2013 is now available for purchase through Schott Performance Fabrics. A-TACS LE camo was developed for, and with the assistance of, law enforcement professionals. It’s designed less for concealment and more as a “show of force” pattern for specialized situations that require the use of Special Operations or Tactical Response Teams.
Additionally, not only are the A-TACS camo patterns including A-TACS LE the official patterns of the Spirit of Blue Foundation, but for every product purchased in the A-TACS LE camo pattern, Digital Concealment Systems will be donation a portion of the proceeds to the Spirit of Blue Foundation.
Be on the lookout for future announcements regarding the availability of products featuring new A-TACS LE Camo.
www.schottfabrics.com/
www.spiritofblue.com/
Most Innovative Use of Mayflower Chest Rig
August 27th, 2013
This photo from Mayflower customer CT shows that you can use that UW Gen IV chest rig for things other than just carrying magazines. Just show this photo to your wife or SO before you purchase one as a means to persuade them that it truly is a great investment.
