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Springfield SAINT Victor Pistol

By
248 Shooter
-


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

  • STV916556B – SAINT Victor 5.56       MSRP $1,073
  • STV916556BCA – SAINT Victor 5.56 CA Compliant    MSRP $1,073

SAINT VICTOR PISTOL

  • STV975556B – SAINT Victor Pistol 5.56          MSRP $1,015
  • STV909300B – SAINT Victor Pistol .300 BLK   MSRP $1,015

SAINT VICTOR SBR

  • STV9115556B – SAINT Victor SBR 5.56          MSRP $1,073

The Steiner Mk7 Battle Light

By
Travis Pike
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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. 

Mk7 Functional Review

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 in Action – The Good 

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 Bad 

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. 

Parting Shots 

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. 

Introduction to the XD-E from Springfield Armory

By
Keith Finch
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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.

LTT XD-E

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.

SPECS

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

Walther MPL, Bring it Back!

By
Keith Finch
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The little known sub-gun that Walther should bring back. The MPL.

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.

Walther MPL
Image via Modern Firearms

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.

WHY YOU MAY WANT A LASER ON YOUR EDC PISTOL

By
The Armory Life
-

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. 

Are You Ready?

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: 

  • First step – you need to have a concealable gun, like the Springfield Armory XD-S Mod.2 9mm.
  • Second step – you have to train and practice. And I mean doing it like it matters. You can’t just shoot 10 shots through the gun to see if it works and say you are good to go. The gun will work. You’ve picked the most reliable compact handgun possible. That’s why I carry one. I’m not worried about the gun working, I’m worried about you working.
  • Third Step – learn marksmanship. To train to protect your life, you need to look beyond just having the gun and knowing some tactics. You have to address the elements of marksmanship that lead to its effective use. If “IT” hits the fan and you have to shoot, you had better hit what you are shooting at. In regards to that, there are two points that standout as being the most important: Fire Control & Aiming.

In this article, I’m going to address aiming.

Front Sight Fiasco

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.

Read On

The Inner Piece 2.0 From Desantis

By
Travis Pike
-

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.

Finding your Inner Piece

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.

On the Draw

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.

Moving and Grooving


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.

Kingslayer and Liberator Update: Swampfox Optics

By
Keith Finch
-

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.

  • Liberator
  • Kingslayer

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: 

Kingslayer and Liberator reticle selection from Swampfox Optics

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

WWW.SWAMPFOXOPTICS.COM

BORN ON THE 4th of JULY


SIG SAUER Selected by U.S. Army for Next Generation Weapons with New Ammunition Technology, Lightweight Machine Gun, Rifle, and Suppressors

By
Keith Finch
-

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.

NGSW

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.

Meopta Optika6 Riflescopes Now Shipping

By
Keith Finch
-

TAMPA, FL, September 3, 2019 – Meopta USA Sport Optics is now shipping its newest line of premium riflescopes – the Optika6 series. 

Available in hunting and shooting models, Optika6 riflescopes feature a 6x zoom, zero-reset turrets and advanced MeoBright lens coatings that deliver edge-to-edge clarity and exceptionally bright, sharp images.   The 3-18×50 and 3-18×56 FFP and SFP models are currently shipping along with the 5-30×56.  The other Optika6 models will continue to roll out throughout the month of September.

“The new Optika6 series marks a significant expansion in Meopta’s riflescope offerings, delivering new features, premium performance and exceptional value in a 30mm riflescope,” said Randy Garrison, Director of Meopta USA Sport Optics.

The Optika6 Shooting series is available with numerous illuminated and non-illuminated first focal plane reticle options, including new DichroTech reticles, which feature battery-free illumination in varying light conditions. The 30mm Shooting series is available in the following models: 1-6×24, 3-18×50, 3-18×56 and 4.5-27×50.  There is also a 34mm 5-30×56 model with ED glass to eliminate chromatic aberration at high magnification.  All Optika6 Shooting series riflescopes feature rubber-armored target turrets for a non-slip grip.

Optika6 SFP 3-18

The 30mm Optika6 Hunting series is available with numerous illuminated and non-illuminated reticle options in the second focal plane, including DichroTech, in the following models: 1-6×24, 2.5-15×44, 3-18×50, 3-18×56 and 4.5-27×50.  The turrets on most Optika6 Hunting models come with rubber-armored metal caps for the perfect combination of durability and functionality. 

All Meopta Optika6 riflescopes are made of aircraft-grade aluminum alloy and feature:

– One-piece tube design

–  Zero-Reset setting for quick return to zero

–  Zoom ring with a multi-position throw lever

–  Rear-facing zoom display for easy viewing of power setting from behind the scope

–  Locking turrets for exposed adjustments

Retail Pricing:  From $499 – $899

For more information on the Optika6 series, visit www.meoptasportsoptics.com.

Follow Meopta on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube for the latest news and product announcements.

About Meopta

Meopta has been producing high-end European optics for over 85 years. Meopta is a leading manufacturer & partner to many of the world’s finest optical brands. Meopta conceives, develops and manufactures precision optical and electro/optical systems for semiconductor, medical, aerospace and military industries as well as for consumer markets.

For more information regarding Meopta, please visit www.meoptasportsoptics.com.

Kangaroo Courts & PAWS

By
DRGO
-
(from returnofkings.com)

[Ed: Dr. Petrocelli’s testimony can be found here; click on “Archives”, then “Virginia Crime Commission, and begin at about 2 hours 6 minutes.]

On Tuesday, I joined my fellow Virginian defenders of the Second Amendment and testified before the Virginia Crime Commission.  Its legislators and official appointees will review the gun control bills advanced in response to the Virginia Beach mass murder and offer its recommendations to the General Assembly when it re-convenes this fall.

I focused on the “Red Flag” law for three reasons:

  • It infringes on a host of rights:  weapons are confiscated after a hearing where the respondents are not  present, and therefore do not know the evidence against them, nor have the opportunity to confront their accusers;
  • These laws have been mischaracterized as having supporting evidence of reducing suicide and homicide, when in fact there is none that withstands any scrutiny;
  • Such bills do the opposite of what I’ve been trained to do as a forensic psychiatrist:  respect fellow citizens by using scientifically rigorous methods of risk assessment.

I testified that none of the Red Flag bills being considered provide for treating respondents “with even a modicum of respect, which is to have a risk assessment method that passes some form of rules of evidence.  Only a kangaroo court would accept the ‘I know it when I see it’ standard of dangerousness to confiscate weapons.”

Little did I know that New Jersey is in fact setting up such “kangaroo courts.”  Its Red Flag bill will take effect next month. Two recently published memoranda, one from the Administrative Office of the Courts (1), and another from the Office of the Attorney General (2), have specifically clarified that “The rules governing admissibility of evidence at trial shall not apply to the presentation and consideration of information at the hearing,”

and, that

“The rules of evidence do not apply at the hearing.”

This means that the people bringing the complaint to the court will not have any restrictions placed on their testimony—truly a free-for-all.  How either entity, seemingly by fiat, can eliminate rules of evidence is a matter for attorneys.  The rest of us ought to note that there are forces at work that apparently see the foundational principles of American justice as mere speedbumps on the road towards disarmament.

No one wants dangerous people to have firearms, nor any other means of mayhem.  The challenge is how to remain a free people that respect the rule of law while providing for our safety.  Using the National Threat Assessment Center’s recent report Attacks in Public Spaces as a guide, concerned citizens can invoke mental health or criminal justice resources in response to behavior that signals risk.

After a proper hearing before a judge, with due process protections and by following rules of evidence, the person in question may be committed to a psychiatric hospital, or convicted of a barrier offense to firearms possession.  Then, and only then, should there be consideration of “post-adjudicative weapons safety,” or “PAWS”—a means of securing the firearms, preferably in the custody of family that may lawfully steward them.

In the rush to “do something,” let’s keep the focus on Constitutionality and efficacy, and not recklessly disarm ourselves in the process.

References:

(1) New Jersey Court Administrative Office of the Courts Directive # 19-19 dated August 12, 2019

(2) State of New Jersey Office of the Attorney General Law Enforcement Directive No. 2019-2 dated August 15, 2019

.

.

–Dennis Petrocelli, MD is a clinical and forensic psychiatrist who has practiced for nearly 20 years in Virginia. He took up shooting in 2019 for mind-body training and self-defense, and is joining the fight for Virginians’ gun rights.

Headlines: Texas

By
Keith Finch
-
Image via Forbes.com, economic article

Texas loosens firearm laws hours after the state’s latest mass shooting left 7 dead

Texas’ new gun laws go into effect hours after another mass shooting

9 New Gun Laws Now In Effect In Texas; Some In Response To Church And Mass Shootings

Those headlines and those like it are what I’ve seen crawl across my various news feed again, and again, and again since the rampage Sunday in Odessa and Midland, Texas. The media wants you to know and for everyone to feel that nothing could be more shocking than the fact that laws, passed earlier and set to take effect September 1st, would take effect that day and change the concealed carry laws of Texas and strengthen residents individual rights to bear arms in defense of themselves.

That isn’t what those headlines say is it… oh no, these headlines express the barely veiled moral outrage at the state for daring to loosen any gun law. In the wake of a man who went berserk after being fired from work and then stopped by police for failure to signal, how could Texas dare to enable self reliance and self defense. The state that has 4 of the United States 10 worst mass shootings (and a sizeable chunk of its population, but who’s looking at that) how dare they!?

Odessa & Midland, The Seth Arto Rampage

Seth Arto, 36, has been identified as the perpetrator of Sunday rampage. Arto was pulled over for failing to use his turn signal and then open fired on the two officers, wounding them. He then drove through Odessa and Midland firing randomly as he fled police. He abandoned his vehicle and jacked a US Postal service vehicle, killing the driver as she was on the phone with her sister. The chase and subsequent gun battle wound end at a movie theater where Arto was shot and killed by officers.

The spree would claim 7 lives and 22 injuries over multiple incident sites. Chicago, by the way, has 4 deaths and 25 injuries since Sunday.

Texas has had Sutherland Springs, Sante Fe, El Paso, and now Odessa/Midland in the last 3 years. The response to the first two shootings was the increase in the ability of Texans to defend themselves. The second two happened before the laws took effect.

Background

Did Arto have any flags? Convictions? Background that would set him apart as “Extreme Risk” or needing to be incarcerated?

A 2001 misdemeanor arrest for criminal trespass and evading arrest, adjudication deferred. Alto was 36, meaning in 2001 he was 18 when he caught the trespass charge. He also had a 2018 citation for an FMC safety violation. He had a trespass charge in his youth and a traffic safety citation last year.

John Wester, an agent with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, confirmed the gunman had previously failed a federal background check for a firearm. Wester did not say when or why the check was failed. So he was flagged… for something… we just do not know what. He got this firearm somehow anyway, illegally if he was a prohibited person.

Did the ATF or local LE follow up on the attempt to purchase? We don’t know.

Beto has given us the Democrat party answer loud and clear. They believe that confiscating property from millions of Americans with no criminal history or intent will curb crime and stop people from snapping, all evidence to the contrary be damned.

Will we have a motive for Arto? Like Las Vegas this one may never be confirmed, but is it to much of a stretch to believe this is a man who broke, gave up, and decided to let the world know violently? He knew he would make headlines nationally and even internationally, what louder way could he share his personally held grievances. He had just been fired and then pulled over. He may have been returning to attack his job for firing him and we could be reading about a different incident of “workplace violence” this morning if he hadn’t have been stopped for failure to use his turn signal.

The what if’s here are endless.

What we know

What we know is that there will always be a small minority of people who will snap to violence if they feel they’ve been wronged enough. The culture of outrage we have engendered has done nothing to cool this in the last decade plus.

We know that the government and its agents are not a reliable means of personal protection, societal sure, but not personal. The two people shot at first in this attack were cops. The police response time on this one was 0 seconds and the circumstances still led where they led.

What we know are that headlines are what people see and they take most of their impression on the state of the world from the headline. So it does not matter if the article is technically true if the headline pushes the story they want.

WalMart to cease “Short-Barrel Rifle” Ammunition Sales

By
Keith Finch
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Once it is gone it is gone

According to Reuters, WalMart is discontinuing ammunition sales as current supplies dry up on handgun and certain popular rifle calibers. They are also discontinuing handgun sales in Alaska, the only state they currently sell handguns, and pulling that ammunition as well.

WalMart is the single largest retailer of firearms in the United States under their nationwide corporate umbrella. This move is in response to the mass shootings that have taken place, specifically the one that took place in their store in El Paso. It is not known if the shooter bought ammo from WalMart for that particular atrocity.

walmart has decided to stop ammo sales and discourage people carrying at their stores

Walmart will stop selling short-barrel rifle ammunition such as the .223 caliber and 5.56 caliber after clearing current stock. While this type of ammunition is commonly used in some hunting rifles, they are also used in large capacity clips on military-style weapons, the company said.

It sounds like if the ammunition can be used in a modern semi-auto rifle and available in a short configuration it will not longer be available for sale at the mega-retailer. This cut will likely include 5.56/.223, .308/7.62N, 7.62×39, 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, .38 SPL, .357 Mag, .357 Sig, 10mm, .300 BLK, and several others. Basically every popular caliber purchased regularly. WalMart, Dick’s tried this… lost money.

Wal-mart tries to be a socially conscious company and they are clearly making this decision to send a message. Sadly, that message will be all noise and no substance. Not selling ammunition to millions of gun owners based upon the actions of a few deranged individuals will not remotely hinder the next terrible human. It will inconvenience millions of law abiding shoppers who will take those dollars, and probably non-ammo dollars, to other locations.

It’s their company… and they can do as they choose with it. But this is entirely about the perception of the company in an unfortunate era where we have had several very public attacks. In addition to the ammunition changes they will also be requesting people not open carry in their stores and they will remove “violent” video game advertisements from their electronics departments.

And since the powers that be of WalMart will no longer serve your ammunition needs.

Widener’s has you covered.

Woman Stabs 3 Year Old

By
Keith Finch
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EDIT: The video appears to have been taken down due to graphic content.

A 51 year old woman stabbed a 3 year old in the face for no discernable reason. This random horrific attack happened in Georgia (the country, not the state) and just further illustrates that some people are just… wrong. Evil exists and it looks like this.

Woman in Georgia stabs a 3 year old boy in the face and attempts to attack his sister, mother, and father
Screen cap from the video footage. The boy is has been slashed twice. Mom and Dad are processing what’s happening. This took less than a second.

The woman then calmly tries to walk away. Turns around and tries to stab the boy again before going after his sister. Their father snatches her out of the way and uses his sunglasses as a defensive tool, something to give him a little more distance between him, his daughter, and this knife wielding shit beast.

He passes his daughter off to their mother and tries to chase down the woman who literally just stabbed his son in the face but she turns and menaces him with the knife before she flees. The young boy was stabbed through the cheek and nose, moderately severe facial injuries, but lucky for him his eyes and neck were not slashed.

She was later apprehended by authorities but no motive is known as to why she stabbed a strangers three year old in the face twice.

This is why we carry. The father and mother are both physically smaller than this monster, she’s already demonstrated she gives literally no shits because she brazenly stabbed a child in the face. Dad tried to pursue but had nothing to out class a big woman with a knife. She could have gone after him, his wife and kids, or anyone else on the street and he would have been at a potentially lethal disadvantage.

Carry for your and your family’s protection. Have a plan.

And if a woman stabs a 3 year old in the face on the street…

NGSW – MARS Inc and Cobalt Kinetics

By
Keith Finch
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For those of you following the current contracts for US Military smalls arms development, NGSW is not a new acronym.

For those wondering, NGSW stands for Next Generation Squad Weapon. It is a program spurred on by the US Army to replace the M16, M4, and M249 with a pair of weapons that have greater effective range and incorporate the most modern current and near future technology for individual small arms and integrated warfighting.

MARS, Inc and Cobalt Kinetics have teamed up to chase the contract and these are their submissions for the NGSW-R and NGSW-AR.

Here is their announcement:

The Army has been soliciting design and manufacturing firms for a next-generation weapon platform. This NGSW program is expected to produce a replacement for the M16 battle-rifle and SAW machine gun. Along with the request for this all-new weapon, this project demands a new cartridge to be developed alongside and incorporated into these new battle rifles.

The initial call-out for the program seeks to dramatically increase the terminal power and effective distance of the 5.56 NATO and even the 7.62 NATO. The performance of the new cartridge will rival the exterior and terminal ballistics of some current commercial magnum hunting cartridges. It seems a worthwhile endeavor to outfit each soldier with an 8lb rifle that can hit a 1 MOA hardened target, and  penetrate that target up to and exceeding 1000 yards. If that’s not enough to impress, this new weapon will fulfill these requirements without compromising the control and handling characteristics currently accepted in the M16 and SAW light machine gun.

MARS, INC of Montana teamed up with Cobalt Kinetics of Utah early in 2019 to realize this seemingly-impossible task. The brain-trust of MARS approach the modern semi-auto rifle from a fresh perspective while Cobalt Kinetics’ skill and expertise at precision manufacturing made the idea a reality. The resulting weapon presents as an extra-large framed AR-patterned rifle- with a huge magazine well to accommodate the new cartridge. Inside the handguard one can identify a large recoil spring wrapped around the barrel- an essential part of any long-recoil operating system. For those unfamiliar with this type of mechanism, it’s not unlike your grandfather’s Browning Auto-5 shotgun. But make no mistake, this is not your grandfather’s battle rifle. The bolt and barrel, while locked, are allowed to travel freely within the action under the recoil impulse generated by the 6.8mm short magnum cartridge (the guns fire 140gr .270 caliber bullets at 3200FPS). This operating system causes a great deal of recoil energy to be spent and dissipated before the total recoiling mass delivers a blow to the shooter’s shoulder. Similar systems have been employed over the past few decades in some soviet rifle and machine-gun designs. This operation has been labeled as “shifted pulse recoil”. The recoil impulse is effectively distributed over time, while its speed is reduced by a spring and buffer system before the stroke is complete. The result is a slower and softer impulse to the shooter- more to the point- This rifle is as controllable and comfortable to shoot as the old low-impulse 5.56 platform, while doubling the effective distance and energy.

Besides reduced recoil, there are many other advantages of long-recoil semi-auto operation. No gas escapes the barrel into the action- this rifle, with full-auto capability, runs as clean as any bolt action. When operating with a suppressor, the long-recoil system actually runs more reliably and with less recoil that unsuppressed. Of course, the added mass slows down the barrel/bolt assembly but that extra mass and resultant momentum to the recoiling assembly help the system power through dirt and particulate that can foul other semi-auto mechanisms. And the addition of suppressor does not contribute to increases fouling in the action as the system operates so slowly (relative to DI or piston) the propellant gasses and powder-charge fallout have fully evacuated by the time the bolt unlocks and opens to eject and reload the weapon.

MARS and Cobalt have developed 2 versions of the “MARS” rifle. A 13” barreled lightweight carbine and an 18” barreled light machine gun have been supplied to the ARMY for testing and evaluation. Both are fed from proprietary 20 round box or 70 round drum magazines. Both are capable of semi and full-auto fire. The MARS rifles have been designed to incorporate the newest “smart” battlefield tech to keep the soldier connected and adaptable as battlefield tactics become more advanced. These technologies include a central power source to supply all peripheral accessories while tracking and displaying their performance and status. Light, illumination, direction of fire, total rounds fired between service intervals, ammunition supply in the magazine, and operating temperature can be tracked by a central command module on the gun. This information can be communicated to remote command to support the soldier of tomorrow.

NGSW MARS Inc Cobalt Kinetics Automatic Rifle
MARS NGSW-AR

Michael Merino, President and CEO of MARS Inc. adds: “I can’t think of a better collaboration in this industry. Our MARS rifle design, coupled with the innovative approach to rifle manufacturing of the Cobalt Kinetics team, has been incredible. We believe that we have a rifle design that meets the requirements of the Army’s ambitious NGSW program. We are excited to be part of evolution of military effectiveness. We also plan to release a commercially available version of this rifle, in the first few months of 2020.” 

More information on the MARS rifle can be found at https://www.marsrifle.com/

Space AK – Those Crazy Russians

By
Keith Finch
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This is the TKB-022P and it looks Sci-Fi as all get out. It’s a Russian AK-like prototype made by a man named German. German Korobov, a Russian, developed these Space AK rifles in order to… I don’t know, battle it out with the the Fallen maybe.

Space AK, Fiction, Zhalo Supercell
Zhalo Supercell from the SciFi video game Destiny
Space AK Fact TKB-022P
TKB-022P

I saw the video on these prototype rifles roll across my feed and dug into them a little bit. While they were never issued the TKB-022 series saw incredible ingenuity in parts placement and design. A variant even helped the Soviet Union update their small arms design and doctrine to focus around lighter and faster intermediate cartridges. The 5.6x39mm would help pave the way for the legendary 5.45x39mm that we know out of the AK74.

I was under the impression some of the SciFi games, like Destiny, had just mixed around the design models off of working rifles. Now I’m convinced that, despite the story arc of the first game being a dumpster fire, someone on the design team had to be a weird Soviet tech history buff and found that all their weird guns would be perfect to battle various variants of evil alien hordes.

I tend to agree.

The TKB-022P aka Space AK is still a piston operated 7.62x39mm assault rifle. The piston is around the barrel though, in a manner some shotguns utilize. The oddball “pistol grip” is the magwell, making this TKB bullpup esk but also reminiscent of pistol grip loaded subguns like the UZI.

It’s neat, different, and I want to go do Space Force things with it.

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