TYR Tactical

Mission Pac Adds Outer Garments

July 7th, 2011

Australian firm Mission Pac has added 100% Cotton Outer Garments to their line up of merino wool under garments.

Mission Pac has reminded me of these excellent properties of Cotton:
“This natural fibre, like merino wool, provides increased breathability, increased comfort levels , and improved flash-over properties compared to poly-cotton and other synthetic fibres.”

They are offering Patrol Shirts, Patrol Pants, Bush Hats, and a lightweight Smock designed loosely on the original SAS Smock in Auscam (DPCU), AustDesert (DPDU), Multi-Cam (MCP), Danish Desert, Tan and Navy Blue.

Editor’s Note: I LOVE 100% cotton ripstop! (remember jungle fatigues?) I LOATHE the craptastic 50/50 NYCO that the Army introduced in the early 90s for the “Enhanced” Hot Weather BDU. The NYCO was developed so that Soldiers could starch their uniforms and make them last longer. It was not introduced to enhance the comfort of the uniform in hot environments. But, just remember, cotton isn’t for EVERY environment. So, huzzah to Mission Pac for putting this together! You guys rock.

www.missionpac.com

Tactical Innovations Engineering

July 6th, 2011

One of the brands that impressed us at the recent “BLADE Show” in Atlanta was Tactical Innovations Engineering. They specialize in Kydex. Sure, there are lots of folks working in Kydex, but TIE has taken it to an art form. Just take a look at their wares.

They offer sheaths for fixed blade knives as well as specialized carriers for folders, pistol magazines, flashlights, and other accessories. Unique designs are had by combining shapes, cut outs, and overlays of different colors. With Kydex, the application is really only limited by the imagination. Additionally, all of their designs can be customized by combining colors so no two sheaths have to be alike. TIE can also engineer an attachment solution to accommodate virtually any style of carry.

TIE has one other surprise up its sleeve. In the photos you can see that on some designs there are additional layers of Kydex material. While they look great, these are also used to lock the item into the sheath.

www.tietactical.com

Fire Steel, Blanket Pin, and Awl (in-One)

July 6th, 2011

The Fire Steel, Blanket Pin, and Awl is a multi use product offered by Dave Canterbury of “Dual Survival” fame and Owner of the Pathfinder School, LLC. Inspired by a conversation with Rob Simpson of the Canteen Shop, the concept was combine a blanket pin with a fire steel. In fact, you may have seen this in use on “Dual Survival” when Dave’s partner Cody Lundin wraps himself in a buffalo cape (episode: Frozen Plains).

It is offered in two sizes, naturally referred to as Small and Large. The smaller one can be used as a belt buckle so you can always have it on you. However, it do so it is recommended that you slightly modify it by shortening the pin.

Naturally, it’s primary function is as a fire steel. But, this device allows you to take a wool (or in a pinch other type) blanket and use it as a cloak, clasping it in front. Finally, it can be used as an awl, with the loop of the steel making an excellent handle.

While there’s no catchy name for this product, I’ll call it the “Awl-in-One.”

stores.thepathfinderschoolllc.com

There’s a New PM Soldier Weapons in Town

July 6th, 2011

Project Manager (PM) Soldier Weapons conducted a change of charter ceremony on June 28, transitioning responsibility for the Army’s small arms development from COL Douglas Tamilio to COL Scott “Scotty” Armstrong.

“Having been stationed at Picatinny for the last year, I’ve had an opportunity to meet and work with Col. Tamilio and the Soldier Weapons team on various occasions,” said Armstrong in an Army press release. “They are a dedicated and talented group of individuals with a tremendous record of success. I’m looking forward to joining the team to continue the development and fielding of the world’s best weapons that will make a tremendous difference for Soldiers at the tip of the spear.”

The Army has published the following biographic data for COL Armstrong:

Upon his commissioning at Colorado State University in 1989, Armstrong served in a variety of command and staff positions in the Air Defense Artillery branch. In 1997, he was assessed into the Acquisition Corps where he has served on various programs, including the Missile Defense Agency’s Ground Based Interceptor program where he was the Product Manager.

Armstrong holds a Master of Science in management, with a concentration in systems acquisition management, from Naval Postgraduate School. He also attended the Combined Arms Services and Staff School, Command and General Staff College, the advanced program management course, and the U.S. Army Senior Service College Fellowship Program at the University of Texas.

We wish COL Armstrong luck as he takes the reigns of a VERY busy PM shop.

Daniel Defense to Open New Facility in South Carolina

July 6th, 2011

In a $5.3 million investment, Georgia-based Daniel Defense is opening a new facility in neighboring South Carolina’s Jasper County. The move is expected to generate 100 new jobs with hiring to begin in August.

In a press release Daniel Defense President and CEO Marty Daniel said, “With 90,000 square feet of manufacturing and office space, we are poised to continue to grow our brand in the U.S. firearms industry, international firearms Industry, DoD manufacturing and strategic business relationships. Our goal is to build the best firearms in the world and we view this investment as a key milestone toward achieving that goal. The company expects to have the facility in operation by December 1, 2011.”

In a statement, SC Governor Nikki Haley added, “One hundred new jobs in Jasper demonstrates our administration’s commitment to rural areas, and Daniel Defense is an example of a good quality partner for South Carolina that we are excited to welcome and support for many years to come.”

Such a move could signal a high degree of confidence by Daniel Defense that they are going home with a sizable chink of the Army’s small arms pie. As we reported last week, the Army’s dual path strategy to improve the current fleet of M4 carbines combined with an open solicitation for a new Improved Carbine means there is a lot of work to go around for small arms producers.

danieldefense.com

Crye All Weather Combat Shirt

July 6th, 2011

Crye’s All Weather Combat Shirt is based on the same design of the current G3 Combat Shirt but rather, built from a 4-way stretch woven laminate treated on the exterior with NANO STX for extreme weather resistance. A wicking, midweight, high-performance flame resistant DRIFIRE knit torso is paired with reinforced, 4-way stretch laminate sleeves to provide a warmer base than the standard Crye Precision Combat Shirts. Large easy access zip vents allow a massive amount of ventilation when needed. The All Weather Combat Shirt features stretch woven upper back coverage for added weather protection and a zip collar that allows easy donning and doffing. The elbows accept the Crye Precision removable AirFlex Elbow Pads. Made in the US from US materials (this means Berry Compliant). Offered in MultiCam, Black, Ranger Green, and Khaki in sizes XSmall – XXXLarge, Reg and Tall lengths.

And you can order it from Level Peaks before you can get it anywhere else.

For the Ladies – Cyclops from Mantis Knives

July 5th, 2011

Designed to be worn in places where are knives are frowned upon, the MU-6 Cylcops from Mantis Knives made quite a hit at the recent BLADE Show. It hangs from a chain around the neck. To put it into action, simply pull down and away. Once deployed the Hawkbill blade resembles a talon and is wielded with a finger inserted into the handle.

With five colors to choose from (Black is sold out) a man could use one too, but when it’s blinged out like this one, it doesn’t belong anywhere but hanging around a Lady’s neck.

www.mantisknives.com

It’s Not Too Late to Register for Warrior Expo East

July 5th, 2011

Be sure to register online to attend Warrior Expo East, July 14 & 15 in Virginia Beach, VA. But, online registration closes on the 7th of July at 11:59 PM EDT. Any registrations after this point will need to be done on-site and believe me, you don’t want to wait in line. There’s so much to see and do you will want to get right inside.

www.adsinc.com/warriorexpo