Be there for loads of swag giveaways.
SHOT Show 25 – The SEAL Team Bravo-5 Retirement Party
January 22nd, 2025Midwest Armor Expands GP Single Mag Pouch Color Options with Classic Vietnam Tiger Stripe and MultiCam Tropic
January 22nd, 2025Midwest Armor, known for their affordable American-made tactical equipment, has announced the immediate availability of two new colorways for their popular GP Single Mag Pouch: Vietnam Tiger Stripe and Multicam Tropic.
GP Single Mag Pouch featured in Vietnam Tiger Stripe
The GP Single Mag Pouch combines a general-purpose front pocket with a hidden rear compartment that holds one magazine in a 2 MOLLE column configuration, easily mounting to any carrier, chest rig, cummerbund, or belt system for maximized space efficiency.
GP Single Mag Pouch featured in Multicam Tropic
The expanded color options are available for order and shipping and like all Midwest Armor products, these new variants are Berry Amendment compliant, IR compliant, and 100% manufactured in their Knoxville, Tennessee facility.
For more information or to place an order, visit:
midwestarmor.com/products/gp-4x6x2-single-mag-pouch
Statement on S.O. Tech in Response to the LA Fires
January 22nd, 2025
Because S.O. Tech is located in Los Angeles and many of our customers have called with concern having seen our Company President, Jim Cragg interviewed on national news about the disastrous Palisades Fires, we felt we should put out this announcement as S.O. Tech has not been affected:
Our thoughts and prayers are with those who have been impacted by the horrific fires throughout Southern California and the brave first responders who are working tirelessly to protect lives and property.
We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to the many friends of Jim Cragg who have inquired about Jim’s family and his home in the Pacific Palisades. Jim and his family are safe and have temporarily relocated out of the Palisades. Thanks to Jim’s efforts involving an improvised sprinkler fire system, his home and that of fourteen neighbors are still standing. Since the fires began, Jim has spent most of this past week at the Ronald Reagan Palisades American Legion Post 283 where he was previously the Commander for 4 years. Jim, with his fellow veterans from the American Legion, Special Forces Association and Association of the US Army, have been coordinating efforts to help with the recovery of the community – using the facilities of Post 283 which remarkably remains intact while the rest of the town was destroyed. He is working with the authorities to provide relief to the area. Last week, Jim was interviewed on NBC4 in a clip which has since gone nationwide. The link below is for the film clip. He has also been on Fox, NewsNation and VOA.
Many of you have asked how you can help. To do so, please follow the link to American Legion Post 283: www.alpost283/fire where a link for volunteers and donations can be found.
To S.O. Tech’s partners, customers and friends, SO Tech remains unaffected by the fires and continues to operate, as usual. While Jim will be temporarily engaged in the recovery of the Pacific Palisades community, he has in place an outstanding team to ensure that all deliveries are on time and of top quality.
Let us hope that this unprecedented disaster ends very soon. Together, we remain strong, resilient and ready to support one another.
Respectfully,
LT COL Jim Cragg (ret.)
President, CEO and Founder
S.O.TECH / Special Operations Technologies Inc.
www.SpecOpsTech.com www.SOTechTactical.com
SHOT Show 25 – Belleville
January 22nd, 2025Coming in March, the Mini Mil shoe from Belleville’s Barefoot series.
Look for zero drop and a wide toe box. More info soon!
Duck Hunter – Classic Camouflage Now Available from Helikon-Tex
January 22nd, 2025Helikon-Tex presents:
Duck Hunter – a camouflage that has stood the test of time
We are pleased to announce that the Duck Hunter camouflage has been added to Helikon-Tex’s regular product line, expanding the brand’s portfolio with a new camouflage pattern.
We invite you to learn about the origins of this camouflage and the range of products available in this pattern.
Products from our offer in Duck Hunter camouflage: Boonie Mk2 hat and Chicom Chest Rig.
History and heritage
Duck Hunter is not just a camouflage – it’s a piece of outdoor history and culture. Its roots date back to 1942 when General Douglas MacArthur ordered special equipment for the elite Marine Raiders unit. Initially known as Frog Skin, this pattern quickly gained recognition in many variants due to its effectiveness in the field.
From battlefield to civilian use
After World War II, Duck Hunter entered the civilian market, where its non-aggressive pattern stands out among other camouflages due to its versatility. It is not directly associated with the military, making it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts and those who appreciate a distinctive tactical style in everyday life.
Helikon-Tex combines innovation with tradition
By introducing Duck Hunter to its product line, Helikon-Tex draws from the rich cultural heritage of camouflages and combines it with modern design and functionality. The brand boasts an extensive range of camouflage patterns – both historical and contemporary – with Duck Hunter at the forefront.
Products available in Duck Hunter camouflage:
Boonie Mk2 Hat – a new version of the classic military hat with a reflective interior
Anorak Tracer Jacket – a tactical anorak combining bushcraft roots with military solutions
UTP Pants – iconic pants in our offer, excellent cut, and 12 well-designed pockets
Bergen Backpack – an old-school backpack made of durable Cordura with a 25-liter main compartment and three pockets
EDC Backpack – perfect for everyday use, holds 24 liters of essentials
Raccoon Backpack – 24 liters of capacity split into two compartments, with MOLLE/PALS webbing for further expansion
Bushcraft Satchel – a 17-liter shoulder bag with a bottle pocket and axe loops
Possum Waist Pack – a sturdy waist pack with an organizer and several pockets that holds 1.5 liters of essential items
Bandicoot Waist Pack – a larger 2.7-liter waist pack with a detachable organizer and extra space for small items
Training Mini Rig – a compact training platform, minimalist, symmetrical, designed by shooters for shooters
Chicom Chest Rig – a new approach to the historical version of the chest rig, a lightweight platform for urban operations or CQB tactics
Mirage Weapon Sling – a two-point tactical sling for rifles
Our products in the Duck Hunter camo are perfect for:
military history enthusiasts, militaria collectors, and tactical style lovers
those who value functionality, solid construction, and distinctive style
outdoor and bushcraft enthusiasts
Availability
Products in Duck Hunter camouflage are now available at the Helikon-Tex brand store and authorized retailers. Don’t miss the chance to become part of this tactical legend!
Want to stay up-to-date with Helikon-Tex’s offerings?
Sign up for the newsletter.
Looking for knowledge? Check out our blog.
Helikon-Tex, where tradition meets innovation.
40 years of #JourneyToPerfection
SHOT Show 25 – SureFire Fast-Attach Hub
January 22nd, 2025Designed to bring unparalleled versatility to suppressor systems, the new SureFire Fast-Attach hub converts 1 3/8-24 direct-thread suppressors and accessories into Quick Detach (QD) systems, making them directly compatible with SureFire’s patented Fast-Attach SOCOM muzzle devices.
Users can effortlessly attach a HUB suppressor by sliding it over the SureFire muzzle adapter, indexing on the built-in slot, and securing it with the lock ring at the base. The result? A secure, repeatable, and hassle-free attachment that stands up to even the most demanding environments. The Fast-Attach Hub is the only HUB suppressor mount on the market that mimics the SureFire SOCOM adapter- suppressor interface.
Key Features of the SureFire Fast-Attach Hub:
Converts 1 3/8-24 direct-thread suppressors and accessories to SureFire’s QD system for universal compatibility.
Provides a secure, tool-free connection to SOCOM muzzle devices to simplify your firearm setup.
Simple slide-and-lock mechanism ensures quick and reliable attachment.
The Fast-Attach Hub is not an NFA device and is available wherever SureFire products are sold, without any of the restrictions associated with suppressors.
The Fast-Attach Hub is set to launch at the end of Q1 and will be available through your local SureFire dealer.
For more information, visit surefire.com or SureFire Booth #12270 at SHOT Show 2025.
TNVC Announces New Partnership with Swift Universal Optical Systems, Introduces FPG-21 Low Profile Night Vision Goggle Mount
January 22nd, 2025Las Vegas, Nevada—
Since 2005 TNVC has sought to provide the best and most advanced mission and end-user focused products, technology, and systems integration solutions in the Visual Augmentation Systems (VAS) space to warfighters, law enforcement, and private citizens alike, which has led to numerous partnerships with industry-leading innovators.
TNVC is excited to announce our latest such partnership with Swift Universal Optical Systems and to introduce the Swift Universal FPG-21 Low Profile Night Vision Goggle Mount! The FPG-21 is no minor evolution of already-existing commercial off the shelf (COTS) NVG mounting solutions but an almost complete re-imagining of the NVG helmet mount and is on display at the 2025 NSSF SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, in the TNVC Booth #62211 in the Galilieo ballroom on the first floor of the Venetian Expo Center.
Originally funded through a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant in 2019 at the request of U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) and developing into an active Program of Record, the FPG-21 sought to improve the stow angle of NVG helmet mounts to reduce torque and acute and potentially chronic, long term neck injuries in end-users, particularly when used with more advanced but heavier next generation headborne systems such as panoramic and fused goggle systems, and particularly the F-PANO Fusion Panoramic Goggle by moving the goggle’s center of gravity (COG) to a more neutral position when stowed.
The FPG-21’s improved stow angle rotates the goggle’s orientation almost 180obackwards, nearly sitting flat across the top of the helmet, placing the goggle’s COG lower and further to the rear than traditional BNVS helmet mounting solutions while Swift Universal’s patented “Tilt Agnostic Stow” ensures that no matter how the end-user adjusts the goggle’s tilt in the deployed position, the goggle will always stow at the optimum angle to reduce forward torque.
Taken together, the FPG-21’s unique stow properties not only reduce the risk of neck injury, but also significantly reduced “felt weight” in the stowed position, translating to reduced fatigue and greater comfort during prolonged wear, and increasing end-user performance, capability, and lethality. Moreover, the FPG-21 is exceptionally rigid and clearance for scoped weapons—all while reducing overall weight, resulting in an elegant yet rugged and extremely stable and rigid VAS mounting solution that has been developed and vetted with extensive end-user feedback, evaluation and field testing since the first prototypes were delivered in 2021.
While most users immediately notice the increased rigidity and reduced torque in the stowed position, the Swift Universal FPG-21 also possesses several unique features. Rather than relying on the legacy BNVS shoe, originally designed for the AN/PVS-7A, the FPG-21 relies on a larger and broader shoe design for the goggle-to-mount interface that also serves as an eye-relief adjustment “sled,” while the increased surface area and precision tolerances contribute to the systems notable rigidity. The new shoe / adjustment sled design can either be utilized as a direct replacement for OEM BNVS shoes or with an adapter plate that locks securely to existing, USSOCOM-spec BNVS shoes like those on the AN/PVS-31A, GPNVG, and F-BINO systems, requiring no modification to the goggle.
The FPG-21 interfaces directly with the Ops-Core Modular Bungee Shroud (MBS) included on the USSOCOM-standard FTHS helmet, featuring a new, interlocking, travel-limited adjustment system that serves as both the mount’s elevation adjustment and allows the mount to be completely removed from the helmet and dispensing with the legacy “universal” mounting interface used since the AN/PVS-7 and further increasing the system’s rigidity.
The FPG-21 is also fully environmentally sealed, meeting or exceeding MIL-STD-810H standards. The main assembly is machined from 7075 aluminum and Type III Hard-Coat anodized, while the internal mechanisms are machined from hardened corrosion resistant Stainless Steel and Grade 5 Titanium, resulting in an extremely strong but also lightweight system. Weighing just 118 grams (not including goggle adapter plate or shroud) the FPG-21 is manufactured and assembled in-house at Swift Universal Optical Systems’ state-of-the-art facility in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
The Swift Universal Optical Systems FPG-21 Low Profile NVG Mount will be available through TNVC to government, law enforcement, commercial dealers, and individual retail customers, with deliveries expected to begin in Q3 2025 with an estimated MSRP in the $1,500 range (inclusive of goggle adapter / direct-mount shoe) and interested parties are encouraged to contactgovsales@tnvc.com or dealersales@tnvc.com. Commercial pre-order details will be forthcoming shortly.
The FPG-21 is on display at the 2025 NSSF SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Nevada, in the TNVC Booth #62211 in the Galilieo ballroom on the first floor of the Venetian Expo Center.
Founded in 2005, Tactical Night Vision Company (TNVC) is a Veteran-Owned small business which specializes in providing industry-leading visual augmentation systems, modified-COTS solutions, and systems integration as well as training, education, and life-cycle support to government and commercial customers alike.
For all inquires please contact: marketing@tnvc.com
First British-Made Boxer Presented at the International Armoured Vehicles Conference
January 22nd, 2025Today the first British-made Boxer vehicle was proudly unveiled by the Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle, at the International Armoured Vehicles (IAV) Conference. This significant milestone signals the return of large-scale armoured vehicle manufacturing to the UK, revitalising the nation’s defence capabilities, economic strength, and engineering excellence.
‘’Made in Britain’’ at Its Best
Manufactured entirely in the UK at Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land (RBSL) in Telford, with the support of partners in KNDS UK, this ground breaking vehicle represents a true collaboration. Built under the UK’s Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) Programme, the Boxer’s journey to British soil began in 2019, when the Ministry of Defence awarded the contract via OCCAR to ARTEC GmbH – a partnership between Rheinmetall and KNDS, with the manufacture of the Boxer vehicles subcontracted to RBSL and KNDS UK.
This achievement is a true testament to the dedication and collaboration of all involved, including the British Army, Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) and industry partners. Their expertise and commitment have re-established the UK’s sovereign manufacturing capability.
Rheinmetall’s £56 million (approx. €66.3 million) investment in Telford has transformed the facility into a world leading production capability, complete with modern fabrication lines for armoured steel, advanced surface treatment systems, and integrated assembly lines for both Drive and Mission Modules. Every Boxer that rolls off the line is a testament to the highly skilled workforce across the supply chain.
Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Maria Eagle MP, said:
“It was a pleasure to unveil the first fully British-made Boxer – a testament to the expertise and innovation of Britain’s growing Defence Industry.
“The home-grown production of this world-class vehicle exemplifies our Government’s Plan for Change, deepening our partnership with industry to deliver thousands of highly skilled jobs and drive growth across the UK.”
John Abunassar, CEO of Rheinmetall in the UK, added:
“The unveiling of the first British-made Boxer is a historic moment for UK defence manufacturing. It not only symbolises the return of armoured vehicle production to British soil but also underscores Rheinmetall’s commitment to delivering sovereign capability, innovation, and economic prosperity for the UK. Boxer is more than a vehicle – it’s a Future Force Enabler, ensuring the British Army is ready to meet tomorrow’s challenges while delivering real benefits today.”
Driving Economic Growth and Innovation
The Boxer programme is delivering economic and strategic impact, creating over 1,000 highly skilled jobs across engineering, development, and complex systems integration; with over 100 UK suppliers involved. Around 75% of Boxer’s components are sourced domestically, ensuring a resilient UK supply.
This investment strengthens the UK’s defence strategy while ensuring collaboration with NATO allies, positioning Boxer as a key player in regional security and interoperability.
Boxer: Ready for Tomorrow’s Challenges
Boxer isn’t just a vehicle – it’s designed for adaptability, resilience, and operational superiority, it delivers unmatched versatility to the British Army’s Future Force. With our Telford facility poised for volume production this year, Boxer is ready to roll out as a critical capability in an era of complex global security challenges.
The UK trials programme for Boxer is advancing successfully, with prototypes passing all tests on the first attempt. These trials, supported by ARTEC and KNDS, have included Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) assessments, live firing at Lulworth Ranges in Dorset, and extreme climatic evaluations at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire. This flawless performance underscores Boxer’s exceptional reliability and operational readiness, even in the most challenging environments. Notably, the British Army has successfully tested the Boxer’s water-fording capabilities, demonstrating its stability and control in unprepared water crossings.
These achievements highlight the Boxer’s robust design and its readiness to meet the diverse operational demands of the British Armed Forces.
A New Chapter for UK Defence Manufacturing
The first British-built Boxer highlights the re-establishing armoured vehicle production on British soil. The Boxer programme is a symbol of what can be achieved through collaboration, investment, and a shared commitment to securing the future.
