SOFIC 2012 / ISOF 2012 Day Two – Navy SOC-Rs Make Their Exit After Successful Raid

Note, the dummy on his bass boat who nearly gets run over…

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SOFIC 2012 / ISOF 2012 PROTECTOR Remote Controlled Weapon Station – Vulgar Display Of Firepower!

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For 7th Year In A Row, Glock Inc. Donates $100,000 To The Special Operations Warrior Foundation

SOFIC 2012, Tampa, Fl., 23 May 2012 – It was my pleasure to witness yet another example of generosity from Glock Inc. Today, they donated $100,000 to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. The donation is an annual event now in its 7th year.

The Special Operations Warrior Foundation provides full scholarship grants and educational and family counseling to the surviving children of special operations personnel who die in operational or training missions and immediate financial assistance to severely wounded special operations personnel and their families.

As a veteran, I can’t thank them enough for their generosity and participation; specially at a time when U.S. citizens are renouncing their U.S. citizenship to avoid  paying capital gains taxes. Your actions speak louder than words and you deserve recognition.

Thank You Glock Inc.!

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SOFIC 2012 / ISOF 2012 Day Three – Recon Scout XT

Over the last several years, application of robotics in tactical and EOD situations has grown exponentially. The Recon Scout XT, manufactured by Recon Robotics™, is by a large margin the most widely accepted and cost effective tactical robot available to military and law enforcement. Over four hundred SWAT teams across the country have them in use.

The Recon Scout XT weighs a mere 3 pounds, is IR equipped and can be safely thrown over a distance of 120 feet, through windows or on rooftops. Recon Robotics has added some new capabilities that include alternative frequencies, water resistance, Search Stick™ compatibility, and much more. This micro robot can now be mounted on the barrel of an M4 or M16 enabling the operator to see around a corner without exposing himself to a threat.

Great technology that just got better!

We had a little fun with Recon Scout XT at SOFIC 2012 in Tampa…

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SOFIC 2012 / ISOF 2012 Special Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Exploitation

One of a number of areas of high interest for USSOCOM is Special Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Exploitation (SRSE pronounced ser-see). The portfolios encompass sensors, force protection, forensics, biometrics, collection, dissemination and a variety of other disciplines, and their supporting technologies. It is an area of immediate  interest for USSOCOM and the SOF community; yet, many of their needs remain unanswered. While walking through the exhibition hall I personally I.D. three companies who’s product were direct fits for those needs; surprisingly none knew the need existed let alone how to present their products to USSOCOM.

Small companies need to get involved through NDIA membership and when attending SOFIC make sure you attended the business sessions and the targeted breakout sessions. If you aren’t doing that you are missing the boat!

 

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SOFIC 2012 / ISOF 2012 Day Two – USASOF Demonstrates Waterborne Insertion

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SOFIC 2012 / ISOF 2012 Day Two CV-22 Bugging Out

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SOFIC 2012 / ISOF 2012 Day Two – Blackhawk Exfiltration

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SOFIC 2012 / ISOF 2012 Day Two

Black Hawk infiltrates team to destroy a barge with C4 charges…

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SOFIC 2012 / ISOF 2012 Day Two

International Special Operating Force put on an excellent demonstration simulating an assault on several key targets in the channel between Davis Island and Harbour Island.

More to come…

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SOFIC 2012 and ISOF 2012 Kicks Off In Tampa, FL

NDIA’s SOFIC 2012 and ISOF 2012 kicked off today, at Tampa’s Convention Center, for what is sure to be another great conference. Representatives from the Defense Industry, and members of the Special Operating Force Community were on had to exchange ideas, look at new technologies and participate as members of an international community.

Opening remarks by Admiral McRaven, Commanding Officer, USSOCOM emphasized mutual cooperation, mutual participation and networking as this year’s central theme.

Wednesday evening, May 23, Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton will deliver the opening remarks at the formal gala.

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Vectronix’s Terrapin Pocket Laser Range Finder

There are laser range finders and then there is a Vectronix PLRF.  The Terrapin offers robustness, reliability and accuracy at a manageable price point. If you’re a law enforcement organization struggling with diminishing budgets the Terrapin will give you basic capabilities with superb performance and reliability. For the serious hunter or precision shooter, you won’t find anything in the commercial space that will outperform Vectronix’s Terrapin.

You can buy a Casio watch that will deliver a variety of functions, but a Rolex does much more than tell time. The choice is yours but Terrapin, like your Rolex, is a lifetime investment.

Review:

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Revision Sawfly Photochromic Lens Video

I shot a couple of short videos to demonstrate Revision’s Photochromic technology. The first video shows the lens darkening as you emerge from darkness. The second video shows the lens clearing as you enter darkness.

Note that when exposed to sunlight, the lens does not turn completely dark. You can expect about a 50% tint or slightly darker with prolonged exposure.

The diagram on the left depicts the transition from dark to light and light to dark; interpreted as follows. When exposed to bright sunlight the transition from light to dark starts nearly instantaneously then gradually slows. It is most noticeable towards the center of the lens. As exposure time increases the rate of darkening rapidly decreases. This is also the case when transitioning from bright light to a dark space.

Bright Light

Dark Room

Look for my complete review – June 2012!

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Vectronix Terrapin Upcoming Review

Kicking off SOFIC week with a review of the Vectronix Terrapin – 21 May 2012

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Comments On Facebook And Eduardo Saverin !

I have been a lifelong member of the Republican Party. I believe that smaller government and a growing economy is best for America today, and into the future. Taxes, at all levels of the socioeconomic ladder, directly impact disposable income hurting consumption and capital formation. However, there are elements in our society that challenge those believes. I’d like to share a story.

I recently found out that one of Facebook’s founders, Eduardo Saverin renounced his U.S Citizenship in favor of a Malaysian citizenship. As you know, Mr. Saverin, by way of a legal settlement, was given 5% of Facebook.  His position translates to, at the high-end of the IPO valuation, about $3.84 billion. It would appear that Mr. Saverin’s decision to renounce his U.S. Citizenship was driven by the fact Singapore does not have a capital gains tax. In the U.S., he would incur a liability of 33% at worst and 15% at best.

Having said that, I don’t begrudge Mr. Saverin’s success even if it was the results of a lawsuit, but I am sickened by his vulgar display of avarice. We have thousands of young veterans, his peers, coming home without limbs and in various states of disarray. Many will never see their children grown. Eighty percent or more of our military men and women are Facebook subscribers. Their lives, their friend’s and family’s lives have contributed to Facebook’s content, which gives Facebook its economic value. These young men and women have responded to our nation’s call to defend the country from terror and tyranny – a benefit that has accrued to all Americans to include Mr. Saverin. It would appear that Mr. Saverin values their sacrifices less than avoiding capital gains. It sickens me.

I sincerely hope his actions do not become a reason to eliminate capital gains. These young men and women need all of our help and support to get back on their feet. Getting their lives in order is worth every penny of tax dollars spent. Mr. Saverin’s actions quite frankly disgust me.

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Valdada Optics VTac Tactical 20 Watch.

Valdada Optics, Littleton CO, has introduced a 20th Anniversary Limited Edition VTac Tactical 20 watch that looks great. The watch features a Swiss movement, stainless steel case and sapphire crystal. The Tactical 20 is also water-resistant to 200 meters. When you’re purchasing a watch, what’s under the hood is what maters most. So, I stick with Swiss or Japanese movements exclusively for accuracy and durability.

Valdada has hung its reputation on the IOR line of tactical optics. Valentine, the company’s owner has worked diligently to develop and bring to market optical accessories and weapon sights of amazing quality. Valdada optical sights are comparable to Schmidt and Bender at 1/2 –  2/3 ‘s the cost. The optical quality will amaze you! Valentine’s approach to business is marked by increasing improvement and an unsurpassed commitment to customer service.

By way of example, I use an IOR 10x monocular for tactical application. After several years and countless hours of less than gingerly use in hot and steamy environments, the rubber coating was coming apart. I contacted Valdada Optics to see what could be done. I did not have to ask to have it repaired. Instead, I was instructed to send it in. In a matter of four weeks, I had the monocular back in perfect working order. This is but one example of Valdada customer service.

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FN Herstal Announces Change To The Venerable FN MAG.

FN Herstal announced that a conversion kit is now available to users who wish to upgrade the FN MAG to a polymer buttstock. The transition requires some modification.

FN’s MAG 7.62 x 51 machine gun is considered by many to be the world standard for a machine gun in its class. It has been adopted by 93 countries around the world and serves successfully in a variety of applications including mounted and remote weapon stations. The FN MAG is known by various designations MAG58, GPMG, M240, L7A2.

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Streamlight TLR-1s HP – Let There Be Light!

The howling you hear in the background is not Louisiana Bell toning the phone lines, it’s the coyote hunters when they get their hands on Streamlight’s HP series of weapon mounted lights!

The TLR-1s HP (High Power), the subject of my review…

 

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Why You Should Consider Losing Weight ?

It’s been a long time since we’ve done a “Top n reasons where n can be any real or imaginary number.”So, here it is!

FOG HORN’s Top ”n” Reasons Where n Can Be Any Real or Imaginary Number Why You Should Consider Losing Weight.

10.      You leave your boyfriend breathless after sex.

9.       You’re refused service at a Chinese buffet.

8.       Victoria’s Secret talks about you.

7.       The airlines bust you for trying to smuggle an extra carry-on.

6.       People ask you to raise your arm so they can tell if you’re walking or rolling.

5.       TSA agents won’t pat you down.

4.       Bally’s asks you for a security deposit.

3.      David Letterman starts taking an interest in you.

2.      The shoe salesman won’t look up your dress.

1.      Biff Henderson thinks you’re thick.

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Camelbak’s Linchpin™- An Outstanding Assault Pack & Hydration System.

There is no substitute for a well designed anything! The  Linchpin™ assault pack from Camelbak is no exception to that sweeping statement, and I think you’d be hard pressed to find anything at its price point that comes even close to it!

Check out my review…

 

 

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Merci Nicolas Sarkozy!

Je tiens à remercier le Président sortant Nicolas Sarkozy pour renforcer les liens entre la France et les Etats-Unis. Nous vous souhaitons bonne chance!

Nos félicitations au Président élu François Hollande.

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Can You Say Photochromic?

A large part of the design problem associated with bringing gear to the soldier operator is ensuring that the system being introduced does not get in the way of the job, and eye protection is a clear example of that. Soldiers involved in search and destroy or clearing operations continuously transition from extreme bright light to near complete darkness as they move in and out of dwellings or caves. Wearing dark glasses requires them to either remove their eye protection indoors, or not wear eye protection at all. Revision has addressed that need with their new Photochromic Sawfly…  Sal Palma

Complete review coming your way this June!

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Cambelbak’s Linchpin™

Cambelbak's  Linchpin™

Cambelbak’s Linchpin™ featuring the Futura Harness by Mystery Ranch will let you load up a 1 bedroom apartment yet feel like you’re carrying a change of underwear…
Sal Palma

Review coming your way 7 May 2012!

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Revision’s BATLSKIN System Is Now Available!

Revision based in Essex Junction, VT, USA has just announced that its highly acclaimed and greatly anticipated Batlskin Modular Head Protection System is now available. The system is designed for use with the Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH).The initial size offerings will be in Medium and Large with Small and X-Large scheduled for later in the summer.

What’s exciting about Batlskin is its modularity. Operators can configure Batlskin to suit the mission; thus eliminating excess weight and bulk.

Available now are the following ACH-compatible Batlskin components: the Batlskin
Front Mount (MSRP $89.99); the Batlskin 3-Position Visor (MSRP $279.99); and the
Batlskin High-Threat Mandible Guard (MSRP $479.99). Any of these items can be purchased at Revision’s online store and through select military retailers across the U.S.

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Declassified Letters From Usama bin Ladin (UBL) Collected During The Raid on Abbottabad.

Readers interested in a snap shot (no pun intended) of Usama bin Ladin’s thought processes will enjoy reading these letters. They were made available by USSOCOM to the CTC, Combating Terrorism Center, at West Point. These letters are available in the original Arabic and English translation. There is a total of 17 letters that account for 197 pages of text.

Please download them here.

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Extrema Ratio’s BF M1A1 and BF M1A2 Now Available In A Burnished Finish.

Original BFM1 A1

Burnished Versions

By the way, these knives are great utility knives complete with an integrated marlinspike. If you’ve ever had to handle wet knotted line or make a splice, or an eye, you’ll quickly come to appreciate the value of the marlinspike.

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Desert Tactical Arms Delivering Hard Target Interdiction (HTI) Sniper Rifle.

It simply amazes me how often organizations, ranging from law enforcement to military – including SF units, struggle with the quest for a “universal” sniper platform. The term “universal” is symptomatic for “…I don’t know what I really need so what I get has to do everything, just in case I do need it.” I suppose that with the unlimited availability of budget dollars from Congress for Base and OCO budgets, during the height of Iraq and Afghanistan, you could get away with that; however, the chickens are coming home to roost and effective immediately you’ll need to account for every dollar spent under increasing scrutiny. The job will still require a variety of tools but the accounting departments and oversight committees will be looking at your capital expenditures with increasing tenacity.

Fortunately, Desert Tactical Arms’ product planning and development was clairvoyant, and when the company developed their modular chassis bullpup system, which allowed the sniper team to configure the sniper platform for any caliber by simply installing the appropriate conversion kit, they solved the eternal struggle between the “I want it to do anything” and “you don’t have the money to do it.”

Expanding on that concept, the company introduced the HTI, Hard Target Interdiction , sniper rifle. Like their SRS and SRS Covert, the HTI consists of a chassis and several conversion kits. Once the initial financial investment is made for the chassis ( $4,800), the organization simply budgets and acquires conversion kits for the desired caliber.  Caliber options include .50 BMG, .416 Barret, .408 Cheytac, and .375 Cheytac – all chamberings are capable of 2000+ yard engagements with superb penetration.

In times of austerity this level of flexibility balances operational needs and financial requirements. It achieves all this while delivering on sub minute of angle accuracy, greater compactness and reduced weight. Not too shabby!

If you are unfamiliar with Desert Tactical Arms, I strongly suggest you take that first step.

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Walther’s PPQ Navy

Walther PPQ Navy

Walther manufactures and sells a version of its highly successful PPQ 9mm pistol specifically designed for waterborne operations, the Walther PPQ Navy.

The firing mechanism of the WALTHER PPQ NAVY has been optimized for operations in and near water. A hole in the striker channel ensures sufficient water displacement if the weapon becomes completely flooded with water. Hydraulic resistance is offset by means of a stronger striker spring. In addition, special guides reduce the water resistance when the striker moves forward.

Walther offers the PPQ Navy in 15 or 17 round configurations and a 118 mm threaded barrel for use with a suppressor.

For additional details contact:

Carl Walther GmbH

PO Box 4325
89033 Ulm

Tel.: +49 7 31 / 15 39 0
Fax: +49 7 31 / 15 39 109

Via e-mail

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Basic Rifle Marksmanship a la 1971

Funny but effective Army training video addresses basic rifle marksmanship – its about 28 minutes!

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Hey Lenny, Nice Jacket!!

If you’re ever in need of a Glock Superstore to complement your Glock Perfection, point your browser to GlockStore.com. The GlockStore is a purveyor of all things Glock, including some interesting apparel concepts like their new Tactcial Concealment Jacket. Undoubtedly influenced by Lenny Magill, their design team have come up with a truly functional design. And, it looks good too!

Lenny Magill shares the concept and design philosophy behind their new jacket.

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LMT® Introduces the LM308MWS Sharpshooter System!

LMT® LM308MWS Sharpshooter System

Lewis Machine and Tool Company (LMT®) has introduced the LM308MWS, Sharpshooter System for the U.S. Commercial Market. If you’ll recall, in 2009, the British MOD selected Lewis Machine and Tool Company to be sole supplier what is now designated the L129A1 sharpshooter’s rifle.

The new Sharpshooter System, like its UK predecessor, is built on a one-piece upper receiver with a free floating 16″ stainless steel, tactically flat-matte blackened barrel with a 1:11.25″ twist with the SureFire adapter mounted. The .308 Modular Weapon System features Flat Dark Earth furniture, a semi-auto carrier group, charging handle assembly, SOPMOD buttstock, two-stage trigger, an ambi-selector and ambi- mag release and flip-up front and rear sights.

LMT® packs this collector’s rifle in a Pelican case with foam cut outs and includes not only the manual, torque wrench/driver and three Flat Dark Earth rail panels, but also eight 20-round magazines, two heavy-duty push-button swivels, a .308 OTIS cleaning kit, a sliding sling mount, a chamber cleaning rod and sight adjustment tool and a Harris Bipod assembly. A complete, one-of-a-kind Sharpshooter System in one package is available for only $4,950.09 MSRP.

This offering is a limited time limited quantity (LTLQ) event so act quickly if want to pick one up.

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Harris Communications Will Be Supplying Falcon III Radios To USSOCOM.

AN/PRC-117As part of CERP, Capital Equipment Replacement Program, USSOCOM has awarded Harris Communications a $400 million IDIQ contract for delivery of its Falcon III family of radios. The FALCON III family provides USSOCOM with a networkable and integrated communications platform consisting of the AN/PRC-117, AN/PRC-152 and AN/PRC-155. These radios are JTRS SCA compliant and support SINCGARS, VHF/UHF line-of-sight, Have Quick, IW for tactical satellite communications and other combat net radio waveforms. SRW, Soldier Radio Waveform will be added sometime in 2012.

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What Are You Doing With That Lemon Juice?

Some things in life just blow you away and this is one of those!

I exercise regularly, usually 5 days a week and  sometimes 6. All my workouts are fairly rigorous, but I don’t use weights. I use my own body weight for resistance training, it works well for me. I’m usually dehydrated by the time that I’m done, so I hydrate immediately after my workouts. In addition to water I’ll squeeze several wedges of lemon into my water container, or I’ll drain the juice out of the jar that most restaurants use to keep lemon wedges for ice tea, etc.

Yesterday, I had a guy walk up to me saying ” Hey you’re the FOG HORN dude…” to which I responded “yes I am.” He then asked me “what are you doing with that lemon juice?” I explained it as best I could and I think to his satisfaction. As he departed he thanked me for the Blog and commented on how much he enjoyed it .

WOW, was that neat or what – I must say that it made my day!

In any event here’s the answer to the question.

Lemon juice is a superb – all natural – electrolyte containing no artificial sugars, sodium etc. It is citric acid with a good supply of oils. An electrolyte functions to expedite the absorption of water in your digestive track so you hydrate more thoroughly and at an accelerated rate.  That’s the reason you feel so refreshed when you drink a glass of water with a lemon wedge on a hot summer day. In fact, lemon juice is so effective as an electrolyte that it enhances current flow in wet cells.

 

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One Possible Way Of Handling The Secret Service Prostitution Scandal!

It’s certainly disheartening to see an organization as distinguished as the U.S. Secret Service get a black-eye from childish behavior by a group of individuals who clearly exercised poor judgement. The event appears to have taken the place of the George Zimmerman incident with the media, and as with George Zimmerman, before the results of an investigation are in.

I’d like to suggest one possible approach to addressing the problem.

  1. Let the investigation run its course before passing judgement on the individuals involved. Rest assured that it is highly unlikely the President’s physical security was compromised.
  2. Terminating 11 or more agents will destroy 11 families, who are innocent victims in and of themselves.
  3. Dock agent paychecks  for airfare, meals and entertainment expenses incurred  in connection with the trip.
  4. Remove their security clearances, which has already been done, and relieve them of all protection work.
  5. Assign them, as US Secret Service employees, to work child pornography cases with the FBI, until such time the Secret Service regains confidence in their judgement and priorities.

Let’s get this incident behind us because from where I sit the only people making a big deal out of this is our media.

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Vectronix Introduces NiteSpotMR Its New Medium Range Clip-On Night Sight

Vectronix AG, Heerbrugg Switzerland, introduced the NiteSpotMR, a medium range clip-on night sight that adds night vision capability (I²) to a wide variety of rifles, at DSA 2012  in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

NiteSpotMR attaches to the front of a day-sight objective and can be removed when not in use. NiteSpotMR does not affect the optical zero of the day sight, eliminating the need for re-adjustment or boresighting when changing between daytime and nighttime operations.
NiteSpotMR can be used with any rifle (up to .50 caliber). There is an optional remote control for gain and focus adjustment.


NiteSpotMR provides three optional mounting possibilities for additional attachments, providing the user with flexibility. The NiteSpotMR can be combined with Vectronix’ TACS-M, adding thermal capability to further enhance situational awareness.

We are looking forward to bringing you a comprehensive review in the coming months.

Posted in ISR, Optics, Sniper Systems and Tools, Thermal Imaging | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Streamlight’s TLR- 4™ Good Things Come In Small Packages

With the introduction of the TLR3, Streamlight addressed an urgent need for a durable and reliable weapon mounted tactical light to complement the cornucopia of compact and subcompact firearms setting the market on fire. The TLR3 proved to be a highly successful addition to Streamlight’s TLR line and a companion to its wildly successful and larger TLR1. However, if you needed a laser aiming module, you had no choice but to leave Streamlight or settle on their TLR2, which was a full sized weapon mounted light with an integrated laser aiming module.

Prayers were answered with Streamlight’s 2012 announcement launching the TLR4 – a compact weapon mounted light with an integrated laser aiming module.

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Colt Enters Precision Bolt Action Rifle Business.

Just got back from an extraordinary bike ride to find out that Colt Industries has entered the precision bolt action rifle business. The company made the announcement and debuted its new M2012 at this year’s NRA Conference and Exhibit in St. Louis.

The M2012 is chambered in  .308 and features a 22 inch fluted stainless steel barrel on a pretty interesting chassis. I’m guessing that it won’t be too long before it appears as a 300 Win Mag as well. M.S.R.P. on this rifle will be $3799, and I’ll have more on Colt’s M2012 in subsequent posts.

Posted in Advanced Chassis Systems, Sniper Systems and Tools, Weapon systems | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Coming To The FOG HORN In May…

We’ve got some great articles and reviews coming your way this May.

  • I’ll be reviewing Camelbak’s newest addition to its highly successful pack line, the Linchpin™. This pack is extremely well made and possibly the most comfortable pack, of its size,  I’ve carried. It incorporates the Futura Harness by Mystery Ranch, and I think you’ll love it.
  • I’ll also be taking a look at Streamlight’s TLR-1 HP. The HP is Streamlight through-and-through and very much at home on a variety of platforms. I show you a couple of suggestions.
  • I’ll also introduce you to the Vectronix Terrapin pocket laser range finder as well as the Vectronix carbon fiber tripods – solid as a rock and superbly lightweight.
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USSOCOM Is Looking For New Radios.

AN/PRC-154 w/ GD300

The USSOCOM’s CAR (Capital Equipment Replacement) Program was implemented to finance a series of tactical and strategic acquisitions. Towards the top of that list is communications. As USSOCOM is increasingly tasked with spearheading the low intensity asymmetric effort, their reliance on compact and effective communications integration has increased proportionally. Since much of their work is reconnaissance and intelligence, Command and Control, planners, and operators need the ability to network communications and integrate, voice, data and video. Light weight and compact form factors are equally important.

The Handheld, Manpack, Small Form Fit (HMS) Program Office of the Joint Program Executive Office Joint Tactical Radio System (JPEO JTRS) and the US Army 75Th  Ranger Regiment have been evaluating the AN/PRC-154 and PRC-155 JTRS radios from Harris. Elements of the 75th Ranger Regiment have deployed to Afghanistan with the AN/PRC-154 Rifleman Radio as their intra-squad radio, coupled with the GD300 end-user device display which the Rangers have been developing with General Dynamics. This system provides networked voice and data communications and digital situational awareness down to the individual soldier, and the Rangers’ deployment signifies the first combat use of the system.

The successes enjoyed by Harris’ AN/PRC-154 and PRC-155 in Afghanistan signals a near end to the ubiquitous multiband inter/intra team (MBITR) AN/PSC-5D.

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BAE Systems OASYS Secures Deal To Supply USSOCOM With SkeeterIR®

 BAE Systems announced yesterday , April 11, 2012, that it has been awarded an $11 million contract to provide USSOCOM with its mini weapon mountable IR monocular,  SkeeterIR®.

The SkeeterIR uses a Wilcox interface so it can be mounted to the helmet or any other system supporting that mounting interface; this includes cantilever mounts very much like those available from LaRue. The operator then simply rotates the SkeeterIR in or out of his line of sight as the operation dictates.

The SkeeterIR displays a true 320 x 240 resolution and is configurable with dual band pointing lasers 835nm (IR) or 650nm (Visible Red). Additionally, the SkeeterIR can function as a dedicated weapon sight with selectable reticles. The unit runs on a single 123A battery that delivers 3 hours of run time.

 

 

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