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
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 !
par téléphone au 06 28 50 47 24 (00 33 (0)6 28 50 47 24 depuis l’étranger)
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.
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.
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.
The booby trapping of his apartment was as we all know deliberate. The timing of it is interesting. Based on information supplied to the media, Holmes had his stereo on a timer that was set to turn on his stereo at around midnight, just about the start of the movie. His choice of music and its blaring volume was designed to annoy his neighbors and draw attention. Leaving his front door unlocked, made it convenient for someone to enter the apartment setting off an explosion designed to create an incendiary secondary effect. We believe that this was a diversionary action; that his intent was to draw law enforcement and first responders to his apartment 3 miles away from the theater.
I can not recall a mass killing, in recent history, except for Norway’s Anders Breivik where the perpetrator did not die from self-inflicted wounds. The reason for Holmes’ garb that evening was not to survive an engagement with police. I think he was more concerned about an encounter with an armed individual.
All of the psychiatric activity to include the scrapbook mailing and the theatrics in the courtroom are nothing more than a contingency plan.
Holmes was methodical and deliberate, and I suspect fully expecting to get away with his crime. It’s more likely that he is a Breivik copycat than a schizophrenic – as his academic and work history will probably prove.
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:
He likes holding up the UK as a bastion for gun laws. He obviously forgets the marches, all over the UK, by citizens seeking their rights to keep and bear arms. So, here is a reminder Piers:
He repeatedly attacks the 2nd Amendment trying to make the laughable argument that the founding fathers would have thought differently had they had knowledge of AR15s and Kalashnikovs. He feels that it is time for people to bring the 2nd Amendment up to date. Well Piers, the founding fathers felt that the right to keep and bare arms was so important that it was only preceded by the right to free speech. That alone should provide a clue to its importance and like the 1st Amendment it’s strictly interpreted. Following your logic perhaps we should view flag burning as a crime and not an expression of speech.
Piers mentions that in Japan guns are banned so there’s no gun violence. Piers, the magic of statistics is that if there are no guns it follows there is no gun violence. Since guns can easily be substituted as tools in the commission of crime, perhaps the better statistic would be to look at all homicides. Japan does not report all of its crime statistics but I do believe they have a high suicide rate as well.
Last but not least I’d like to help you answer the $65,000 question. Why would someone want an AR15 and 1000 rounds, etc. For the very same reasons that you would want a Mercedes Benz, a sailboat, an airplane or CO-OP on Sutton Place – because we’re free to do so. Do you need a Benz – No? Do you need a sailboat – No? Do you need and airplane – No? Yet we still have them.
Lastly, every gun purchase requires that an ATF Form 4473 be completed and an NICS check be conducted. This is the case for all firearm purchases. You can not legally order a firearm on the web and have it shipped directly to you, unless you have a Class I Federal Firearms License. The transfer must be made through an FFL Class I license holder. That individual is then required to run a NICS check and complete an ATF Form 4473. Certainly not as easy as you may have been lead to believe.
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.
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.
Posted inpistols, Weapon systems|Tagged1911, Colt, CQBP, Defense, MARSOC|Comments Off on Colt Defense LLC Formally Announces Award of Marine Corps M45 Close Quarter Battle Pistol (CQBP) Contract.
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.
Award Details
Solicitation: M6785411R1006
Notice Type: Award Notice
Contract Award Date: July 18, 2012
Contract Award Number: M67854-12-D-1065
Contract Award Dollar Amount: 22500000
Contract Line Item Number: 0001-0008
Contractor Awardee:
Colt Defense LLC
547 New Park Ave.; West Hartford, CT 06110-1336
Synopsis:
Added: Jul 19, 2012 1:33 pm
Efforts required to produce and provide logistics support for the Close Quarter Battle Pistol (CQBP).
Contracting Office Address:
M67854 MARINE CORPS SYSTEMS COMMAND 2200 Lester Street Quantico, VA
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!
If you’ve been keeping up with the news you know that the situation in Syria is deteriorating at an accelerated rate. Adding to the complexity is the support Bashar Al-Assad is receiving from the Iranian government and the stockpiles of chemical weapons that Syria has at its disposal.
It is highly unlikely given the increasing support the rebel movement is seeing and the rebel offensive on Damascus, Al-Assad will survive. Hopefully, the Iranian government will provide an exit strategy for Al-Assad and avoid a disaster of Biblical proportions. If that cooperation is not forthcoming, it is reasonable to suspect that Al-Assad will use Syria’s chemical weapons against his own people as he struggles to cling to power.
Syrians living in border towns along the Turkish and Lebanese borders are particularly vulnerable as these areas are used extensively to smuggle arms, munitions, personnel and information. Consideration must be given to defense, evacuation and preparedness for decontamination should Al-Assad make the grave mistake of using chemical weapons against these areas.
The NavELite Backlit Magnetic Compass (BLMC) Is Approved For Use By The U.S. Army Ranger Training Brigade In Accordance With The Published Ranger School Packing List (Optional Items).
A six-month government sponsored field testing was conducted by select 5th Ranger Training Battalion (Mountain Phase) Ranger Instructors. After performing Ranger Field Training Exercises in a variety of harsh conditions, the compasses were found to have performed flawlessly with no issues during almost daily use for navigation in the mountainous environment of North Georgia.
The NavELite compass provides the user correct magnetic orientation and an on-demand illuminated face to aid with orienteering and direction finding in low-light to no-light conditions. For military night operations the BLMC provides a tactical advantage for the soldier in dense forests, jungles, deserts, caves, buildings or other environments where the ambient light is not sufficient to read a compass. In such environments Global Positioning System (GPS) compasses can quickly become ineffective due to lack of good digital coverage.
“The NavELite compass was originally designed with guys like the U.S. Army Rangers in mind,” Carroll Miller, CTO of NavELite commented. “We have been long committed to designing and manufacturing life-saving navigation tools for the soldier and outdoor enthusiast. This approval is well-earned and appreciated.”
The NavELite BLMC can be purchased online at www.NavELite.com for a retail costof $79.99. Dealers interested in carrying the NavELite BLMC may contact info@NavElite.com for a Dealer Package and Application.
Posted inNav Aids|Taggedcopass, NavElite, Ranger, training, wrist|Comments Off on The NavELite Backlit Magnetic Compass (BLMC) Is Approved For Use By The U.S. Army Ranger Training Brigade
Democrats are making increasingly explicit threats about their willingness to let nearly $600 billion worth of tax hikes and spending cuts take effect in January unless Republicans drop their opposition to higher taxes for the nation’s wealthiest households.
One of the headlines in today’s Washington Post, and the only reason that it made to this Blog is that it graphically illustrates where voter focus should be this election year. With 26 or 27 seats up for grabs it probably wouldn’t hurt to get some folks into the job who approach it with the attitude that they are there to serve the electorate. Allowing sequestration to kick in will damage an already ailing economy and destroys our national defense posture.
On 11 July 2012, Lockheed Martin issued a press release about a joint test with LaserMotive using laser power to keep their Stalker UAS powered for more than 48 hours.
LaserMotive, headquartered just outside of the Seattle area, has brought to fruition one of man’s greatest ambition over the last 100 years’ which is to deliver power wirelessly. Now, only the unimaginative living on our planet would find this technology uninteresting but imagine powering a satellite from earth using a laser beam . Better yet, imagine solar collectors in space transmitting power to terrestrial ground stations. That’s the potential that LaserMotive’s technology offers.
The wireless power system starts with a laser running on power supplied from a standard industrial electrical outlet or a generator. The laser light is shaped by a set of optics to define the beam size at its destination. This light then propagates through air, the vacuum of space, or through fiber optic cable until it reaches the PV receiver. This array of PV cells then converts the light back into electricity.
This video tells their story. Watch it then see what you think…
Lockheed Martin’s press release in its entirety:
PALMDALE, Calif., July 9, 2012 — Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] and LaserMotive, Inc., recently demonstrated the capabilities of an innovative laser power system to extend the Stalker Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) flight time to more than 48 hours. This increase in flight duration represents an improvement of 2,400 percent.
Stalker is a small, silent UAS used by Special Operations Forces since 2006 to perform intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
“We’re pleased with the results of this test. Laser power holds real promise in extending the capabilities of Stalker,” said Tom Koonce, Lockheed Martin Skunk Works® Stalker program manager. “A ground-to-air recharging system like this allows us to provide practically unlimited flight endurance to extend and expand the mission profiles that the Stalker vehicle can fulfill.”
The Stalker UAS was modified for the indoor flight test to incorporate LaserMotive’s proprietary system that makes it possible to wirelessly transfer energy over long distances using laser light to create a continual source of power to the UAS. At the conclusion of the flight test, held in a wind tunnel, the battery on the Stalker UAS had more energy stored than it did at the beginning of the test. The test was concluded only because the flight had already surpassed the initial endurance goals set by the team.
“This test is one of the final steps in bringing laser-powered flight to the field,” said Tom Nugent, president of LaserMotive. “By enabling in-flight recharging, this system will ultimately extend capabilities, improve endurance and enable new missions for electric aircraft. The next step in proving the reality of this technology is to demonstrate it outdoors in an extended flight of the Stalker.”
Headquartered in Kent, Wash., LaserMotive is a privately-held research and development company specializing in laser power beaming for commercial applications.
Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin is a global security company that employs about 123,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture, integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services. The Corporation’s net sales for 2011 were $46.5 billion.
###
Media Contact:
Melissa Dalton, 661-572-1130; email; melissa.dalton@lmco.com
For additional information about Lockheed Martin, visit: http://www.lockheedmartin.com/
For additional information about LaserMotive, visit: http://www.lasermotive.com
This is an interesting overview that includes organization, ranks involved and weapon systems. It’s a fun simulation and instructional if you’ve never operated in a basic squad formation. Enjoy!
Posted inTraining|Taggedrifle, squad|Comments Off on Introduction To The Rifle Squad.
Industry icon, Sylvester Stallone, has for the greater part of his career been a symbol of god versus evil. His role in Rocky, Rambo and the Expendables pits his character against forces of oppression. Mr. Stallone has special meaning to me because of certain life coincidences. He is the spitting image of my good buddy and shipmate Rocko. I say that due to the fact that my buddy Rocko was there before Sly Stallone made it to the mainstream silver screen. Their similarity does not stop at physical appearance it extends to character. So, to me Sylvester Stallone is much more than a commodity.
My buddy Rocko with his lovely daughter.
I want to take this opportunity to extended my sincerest condolences to Sylvester on the loss of his son. Times such as these are always difficult but I hope he’ll continue being a force for good taking the fight to oppression and evil.
–Sal Palma
Posted inUncategorized|Comments Off on Sylvester Stallone’s Son Sage Stallone Dies Age 36
Laserlyte® announced it will extend its customers a 3-year warranty on all new Laserlyte® products. The new warranty is effective immediately and includes those products sold new over the past three years.
This is a great customer service move on the part of a company that builds a great product!
You’re looking at one of the best tactical folders available, Benchmade’s 275 Adamas™ “Beauty and the Best” the perfect dichotomy. Read my review this August…
Among the more pronounced deficiencies, identified by military trainers, are core individual soldier competencies like map reading and navigation. During a televised Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP) held at Ft. Benning, GA, home of the 75th Ranger Regiment over 90% of the individuals tested were not able to complete a fairly straightforward navigation problem under stress.
Your ability to navigate this planet with map and compass are critical to your success and survival.
Posted inNav Aids|TaggedBacklit, BLMC, compass, NavElite|Comments Off on NavElite Wrist-Worn Backlit Magnetic Compass (BLMC) Is Coming To A Retailer Near You
DEFIANCE®, a manufacturer of optimized accessories for professionals, announced the release of the first DEFIANCE® Suppressor designed for the use with the KRISS® Vector family of firearms. Designated as the HPS 4GSK, the suppressor maintains compatibility with all KRISS® SMG, SBR and SDP firearms (supports M16x1 LH threaded .45 ACP models). The KRISS® Vector is an ideal host for a large volume suppressor like the HPS 4GSK so signature attenuation should be quite impressive. Even in a 16 inch barrel, the muzzle velocity of the .45ACP remains below 1100 fps, so shooters will only hear action noise.
The HPS 4GSK Cal. 45 ACP suppressor incorporates an internal baffle system consisting of two steel and three aluminum baffles strategically stacked to minimize sound and maximize suppressor service life. Constructed of T6 aluminum with a Type III MIL-SPEC black hard-anodize coating and tool steel with a QPQ coating at the threaded end, the DEFIANCE® HPS highly resists scratching and corrosion. The suppressor body and internal systems are all CNC machined from high-grade aluminum and steel alloys for long-term durability and long-life reliability. Available in .45 ACP, the DEFIANCE® HPS 4GSK weighs just over a pound at 1.1 lbs. (500 grams) and is 7.7 inches in length (197.5mm) and 1.79 inches in diameter (45.5mm).
The DEFIANCE® HPS 4GSK Cal. 45 ACP is manufactured in Switzerland and carried exclusively by KRISS USA®. I’m looking forward to some hands-on!
Spyderco, based in Golden, Colorado, is the perfect example of an American success story. The company was founded in 1978 by Sal Glesser and his wife Gail, who started producing knife sharpeners and in 1981 Spyderco produced its first folding knife.
Sal Glesser’s Spyderco has had a measurable impact on the tactical knife industry. In recognition of that contribution, Sal Glesser was inducted into the Blade Magazine Cutlery Hall of Fame back in 2000 at the Atlanta Blade Show. Spyderco’s commitment to our men and women in uniform is well-known and recognized.
Recently, I had the opportunity to review one of its newer member, the Dragonfly and walked away mightily impressed…
General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products (GDATP) unveiled a new Lightweight Medium Machine Gun (LMMG) at NDIA’s Joint Armaments Conference, Exhibition & Firing Demonstration held in Seattle this past May. The new machine gun attempts to fill a gap that exists between the 7.62mm M60 and .50 BMG M2 systems. GDATP’s LMMG meets that goal using the 338 Norma Magnun round. We found that to be an interesting choice given the commitment already made by the Services to the 300 Winchester Magnum and the 338 Lapua Magnum internationally. The LMMG has a collapsible buttstock and weighs 24 lbs. (11 kg). Chambered in the 338 Norma Magnum the LMMG has a maximum effective range out to 1700 meters.
David Steimke, primary project engineer says:
‘…We baselined our design around the .338 Norma, but [it] is also compatible with the Lapua or the [Mk] 248 [.300 Win Mag],’ Steimke added. ‘We want to maintain that flexibility because, after all, the soldier is going to be the one to eventually say what he wants…’
I read a rather troubling article published in the Bloomberg View titled “Are Guns a Pre-Existing Condition?” This is an editorial piece written by Francis Wilkinson, a Bloomberg View editorial board member. I suggest you read it.
I’ll begin by describing Wilkinson’s work as no more than an empty hulk, filled with bias and hidden agendas; however, it is a clear indicator of what our gun owners can expect if they fail to remain alert.
In his editorial, Wilkinson attacks two important pieces of Florida legislation: “Stand Your Ground Law,” and legislation enacted by Florida’s Governor Scott that we’ll call the “gun gag law”, which prevents medical practitioners from requiring patients to disclose whether they own a gun. Under the law, a doctor is prohibited from asking a patient if he or she owns a firearm.
At first glance the argument appears to be innocuous, almost academic; however, a more critical analysis points to a very real peril. You see, once a patient discloses ownership of a firearm, the information becomes part of his or her’s medical records. Those medical records are then accessible and subject to review by insurance companies. Their actuaries will use that information to place gun owners in a high risk group; thereby justifying higher insurance premiums. Although under the ACA (Affordable Care Act), the unsuspecting gun owner would not be denied coverage, rest assured insurance providers will use the data to justify higher premiums. The resultant rate increases will force the average gun owner to choose between health insurance, now mandatory, or owning a firearm. This slick and underhanded assault on 2nd Amendment rights is but the tip of the iceberg, and law-abiding gun owners can expect more of these attacks.
The Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the ACA was based on Congresses ability to levy taxes. I will bet you dollars to doughnuts that members of the Washington gun lobby are salivating at the prospect of using the same precept to further tax firearm sales, manufacturers, ammunition and use taxes. Their objective is not to increase revenues; rather, the underlying theme is to circumvent the 2nd Amendment without taking it head on.
Universal healthcare is a right and there is not an industrialized nation on this planet that does not ensure its members have access to competent and timely medical services; however, using healthcare and the doctor patient relationship to undermine the Constitution is both immoral and dishonest.
Whether you agree with my view on universal healthcare, or not, is not the salient issue – your entitled to your opinion. However, the deliberate and orchestrated assault on the 2nd Amendment is despicable.
I have recently taken notice of someone I believe to be a rather gifted knife designer, Bastien Covesof Bastinelli Creations. Bastien is a French knife maker working out of a small shop in Paris. Bastien is not simply a gifted young artist; he is, in my view, a rising Blade Master.
Bastien’s knives exude a bouquet found only in world-class designers of superb edged weapon. There is an obvious understanding of the knife-to-hand interface in Bastien’s designs, which seems to flow through to the very tip of its blade. Bastinelli Creations are a brilliant combination of art form with ruthless function.
I’ve contacted Bastien to determine if he has a U.S. distributor, which I believe he does not, so here is an opportunity for you to pick up a line that’s isn’t simply beautiful craft but what very clearly looks to be a superb knife.
Update:
I heard back from Bastinelli Creations and there are two stores that carry their knives.
Blackhawk would like to remind all of their SERPA® Level 3 Lightbearing Duty Holster customers to read the active safety notice. Please be advised that if your holster meets the documented criteri Blackhawk will replace the holster for you.
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