The Crossbow is a short cuff, vented version of the Longbow. Like the Longbow the Nomex fabric for the glove body was specifically developed by Massif for OR Gear gloves, and is called Wolverineâ„¢. It’s a 4-way stretch Nomex, with bonded double layers. The outside layer is the smoother Elements soft shell face fabric and the inside layer is the soft CoolKnit.
In my previous writeup on the BOBRO grip, I mentioned that one of the things I’d like to see is a shorter version for those who don’t wrap their entire hand around the vertical grip (like me). Well, they’ve come out with one. For those who prefer a shorter vertical grip, the BOBRO Short Vertical Fore Grip offered by Ranier Arms is the short version of the BOBRO Vertical Fore Grip.
To address the needs of users who would like to take advantage of the controllability a brake provides, but cannot have the large flash for night use, PWS has introduced the Flash Suppressing Compensator, FSC556 for the AR-15 or any rifle with 1/2 x 28 threads (visit their website and it’s under ‘AR accessories’). The FSC556 offers the same compensation performance as the DNTC brake, but tames the flash so that it no longer becomes a distraction to the shooter nor turns off night vision devices momentarily.
The new Colossus is the largest of the Versipacks, for those who need something bigger than a Jumbo with a ton of separate compartments. Besides every day use, the Colossus would function very well as a camera case for a film or digital SLR and accessories. There’s enough room for an SLR camera body with lens attached, plus an extra lens but it’d depend on the size of the lenses of course. I’d definitely recommend keeping the second lens in a padded lens case to prevent knocking it against the other one. Another role I think that the Colossus would serve well in is as a small team medical/first aid kit pack, which usually consists of medium-small items requiring multiple compartments for organization.
The FR Ninja Balaclava EL is made from Massif® Stretch Nomex® Elementsâ„¢ fire-resistant fabric to provide warmth when wet, and wind-resistance with full FR protection. Now you have a balaclava that will keep you dry and warm, even when it’s wet and cold out.
Another new item for ’07 is the Merlin Folding Backpack. This converts from a MOLLE-compatible pouch to a lightweight E&E-style backpack. When folded, the Merlin measures 8″ x 5″ x 4″. On the front of the Merlin is a velcro field for ID patches, and shock cord for attaching items to it. The rear of the Merlin has Malice-clip compatible PALS webbing, for attaching it to a belt, bag or vest.
One of Magpul Industries’ latest offerings is the 30-round PMAG (Polymer Magazine) for the M4/AR-15. When I first saw the PMAG, at first glance my initial thought was: “that’s cool looking, but didn’t Thermold already try that?”. Well, the key word in that sentence is ‘try’.
Badger Ordnance is well known for their work with precision rifles, as well as accessories for the AR15, like their Tac Latch and Ambi Charging Handle. Two years in the making, Badger has put out their limited edition “Sniper Rifles of the World” 18-month calender.
While I like my S&W M&P pistol, I wasn’t very happy with the Novak sights that came with it. The rear sight was just too busy with the scallop, and white dots which were too large. The front was a plain white dot. I painted the rear dots grey to subdue them a bit, which helped a bit, but the rear sight’s shape just didn’t work for me. The contours of the sight, and the scalloped portion created highlights and shadows which confused the sight picture. Look at the photo below of the stock M&P sights. Even the dots, being a dished shape, never really showed up as distinct and round, due to shadows. The solution: Warren Tactical Rear Sight with Dawson Precision front.
MANTA VERSIPACK -One of MAXPEDITION’s new items for ’07 is the Manta Versipack. Not really a ‘pack’, but more of a modular platform. The Manta is 13″ across at the top, tapering to 10″ at the bottom. On the front panel are 6 columns x 3 rows of PALS webbing, for attachment of molle-compatible pouches. Below the upper PALS grid is a 4 column x 2 row grid, sewn to a panel that’s open on both sides. Elastic shock cord is looped through the lower PALS grid and can be removed if desired. A small windbreaker or wind shirt can be secured with the shock cord.
