Some follow the established code – others break the mold. The Custom Shop model of the Kimber EVO SP is the best you can get. Stiplex-inspired slide serrations cover the slide, front strap, and G10 grips. Upgraded sights and Kimber’s patented KimPro II finish ensure a long life for your firearm. It’s the ultimate choice for concealed carry.
Robert “Beto” O’Rourke, popular Democratic candidate (but far from front runner, Biden “Ban Multiple Bullet Magazines” is currently), stopped pretending at the latest debate in the attempt to secure the presidential nomination. Gun confiscation is the name of the game.
Whether they call it a “buy back” or continue the blunt honesty streak is yet to be determined. They are going to “take” your rifle.
Okay, Beto… just where are we allowing these to be used against fellow Americans? Point out this ‘Purge’ arena where anyone can bring their AR or AK and fire indiscriminately upon their fellow citizens? No? It doesn’t exist? You were just obfuscating the topic so much as to imply that murder was somehow allowed because of the ownership of firearms, but just the firearms that account for the smallest percentage of national homicides.
Right? That’s what we we’re doing. Taking out the source of epidemic violence responsible for 0.7% of the deaths the flu causes each year. (Sources CDC and FBI)
Yet no one is claiming we allow the flu to ravage our fellow Americans. It kills 138:1 compared to rifles and yet we praise the efforts each year to vaccinate and prevent the rapidly mutating strain from causing as much harm as we are able to (except anti-vaxxers, but they’re kind of self selecting into the 138 part). Simultaneously politicos and news heads are decrying the existence of rifles.
So now it is in the open, gun confiscation. They will take them. “Hell yes,” they will take them… at gunpoint with their own ARs is the only method that remotely pushes a percentage of compliance.
Gun owners here are tired of it. We’re sick of the double speak. Thank you, Beto, for at least being an honest idiot.
Good luck at your 1-5% depending on polls.
Walther launched a new innovative website that helps customers educate themselves on Walther history, products, shooting techniques, and where to buy.
One of the most significant changes is the integration of Walther Defense and Competition products. Customers can now go to one destination for info on the Walther Defense line of products (PPQ, PPS, P22, PK380, Q5 Match, and PPK) and the Walther Competition line (KK500, LG400, FP500, GSP Expert, SSP, and LP500).
Customers can experience a unique interaction with Walther products with new videos, articles, and augmented reality. Choose any of the Walther models by narrowing down products through the new Usage section of the website.
Experience the new Walther Campus by learning comprehensive cleaning and disassembly strategies for all Walther models and shooting techniques ranging from basics to competition shooting.
“We are very excited to launch this new website. As the performance leader in the industry, we wanted our website to reflect the performance that our products provide. Owning a Walther is an experience, and we want our customers to feel like they are part of our team. The Walther Campus allows our customers to learn from our employees, shooting team, pro-staff, and industry professionals. This overall experience helps new and existing shooters to have a better understanding of who Walther is.” Said Cody Osborn, Marketing Manager of Walther Arms, Inc.
About Walther
Walther is the performance leader in the firearms industry. Renowned throughout the world for its innovation since Carl Walther and his son, Fritz, created the first blow-back semi-automatic pistol in 1908. Today, the innovative spirit builds off the invention of the concealed carry gun with the PPK series by creating the PPQ, PPS and Q5 Match Steel Frame series. Military, Police, and other government security groups in every country of the world have relied on the high-quality craftsmanship and rugged durability of Walther products. Excellent service and superior quality will continue to be benchmarks of Walther success. In the future Walther will continue its long tradition of technical expertise and innovation in design and production of firearms. https://waltherarms.com
Guest Post from a good friend of ours, Rob Winner. His son, Jase, is a writer here
Back in June I was invited to spend time with fellow Military, Veterans and First Responders at the Zilis-Sacred Mountain Retreat Center (Z-SMRC) in Deadwood, South Dakota. I can honestly say this proved to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
For years I’ve had a really good handle on my demons, both the good and bad ones. Enough so that others sought out my counsel in dealing with their own chaos. Well, this weekend at Z-SMRC was a pinnacle moment for me.
I spent time with, shared stories, laughed and cried with x8 amazing heroes. I watched strangers from different backgrounds with different stories and different scars come together to become friends and inevitably become a new family. Over the course of the retreat: Combat Vets laughed and cried about the excitement and chaos or war, LEOs laughed and cried about the dregs of society and EMS personnel laughed and cried about the whims of fate and the evil of the human spirit. Our group of x4 women and x4 men included: retired Dallas cop, retired USAF cop, an Army Trauma Nurse, an Army Infantryman, an Army Engineer, EMTs and a Fire Fighter/ Paramedic. We had a broad spectrum in our class which although from different paths had very similar scars of service.
The weight of the world is that of demons left unchecked and unsupervised. Through our peer-to-peer support and teamwork everyone walked away a week later stronger and wiser and more capable of quelling the noise. There are good and bad to every story, but this story ends with strangers building bonds that transcend friendship and created a lasting family. Different clans coming together as one tribe, a tribe of amazing people who believe in a higher calling, service before self and a dedication to this country that runs deeper than blood.
Enough good cannot be said for the amazing work that Jerrid Geving and Emily Kruger have done in putting together the Zilis-Sacred Mountain Retreat Center and this program. Hands on work to build up a team, Equine therapy because horses heal souls, blacksmithing knives from RR nails, Leather working to make sheaths, Yoga, group trips, etc. The ebb and flow of the Z-SMRC was spot on perfect and the cast/ crew was amazing. We had some pretty great folks pass through while we were on deck, fellow graduates of the program, supporters who brought their craft and trade with them for us to experience and a Gold Star family stopping by to say hello.
To be honest I feel humbled and honored to have been a part of it. The transformation of folks involved was truly phenomenal. In a case or two we literally helped each other snatch a soul back from the edge. I’ll be returning to the Black Hills to help as often as I’m invited because I believe in their mission and goals 110%. The beauty of the Zilis-Sacred Mountain Retreat Center is that it is a No Cost program for the attendees. Airfare (or gas reimbursement), lodging, food, activities… all covered by the Z-SMRC program. Not all wounds can be healed, not all the screams can be silenced and yet it is the helping hands of family, friends and strangers that help guide the path forward through the darkness of uncertainty. Not all demons can be snuffed out but it is possible to control the demons and turn down the volume on the chaos. Contact the Zilis-Sacred Mountain Retreat Center if you, a loved one or a coworker/ friend are in need of these services. If you have questions or wish to recommend someone to attend the program, please reach out to Emily: SACREDMTN18@GMAIL.COM or Rob: ROBERT.WINNER.ZSMRC@GMAIL.COM
RSR Group, a major firearm distributor, is reporting that Colt’s Manufacturing LLC is ceasing production of long guns for the civilian market. Once the recognized standard for AR-15’s, the M16 and M4 were their babies. They were the recognized and respected leader for law enforcement patrol rifles.
If it wasn’t a Colt it wasn’t up to standards and it would probably fail.
The firearm industry giant has had a rough road in the last decade and a half. Poor decisions have led to bankruptcies (yes, multiple) and the old pony has lost ground and lost face in a market that has required rapid adapting since the late 2000’s.
Colt developed the reputation of not caring about it’s civilian customer base. This would prove cancerous to the brand as a whole, regardless of their quality. That quality was also surpassed and undercut by competing companies as Colt sat there… basically saying, “Oh, well we still build the M4… so suck it.”
…Colt didn’t build the M4 anymore, not exclusively. FN struck a devastating blow to Colt’s elitist pillar when they won a production contract for the M4, what they already had for the M16A4 but the Marine Corps was the buyer their. The Marines, being the little branch at only around 200,000 personnel, didn’t command the gravitas of buying power that the U.S. Army does. The buying of the cooler ‘more operator’ M4’s was seen as their claim to fame… still. Until it wasn’t. Remington Defense also received an M4 contract.
Colt was no longer exclusive. Colt hadn’t produced guns the civilian market really wanted in awhile either. Their last major product on the market for citizens was the 6940 model… and that was around 2010. Colt was no longer the name of the high end market. They didn’t own the entry level market either, low buget purchasers felt Colt saw them as too plebeian to purchase their products.
Ruger, Smith & Wesson, Springfield Armory, and many others ate up those eagerly waiting AR dollars. The build your own market exploded… and Colt took no notice. Others did, Aero Precision is the titan of the build market… no pony in sight.
No. The company still holds hefty .Gov contracts for the M4A1 but those are fleeting things and far from exclusive. But after having tanked their civilian market appeal it’s a wildcard on how long Colt’s Pony can keep limping along. They didn’t adapt. They didn’t diversify. Colt didn’t listen to the people who wanted to give them money. The result is the DoD could retire them with the stroke of a pen… a new small arms contract.
It’s a new kind of Gear Up! No more waiting for products in the mail – now you select an Instant Gear Up firearm from a list of qualifying models, contact your retailer, ask for “Springfield Instant Gear Up”, and pick up your new gun and free gear at the same time! It’s up to a $230 value FREE!
There’s a debate on the internet (shocker) over who is king of the red dot and reflex optics. The front runner is almost always one name. Aimpoint.
With the establishment of their CompM5 RDS, Aimpoint has blended their robust CompM4 optic and their highly popular micro dots. The CompM4 is the CCO for the US Army and exists as a durable reflex optic standardized on the M4A1 carbine. The Aimpoint micro dots, the T1/T2 and H1/H2 series, set the standards for small, light, and enduring red dots industry wide.
The CompM4 and M4s were the best of the whole CCO series of optics from a logistics standpoint. The CCO integrates a commonly available power source, the AA cell battery, and their power endurance is measured in years. The debris resistance and immersion endurance of the CompM4 are industry leading.
The Aimpoint CompM5 blends the popular micro housing size with stronger 7075 T6 aluminum. It is the strongest and smallest sight in the Comp series. Power source on it is still commonly sourceable as a AAA cell.
But enough text, listen to the InRange guys address the Aimpoint optic current evolution.
The details on the CompM5 are below. I recommend pairing it with the Scalarworks LEAP mount in your preferred offset/height to match the rest of the ancillary and supporting equipment. I run half a dozen optics in Scalarworks bases and couldn’t be more impressed. The weight, strength, and ease of use on their quick detach systems is nearly peerless.
• 2 MOA Red Dot
• 5+ years of constant use @7 (Lithium AAA)
• 1 Off, 4 NV, and 6 daylight settings
• Non-magnifying / 18mm aperture
• Transparent rear / opaque front lens-caps
• Machined from 7075-T6 Aluminum
• Impact resistant front window
• Submersible to 45m (150ft)
• 10 year warranty
New for 2019, the SAINT Victor series of rifles and pistols from Springfield Armory are designed to give you everything you need on a premium defensive firearm, right out of the box.
Weighing in at 6.9 lbs, the lower receiver on the SAINT Victor rifle is Accu-Tite tension-bonded to a flat-top forged upper receiver and features a 16” CMV barrel that is Melonite® finished inside and out for the ultimate in corrosion resistance. The rock-solid, patent-pending M-Lok free-float 15” handguard protects the mid-length gas system and provides plenty of space for accessory attachment.
At the heart of SAINT Victor rifles is an M16 bolt carrier group that is also Melonite® finished, HPT/MPI tested, shot peened, and houses a 9310 steel bolt. With a fit, finish and feel superior to that of much higher priced AR options on the market, the SAINT Victor rifle is also available in a California-approved model for 2019, with a Strike Industries Featureless Grip and Magpul MOE fixed stock. An 11.5” SBR configuration is also available for LE and civilian use.
The SAINT Victor pistols are the most compact in the lineup, with many of the same features of the rifles, but in a stock-free, non-NFA pistol form with a 7.5” barrel in 5.56, and a 9” barrel in .300 BLK.
The 7.5” SAINT Victor pistol is equipped with an SA Forward Blast Diverter muzzle device, and the 9” pistol features an A2 flash hider, easily removed for suppressor use.
Built for CQB, the compact design of the SAINT Victor Pistol is an ideal choice for home defense and delivers rifle power in a small, fast-handling package. The rugged SB Tactical SBX-K forearm brace reduces size, stabilizes recoil, and enhances accuracy.
Just like the SAINT Victor rifles, the M16 bolt carrier group is precision-machined from 9310 steel, shot peened, HPI/MPT inspected and finished in super-hard Melonite®, as are the barrels, both inside and out. A staked receiver end plate features a QD mount for sling attachment.
The SAINT Victor series of rifle and pistols from Springfield Armory set a new standard for what you should expect from a defensive firearm.
Now available in these configurations:
SAINT VICTOR RIFLE
SAINT VICTOR PISTOL
SAINT VICTOR SBR
Lights on a shotgun can be tricky. Surefire has the DSF series, Streamlight just introduced the TL Racker, but Steiner has had a little known light around for a few years now known as the Mk7. The Mk7 Battle Light is a dedicated shotgun weapon light that takes a novel approach to add a weapon light to your shotgun. Instead of attaching to the pump, or to an added Picatinny mount, it attaches to the magazine tube.
It replaces the end cap and keeps your shotgun sleek and slim compared to other guns. I’ll go ahead and say it now, the Mk7 Battle Light isn’t well known for a few reasons. First, shotguns aren’t nearly as popular as they once were. Second, it has a lot of problems and the original over 200 dollar MSRP was a tough selling point when compared to the Surefire. The Surefire DSF is a more ergonomic option that’s nearly twice as bright for only a little more than the Mk7.
At over 200 bucks this light is a hard swallow, but at 50 bucks with free shipping, it’s much more digestible. Steiner is clearancing out their last few Mk7 Battle Lights for only 50 bucks with free shipping. The Mk7 Battle Lights are compatible with the Remington 870, the Mossberg 500(Not 590), the Beretta 1301 and Benelli M4 and Nova. The Benelli models are sold out, but there seems to be plenty in stock for the other guns.
I grabbed one for my Remington 870 and have been handling it quite a bit as of late and have spotted a few strengths and weaknesses of the design. Functionally it’s a tough, dependable light. Regardless of its design or ergonomics the light itself is well made.
It’s bright and casts a white and clear light well beyond the range I need in my home, and beyond buckshot range anyway. The light casts a 10-degree beam and uses a TIR lens that optimizes the beam. The Mk7 is a 350 lumen light and has a relatively short 1 hour run time and it’s powered by a single CR123A battery.
The light is made from all metal and features a recessed lens for extra protection. It features two switches positioned on opposite sides of each other. The Mk7 only has one mode, constant on. There is no momentary switch. The light weighs only 4.1 ounces and is roughly 3.5 inches long. Installation is simple, it replaces the magazine spring cap directly. It’s a two-piece system the first piece attaches to the tube and holds the spring in place. The second portion is the flashlight and this threads onto the first piece.
The two-piece design makes it easy to remove to swap batteries without a spring flying out at you. The Steiner Mk 7 is a well made, fully functional light. How does it work in action though?
The Mk7 has a number of strengths outside of being a well-made light. From an operational standpoint the Mk7 is very lightweight and doesn’t weigh your shotgun down. One of the strengths of a shotgun is it’s close quarter’s use and a close quarter’s weapon should light and quick.
Compared to other weapon lights the Mk7 is very lightweight, especially when stacked up against lights like the Surefire DSF and Streamlight TL Racker. The Mk7 can be removed to be used at a handheld light without comprising the weapon’s functionality. Not all situations that require you a light require you to point your gun at everything.
Lastly, unlike most other light options the Steiner doesn’t move as you pump the weapon. The light remains in one constant place.
The biggest and most apparent downside is having to reach forward of your pump to activate the weapon light. This can make it hard to reach for those with shorter arms. I’ve come up with my own means to reach the light while holding onto the pump of my Remington 870. I’m holding the very front of the pump and resting my index finger on the On switch.
On guns with extended tubes you may not be able to reach the light in a firing position. This specific Remington has a standard 4 round tube and that seems to be the perfect length for reaching the Steiner light.
As far as weapon lights go another downside is the fact the Steiner lacks a momentary switch. Another downside is that if you are running a tube extension you have to remove it to mount the Mk7. This means you could be dropping a 2 to 3 round addition. Shotguns already have a low capacity so sacrificing some rounds for a light may not be for you.
The Steiner Mk7 is just another option in a field of options. It does certainly have its pros, and being lightweight, and easy to handle is one of the primary reasons I like the light. It keeps the gun balanced. My home defense shotgun and my home defense plan is to point my shotgun at my bedroom door and call the police. In this role, the light works perfectly.
Again, if the light still cost over 200 bucks I wouldn’t be a buyer. However, at 50 bucks this is the cheapest high-quality shotgun light currently on the market. It’s well worth 50 bucks and it’s unique design makes it noteworthy.
Springfield Armory would like you all to take a look at the XD-E. The little Double Action/Single Action or Traditional Double Action (DA/SA or TDA) is among the various carry options offered by the Illinois based firearm manufacturer.
Available in 9mm in three different barrel lengths, 3.3″, 3.8″, and 4.5″. There is also a .45 ACP variant of the 3.3″ barrel. The XD-E kinda came out of nowhere, unasked for, and yet has gained a popular enough following that Landon Tactical is doing a rendition.
With an even better trigger, hammer, and night sights the LTT edition is one of the best indicators the XD-E itself is a valuable single stack base gun. It still has the “Grip Zone” though, as goofy an addition as that is.
There are some tools so basic, you can’t imagine being without them. But even essential tools can be refined and improved.
That’s the principle behind the new XD-E™: the best elements of the world-renowned XD® Series, condensed into a weapon so intuitive, comfortable and accurate, you can’t imagine being without it.
The XD-E™ sculpts unmatched Point And Shoot Ergonomics™ into a sleek frame just an inch wide, for hand and holster fit so satisfying you’ll take it everywhere. The low-effort slide practically racks itself, so handling’s a pleasure. The exposed hammer clearly shows gun mode, and the single/double action trigger shows respect for your shooting style, unlike other compacts.
Then there’s the grip: GripZone® provides active texture that matches your grasp like a handshake, improves stability, and feels incredible. Three magazine options let you personalize concealability and capacity. Impeccable feel, weight and balance launch the XD-E™ from invisible to impactful in an instant, for go-anywhere confidence unlike any you’ve felt.
New shooter or skilled gunner, wrap your mitt around the new XD-E™ and you’ll know. This is more than a hammer. It redefines what your hammer should be.
The hammer – the most important tool in the toolbox.
CALIBER 9mm
RECOIL SYSTEM Dual Spring w/ Full Length Guide Rod
SIGHTS Fiber Optic Front, Low Profile Combat Rear (Steel)
WEIGHT 25 oz
HEIGHT 5″ w/ Flush Magazine, 5.25″ w/ Magazine X-Tension™
SLIDE Forged Steel, Melonite®
BARREL 3.3″ Hammer Forged Steel, Melonite®
LENGTH 6.75″
GRIP WIDTH 1″
FRAME Black Polymer
MAGAZINES 1 – 8 Round w/ Grip X-Tension™, 1 – 9 Round w/ Mag X-Tension™
TRIGGER PULL Double Action / Single Action
MSRP $542.00
Ian over at Forgotten Weapons brings out a little known Walther. We know Walther for guns like the classic PPK, their PPQ, or the race gun ready Q5. What we don’t have from Walther are PCC’s or carbines, and this is SAD. The Walther MPL deserves some revitalization.
This compact little 9mm had so much going for it that I think would make an amazing modernized PCC. Using more aluminum, add some M-LOK, closed bolt trigger system, and a redesign for brace or upgrade. Mostly I love the bolt and charging handle design on this thing. Walther’s MPL is exceptionally executed and is both simple and elegant.
Remake the upper to be M-LOK and QD sling compatible, but keep the general same shape for the bolt carrier and aesthetic. Add a top rail for optics and an upgraded set of iron sights. Go for a modernized magazine that can push button release… or perhaps CZ Scorpion magazine pattern for market compatibility, there are several options. Keep the flapper style release too for posterity. Make the pistol grip AR compatible with a retro looking grip as the factory option… or 1911 panels perhaps, adds some customization. Keep the bolt and charging handle system nearly untouched.
Heck, do two. A retro run of fully classic Walther MPLs that looks nearly identical to the old gun but with the updated finishes and materials, and a modernized MPL(M) that has all the fixings of a 21st century 9mm PCC. This Walther needs a second run in an era where it can shine. Retro is in, ask Brownells.
The fact you’ve chosen to carry a firearm means you want to be prepared to protect yourself. Being able to hit what you shoot at – that’s what it’s all about. However, simply having a gun isn’t enough. You need to, among other things, HIT what you aim at. Otherwise the resulting use of your firearm may create more problems than it solves.
Unfortunately, to be blunt, most concealed carriers are not skilled enough to hit what they shoot at. I know I sound pessimistic, but I have seen it for decades; shooters who do not prepare for the realities of when, where and how real world situations occur.
If you want to do this right and have a chance of survival, you have to be as ready as you can be. Being ready is a byproduct of preparation. Here is the beginner’s list:
In this article, I’m going to address aiming.
The problem with aiming is that we have taught you all wrong. I apologize. We “shooting instructors” tend to focus on aiming in a clinical sense with little attention paid to how situations might really happen. Let me explain.
Scenario: You are in a fight for your life, things are happening around you fast and the distances are close. Too close. Like the really dangerous distances of contact and just out-of-contact range.
Action plan: You will likely need a better marksmanship goal than the old guidelines of, “Look for that crisp, clear front sight focus.” I have heard it explained far too often that you can’t hit anything if the front sight isn’t clearly in focus. This is absurd.
In a fight you will likely need to watch and monitor what is happening. Your gun may be in your hand. You likely will have it pointed at an imminent threat. You likely will be stressed and nervous. You likely will be scared. You will likely be reacting to events as they unwind. And, unfortunately, if national statistics are referenced, you will likely MISS when the time comes to shoot. Let’s try to avoid this by outfitting ourselves well.
The original Desantis Inner Piece was a leather appendix holster and was quite popular. I’m a fan of punny names and the Inner Piece is an inside the waistband style holster, so the name caught my eye. Desantis introduced an Inner Piece 2.0 at Shot 2019 and I was happy to get my hands on one.
The Inner Piece 2.0 is an all synthetic IWB holster designed for appendix carry. I’ve had the Inner Piece for some time now and it’s been a design I’ve come to enjoy. The Inner Piece 2.0 comes in multiple sizes and I purchased one that would fit my Walther PPS M1. It also houses the SIG P365 with an Icarus Metal frame. Without the Icarus frame the P365 tends to be too small to work. These holster sizes vary quite a bit, and you can even carry oddballs like the Polymer 80 Glock 26 models due to the flexibility of the holster.
The Desantis Inner Piece 2.0 is a holster designed to be adjustable. You can change the height of the holster and the clip rotates left and right.
The Inner Piece setup also includes a magazine pouch that is angled to allow your off-hand to easily reach it. The Inner Piece 2.0 is made from a soft synthetic material that is water-resistant and soft. The rear portion has enough padding that you’ll never feel the gun against your body.
It’s also cut with a complete sweat guard to protect your weapon and keep things nice and dry. The holster has a flexible middle between the gun and the magazine. This allows for flexibility and for the holster to bend around your body.
All in all, the Inner Piece is a comfortable and easy wearing holster. I appreciate the ability to move the clip with the loosening of a screw. This allows it to function with any belt and with any pants. The ability to move the clip ensures my ability to use the holster with any belt and pants combo.
Drawing from the holster is easy but because the holster sits so flat against the body it is difficult to wrap your thumb around the grip. On the draw I rest the thumb on the rear of the slide and it finds its way around the gun after the gun clears leather. Well, not leather, but you know what I mean.
The Inner Piece magazine pouch holds the magazine facing outwards and is intuitive to draw from. It also works best with the SIG P365 15 round magazine due to it’s extra length.
The holster is super comfortable and there is no chafing or rubbing. The Inner Piece moves as you move and has enough give to allow you to comfortably sit at a table and in a vehicle. Drawing from a seated position isn’t difficult either and I was surprised at how easy it was. It’s a bit easier than most appendix holsters I’ve used. This also goes for the magazine pouch in case you have to reload from a seated position.
When seated the holster isn’t uncomfortable, but you know it’s there. I went and saw “Once Upon A Time in Hollywood” and sat for 2 hours and 40 something minutes and was never uncomfortable.
The Desantis Inner Piece 2.0 is a very comfortable design made from a strong synthetic material. It’s rugged and sweat resistant as well. I live in steamy Florida and I sweat at 6 AM when I’m walking to the car. The rear of the holster has been soaking wet, but the gun is always dry. This is an awesome holster, well designed, durable, affordable and comfortable. Check it out here.
Swampfox Optics announces that our Kingslayer and Liberator dot sights are now available in either red or green circle dot reticles, in addition to the original 3 MOA red dot variants.
The Optics:
The Kingslayer is an RMR-footprint open reflex sight, a proven tough little optic that stands up great on reciprocating pistol slides. It’s also easy to put on rifles or shotguns as a lightweight dot sight with almost no weight penalty– we include a low profile 1913 Picatinny base in the box.
The Liberator is a closed tube micro dot that comes with a low Picatinny mount and an absolute co-witness mount both included in the box. Liberator’s scope body is compatible with T1-style aftermarket mounts for shooters who prefer lower 1/3rd co-witness or quick detach setups.
Both the Kingslayer and the Liberator feature push-button controls, battery replacement without re-zeroing, and motion sensing auto shut-off after 4 hours without movement.
The Reticles:
Both sights are fine as simple 3 MOA red dots, but we wanted to step our game up. For the circle dot versions, the Liberator’s center dot shrinks down to 2 MOA while the Kingslayer’s center dot stays at 3 MOA, and both reticles feature a 65 MOA ring around them to grab the eye quickly and center it.
In testing, we found sight acquisition speed is boosted slightly with these reticles on long guns, but the biggest advantage of the circle dot comes in the Kingslayer pistol application, especially with new pistol dot shooters who haven’t perfected their presentation. If your alignment is off a little bit as you press out it’s easy to find a section of the 65 MOA ring and use that to start correcting your aim, instead of swirling your muzzle, looking through blank glass waiting for the dot to show up.
The Price:
We managed to keep our pricing the same as before, with an MSRP of just $219 for Kingslayer and $179 for Liberator. You can find them for less at places like Optics Planet and we like to throw sales during holidays too. (If you’ve made it this far, Labor Day is coming right up!)
We’re damn proud of these optics, and all our products are covered by our 50,000 Round Guarantee. You can check out all the full specs and details at www.swampfoxoptics.com, and we’re pretty active on Facebook and the ‘Gram. Stand by for more new products coming from us soon. We’re working hard to make some bad ass optics that won’t break the bank. –Swampfox Mike
BORN ON THE 4th of JULY
NEWINGTON, N.H., (September 3, 2019) – SIG SAUER, Inc. is proud to announce the official award of a contract by the U.S. Army in the down-select process for the Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW). The award encompasses the complete SIG SAUER system consisting of 6.8mm hybrid ammunition, a lightweight machine gun, rifle, and included suppressors. SIG SAUER will provide single source manufacturing for ammunition, weapons, and suppressors allowing for less risk and increased capability for the U.S. Army.
“The U.S. Army is leading the world in the first significant upgrade to small arms in decades to meet the growing demands of soldiers on the battlefield. We are honored to have been selected for the Next Generation Squad Weapons program bringing increased lethality to the warfighter over the legacy weapons,” began Ron Cohen, President & CEO, SIG SAUER, Inc. “At the core of our submission is our newly developed, high-pressure, 6.8mm hybrid ammunition that is utilized in both weapons, and is a significant leap forward in ammunition innovation, design, and manufacturing.”
The SIG SAUER 6.8mm hybrid ammunition is designed for increased penetration at greater distances. Cohen continued, “using patent-pending technology the SIG SAUER Ammunition division has engineered a completely new cartridge resulting in a more compact round, with increased velocity and accuracy, while delivering a substantial reduction in the weight of the ammunition.”
The primary objectives set forth by the U.S. Army for the NGSW-AR was a weapon with the firepower and range of a machine gun, coupled with the precision and ergonomics of a rifle. The SIG SAUER NGSW-AR submission is an ultra-light, medium caliber machine gun with AR ergonomics, and chambered in 6.8mm hybrid ammunition. Features include quick detach magazines, side opening feed tray, increased available 1913 rail space for night vision and enablers, folding buttstock, and suppressor.
Additionally, the Prototype Project Opportunity Notice (PPON) requirements were inclusive of an NGSW-Rifle. The SIG SAUER NGSW-Rifle submission, also chambered in 6.8mm hybrid, is lightweight and features a free-floating reinforced M-LOK™ handguard, side-charging handle, full ambidextrous controls, folding buttstock, and suppressor.
“The U.S. Army challenged the industry to bring forward significant improvements to the legacy weapons. The SIG SAUER NGSW-AR is lighter in weight, with dramatically less recoil than that currently in service, while our carbine for the NGSW-Rifle submission is built on the foundation of SIG SAUER weapons in service with the premier fighting forces across the globe. Both weapons are designed with features that will increase the capabilities of the soldier,” commented Cohen. “The final component of the SIG SAUER Next Generation Weapons System is our suppressor, which through exhaustively researched design enhancements, reduces harmful backflow and signature.”
As outlined in the recent award issued by the U.S. Army, SIG SAUER will deliver a complete SIG SAUER system inclusive of the SIG SAUER 6.8mm hybrid ammunition, lightweight machine gun, rifle, and suppressors.
“SIG SAUER has designed the most comprehensive solution to meet the requirements of the Next Generation Squad Weapons to enhance mission effectiveness. We are looking forward to partnering with the U.S. Army throughout this process and ensuring our soldiers are equipped for the demands of the modern battlefield,” concluded Cohen.
About Sig Sauer, Inc.
SIG SAUER, Inc. is a leading provider and manufacturer of firearms, electro-optics, ammunition, airguns, suppressors, and training. For over 150 years SIG SAUER, Inc. has evolved, and thrived, by blending American ingenuity, German engineering, and Swiss precision. Today, SIG SAUER is synonymous with industry-leading quality and innovation which has made it the brand of choice amongst the U.S. Military, the global defense community, law enforcement, competitive shooters, hunters, and responsible citizens. Additionally, SIG SAUER is the premier provider of elite firearms instruction and tactical training at the SIG SAUER Academy. Headquartered in Newington, New Hampshire, SIG SAUER has almost 2,000 employees across eight locations. For more information about the company and product line visit: sigsauer.com.
From the imagery it looks like a variant of the lightweight belt-fed that Sig has been showing off a few iterations of at the trade shows and a variant of the highly popular Virtus carbine that has been scaled up for the 6.8mm round that Sig’s ammunition division has likely put together at DoD request. Sig’s ammo has been highly impressive in my personal testing and I am certainly not surprised that, with the amount of contracts Sig Sauer has been scooping up and doing work on, that they are all guns blazing to win the NGSW, even just to develop the tech.
