SIG SAUER - Never Settle

Midwest Industries and US PALM Collaborate on Optics Compatible AK Fore End Covers- Updated

September 2nd, 2010

Midwest Industries and US PALM have collaborated on a new series of top covers for the fore ends of AK family weapons. They are specifically designed to mount optics with the first dedicated to the Aimpoint T/H 1 series. This model allows for a lower 1/3 co-witness with your stock sights. Since they won’t start showing up until October this is really just a sneak peek. Five different models will be available this Fall.

UPDATE – The part will be sold as a retro fit [top cover only] for existing MI rail owners, as well as a in complete kit form. It also uses stock gas tube.

www.midwestindustriesinc.com

www.uspalm.com

CTC Defense

September 2nd, 2010

It’s been in the works for some time but Crimson Trace just announced the formation of a new business unit dedicated to the military market. Tactical-Life.com broke the story earlier today.

According to the article, “Among the introductory products that will be offered by CTC Defense is a pair of Lasergrips for the SIG Sauer P226. Affectionately known as the “dual can,” they incorporate both a red laser and an infrared (IR) laser for use with night vision.” Additionally, MVF-515 fore grip will be offered with not only a red but also a green laser.

Expect new products to begin to roll out at Modern Day Marine.

Reset RIPR (Rifle Integrated Power Rail)

September 1st, 2010

Defense Review published an article on the new Reset RIPR (Rifle Integrated Power Rail). DR has some concerns about the RIPR and so do we. Not only is there possible issue with a central power source going down and taking all of the accessories with it, but the power source itself is of concern as well. Reset has come up with an interesting manner of attaching a battery. They are using a proprietary, rechargeable battery that connects to the rail similar to a Redi-Mag. As we have not actually handled a weapon equipped with the RIPR we are unable to ascertain how the battery affects weapon handling. However, the size and location is of concern. NATO definitely believes that powered rails are the future of small arms and there is a lot of work going on. We will continue to keep you updated on power rail technology.

All photos contained in this article were taken by DefenseReview.com, and are copyrighted. DefenseReview.com owns the copyright on these photos.

Epic Fail

September 1st, 2010

The Air Force’s current fixation with “PT” is the latest in a long line of fads. As you have probably heard, Airman are failing the new biannual Air Force Fitness Test (AFFT) at the rate of about 25%. Unfortunately, instead of actually creating a culture of physical fitness, they have got everyone worried about the test. Worse yet, one element of that test has become particularly troublesome. That element is the waist measurement. In fact, some Airmen are actually getting liposuction in order to pass the waist measurement.

So what exactly is wrong with the waist measurement? Well, it’s a simple case of symbolism over substance. It seems, someone likes skinny folks. The waist measurement does not assess an individual’s health and what’s more it is not scaled for age nor height. A 5′ tall Airman has to have the same waist measurement to pass as an Airman who is 6′ tall. By the same token, an 18 year old has the same standard as a 48 year old. This makes no sense. The test is so weighted in favor of the skinny that an older Airman with a large waist has to actually be in better shape than a young Airman. He must be more capable in the push up, sit up, and run portions of the test in order to just pass. So the skinny kid can be in worse shape than the old fat guy and still pass. In fact, he can score better. Make sense? Check out this PT score calculator to see how you compare.

One would think that things couldn’t be worse than Air Force personnel undergoing plastic surgery in order to pass a PT test but it does. The Air Force leadership has lost so much faith in its commanders and their NCOs that it has gone and hired civilian testers. Yes, it’s true. Physical Fitness testing is no longer conducted by Unit Fitness Monitors since they can’t be trusted. Instead, the Air Force has hired a cadre of civilian testers. They aren’t even required to be able to demonstrate proper form for the four events let alone even pass.

To throw gasoline on this fire, as fitness is an individual responsibility, many units see no reason to provide time during the duty day to conduct PT. The machine is unwilling to sacrifice man hours to develop a more healthy force. The mission capable rate must not be compromised.

The Air Force leadership needs to get this under control. Dump the waist measurement. Anything that prompts service members to undergo risky surgeries deserves some Congressional oversight. Better yet, develop a test that actually measures true fitness and reflects tasks Airmen actually are expected to accomplish. Also, develop a true culture of fitness where leaders lead by example and commanders are responsible for their unit’s program and performance. And for goodness sakes, get rid of those civilian testers. They are an embarrassment. You can’t outsource integrity.

Not Just a Container Manufacturer Anymore

August 31st, 2010

GCS Incorporated has released its’ first full-line tactical equipment catalog. Their 2010 – 2011 catalog showcases the many items GCS makes and a multitude of items from other popular brands such as Pelican, Streamlight, Blackhawk and Safariland. The new catalog includes individual equipment items, MWD supplies, deployment kits, kennels and aluminum shipping containers. GCS has also made most bags, backpacks hydration and nylon available in Multicam as well.

GCS Tactical Guide 2010

The Aegis Industries Mark 63 Trident

August 31st, 2010

At the upcoming New Breed of Warrior in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Aegis Industries will present a breakout session on the Mark 63 Trident.

An emerging market leader of professional security solutionsAegis Industries recognized that the operational demands of the military, law enforcement, corrections, and private security markets required a new class of intermediate force options to allow operators to communicate, contain and quickly control potentially dangerous scenarios more safely and effectively than ever before. They developed the MK63 Trident, the first in a new class of scalable intermediate force options: Hand-held Modular Multi-Stimulus Response Devices (HMMRDs). As you can see in the photo, the Mk63 provides numerous options including Laser, LEDs, Pepper Spray, Impact, and Neuro Muscular Incapacitation (NMI). NMI is essentially stun gun technology but with a bit more science behind it.

Aegis was founded by US Navy SEAL Kenneth J. Stethem after the events of September 211, 2001. Inspired by the courage of his brother, SW2 Robert D. Stethem, who was murdered during the 1985 hijacking of TWA FLT 847, Stethem founded Aegis with a single mission – To Defend, Protect and Preserve Life – by engineering the world’s most advanced and operationally effective intermediate force option.

Break Out Session Overview:
TITLE: The Aegis Mark 63 Trident: Revolutionizing Intermediate Force Options
LENGTH OF SESSION: (:30 Minutes Demo/:15 Minutes Q&A)
Aegis will be demonstrating its revolutionary new Aegis Mark 63 Trident, the first in a new generation of advanced intermediate force options. These Handheld, Modular, Multi-stimulus, Response Devices (HMMRDs) provide a level of flexibility, safety and effectiveness that is unmatched by any other Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) solution.
The Mark 63 is a scalable, full-dimensional solution that combines Lasers, LEDs, Pepper Spray, Impact, and Neuromuscular Incapacitation (NMI) in a single device. The Mark 63 delivers:

• Scalability
• Multiple force options are combined into a single, handheld device (Laser, LEDs, Pepper Spray, Impact and NMI).
• Force options can be used individually, in any combination or simultaneously
• Safety
• Innovative engineering and advanced technology backed by comprehensive medical safety research that was independently peer-reviewed and published prior to market launch.
• Industry’s first low voltage non-invasive multiple stimulus force option.
• Effectiveness
• Multiple force options allow operators to transition up and down the force continuum faster, safer and more effectively.
• Operators are better prepared, equipped and protected

MSM CoolGuy-Hat DLUX

August 30th, 2010

Our friends at Mil-Spec Monkey have been working on a secret project for some time and they have just unveiled the results.

Starting with a FlexFit cap as a foundation, they have removed the top rivet and applied ample amounts of velcro loop. The loop is color matched so it doesn’t stick out but the shapes are different than what you have seen in the past. This is because MSM specializes in patches and have built the cap to accommodate some of their more exotic designs.

In the photo you will also notice a set of earplugs. Rather than showing up at the range without earplugs, they are stored in a small garage on the sides of the cap. The earplugs are on leashes that are connected to auto-retracters and with a gentle pull go right back into storage mode.

Available in S/M 6 3/4” – 7 1/4” and L/XL 7 1/8” – 7 5/8” in Khaki, Loden (GreenishBrown), and Black. Get them from milspecmonkey.com.

Name That Pack Contest

August 30th, 2010

After suffering for several months with awkward part number based names for their new line of military and discrete packs, Blue Force Gear has decided to run a contest on Soldier Systems Daily to help them name 4 different packs. The contest will run from now until the 10th of September. If your pack name is selected you will receive a free pack of that style! In the event multiple entries are received with the same suggested name, only the first submission received by Blue Force Gear will be awarded a free pack so get them in as quickly as possible! Send your ideas to namethatpack@blueforcegear.com.

Here’s what you’ve got to work with:


Medium Pack – Military (02)

The 02 Pack is a super light-weight three day style pack that is covered in MOLLE compatible webbing. It has a removable beavertail on the front for carrying quick access items like a helmet, jacket, or even one of our original Micro Packs. The inside surface of the beavertail is lined with Loop Velcro to attach any of the Dapper accessory pouches. The inside of the pack is also lined with loop so that the pack can be configured in an infinite number of storage options. The bottom of the pack is made of High Abrasion Neoprene for long term durability. There is a sheet of HDPE sewn into the back panel so that you’re not forced to buy a frame sheet for improved load carriage capability. The pack weighs 43oz and the main compartment is ~2000 cubic inches. Made in the USA!

Medium Pack – Discrete (03)
The 03 Pack is built on the same production line as our military version, but with a more discrete, stylized appearance for everyday use. It has some of the same features like the removable beavertail on the front. The inside surface of the beavertail is lined with Loop Velcro to attach any of the Dapper accessory pouches. The inside of the pack is also lined with loop so that the pack can be configured in an infinite number of storage options. There are also two accessory pouches on either side of the pack designed to fit a 1L Nalgene style bottom. The bottom of the pack is made of High Abrasion Neoprene for long term durability. There is a sheet of HDPE sewn into the back panel so that you’re not forced to buy a frame sheet for improved load carriage capability. The pack weighs 49oz and the main compartment is ~2000 cubic inches. Made in the USA!

Small Pack – Military (04)
The Small Military is based loosely off the original Micro Pack. There is a little more depth in the main compartment and on the military version the face of the pack is covered with MOLLE compatible webbing. The shoulder straps are lightly padded and the interior of the pack is lined with Loop Velcro so that it is compatible with the full line of Blue Force Gear accessory Dappers. There is a sheet of HDPE sewn into the back panel so that you’re not forced to buy a frame sheet for improved load carriage capability. The pack weighs 28oz and the main compartment is ~1000 cubic inches. Made in the USA!

Small Pack – Discrete (05)
The Small Discrete is very similar to the original Micro Pack. There is a little more depth in the main compartment and the face of the pack is stylized to appear more like a high end commercial pack. The shoulder straps are lightly padded and the interior of the pack is lined with Loop Velcro so that it is compatible with the full line of Blue Force Gear accessory Dappers. There is a sheet of HDPE sewn into the back panel so that you’re not forced to buy a frame sheet for improved load carriage capability. The pack weighs 28oz and the main compartment is ~1000 cubic inches. Made in the USA!

All Blue Force gear products are proudly Made in the USA! so Berry compliance is never at question. Be sure to check out the product pages at www.BlueForceGear.com as they offer a wide variety of color schemes depending on teh product and its intended use.