Small Arms Review Editorial Staff
VIRIDIAN WEAPON TECHNOLOGIES
Viridian Essential Red and Green Laser Sights for Ruger MAX-9
Viridian Weapon Technologies announced new green and red E-Series laser sights for the new Ruger MAX-9. Ruger’s new subcompact 9mm handgun is great for everyday carry and the new E-Series lasers add to the MAX-9’s functionality by speeding up target acquisition.
“Viridian is pleased to work with Ruger to bring these new lasers to those who want to add to the MAX-9’s functionality,” said Viridian President and CEO Brian Hedeen. “The E-Series lasers are available in both red and green providing a full range of options for those who rely on the speed of a laser to cut down time-to-target. The MAX-9 is a dynamic new pistol, and Viridian’s E-Series laser is the perfect addition.”
Viridian, one of the world’s largest independent providers of weapon-mounted technology, specializes in versatile gun-specific lasers. The E-Series green and red laser sights for the Ruger MAX-9 are the most recent additions to a deep line of Ruger pairings. The red E-Series laser is perfect for low-light shooting. The green E-Series laser is visible at up to 100 yards in daylight and at over two miles at night.
The E-Series laser sights mount to the trigger guard and feature an ambidextrous on/off button with a 5-minute auto shut off to preserve battery life. MSRP $132 (Red, SKU# 912-0044) and $149 (Green, SKU# 912-0045).
STREAMLIGHT
Pocket Mate USB
Streamlight, Inc. launched the ultra-compact Pocket Mate USB, a weather-resistant, USB rechargeable personal light that delivers 325 lumens and features convenient hands-free options.
Small enough to carry in a pocket, the Pocket Mate features an anodized spring clip that attaches to zippers or key chains, and clips onto hats, visors and clothing for hands-free use.
“Versatility, brightness and USB rechargeability make the Pocket Mate the perfect easy-to-carry light for any situation—hands-free, in your pocket or attached to your person,” said Streamlight Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Michael F. Dineen. “The Pocket Mate produces incredible lumens and beam distance for a light this size.”
The Pocket Mate is powered by a bright white LED that offers high and low modes. On high, the Pocket Mate delivers 325 lumens, a 76-meter beam and a 20-minute run time; on low, it provides 45 lumens, a 28-meter beam and a run time of 1 hour. Both modes run for several hours of intermittent use.
Featuring a lithium polymer battery, the light charges from any USB power source and includes a charge status indicator. The light’s multi-function pushbutton switch is recessed to prevent accidental turn-on.
The new light is constructed from an impact-resistant polycarbonate and a machined aluminum frame. Measuring 2.0 inches long and weighing 0.5 ounces, the Pocket Mate is rated IPX4 for weather-resistant operation and is impact-resistance tested to 1 meter.
Available in silver, red, blue and pink, the Pocket Mate has an MSRP of $35.00, and includes a two-year warranty.
FIREFIELD
BattleTek Subcompact Laser Sights
Firefield’s BattleTek Subcompact Laser Sight (available in Red or Green) is a convenient and powerful 5mW laser sight that delivers quick-target acquisition for short- and medium-range engagements, such as tactical engagements or self-defense. Built for compact and subcompact handguns, the highly-durable BattleTek Subcompact boasts a maximum caliber recoil of .45 ACP, and it is IP55 water-resistant, shockproof and operates in temperatures from -4F to 113F.
BattleTek Subcompact Green Laser Sight
- 600-yard nighttime visibility
- 50-yard daytime visibility
- Internal rechargeable battery with up to 2 hours of battery life
- Ambidextrous digital switch
- Windage and elevation adjustable
- 5mW green laser
- Attaches via Weaver Mount
- MSRP: USD $119.99
BattleTek Subcompact Red Laser Sight
- 300-yard nighttime visibility
- 30-yard daytime visibility
- Internal rechargeable battery with up to 6 hours of battery life
- Ambidextrous digital switch
- 5mW red laser
- Windage and elevation adjustable
- Quick target acquisition
- Attaches via Weaver Mount
- MSRP: USD $95.99
VERTX
Go Pack
Vertx announced the launch of the Go Pack. A lightweight addition to the current Vertx line, the Go Pack has been optimized for an active lifestyle. The Go Pack is now available online at vertx.com and in-store. Customers can find their nearest dealer using the Vertx store locator at vertx.com/store-locator.
“The Go Pack is everything our customers expect in a Vertx bag in a light and packable package,” said Denny Bogard, GM/VP of Vertx. “While it’s slimmer than other packs in the line, it’s still feature-rich and EDC ready.”
Although the Go Pack may look like the everyday drawstring bag, it has been upgraded with tactical features that make it perfect for the gym, travel and day-to-day. The pack features a spring-loaded, quick-release closure system for situations where fast access to gear is a necessity. Inside, the pack is loop-lined and compatible with hook and loop accessories like Tactigami holsters and storage pouches. The Go Pack also features a discreet shove-it pouch for towels and laundry that doubles a way to prevent printing from gear stored in the main compartment. And when you’re on the go, the Go Pack can be rolled up and stowed until you need it.
The Go Pack is available in “It’s Black,” “Reef/Smoke Grey” and “Canopy Green/Smoke Grey” and retails for an MSRP of USD $55.99.
TANGODOWN INC.
Vickers Tactical Floor Plates for the SIG Sauer P320 and HK VP9/VP40
TangoDown Inc. announced two new items to their Vickers Tactical collection: the Vickers Tactical HK VP9/VP40 Magazine Floor Plates and the Vickers Tactical SIG Sauer P320 9mm/.40/.357 SIG Magazine Floor Plates. Both products feature the same standout design as the existing VT/TD floor plates. The floor plates offer the flared finger scallops that allow for easy manipulation, even while wearing gloves. The bottom of the floor plate provides molded dimples for easy marking of training magazines and/or spare magazines. If you have used the VT/TD floor plates on your other handgun models, you will love these on your P320 and/or VP9.
Available in Black or Tan for the SIG Sauer P320, MSRP USD $19.25 for a pack of 5. Available in Black for the HK VP9/VP40, MSRP USD $19.25 for a pack of 5.
BLASER
R8 Bolt Action Rifle in 6.5 PRC
Blaser now offers its R8 Bolt Action Rifle in 6.5 PRC. Known for its accuracy and long-range performance, the 6.5 Precision Rifle Cartridge is essentially a magnum version of the 6.5 Creedmoor with a flatter trajectory and higher impact velocity, making it a favorite of long-range hunters.
The straight-pull R8 bolt action rifle, renowned for its reliability, repeatability, speed and precision, offers hunters a vast number of configurations to meet their needs in the field. Options include a wide array of stock options, a recoil reduction system, adjustable comb, adjustable length of pull, and numerous barrels and bolt heads to facilitate quick conversions to different calibers, depending on the type of game one is hunting.
“If you combine all the different standard options on an R8, you can build over 47 million unique rifles and that does not even include custom shop options,” said Jason Evans, CEO, Blaser Group. “The interchangeability makes it incredibly easy to convert your rifle from one caliber to another by simply switching out the barrel and bolt head. This can be done in less than a minute. The engineering and craftsmanship is so extraordinary, after any barrel change, the rifle will shoot to within 1/2 MOA every time.”
The compact overall length and modularity of the Blaser R8 offer distinct advantages to hunters who travel frequently, allowing them to carry one rifle with several different barrels instead of transporting multiple guns around the world. The Blaser Saddle Mount system allows for easy and precise mounting of a riflescope by allowing the one-piece base of the mount to fit into notches machined into the top of the free-floating barrel. The barrel and saddle mount become one accurate unit, ensuring absolute repeatability once the scope has been zeroed, regardless of how many times the scope is removed from the barrel. The R8’s concentric locking lugs with 14 locking surfaces provide 360-degree enagagement, further enhancing accuracy. The R8 is available in numerous calibers from .204 Ruger to .500 Jeffrey.
| This article first appeared in Small Arms Review V25N8 (October 2021) |
