You may have noticed a new category entitled “Outdoor Retailer”. So the answer to the question is “yes” if the question is whether or not we will be covering OR Summer Market. We will file reports Friday, Saturday, and Sunday featuring OR coverage. Every OR, military participation increases and we plan to being you coverage of new developments from military program mainstays as well new products that we feel are good candidates for the transition to the tactical market.
Its kind of like the movie “Highlander”, “There can be only ONE!”. That’s how we feel about the Gemtech TRL. Gemtech is a company known for their high quality sound suppressors but they hit a home run with the design of the TRL. With its 100 lbs breaking strength the TRL will keep your sidearm attached to your person but will break away in life and death situations. Its been on the market for several years but we have yet to find one better. In fact, the TRL has been awarded US as well as British NSNs.
US National Stock Number: 8465-01-522-5352
British NATO Stock Number: 8465-99-856-8406
The TRL is 22 inches (56 cm) when retracted and approximately 55 inches (140cm) when extended and is available in Neutral Black or Coyote Tan.
The TRL is available from Gemtech.
Photo courtesy of Gemtech.
We often get queries from aspiring writers wondering if we accept guest authors. In fact, we do and some of the things you have been reading have been authored by our readers. Contact the Editor with your article idea. However, as this is a non-wealth generating pursuit there will be no payment.
Interested parties can contact Soldier Systems Blog at admin@soldiersystems.net.
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We first ran into the guys from OTTE Gear at SHOT Show 06 in Vegas. They were doing some work for the guys up at Kodiak making versions of PCU Level V in Tweave. Since then we have seen them at every OR, SHOT, and SOF Week displaying their line of military outerwear. For a small company, that’s dedication.
They have slightly modified their version of the Level V (Alpine Jacket) but have also expanded their range to include hardshells. By far, the most popular piece in their line is the Alpine Jacket.
Sizes run from Small to XX-Large. We have tried them on at various trade shows and their sizes remain consistent and true to military sizing. They offer their product range in a variety of colors including Black, Foliage, Coyote and Multicam.
Items can be purchased from OTTE.
All photos used with permission of OTTE Gear LLC.
As a follow up to the recent Off-Duty piece on Arborwear, it has been brought to our attention that Sierra Trading Post has some excellent deals on Arbrowear.
You can find them here.
With this sight, Wilcox has combined the simplicity of the leaf sight with a laser range finder and anti-cant device. Due to the flight characteristics of currently fielded 40MM rounds even small aiming errors are amplified into big misses. Additionally, environmental conditions such as barometric pressure and temperature as well as the inclination of the weapon system can have a significant impact on the range to target, and ultimately accuracy.
The Wilcox Modular Fire Control System (FCS) is designed for use with the HK GLM (M320) as well as both the Colt M203 9†QD and 12†Barrels. The FCS Laser Gimbal automatically articulates the aiming laser to indicate the proper weapon elevation necessary to match the trajectory of 40mm grenade in flight to hit its intended target when the operator lases the target. After establishing the actual range to target, the ballistic computer takes real time data from built-in sensors and gives the shooter the additional capability of establishing a more accurately compensated range to target, designated as “Ballistic Rangeâ€, for a first round hit capability. The Ballistic Range Indicator blinks, indicating a good fix of the target. The grenadier can then verify by touching the remote pressure pad. Pressing a second time rotates the Laser Gimbal and articulates the Aiming Laser to the proper angle to engage the target. The grenadier then simply aligns the laser to the target and fires. A double tap cancels the process to start over. This complete operation can be accomplished in a couple of seconds.
Note the integral leaf sight designed by H&K with 50m graduated increments.
A mode selection knob found at the bottom right of the control panel allows the operator to select from eight possible modes of operation:
– IR Laser High with Range Finder
– IR Laser Low with Range Finder
– IR Laser Low Only
– IR Laser High Only
– Visible Laser and Range Finder
– Visible Laser Only
– Range Finder Only
– Off
The details are awesome. Even the objective lens of the FCS features an anti-reflective coating shrouded with Tenebraex honey comb for off angle flash protection. Naturally it mounts to any Mil-Std-1913 rails and is fastened via two thumb nuts. It weighs in under 20 oz and is waterproof to 1.5m. It is powered by a single CR123 but we do not have any date on battery life yet. The Modular Fire Control System comes standard in Black but may be special ordered in Tan.
For more information and a list of retailers contact Wilcox Industries.
All photos courtesy Wilcox Industries.
NQI recently sent us some samples of their Any Situation Always Prepared High Protein Meal Replacement. Tasty, mmmm…chocolate, how can you go wrong with chocolate? They have also developed a mocha flavored mix and it should be available soon.
The well designed packet is its own drink pouch. You simply tear off the top, open the resealable strip and pour in 10-12 oz of water. Then you shake vigorously holding both the top and bottom of the pouch and voila; a tasty beverage. No mess, no fuss and you can drink on the go.
ASAP provides 325 calories per serving. The chart below covers nutritional information.
ASAP is not only fantastic as a meal supplement when all you are eating is MREs but it is perfect for an E&E kit. In fact, most of the users we spoke with are purchasing them for go bags. One issue such potential users need to keep in mind is shelf life and NQI publishes some very specific guidance.
Deg In Fahrenheit Shelf Life In Months
120………………………………………1
110………………………………………5
100………………………………………22
90 ………………………………………55
80 ………………………………………76
70 ………………………………………100
60 ………………………………………130
Price is reasonable. A case of 20 packets goes for 59.95.
To order contact Never Quite Industries.
Seeing is Believing with the Advanced Tactical Camera
New rugged and lightweight device aids training and provides accountability
Radcliff, KY (March 7, 2008) – U.S. Cavalry, the world’s leading multi-channel distributor for Military,
Law Enforcement and Homeland Security communities, now carries the lightweight and ultra-portable, Advanced Tactical Camera from Pacific Concepts.
The crucial record of events in any use of force scenario can prove disastrous if you aren’t armed with the unbiased eye of a video camera. Now video capability is portable! Weighing only 7 ozs., including batteries, SD card and mounting, the Advanced Tactical Camera (ATC) is ready to attach to your weapon or helmet.
Anyone who has used a digital camera will be instantly familiar with the operation of the ATC. Using a 2Gb SD media card, the ATC can record an hour of VHS quality video (640 x 480 resolution) at 30 frames per second. Included cables allow you to download video straight to your computer or simply connect to a television and use the camera for playback. Two AA batteries provide up to 2 hours of capture time.
Although consumer video cameras of this type do exist, the ATC was engineered specifically for military
and law customers to withstand the harsh recoil of a weapon. Totally self-contained, the device is also waterproof up to 10 feet and offers protection against sand and other debris from internal O-rings.
The Advanced Tactical Camera is a perfect and inexpensive tool for training and accountability in real mission deployments. The ATC has already been put to use in a number of exciting ways, such as: cell extractions, high-risk warrants and less-lethal encounters. Additionally, it has been used by the military on the southern U.S border as well as in Afghanistan.
The Advanced Tactical Camera is in stock and ready for order. To see video demos of the product and for additional technical details, visit: US Cav or call 1.800.200.9455.
