FOG HORN

Revision Military Acquires Panacis Power Management Technology Company.

Posted on Tuesday, 25 February, 2014 by twobirdsflyingpub

Panacis is a Canadian based company with its headquarters located in Ottawa. The company designs, manufactures and markets a number of power management solutions around three broad applications that include personal, mobile and field (or off-grid) power. As part of their personal power application set, Panacis has taken on the task of greatly reducing or eliminating the need for a soldier or operator to carry 16 pounds of spare batteries. To that end, they developed the SharePack.

The device can store and use energy like a battery, as well as connect directly to other power sources and draw energy without the need of an intermediary device. SharePacks can also be daisy chained to create a highly configurable and efficient system.

The SharePack weighs 2.2 pounds and has a USB port and two military connector ports. The LCD display shows the level of charge and how long before the power pack is empty. The device comes in two configurations — one that fits into a double M4 magazine ammo pouch and a wing-shaped one that fits around the body. Panacis has been working directly with USSOCOM on trials and evaluations.

Full Press Release

Revision® Expands Integrated Soldier System Capability through Acquisition of Power Management Technology Company

Montreal, QC (February 25, 2014) – Revision Military, a world leader in protective soldier solutions, has expanded its capabilities by adding power management to its roster of integrated technologies, through the acquisition of Panacis, an Ottawa-based company focusing on Lithium ion rechargeable energy storage systems.

Advanced, electronic battlefield equipment such as networked radios, night-vision systems, GPS, smart phones and laptops, while increasing situational awareness and capability within smaller units, comes with the challenge of sustaining power for these devices, ideally without the weight and complexity that numerous types of batteries present.

“The opportunity for an integrated power management system that provides flexible storage and power management that can be easily adapted to a wide range of mission scenarios is extensive” said Jonathan Blanshay, CEO of Revision. “We are pleased to add power management – the ability to store, deliver, harvest, and share energy – to our roster of technologies in support of fully integrating electronic equipment while lessening the battery burden on soldiers”.

Revision has been working collaboratively with Panacis on several projects, including reviewing power support for the “Prowler” Human Augmentation system and development of a conformal battery housed on the helmet developed for Natick under the HEaDS-UP ATO program, among a number of other initiatives where next generation energy management is crucial to soldier performance.

“We are delighted to be part of Revision Military and are looking forward to bringing our technological expertise, intellectual property, engineering strength and global program experience to provide highly efficient energy management and storage systems to the warfighter”, said Steve Carkner, founder and CTO of Panacis. “We welcome the opportunity that Revision offers to further commercialize our current products as well as new product ideas in support of Integrated Soldier Systems”.

“The expertise the Panacis team brings to the Revision portfolio of capability will allow Revision to offer a much more complete solution package to both users and partners such as Prime contractors” said Richard Coomber, Revision Military’s VP of Integrated Systems. “By integrating power, data management and protection in flexible ways Revision aims to become the solution provider of choice on a range of platforms. The history the Panacis and Revision teams bring in working together means that we can hit the ground running and deliver on our current projects and the exciting new ones our team can tackle, many of which are already in the pipeline”.

The acquisition is effective February 21, 2014, and the energy solutions team will continue to operate from Ottawa.

Posted in Power | Tagged battery pack, Canada, Panacis, Revision, SharePak | Comments Off

EOTech X320 Thermal Imager

Posted on Monday, 24 February, 2014 by twobirdsflyingpub

Going back a few years, I remember being at the Burroughs Range, Ft. Benning GA, hanging out with the NCOIC while they setup FLIR for a night shoot. It was around 01:00 and bone chilling cold so it took a little bit of time for the equipment to become acclimated. We switched from white hot to black hot a couple of times to get the best image possible when all of the sudden this huge pig comes out of the tree line and decides to root around the target area. Very cool indeed.

With EOTech’s introduction of the X320 Thermal Imager pig hunters will have the same capability at a $3,799 price point. This is good news indeed and will make that pig hunt an amazing experience.

30 HZ frame rate.
Detection up to 800 yards.
2x, 3x, or 4x zoom.
WH, BH and 3 Color modes.
Compact form factor weighing 13oz.
6 hours of run time on 2 AA batteries.

Posted in ISR, Thermal Imaging | Tagged EOTech, L3, Thermal Imaging, X320 | Comments Off

Delta Force Snatch and Grab In Tripoli Libya

Posted on Friday, 21 February, 2014 by twobirdsflyingpub

This is a surveillance video of Abu Anas al-Libi being picked up outside his home in Tripoli, Libya. Elegant execution with minimal fanfare. Two vehicles cradled al_libi’s car the third secured the intersection. Nice Job!

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off

Ammo Review: Liberty Ammo Silverado Lead-Free .223 Hunting Round.

Posted on Wednesday, 19 February, 2014 by twobirdsflyingpub

Liberty Ammunition, Bradenton, FL has introduced a line of hunting ammunition branded as Silverado. The first offering in that product line is a .223 Lead-Free high performance hunting round that could easily outperform some of the .3o caliber hunting ammunition. The Silverado combines velocity with a high degree of fragmentation to provide impressive terminal ballistics. External ballistic performance is as impressive as any of the sniper rounds on the market.

Read My Review…

View this document on Scribd

Posted in Ammunition | Tagged .223, hunting, Liberty Ammo, Silverado | 1 Comment

Your Chance To Be A Hot Shots Calendar Girl

Posted on Sunday, 16 February, 2014 by twobirdsflyingpub

The Hot Shot Calendar for 2015 is kicking off with an open casting call. Interested female models must upload a bikini photo, or video, to facebook.com/hotshotscalendar. Models will be selected from the U.K. and U.S. In the past all of the models have been from the U.K so this is a great opportunity for team U.S.A. to get into the game. Casting will take place in London and New York City. The photo shoot will be in June and in the U.S.A.

Proceeds from Hot Shots Calendar flow to charities such as Help For Heroes, which offers practical, direct support to the UK’s wounded as well as the Special Operations Warrior Foundation here in the US.

www.facebook.com/hotshotscalendar

Posted in Fun Stuff | Tagged calendar, Help For Heroes, Hot Shots, Special Operations Warrior Foundation, U.K., U.S. | Comments Off

DoD Has No Plans To Close The Commissaries

Posted on Monday, 10 February, 2014 by twobirdsflyingpub

Well it looks like “on again and off again” is alive and well; although, “this is only a drill” would probably have been a more accurate statement.

The folks at Military.com are now reporting that “According to Army Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, there are no plans to close military commissaries.” According to Military.com, the DoD only asked the Defense Commissary Agency for a range of options on how they could operate if they lost taxpayer funding. Regardless of where this concept is in the planning stages, we continue to believe that the DoD should get out of the grocery store and retail store business. There are several ways in which that can be accomplished.

Move to the benefit card concept that we suggested in our first article.
Sell or license the Defense Commissary Agency and its stores to the private sector.

Both options, in our view, would lead to higher levels of benefits for servicemen & women, their dependents and retirees; while at the same time eliminating the fixed costs associated with running its own chain of grocery stores and retail stores.

(Read the Military.com story here)

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off

Liberty Ammo’s Silverado .223–Upcoming Review

Posted on Monday, 10 February, 2014 by twobirdsflyingpub

We’ve been dying to get some range time to see how well Liberty Ammo’s Silverado .223 shoots but the weather along the Eastern United States has been uncooperative at best. Based on ballistic gelatin tests, Silverado’s devastating effects belies its small caliber, but effect is just one part of the equation and predictable & consistent performance is just as important. Liberty’s ammunition is also lead-free and there’s been some concern on the part of shooters that lead-free ammunition does not perform as well. So, we’re going to check that out for you and summarize our findings in a review within the coming weeks.

Liberty Ammo has a number of patents for their bullet designs. In fact, most of their work has been devoted to improving penetration and lethality for the U.S. military. That R&D is reflected in their commercial hunting ammunition so we’re looking forward to range time with Silverado.

Posted in Ammunition | Tagged .223, hunting, Liberty Ammo, Silverado | Comments Off

In A Move To Cut Expenses, DoD May Do Away With Base Commissaries

Posted on Sunday, 9 February, 2014 by twobirdsflyingpub

It looks like Department of Defense planners may target base Commissaries to reduce annual operating expenses by $1.4B. The DoD’s support for that decision is a 2012 survey in which active duty personnel and military retirees were surveyed to assess if benefits derived, by the members, support the operating expense. The survey results indicate that the overwhelming majority of active duty personnel don’t value base Commissaries; whereas, retirees value them most. The alternative being considered is to provide the members with an annual subsidy of $300, which the survey indicates is preferred by most active duty members.

We have our own opinion, which is based simply on the DoD’s concept. We have not seen the survey nor do we have access to details on the population sample. For example, were spouses or dependents sampled, so it’s hard to say how closely the survey reflects actual service member preference. However, I will say this. As a young enlisted man, I could care less about the commissary, and were I given a choice between a $300 bump, or access to the base Commissary, I would have opted for the cash. Inconsistent with what the survey seems to indicate, I have never been at a base or post where the Commissaries were not crowded with shoppers, so I have to believe the reason is much more than the convenience of shopping on base, and that there is real value derived by the service member and his or her dependents; by way of measurable cost savings. This is a real value to service member families, and to retirees and their dependents. However, this is a benefit that occurs at the point of sale, and prior to paying an annual subsidy to service members and retirees I would explore the feasibility of teaming with the private sector to determine acceptance of a benefits card that a service member or retiree could take to a commercial establishment (Publix, Safeway, Winn Dixie, Wal-Mart, etc.) to be used at check out with a predetermined discount. How that discount is settled on the back end between the business and DoD is something that can be closely managed and negotiated by the DoD. Having a DoD issued benefit card may very well result in greater benefit to the service member and/or retiree with a reduced cost to the Department of Defense.

Edited to add a graphic from the Defense Commissary Agency’s Annual Fiscal Report FY 2013

This is what Commissary Benefits are worth to a military family of four.

Estimated Monthly Food Cost For a Family Of Four	With Commissary Benefits	Diff	Annualized
$911.40	$637.98	$273.42	$3281.04


USDA food cost figures for a family of 4 where children are in the ages of 6-8 and 9-11 is $236.50 weekly, for a moderate cost plan; placing the monthly cost at $993.30 ($236.50 * 4.2) somewhat higher than the $911.40 reflected in my calculation. Commissary savings are calculated at 30% based on the Annual Fiscal Report FY 2013. Source:http://www.cnpp.usda.gov/Publications/FoodPlans/2012/CostofFoodJan2012.pdf

(Read Complete Story Here)

We’d love to hear your comments and ideas…

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged budget, Commissary, DOD | Comments Off

Military Hardware Wins The Improved Modular Tactical Holster (IMTH) Contract For The U.S. Army

Posted on Friday, 7 February, 2014 by twobirdsflyingpub

A few month’s back we reported that the U.S. Army had down selected, two holster systems to meet the requirements for the Improved Modular Tactical Holster (IMTH) initiative. Edge Works Manufacturing’s G-Code’s XST (Extreme Service Tactical) and Blackhawk’s SERPA Tactical Holsters competed for that business. The U.S. Army formally announced on 6 Feb 2014 that Military Hardware, who teamed with Edge Work Manufacturing to supply the G-Code XST (Extreme Service Tactical) holster, has been awarded the $49 million IDIQ contract to supply the G-Code holster. The XST holster, with the RTI technology, is a flexible and configurable system that will meet the U.S. Army’s current and future requirements.

Congratulations to Military Hardware and Edge Works Manufacturing on their success. The IDIQ contract will run for five years.

Posted in Gear, Holsters | Tagged Army, Edge Work Manufacturing, G-Code, IMTH, XST | Comments Off

Gear Review: Karrimor SF Sabre 45 Pack

Posted on Wednesday, 5 February, 2014 by twobirdsflyingpub

This is one of those fun to write reviews because the subject is such an outstanding piece of kit. I was completely blown away by how well this pack is put together. Everything from stitching to the harness assembly was extremely well thought-out with no gimmicky add-on’s; just straight laced top of the line gear. If the Sabre 45 is typical of the Karrimor SF pack line they should see considerable success. Check them out the next time you’re looking for a pack with a military spin. Great Stuff!

Read My Review…

View this document on Scribd

Posted in Load Bearing | Tagged Karrimor, review, Sabre 45 | Comments Off

RevMedX’s X Stat May Stop Battlefield Hemorrhaging In As Little As 15 Seconds.

Posted on Wednesday, 5 February, 2014 by twobirdsflyingpub

I picked up on this article in Popular Science written by Rose Pastore and I want to bring it to our readers attention since it has a profound and positive implication for battlefield trauma care.

RevMedx, an Oregon based startup has developed a pocket size hemostatic applicator that contains tiny sponges. Currently, when a soldier experiences a gunshot wound, a medic or teammate packs the wound using gauze impregnated with a hemostatic agent and applies direct pressure on the wound until bleeding stops. In many cases, the hemostatic agent is exothermic (this is no longer the case with products like QuickClot). The procedure itself is painful and may have to be repeated if bleeding has not stopped within the first three minutes.

Using X Stat, the medic or teammate inserts a 30mm applicator as deep into the wound as possible; then, presses the plunger to release tiny especially treated sponges in and around the source of bleeding. Three single-use X Stat applicators replace five rolls of gauze in a medic’s kit. RevMedx also designed a smaller version of the applicator, with a diameter of 12 millimeters, for narrower injuries. Each XStat will likely cost about $100 with prices dropping as production ramps up.

RevMedx is currently working with the DoD and seeking FDA approval. If approved by the FDA, X Stat will be the first battlefield dressing to be approved for deep battle wounds. Current gauze based systems are only approved for surface wounds.

So, this is a big deal…

Posted in Medical | Tagged hemorrhaging, RevMedX, trauma, XStat | 4 Comments

SHOT SHOW 2014 – Dip Wizard LLC

Posted on Monday, 3 February, 2014 by twobirdsflyingpub

While at SHOT SHOW 2014, in Las Vegas, I had an opportunity to meet and chat with Scott Norwood founder, chief cook and bottle washer at Dip Wizard LLC, Anderson, SC. as we walked along Las Vegas Blvd. Scott told me all about his company and concepts. What Scott set out to do is create a means by which an individual could decorate plastic, metal and glass surfaces without relying on professional refinishing services. He describes his technology as a Hydrographic Dip Kit.

With the purchase of a Dip Wizard Kit, Scott has made it possible for the average individual to achieve a lasting custom finish that is both simply to apply and durable. If you can follow some simple steps, Scott assures that you’ll end up with superior result.

Here’s one of Scott’s guys showing you how easy it is to do your own hydrographic transfers.

You can find out more about Dip Wizard LLC by visiting his web site at www.dipwizard.com where he has additional instruction videos and more product information. You’ll get a custom finish at a fraction of the cost.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off

You’re a REO in an RAF Typhoon Enjoy The Ride

Posted on Sunday, 2 February, 2014 by twobirdsflyingpub

Posted in Fun Stuff | Tagged RAF, Royal Air Force, Typhoon | Comments Off

Karrimor SF Series Sabre 45

Posted on Saturday, 1 February, 2014 by twobirdsflyingpub

I’ll be kicking off February 2014 with a review of the Sabre 45; one of the offerings in Karrimor’s SF (Special Forces) lines. An exceptional pack with quite a few features. In fact, there’s so much to like about this pack that keeping the review to three pages will be a challenge.

You can read and download all of my reviews here

Posted in Gear, Packs, Sneak Previews | Tagged Karrimor, Saber 45, SF | Comments Off

Pick Your Super Bowl XLVIII Winner.

Posted on Friday, 31 January, 2014 by twobirdsflyingpub

There’s not a news channel that’s not making a prediction on Sunday’s Super Bowl 2014. We don’t think they can predict their way out of a lavatory. Only fans have the right answer…

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off

SIG SAUER Buy One Get One Free

Posted on Friday, 31 January, 2014 by twobirdsflyingpub

The folks at SIG Arms want you to know that if you purchase one of six featured SIG SAUER® 1911 models (see selections below) you’ll receive a FREE 1911-22* Promotion ends on 30 April 2014. This is a deal so jump all over it.

1911 Ultra TT (1911U-45-TSS)
1911 Compact C3 (1911CO-45-T-C3)
1911 Carry Nightmare (1911FCA-45-NMR)
1911 Tacops (1911R-45-TACOPS)
1911 Spartan (1911-45-SPARTAN)
1911 Stainless (1911R-45-SSS-CA)

Posted in Alerts | Tagged 1911, free, SIG, SIG SAUER | Comments Off

Tactical Tailor VIP Testimonials

Posted on Friday, 31 January, 2014 by twobirdsflyingpub

Tactical Tailor stands as a glaring model of entrepreneurship in a free market economy. My personal experience with Tactical Tailor is consistent with the opinions expressed in this video.

Posted in Apparel, Gear, Holsters | Tagged nylon, Tactical Tailor | Comments Off

SHOT SHOW 2014–Attleboro Battle Knife

Posted on Thursday, 30 January, 2014 by twobirdsflyingpub

I never pass up an opportunity to check out the edged weapons, at any of the outdoor shows, for a couple of reasons. First, I developed an affinity for the Japanese Katana through my study of Bushido and some marshal arts. Second, the level of craftsmanship and raw creative talent that exists in the edged weapon industry can be found, on the aggregate, nowhere else. This is indeed peculiar to edged weapon artisans. So, while visiting GEMTECH’s booth, one of the staff members showed me a knife that thoroughly impressed me. First words out of my mouth were an mild utterance to the effect that this is a Chris Reeves Commemorative. I was partially correct and there certainly is a detectable Chris Reeves influence, which is plainly visible in the knife handle and the knife point location at the longitudinal axis of the knife where it belongs.

As it turns out, the Attleboro Battle Knife is the product of a young company, Attleboro Knives, located in Eagle, ID. This is its story…

“The Attleboro Knife Story is a true story of sacrifice and honor. In 1966, the Vietnam War was escalating with operations ever increasing. The conventional war was intensifying with the largest battle up to that point in the war looming on the horizon. In III Corps, Tay Ninh Province, along the Cambodian border just northwest of Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) Operation Attleboro commenced. Its general goal was to find, then destroy the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and the Viet Cong (VC) logistical resources plus any enemy units operating in the area. Attleboro would slow enemy support and infiltration into the Saigon III Corps area. Among this conventional operation was a very unconventional unit, the III Corps MIKE (Mobile Strike) Force, led by an Army Special Forces (SF) Team and manned by ethnic Chinese Nung soldiers. The “Attleboro” is named to honor and commemorate those SF soldiers who fought and died during this operation. We recognized one heroic soldier who, during this operation epitomizes, the spirit of our knife, Master Sergeant William B. Hunt. His heroic actions during the battle led to several saved lives but in the process causing his wounding then his loss. He was declared missing in action for ten years with the Army declaring a presumptive death in 1976.”

Time constraint prevented me from drilling down into the knife’s design but initial impressions were positive. You can pickup a firearm and generally get a good feel for how it will shoot but a knife is quite different as it becomes an extension of the body; thus, it must flow with it and that cannot be assessed by cursory examination – it must be used.

The blade is a modified drop point design made from S35VN steel. The handle is Chris Reeves throughout – very hand filling with gimping and finger coils all precisely position to provide superb control. There was nothing that was really disappointing except for the hollow ground. I felt that it was a bit too aggressive for a battle knife. I would have elected a flat grind to give the edge a bit more robustness. However, keep in mind what I said earlier. You can’t judge an edged weapon by its cover so I reserve the right to modify any of my statements. What I liked most about the Attleboro Battle Knife is the elegance with which a son remembers and honors his father, and that alone is worth the M.S.R.P. of $349.

Posted in Knives and Tools | Tagged Attleboro, Green Beret, knives, tactical | Comments Off

SHOT SHOW 2014–Kestrel NK

Posted on Monday, 27 January, 2014 by twobirdsflyingpub

While at SHOT SHOW I did a drive by on the Kestrel booth where I ran across one of their latest innovations, the Kestrel Drop, which the company describes as a Smart Environmental Data Logger that measures temperature, humidity and barometric pressure (model dependent), and connects wirelessly to the Kestrel Connect App to view logged data on smart devices. There are three variants of the DROP.

Kestrel DROP 1 Smart Temperature Data Logger – Temperature
Kestrel DROP 2 Smart Humidity Data Logger – Temperature, humidity, heat index and dew point temperature
Kestrel DROP 3 Smart Environmental Data Logger – Temperature, humidity, heat index, dew point temperature, wet bulb temperature, density altitude, barometric pressure, moisture content, humidity ratio, relative air density and absolute pressure.

This device can be placed in any location to collect environmental data. There are a number of military applications for this technology; for example, during training exercises or pre deployment conditioning medics and doctors may wish to closely monitor the environmental conditions experienced by the individual. Attaching a Kestrel Drop to the service member’s gear will allow medical personnel and instructors to collect environmental data points using a smart device and the Kestrel Connect App. The Drop connects to the smart device via Bluetooth.

Kestrel Weather and Environmental Meters

Posted in Environmental | Tagged data logger, Drop, Kestrel, Nielsen-Kellerman | Comments Off

Daniel Defense Announces $20 Million Expansion

Posted on Thursday, 23 January, 2014 by twobirdsflyingpub

Black Creek, GA- January 23, 2014- Daniel Defense, engineering and manufacturing the world’s finest weapons systems, precision rail systems and accessories, today announced plans for a five-year, $20 million expansion in Bryan County, Georgia.

“We are proud to be among the nation’s fastest growing private companies according to Inc. 500|5000 Magazine,” says Marty Daniel, President and CEO of Daniel Defense. “Maintaining the level of growth we’ve experienced over the last 10 years requires a long term vision, continued momentum, while maintaining the level of quality expected by our customers.”

At the conclusion of the 5-year, multi-million dollar expansion, Daniel Defense will have expanded to over 100,000 square feet of manufacturing and administrative space in Bryan County.

“This is yet another step toward bringing every part of the manufacturing process in-house, which will in turn give us ultimate control over quality assurance.”

Daniel Defense moved its operations to Bryan County in 2009 with the opening of its now 47,000 square foot facility. The long-term project would not be the first size increase for the Georgia-based company. They expanded operations to a 90,000 square foot facility in Ridgeland, South Carolina, in 2012. With flourishing interest for the name brand precision firearms, parts and accessories, the planned increase will enable them to meet growing demand while maintaining a first-rate customer service experience.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged Daniel Defense, DD | Comments Off

SHOT SHOW 2014–Luminox

Posted on Thursday, 23 January, 2014 by twobirdsflyingpub

Luminox has made watches that it markets as Navy SEAL watches for years . That branding will no longer be allowed, so the company has launched the Luminox ANU 4200 Series 45mm Watch, which will be available exclusively through Cabela’s at an M.S.R.P. of $650.

In addition to the Swiss movement, the lens is a scratch resistant sapphire crystal, ratchet bezel and water resistant to 200 meters. It is non-magnetic and the luminescence has been tamed down a bit. The older Luminox watches were like headlights. The watch is built on a stainless steel case and comes with a rubber strap and a nylon NATO watch band that will go around a light wetsuit.

As I understand it, Luminox will be supplying the ANU (Authorized for Navy Use) watch to graduating members of BUDS classes.

Luminox ANU 4200 Series

Posted in Apparel | Tagged ANU, Luminox, watches | 2 Comments

SHOT SHOW 2014–IWI’s Tavor The Rifle That’s Bringing Home The Bacon.

Posted on Wednesday, 22 January, 2014 by twobirdsflyingpub

You haven’t lived until you’ve placed your hands and cheek on the Tavor rifle, and to say that IWI has done a great job with the Tavor SAR concept epitomizes the understatement. The Tavor SAR is a must have in anyone’s collection; be it in 5.56 mm or 9 mm it is the consummate CQB carbine, and equally at home in the confines of a vehicle. It’s modularity and ergonomics are superb, and the bull-pup design accomplished two things: overall size is kept to a minimum and preserves barrel length which is a requirement for lethality and accuracy.

The Tavor SAR was recently named the 2014 American Rifleman Rifle of the Year. Well deserved I might add and we congratulate IWI for an outstanding job.

Posted in Weapon systems | Tagged 5.56, 9mm, IWI, SAR, Tavor | Comments Off

Jason Redman Former Navy Seal Speaks To NRA News at SHOT SHOW 2014

Posted on Wednesday, 22 January, 2014 by twobirdsflyingpub

Jason Redman Former Navy Seal and Author of The Trident

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off

SHOT SHOW 2014 Spyderco Stuart Ackerman Serrata

Posted on Tuesday, 21 January, 2014 by twobirdsflyingpub

If you’re looking for a exceptional bush knife, you need to checkout Spyderco’s Serrata, a collaboration with Stuart Ackerman. A prototype of this knife was introduced in 2013. Picking this knife up feels like an extension of your hand. The finger coils, polished pins, general weight and dimension of the handle make it superbly ergonomic. Given those kudos, what I really liked is the blade profile, which is a expertly implemented flat grind. This is a knife that you can baton with or use to open up a few spider holes, should the need arise without experiencing a blade failure.

Posted in Knives and Tools | Tagged Ackerman, Serrata, Spyderco | Comments Off

SHOT SHOW 2014 Team Wendy EXFIL Ballistic Helmet

Posted on Tuesday, 21 January, 2014 by twobirdsflyingpub

Right at the top of my list of exhibitors to visit was Team Wendy; more specifically, I wanted to take a close look at at the company’s new EXFIL Ballistic Helmet. My helmet wearing days consisted of a steel pod, which was quickly removed and out came the bandanas, so I marvel in great admiration at the headgear that’s available today. It’s also great to see the continued development ; increasing survivability and effectiveness for the warfighter.

Ron Szalkowski took me through the salient features: BOA closure system, the Rail 2.0 system with support for the Magpul MOE rails, Wilcox mount, loop panels for lights or IR beacons. The EXFILL helmet from Team Wendy is highly configurable weighing in at 2.5 lbs. with the support system – strap buckles etc.

At the time of this writing the EXFIL Ballistic Helmet is still undergoing ballistic performance testing but it’s not premature to say: great job Team Wendy! Maybe it’s time to stop calling helmets brain buckets?

Team Wendy

Posted in Ballistic Protection | Tagged ballistic, EXFIL, helmet, Team Wendy | Comments Off

SHOT SHOW 2014 Smith & Bradley

Posted on Tuesday, 21 January, 2014 by twobirdsflyingpub

The Smith & Bradley’s Sans-13 caught my eye at Shot Show this year. This is not your run of the mill tactical “looking” watch. This watch uses a Swiss quartz movement by Ronda housed in a PVD coated stainless steel case. The watch is o-ring sealed and water resistant to 200 meters.

At the booth, I had the opportunity to chat with Jerommie Smith and Ryan Bradley who had this to say…

“…We designed the San-13 after conducting hundreds of field interviews with members of law enforcement and the armed forces. The overwhelming critique of existing tactical watches on the market was the fact many lume on the hands and dial of the watch, often tritium, was simply too bright and could compromise a position. In response Smith & Bradley developed the Lume Tube technology to provide better lume than simple super lume paint without the overbearing brightness of tritium…”

The San-13 sells for $295, which is an exceptional value, in my view, and I’d call the work of these two young entrepreneurs Jerommie Smith and Ryan Bradley a hit.

Detailed Specifications

Movement: Ronda 6003.D, 4 Jewel (Swiss Quartz)
Functions：Magnified date window – Date (Magnified 2x). Water Resistant 200 meters.
Case： PVD Coated Solid 316L Stainless Steel
Dial： Black Dial with super lume vial markers and hands
Crystal: Anti Reflective Sapphire Crystal
Bezel： One-Directional rotating, 90 clicks
Strap： 5 mm thick 100% natural rubber

Posted in Apparel | Tagged Sans-13, Smith & Bradley, tactical, watches | Comments Off

Top “n” price changes at Spirit Airlines (where “n” equals any real number)

Posted on Saturday, 18 January, 2014 by twobirdsflyingpub

Spirit Airlines’ business model has at its core the ultra low airfare and a la carte concept to pricing. So we’ve come up with a few suggestions for this penurious small airline.

10. $10 for a passenger safety brochure in the seat pocket in front of you.
9. $50 if you want a working lifejacket.
8. $100 for a good time with the flight attendant.
7. $75 for the two flight officer option.
6. $25 if you’re too stupid to work the kiosks unassisted.
5. $2.00 per minute to talk to a customer service representative irrespective accuracy of his or her answers.
4. $2.00 access fee for lavatories with an additional $3.00 if you require tissue.
3. Sizes 2X and larger pay a $50 too fat to fly surcharge.
2. $10 exit fee if you did not clean your immediate area prior to deplaning.
1. $100 refueling charge if you bring back the aircraft without a full tank.

Posted in Fun Stuff | Tagged Spirit Airlines | Comments Off

Reader Question Why Won’t My PMAG Gen 3 Drop

Posted on Saturday, 18 January, 2014 by twobirdsflyingpub

I had an interesting question from a reader with a Rock River lower receiver group. He wanted to know why his PMAG Gen 3 wouldn’t drop freely from the weapon on empty.

Hank, what you want to do first is determine if the aluminum magazines and your earlier generation PMAGs fall freely. If that is the case, there is nothing wrong with your weapon and it’s probably a slight dimensional difference in the PMAG Gen 3.

To test that hypothesis, insert an empty PMAG Gen 3 in the receiver. Holding the lower receiver so that the PMAG is perpendicular to the ground exercise the magazine release and observe if the magazine falls freely (chances are that it will). Next, insert an empty PMAG Gen 3 in the receiver but this time cant the weapon slightly just a couple of degrees right or left. If the magazine hangs the issue is dimensional and with the magazine. If you find this to be the case, simply wear the magazine in and the problem will likely disappear.

My suggestions are based on the assumption that the magazine does not jam in the magazine well requiring a hard pull but instead it is being kept from falling free by a light friction. If it jams, then I suggest you contact Magpul and arrange for an exchange, but make sure you satisfy yourself that you’re not experiencing a similar problem with your aluminium magazines and earlier generation PMAGs first.

Posted in magazines, Reader Questions | Tagged MAGPUL, PMAG, Rock River | Comments Off

Shot Show 2014 Kicks Off

Posted on Tuesday, 14 January, 2014 by twobirdsflyingpub

The fourth largest show hosted in Las Vegas, NV kicks off with a bang for members of the media at Media Day at the Range. Shot Show 2013 added over $70 million to the local economy and contributes over $37 billion to GDP. The 2014 show is shaping up to be even larger.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off

EOTech Announces The 552 and 512 Laser Battery Cap (LBC)Holographic Sights

Posted on Friday, 10 January, 2014 by twobirdsflyingpub

There are good ideas, and then there are great ideas and EOTech knocked it right out of the ball park.

As all of our readers know the EOTech 552 is the military’s standard issue holographic weapon sight. To call the 552 battle proven is quite an understatement, and in terms of function and reliability the 552 is unsurpassed. For 2014 the company has introduced, a new and improved version, the 552 Laser Battery Cap. The story gets better; in this rendition, EoTech has added integrated low-power (visible) and infrared lasers housed as part of the battery cap. In addition, the sight features an accessory port that allows the use of a remote pressure switch sold as an option. EOTech is also producing the 512 Laser Battery Cap in a similar architecture but without the infrared laser.

Departments and / or individuals that already own the legacy 512 and 552 holographic sights will have the option to exchange their unit’s existing battery cap for the LBC (single red visible laser) or LBC-2 ( dual laser – visible and IR)

Availability Q1 2014.

Well Done EOTech!

Posted in sights, Weapon systems | Tagged EOTech, holographic, laser, LBC, LBC-2 | Comments Off

DKX Moves To Unveil World’s Lightest and Most Buoyant Armor Plate Packages.

Posted on Friday, 10 January, 2014 by twobirdsflyingpub

DKX Advanced Manufacturing will unveil DKX Armor plates that are the lightest, buoyant and most advanced NIJ Level III certified (0101.06) plates on the market. For any law enforcement, military or private security personnel engaged in operations near or on the water, the floating capabilities of the DKX Max III plates can be a life saver. Also featured at SHOT will be the DKX Max IIIA armor plates packaged with the CSEgear Low Profile plate carrier, perfect for the prepared civilian.

The NIJ certified DKX Max III Plates feature a 10″ x 12″ shooters-cut or square-cut design that weighs in at just 2.9 lbs. and is +/- 1.1″ in thinness, with unmatched features that make the DKX Max III plates the most comfortable armor plates to wear. Made of 100% Dyneema ballistic material with a poly-carbonate back skin in a proprietary press and manufacturing process, the DKX Max III plates tested higher than minimum NIJ test standards. Along with an industry exceeding 7-year warranty, the DKX plates incorporate a Radio Frequency Embedded Verification (RFEV) that provides each plate an individual identification for inventory control and life cycle management.

The DKX Max IIIA 10″ x 12″shooters-cut plates weigh just one pound and are approximately ¼-inch in thinness. Max IIIA plates are capable of stopping 00 buckshot, .44 magnum rounds, FN 57 rounds and most of the new lightweight, high velocity rounds that defeat soft armor, including edged weapons. These Special Threat plates are built in smaller sizes for added chest ballistic protection. The DKX IIIA plates are made from 100% Dyneema ballistic material, perfect when mated with the CSE Low Profile Carrier.

CSE Gear Plate Carriers are made in the USA of American materials and are designed and manufactured by US combat vets. At the SHOT Show CSE Gear will feature their modular armor plate carrier made of 1000D Dupont Cordura® that fits the DKX Max III and Max IIIA plates (and others). A special dealer package at the SHOT Show will combine the “Low Pro” plate carrier, which wears discretely, under light clothing, with DKX Max IIIA plates. The total payload of Low Pro Carrier AND TWO IIIA plates is only 3.5 lbs.

For more information on DKX Armor visit www.dkxarmor.com and for CSE Gear visit www.CSEgear.com.

Posted in Ballistic Protection | Tagged CSEgear, DKX, Dyneema, NIJ | Comments Off

MasterPiece Arms Announces The MPA 308BA Bolt Action Rifle

Posted on Friday, 10 January, 2014 by twobirdsflyingpub

MasterPiece Arms is best know for its semiautomatic rifles, pistols and suppressors. The company has just announced its first precision bolt action rifle, the MPA 308BA. The design is unique in that it is built around the Remington 700 bolt face and a Stiller’s Precision TAC Series action and a Spencer Precision barrel. MasterPiece Arms recently acquired Spencer Precision, and looking forward I’m sure we’ll see much more coming from that acquisition.

The MPA chassis is produced from 6061 aluminum with a v-bedding system that is matched perfectly to the Stiller’s TAC series actions providing zero twist or distortion. The stock is a Magpul PRS stock with a custom adaptor. The .308 also features a front mounted bridge with Picatinny rail and a lower mounted Picatinny rail, plus a 20 MOA scope rail. The body is finished in a durable medium texture powder coat or ceramic finish. The MPA .308BA is compatible with any AICS type magazines.

The Spencer/MPA barrel is produced from 416 (Condition T) stainless steel and is precision gun drilled, reamed and honed. It is pull-button rifled using CNC produced twist guides to exacting and consistent twist control and stress relieved in a Cress Vacuum Furnace. The barrel is available in a straight or helical fluting version.

The Stiller’s Precision TAC Series premium actions, produced solely for MPA, have a bolt-to-action fit of .0005″ or less. The action is machined from heat-treated stainless steel and the face, tenon and lug abutment cuts are machined in a single setup, ensuring exact parallelism and perpendicularity for critical features that affect accuracy. The Stiller’s Precision TAC Series bolt, also produced solely for MPA, is a one-piece design with the bolt, lugs and handle machined from a single piece of 4140 heat-treated steel and all critical features and dimensions are finished on a CNC OD grinder. All bolts feature spiral fluting and are hand-lapped and fitted individually to each action. The bolts have a nitride or armoloy finish. The MPA .308BA rifle is available with a counter twist muzzle brake and a jewel or Timney trigger. The MPA .308BA retails for an MSRP of $3,475.00 and includes the tactical chassis and an Accuracy International 5-round magazine. MasterPiece plans to release the MPA bolt action rifle in additional calibers.

For more information on MasterPiece Arms and their product line of pistols, rifles, carbines and suppressors, visit www.masterpiecearms.com.

Posted in Advanced Chassis Systems, Sniper Systems and Tools, Weapon systems | Tagged MasterPiece Arms, MPA 308BA, rifle | Comments Off

Arsenal Inc. Unveils The SLR-104FR 5.45 x 39 Rifle

Posted on Friday, 10 January, 2014 by twobirdsflyingpub

The SLR-104FR is a Bulgarian 5.45 x 39 side folder. It’s unique in that it is the first Bulgarian factory made rifle to be offered in the United States.

The 5.45×39.5mm caliber SLR-104FR rifles feature a mil-spec stamped receiver, hammer-forged and chrome-lined barrel, and left-side folding polymer stock. The stock set is manufactured to the true original design and utilizes mil-spec reinforced polymer. The buttstock uses the standard 4.5mm pin that is interchangeable with other standard side-folding stocks with 4.5mm diameter pin holes. The side-mounted scope rail allows usage of many attachments that are designed for this type of rail, including Arsenal’s latest SM-13 scope mount. Arsenal uses its own US made fire control group with two-stage hammer and trigger that completely eliminates trigger slap and increases accuracy. The SLR-104FR has the standard 24×1.5mm right-hand threads with a removable muzzle brake. The stainless steel heat shield keeps your hand cool from the heat of the barrel. This rifle also features both a bayonet and accessory lugs on the front sight block and gas block. The SLR-104FR will be available in black stock set, desert sand stock set, and with left-side folding metal stock. Included in the rifle are one 30-round Bulgarian Arsenal Circle 10 magazine, sling, oil bottle, cleaning kit, and cleaning rod.

M.S.R.P $1099

Posted in Weapon systems | Tagged 5.45x39, Arsenal, SLR-104FR | Comments Off

Magpul Industries Will Begin Shipping the AK PMAG For SHOT SHOW 2014

Posted on Thursday, 9 January, 2014 by twobirdsflyingpub

HELP! I’ve fallen and can’t get up… Yes folks it is true. The final Magpul hoax has been discredited and our favorite accessories and magazine manufacturer will begin shipping the AK PMAG just in time for SHOT SHOW 2014.

The PMAG 30 AK/AKM MOE is a 30-round polymer magazine designed for Kalashnikov pattern rifles (AK-47, AKM, AKS, and others) in 7.62×39 mm. It features a removable floorplate, constant curve geometry, and a high-reliability/low-friction follower.

Posted in magazines, Weapon systems | Tagged AK, MAGPUL, PMAG | Comments Off

Plinker Arms Introduces The Response Magazine

Posted on Wednesday, 8 January, 2014 by twobirdsflyingpub

CORNELIUS, NC (January 2014) – Plinker Arms, LLC, makers of American-made firearms magazines, accessories and components, answers the call for firearms enthusiasts everywhere with the new Response Magazine; a magazine with the look and performance of a MIL-SPEC 30-round magazine but with the capacity of only 10-rounds.

The Response Magazine is a dedicated 10-round capacity AR .556 magazine that gives the appearance and feel of a full capacity magazine. The Response magazine is constructed of highly durable, long-fiber polymer that makes the magazine solvent and corrosion resistant. The magazine springs are stainless steel for long life and durability.

The Plinker Arms Response Magazines are legal in MA, NY, CT, MD, NJ, CO and CA. They are the first and only option for serious enthusiasts that refuse to compromise on the experience but must respect state laws. MSRP $14.00.

For Plinker Arms information, visit www.plinkerarms.com. Join the conversation on our Facebook page.

Posted in magazines | Tagged Plinker Arms, Response Magazine | Comments Off

PEO Soldier Integrated Head Protection Program Awards Revision 2 year Development-to-Acquisition Contract …

Posted on Wednesday, 8 January, 2014 by twobirdsflyingpub

Essex Junction, VT, USA (January 8, 2014) – Revision Military, a world leader in protective soldier solutions, wins a contract for PEO Soldier’s Integrated Head Protection System (IHPS) Soldier Protective System (SPS). The 2 year development-to-acquisition program is to refine the U.S. Army’s next generation helmet system, a contract worth an initial $783,000 with additional options valued at $15 million.

Revision’s IHPS small arms helmet serves as the foundation for the company’s proposed head protection system. The helmet’s optimized shell design contours the shape of the wearer’s head, increasing their area of coverage and protection while reducing system weight and unneeded space. The system weighs less than existing combat helmets and includes upgradeable mandible and visor protection. It also features an innovative retention and netted suspension system with dial-in comfort settings and high-impact ballistic padding. The suite includes modular ballistic armor plates that can be applied to the helmet’s exterior for an increased level of protection.

“Revision is proud to have been selected as a development partner for the U.S. Army’s next-generation head protection system, explains Jonathan Blanshay, CEO of Revision. “With lineage emerging from NSRDEC’s HEaDS-UP Program and our history in protecting the soldier, the IHPS is a tailorable protection suite that will increase survivability through capability and technology. The use of next generation ballistic materials and progressive manufacturing techniques has allowed for increased protection at a lighter weight. We’re proud to provide a solution that ensures soldiers’ mobility on the battlefield while allowing them to tailor the system to their mission.”

PEO Soldier’s intent for this program is to conduct iterative human factors testing leading to ballistic and non-ballistic testing and the eventual fielding of an initial quantity of 7,000 systems to a U.S. Army Brigade, prior to moving into full rate production. The Army intends the IHPS SPS system to be their next, widely fielded head protection system.

Posted in Ballistic Protection | Tagged ballistic, helmet, IHP Program, military, PEO Soldier, Revision | Comments Off

Liberty Ammunition Launches It’s First Round of Hunting Ammunition, Silverado, in .223

Posted on Tuesday, 7 January, 2014 by twobirdsflyingpub

Liberty Ammunition, responded to 9/11 by developing high performance ammunition for use by our military, allies and law enforcement. The company holds numerous patents for high performance, lead-free ammunition. Using lessons learned and feedback from the field, Liberty Ammunition set out to produce the highest velocity pistol cartridges for commercial defensive use and is now producing high performance hunting ammunition, its Silverado line. The first caliber to be introduced is the .223 Rem, 55 Grain, a copper, monolithic, hollow-point, deep cavity fragmenting hunting round.

This high performance round is an excellent big game round with velocities of 3,000 FPS and an accuracy rate of 1-inch at 300 meters. It has the stopping power of over 1,100 ft. lbs. and a fragmentation of up to 9 pieces while achieving maximum effectiveness. The terminal effects of the Silverado .223 Rem create a 4-inch wide and up to 12-inch deep wound cavity , literally dropping game where they stand. Every round exceeds match-grade quality in performance. Look for our review of the Silverado .223 Rem in February.

For more information on Liberty Ammunition visit www.libertyammo.com

Posted in Ammunition | Tagged .223, Ammunition, liberty, Remington | Comments Off

DId You Say Multi-Impact Bullet?

Posted on Tuesday, 7 January, 2014 by twobirdsflyingpub

I’m not entirely sure how credible this is, but Advanced Ballistics Concepts will be announcing the Mi-Bullet at SHOT SHOW 2014, in Las Vegas. The design allows for the projectile to expand as soon as it leaves the muzzle. It doesn’t simply expand a little it expands to 10” when fired from a pistol and up to 24” when fired from a shotgun. It’s how the bullet fragments are held together that gets me laughing – just a little. I couldn’t find them on the list of exhibitors and navigating to their web site was not possible. Nonetheless here’s a video describing the technology, if for no other reason than pure entertainment.

An attempt to navigate to the company’s web site gets you this:

Forbidden

You don’t have permission to access / on this server.

Additionally, a 404 Not Found error was encountered while trying to use an ErrorDocument to handle the request.

Apache/2.2.22 (Unix) mod_ssl/2.2.22 OpenSSL/0.9.8e-fips-rhel5 DAV/2 mod_auth_passthrough/2.1 mod_bwlimited/1.4 FrontPage/5.0.2.2635 Server at http://www.abct3.com Port 80

Posted in Ammunition | Tagged ABC, Advanced Ballistics Concepts, Mi-Bullet | Comments Off

Silencerco Introduces The Harvester

Posted on Monday, 6 January, 2014 by twobirdsflyingpub

Just in time for SHOT SHOW 2014, in Las Vegas, Silencerco announced two new suppressors, the Harvester and Harvester Big Bore. The Harvester line is the newest suppressor in the Silencerco family with a focus on hunting and long-range precision shooting. The Harvester is lightweight, tough, and accurate.

Utilizing its lightweight design; the Anchor Brake offers best-in-class recoil reduction across a range of calibers. Using modular thread adapters, the Harvester can be used on a wide range of threaded barrels.

Specs:

Cal. .300
Weight 11.3oz
Dia. 1.375″
Length 8.8″
dB Reduction 21.1-33.6 (depending on caliber)

The video is hunting oriented and shows animals, in the wild, being harvested. Readers who find hunting objectionable are advised not to view it.

Posted in Suppressors | Tagged Harvester, silencer, Silencerco, suppressors | Comments Off

Our Friends At Lucky Gunner Share First Impressions of PCP’s Polymer-cased Ammunition.

Posted on Monday, 6 January, 2014 by twobirdsflyingpub

PCP Ammo The Joint Services and USSOCOM have had a weight reduction initiative in the works since 2007. One of the principal targets for weight reduction is ammunition. That need sparked development in the private sector for polymer-cased ammunition. Successful deployment means a 30% reduction in ammunition weight for the same load out. The need gave rise to company’s like PCP, located in Vero Beach, FL who’s ammunition performance has been tested and validated by various shooters within USSOCOM. Users repeatedly found that PCP’s outperformed the military equivalent loads. PCP’s ammunition has been tested by third party labs who verified velocity and pressures to be safe and meet SAAMI spec.

As of this writing, PCP’s polymer-cased ammunition is available only in .308 to the commercial market and in limited quantities.

Our friends at Lucky Gunner recently had an opportunity to pick up 100 rounds of PCP’s ammo to test drive. They’ve document their findings in this excellent video below.

Video Courtesy of Lucky Gunner

Federal Gold Medal and PCP

Read the Complete Story < Here >

Posted in Ammunition | Tagged Ammunition, luckygunner.com, PCP, polymer | Comments Off

Forbidden

FOG HORN _ Posts

Recent Posts

Archives

Categories