SIG SAUER - Never Settle

SilencerCo Announces Executive Legal Appointment

Wednesday, June 22nd, 2016

SilencerCo Appoints David Bolls, Former COO of Duck Commander, As General Counsel & Executive Vice President of Business & Legal Affairs

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah – June 22, 2016 – SilencerCo LLC, the industry leader in silencers, appointed David Bolls as General Counsel and Executive Vice President of Business & Legal Affairs, reporting to SilencerCo’s Chief Executive Officer Joshua Waldron. Bolls will be responsible for SilencerCo’s and SilencerCo Weapons Research’s (SWR) litigation, contracts, licensing agreements, intellectual property, and government relations and will be a member of SilencerCo’s leadership team. Bolls appointment is effective as of Monday, July 13, 2016.

“At SilencerCo, we strive to recruit the best talent across all industries, and are very pleased to have David Bolls join us,” said Waldron. “David is an amazing addition to our executive leadership team because of his breadth of expertise and extensive experience, and he will be a critical player in helping us develop the strategy that grows our product lines and channels. We could not be more excited to have him onboard.”

Most recently, Bolls served as Chief Operating Officer of Duck Commander and Buck Commander, a multi-million dollar empire owned and operated by Louisiana’s camouflage-clad Robertson family, who became well-known by A&E’s Duck Dynasty television series. Bolls worked with a management team directing operations across all companies. Prior to Duck Commander and Buck Commander, he served as Deputy General Counsel and Executive Vice President of Business & Legal Affairs for Outdoor Channel Holdings, Inc. During his tenure at Outdoor Channel, he was responsible for overseeing and negotiating network contracts, licensing agreements, intellectual property matters, and litigation, as well as the development of a wide range of entertainment content and key relationships with talent and producers. Bolls has been an attorney for over 19 years.

“I’m very excited to join SilencerCo’s already best-in-class team. They’re brilliant, extremely creative, and not afraid to take risks. Most importantly, its leadership team continually puts employees first.” said Bolls. “In less than a week, I’ve already had the privilege of witnessing this firsthand. Josh and Jon simply want the best people working together to win. It’s exactly the type of environment in which I thrive and I couldn’t be happier.”

Bolls graduated cum laude from Warner Pacific College with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He holds a Juris Doctor from McGeorge School of Law at University of the Pacific and completed an executive tax accounting program at the University of San Francisco. He also holds a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation from Golden Gate University School of Law and a Graduate Certificate of Advanced Studies in Taxation from Golden Gate University Masters School of Taxation.

For more information, visit SilencerCo.com.

Morgan Advanced Materials and D3O Announce New Helmet

Wednesday, June 22nd, 2016

Morgan and D3O create world’s most advanced helmet for defence sector

Morgan Advanced Materials, a world leader in the application of advanced composite material technology, has incorporated D3O TRUST high-performance padding system into its ultra-lightweight combat helmet portfolio, the LASA AC914 and LASA AC915. The combination of Morgan’s hybrid composite ballistic helmet shell technology, with D3O’s impact pads is believed to be the most advanced combat helmet in the global market.

The D3O TRUST helmet liner system, created by the experts in real-world impact protection solutions, is engineered using patented composite materials. The seven-piece system which exceeds required Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) protection levels by 33% at 10ft/sec, has now been used by Morgan to complement its world leading ballistic helmet shell technology.

Morgan’s LASA AC914 and LASA AC915 ballistic helmets are manufactured using proprietary ultra-lightweight, composite hybrid technology, which provides structure, durability and a level of protection at weights significantly lower than previously available. The helmets are the outcome of over three years of materials and product development at Morgan’s Ballistics Centre of Excellence.

Weighing in at 1.25kg (2.9lb) for a full cut LASA AC914 helmet and 1.15kg for a high cut LASA AC915 variant, these composite hybrid helmets are 7.5% lighter than a typical advanced combat helmets with 10% enhanced 17gr FSP Performance (735m/s). Built for comfort and endurance, the D3Oâ TRUST 10ft/sec blunt trauma impact padding system exceeds all regulatory performance standards and is recognised as the most durable and comfortable solution on the global market.

Duncan Eldridge, President of Morgan Advanced Materials – Composites and Defence Systems, explains: “Morgan has been at the forefront of ballistic protective combat helmet design for more than 30 years and we are proud to partner with D3O in the creation of our most advanced combat helmet yet”.

“The unrivalled performance of the D3O TRUST padding system and the resulting helmet is one which provides the highest levels ballistic protection at an extraordinarily low weight – a technological advancement which is sure to shape the sector.”

Todd Dunnagan, Director – D3O Global Defence Sector commented: “Morgan’s helmet shell technology provides flammability protection, ballistic protection and a structurally sound platform for the integration of blunt impact and retention systems, which, combined with the comfort and shock-absorbing capabilities of our D3O TRUST helmet liner system, delivers the ultimate lightweight, high-performance head protection solution.”

Available in a variety of configurations, the LASA helmets are compatible with in-service equipment including night vision goggles, as well as an array of other accessories. The LASA AC914 and LASA AC915 are available to purchase through Morgan’s locations in the UK, Canada and Singapore.

For more information on Morgan’s ballistic helmets, visit www.morgandefencesystems.com/LASA-900 and for details on the D3O TRUST helmet liner system, go to www.d3o.com/d3o_products/trust-helmet-liner-system.

Night Vision Redux – Part 3 – The Chassis

Wednesday, June 22nd, 2016

A quick laymen review of the PVS-14 component layout tells a fairly quick story. The electronics (image tube and lower monocular housing/battery box) are the most complex and the most expensive segments of the device (see supporting graphic). This is good news, since you won’t want to tinker with these. In their issue state, both of these components are efficient as-is (unless damaged) and require no excessive skill to install/remove. These items are not the center topic, but come into discussion down the road.

Interestingly enough, the least expensive component and universal junction for the monocular itself is the chassis (upper monocular housing). From an industry cost perspective, this item is as cheap as they come. The legacy chassis is a simple molded plastic part that serves as the universal junction for the remaining complex components. The optics, image tube, battery housing, purge screw, o-rings and associated components all interface into, onto, or within this housing. Average cost to manufacture, about 20 bucks. The cost to install the pins, windows and various heli-coils (if they use them) equals the same or more cost. This is a general manufacturing estimate; different companies may vary with labor and methods.

The points be made are:
– You have rough part cost that equals as much as a good lunch.
– The cost driver to this component cost is mostly physical labor/burden.
– This critical part is the junction point to every other part that costs from 5-50X more (excluding fasteners, spacers, etc.)
– This part is essentially 18 years old and has never been improved beyond its initial design and manufacturing process, other than to manufacture it at an even lower cost.

To many it may appear that the plastic chassis (above, left) is being bullied in examination, but the facts are what they are. This is the most inexpensive key component and it’s mission is binary; to hold all the other stuff together. It does. If it can do that (much like a rifle lower receiver does), let’s make it do more since is it a relatively simple part. For reference, one of the main reasons a PVS-14 fails in the field is internal issues. Corrosion, fouled optics and impact/deformation rank highest in deadlined devices. The core issue is interface compromise. Either a lens seal, housing seal or thread surface allows moisture or dirty air inside the device.

Some of the easiest ways measure improvement of something are to add utility, ease logistics, increase longevity and improve performance. Looks might also help.

This chassis modification is an example of taking the lowest common denominator (plastic housing) with minimal function and expanding the reliability and usage, easing logistics and opening the modularity discussed in the first segment of this series. A standard PVS-14 has the following attributes (some not visible) which could argue for an “improved” device over replacing the device.

– Significant ruggedization of felt shock and recoil.
– Increased submersion well past 60′ exposed.
– Denser front windows to minimize impact cracks.
– Exacting surface features for interface.
– Full backwards compatibility with legacy components.
– Minimal weight increase of about an ounce.
– Ability to add a variety of new optics.
– Does not require full disassembly to repair optics or electronics.
– Looks cooler.

This is an example of how EO of the future may want to lean given the cost, logistics support matrix and utility lean designs we have had to present.

Night Vision Redux is a weekly series prepared with the assitance of DEP, the US subsidiary of Photonis. It is intended to educate readers about image intensification (I2) systems and ways they can be upgraded without having go purchase comoletely new systems.

SureFire Responds To Competitor Suppressor Video

Wednesday, June 22nd, 2016

Fountain Valley, CA — Recently, a suppressor manufacturer released a video showing what they claimed to be a “government agency test,” in which their suppressor outperformed the SureFire SOCOM556-RC suppressor. In response to this so-called “government agency test” video, SureFire would like to make clear to the public that the test in this competitor’s video was not a test conducted by SOCOM or any other government agency. The test was conducted in-house by the manufacturer of the competing suppressor, with a few members of the Military and Government in attendance. Additionally, the exact opposite results were obtained in actual SOCOM testing in which the competitor’s suppressor was evaluated alongside a SureFire SOCOM556-RC. In this test, the competitor’s suppressor failed, whereas the SureFire suppressor completed the test without incident or causing malfunctions of the MK18.

SureFire suppressors are proven performers and have been in use with military special operations forces, government agencies, and law enforcement all over the world with excellent results and feedback. This video appears to be nothing more than an attempt by the video’s producers to manipulate and mislead the public and potential government end-users. That said, we at SureFire take it as a compliment that a competitor would go to such lengths to attempt to disparage our product. Combine this with the unmatched loyalty of our customers, and we see this as nothing more than confirmation that SureFire remains the industry leader.

For those of you looking for some context, this SureFire press release is in response to a video (OSS vs. Best-in-Class SOCOM Baffle Suppressor Torture Test) released last week by Operator Suppressor Systems. You can check the video out on osssuppressors.com at the bottom of the landing page.

You Never Know Where They’ll Show Up

Wednesday, June 22nd, 2016

Tapa, Estonia: Saber Strike 16, a 2,400km joint combined tactical road march starting in Germany through Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia culminating in a combined arms live fire exercise.

Arc’teryx Reminds You To Care For Your Gore-Tex Outerwear

Tuesday, June 21st, 2016


If you’ve got an Arc’teryx jacket or pants made from Gore-Tex, they’d like to remind you to give it a little TLC.

At the end of each season it’s a great idea to do a visual inspection of your gear so, if needed, you can have it repaired and ready for next season!

-Open and close each zipper and inspect teeth for damage.
-Verify that all internal elastic drawcords (i.e. hood and hem) are in good shape.
-Inspect the outside of the garment

In the event of a problem, warranty info is available at www.arcteryx.com/Warranty

Beyond x Bradford Collaboration Knife

Tuesday, June 21st, 2016

Beyond has partnered with Local Seattle knife maker, Bradford Knives to collaborate on an exclusive run of 60 Guardian 4 fixed blade knives. The limited edition Guardian4 is a 4-inch fixed blade made from sturdy N690 steel with a nimbus finish and features a custom contoured canvas micarta handle and a leather sheath.

The Guardian4 and sheath are proudly made in the United States of America.

www.beyondclothing.com/beyond-x-bradford-guardian4-fixed-blade

Direct Action Gear – Mosquito Modular Belt System and Speed Reload Pouches

Tuesday, June 21st, 2016

MOSQUITO Modular Belt System

The MOSQUITO modular belt system is an extremely versatile platform – just like de Havilland’s ‘Wooden Wonder’ from WWII. It works well in both low-profile and heavy-load configurations and is compatible with accessory hip and drop leg panels.

Specs:
-Made of proprietary laminate, stiffened, Velcro loop lined
-Designed to work as a belt sleeve for MUSTANG rescue / gun belt, will fit most standard rescue belts
-Laser cut PALS slots interchanging with vertical openings on the sides allow for user-preferred equipment attachment options for holster, blade etc.
-Additional stability can be achieved by using the MOSQUITO modular belt sleeve together with the MUSTANG inner belt
-Low profile Y-style suspenders for use under armor available
-Detachable stiffened hip panels available in two lengths, long panel allows direct mounting of Safariland’s® 3-hole system pistol holsters
-High ride drop leg panels available
* Please note: inner belt, hip panels and suspenders are sold separately.

Speed Reload Pouches

Open top rifle magazine pouch, designed for speed reloads but with secure magazine carry at the same time. The special internal material, combined with a limited-size top opening and tension-adjusting elastic cord, prevents the magazine from popping out if it gets snagged.

Just like their rifle pouch, the pistol / SMG pouch is designed for speed reloads but with secure magazine carry at the same time. The special internal material, combined with tension-adjusting elastic cord, prevents the magazine from popping out if it gets snagged.

This article originally appeared on www.strikehold.net. Used with permission.