The Kälin Concepts RapidMag Belt Combo is now available for Battle Rifles and AKs along with a 5.56 version.
Magazine retention is accomplished via elastic and slip-not material. It’s available in Right or Left hand versions with Belt or MOLLE mounts in a wide variety of colors.
Knowing what you have is necessary before you can even diagnose a problem or figure out what kind of work your inflatable might need. You must first be informed that there are two different kinds of cloth available: PVC and Hypalon (CSM).
Due to the differences in their construction, each requires a unique approach to maintenance and repairs. As with so many maritime-related things, periodic checks of your boat will help you identify minor concerns before they turn into bigger ones. Like everything else, UV is the worst thing for PVC and Hypalon. Do a visual and rub your hands along the boat’s tubes to help find dry or cracked spots, “alligatoring”, but you will need to improve your UV protection.
To start your inspection, fill your spray bottle with liquid soap, pump the boat to specifications from the aft to the forward (drum tight), and then begin spraying. It will be more effective to set your spray nozzle to create a wide mist than a narrow jet. In both cases, make sure to soak the tubes thoroughly. Finding air bubbles is essential because they are a surefire indicator of leaks. Keep an eye out for valves, cones, and seams. Rarely are leaks cooperative enough to show up on a field of open tubes. Nope, they would much rather stand next to or even behind some fitting or label.
Check the cloth for wear, especially the tube tops. Where guys will sit with all their gear on, and it might rub holes or start to rub holes. They will eventually dry out and begin to leak. Check for wear on all the attachments and accessories. Some accessories will droop and chafe the tube fabric as the tubes deflate in colder conditions. Don’t forget to check the holders for the transom.
Look under the boat to inspect the bottom for wear, particularly to the areas around the transom and where strips connect it to the tubes. While you’re at it, grip the tube-to-hull strips directly to check for any fabric that may have come loose. Keep a close lookout for rot if your transom is made of wood.
Lastly, examine all the valves. Are all the caps present? The “plungers” are they free to move? It’s okay to spray a little more of the soap mixture while you’re rummaging around to clear out any sand or other debris that may have started to gather.
Before putting the boats away, give your tubes a UV treatment in addition to routine checks. Use a manufacturer-recommended UV protectant. There are several goods available.
Spray the boat down after every use and give it a good cleaning before you stow it away. Salt away is a great product to help get all the salt off the boat. Never leave an inflatable in the sun to the recommended pressure after filling it. This is especially true for PVC boats with glued seams since you could stress the seams and produce leaks (or worse). On the other hand, buzzing around while the tubes are not inflated to the proper pressure will undoubtedly ruin those handy transom holders. This is due to the outboard’s vibration, which will cause the tubes to start pulling away from the transom if they aren’t pushed tightly against its sides. Inflatable air chambers are divided by internal baffles that keep them apart in the event of an accident-punctured chamber. These baffles also balance the air pressure throughout all the chambers’ connections.
Underway repair You should always keep the following supplies on board: a hand pump, duct tape, ClamSeal, and some beach balls.
It isn’t much you can do if a boat is punctured below the water line besides pumping air using a hand pump to reduce the air leak. You can buy a ClamSeal for quick emergency repairs in torn inflatables.
Duct tape can temporarily repair punctures inside the boat that is in easily accessible areas. Before applying duct tape, the area around the puncture should be cleansed with acetone to ensure a proper seal. After that, you can pump air into the boat to slow the escaping air, allowing you to land as soon as possible. If a hole gets ripped in the sponson before you put the ClamSeal on, you can set the beach ball in there and inflate it when it is in there, which will help make the sponson more stable. Then try and close the hole with tape or a ClamSeal. On a side note, you can also use flex seal tape or other products. The downside is getting all the adhesive off that spot to repair the hole, but that is a dry land problem.
Fjällräven’s Expedition Down Knickers are insulated shorts. You’ll find that if you’re active, you don’t need full-length insulated pants so these are a good option, particularly if you’ve got to carry everything with you.
Currently, available in sizes XS-XXL in Basalt (shown) and UN Blue (no kidding, that’s the name).
www.fjallraven.com/us/en-us/men/trousers/insulated-trousers/expedition-down-knickers
Featuring a 40D ripstop, water repellant face fabric printed in Duck Camp Wetland and a fleece lining, this mountain blanket measures 84″ x 50″.
Features include a slit to wear it over your head like a poncho, flapped pocket, and a fleece lined stuff sack which can be used as a pillow.
Get yours at duckcamp.com/products/duck-camp-x-kammok-blanket.
So, you own a Glock handgun like the bulk of the shooting community for innumerable reasons. Some of them are the robust aftermarket components that are available (especially from Tyrant Designs) as well as Glock handguns being touted as supremely reliable and a highly-configurable platform. With that comes the ability to change components at will. This can vary from frame pins to barrels; all of which Tyrant Designs makes premium upgrades for. What are some of the reasons that you would want to even bother changing your factory barrel though? Let’s walk through those to see if the recently unveiled Tyrant Designs barrel is for you!
The very first thing that will catch your eye about our premium barrels is the curb appeal. So, how much does this matter? To be completely honest, quite a bit. I have had the whole “curb appeal” debate with countless friends when it comes to upgrading components on firearms, and this is the lens I view that conversation through… “Nobody wants a highly-accurate gun that is ugly just like no one wants an ugly muscle car.” That makes sense, right? You shouldn’t sacrifice performance for looks, but if you can have both, why not? The other big element of upgrading components is performance. Our barrels will give you greater reliability and consistency in chambering rounds. It will also ensure spent rounds are being extracted and ejected without a sliver of doubt.
The fitment to the slide will also guarantee a more secure lockup into the battery every time. Another glaringly obvious reason to upgrade to our barrel is the greater accuracy. We have imparted a deep crowning to our barrels – that is not present on factory barrels – that will increase velocity and bullet stability upon exit of the barrel. Finally, you may want to look at upgrading your factory barrel to one of ours if you have a damaged barrel or one that has deteriorated in quality over time. This could be a valid safety concern after an accident – your gun falls down the side of a mountain while hiking or it fell out while changing the oil in your vehicle and you subsequently ran it over.
Whatever the reason might be, if you fear your barrel is compromised, you should replace it out of an abundance of caution for your own safety. So, there you have it! Improve the curb appeal of your Glock and be the envy of your friends, simultaneously improve its performance, and/or ensure your gun is at its tip-top safest quality for carrying. Until next time, continually check out our blog, join our newsletter, and watch the website for new and exciting updates! As always, let us know all your thoughts in the comments below. We love it when you participate in our articles and keep the conversation going!
Vicenza, Italy – U.S. Army Southern European Task Force Africa (SETAF) partnered with National Conference Services Inc. (NCSI) to host the Tactical and Tech Day Expo at the Golden Lion Conference Center on Caserma Ederle, Vicenza, Italy, October 26, 2022.
NCSI worked with SETAF prior to the event to develop a list of vendors that would provide technological solutions to bring to our partners in Africa. Having just completed a recent event in Morocco, NCSI was able to identify technology gaps and source vendors who could deploy solutions both in Italy and in Africa.
“Working with specific vendors can help bridge the technology services gap in places like Morocco to provide better, and more mobile security and data protection,” said Katia Sears, NCSI events manager.
The expo allows companies to showcase their products by providing demonstrations using the latest technological options and services that can fulfill mission requirements through collaborative efforts with members of the Vicenza Military Community who may utilize their services.
Companies showcased products that could aid units with communications, language translation, radar, big data analytics, workflow software, signal monitoring, and advanced structures on the African continent.
Sgt. 1st Class Simone Loncke, the operations NCO for the Operation Protection Directorate, feels a certain responsibility and vested interest in intel for the continent. She says, “Technology is a way of the future and we have to embrace it. I am impressed by all we can invest in to protect the continent, and how fast it can be deployed.”
While the event aims to cultivate a network of mission-oriented partnerships, it also provides opportunities for individual members to develop professional relationships.
“Technology changes so fast and it is important for the Army procurement process to get in on this stuff early,” said the G6 Sgt. Maj. Thomas Richard.
Due to Covid restrictions, the Tactical and Tech Day Expo has not been held in Vicenza since 2019. An annual event, it is scheduled tentatively for the Spring of 2023.
Story by SPC Alisha Grezlik, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – November 2, 2022 – Viridian Weapon Technologies has officially introduced new American-made kydex holsters to their cutting-edge line of products for concealed carry. These handcrafted, configurable inside and outside waistband designs offer discreet carry and comfort that secure optics, light and laser-equipped firearms so they’re available when needed most.
“Viridian is proud to present these all-new, 100% American-made kydex holsters,” said Viridian President and CEO, Brian Hedeen. “These products are effective, custom and ready for any given situation. They also have the capability to feature our INSTANT-ON ® technology. We’re extremely excited to bring these custom holsters to the firearm community.”
For as low as $49, the inside waistband holster models includes inclusive hole patterns for belt clip placement adjustment ranging from appendix carry to 5 o’clock waist placement. The iconic INSTANT-ON design option immediately turns on the light/laser as the user draws, creating an unmatched tactical advantage.
The configurable inside and outside waistband holster design consists of optional belt clips that give the option to placement for even better concealability. Patented INSTANT-ON technology utilizes magnets to turn on the light, laser, or camera as you draw, eliminating the need to activate manually. These models can be purchased for as low as $69.
Featuring optimized cut for comfort, easy draw and re-holstering, these holsters make for the perfect concealed carry accessories. With premium manufacturing – including Kydex thermoform plastic, hand built production, and field-testing in harsh conditions – Viridian holsters ensure safety and protection.
To learn more about Viridian’s new custom holsters, visit viridianweapontech.com.
