Soldier Systems Daily Soldier Systems Daily

M203 Grips

July 23rd, 2009

U.S. Tactical Supply offers a line of M203 grips for those that want a similar feel to their standard M16/M4 with rail and foregrip. There are currently three models; Battery handle, Classic Handle, and Tactical Handle. Additionally, they offer a Tactical Light Module with optional Mandrel. All three handles attach to the M203 by clamping around the barrel. No tools are needed. The locking ratchet system works by turning the handle which closes the clamps around the M203 40mm barrel and locks the grip. The locking system is disengaged by pushing a button.

This photo shows a comparison of the various grips to an issue foregrip. (l-r Tactical, Classic, Battery)

The M203 grips are manufactured by RM Equipment, Inc. and CNC machined from Dupont Delrin Â® that combines acetal resin and thermo-elastomers. What is even more interesting is that the grips can also be configured for use directly on a MilStd 1913 rail by swapping out the clamp for the Rail Grip.

U.S. Tactical Supply has information on the entire line of M203 grips on their website and they offer the grips on their GSA schedule.

Tags: M203
Posted in weapons | Comments Off on M203 Grips

Drop Zone Recce Smock

July 22nd, 2009

Like their website says, “What’s old is new again”. Smocks? What can I say? I love them. I’ve been wearing them since I traded a poncho liner for an SAS smock on an exercise in Belgium in 89. We’ve never had anything like them here in the US. The closest we can claim comes from our northern neighbors; Canada, where Drop Zone has embraced the concept and taken it to the next level with their Recce Smock.

There are a lot of features here. A full multitude of pockets and a generous cut allow for layering.

Sized in Small through XX-Large, the Recce Smock is generously cut. It is available in a multitude of colors including: CadPatâ„¢ Tw, CadPatâ„¢ Ar, Multicamâ„¢, Tan, Olive Drab, Police Navy Blue, and Swat Black. Additionally, special patterns such as UCP can be produced by special order. This is an attractive option, especially for those downrange as it can still be a little bit of the wild west for outer garments as the Army comes to grips with providing sufficient foul weather garments in UCP.

To order, contact Drop Zone.

Tags: Drop Zone, Multicam, Smock
Posted in Camo, Clothing, Multicam | Comments Off on Drop Zone Recce Smock

Chest Rig Armor Interface Kit

July 22nd, 2009

Ever wanted to attach your chest rig directly to your armor but wanted to to be able to get it off quickly?

Down Range Gear can help you do just that. Providing more of a service than a product, according the the owner of Down Range Gear, they work directly with the customer to develop a custom product. The goal is to identify the equipment used and deliver a set of buckles customized for the combination of vest and rig along with instructions on how to set it up but just as importantly, how to use it. Using the four to six points of attachment found on most chest rigs they anchor compatible buckles directly to the vest in order to support attachment of the chest rig.

Customer participation is necessary to make the process work and pictures of the vest and the chest rig are almost always required to determine the best course of action. Further customer interaction and input is solicited through the build process in order to ensure a custom fit. With the myriad possible vest and chest rig combinations, there is no definite, single system and end user preference figures heavily in the final product.

Lastly, no matter what happens, Down Range Gear makes every effort to:
1. Not have the customer send any equipment in.
2. Not permanently alter either piece of equipment and ensure the chest rig can continue to be used with the harness as originally designed.
3. Ensure the anchor points and mating solution are easily understood, can be installed by the user and modified or repaired in field conditions.

Turnaround time is typically an astounding two to three days on a project. Only small design houses can provide service like this and it is imperative that we support them whenever possible. For more information on this service as well as the full line of Down Range Gear products, visit them on the web.

Tags: Down Range Gear
Posted in Armor, PALS | Comments Off on Chest Rig Armor Interface Kit

Two Things I Never Thought I’d See

July 21st, 2009

Although they share a name, one is a modern take on an old idea and the other is well, just plain different.

The Pistol Bayonet from LaserLyte in conjunction with Ka-Bar knives evokes memories of childhood visits to museums featuring such oddities as muzzle loading pistols festooned with saber-style blades under the barrel. Pistols have been sporting rails for quite awhile now so I guess it was really only a matter of time before someone attached a blade. The 2.75 inch blade fits on medium to large pistols with rails and slides on and off with the press of two buttons. It features a Black Teflon coated carbon steel blade and comes with polymer sheath.

Delta Assault Technologies, Inc. has introduced the Delta Bayonnette. Attach to the business end of a long arm, this non-lethal device stuns with 500,000 volts of electricity (you have to enunciate each syllable of that word when you are talking 500,000 volts). Consisting of a foregrip that attaches to any Picatinny/Weaver style rail and a DAT stun muzzle brake, it is designed to fit primarily M4-style weapons. Yes, those probes sticking off the end of the muzzle brake are the shock barbs. Please note: The product may not be legal in all localities.

Tags: Add new tag
Posted in Black Rifle, Knives, weapons, WTF? | Comments Off on Two Things I Never Thought I’d See

IOTV Award

July 21st, 2009

On 17 July, 2009 Defense Supply Center Philadelphia, Dir of Clothing & Textiles awarded contract number SPM1C109C0022 for $39,371,150.00 to KDH Defense Systems of Johnstown, PA for production of 65,000 VEST, BODY ARMOR (Improved Outer Tactical Vest).

The carriers will be produced by four sub-contractors who are required simply because of the demands of the delivery schedule which requires delivery of the 65,000 vests between September and December of this year. They are: DJ Manufacturing Corp. of Caguas, Puerto Rico, Eagle Industries Unlimited (Front Line Defense International, Inc.) of Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, Eagle Industries Del Caribe Inc. of Lares, Puerto Rico, and Savannah Luggage Works of Vidalia, GA.

Announcement of this award may come as a sigh of relief for some as it had been delayed several times. Interestingly, the companies involved in this award, as well the finalists in the Releasable Plate Carrier program may indicate a passing of the torch, so to speak, from the larger, more traditional armor companies to smaller manufacturers. Also, as two of the four finalists for that program will be heavily invested in producing IOTVs until the end of the year it will be intriguing to see if there now continues to be a delay in announcing the award for the Releasable Plate Carrier. Additionally, Eagle Industries has captured a notable portion of this business which seems to indicate a new emphasis on large piece contract sewing since being purchased by ATK.

Tags: Eagle Industries, KDH
Posted in Armor, Contracts | 1 Comment »

Digital Ears Invisio X50

July 20th, 2009

The Digital Ears X50 is a digital in-ear bone conduction headset system with built-in active hearing protection. It uses bone conduction which captures vibrations caused by speech which travel up the jaw bone to the ear. This helps eliminate ambient noise and produce clearer voice signals. Additionally, the system features electronic hear-thru and impulse noise protection (Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 23db) with volume control for enhanced hearing. Finally, the X50 is designed for dual communication with radio autosensing and full-duplex/VOX capability. Consequently, unlike other Invisio products, the X50 is designed to worn in both ears.

The ear piece features the Soft SpringTM which adapts to the contours of the ear to provide a secure fit and enhance comfort as well as compatibility with helmets, eyewear, and protective masks.

The interface box seen above features switches for On-Off Open Mic Selector, PTT Button, Volume Up & Down, and Hear-Thru & Mic Volume Selector.

The X50’s fit is secure enough that it has been used regularly for Military Free Fall operations.

The X50 is available from Television Equipment Associates. For more information visit swatheadsets.com.

Tags: TEA
Posted in Comms, Recce | Comments Off on Digital Ears Invisio X50

Tumi Camo Luggage

July 20th, 2009

Luggage manufacturer Tumi has just released their camouflage line, The Alpha Collection. Consisting of the Digital Camouflage Airforce Bag, Sundance Taos Tote, and Sundance Gallup Flap Body Bag, the term “Alpha” was chosen to signify the very best in travel and business.

Looks CADPATish to me.

Posted in Camo, Sustainment | Comments Off on Tumi Camo Luggage

Astronaut Food

July 19th, 2009

The space program has been all the rage this year as we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the Moon landings. Along with books and videos commemorating the event some unique items have been released. Among them is space food. You’ve always been able to purchase Astronaut ice cream from various NASA visitor centers and the national Air and pace museum but some of these items I haven’t seen for ages. Gadget superstore Think Geek has a package deal on sale that it is a great sampler and may take you back to your childhood.

Included in the box:
* Freeze Dried Ice Cream Sandwich (1.1oz)
* Freeze Dried Strawberries (0.5oz)
* Freeze Dried Cinnamon Apple Wedges (0.5oz)
* Space Food Stick – Chocolate (1.05oz)
* Space Food Stick – Peanut Butter (1.05oz)
* Splashdown Drink Mix – Lemon Lime (mixes with 16.9oz of water)
* Splashdown Drink Mix – Orange (mixes with 16.9oz of water)
* Space Food Sticks Magnet – for sticking on things

Not bad for just under 20 bucks. To order visit www.ThinkGeek.com.

Posted in Off-Duty, Sustainment | Comments Off on Astronaut Food