XC3 Weaponlight

How to Archer: The Ultimate Guide to Espionage and Style and Women and Also Cocktails Ever Written

January 11th, 2012

Master Spy Sterling Archer has a new how-to guide that will be available just in time for SHOT Show entitled “How to Archer: The Ultimate Guide to Espionage and Style and Women and Also Cocktails Ever Written.”

Archer describes the contents so, “What other book will teach you how to dress properly and how to drive an elephant? How to field strip an AK-47 and how to haggle with a Thai prostitute—in her native tongue? How to pilot an airboat and how to make about a million delicious cocktails, including a Molotov one? How to kill a guy and how to prepare a fabulous brunch? Plus how to do tons of other stuff that I forgot, but that is nonetheless probably in this book (which, to be honest, I really only kinda skimmed).”

How could you pass up on this? Get yours January 17th, which also happens to the kick off day of SHOT Show.

Army Announces Camouflage Improvement Effort Finalists

January 10th, 2012

After several delays, the Army has chosen four finalists in their Army Camouflage Improvement Effort. The Army conducted an exhaustive down select using a picture-in-picture technique with 900 Soldiers viewing the patterns in 45 environments. There was a candidate pool of around 20 families of patterns each sharing common pattern geometries but with individual colorways for Woodland, Desert, and Transitional environments with a possible fourth pattern for Organizational Clothing and Individual Equipment. This optional OCIE pattern would blend in with the other patterns so that separate sets of PPE would not have to be purchased to match each pattern. Some developers satisfied this requirement with their Transitional pattern.

The finalists are:
ADS Inc as Prime, partnered with Guy Cramer
Brookwood Companies
Crye Precision
Kryptek

(Please note that the contract award figures are ceiling amounts. Total funds will not be awarded unless all contract options are enacted. The disparity in award amounts is driven by offeror bids and is for the total non-exclusive Government license if the vendor is selected and optioned as the new Army camouflage provider.)

Additionally, there will be an Army developed family of patterns entering the field trials which should commence in about 6 months according to the plans overall timeline which has already slipped several times.

This next set of testing will include blending tests, probability of detection, and a live Developmental Test with an Operational Test flair. This latter event will put the patterns through their paces with squad size elements pitted against multiple observers from numerous points of view. Another interesting aspect of this testing is that the Army will also assess how long it takes for an observer to reacquire a test subject after he takes cover and comes back into view. During the industry day, there was an indication that they may also assess the pattern’s performance in both dry and wet conditions. This was a major issue during the development of the AOR patterns so we hope they integrate it into the test plan.

We’ve also heard that the candidate patterns may also be evaluated using OCP (MultiCam) PPE since the Army has made such a large investment in this equipment and it may well have to continue to serve, at least with some units as long it remains serviceable. The interest is to see if OCP equipment can be effectively used in conjunction with the new patterns. Testing of varied PPE against unmatched uniforms in Afghanistan indicated that the contrast can be so great as to work against the camouflage effect.

After the testing ends, a finalized report will be presented to the Army leadership for action. Based on a variety of factors, they will decide how the Army will be camouflaged in the foreseeable future. We also hope that the other services consider the investment the Army has made in this process and make this a joint effort.

SSD applauds the selectees and the Army’s PEO Soldier and RDT&E community for taking on this herculean effort.

Visit Spartan Imports at SHOT Show and Enter a Raffle to Win a Copy of ‘Black Site’

January 10th, 2012

At SHOT Show visit our friends at Spartan Imports in Booth #27103 and check out their milsim training gear. While you’re there, purchase a $1 raffle ticket for a chance to win copies of the upcoming novel, ‘Black Site’ by Dalton Fury.

All proceeds of the raffle will benefit the Stand By The Wounded foundation.

PIG gRUNT from SKD Tactical

January 10th, 2012

Designed as a low profile pack for the SKD PIG Plate Carrier, it can be attached to any MOLLE Compatible armor carrier out there via MALICE Clips. Or, it can be worn stand alone by employing PIG Mk-1 Shoulder Straps. Heavier loads can accommodated using PIG Pontoons for additional padding and the PIG RUNT Frame Sheet.

Available in Black, Coyote, MultiCam and Ranger Green. Made in USA!

www.skdtac.com

US PALM Announces a 7.62×39 45 Round Quad Stack Magazine

January 10th, 2012

US PALM just announced a 7.62×39 45 round quad stack magazine to be released at SHOT Show. Estimated MSRP will be $99.95.

See them at SHOT Show in the US PALM section of the TangoDown booth #27303.

Grab a Piece of Art – Before It’s Gone

January 10th, 2012

Andrew Bawidamann, tactical pinup artist extraordinaire has just offered up several one-of-kind original concept sketches (graphite on vellum) for his various pinups. Several are available but they are going fast.

www.bawidamann.com

Diamondback Tactical Makes Major Personnel Announcements

January 10th, 2012

Diamondback Tactical LLLP, a US manufacturer and designer of mission-specific technologically advanced tactical armor systems, announced today the appointment of Andrew Bair, as Senior Vice President of Corporate Development; Roland VanSkiver, as Vice President of Sales; and Mike Runella, as the Director of Specialty Programs. Bair, VanSkiver and Runella will work to develop and implement new business & sales strategies that will enable Diamondback Tactical to strengthen its position as an industry leader in 2012.

“We are excited to continue to build our team and our business,” said Dale Taylor, CEO/President of Diamondback Tactical. “Andrew, Roland & Mike will add a tremendous amount of value and expertise to our growing organization. We are confident that their proficiency, combined with their years of experience in the industry, and focused strategic partnerships, will catapult Diamondback Tactical to the next level of success.”

Andrew Bair has advised some of the world’s top multi-national companies, international organizations and governments. Before joining Diamondback Tactical, Bair served as the senior vice president of the Willis Group, an international insurance and risk management firm in North America, Europe and the Middle East. Bair has also worked for the State Department as Senior Advisor to the Special Envoy for the Balkans and as a Special Advisor for Counter-Terrorism in the Office of the Secretary of State. His extensive experience within the federal and international markets will enable Diamondback Tactical to effectively grow focal markets.

Roland VanSkiver previously served as a Special Operations Program Manager for Diamondback Tactical. Vanskiver has more than 10 years of senior management and business consulting experience with Privately Held and Fortune 500 Corporations. In addition to his corporate leadership experience Vanskiver has served our country at home and abroad. Vanskiver a former Marine served with 3rd Battalion 2nd Marine Division as a squad leader and Marine Corps Security Forces Battalion, Anti/Counter-Terrorism unit as a team leader. In addition to his military service Vanskiver served as member of the Baltimore City Police Department’s narcotics & gang “Flex” unit.

Mike Runella previously served as a Special Operations Program Manager for Diamondback Tactical. Runella has an extensive background in tactical nylon design, ballistics, manufacturing and operations. Runella has several years of senior management experience working with tactical product manufactures. Runella has served our country at home and abroad in the United States Military and Federal Government as a member of the Special Operations community and the Private Security Sector.

Diamondback is Back!

www.diamondbacktactical.com

In Case You Wondered Where We’ll Be At SHOT Show

January 10th, 2012

This is a pretty good clue…

www.GSSgear.com