It’s not often that one has the opportunity to T&E a piece of military technology that is truly excellent, and there’s certainly no shortage of laser range finders available to the warfighter; however, they generally involve compromising on size and weight to gain performance. I’m here to tell you those days are over!
When I received a green light to T&E Vectronix’s PLRF25C, I spent a considerable amount of time structuring a test scenario that would be a reliable indicator of performance; lazing steel plates at unknown ranges is simply not enough.
No two companies more closely personify excellence than Sinclair International and Brownell’s; they offer the best of everything a gun enthusiast or professional needs, and that includes world class service and fulfillment.
Sinclair International became part of the Brownell’s Group in 2007; bringing with it tremendous amounts of experience gained as a leading supplier of reloading equipment. Whatever your reloading needs are, Sinclair can meet them with expert knowledge and service to boot. So, be sure to visit booths #2408 and #2305 at the annual NRA Show held at America’s Center Convention Complex in St. Louis, MO, April 13-15, 2012.
While at Sinclair’s booth checkout Sinclair’s latest, cutting-edge products, chat with Sinclair Reloading Technicians and enter to win daily door prizes.
Yet another great question from a reader in N.Y. The gentleman submitting this question / comment was responding to my comment posted in my article “Why The Emphasis On Ammunition Awareness?“; where I state…
“Although our national intelligence assessments predict that our conflicts, moving into the future, will be low intensity asymmetric “type” threats, the possibility exits that we will be engaged in conflicts where our forces will face a trained and organized combatant; capable of denying air and space assets with a capacity to wage intensive cyber attacks against command and control networks as well as industrial infrastructure.”
Thank you for an excellent question, but let me disagree with you on the basis of several points.
First, India is one of the more openly corrupt governments on the planet. Indian citizens are not just neglected but in many cases are required to pay local officials bribes for basic and simple services like transferring or perfecting deeds, acquiring licenses and other essential basic services.
Secondly, there is a noticeable undertow in India’s society, especially in the outer states, of radicalization fueled by India’s disregard for its poor and less educated. India has been making huge investments in its military because it feels that it needs to project military prestige; meanwhile, the population lumbers under the weight of poverty and disease. India has the unflattering stigma of having one of the world’s highest rates of infant mortality.
Finally, in an open conflict with China, the Indian Air Force and Navy would be incapacitated within the first 72 hours of the engagement. At which time, the only thing the Indian military would be flying are kites.
Using India as a buffer between The United States and China, should that ever be required, is simply a ludicrous proposition. This is the harsh reality, and let us pray in thanks that there’s nothing in India that China wants.
Nope he’s not Rick Santorum’s kid, – probably the only person that’s not judging by Sen. Santorum’s family size – he’s Mike Mers the newly appointed Sales Manager at Advanced Armament Corporation, AAC.
Mike has been with AAC since 2009 and was part of the team that made “silence is not a crime” a household expression. In his new role, Mike will be developing business and managing key account managers.
We wish Mike the best of luck in his new assignment and we look forward to working closely with him to make sure that we get the word out.
I have a very interesting question from a reader in the U.K. wanting to know why I placed so much emphasis on ammunition awareness.
I blogged an article on the AK-47, “Modernization of the AK47”; as part of that piece, I posted what I will refer to as “dog and pony” videos discussing a variety of topics. In one of those videos, I commented on ammunition awareness expressing a heartfelt sentiment that ammunition awareness is vitally important, trumping speed of magazine changes or any other technique.
There is some interesting research that’s been conducted by military, former military and scholars that show an exponential increase in the number of rounds fired per enemy casualty since WWII. I believe some to be reasonable numbers; others are wild eyed assessments, so for this illustration I used numbers that I felt were not precise but reasonable.
In WWII the average combat scenario required 10,000+ rounds fired per enemy casualty. That number has grow dramatically since then, with estimates of 80,000 + rounds in Vietnam and more recently 200,000+ rounds in Iraq/Afghanistan (averaged out). If I were to graph these numbers for you, this is what that graph would look like.
As the graph illustrates, this is clearly an exponential function. Why?
Well, it’s not just you and I that are curious about this relationship and the DoD, as well as NATO, are seriously looking at the phenomenon. Opinions range from deficiencies in marksmanship to improvements in logistics. The answer is probably a mix. In my opinion, it’s a combination of several variables; however, the two I weigh most heavily are a soldier’s mindset and the effects of superb logistics.
Over the ten years U.S. armed forces have been engaged in Iraq and Afghanistan, our fixed and rotary wing combatants established and maintained unquestionable and complete air superiority. This battlefield umbrella made it possible for a soldier/ operator to order, if he chose to, a Domino’s pizza and have it delivered to the front lines in 30 minutes or less. That level of support plays to a mind set that says I can be resupplied in a heartbeat. Allowing that to continue in my view is a colossal error in judgment.
Although our national intelligence assessments predict that our conflicts, moving into the future, will be low intensity asymmetric “type” threats, the possibility exits that we will be engaged in conflicts where our forces will face a trained and organized combatant; capable of denying air and space assets with a capacity to wage intensive cyber attacks against command and control networks as well as industrial infrastructure.
Loosing an asymmetric conflict is an embarrassment, loosing a major conflict with a major actor is a disaster!
Therefore, in my view, our training needs to encompass simulations of operations in those environments. Developing soldier awareness and combat skills in scenarios where many of our strategic support assets are unavailable, or have reduced availability. This is critically important.
These are my reasons for ammunition awareness and management! Thank you for the thoughtful question and thank you for dropping by. I hope you return soon with more great questions or comments. Cheers!
I normally don’t get excited about camouflage. I simply wore what I was issued and that was that! However, I have to tell you that I’ve been excited about A-TACS since I first came across it at Fort Benning, GA; were I solely responsible for making the decision of what to select for a new UCP, it would be A-TACS hands down.
The folks at Advanced Tactical Concealment System are working very hard to make your experience on their web site http://www.a-tacs.com/ more useful, informative and enjoyable. The enhancements planned for 2012 will include:
New Product Demo Videos – Are you an A-TACS Camo Brand Partner? Do you offer a unique or innovative A-TACS Camo Product packed with features in your line? If so, you can have your product featured in a video demo on a-tacs.com. This new series will focus on products with unique features to improve functionality, increase survivability, or make them easier to use. This new monthly series will be hosted by end-user professionals with a military or law enforcement background and will be run on our Website, Facebook and our upcoming Youtube channel. For more information regarding this series of video product features, contact:philip@a-tacs.com
New Tips and Tactics Videos – Our new Tips and Tactics video series run by professionals in the field with a variety of backgrounds including Snipers, Special Operations Personnel, Gunsmiths, Law Enforcement Professionals and various other experts in special weapons and tactics, and will focus on strategies, tactics and survivability in a variety of situations. They will also offer informative tips based on real world experience in the field. Like the Product Demo Videos, this series will also appear on our Website, Facebook and Youtube channels.
Where to Buy Website Section Upgrade – We have re-organized the where to buy section of our website into region specific areas to make it easier to find A-TACS Camo retailers in any part of the world. Additionally, as a service to our retail partners effective immediately, we will begin offering banner space in the where to buy section free of charge. If you are a retailer selling A-TACS Camo gear, all you need to do is send artwork in .jpeg or .gif formats, 72dpi resolution at a size of 50 by 120 pixels to us at: info@a-tacs.com
New A-TACS Camo hydrographics decorator directory – Are you a hydrographic decorator? Do you specialize in coating weapons and other hardline items in A-TACS camo finishes? If so, we will soon be adding a new section on our website to make it easier for people in your area wanting to have their items coated to find you. It you currently offer these services and wish to get a free banner listing in our online directory, send artwork and contact information to us at: info@a-tacs.com. Banner art should be submitted in .jpeg or .gif formats, 72dpi resolution at a size of 50 by 120 pixels.
So, don’t be a stranger and be sure to visit A-TACS Camo™ website
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We’ve got some great articles and reviews coming your way this month.
I have two weapon mounted tactical light reviews in the works; Streamlight’s TRL-1 HP and TRL-4. You’re going to love both of these lights, especially the TLR-4. It’s an ideal match for the FN P90, HK MP5 family, and HK MP7A1 as well as compact frame pistols. A super addition to your home defense sidearm.
PLRF25C Front View
There are laser range finders and then there’s the Vectronix PLRF 25C. Easy to use, fast and accurate. I had a great time working with the folks at Vectronix and I can tell you the PLRF 25C rocks.
So, Stay With Us!
Remeber to visit the FOG HORN throughout the month. We love hearing from you and don’t forget to leave us your comments; however, be courteous and constructive. We can all learn from one another!
Progressively more people and/or organizations are integrating video capture technologies with a weapon system to help them meet increasing legal requirements, in the case of law enforcement, or for the military to enhance command and control capabilities.
Strikemark recognized that need and has developed an assortment of mounting solutions for some specific technologies like GoPro and Contour.
This very concept of “IPON”, so to speak, permeates CRKT’s Hissatsu Folder™. Simplicity with a purpose captured in the Kanji translation of its name Hissatsu – “strike”.
The Hissatsu folder is a collaborative effort between James Williams and Columbia River Knife and Tool.
The Army has taken delivery of the first 85 of 650 MK19 40mm Grenade Machine Guns (GMGs) under an $8.7 million IDIQ contract from the General Dynamics (GD) Armament and Technical Products. GDATP was awarded the contract in September 2011.
The MK19 is a 40mm grenade machine gun (GMG), and rather formidable crew-served weapon. The GMG is blowback operated, air-cooled and uses a disintegrating metallic link-belt-fed system. The weapon is fully automatic and designed to fire a variety of armour-piercing grenades against enemy personnel and light armored vehicles.
The MK19, although not a featherweight by any means at 72.5 lbs., has an effective range of 1600 meters and can be used by mounted or dismounted ground forces. It’s ideally suited for a HMMWV or other light vehicles as well as rotor and fixed wing aircraft.
The gun has a cyclic rate of 400 rounds per minute and fires six types of rounds that include M430 family of high-explosive dual-purpose grenades, M383 high-explosive grenade, along with practice and dummy rounds for training exercises.
I’ve been around motorcycles of every description for a long time and nothing, other than the Indian, will ever replace the love I have in my heart for the Harley Davidson motorcycle. It screams American in a way no other bike can. So, when I laid eyes on Benchmade’s H-D Ti-Fender™ Monolock it was love at first sight. This is a gorgeous knife!
The 39-09 Combat is a slightly shorter, 160 mm, version of the 39-09 Operativo, which traces its origins back to World War I. The U.S. version of the Combat features a flat ground blade with a plain edge and very nicely executed serrations just forward of the hilt on the opposite side of the edge. The false edge endows the 39-09 Combat with a pugnale character, so, like the 39-09 Operativo, slicing and puncturing are excellent; as expected, build quality is Extrema throughout.
Just when you thought life couldn’t get better, technology steps in shattering the illusion.
VT Miltope’s RTHD-2 is a ruggedized handheld computer that obviates a need for a smartphone. It is a, first of its kind, wireless appliance integrating a variety of functions (video, voice, data, navigation) into one rugged and compact system designed for mounted or dismounted operations.
When deployed with wireless gateways, network connectivity and routing functions will integrate with full 3G and 4G capabilities. The RTHD-2 enhances situational awarness and command and control (C2) with voice, data and video integration.
It is terribly tragic to see the life of a young man, Travon Martin, extinguished by a thoughtless and misguided act of bravado. Travon’s death didn’t just destroy a young man’s life it destroyed a family, and all of the wonderful and magical things associated with family life. I understand the family’s and community’s outrage.
However, I am equally outraged by the irresponsible and inflammatory actions of news outlets, principally CNN, who without jurisdiction or legal authority are trying George Zimmerman in the public’s eye. CNN’s role is to provide news coverage of the events, not conduct independent audio analysis of evidence to speculate on whether Zimmerman used a racial slur or not. CNN’s actions are not simply inflammatory, they’re reckless and impede the investigations in-progress by the State of Florida and the DOJ.
Roughly 26 states have “stand your ground laws” enacted. None, that I am aware of, are written in language that authorizes an act of aggression – they are defensive in construct and intent. Stand your ground laws and castle doctrine laws have made it possible for law abiding citizens to defend themselves and their families in the face of danger; they have saved lives and will continue to do so, and their passage reflects the will of voters living in those states. I encourage other states across the country to follow in their footsteps.
CNN needs to get out of “selective” injustice business!
France’s DGA is the equivalent to our own DoD. Annually, they publish the “Calepin international des principales entreprises travaillant pour la défense.” The publication is a directory of companies currently engaged in France’s defense initiatives.
Although the publication is written in French, it is organized extremely well and its contents are presented with a minimum of fanfare. A modicum of effort is all that is required to gain an insight on France’s defense initiatives, and who is delivering goods and services.
LaserLyte® has just added a much needed training tool to their expanding line of excellent laser training products.
LT-380 Laser Cartridge
The LaserLyte® LT-380 laser trainer cartridge will fit all Ruger LCP’s, Kel-Tec’s, and Smith & Wesson .380’s.
The LaserLyte® LT-380 laser trainer cartridge provides the user with a realistic training experience including tap, rack, bang or malfunction drills. The LT-380 fits inside the pistol chamber and the firing-pin activated switch indicates the bullet impact with a bright red laser dot. Besides being able to train anywhere, the LT-380 integrates perfectly with LaserLyte’s Laser Trainer Target system (TLB-1), the interactive, battery operated, portable training system.
Extrema Ratio has added a novel new product to their line up. You won’t get a Chris Costa action figure with your order, but you well get a very finely crafted shaving kit that’s at home in your hooch or designer bathroom.
The Iraq and Afghanistan missions challenged our country and our men and women in uniform. In spite of misguided believes, leaders are not made they’re born and there is no greater example than the following two outstanding senior officers. They deserve our nations gratitude and greatest recognition. I would love to serve under either one.
Recently, Gen David Petraeus USA (Ret) was honored by the Dutch Ministry of Defense and awarded knighthood into the Order of Orange Nassau in recognition for his service and leadership.
Gen David H. Petraeus
I wish to also recognize the former commanding officer of USSOCOM, Adm Eric T. Olson. Admiral Olson’s leadership was instrumental in developing USSOCOM’s capabilities to its current levels. It was under his watch, that U.S. Navy SEAL teams executed one of the most successful missions in SEAL history, a raid on the UBL compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, which brought an end to his tyranny.
I had an opportunity to hear Adm Olson speak at a SOFIC conference in Tampa; I was flattered to have that opportunity. It was the first time I laid eyes on the Admiral and I remember thinking how could a guy with a middle name of Thor be of small stature – it had to be hell going through high school and The Academy, which is probably the reason why he elected to become a SEAL officer. I had planned on introducing myself and my SS affiliation but I wanted to avoid professional jealousy! Discretion being the better part of valor…
All joking aside, Adm Eric T Olson is at the top of my list of heroes!
Lyons Falls, NY; Otis Technology, a leading manufacturer of gun cleaning systems and accessories, is the recipient of the 2012 Productivity Achievement Award by Modern Materials Handling (MMH).
Each year the MMH publication recognizes the achievements of three of the facilities that they have featured in the magazine within the past 12 months with a Productivity Award. Otis was announced as the Productivity Award winner in the manufacturing and innovation category for their use of mobile robots in their manufacturing operations. The award was announced in the February 2012 issue of the publication.
As part of their ongoing lean manufacturing initiative, Otis Technology partnered with RMT Robotics in 2009 to introduce the ADAM™ autonomous mobile robot to their manufacturing operation in upstate New York. Navigating in a complex ever-changing environment, amongst people and machines, ADAM adapts and performs on-demand random origin to random destination transport of work-in-process materials between Otis’s manufacturing; AS/RS based storage and final assembly operations.
Otis’ Director of Operations, Harold Philbrick says, “Otis has never been afraid to use technology as a means to help make our operations more efficient. We identified excessive amounts of material transportation within our process during initial stages of lean implementation and have since utilized the ADAMs to move material throughout the facility. The benefits of this implementation were recognized immediately. More output has led to shorter lead times and higher on time delivery, while improved operating efficiency has led to inventory accuracy. Being recognized with this Productivity Award shows the success of our implementation in a different aspect. We are very honored.” “Otis Technology is a forward-thinking company whose commitment to and adoption of lean manufacturing makes them truly deserving of this recognition,” said Bill Torrens, director of sales and marketing, RMT Robotics. “We are thrilled to witness the continued success and efficiency the ADAM solution has brought to Otis Technology.” Otis Technology is known for manufacturing the most advanced gun cleaning systems available. The superior Breech-to-Muzzle® design combined with unmatched quality has positioned Otis as the gun care system of choice with the US Military. Otis Technology is SMART GUN CARE.
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HERA – ARMS’ TRIARII conversion kits offer repeatable accuracy in a very uncomplicated and intuitive chassis. There’s quite a lot to like in this package!
Some of you may not be aware that the Department of Homeland Security, DHS, funds and co-operates with the host states a total of 11 fusion centers across the United States. Fusion centers are data mining facilities supported by advanced computer and infrastructure technologies. They function as intelligence collection, aggregation and distribution points for the national network.
Recently, there’s been discussion at the Congressional level to assess, or more appropriately, attempt to dimension what restrictions if any should be placed on the mining of social media data.
With the existing technology available to the DHS, posts and tweets can be scanned. DHS, for example, could measure public sentiment on specific policies. That same degree of granularity can be correlated to a specific individual.
What’s your view?
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When combat assault rifles are a topic of discussion, the Avtomat Kalashnikova emerges supreme and the most successful combat rifle in the history of modern warfare. No other shoulder fired weapon stirs emotions like the AK47.
Although nothing more than wood and steel, the AK47 retains a character, a certain romanticism, only found in the literary works of Russian poets like Alexander Pushkin; often described as evil and vicious by ardent, well intentioned, individuals lacking the capacity to reason that it is not the tool that makes the craftsman. Yet, it is fait accompli, the gates of heaven have welcomed countless innocents from its encounter. As true as the later is, the AK47 has earned global admiration for its robustness and simplicity of design, and a young Russian Sargent by the name of Mikhail Kalashnikov was author of its story.
Sixty-five years after its design, the AK47 remains the weapon of choice for many, if not all, of the developing nations around the world. Kalashnikov’s design also influenced homegrown small arms like the Israeli Galil. Like the Pax Romana, which gave Christianity a fertile period that assured its growth, the AK47’s accelerated distribution was the product of Soviet Russia and the Cold War. It’s estimated that over 50 million AK47s and derivatives have been produced since 1949, when it was first adopted by the Soviet Army.
Design and development of the AK47 was heavily influenced by the Russia experience during WWII. Faced by Germany’s mechanized assaults it became more important to deliver mass short-range area fire than continue the use of full power ammunition designed to engage point targets at 600 – 800 meters. Russia’s response was to develop the 7.62x 39 round and Simonov’s SKS rifle. Although the SKS was a poor response to Germany’s MP44 (StG44) it moved the Russian army closer to an assault rifle concept.
In 1947, Mikhail Kalashnikov, developed the AK47 – a selective fire 7.62 x 39 assault rifle. There’s been considerable discussion on just how much influence the German StG44 had on the development of the AK47, with some suggesting the AK47 mimics the StG44, an allegation that Mikhail Kalashnikov vehemently denies. Yet, interesting similarities surface with a side-by-side comparison of the two. For example, the short sight radius and rear sight block, the bolt carrier and gas piston assembly and possibly the combined use of stamped and milled parts.
The trigger, bolt assembly and unlocking raceways bear similarity to the M1 Garand, and the safety mechanism was clearly influenced by a John Browning’s design found on the Remington Model 8.
Before modernized and morphed into the AKM, the AK47 was produced in three different types (Type I, Type II and Type III) each type incorporated a number of design changes that I’ll mention briefly. The Type I to Type II transition involved a change from a stamped receiver to a milled receiver and the addition of a receiver block for mounting the stock to the rifle.
Type I
Type II
The Type II to Type III transition saw the elimination of the receiver block for mounting the stock, the magazines were reinforced with the addition of ribs, the selector went from one finger tab in the Type II to two in the Type III. The gas piston in Type I and Type II designs was thicker and fluted. In the Type III design, the gas piston was completely smooth and thinner. There were other cosmetic changes that are inconsequential
Type III
After its introduction in 1959, the AKM or Modernized AK47 was the “de facto” standard and further improvements to its design were not made. Telling the difference between the AK47 and its modernized version, the AKM, is straight forward. The AK47 will have a milled receiver, lacks a muzzle brake, has a smooth receiver cover and the gas vents are aligned horizontally along the longitudinal axis of the gas cylinder.
The AKM will have a stamped receiver, ridged receiver cover (usually three ridges), a slant muzzle brake and the gas vents are aligned in a radial pattern along the interface of the gas cylinder with the gas block. Additional designations of N and P refer to the presence of luminescent element in the sights (P) or the presence of a rail along the side of the receiver, for day and night optics (N). AK’s with folding stocks were designated with the letter (S).
It would be 1974 before a major change in direction occurred, and that was the production of the AK74. Although the design of the AK74 was identical to the AK47, the AK74 was chambered for the 5.45 x 39 round rather than 7.62 x 39, and featured a redesigned muzzle brake. The AK74 replaced the AK47 as the standard issue carbine of the Soviet Army.
AK47’s may not be imported into the United States because it does not meet the “sporting use” definition as specified in law. As a result, all AK47’s imported into the United States are configured in sporting configurations, meaning the offensive parts are replaced with acceptable parts prior to entering the country. Once the rifle arrives, the acceptable parts are removed and replaced with U.S. made parts to make the rifle 922r compliant. The process destroys the authenticity of the carbine so it is impossible to acquire a genuine AK47, AKM, AK74 and a slew of other models and firearms. It’s a law that stands as a monument to our stupidity and I hope that the “sporting use” language and/ or the import band are repealed.
With over 50 million AK47’s used and/or produced in 55 countries around the world it is unlikely that Kalashnikov’s brain child will fade away into oblivion, but times change and the need for a more advance weapon systems demands a facelift.
So, just what is wrong with the AK47? Depending on who you ask, AK47s are either loved or dismissed as cheap pieces of junk. In the United States, they’ve taken on a cult status very much like driving a SAAB. Interesting comments like: “it’s a stamped receiver that does not hold up” fascinate me since Heckler and Koch have been integrating stamped parts with milled parts for years, and across a large family of carbines that everyone likes. I suppose if you’re influenced by appearances, the Kalashnikov rifles are the ugly duckling of the genre; however, it’s only when you look beyond its physical appearance that you can gain an appreciation for the design. Don’t get me wrong, I recognize there are limitations, but given it is now 65 years old even its harshest critic must admit that it was quite an accomplishment.
Notwithstanding its outward appearance, it is highly probable that were you to dig one out of the ground and load it, it would still fire. That level of reliability is an excellent reason to carry one. It’s often been said that as long as there is a round in the magazine the AK will go “BANG”; the reason is the simplicity of its design. With a total of 8 moving parts, the AK47 or AKM family of carbines have the least moving parts of any assault rifle fielded, which when combined with looser machining tolerances makes the AK47 impervious to debris or heat related stoppages even without lubrication. The AK47 was designed to quickly outfit and train an army of conscripts. Other than the geopolitical climate of the Cold War reliability and simplicity are the overwhelming reasons why the AK47 became the weapon of choice in many developing nations.
Operations like field stripping and maintenance can be taught easily and in a matter of minutes to combatants who are illiterate and poorly trained.
This is a short video prepared by Jim Fuller of Rifle Dynamics in Las Vegas, NV. Jim shows you how to lubricate the AK47.
The AK47 has also been described as a “pray and spray” weapon. A classification that is on point to some extent but needs to be framed in proper context.
If you examine the selector of an AK47 you’ll note that the first position coming off “SAFE” is FULL AUTO. This is an indicator supporting its design objective, which was to deliver mass fire on an area target. Secondly, the sight radius on the AK47 rifle is quite short when compared to the M16, M4, HK G3, M14 and M1 Garand. The rifle was not intended to provide accurate point target fire at longer ranges. Soldiers would most likely use the front sight to make the shot. Finally, the 7.62 x 39 round, originally developed for the Simonov SKS rifle produces a strong recoil impulse when fired in the AK47. When all of these factors are placed in play, it’s reasonable to expect that the AK47 is not a tack driver. Making the “pray and spray” perception ill-informed. In reality, when fired in semi-automatic mode, using proper trigger reset and advanced optics like the M68 weapon sight the AK47 is capable of 2 MOA throughout its effective range. Making the AK47 more accurate would involve improving the sights and tightening operating tolerances, and changing tolerances would adversely impact the weapon’s reliability.
Magazine length has always been an issue with its critics. The AK47 magazine extends beyond the weapons grip so it hinders firing from the prone position.
A deficiency that I didn’t mention earlier, because I wanted to address it with a short video, is that on the last shot fired, the AK47 and many of its derivatives, will not lock the bolt open on an empty magazine. I don’t see that as a major issue and it’s certainly something that can be handled through training.
So far, we are left with some interesting observations about the AK47. First, they can be built quickly and inexpensively. Second, they are easy to operate and maintain; reducing training times and cost of operation. Finally, there is a high percentage of parts commonality, few moving parts and high degree of reliability. It sounds like a strong business case to me!
Before moving on to current modernization efforts underway, I want to share one observation. The relationship between machining tolerances, accuracy and reliability is not a linear function. A one unit tightening of tolerances does not yield a one unit increase in accuracy, or on the down side a one unit decrease in reliability. Given current assault or combat loads, a soldier engaged in MOUT operations is physically incapable of holding 1 minute of angle accuracy so it is far more important, in my view, to provide him or her with a weapon capable of delivering large volumes of fire with utter reliability. This is the criteria that reigns supreme in my mind; however, there is no doubt that the AK47 and AKM are in need of a facelift.
Is the AK47 obsolete in concept or form factor? I happen to think it’s the later. With a modest face lift, it can brought into the 21st century keeping its timeless qualities.
A modernized AK47 would reflect an improved stock and grip for greater function and durability, it would include a quad rail system to support a variety of enhanced aiming devices that include red dot sights and laser aiming modules, IR illumination and IR laser aiming modules. It would include support for a vertical fore grip and a variety of other accessories that are Picatinny compatible devices. New receiver covers are entering the market that extend the rail system so the sighting optic can be brought closer to the shooter’s eye. The Kalashnikov pictured above is capable of supporting any of the existing technologies currently in use with the M4 or M16. Although we’ve added minimally to its weight we’ve retained its reliability and enhanced its accuracy.
The same improvements made by the owner of this AK47 can be readily made to the AK74 due to its similarity of design. At a retail cost of just over $200, the owner of this AK47 has a rifle that is as capable, if not more so, than many of the carbines available in today’s market. Other improvements are on the way and they include magazine designs and recoil mitigating devices (in the meantime use a telescoping Bulgarian recoil spring).
I’ll conclude “Modernization of the AK47” with a trip to the range, and let’s see what our pray and spray carbine will do…
Companies actively involved with AK47 enhancements:
This month, I’ll take a look at two outstanding folding knives from two great companies, Benchmade’s Ti-Fender and Columbia River Knife & Tool’s Hissatsu.
If you are attending the spectacular 2012 IWA & Outdoors Show and you would like to have your photos, press releases or articles published, send your material to:
Français: Bonjour et merci. Si vous assistez à la spectaculaire 2012 IWA & Outdoors Show et vous souhaitez avoir vos photos, communiqués de presse ou d’articles publiés, envoyez vos documents à: twobirdsflyingpub@gmail.com
Español: Saludos! Si va a visitar el espectacular IWA 2012, en Nuremberg, y le gustaría publicar sus fotos, comunicados de prensa o artículos , envie su material a: twobirdsflyingpub@gmail.com
Deutsch: Bitte sehr Wenn Sie den Besuch der spektakulären 2012 IWA & Outdoors Show sind und Sie möchten Ihre Fotos, Pressemitteilungen oder Artikel veröffentlicht haben, senden Sie Ihr Material an: twobirdsflyingpub@gmail.com
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It’s not simply me that’s excited about Setpoint Ammunition; in December 2011, the company was awarded the esteemed 2011 Entrepreneur Excellence Award for “Greatest Potential” from the NorthFront Entrepreneur Alliance Group (NEAG).
Setpoint’s arrival means that shooters don’t have to spend hours on a loading bench to achieve exceptional results at the range, and shooting well is what it’s all about.
The majority of participants did not correctly classify the AK47 depicted in the survey post. Only one participant correctly classified it as the AKM N.
It has a stamped receiver, the gas vents are on a radial along the edge of the gas tube to gas port housing interface, the dust shield has the characteristic ridges on top. Just with that information alone, we can classify it as an AKM.
However, what makes it an AKM N is the presence of a side rail for mounting day or night optics.
The market was long overdue for a reliable, compact, LED weapon mounted light that incorporates a laser aiming module. The folks at Streamlight® stepped in to fill the need with an outstanding offering, the TLR-4™. Read the full review, right here, in April.
I first became aware of the SealSkinz product at a SOFIC conference in Tampa. I was anxious to test out a pair and the folks at Danalco, in Duarte, CA, were accommodating enough to send me a pair. For reasons beyond my control I was not able to review them until now, which irritates me to no end. It’s a long story.
The overwhelming majority of SealSkinz reviews consist of the reviewer putting on a pair and dunking his or her foot in a bucket of water. Although one could draw some conclusion from that exercise, it’s not a real test of Danalco’s product. Furthermore, it does not come close to simulating military application of the socks.
In this review I assess the waterproofness of the SealSkinz and how well they function as socks worn in conjunction with military boots.
The Army began issuing the kevlar reinforced garment back in June of 2011. The concept is to provide some degree of pelvic protection from improvised explosive devices and road side bombs.
Since its initial deployment in June, the garment has gone through a couple of design changes to make it more comfortable and breathable so that soldiers could and would wear them.
The project is managed by PEO Soldier – Protective Equipment headed up by Lt.Col. Frank J. Lozano.
Seneca Cayuga Industries in Seneca Falls, N.Y., has been contracted by BCB International (U.K.) to manufacture the undergarments to comply with current U.S. military regulations. The company’s textile operation employs roughly 50 people, including some disabled U.S. veterans.
I just got word that LaserLyte® has lowered its price on their RTB-XD laser light for the Springfield XD and XDM pistols. The new MSRP is $139.95. Although you’ll be paying less you still get to keep the robust housing, activation and auto-off functionality and programmable constant on or pulsing.
What makes LaserLyte such an ideal laser aiming device is that you won’t need a special holster or change your custom grips. This is a great opportunity to pick one up for your Springfield XD / XDM.
If you own a Smith & Wesson J-Frame, like an Airweight, or a Taurus Judge you’ve probably had few choices in aiming laser. LaserLyte® from Cottonwood AZ has made that concern null and void with its introduction of the CK-SWAT laser.
The new LaserLyte® CK-SWAT laser mounts easily underneath the grip and is the only laser system available that allows the customer to retain the factory grip and comfortably and easily holster the firearm. The CK-SWAT is also compatible with many aftermarket grips including Hogue® and Pachmayr®.
CK-SWAT on Taurus Judge
To install the LaserLyte® CK-SWAT, choose one of the four included base plates that fit the revolver, remove the grip and screw the unit into place. Replace the grip and sight in the firearm with common X and Y adjustments. When ready to activate, simply press the button located at the back of the laser as you draw the firearm from the holster. The laser is easily programmable to either constant on or pulse mode. The “auto-off” feature displays a unique flash after 5-minutes of operation, and automatically turns the unit off after 6-minutes. This feature can be reset at anytime to prevent accidental activation and battery depletion.
The LaserLyte® CK-SWAT unit can also be easily removed and placed on any other compatible firearms.
LaserLyte® CK-SWAT Specifications:
Compatible Firearms: Fits all Smith & Wesson J-frame revolvers and all Taurus revolvers, including the Judge
The company has launched the compact Night Com® UV flashlight, which features six UV LEDs to provide ultraviolet light for a variety of detection purposes. The versatile new light also provides a white LED for general and distance use.
Offering three separate lighting modes, the lithium battery-powered Night Com UV features a white C4® LED, and a total of six UV LEDs, including three 365 nanometer and three 390 nanometer UV LEDs.
“The Night Com UV is specially designed for professionals, such as police and security officers, automotive technicians and HVAC repairmen, who rely on ultraviolet light for detecting fraudulent documents, checking driver’s licenses, or for engine or HVAC leak detection,” said Streamlight President and Chief Executive Officer Ray Sharrah. “The light also is equipped with a powerful white LED for general purpose and distance use.”
A mode-selection switch lets users easily choose the desired lighting mode, including a high- or low-power white LED setting, or the UV LED setting. The light also features a “safety” mode that ensures the light cannot be turned on by mistake during transport.
The light’s C4 LED has a textured reflector that provides a widespread beam, along with a sharp hotspot for distance use. It boasts a 50,000-hour lifetime, and offers 115 lumens and 4,200 candela peak beam intensity on the high setting, and 50 lumens and 1,600 candela on the low setting. On the UV setting, the combined six UV LEDs provide 24 mW measured system output and feature a 100,000 hour lifetime.
On high, the light provides 4.25 continuous hours of run time. On the low setting, the Night Com UV runs for 13.5 continuous hours, and on the UV setting, for 10 continuous hours.
Powered by the two included CR123A lithium batteries, the Night Com UV weighs only 5.44 ounces, measures just 5.40 inches in length and features an unbreakable poly-carbonate lens. The flashlight also features a casing of machined aluminum with a matte black anodized finish and a non-slip knurled grip. The light’s push-button tailcap switch provides for Momentary On and Hard Click On and Off operation.
The Night Com UV is IPX4-rated for water-resistant operation and is impact resistance-tested to one meter. All openings are o-ring sealed. It has an MSRP of $90.00. The light comes with a high-strength wrist lanyard and Streamlight’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.
The month of February will see a review of SealSkinz waterproof socks. I certainly don’t want to steal any thunder from the review, but if you hunt or hike you’ll want a few pairs of them in your kit.
We’ll also be at the range trying out Setpoint’s custom designed ammunition. A great concept from an innovative young company!
March 2012 will see a comprehensive article on the AK47. It departs from much of the literature in that it is not designed to be a historical piece. Instead, it focuses on the platform’s strengths and weaknesses with a discussion of emerging technologies from young companies, like U.S.Palm, Scottsdale, AZ. This level of innovation mitigates the AK’s weaknesses making it a credible modern combat weapon system. We’re excited about it.
We also have a number of knife reviews in the works. So if you’re looking for a tactical or EDC folder, you won’t want to miss our reviews from two leading manufacturer’s
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A review from the abyss; I’m glad I’m finally sitting down to write it. I’ll make myself clearer later in the article; however, rest assured that SealSkinz developer, Danalco, is not the reason for the attribute. I’ll explain.
While at the SOFIC Conference, in 2008, I ran across the SealSkinz booth. The display caught my eye as did the claim of a waterproof sock – when have I heard that before… I contacted Danalco, in Southern California and arranged for a sample which I planned to test on a large fountain in my patio. It just so happened that I was also working on a review of OTB’s SAR boot, so I said to myself; wouldn’t it be great if I combine the two. The concept was absolutely righteous, since a comfortable boot with a bad pair of socks is a bad boot, and a great pair of socks in bad shoes an equally poor choice. My plan was to put on the SAR[1] boots over the SealSkinz and go for a short swim. Well, I won’t subject you to the details, but in the ensuing three years I was unable to find an indoor facility that would allow me to enter the water, swim two laps with boots and videotape the event. The problem, believe it or not, was not entering the water with boots on, it was videotaping the event. WTF Go figure!
Danalco and OTB you have my absolute apology, but I feel strongly that your product deserves more than just a YouTube video of someone soaking his or her foot in a bucket of water. Now, your time has come.
Para Ordnance of Pineville, NC has been acquired by The Freedom Group Inc. News of the acquisition is somewhat of a surprise to the industry. Para Ordnance has a well-deserved reputation for building exceptional 1911 pistols. At the top of my list is the Para Warthog a compact 1911 with a 10+1 capacity chambered in .45 ACP. Para Ordnance is a valued brand; we hope they will continue to innovate and offer exceptional firearms. Congratulations, to the Para team, we wish you all well and continued success.
Press Release:
Madison, NC – Freedom Group, Inc., (FGI) through a wholly owned subsidiary has announced today that it has finalized an asset purchase agreement to acquire certain assets of Para USA, INC., (Para).
Founded in 1985, Para has built a solid and enviable reputation for innovation, performance and reliability. Firearms enthusiasts, serious shooting competitors and law enforcement agencies choose with confidence from a wide and growing variety of Para pistols. Para’s revolutionary high-capacity frame and light double action ( LDA ™) trigger systems, are part of the innovation that Para has brought to the world-famous 1911 design.
“We welcome Para into the Freedom Group Family of Companies,” stated. E. Scott Blackwell, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer of Freedom Group Inc. “Para USA is a leader in handgun technology and their fine products exemplify quality, innovation and performance. Para is a perfect complement to our industry-leading family of brands, and our success in 2011 with the Remington R1 – 1911. We look forward to deploying both human and financial resources to continue to develop and supply current and future handguns for consumers and our channel partners. We also wish to thank all its employees for their continued dedication that has made Para a success.”
Para will continue day-to-day operations at their Pineville, NC based facility.
PCP Ammunition, located in Orlando, FL is just a hop-skip-and-jump from USSOCOM, and it is even closer to FOG HORN’s southern bat cave. The company has developed a patented process for manufacturing high performance ammunition using a polymer case.
PCP’s spokesman, Tony Padgett, claims a 30% weight reduction over brass cased ammunition. All else being equal, if the ammunition performs reliably in current weapon systems, the DoD should be beating a path to its doors. For well over 3 years, the DoD has had weight reduction initiatives on the table, and ammunition is a major component of the total weight currently humped by soldiers and SOF operators.
PCP’s product line includes 5.56×45, 7.62×51, .300 WinMag, 338 Lapua Magnum, 6.8 SPC and .50BMG. According to its spokesman, the company has tested across its product line extensively and feels that its ammunition is ready for prime time.
One of the challenges associated with polymer cased ammunition is firearm chamber temperatures. The danger of a cook-off is certainly a consideration but our greatest concern is a case meltdown potentially damaging the chamber making the weapon unusable. So, our question to PCP is: are your QC processes tight enough to detect a polymeric breakdown (for example through hydrolysis which can be catalyzed with even mild acids; a byproduct of contaminants under storage conditions) where the case may melt at lower than design temperatures.
We recognize the importance of its development and we are terribly excited about its prospects. It is certainly exciting and positively great news!
FOG HORN 