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Commerce Departments Pauses Firearms Exports for 90 Days

October 29th, 2023

On Friday, 27 October, 2023, the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security which controls the export of commercial firearms from the United States issued a notice stating that it was halting the approval of export licenses for “certain firearms, related components, and ammunition under its jurisdiction” for “approximately 90 days.”

The notice goes on to state:

During this “pause” period, the Department will further assess current firearm export control review policies to determine whether any changes are warranted to advance U.S. national security and foreign policy interests. The review will be conducted with urgency and will enable the Department to more effectively assess and mitigate risk of firearms being diverted to entities or activities that promote regional instability, violate human rights, or fuel criminal activities.

Specifically, the halt relates to ECCN 0A501, ECCN 0A502, ECCN 0A504, and ECCN 0A505, that are destined for non-governmental end users worldwide apart from those located in Ukraine, Israel, or a country in Country Group A:1 (Wassenaar Arrangement Participating States), Supp. No. 1 to part 740 of the EAR.

The notice does state that this does not affect previously issued/received export licenses and that exporters may continue to submit license applications to BIS regardless of whether the items on the application are subject to the pause. Applications subject to the pause, however, will be placed on “Hold Without Action” (HWA) and will not be processed until the end of the pause. Furthermore, applications currently in process are affected by the pause. BIS will contact exporters when the pause is lifted.

It’s interesting to note that this action comes on the heels of calls from Congress for the Biden Administration to explain how Hamas terrorists used US weapons during the attacks on Israel earlier this month. Still no acknowledgement of whether any of those arms were from the $7 billion in weapons and equipment abandoned in Afghanistan. We know they have shown up in the Kashmir conflict.

Posted in Firearms, Industry | 9 Comments »

Bianchi Releases Old Tuscany Italian Leather Line

October 29th, 2023

Jacksonville, Florida – Bianchi®, a brand of The Safariland Group, a leading global provider of safety products designed for the public safety, military, professional and outdoor markets and one of Cadre Holdings, Inc.’s (NYSE: CDRE) (“Cadre”) has introduced the newest edition to the Bianchi holster brand. The Old Tuscany Italian Leather line introduces four exceptional holsters, each with its own unique features and benefits.

“In keeping with the innovation and quality that Safariland and Bianchi products are known for, we are thrilled to offer our customers new IWB and OWB holsters crafted from fine Italian leather,” said Eric Gasvoda, GM of Duty Gear for Safariland. “The Old Tuscany line is the perfect blend of quality, craftsmanship, and style.”

Bianchi, established in 1958 by John Bianchi, is a brand of The Safariland Group and has a rich history of handcrafted workmanship and functional design. Its holsters and gun accessories have stood the test of time, earning the trust of professionals around the globe. From premier leather products to the durable AccuMold® line for law enforcement, Bianchi continues to deliver time-proven designs that are built to last.

The Cortona™, a refined in-waistband design, offers durability and aesthetic sophistication. Crafted with full-grain leather, it is the perfect complement for large semi-automatics. Key features include red dot sight compatibility, premium grade leather, a rugged spring steel belt clip, and sturdy single-piece construction.

For small-of-back concealment, the Fucecchio™ provides a deep cant angle in full-grain leather outside the waistband holster. Its open-top design allows for a fast time-to-target, making it an ideal choice for everyday carry. The Fucecchio features a flat rear profile for a close body fit, adjustable tension, premium grade leather construction, and a 30-degree built-in cant.

The Lajatico™, an outside-the-waistband holster, offers secure thumb-strap retention in a classic full-grain leather design. Dual front belt loop options allow for a range of cant angles, ensuring an efficient draw. The Lajatico boasts a flat rear profile for a close body fit, premium grade leather, and versatility to be worn on the left or right for cross-draw.

Lastly, the Vicopisano™ provides secure thumb-strap retention in full-grain leather outside the waistband holster. Its refined aesthetic, highlighted by contrast stitching accents, makes it as visually appealing as it is functional. The Vicopisano offers dual front belt loop options for various cant angles and features a front cross stitch detail, flat rear profile for a close body fit, and premium grade leather construction. It can be worn on the right or left for cross-draw.
For more information about the Bianchi Old Tuscany Italian Leather line and new holsters for popular firearms, visit bianchileather.com.

bianchileather.com

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SECAF Authorizes Space Force Good Conduct Medal

October 29th, 2023

U.S. Space Force Guardians are now eligible to receive the Space Force Good Conduct Medal (SFGCM) if eligibility criteria are met, effective immediately.

This medal recognizes “exemplary behavior, efficiency, and fidelity of enlisted members of the United States Space Force,” according to a memo signed by Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall Aug. 30, 2023.

The memo also outlined award eligibility for the SFGCM will be retroactive to the date the U.S. Space Force was established by law, Dec. 20, 2019.

Eligibility for the award includes members demonstrating the Space Force core values of Character, Connection, Commitment, and Courage; members will receive the SFGCM after serving in the Space Force for three years.

Award of the SFGCM is automatic unless denied by the unit commander.

This new medal comes after Executive Order 8809, Good Conduct Medal, was amended by Executive Order 14085, Expanding Eligibility for Certain Military Decorations and Awards, dated Oct 3. 2022, and will be reflected in the next revision to DAFMAN 36-2806, Military Awards: Criteria and Procedures, Attachment 14.

By Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs

Posted in Guest Post, Profession of Arms, Space | Comments Off on SECAF Authorizes Space Force Good Conduct Medal

Meprolight Announces: Tens of Thousands of MEPRO MOR Sights Sold to a South American Country

October 28th, 2023

October , 2023 Israel. Meprolight (1990) Ltd. – a member of the SK Group (founded by Mr. Samy Katsav) and a leading manufacturer of electro-optical systems, thermal and night vision equipment, as well as self-illuminated sights for military, law enforcement and civilian applications.

The company has announced the sale of tens of thousands of its MEPRO MOR sights to a South American country.

The MEPRO MOR sights effectively address three distinct needs within a single, sophisticated product – functioning as a battery-free passive reflector sight, a visible pointer, and an invisible IR pointer. Consequently, this advanced solution yields substantial cost savings, enveloping operational and maintenance expenses that would otherwise be incurred by deploying three separate sights. Additionally, the MEPRO MOR sights enhances mission flexibility, further elevating its utility and adaptability.

The sight’s battery-free reticle system enables accurate, fast, and instinctive firing at all times without the need to turn the sight ON; even if the sight is switched to OFF or has no batteries, its light-collecting fiber- optic and a tritium capsule ensure full day and night reticle availability.

Developed based on IDF requirements, the MEPRO sights has been designed with a 30mm diameter lens to ensure easy and rapid target acquisition with both eyes open; it effectively supports instinctive close-range firing in urban and CQB conditions, as well as shooting at longer distances in open- terrain operations, while under harsh environmental conditions and combat stress.

The MEPRO MOR sights features a unique simultaneous zeroing mechanism for all its aiming devices; zeroing can be conveniently performed day or night while saving time and ammunition.

Golan Kalimi ,S.V.P. Sales & Marketing – Defense – stated: “The MEPRO MOR sights is a result of successful collaboration with the IDF and has been actively utilized by diverse forces globally, including India, for several years. In this vast country, the system’s ability to endure challenging conditions, such as extreme heat and humidity, and support users in remote locations holds tremendous significance. We take immense pride in its continued operational deployment by the IDF, where it has consistently demonstrated outstanding performance in all environmental conditions. The recently secured contract with the South American state serves as further validation of the MEPRO MOR sights unwavering reliability, as it continues to garner trust from various armed forces across the world.”

For more information on Meprolight, please visit: www.meprolight.com

Posted in Contracts, International, Lights, Press Release | Comments Off on Meprolight Announces: Tens of Thousands of MEPRO MOR Sights Sold to a South American Country

U.S. Patriot Donates Protective Gear to Safeguard Communities in Israel

October 28th, 2023

U.S. Patriot, a GALLS® company, is donating $735k worth of protective gear to communities across Israel to help in their defense.

Lexington, KY (October 2023) –U.S. Patriot Tactical, a GALLS® company, has donated $735K of protective gear, footwear, eyewear, defense tools, and outerwear to humanitarian organizations in Israel. The gear and equipment will be distributed to the protectors who work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of their communities.

“We pride ourselves on providing gear and equipment to protect the protectors across our country. It is our privilege to step up to help communities in Israel who suddenly have enhanced needs to defend themselves,” said Mike Fadden, CEO of U.S. Patriot. “There is no way we can repair the losses they have suffered. I hope this contribution will help prevent further loss of lives.”

Furthermore, U.S. Patriot, a Charlesbank Capital Partners portfolio company, is excited to launch a website where supporters can donate gear and clothing. On this website, patrons can select and donate items identified in high demand by the agencies protecting Israeli communities. All donations will be dispatched directly to the Israeli organizations in need.

Posted in Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on U.S. Patriot Donates Protective Gear to Safeguard Communities in Israel

Soldier Touchpoint Supports XM30 Combat Vehicle Program

October 28th, 2023

WARREN, Mich. — Soldiers from the 1st Cavalry Division out of Fort Cavazos, Texas, helped the Army better understand how Armored Brigade Combat Teams may fight in the future, thanks to a Soldier touchpoint held in September at the Detroit Arsenal in Michigan.

The Soldiers from Bravo Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment supported a virtual experiment with the XM30 combat vehicle program, providing feedback on how Soldiers might best utilize the vehicle in a combat scenario.

“The input we gain from our Soldiers in these touchpoints is invaluable to the vehicle development process,” said Brig. Gen. Geoffrey Norman, director of the Next Generation Combat Vehicles Cross-Functional Team, which is based at the Detroit Arsenal.

“These touchpoints are part of the iterative process between our Army engineers and our industry partners to ensure we deliver the vehicle the Army needs for 2030 and beyond.”

During the experiment, Soldiers from the platoon worked in a vehicle simulator, with Soldiers serving as the crew of the simulated XM30 and infantry dismounts who would be transported in the rear of the vehicle.

The XM30 is now under development and will replace the Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle in the Army’s Armored Brigade Combat Teams in the future. The first XM30s will be delivered to the first unit equipped in fiscal year 2029. XM30 will have a crew of two Soldiers and will carry infantry Soldiers in the rear of the vehicle.

Virtual experimentation is helping the Army to determine what functions or tasks a member of the dismount team could perform to support the crew.

“We’re running through a variety of simulations and scenarios to assess the benefits of different configurations,” explained the first lieutenant who led the group of Soldiers participating in the virtual experiment. “Most of these Soldiers have live experience in Bradleys, they understand the mission sets and they know what they would like to see in the XM30.”

During the experiment, after the Soldiers participated in a mission scenario, engineers would immediately conduct an after-action interview, gathering input from the Soldiers on what worked and what didn’t. Other engineers studied a wide range of hard data, determining in which crew scenario the Soldiers were best able to meet mission goals.

“The engineers here in Detroit are really listening to what we have to say,” said a participating staff sergeant. “I think it is pretty exciting to see how the Army is taking what we’ve seen in the field and putting that together with this new technology to create a better system.”

Another staff sergeant who participated in the virtual experiment said that even though the XM30 is still in development — currently two companies are under contract by the Army to build and deliver physical prototypes by 2026 — “there are some things in this simulated version that I wish we had now, that will simplify tasks for the crew.”

The staff sergeant said all the Soldiers who participated in the touchpoint understood the important role they were playing.

“We’re making the connection between the user world and the influencer world. That’s pretty cool,” he said.

Norman said a number of additional Soldier touchpoints are scheduled throughout the XM30 development process.

By Dan Heaton, Next Generation Combat Vehicles Cross-Functional Team

Posted in Army, Guest Post | Comments Off on Soldier Touchpoint Supports XM30 Combat Vehicle Program

FALCO Holsters Redefines Concealed Carry Comfort

October 27th, 2023

Enhanced Customization for Unparalleled Fit and Retention

Ft. Lauderdale, FL – October 26, 2023 – FALCO® Holsters, a globally renowned name in bespoke leather holsters, proudly introduces new concealed carry solutions. Elevating craftsmanship to new heights, the company unveils cutting-edge leather inside-the-waistband (IWB) and shoulder holsters featuring enhanced retention screw customization, an integrated sight rail, plus a luxuriously soft leather underlay protecting the gun finish, adding comfort for gun owners, and increasing the overall sturdiness of the holsters.

Katarína Zacharová, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for FALCO Holsters, commented, “We pride ourselves in listening to what our customers want, so we tasked our engineers with creating new IWB and shoulder holster models to incorporate more adjustable retention screws. Next, we incorporated an integrated sight rail with a layer of soft leather on the inside of the holster. Together, these features offer added protection from abrasions during unholstering and reholstering. The suede layer makes for a quieter, smoother draw and delivers even more stability to these holsters.”

Enhanced Retention Screw Customization

Most holsters have one screw near the trigger guard, but with multiple strategically placed screws, users are empowered to precisely tailor the fit and retention strength of their holsters, ensuring a secure and personalized carrying experience. “The additional screw is closer to the barrel, letting you choose exactly where to apply the retention pressure on your gun,” said Zacharová.

Integrated Sight Rail

Beyond safeguarding pistol and revolver sights and the holster’s interior from wear, the integrated sight rail channel ensures the holster stays open even without the firearm. “Incorporating these features significantly extends the holster’s lifespan,” Zacharová added.

Soft Leather Underlay

By incorporating the soft leather underlay mounted over the integrated sight rail channel on the inside of the holster, firearm finishes and sights are more protected from daily wear. “The result is a holster that not only secures and shields your firearm from wear but encourages a better drawing experience,” she added. “Plus, the life of the holster is lengthened because there is less stress on the interior.”

New FALCO Leather IWB Holsters

• Leather IWB Holster for a wide variety of pistols and revolvers

• Two retention screws allow customization of retention preference and draw speed

• Integrated sight rail channel protects the sights and the holster

• Soft, black leather underlay shields the handgun from wear and enhances its overall durability

• Proprietary FALCO stainless steel belt clip ensures balanced wearing

• Open muzzle design allows for extended threaded barrels and prevents the accumulation of dust and dirt inside the holster

• Holster remains open even without gun inside

• Covered barrel and trigger guard for safe handling

• Steel-reinforced thumb break for secure weapon retention

• Hand-cut, stitched, lacquered, and finished by leather artisans

• Durable FALCO “Signature Stitching”

• Lifetime Limited Warranty

• 30-Day Buyback Guarantee

• A123 IWB Holster, Premium: hand-colored Italian full-grain leather, MSRP: $129.95

• A223 IWB Holster, Classic: pre-tanned Italian full-grain leather, MSRP: $109.95

New FALCO Leather Shoulder Holsters

• Horizontal leather shoulder holster for a wide variety of pistols and revolvers

• Includes a single shoulder harness or cross shoulder harness and leather tie-down straps

• Multiple retention screws allow customization of retention preference and draw speed. Pistol holsters (2 screws), revolver models (3 screws)

• Integrated sight rail channel protects the sights and the holster

• Soft, black leather underlay shields the handgun from wear and enhances its overall durability

• Steel-reinforced thumb break for secure weapon retention

• Slits on the back of the holster allow it to be worn on the belt as OWB

• Open muzzle design allows for extended threaded barrels and prevents the accumulation of dust and dirt inside the holster

• Holster remains open even without gun inside

• Covered barrel and trigger guard for safe handling

• Hand-cut, stitched, lacquered, and finished by leather artisans

• Durable FALCO “Signature Stitching”

• Lifetime Limited Warranty

• 30-Day Buyback Guarantee

• Premium models feature hand-colored full-grain Italian leather

• Classic models feature pre-tanned full-grain Italian leather

• D127 Pistol Shoulder Holster, Premium: MSRP: $215.95

• D227 Pistol Shoulder Holster, Classic: MSRP: $189.95

• D128 Pistol Cross Shoulder Holster, Premium: includes double magazine counterbalance, MSRP: $295.95

• D228 Pistol Cross Shoulder Holster, Classic: includes double magazine counterbalance, MSRP: $269.95

• D129 Revolver Cross Shoulder Holster, Premium: includes double speed loader counterbalance, MSRP: $295.95

• D229 Revolver Cross Shoulder Holster, Classic: includes double speed loader counterbalance, MSRP: $269.95

Contact Vice President of Sales and Marketing Katarína Zacharová at katarina@falcoholsters.com to learn more about becoming a trusted FALCO Holsters retailer.

For more information about FALCO Holsters, visit FALCOHolsters.com.

Posted in Holsters, Press Release | 2 Comments »

Helikon-Tex – Chicom Chest Rig

October 27th, 2023

Helikon-Tex has revamped the Chicom Chest Rig.

They’ve taken the classic, combat proven design and made it from hard wearing Cordura.

It features three pockets with removable hook & loop flap closures as well as PALS webbing on either side wing. Each of the pouches will accept AR as well as AK sized magazines. Additionally, it will accept a dangler-style pouch below the mag pouches.

Inside the front panel there is a flat pocket for documents or inserts from Helikon-Tex’s VIS system, padded with soft loop.

Not only can you remove the H-harness and attach the CCR to the front of a plate carrier, but you can also attach day packs to the rear.

I love the color choices; in addition to your basic Black, Coyote, Olive Green, and MultiCam, they also offer RAL 7013, PL Woodland, US Woodland, and Rhodesian Brushstroke.

www.helikon-tex.com/kk-ccr-cd-chicom-chest-right

Posted in Load Carrying | 3 Comments »