Coming in September, I’ll be taking a look at the HSGI “Double Decker” TACO Magazine Pouch. I’ll see how it stacks up with the ITW Fastmag and other approaches to magazine stowage and retention. HSGI’s design is the personification of ingenuity. I love it and I think you will too!
Vectronix, Inc. Ashburn, VA a wholly owned subsidiary of Vectronix AG in Heerbrugg, Switzerland, has been awarded the contract for the U.S. Army Handheld Precision Targeting Devices (HHPTD) requirement (Solicitation No. W91CRB-12-R-0028).
The HHPTD, sponsored by the U.S. Army Rapid Equipping Force (REF), provides dismounted observers with the ability to rapidly locate ground targets, with a high degree of accuracy, allowing target engagement with precision munitions. As part of the HHPTD program, Vectronix will also deliver an equal amount of STERNA Precision Target
Location Systems. The STERNA system is based on Vectronix’ new and unrestricted capability to acquire and maintain the true north azimuth in all operating conditions, even in magnetically charged or GPS-denied settings. The STERNA is available in three models the STERNA-M, STERNA-V, STERNA-J. The system, already tested by the U.S. Army, provides an azimuth accuracy far exceeding those of current systems.
This video was shot by the FSA, it is believed to be that of an Assad drone manufacturing facility. The drones appear to be variants of Iran’s Ababil, or Swallow. The Iranian Abadil or Swallow is launched from the back of a truck using a pneumatic launch tube, so there is no need for a runway. A closed-circuit TV camera allows them to transmit a video feed back to a ground station.
Other items found at the site appear to connect Iran to the site; however, the accuracy of that claim can not be ascertained with any degree of confidence.
The video was flagged by @ZodiacRebel and originally posted Danger Room.
The German GSG9 is one of the best trained rapid response and anti-terror units in the world. In this video you’ll get to see some interesting breaching techniques and equipment, entry tactics – all angles are covered, and a maritime scenario. These guys have come a long way since the 1972 Munich Summer Olympics. The video runs just over 8 minutes and worthwhile watching.
The SMSS or Squad Mission Support System is a family of unmanned ground vehicles or UGV designed to take some of the load off a 9 to 14 man team. Think of it as a 6-wheeled ATV that’s capable of carrying a load of up to 1200 lbs. The System was developed by Lockheed Martin.
The SMSS has an impressive array of sensors. For example, it can lock on any person and follow them. It does this by recognizing the individuals 3D profile. It can also be programmed to navigate a pre-planned route using GPS. However, as impressive as the technology is, SMSS is a single point of failure. The compelling objective must remain reducing the warrior’s load and not finding ways to have the soldier carry ever-increasing loads. Nonetheless, SMSS has its place and is currently deployed in Afghanistan.
Humnnnn! I know some deer hunters in Alabama that would love one of these!
Andy and his team have been busy. The result is the NavELite Compass smartphone application now available for the iPhone, iPod and iPad. Inspired by the NavELite Wrist-Worn, Backlit Magnetic Compass, the NavELite Compass app provides basic compass functionality using the iPhone’s magnetometer. There are two lighting modes showing a daylight (white) face and needle and an “illuminated” (blue-green) face and needle that simulates the electroluminescent technology. The magnetic heading is displayed and the compass dial can be rotated to orient the iPhone to the direction of travel.
The NavELite Compass app is now available for download for FREE through iTunes. It is compatible with the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod touch (3rd generation) and iPad. It requires iOS 4.3 or later.
Dishonorable Disclosures is an explosive documentary produced by Special Ops OPSEC. I am sympathetic to their message because I’ve been there and done that. I came from an environment when we got underway at night, or the wee hours of the morning. There was no media, and often no wives or family to see us off. We returned under the same cover of darkness but unlike some of our brothers, there were no bands, crowds and the press to welcome us back. All of it was in the interest of OPSEC. What these former SOF members and Intelligence Officers are saying is quite true. Where I diverge is its agenda.
In the history of the United States of America, there has never been a President that did not take credit for a successful military operation. The President is the elected Commander In Chief and it doesn’t matter if it’s Barack Hussein Obama or Ronald McDonald filling the office. If you don’t like who’s sitting in the White House vote him or her out but you don’t discredit the office. Moreover, there are investigations underway and if you want to be a professional about it let then run their course. Finally, the timing of this production marginalized its informational value, making it nothing more than a campaign video.
I thank you all for your service. I share your insights and sense of frustration, but do not dishonor our country or yourselves just to make a point.
Here’s a sneak peek…
Solicitation Number: N0016412SNB15 issued on 04-Oct-2011 and modified on 27_Dec-2011, as issued by the Joint Special Operations Program identifies specific capabilities requirements. Under the category of “Sniper Systems” JSOP has expressed an interest in a Clandestine Breakdown Sniper System.
DRD Tactical™ ,today, announced the new Paratus rifle, a revolutionary takedown, semi-automatic rifle system in caliber .308/7.62x51mm that can be taken from its hard-case and assembled, without any tools, in less than a minute.
The Paratus features a MIL-STD 1913 Picatinny top rail for mounting optics, a lower fore end rail for handgrips, bipods or lights and additional accessory rails at both the 3 and 9’o clock positions.
Paratus was designed for the Clandestine Break-Down Semi-Automatic Rifle (CSR) proposal issued by the military’s Joint & Special Operations Program (JSOP). The rifle ships in a 16″x10″x6″ hard case for transport that accommodates the Paratus rifle, two (2) Magpul PMAGS, shooting glasses, ear plugs and more. The case also includes cutouts for an optical sight (not included). It is available in three configurations: Non-suppressed-16, Suppressor capable -16 and SBR-12 suppressor capable (NFA Only Model).
Additional calibers and barrel lengths are in development and testing at this time and will be made available at a later date. With a MSRP of $5,615, the Paratus 16 is currently shipping and available through RSR and Clyde Armory.
I have had the pleasure to call Kasey Beltz a friend for several years now and I’ve got to say to you that nowhere on the face of this planet will you find a more talented and amicable individual; hence B&T Industries success. For those of you not familiar with B&T Industries, they design, manufacture and market the Accu-Shot Monopod and the highly acclaimed Atlas bipod, which is truly a work of art.
Kasey and B&T Industries have just introduced the BT41-B&T Letter Opener. This is, without question, the mother of all letter openers and ideally suited for an individual receiving tons of threatening mail.
The handle and pommel are machined from 300 series Stainless Steel then tumbled to compliment the blade. The blade, made by Spartan Blades http://spartanbladesusa.com, is machined from 440C Stainless Steel given a Rockwell Hardness of C 58-59 with a Cyro treatment followed by Alumina then Ceramic Blast and finally a PVD Chromium coating. The two Buna o-rings prevent rattling when sheathed for a stealthy presentation.
The Sheath is machined from 6061-T6 aluminum, Mil Spec hard anodized with Stainless Steel components. The design and size are borrowed from the legs found on the Atlas 5H bipods. A portion of the hexagon profile bar stock, which is used for Atlas bipod legs, is retained to help prevent rolling off a desk top.
The overall length of the sheathed B&T Letter Opener is approximately 9.5” long; the Letter Opener component is 9.125” long having a blade length of 5”, .500 width and thickness of .190 and weighs 10 ounces approximately. It is shipped in a black 1000 denier Cordura pouch (made by CSM Gear http://www.csmgear.com).
The BT41 – B&T Letter Opener are 100% made in America in limited numbers.
3D printing is starting to catch on in a big way and USSOCOM wants to get in on the action. The United States Special Operations Command (SOCOM) issued a solicitation, on 11-Aug-2012, (Solicitation Number: H92244-11-T-0234) expressing their interest in a 3D printer, specifically SOCOM wants a Stratasys Dimension BST1200es series 3D printer. The printer retails for about $25,000 and is the size of a refrigerator. A 3D printer takes its input from a C.A.D. system running on a PC; but rather than printing on paper, it molds ABSplus thermoplastic into the actual part with all layers included. Hence coined desktop manufacturing.
So, what could SOCOM want with a 3D printer? Well, how about making enclosures for tagging and tracking sensors or perhaps just a convenient way to test out concepts before taking them to industry. Whatever the reason, it’s not just USSOCOM that’s looking to acquire the capability. The DoD also wants in.
“Fighting with the AK — Lost in Translation” features former Russian Spetznaz and Marshal Artist, Saulius “Sonny” Puzikas, a former operator in a Soviet military special purpose unit. Sonny is an instructor to international special units, military and law enforcement. His focus is on tactics and personal protection. His approach is considerably different than what you may have experience with, but you’ll be well served by what he has to teach.
DO YOU THINK IS THE PARKING?
Crimson Trace Corporation, CTC, entered the market, 17 years ago, with two, now legendary, products, the Lasergrips® and Laserguard®. Lasergrips® made it possible for non-railed handgun owners to add laser aiming capabilities to their platform.
In 2011, CTC announced a Lightguard™, LTG-701, weapon mounted light for the standard, non-railed, M1911A1; with the addition of Lasergrips® and a weapon mounted light CTC brought the M1911A1 into the 21st Century.
Review:
By: Sal Palma
I grew up in a time when an individual, 18 or older, could walk into a Montgomery Ward store and purchase a .22 caliber squirrel gun, shotgun, a Marlin 30-30 or a .270 Remington 700 deer gun and walk out the door with his purchase. There were no background checks. The clerk simply recorded your name, address and driver’s license number in a log book and that was that. It was also a time when you were hard pressed to pick up a newspaper or tune in to a news channel to hear about some lunatic committing an honor killing, or walking into a theater killing dozens of people. It simply did not happen even in the gun permissive environment prevalent in those days.
Over the years, purchasing a firearm has become more difficult with more restrictions than in the past; yet we’ve seen an increase in violent crimes where a firearm was used in the commission of that crime. Were I to follow in CNN’s footsteps, I would lead you to the conclusion this proves that gun control does not work. Instead, I will withhold that conclusion and in its place suggest that American society has undergone a dramatic change, and that this social morphing is the underlying reason for the increase in violence across the country. The liberal members of the intelligentsia would probably not dispute my assertion opting to immediately jump to the conclusion that social morphing is precisely why we need to impose gun control. (Note, this is the same thought process incubated at Yale, Harvard and Columbia during WWII. It was the liberal intelligentsia who advanced the concept the Holocaust was a fabrication to draw the U.S. into the war.)
Take for example a piece written by CNN’s Fareed Zakaria published in The N.Y. Times.com, titled “ The Case For Gun Control”, Aug 20, 2012.
“There are 88.8 firearms per 100 people in the U.S. In second place is Yemen, with 54.8, then Switzerland with 45.7 and Finland with 45.3. No other country has a rate above 40. The U.S. handgun-ownership rate is 70% higher than that of the country with the next highest rate. The effect of the increasing ease with which Americans can buy ever more deadly weapons is also obvious.
Over the past few decades, crime has been declining, except in one category. In the decade since 2000,violent-crime rates have fallen by 20%, aggravated assault by 21%, motor-vehicle theft by 44.5% and non-firearm homicides by 22%. But the number of firearm homicides is essentially unchanged. What can explain this anomaly except easier access to guns?”
In his article, Fareed draws the conclusion that since the United States has more firearms per 100 people than other countries and since homicides, in which firearms were used, remains unchanged – ergo, firearms are the cause.
Recognizing that CNN is proselytizing gun control in America, with folks like Piers Morgan, Fareed Zakaria and others, it’s difficult to present a logical counterpoint. However, maybe it’s possible to shame them into taking an unbiased and systematic approach to the debate, without regard for their personal opinions. Some may call this approach the scientific method. So let’s begin!
I have never had a gun walk up to me and suggest that I kill or rob someone. Therefore, it follows that it is the gun owner making the decision to employ a firearm in that manner. Let us also agree, the gun owner’s desire to kill or rob is driven by fear, ignorance, jealousy,dementia or any number of behavioral stimuli. If you can agree with this let’s move on to the next step.
You visit a gallery and are moved to purchase a work of art. You joyfully take it home to hang it on a wall, but when you get home, you find that you don’t have a hammer. You jump in your car and speed to the hardware store to buy a hammer, but there are none because they were banned. Do you then go home to admire your new art as it leans up against a wall or do you pick up a shoe, rock, pipe, pan, wrench or piece of metal to use as a hammer so that you can hang your art. If you did the later, you found a substitute that lets you satisfy your need to mount your art. Is it then reasonable to say that a person bent on killing, for whatever reason, will do so with or without a gun? If I were being honest, I would have to respond to the affirmative.
All of America feels a sense of tragedy for the Arizona victims, Aurora and Wisconsin. They are senseless acts. They can not be predicted nor can they be prevented by controlling firearms. It simply does not follow.
In a span of 21 months, our country experienced 3 separate instances of mass killings. It is horrible and should never happen but you have to place things in perspective.
Describing these anomalies as regrettable, random and unpredictable outliers, to truly answer the question if gun control will reduce violent crime we must understand the underpinnings of violence where a firearm is used in the commission of the crime.
For example, of the homicides committed with the use of a firearm, how many are drug related and gang related. How many or what percentage are racially or ethnically motivated, etc. Would the individual have killed regardless of his or her ability to obtain a gun?
Furthermore, would a gang member or drug trafficker deny themselves a firearm, with or without gun controls in place?
With serious analysis, conducted in earnest, the gun control issue can be discussed with impartiality and intelligence, and perhaps with greater effect.
America is suffering from Gun Neurosis driven by emotion, misinformation, Media proselytizing and political figures with little to show for their time in office except for the great gun debate!
LightGuard Fig A
Since I posted news of my upcoming review of the Crimson Trace LTG-701, I’ve had a number of reader questions that I will hit in my review, so please hold off on those. The review should be out in two weeks. Thank you!
This question is from a French speaking reader and I want to go ahead and address his concerns; therefore, this post will be bilingual. I hope no one minds.
LightGuard Fig. B
The reader is concerned about the possibility of the LightGuard interfering with the trigger pull and/or unholstering or holstering of the weapon with the light installed – since it attaches to the trigger guard…
Merci pour votre demande. Voila!
Le LightGuard n’interfère pas la détente, comme indiqué sur la photographie (Fig.A). Le LightGuard, il faudra plus d’espace dans l’étui. Vous devez sélectionner la bonne taille ou tout simplement votre pistolet ne rentre pas. Une fois que vous avez fait ceci, vous n’aurez pas de problèmes (Fig. B)
I had an opportunity to check out the Dismounted Soldier Training System or DSTS a couple of years ago. I loved it then and I love it now. This type of simulation technology will address general training requirements as well as mission specific needs. There is a hackneyed cliché in pedagogy: “repetition is the mother of learning.” The key objective in training is not to simply condition the trainee to respond a certain way to a specific condition; we also have to empower the trainee to implement skills to solve unanticipated conditions. Anything short of that doctrine and we should replace soldiers with chimpanzees.
DSTS is a cost effective way to increase training frequency and intensity using highly adaptable technology with a very short payback.
The system was used by soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, and 82nd Airborne Division. The system is based on Quantum3D’s ExpeditionDI Immersive Training Platform.
This LiveLeak video is an outstanding example on the importance of our rotary wing assets, particularly in asymmetric conflicts. It illustrates the challenges faced by forces as they attempt to coordinate engagements. As the video chronicles, ground forces with visibility of insurgents, unavailable to the Apache pilots, attempt to identify them providing cardinal references, or illuminating the targets using a laser designator.
The Joint Tactical Radio initiative addresses this need by allowing ground forces, aerial forces and command and control to share live voice and data feeds, concurrently, using common wave forms and forming ad hoc networks, with in-area assets, that enable all parties to communicate and see what each sees. The ability to achieve this level of coordination is essential in mitigating combat risks and improve effectiveness.
August and September will be illuminating. I’m excited about my upcoming review of the Crimson Trace LTG-701. Frankly, it stands as a significant innovation addressing a need that standard 1911 owners have had for a long time. So, look for that review here at the FOG HORN later this month.
September, I’ll take you through a handheld light from Streamlight that many say is a Surefire slayer.
Streamlight’s PROTAC® offers three user selectable programs, a TEN-TAP™ programmable switch and up to 600 lumens of output intensity. The combination of function and price point make this light a hell of a deal!
Streamlight® Inc., introduced the Orange Nano Light® as part of the company’s Lights for a Cause series of flashlights. The new light will benefit the Buckmasters® American Deer Foundation (BADF) community programs.
For every orange Nano Light sold, Streamlight, Inc will donate $1 to Buckmasters American Deer Foundation, which gives back to the community by supporting charitable projects such as hunts for the disabled, Life Hunts for children with critical illnesses and Project Venison. So this tough little light makes things a bit brighter for those in need.
“The Orange Nano Light is our way of giving back to the hunting community and helping to meet the needs of hunters with disabilities and others in need,” said Streamlight President and Chief Executive Officer Ray Sharrah. “BADF’s programs benefit so many in the hunting community, as well as those in need, and we are proud to be a part of their efforts.”
The tiny keychain light measures only 1.47 inches in length, but boasts a white LED that delivers 10 lumens. Fabricated from machined aircraft aluminum, the light runs up to eight hours, powered by four IEC-LR41 coin cells. The light’s parabolic-shaped LED area optimizes beam performance.
The light features a rotating on/off head switch, a non-rotating snap hook for easy one-handed operation and a double-sided FOB that features the BADF logo on one side and the Streamlight logo on the other side. The light boasts a 100,000 hour lifetime LED. It has an MSRP of $12.00.
• Specifications
o Non-rotating snap hook for easy one-handed operation
o Runs 8 hours using four IEC-LR41 coin cells
o Parabolic shaped LED area optimizes beam performance
o Rotary head switch
o Machined aircraft-grade aluminum with anodized finish
o 100,000 hr. lifetime high-intensity LED
o LED available in white (10 lumens)
o 1.47″ x .51″
o .36 oz.
For more information about BADF, visit www.buckmasters.com.
Click on the picture to get to the T.A.G. site.
Just a quick post to let readers know that Tactical Assault Gear (T.A.G.) has a great sale underway on OR gloves. The Outdoor Research product is a high quality and high performance glove that is FR to boot. You can order these on-line in Coyote Tan and Black for about 50% to 52% off the normal retail price.
T.A.G is owned by LC Industries so I encourage you to give them your business when that opportunity arises.
Apple is basking in success with the introduction of the iPhone and iPad. The unschooled accredit this “2nd coming ” of technology to Apple and Steve Jobs. The reality is that exporting network intelligence to end-user devices has been around for quite some time. What Apple can take great credit for is what has to be the most brilliant marketing campaign in the history of man. Apple and Steve Jobs didn’t create earthshaking technology. They created a user community that paled South Korean Reverend Sun Myung Moon, and that ladies and gentlemen is Apple’s genius.
To insure that iPhone junkies have the latest technology, Apple is launching a new iPhone and iPad this coming September. Just exactly what the new and improved iPhone and iPad have over the 1-year-old 4s has yet to be disclosed. Nor does the concept of marginal cost v. marginal utility have meaning, when it comes to the iProducts.
However, by way of enhancements, something that I’d love to see is an app that will administer an I.Q. test prior to allowing the phone to be powered up or come out of sleep mode. Or, perhaps an app that will shut the phone down when it senses a speed of more than 3 m.p.h. I recently observed an individual driving an SUV, in traffic moving at 40 to 45 m.p.h., with his right hand on the wheel and his left arm fully extended with a iPhone at the end of it reading text messages. So, having the phone shut down when it senses speeds in excess of 3 m.p.h. will go a long way to protecting potential victims from the acts of the morons.
If you’re listening Mayor Bloomberg please reinstate super-sized sodas but ban iPhones!
Safariland™ has a 45+ year history of manufacturing holsters and other highly regarded products for the commercial space and the law enforcement community. Starting in 1996 Armor Holdings began its 11 year acquisition binge of a number of companies in the law enforcement and commercial space, which included the highly recognized Safariland™. In July 2007, BAE Systems acquired Armor Holdings forming the BAE Systems Products Group. The Stamford Advocate reported yesterday that Warren Kanders, owner and president of Kanders and Co. in Stamford, has purchased Safariland from BAE Systems Inc. through an affiliate for nearly $124 million.
Mr. Kanders is not a stranger to Safariland; in 1996, he invested in American Body Armor, and built both companies over the next 10 years through a series of well executed acquisitions.
Our friends at the Gear Scout posted a video that is both interesting and educational. It clearly shows Asian pragmatism. These wasps may very well be the product of Chinese genetic engineering making it impossible to use a more traditional approach…
Bastinelli Knives are not necessarily for everyone but then again neither is an Armani Prive. Like the dress, Bastien Coves’ concepts integrate impeccable design and art form with the natural martial flow; very much like the Armani Prive on a deserving figure.
La quintessence de la forme et la fonction !
Our Democratic Senators are once again introducing legislation to prohibit the sale and possession of any magazine, belt or feed strips that can hold more than 10 rounds. The legislation is being proposed as an amendment to the Cybersecurity Act, which is up for a vote next week. The Cybersecurity Act was introduced to strengthen individual privacy by requiring law enforcement to obtain a court order before GPS tracking devices can be used. In addition to the proposal, crafted by Democratic Senator Frank Lautenberg and Democratic Representative Carolyn McCarthy, the amendment would limit the ability of law-abiding citizens to buy unlimited quantities of ammunition over the Internet, or by mail order, anonymously.
There are a number of Democratic Senators I know would not support this legislation but it’s important for you as voters to turn your attention to the Democrat and Independent seats up for grabs in the upcoming election, and I want to encourage you to communicate frequently with your Senators to ensure that your wishes are known.
Democrats/Independents seeking re-election
Shane Sibert and Benchmade have delivered a very thoughtful design reflecting the resilient and adaptive character of the men and women it was designed to honor. It is esthetically pleasing yet thoroughly capable and robust, a perfect dichotomy perfectly integrated and symbiotic. Benchmade’s Adamas is truly worthy of being called Beauty and the Beast, but it’s no fairy tale it’s designed for the rigors that come with hard use.
Review:
Glock owners now have a choice of a low profile magazine well specifically designed for the Glock frame. Sentinel Design, LLC is the author of the story, but this is not your run of the mill clunky magazine well, the Sentinel Design product is low profile and concealable.
This is the only article you will ever read on this Blog about the miscreant James Holmes, but the entire Aurora incident just sticks in my craw, for a number of reasons; principally, this cat will become the poster boy for every gun control freak on the planet. So, here is our take on the entire incident.
Just our thoughts and we’d like to see what you think…
SRW or Soldier Radio Waveform is a byproduct of the Joint Tactical Radio System (JTRS) initiative. SRW runs under software control on a software definable radio or SDR. SRW is a wide-band communications architecture providing concurrent voice and data communications along with the ability to establish ad hoc networks in the field. The feature translates to a flexible, self-healing, voice and data communications network to enhance C2ISR.
The National Security Agency (NSA) has awarded Harris Corporation a Type-1 certification for integration of the SRW waveform in the Falcon III AN/PRC-117G platform representing the first deployment of Type -1 radios using the SRW waveform. Falcon III AN/PRC-117G offers coverage in the 30MHz to 2GHz frequency so data rates should be quite high.
Type-1 certification is a process by which the NSA validates electronic equipment hardware and supporting software for cryptographically securing classified U.S. information. A formal definition of Type-1 through Type-4 certifications can be obtained from the National Assurance Information Glossary.
I was watching Piers Morgan’s interview with Michael Moore last night, and I had to laugh. In fact, I had to laugh a lot. First of all I like Piers; I think he does an excellent job of reaching out to his guests and expose a different side of the individual. However, since the Aurora, Co shootings, he’s been cackling about gun control like a spooked chicken. He’s obviously passionate about his views.
Here’s the logic that makes his arguments ludicrous:
So, if you’re going to present your case do so with forthrightness and inform rather than confuse.
In charting a path for the future, Rheinmetall has focused on the range limitations of existing infantry weapons. Constantin Schafmayer, area sales manager of Rheinmetall’s infantry business division, commented:
‘Our analysis of mission experiences has shown that the most probable threat range of RPGs [rocket-propelled grenades] is between 600 and 1,000 metres. There is an important difference between the range of protection and the range of identification’
Schafmayer continued saying:
‘The ability of an infantry squad is limited. In an infantry squad you only have the sniper weapons. We identified an operating range problem.’
Rheinmetall also wants to increase the effective detection range of night vision optics, a challenge they plan to address with longer rage illuminating rounds.
To deal with the perceived squad level range limitations, designers at Rheinmetall will introduce the Cerborous – a grenade launcher capable of firing medium and low velocity ammunition. According to Mr. Schafmayer, the Cerborous uses recoil mitigation technologies that permit the use of low velocity munitions.
Rheinmetall also has Hydra, which is a 40mm MV (medium velocity) hand-held launcher capable of using different magazine types, on the drawing boards. Hydra includes an advanced fire control unit.
Although employing an RPG 7 beyond 300 meters with accuracy diminishes exponentially with range we are all for extending the squad effective range.
By now it is old news that Marine Corps Systems Command in Quantico, Va. has awarded a $22.5 million contract to Colt Defense for its M1911A1 Rail Guns or M45 Close Quarter Battle Pistol (CQBP). The IQID contract accounts for roughly 4,000 pistols, all of which will be manufactured at Colt’s West Hartford facility.
The M1911A1 features a full Picatinny rail that will accommodate a number of mission specific accessories. The M45 also features a dual recoil system that Colt says will mitigate recoil, a move that was preceded by Glock Inc. in their Gen 4 designs. Although there may be some recoil reduction, the more likely reason is that a dual recoil system will enhance frame longevity, which was specified as 20,000 rounds. Finally, the M1911A1 will have a greater number of stainless steel parts that will improve corrosion resistance. What has us intreagued is the choice of a 1911 style pistol over the more modern designs available in .45ACP.
The 1911 style pistols are more complicated to field strip; they have smaller ejection ports, so stove pipes are more common; they have larger grips, so individuals with smaller hands may find it more challenging to shoot; they have a smaller magazine capacity, usually 7+1; finally, they are somewhat heavier. On the plus side, they are extremely accurate in the hands of a skilled shooter.
We certainly see the need for a .45ACP service pistol, especially as the services look to the Asia-Pacific rim, and we also recognize that the U.S.M.C. has considerable experience with the 1911. But, was the 1911 frame the best available choice given the totality of what is available COTS today? This is a question that we will continue to explore as more information becomes available.
WEST HARTFORD, Conn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
Colt Defense LLC has been awarded an Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity contract by the U. S. Marine Corps for up to 12,000 M45 Close Quarter Battle Pistols, plus spares and logistical support. The new CQBP is a direct descendant of the iconic Colt M1911 adopted by the U. S. military in 1911 and carried as the primary sidearm through all the major conflicts of the 20th century.
The CQBP contract is for a five year period and has a potential value of up to $22.5 million. The CQBP expands on a long history of MARCORSYSCOM re-building original Government-issue 1911s, primarily for use by Force Recon and MARSOC units.
“This is a truly gratifying contract award,” said Gerry Dinkel, President & CEO of Colt Defense, “to have the 1911 selected again for U. S. Forces 101 years after its initial introduction is just an incredible testament to the timeless design and effectiveness of the Colt 1911. Colt Defense looks forward to another great partnership with the Marine Corps as we renew industry production of the military 1911.”
The initial Delivery Order on the contract is for 4036 CQBP, plus spares. Deliveries will begin later this year.
About Colt Defense LLC
Colt Defense LLC, together with its Colt Canada Corporation subsidiary, is one of the world’s leading designers, developers and manufacturers of small arms weapons systems for individual soldiers and law enforcement personnel. The Company’s portfolio of products and services addresses military and law enforcement requirements around the world. Colt Defense LLC has supplied small arms weapons systems to the United States Government and other governments for more than 160 years. Colt Canada Corporation is the Canadian government’s Center of Excellence for small arms and is the Canadian military’s sole supplier of the C7 rifle and C8 carbine. The Company maintains manufacturing facilities in West Hartford, Connecticut and Kitchener, Ontario. More information on Colt Defense LLC is available at www.colt.com and www.coltcanada.com.
Your AH-64 Apache Tax Dollars At Work!
Soldier Systems Daily alerted us a few days ago that MARSCOC would be adopting the Colt 1911 as the M45 Close Quarter Battle Pistol (CQBP). We are pleased to report that the alleged rumor is, in fact, correct.
Efforts required to produce and provide logistics support for the Close Quarter Battle Pistol (CQBP).
Extrema Ratio, purveyor of the world’s best military knives, has introduced the GLAUCA B1 folding knife. This knife is a collaborative effort between Extrema Ratio, Prato, Italy and the French Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale (G.I.G.N.). The G.I.G.N.’s role is counter-terrorism and hostage rescue.
For the project, Extrema came up with a new tip design, that I’ll call a double Tanto, to enhance penetration. The knife also features a glass breaker, a tool for cutting plastic restraints, a reversible clip and a safety. Extrema’s implementation of a safety is robust and locks the knife in the open or closed positions. When the knife is locked open, it assumes a fixed blade like quality, so tasks that you would normally not think possible of a folding knife are fair game for the Extrema folder.
You can get additional details by visiting or contacting Xtreme Knives!
FOG HORN 