Russia unveils fifth-generation AK-12 assault rifle

Russia’s Izhevsk Machine Building Plant (Izhmash) has officially unveiled its new fifth generation Kalashnikov AK-12 assault rifle.

Until recently, the new Kalashnikov rifle remained shrouded in mystery. The reason for that was that the plant started developing the new model on its own initiative. The Defence Ministry did not place an order for its development and generally greeted it with little enthusiasm. The development of the new rifle was initiated mainly by the plant’s Chief Designer Vladimir Zlobin and was completed in 2011. The new rifle is practically a base model, which enables the clients to make any additional changes to the design and ergonomics of the weapon, says an official of the Izhmash Company, Elena Filatova.

“One of the features that is specific to the new Kalashnikov rifle is its modular nature. It is designed as a base model which can serve as a basis for making about 20 different modifications of weapons which could be used for both civil and military purposes and with different caliber bullets,” Elena Filatova said.

The difference between the new AK-12 and its previous models is that it can be operated with one hand. The designers decided to install safety switches on both sides of the rifle rather than on the just right-hand side. The capacity of its magazine has been doubled to 60 rounds, while its accuracy has been improved, the new model has enhanced target pointer and a higher quality of barrel. The designers have built integrated Picatinny rail at the top of the cover to enable the use of additional equipment such as optical, bore sighter or night vision equipment. This makes it possible to use the weapon around the clock. To improve the weapon’s firing accuracy, the rifle’s dynamic and other features have been modified.

The brand-new model meets all of the Russian Defence Ministry’s key requirements apply for Russia’s military personnel. At the same time, it is also manufactured for export purposes. The Izhmash designers have managed to improve the characteristics of the rifle while at the same time preserving the qualities of the conventional Kalashnikov rifle which made it famous around the world. These include the simplicity of the rifle and reliability and durability. The rifle will start undergoing formal tests towards the end of 2012- beginning of 2013.

Source: Ruvr

Royal Irish Regiment Ranger soldier kills best friend while cleaning rifle.

Ranger Dalzell, of 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment, died from a single shot to the chest while erecting a commemorative flag pole for a colleague who had been killed by an improvised explosive device.

The 20-year-old from Bangor in County Down, Northern Ireland, and his comrades had returned just 20 minutes earlier from a patrol in the Nad-e-Ali district of Helmand and were relaxing at Check Point Ranger when the incident happened at 11.20am on February 4, 2011.

Ranger Sean Barry had stripped and cleaned his SA-80 rifle in an attempt to stop the safety catch and magazine sticking but failed to notice the magazine was still attached as he carried out a functioning test and a shot was fired, killing his friend instantly.

Source: telegraph.co.uk

Socom Gear: PMR-30 Licensed by Kel Tec

Socom Gear is proud to announce our latest product, the PMR-30 licensed by Kel Tec, coming soon.

Introduction
"The PMR-30 is a light weight, full size pistol chambered for the flat-shooting .22Magnum cartridge (.22WMR). The PMR-30 operates on a unique hybrid blowback/locked-breech system. This operation system allows for the use of a wide variety of ammunition as it seamlessly adjusts between locked breach and blowback operation, depending on the pressure of the cartridge. It uses a double stack magazine of a new design that holds 30 rounds and fits completely in the grip of the pistol. The trigger is a crisp single action with an over-travel stop. The manual safety is a thumb activated ambidextrous safety lever (up for SAFE, down for FIRE). The slide locks back after the last shot and a manual slide lock lever is also provided. The light, crisp trigger pull and fiber optic sights make the PMR-30 ideal for target shooting and hunting small game."
- from www.keltecweapons.com

Airsoft Version
- 15 round BB magazine
- Polymer, not carbon fiber
- No metal exterior parts

Package includes:
-PMR 30
-1 Magazine
-Owner's Manual

Features
- Light weight polymer
- Two color fiber optic sights
- Integrated Picatinny rail for attaching laser / flashlight
- Disassembles for cleaning by removing single pin

More photos & info: www.socomgear.com/pmr30

Madbull ACE Stock and 2 Pack QD Swivels

From time to time, we like to remind you of some our Madbull products that work very well together. This week, we're featuring our line of licensed ACE Stocks and the Madbull Two-Pack of QD Sling Swivels.

The two products are a great combination because:
1. The Madbull QD Slings Swivels 2-in-1 is an amazing value (check your local Airsoft store, or favorite online retailer)
2. The ACE Stock features up to SIX QD Swivel mounting possibilities, for maximum personal comfort.

More information about our licensed ACE Stocks, including photos, videos, third-party reviews: www.madbull.com/acestocks

Madbull's licensed ACE Stocks are the only full-metal, fully licensed ACE Stocks on the market.

Note: ACE Stock and SA-04 Two Pack Sling Swivels are sold separately.

Laser Guided Bullet can be Directed in Flight

Sandia National Labs have been testing a prototype laser guided bullet that will increase the accuracy of each shot. The bullet will be able to steer itself and home in on targets.

There is an optical sensor for each bullet enabling it to lock onto a target from a laser target designator. The sensor is located in the nose of the bullet, which is 4 inches long and has fins. The fins are used to steer the bullet, using inbuilt electronics and actuators guiding the flight, correcting the trajectory 30 times each second.

"The sensor sends information to guidance and control electronics that use an algorithm to command electromagnetic actuators. These actuators steer tiny fins that guide the bullet to the target," Sandia National Laboratories website says.

It's a similar principle to that used in guided missiles, but the small mass and relatively short path of a bullet require a different approach. The team behind the project had to remove the grooves or rifling that allows bullets to spin so they fly straight,allowing the bullet to be directed in flight.

Laser Guided Bullet

Current simulations and prototype testing show the laser guided bullet accuracy is far greater than conventional bullets. The laser guided bullets can hit a target at half a mile (1000 meters) away within 8 inches (0.2 meters). Normal bullets are expected to miss by nearly 10 yards (9 meters).

The components used are all commercially available, however the laser guided bullets will be expensive due to the technology and manufacturing process for each bullet. However, less bullets will need to be fired due to increased accuracy.

There are still engineering challenges and Sandia is seeking a private company partner to complete testing of the prototype and bring a guided bullet to the marketplace.

Picture and Video: Courtesy of Sandia National Laboratories

Madbull: Licensed Daniel Defense 7.62 Lite Rail 12.0

Madbull Airsoft is proud to announce the latest entry in our family of Licensed Daniel Defense Lite Rails.

"The 7.62 Lite Rail™ features our patented “Bolt-Up System” allowing simplified alignment to the upper receiver and providing a continuous, uninterrupted upper rail platform flat top upper receivers.  The “Bolt-Up System” is also used on the Daniel Defense RIS II (selected by SOCOM for the SOPMOD II program).  Every component of the 7.62 Lite Rail™ has been precisely assessed, thoroughly tested, improved upon, and manufactured tough enough to become the new benchmark in 7.62 rail systems." - DanielDefense.com

Airsoft Version Features

• 1:1 Scale External Replica of 7.62 Lite Rail 12.0, for Airsoft Only
• Cannot be applied to real firearms (blocked gas pipe tunnel & incompatible delta ring)
• Black anodize (Real steel is Military level III hard coat with Teflon coating)
• Free Floating Barrel Design
• Uninterrupted Upper Rail Platform
• Precision CNC Machined T-6061 Aircraft Grade Aluminum
• Mil-Spec 1913 Picatinny Rails
• Lightweight 14.4 oz (12.0)

More photos & info: http://www.madbull.com/dd12lite762

PPSS Body Armour's CEO being shot testing new bullet proof vests

Robert Kaiser, CEO of PPSS Body Armour is demonstrating the exceptional high performance of our truly outstanding 1.65kg light and 6.5mm thin CV1 covert bullet proof vests, certified to NIJ Level IIIA + certified protection from Tokarev Ball 7.62 x 25mm and Makarov 9 x 18mm. Robert is being shot by live ammo from 9ft/3m distance using Glock 19 (9x19mm FMJ 124gr).
+ 10 Joule of stab/knife protection
+ unmatched protection from hypodermic needles.
+ using only the very best high performance materials available.
+ using OUTLAST temperature regulating space technology... making it the ultimate choice for hot and humid condition.
+ especially developed for executive/diplomatic security, sky/flight marshals and dignitary's/VIP's.
Contact: info@ppss-group.com or +44 845 5193 953

http://www.ppss-group.com

2012 SureFire New Products video

Preview Surefire new flashlights; they reach new heights in terms of light output. Nearly all of our best-selling lights—WeaponLights included—have been significantly upgraded, and more ground-breaking tactical products are on the way. To learn more, visit www.surefire.com

FirstSpear Explains 6/12 and Tubes

FirstSpear website

 FirstSpear™ is in the business of providing innovative solutions to long unanswered challenges. Our Tubes™ technology reaffirms that position. The common closure method for most Armor Carriers on the market today is to join the cummerbund in the front with hook & loop fasteners like Velcro®. This presents many performance failures. The hook & loop adds weight and bulk; is noisy and wears out quickly; and retains water, mud and snow. From a safety standpoint the hook and loop closure flap allows for cummerbund protection accessories like side plates and inflatable floatation to shift position and misalign from where they should be to provide maximum performance. The common release mechanisms found in most releasable vests typically utilize a variety of cables, routed through a complex maze of channels that when assembled correctly, are clumsy, heavy, awkward and difficult to reassemble. When assembled incorrectly, the results can be catastrophic.

FirstSpear™ Tubes™ solve all these challenges. Quick to close and even quicker to doff, Tubes™ are manufactured from lightweight high-performance polymers that exceed the strength of other molded fasteners currently used on Operational equipment. Molded in signature suppressive colors and with a variety of choices for activation, this closure system can be rapidly deployed and completely reassembled in SECONDS.

Let FirstSpear™ show you how Tubes™ technology will improve performance, enhance mission functionality, reduce weight and allow you to ditch the cable.

Patent Pending

• Up to 50% reduction in weight & significantly less bulk
• Backward compatible with standard MOLLE/PALS
• Forward compatible with FirstSpear’s™ ultra-lightweight 6/12™ pockets
• Enhanced cable management

Weight! There are several philosophies on dealing with weight as it applies to load carriage. Some development has occurred in lightweight materials, but these tend to sacrifice performance. Other developments have taken place in “load transfer” by shifting weight around, but they reduce flexibility while increasing heat retention, bulk and even overall load. FirstSpear™ has taken a different approach. We listened to the Users and decided to eliminate the weight and sacrifice nothing. In the design assessment of current pouch attachment systems, FirstSpear™ recognized that the major weight parasite on both the platforms and the attaching pockets is the yards of bulk nylon, snaps and polymer stiffener. The FirstSpear™ 6/12™ technology eliminates these components and achieves a 20%-40% reduction in weight per standard Assaulter configuration when compared to current pocket attachment systems. The FirstSpear™ team invested more than a year developing and testing the FirstSpear™ 6/12™ Pocket Attachment System. It utilizes state of the art fabric technologies to deliver a completely modular system, compatible with standard MOLLE pockets. From adhesive heat-set backing to laser cut precision attachment points, the 6/12™ system is a completely new, design-engineered solution that meets the need for modular, lightweight load-carriage platforms and pockets. Additionally, 6/12™ provides greater fabric flexibility on unarmored platforms and tighter mounting of pockets to create a cleaner silhouette that aides in enhanced signature management and mobility. The 6/12™ platform face is completely slick when pockets are removed and allows for easy management of communications cables and wires.

Don’t transfer the weight, get rid of it.

Patent Pending

Modular Pockets Compatible with FirstSpear™ 6/12™ Platforms Weight reduction is not just a buzz phrase at FirstSpear™ - it is an ethos demonstrated by the 6/12™ pocket line. Utilizing these pockets on FirstSpear™ 6/12™ platforms allows the wearer to achieve a weight reduction of over 40% without sacrificing performance. By removing the heavy nylon webbing, polymer reinforcement and metal snaps of the previous system, not only is weight reduced, but the overall profile of the pocket on the platform is significantly condensed as well, allowing improved signature management in all visual, IR and thermal spectrums.

Patent Pending

Magpul PMAG 30 M3 and Accessories

PMAG 30 M3 and PMAG 30 M3 MagLevel

Magpul is pleased to announce the latest additions to the PMAG family; the PMAG 30 M3 and PMAG 30 M3 MagLevel. Like its predecessors, the PMAG 30 M3 is a lightweight 5.56 x 45 NATO / .223 Remington 30-round polymer magazine for the AR15/M16 platform, but with a number of new features which improve its durability, compatibility, and overall performance for the most demanding professional shooters. By combining the knowledge gained from years of PMAG production, extensive research and development of materials and manufacturing processes, and incorporating feedback from a broad range of end-users, the PMAG 30 M3 pushes the envelope of magazine performance one step further.

The PMAG 30 M3 features a corrosion-resistant stainless steel spring, four-way anti-tilt follower, pop-off Impact/Dust Cover that snaps onto the floorplate when not in use, and easy tool-less disassembly for cleaning and maintenance. Low-profile ribs and aggressive front and rear texture provide positive control of the magazine while helping ensure compatibility with common double and triple magazine pouches. The easy to disassemble standard flared floorplate provides drop protection and aids extraction from magazine pouches, but can be replaced by a PMAG Ranger Plate for improved handling, or the new M3 Slim-line floor plate to minimize bulk (not included). A paint pen dot matrix (click here for marking guide) has been added to the bottom panel of the magazine body for easy marking by the end user for magazine identification.

Modified internal and external geometry provides greater compatibility and function with a wide range of non-AR15/M16 platform weapons. A re-designed bolt catch notch in the rear of the magazine allows increased bolt catch clearance, while an over-travel stop on the spine helps ensure the PMAG 30 M3 will not over-insert on compatible weapons, including the AR15/M16, HK 416, M27 IAR, British SA-80, FN SCAR MK 16/16S, and others. In addition to the expanded feature set and compatibility, the PMAG 30 M3 incorporates new material technology and manufacturing processes that have been engineered to exceed rigorous military performance specifications. By improving strength and durability in critical areas, the PMAG 30 M3 increases overall reliability and lifespan, while decreasing total lifecycle cost.

Shipping Spring 2012. MSRP To Be Announced.

MAGLINK

The MagLink 30 is a coupler for PMAG 30 and PMAG 30 M3 magazines which allows the user to attach two magazines together for more efficient speed reloads, and to keep an additional 30 rounds of ammunition accessible on the weapon at all times. The MagLink 30 features a two-piece bolt-on design, and durable, lightweight reinforced polymer construction. Note: the MagLink 30 is not compatible with the first generation PMAG 30, PMAG 20, EMAG, PMAG 30G, or PMAG 20LR.
MSRP $17.95

PMAG 30 M3 SL Floorplate

Designed to reduce bulk and enhance compatibility with double and triple magazine pouches, the PMAG 30 M3 Slim-Line Floorplate replaces the standard flared floorplate on all PMAG 30 M3 variants. The Slim-Line Floorplate reduces PMAG thickness by approximately 1/8" per magazine, and requires use of Impact/Dust Cover or other improvised tool for disassembly. Note: Slim-Line Floorplates are only compatible with PMAG 30 M3 variants, and will not fit other current production or legacy PMAG products.
MSRP $4.95 | 3 pack