Crye Precision prepares a new catalog every year and hands them out at SHOT Show. They always run out. Now, you can have a digital copy. Be sure to check out the multitude of new products.
Crye Precision 2012 Catalog
August 1st, 2012It Has a Name – The MULE
August 1st, 2012We mentioned this new G-Code product awhile back and discussed its various attributes. Now we can tell you that it is called a MULE.
According to G-Code – The G-Code MULE is an ISS Carry Platform (Intermediate Suspension System) intended to bridge the gap between traditional belt and thigh transport options. It Rides Higher than a Drop Leg System and Lower than a Duty Mount. It gives the user total security of the weapon platform with the addition of a leg strap, but flexibility with the nylon down strap. Various Belt Attachment Methods are available for the MULE. 1) Standard Down Strap 2) REAC Down Strap 3) RTI Down Strap
Flip-Box
August 1st, 2012
Leading up to Outdoor Retailer you get loads of press releases. Some things are cooler than others, but this one looks interesting.
It’s a cooler that folds flat for transport and storage and flips open with a self-locking design. The Flip-Box is American-made from 100% Apro recyclable polypropylene; the same material used in bicycle helmets.
Look for it at OR in the Sport-Brella booth (BR543).
SSP LAAW Carrier
August 1st, 2012
This chunk of baddassery is an S&S Precision LAAW Carrier. I’ve been telling guys about it for quite awhile now but this graphic depicts exactly what I have been saying. The LAAW Clip holds the M72-series rocket in place on the wearer’s back until needed. Then, it can quickly be pulled forward and placed into action. Over or underhand. Your choice.
Why haven’t you liked SSP on Facebook yet.
Grey Ghost Gear Pack Contest Winners
July 31st, 2012
Willie Ben Bivins III, currently in Misawa-shi, Aomori Japan Sandstorm camo pack
Brady Schoepp of Sullivan WI Greenzone camo pack
Beau Chastain of Wichita, KS Badlands camo pack
Thank you to Grey Ghost Gear for including SSD readers in their generous contest.
US Army Seeks M110 Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper System
July 31st, 2012Project Manager Soldier Weapons has released a Sources Sought Notice for a Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper System (CSASS). A Sources Sought Notice is a tool used by acquisition officials to query industry on their ability to satisfy a requirement before it is finalized. It serves as a sanity check for a requirement from an industry standpoint as they provide feedback on their capabilities and their capacity to satisfy the need. Additionally, it may uncover a capability that was unknown to those in Government.
In this case, they are conducting a “market survey to identify potential sources for manufacturing a complete system or reconfiguring some or all of the existing 7.62 x 51mm M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System (SASS).”
The current M110 is a lightweight, direct gas operated, semi-automatic, box magazine fed, 7.62 x 51mm rifle intended to engage and defeat personnel targets out to 800 meters.
Specifically, the are looking for the ability to reconfigure existing M110s or, manufacture new complete systems to meet the following criteria:
1. Operation: Semi-automatic
2. Caliber: Compatible with 7.62x51mm NATO cartridges
3. Accuracy: Capable of 0.60″ AMR at 100m or better with match ammunition.
4. Size: Overall length shall be reduced using a shorter barrel and/or collapsible buttstock. Maximum overall assembled length of the rifle shall be not greater than 36 inches with the stock at its shortest position and no sound suppressor mounted.
5. Weight: Weight shall be no more than 9.0 lb for the unloaded rifle without optics and accessories.
6. Grip: A modular, adjustable pistol grip.
7. Trigger: A non-adjustable match style trigger.
8. Hand guard: A fore-end that includes a fixed 12 o’ clock rail with configurable 3, 6, and 9 o’ clock rails.
9. Sound suppressor: A muzzle mounted, detachable sound suppressor.
10. Muzzle device: A compensator/muzzle break compatible with the sound suppressor.
11. Bipod: Tool-less detachment featuring cant and pan/track capability.
12. Day optic: An Army specified variable power day optic and compatible rings.
13. Back up sights: Iron sights offset 45 deg from the DOS.
14. Sling attachment: Flush cup, quick detach sling attachment points.
15. Barrel and Receiver Life: Significant improvement from M110 requirements while enduring higher rates of fire.
In addition to the above listed enhancements, the CSASS must meet the operational and environmental requirements that were fulfilled by the original M110 SASS.
This means that the Army could be opening up the Compact Semi-Automatic Sniper System or M110 Carbine, as a free and open competition. There are some major implications here as Knights Armament Corp is the current incumbent for the M110.
The Government envisions the production requirement for CSASS is at an estimated range of 125 per month with a capability to ramp up to 325 per month.
For interested parties, the response date is 14 August, 2012.
Kryptek LEAF Highlander Camo Available from Cabela’s
July 31st, 2012
Cabela’s is carrying clothing in the Kryptek Highlander pattern. Seen here is the Kryptek Vidar Scout Vest. Kryptek Highlander is their transitional pattern in their family of camouflage patterns selected as a finalist for the US Army Camouflage Improvement Effort. These patterns are currently in Operational Testing with the US Army.
Disruptive Tech – 3D Printed AR-15 Lower
July 31st, 2012Tactical Fanboy picked this up the other day. Despite assertions elsewhere, by no means is this the first 3D printed firearm. It’s starting to make its way into the Main Stream Media and of course timing couldn’t be better so the ‘plastic’ gun and ‘anyone can print a gun’ talk has already started. To be sure, 3D printing is the next big thing. Industry is way out on front of Government on this issue as they are more concerned with patent and copyright infringement than anything else. Expect to see industry propose legislation to attempt to throttle printers in order to suppress certain types of items being produced.
The big issue in this instance is that a lower was produced. As far as ATF is concerned, that is the firearm. It is legal to build your own gun. However, as this technology proliferates, what would stop someone who cannot legally possess a firearm from printing critical parts and assembling a gun from the parts he couldn’t produce in house? A heavy question that balances liberty and social responsibility.
Will LE one day be on the lookout for unlicensed printers connecting to the network? Will everything we print have to be approved by a central server? Will printing certain items become illegal? These are all issues we will face in the not-too-distant-future. The capability presented by the 3D printer makes it an absolute Disruptive Technology.
HaveBlue of AR15.com has managed to create a working polymer AR-15 lower made from a 3D printer, specifically a mid 90’s Stratasys 3D printer. So far, the lower has been combined with a .22 LR upper, with over 200 rounds fired and no issues. A 5.56 upper was also used, with some feeding and extraction issues, however according to the creator this upper has also had problems with a standard aluminum lower.
A few other articles I’ve seen on this project have instantly jumped at the chance to (incorrectly) claim people now have the ability to create fully-functional firearms using just a 3D printer, so in the name of truth and fairness, I feel it’s important to mention that only the lower was created with the printer, not the trigger assembly and other required components.
AR-15.com thread detailing the project
