Dear readers of Raffica: On occasion a subject question becomes too large for our normal Q&A format. When that occurs, we move to a “Raffica Special” and we are in that position right now. We have had so many questions regarding the operation of the RPG-7 system that the only way to properly answer this is with a “Special.” Since I have been working on a photo ID series of the various basic RPG systems for many years, and we were just preparing to do the ultimate worldwide ID Guide to these launchers, we decided to prep the readers with this How It Works guide first. Several other articles will soon follow including the RPG ID Guide and an in-depth analysis of the sighting systems. We hope this guide helps dispel many of the myths surrounding the RPG-7 system, and educates our readers to the basic functions and differences. – Dan

Shoulder fired rocket launchers are nothing new. Neither are rifles with integral grenade launchers for that matter. In the 18th century, there were seven foot long flintlock style rifles that a rocket shaft was aligned in, and a transfer bar operated the flintlock mechanism located out at the front of the launcher. The buttstock, trigger group, etc., look normal, then the lock was out at the very front. There was another design from the same period where the buttstock was cylindrical and opened up at the shoulder end to make a cup style grenade launcher. The lock was able to fire either the musket barrel or the grenade launcher with the flick of a switch. The grenade launcher was used mortar style of course. These are mentioned simply to show that weapons designers have been making man portable launchers and hurlers for centuries. It is only in the modern times that we have fine tuned the process.

The roots of the RPG-7 launcher can be found in the German Panzerfaust (literally “Tank-Fist” in German) of World War II. This was little more than a tube with a firing mechanism to launch a primitive warhead, but it gave the infantryman the ability to launch an explosive charge farther than he had been able to previously. Developments during and after World War II went in several directions, with some countries concentrating on the recoilless rifle principle and others looking more to shoulder fired rocket launchers.

In 1948-49, the Soviets introduced the RPG-2 system. The RPG-2 initially was a simple tube with a rocket propelled grenade that was fired from it. Behind the rocket was an expeller charge that basically threw the rocket forward from the tube, and then a pyrotechnic fuze fired the rocket itself when it was safely in front of the operator. The RPG-2 rockets were not reliably timed for firing so the accuracy degraded at distances beyond 100 meters. Stabilization came from six thin sheet metal fins at the rear of the rocket motor, which did a reasonable job for accuracy. The RPG-2 series had an expected range of 150 meters, so the sights were fixed ladder types with no allowance for adjustment. Later models had some modifications, such as a rudimentary blast shield at the rear to help keep any backblast away from the operator. This was neither a blast cone nor a venturi.

The RPG-2 system was manufactured until its replacement, the RPG-7, appeared in 1962. The Communist Chinese built and distributed the B-40, an RPG-2 variant, and the Yugoslav’s built a much heavier similar launcher called the M57.

It is strongly recommended against firing RPG-2, M57, or B-40 rounds as there has not been recent manufacture and the chemical compositions and fuzes are now untrustworthy. Unless the operator can verify recent manufacture, these should be avoided. The launchers themselves are simple mechanical devices so with fresh ammunition they would be fieldable. Antique, outdated and outclassed, but fieldable RPG-2 series grenades do not have timed safety self destruct fuzes, so a “dud” round will become a UXO (Un-Exploded Ordnance) hazard.

RPG-7

For the purposes of this article, we will be discussing the Russian/Soviet made RPG-7 series: the RPG-7V and RPG-7D. There are approximately 29 different variations made around the world and SAR will be covering models and countries of manufacture at a later date in the ID Guide. Two of the most basic designs have been copied by many countries: the Soviet style and the Chinese style. The fastest way to tell which school the RPG came from is that the Chinese style utilizes a bipod, a shoulder rest, and has adjustable front and rear sights, while the original Russian model does not.

Several initial changes appear in the RPG-7 series. The example in these photos is the second variation, the RPG-7V. The “V” model is simply a bit smaller dimensionally, and lighter. The tube inner diameter remains at 40mm. Several manufacturing method improvements were instituted.

RPG-7D

The RPG-7D is the paratrooper’s takedown version of the RPG-7 system, which appeared in the early 1970s. There is a three lug turning takedown point with various safety features built in to avoid firing without the rear of the tube properly attached. There are two bayonet lugs used to attach the rear section to the forward tube, making for a much smaller package for jumping with.

RPG-18
(Side block of four pics)

Aiming and Boresighting

The objective is to hit the target, and more specifically, to strike a crippling blow to the target. If the target is a tank or self-propelled gun, the goal is to take the gun out of action. Simply taking a tread or other immobilizing shot is good but keep in mind that the operators of the vehicle will be looking to return fire, and even if they are immobilized, if they can bring the main gun to bear then the RPG team is in danger as it takes 8-12 seconds to load another round.

Since the objective is to hit the target accurately, there must be a method of ensuring the sights and scope are in line with the bore. In both cases, this is accomplished by using a bore sight and a point of aim that is a minimum of 900 meters away. At the shop it is easy enough to have a set of blocks and a mount in order to immobilize the tube for this procedure, but field expedient tricks include sandbags and either a table or other flat surface. Remember to leave room with the bags for line of sight on checking the sights. This should be done by unit armorers and the operators as well, just like checking any other weapon sight when getting ready to fire. Well trained teams will constantly check their bore sight.

The bore sight is usually composed of two pieces. They are both tubes and the front has a wire crosshair on it and this is inserted into the front of the tube. Some of these front pieces require the operator to put two strings on it to make the crosshairs making it possible to improvise this front section by crossing two strings over the front of the tube at 90 degrees to each other and securing them in place. As long as the crosshairs are centered, this is fine. The rear tube, if used, has either four slots with an open center, or simply an open center, that slides into the blast cone. Visually check from the rear aperture to the crosshairs in the front of the tube, and this will give you a bore center. It is quite possible to bore sight without the rear section, by moving back a bit further from the rear of the tube when sighting.

With the tube immobilized, the operator should fix the bore sight onto an object at 900+ meters. The object should have some distinct horizontal and vertical features. Once this is sighted, the mechanical sights can be checked. Russian style sights do not have much adjustment to them, but the Chinese family has full windage and elevation adjustment available. Bring the sights in line with the bore sight and the sights are aligned with the tube at all ranges. The scope itself has a single crosshair up above the sighting chart, distinct and by itself. This crosshair is to match the bore sight at 900 meters. Right and left windage and up or down adjustment are controlled by two dial knobs at the front of the sight. Full adjustment will be described in a later article.

The Controversial Optical Sight

Optical sights are controversial because there are several schools of thought on this unit, and it does in fact take a lot of training and live fire practice to use the RPG-7 let alone the optical sight. SAR will be covering the sighting in depth at a later date. Suffice it to say that using this unit requires extensive training.

Advice is frequently given that an operator should immediately throw away the optical sight because it is too complicated for combat conditions. This is good advice if the operator is not going to receive a lot of the proper training; novices should stick to the iron sights. However, most RPG-7 operators are dedicated to this job and do receive a lot of training. If that is the case, the optical sight gives many advantages. Combined with a modern laser range finder, the optical sight can truly extend the range of the RPG-7 from its “point-blank” designated 300 meters to a full 500 meters, depending on wind conditions.

Again, experience with live fire is critical to the RPG-7 operator’s accuracy. In the US, it is difficult to get this experience due to our importation laws on explosives and the fact that the US military has a very wise policy of not allowing the firing of captured ammunition of this type. (In the event that there are US end users reading this who need to arrange live fire training outside the US, please see me after class. – Dan)

The Wind Thing

RPG-7 Rounds

There are many, many rounds on the market today. SAR will cover these at another time. For our purposes, we are going to take a look at the basic HEAT (High Explosive Anti-Tank) round: the PG7B.

1) At the joint between the expeller charge and the rocket booster that is permanently part of the grenade, is the section that initiates the firing sequence. When the firing pin strikes the primer (located in the small threaded hole on the center side in this photo, but primer is missing) the primer ignites a train of events. Immediately the expeller charge to the left in this photo is ignited. The pyrotechnic pellet in the rocket booster is ignited when enough forward momentum has compressed the spring to the right in this photo, driving a second primer onto a fixed firing pin. This is a timed and blocked event- the rocket motor ignition delay is separated from the primer flash channel by solid aluminum. The pellet burns in a set time to ignite the rocket booster when it reaches 11 meters in front of the launcher.

2) When the primer ignites, the expeller charge is fired off by the black powder in the center of the expeller tube. The expeller main charge propellant is double base NC/NG placed evenly around the central tube, in between the folded stabilizer fins. This is all wrapped with impregnated cardboard and a glued, waterproof tissue. This section is extremely vulnerable to moisture, so it is important to only remove from the carrying case just prior to firing. The expeller in an RPG-7 is now in an expansion chamber that is larger than the 40mm tube, so the expanding propellant gases rapidly build pressure and exert it onto the grenade.

3) At the rear of the expeller charge is a hard foam plug. As pressure builds in the expeller chamber, the grenade has forward pressure on it and eventually this plug breaks up and the parts of the plug and any unburnt cardboard are expelled out through the venturi and the blast cone. Directly in front of the plug is an aluminum turbine that imparts rotation immediately as the grenade shaft leaves the expeller chamber and tube.

4) As the grenade leaves the RPG tube, it has been “boosted” out by the expeller charge. Forward motion allows the four stabilizer fins to extend out to the sides, and it is important to remember this when firing as there must be at least 8 inches of clearance above all obstacles in the flight trajectory. This is also a good time to point out another reason not to install the expeller cartridge onto the rocket and carry it around. If this is bent or damaged then the entire trajectory may be thrown off. The pyrotechnic pellet will burn through to ignite the rocket booster, as long as the spring held block is out of the way due to proper forward momentum. Propellant gases begin the booster action at 11 meters from leaving the tube of the launcher.

5) The rocket motor burns and the gases push forward into the nozzle block expansion chamber at the front joint just behind the grenade body. This chamber has six holes that point to the rear and outward, and the pressure from the gases blows out the seals and the six holes drive the grenade assembly forward during its assisted flight. It is important to note that the holes are canted in a direction opposite that of the rotation imparted by the fins. The spin rate imparted by the four fins is slowed after rocket ignition. This prevents overspin, and reduces spin degradation of the shaped charge on firing. Just behind the nozzle block is an elastic ring that holds the RPG-7 round in the launcher so slight downward firing is possible without the round coming forward and misaligning the primer and firing pin. When the rocket burns out, forward momentum keeps the grenade airborne until it reaches a target or approximately 900 meters where the safety fuze causes the nose cone area to explode. This does activate the shaped charge, although this author has observed many RPG-7 rounds that reached the five second mark, the safety detonated, and the shaped charge was still intact.

6) Cutaway view of the shaped charge. The piezo-electric nose fuze fires a spark plug system at the rear of the shaped explosive content. As the detonation wave moves through the explosive, the tin coated copper cone at the center is transformed to a high-speed, high-temperature jet of metal that penetrates up to 13 inches of steel armor.

Arming

Firing sequence

Firing the RPG-7 series of weapons is considered a two man operation: the operator and assistant gunner. Both should be proficient with the system and should have a lot of live fire training. The skills needed to hit a target with an RPG can not be gained from simple training drills, especially firing at longer ranges. When the RPG team is “hunting,” it is just as important to figure in attempting to conceal their position and the backblast signature from the enemy as it is to find good front cover. In the case of needing a second shot, the backblast will frequently have located them for the enemy. Aiming so that the rear of the RPG-7 is pointed around the corner of a large building or hill can help with this. A couple of safety points should be emphasized. Behind the tube, for about 30 meters, there is a 70 degree danger zone. Close to the tube is a kill zone. The operator and his A-gunner should always be ensuring that there are no obstacles, walls, etc within 2 meters behind the RPG. Good advice would be to make that at least 3 meters. Blastback can be quite deadly. Firing from inside a small room is to be discouraged. We at SAR have been told that there exists a video clip of an Iraqi insurgent firing an RPG-7 from a third floor window with the backblast hurling him forward out the window. If you have this clip, please forward it to us. It contains sage wisdom for all potential operators.

The operator and A-gunner will have worked together and developed their own method of communicating these sequences, but it is advisable for the A-gunner to be on the left of the operator and reach across to load. This may not always be practical, but it is part of many countries’ training doctrine. Using today’s quality range finders is very important, as accurate range distance should increase first round hit probability. Once the pair have stalked their target, found range and target speed, and set up the firing position, the following sequence of events should occur:

• A-gunner visually clears the tube, then prepares the rounds to be fired, attaching the expeller charges.
• Operator ensures the push through safety is to the right and the hammer is not cocked, then announces “Load”.
• A-gunner loads a round into the tube, ensuring the index is properly occurring and the elastic gasket is snugly in place holding the round in the tube, then visually examines the backblast area for friendlies, to ensure there is no danger to the rear, and to ensure that various and assorted Operator and A-gunner appendages are out of the blast area. He announces “Clear to fire”.
• Operator announces “Ready” and the A-gunner removes the fuze protector and arms the grenade (this may have been done before loading). A-gunner resumes watching backblast area for friendlies and gives warning to the operator if the situation changes.
• Operator cocks the hammer, takes careful aim, pushes the safety to the left, then, squeezing the trigger, he fires. The operator then analyzes shot effect and decides whether to reload and repeat, or to depart the area with all due haste.
• In the event of a misfire, the operator announces “Misfire,” then pushes the safety to the right and “On,” announces “Safe” and the A-gunner makes a fast visual inspection to see if the grenade was properly indexed or not. High probability in a misfire will be that the grenade was not properly seated. If that is the case, the A- gunner then immediately reseats the grenade and initiates checks. Operator fires again. If the grenade was in place, then the A-gunner should pull the grenade forward and visually inspect the primer for a hit. If no hit, try again. If there is a dented primer, then the grenade should be gingerly moved away from the area and left for EOD (on the range) or blown in place at the first opportunity if in the field.
• If there is another misfire, then the A-gunner removes the grenade and inspects the primer. If there is no hit on the primer, then there must be a full check done on the pistol group and firing pin. The A-gunner should re-install the fuze cover and safety pin, then remove the round and unscrew and store the expeller charges and grenades in their carry cases. Under no circumstances should the expeller charges be left attached to the grenades and carried around. The reasons for this should be clear from the discussion of how the rounds work.

Defending against the RPG

A couple of quick notes on defending yourself against RPG-7 attacks. Unfortunately, for most vehicles it is not practical to put up any fencing around the vehicle. Perhaps the best defense is high speed and evasive maneuvering. Don’t drive one constant speed or straight path. The other helpful hint goes to suppressive fire – keep their heads down. If you are hit, remember that a back up shot will probably be coming soon – within 8-12 seconds.

When an RPG-7 is fired towards your position, there are three basic signatures. The first and second are simultaneous: the flash and 30 meter blast area behind the operator’s position, and the flash to the front of the operator (minimal). The third is that approximately 11 meters in front of the operator, there will be a larger puff of smoke where the rocket motor kicks in. This is generally quite visible and a good basis for aiming return fire. If you are in the line of fire, just aim back into the area and suppress. If you are oblique to the line of fire (e.g. the RPG was firing at a vehicle in front of you) aim back 11 meters from the puff and put the hammer down on your guns.

During the Vietnam War, US forces began building portable fencing structures on their vehicles. This was chain link fence or very tight barbed wire. The goal was two fold. First, the fence could catch the round in mid-flight, holding it and keeping it away from the vehicle. If the round then detonates it will not penetrate the armor. Most RPG-7 rounds are designed as shaped charges, so they need to be approximately two inches from the surface of the target when they go off, or they are ineffective. Rounds that have a self-destruct fuze will explode 5 seconds after firing, even if trapped in defensive fencing. This is a danger to soldiers who are unprotected. While the AT rounds are not designed as anti-personnel, there can be enough fragmentation and blast to kill or cause other casualties to those near the explosion. The second reason for the fencing is due to the manner in which the traditional RPG-7 rounds operate. There is a double cone in the front of the stand-off area. The space between the two cones is intended as the path for the peizo electric fuze to ignite the main fuze on the shaped charge. It is quite effective, but if the round strikes the fencing and this cone area is distended and broken, the fuze can’t operate. Newer rounds have a bypass system in place so the best the defender can hope for is to hold the round in fencing, away from the skin of the vehicle, when it explodes. Damage to unprotected personnel can be expected. In the event that the nose fuze strikes a strand of the fence, the round will detonate away from the vehicle, nullifying the shaped charge effect.

Armorer’s Hints for the RPG-7 Series and the RPG-2

Disassembly of the RPG series at the operator level is confined to removal of the trigger group, the heat shields, scope, and performing inspection and maintenance on these items. There are a number of cleaning tools supplied including a large brush and swab. The interior of the tube is chromium lined but needs frequent cleaning during use due to the corrosive nature of the powder in the expeller charge, as well as how the expeller charge operates. The charge has paper, foam, and burning propellant that is supposedly expelled through the venturi and to the rear, but on occasion particles remain that can either block the next round from being properly inserted, or lead to corrosion. Once the tube is cleaned, a very, very, light coat of oil should be applied internally.

Firing Pin

The firing pin location and projection are key to the operation of these systems – and are very basic. There is a double headed pin with a barrel body, which is held in a well in the bottom side of the launcher. One pin is smaller and is the firing pin. The other larger diameter pin is for the hammer to strike. The firing pin hole in the body is aligned with where the primer on the grenade body should be. Any misalignment or change in the extension of the firing pin into the primer will affect the reliability of the firing sequence. The firing pin is held in position by two pieces: a cup that is replaceable and locates the pin in the well, and a threaded plug that holds it into the well. The plug has a hole in it that mirrors the firing pin hole, allowing the striking end of the firing pin to face the hammer. The central body of the firing pin has a spring coiled around it, which keeps the firing pin from entering the firing pin hole unless the hammer has struck it.

Disassembly of Trigger Group

Most shooters will recognize the internal parts design from numerous single shot hammer fired rifles and shotguns. The design is not unusual. The group is held in position by a fixed lug at the rear and a push through split takedown pin at the front. In the case of the B-40, the front is frequently held in by a screw. There are other variations and removal should be obvious by what method is used. There is a push-through trigger blocking safety, and the hammer is manually cocked. Once cocked, the safety is engaged; left to right from the operator’s view is “Safe” and pushing through from right to left is “Fire.” This can be accomplished using the inside of the index finger, which rests in that area when holding the grip. When the hammer is cocked, the sear engages it and holds it under spring tension from the hammer spring. Once the safety is off, and the trigger pulled, the hammer moves rapidly upward under tension, but it is the momentum of the hammer itself that causes it strike the firing pin. The hammer spring is mechanically kept from forcing the hammer all the way to the top of its cycle. There would be too much force in that case, thus the mechanical block. The cycle repeats.

Disassembly is in the following manner, with one exception. The early RPG-2 and B-40 type trigger groups may have the pin hole for the hammer spring removal in such a manner that the pivot and spring must be removed under pressure. Early armorers had a program to drill out a straight well so that once contained under pressure, the spring could be removed in that contained state and replaced on reassembly.

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Firearms importers and exporters were afforded the opportunity of raising their concerns with international regulation of the firearms industry during the recent United Nations arms conference held last summer.

The industry addressed U.N. delegates through remarks made by our Firearms Attorney, who represents the import/export community’s two main trade organizations – the National Firearms Act Trade & Collectors Association (NFATCA) and the F.A.I.R. Trade Group. The U.N.’s ‘Conference to Review Progress Made in the Implementation of the Programme of Action to Prevent, Combat, and Eradicate the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All Its Aspects’ has raised great concern on the part of industry as an attempt by the world body to institute global controls on its activities and those of its consumers.

“Our membership is concerned with the enactment of overly broad international regulatory programs that unnecessarily and adversely impact the legal trade in small arms and light weapons instead of focusing on reducing the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons,” our Firearms Attorney said. In addressing the ‘blanket approach’ taken by the U.N. to encompass all firearms in its regulatory scheme, our Firearms Attorney added that “the definitions currently utilized by the international community when referring to small arms and light weapons do not adequately distinguish between civilian and military firearms. Any policy that is considered should generally be aimed toward fully automatic military firearms.”

Noting that he himself is a registered broker, our Firearms Attorney urged that consideration of the world body of the definition of an “arms broker” not be as stringent as that in the U.S.

“The ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations), the regulatory regime in the U.S., was recently amended,” our Firearms Attorney noted, “to change the definition of brokering activities to include one or more predicate acts. By making it clear that simply one act, such as the financing of a defense article, constitutes brokering under U.S. law, and further, by these same regulations, stating that foreign persons ‘subject to U.S. jurisdiction’ are captured by brokering, you can see that a wide variety of people and conduct can be subject to regulation.”

Our Firearms Attorney argued that such a model is not necessary at the international level nor cost effective in attempting to curtail potential core problems in the small arms trade. He recommended that future U.N. work in this area be narrowly tailored to specific problem areas.

Multi-Jurisdictional Overlap

Our Firearms Attorney also addressed another potential problem area with U.N. regulation of brokering: multi-jurisdictional overlap.

Mentioning that current U.S. law extends U.S. jurisdiction very broadly in regard to brokering, our Firearms Attorney said, “If nations extend their jurisdictions in an overbroad manner, brokers will not be able to conduct transactions due to the sheer number of countries claiming jurisdiction over the broker’s conduct. A broker should only be subject to the jurisdiction of the nation of which he is a national or the nation in which he is truly conducting brokering business.”

Our Firearms Attorney also offered the industry’s view on the topic of establishing brokering norms. Before such norms can be established, he advised, there must be effective import and export regimes established in each nation involved in the shipment, transportation and receipt of firearms.

“Currently, too many nations have weak or non-existent import and export laws,” he said. “Addressing this issue before pursuing further brokering norms is key to the success of eliminating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons.”

“While some believe that brokers are the primary force behind the movement of firearms, in most cases they are merely the facilitators of sales transactions between two interested parties already governed by the laws of the sending and receiving states. Therefore, brokering norms should be focused on who is able to facilitate a transaction instead of how the firearms themselves are being moved. The movement of the firearms is typically handled by the underlying parties to the transaction and is associated with a particular state. Because of this, placing the burden on brokers through the use of brokering norms will not be effective if the underlying import and export controls of each individual state are the source of the regulatory concern.

“When the preliminary step of improving the import and export regimes in each nation is accomplished, then brokering norms may be considered,” our Firearms Attorney continued. He went on to call for “reasonable” brokering norms that do not interrupt or interfere with the legal trade. “This necessitates that the definition of a brokering transaction be narrowly tailored to ensure that a transaction is defined as an actual transaction rather than, for example, the mere discussion of a possible future transaction.”

The Group of Government Experts within the U.N. will hold a fall meeting on the subject of brokering. Our Firearms Attorney closed by asking that they first consider the issue of establishing effective import and export norms within individual states before recommending international brokering norms.

The subject of international regulation of marking and tracing of firearms was addressed in remarks prepared by Richard Patterson of the Sporting Arms & Ammunition Manufacturer’s Institute (SAAMI) as read by attorney Thomas Mason who is active in the World Forum on the Future of Sport Shooting Activities.

SAAMI views the idea of marking the bullet and/or the case with a serial number (as has been advanced at the U.N.) “flawed” as it would not be possible to “ensure every number on every cartridge matched every number on every box” using the industry’s current production programs. It was added ammunition makers could not afford the capital investment required to make the idea workable.

The idea of marking cartridge headstamps with lot numbers has also been advanced. However, it was noted that ammo makers can sell parts of a lot to as many as 500 customers, each of whom break down their shipment to smaller quantities and sell to their own customers. In the end, small boxes of ammunition, though all marked with the same lot number, can be in thousands of different hands, making the marking exercise worthless as a law enforcement tool.

The UN Small Arms Conference ended after nine days on July 7th in deadlock with no formal conclusions or recommendations. In the final analysis, the complexity of the issue and the concerns of firearms owners as well as those expressed by the U.S. government representative (against a world-wide gun regulatory regime as well as the holding of future conferences on the issues of regulation) prevailed. No recommendations on ammunition, civilian possession or future UN meetings, or for that matter any other subjects, were adopted. The failure of this five-year program to impact the legitimate firearms industry, and the 2nd Amendment rights of U.S. citizens was total according to an analysis by the National Rifle Association of America. However, anti-gun non-governmental organizations as well as some governments served notice they would not give up and would present all of their issues to the UN General Assembly this fall.

Micro-Stamping Bill Advances in California

In another note on serializing, at press-time, the California Senate had approved AB 352, which, if passed by the Assembly, will require all manufacturers selling firearms in the state to micro-stamp the arm’s make, model and serial number on the firing pin’s tip.

Manufacturers argue the technology, owned exclusively by Hitachi Digital Imaging, is expensive and would add approximately $150 to the cost of every firearm sold in the state. To make matters worse, the Senate added last-minute language allowing the state to mandate serialization of all ammunition (including shotgun shells) “at a future date.”

Independent research performed by George G. Krivosta of the Suffolk County Crime Laboratory, Hauppauge, New York in the Winter 2006 edition of the AFTE Journal published by the Association of Firearm and Toolmark Examiners demonstrates how easy it is to remove the micro-stamp from the tip of a firing pin, using a power drill and hand-held grinding stone. Krivosta completely removed identifying numbers without removing enough material to render firing pins incapable of firing a round.

“The layman,” Krivosta writes, “believes that two bullets fired from the same gun are identical, down to the last striation. However, the trained firearms examiner knows that is far from reality.”

“The layman might also take as gospel that if you could find a way to place a number onto the tip of a firing pin, then you could certainly read it in the impression. Not until this research was performed and many test fires examined from a firing pin that had a known recognizable pattern, did it become apparent how much change could take place, and why matching firing pin impressions can be so challenging. This research has shown that implementing this technology will be much more complicated than simply burning a serial number on a few parts and dropping them into firearms being manufactured,” Krivosta noted.

“After multiple firings, the information becomes increasingly harder to read on the cartridges. The technical term for what happens is “peening” – the gradual and inevitable smoothing of raised surfaces from continued impacts. It’s the same process that flattens the heads of hammers and chisels.”

Krivosta also notes several firearms variables which would make the microstamp partially or totally illegible: Headstamping on rimfire and centerfire casings can interfere with the impression’s transfer; the hardness of centerfire cases necessary to handle their high pressures make impressions on anything other than primers difficult. Krivosta’s research says the option of tagging other areas have the same problems due to the movement of shell casings during the firing process. Tagging other areas might help identify individual firearm components, but would do nothing to tie ammunition to firearms, effectively defeating the purpose of the process.

FATS, Inc. to be Acquired by Meggitt

Firearms Training Systems, Inc. (OTCBB: FATS) executed a definitive merger agreement with Meggitt-USA, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Meggitt PLC, on August 23, 2006.

In the merger, the holders of FATS’ Class A Common Stock will receive cash in the amount of $1.08 per share for each outstanding share owned immediately before the effective time of the merger. The merger is expected to be completed in the fourth quarter.

“A strategic merger with Meggitt significantly advances our continued strategy of expanding our worldwide customer base, leveraging our strategic partnerships, and otherwise growing beyond our historical roots as a small arms training company to lead the industry in virtual training solutions,” said Ronavan Mohling, President and Chief Executive Officer of FATS. “Combining Meggitt’s strong development and commercialization capabilities in the aerospace and defense industries with FATS’ cutting edge technology in the virtual training solutions market, creates an excellent opportunity to leverage the significant strengths of both companies.”

The Meggitt group designs and makes high performance components and systems for aerospace and defense with capabilities in sensors, engine condition monitoring, avionics, air data systems, fire-proof cabling, ignition, environmental and fluid control, brakes and wheels and anti-skid systems, aerial and ground targetry, countermeasures and ammunition-handling. The group’s specialist capability is also deployed in the medical, mainstream industrial, test-engineering and transportation markets. At the end of its 2005 fiscal year, Meggitt PLC reported revenues of approximately $1.16 billion. North America accounts for just over half of Meggitt PLC’s sales. Meggitt-USA is the U.S. subsidiary of Meggitt PLC.

Georgia CWPs Now Qualify as NICS Alternative

On July 1, 2006 Georgia’s Concealed Weapons Permit (CWP) again qualified as an alternative to a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check.

In 1998, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) sent an Open Letter to Georgia FFL-holders advising them that the Georgia CWP would qualify as an alternative to the background check required under the Brady Law. ATF’s recognition of these permits as a Brady alternative was based on the fact that Georgia met statutory and regulatory requirements for the exception permitted under the Brady Law.

In March 2004, ATF began a review of all states that had permits that qualified as NICS check alternatives to determine if they still qualified. In May 2005, ATF informed Georgia’s officials that the state no longer met the qualifications.

Georgia initially was not able to adequately address the deficiencies of the Georgia CWP in meeting the statutory and regulatory requirements for qualifying as a NICS alternative. Thus, on Oct. 17, 2005, ATF sent an Open Letter to Georgia FFLs stating that effective Oct. 19, 2005, the CWP no longer qualified as a NICS check alternative.

Georgia has since passed legislation, which took effect July 1, 2006, which addresses the CSP’s shortcomings in qualifying as a NICS alternative. Accordingly, the permit again qualifies.

Georgia retailers should note that if a firearms buyer presents a Georgia CWP, no NICS check is necessary. However, the required information about the permit must be recorded in question 23 of the ATF Form 4473, Firearms Transaction Record. For questions call ATF’s Operations Branch, Tel: (304) 616-4200.

KY Permits Qualify as NICS Alternative

Kentucky FFLs should note that effective July 12, 2006, state Carry Concealed Deadly Weapon Licenses (CCDWL) issued on or after July 12, 2006 qualify as an alternative to a National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) check.

In 1998, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) sent an Open Letter to all Kentucky FFLs stating Kentucky concealed weapons permits issued after Nov. 30, 1998, would not qualify as an alternative to the NICS check requirement. Kentucky recently passed a law, which took effect July 12, 2006, that changes the way CCDWLs are issued. The state asked ATF to review if the CCDWL now met the statutory and regulatory requirements for the NICS exception. ATF’s subsequent review found that based on the new law, any CCDWL issued on or after July 12, 2006, does meet the requirements.

As of July 12, 2006, when a firearms buyer presents the retailer with a Kentucky CCDWL issued on or after July 12, 2006, no NICS check is necessary. However, the required information about the license must be recorded in question 23 of the ATF Form 4473.

The author publishes two of the small arms industry’s most widely read trade newsletters. The International Firearms Trade covers the world firearms scene, and The New Firearms Business covers the domestic market. He also offers FFL-mailing lists to firms interested in direct marketing efforts to the industry. He may be reached at: FirearmsB@aol.com.

KNS Precision, Inc. introduces a spade grip attachment for the AR-15/M16 series of rifles. This grip is not molded plastic, but is fully CNC machined from a solid Delrin block. All steel parts on the new spade grip are parkerized. It comes with a complete CAR 6-position stock, buffer, buffer tube, recoil spring and plate. The grip is designed to be installed or removed in minutes and does not require any modifications to the host rifle. It will work on semi-auto or full auto rifles, drop-in auto sear or lightning link equipped AR-15s and, of course, M-16s. All parts are fully guaranteed. For more information or to place an order please contact KNS Precision, Inc., Dept. SAR, 112 Marschall Creek Road, Fredericksburg, TX 78624. Phone: (830) 997-0000. Fax: (830) 997-1443. They can be found on the web at www.knsprecisioninc.com.

DoubleStar Introduces AR-15 Patrol Rifle

The AR-15 has taken on a new identity in the form of a brand new Patrol Rifle introduced by DoubleStar Corp., a Kentucky-based manufacturer of AR-15 rifles and component parts. To meet the rugged requirements of the beat officer, this rifle is centered around a lightweight A-1 configuration 1 in 9 twist barrel, mounted on a forged flat top upper receiver. Although lightweight, this rifle is capable of MOA accuracy. A phantom flash hider, a useful tool for personnel control, is attached to the barrel. The Yankee Hill Machine four-rail hand guards allow unlimited versatility for attaching flashlights, vertical grips and other tactical components. Three low profile rail covers are standard. A GG&G flip up MAD rear sight, Hogue rubber pistol grip, and DSC six-position M-4 buttstock are also standard. Various upgrades are available, such as a chrome lined barrel, two-stage trigger, H buffer and bipod to name a few. DoubleStar Inc. is an 8-year-old firearms manufacturer specializing in tactical weapons for the law enforcement, military and shooting sports markets. For more information please contact them at DoubleStar, Dept. SAR, P.O. Box 430, Winchester, KY 40391. Phone: (859) 745-1757. Fax: (859) 745-4638. Their website is www.star15.com.

Knoxx Industries Introduces Axiom Stock

Knoxx Industries presents the Axiom V/S Stock for bolt-action rifles. This stock utilizes the acclaimed SpecOps recoil-reducing stock along with a CNC-machined billet all aluminum fore-stock for the absolute maximum in accuracy and stability. The Axiom V/S Stock is at home in the forest, on the competition bench or on the battlefield. Set the adjustable length-of-pull to the ideal setting in seconds and adjust as conditions change. Adding or removing a heavy coat will not be problem with the Axiom V/S nor will the addition of a tactical vest or body armor. The lightweight aluminum fore-stock is powder coated for all-weather use and features a highly tactile and aesthetic shape that is pleasing to the hand and the eye. Since each stock is machined to fit a specific action, additional bedding is not required. The Axiom V/S stock will draw out the full accuracy potential of your rifle without the punishing recoil found with most rifles. The Axiom V/S Stock will be available for most Remington, Winchester, Mauser, Ruger, Savage, Howa 1500 and Weatherby Vanguard rifles. The stock has a suggested retail price of $489.95. For more information contact them at Knoxx Industries LLC, Dept. SAR, 500 Linne Rd. Suite A, Paso Robles, CA 93446. Phone: (805) 227-4099. Fax: (805) 238-2069. Visit them on-line at www.knoxx.com.

New M2 Tripods and Kits

Now you can have that M2 tripod that you always wanted but didn’t what to have to shell out the big bucks for. A copy of the M2 tripod is now being built by a very talented individual by the name of Jeff Prater. These are not exact copies but they are very close and cost about 1/3 as much as original M2s are currently bringing. The tripods feature a head made of 12 gauge steel and legs that are made from 1 inch OD 120 wall steel pipe and square tubing. The legs are welded with 3/4 inch solid bar stock inside them for added strength. The pintle latch is made from 1/4 inch flat cold roll material and is spring loaded to hold the pintle in place. Each tripod has a steel pintle bushing welding inside. The feet of the tripod are formed from 12 gauge steel and the traversing rod is made from 3/4 inch round bar stock. The tripods can be ordered with or without a pintle and they can also be had complete ready to use or in kit form for the do-it-your-selfers. The tripods are sent out painted with a very heavy duty flat black industrial paint but can also be parkerized on special order. Retail price for the complete painted tripod is $250 without a pintle and $350 with a matching pintle. Call for kit prices. For more information please contact Iron Creations LLC, Jeff Prater, Dept. SAR, 1352 Shawhan Road, Morrow, OH 45152. Phone: (513) 535-4621. His website is www.ironcreationsllc.com.

B-Square Tactical Introduces Picatinny Rail Forearm

B-Square, the leader in a diverse offering of scope mounts, rings, and accessories is taking its new Tactical line designs to new latitudes with a carefully designed, easy to install, Picatinny Replacement Forearm for flat-top carbine AR-15 firearms. The most diverse addition to the all new B-Square Tactical products line, this Picatinny Replacement Forearm is not only the most secure, but also the easiest and quickest to install forearm on the market. Requiring no tools or gunsmithing, the unique design of this forearm allows the shooter to install it personally and provides a snug, careful fit providing the ultimate in accuracy for any attached accessory. Made from premium grade aircraft aluminum, this precisely-cut Picatinny slot design allows any accessories fitting a Weaver(r)-style or Picatinny rail a strong fit while still providing lightweight carry, even heat-dispersion and long life. Built tough for law enforcement and the military, the new Picatinny replacement forearm from B-Square Tactical and other B-Square Tactical products can be found anywhere law enforcement and military products are sold, or contact them at B-Square, Dept. SAR, 8909 Forum Way, Fort Worth, TX 76140. Phone: (817) 923-0964. Fax: (817) 926-7012. Their website is www.b-square.com.

“The one down there with the pistol grip, that was the one I carried in Vietnam; the early version. Andy Grandy of Frankford Arsenal designed that. He called me and I went up there and shot it. He put the loader extension on it so it held eight rounds. With that duckbill at roughly thirty meters you hadda two foot high, twelve foot wide pattern using Number Four buckshot.” Retired US Navy Chief Petty Officer James “Patches” Watson, Curator Emeritus, UDT-SEAL Museum

(Editor’s note: It’s one thing to visit a military museum, but another thing entirely to get one-on-one guided tours by the museum’s Curator Emeritus, as well as its Executive Director. In this report by Military Affairs Editor Robert Bruce, SAR is pleased to provide our readers with what might be considered the next best thing. Small Arms Review is known and apparently respected by influential members of the UDT-SEAL Museum’s board and staff. As a result, our customary request for special access – including a close look at important artifacts currently on display and others in the holding safes – was enthusiastically supported. Special thanks to Association President Willard Snyder, Executive Director Mike Howard, Curator Emeritus James Watson, and Curator Ruth McSween, for taking the extra time and trouble. – Robert G. Segel)

The Chief was standing in front of the museum’s Vietnam War diorama, reminiscing in his distinctively husky and New Jersey-accented voice about three combat tours there, pointing out and describing to this correspondent a particularly important one of the many interesting weapons on display.

While a casual observer might consider the crudely chopped scattergun with only passing curiosity, the bearlike, 69 year old retired SEAL calls it his “Sweetheart.” Watson spoke with great affection about how this beautiful example of deceptively simple form and decidedly lethal function came to be and how it performed in the ultimate arena of combat.

Such a moment is of inestimable value to those who appreciate the presentation of military history through actual artifacts with a direct link to men who carried them in war. This is “provenance” at its finest, a ten dollar word in the museum culture that simply translates to “origin.”

The story of this stubby shotgun first caught our imagination in reading the books Point Man and Walking Point, Watson’s gripping narratives recounting his experiences as a “plank owner” (original member) and combat veteran of SEAL Team Two, written in collaboration with frequent SAR contributor Kevin Dockery.

My duckbill-modified, pistol-grip Ithaca became my “Sweetheart” during my second and third tours in Vietnam. The lack of a stock never bothered me because I would normally carry a shotgun only when I expected to be in close quarters. Close up, I could point my shotgun from the waist and blow away any target I had in front of me out to twenty or thirty yards without any trouble. (Excerpted from the book Walking Point, Copyright 1997, Bill Fawcett & Assoc. Used by permission.)

Now, SAR was privileged to see, and later to handle and photograph, this very weapon in the presence of its near-legendary SEAL owner. Also, to make an audio tape recording that captured for future generations “Sweetheart’s” story and much more in Watson’s own words. This interview, we’re told, will join many other recordings in the museum’s archives, preserving oral history of US Navy special warriors from WWII to the present.

But that’s getting ahead of the main story, a tour of a uniquely fascinating modern military museum.

Birthplace of the Navy Frogmen

Anchored on the very beach where the largely unknown NCDUs – Naval Combat Demolition Units – of WWII began a heroic saga that continues even today, the small but superb UDT-SEAL Museum in Fort Pierce, Florida, opened in November 1985 with Watson at the helm. Now, after twenty plus years of improvements and additions – as well as repairs and restorations following numerous savage storms – visitors enjoy an extraordinary feast of hardware and history.

The museum itself, its original structure a visually striking, brilliant white cylinder with a spiral ramp to a rooftop observation deck, is surrounded by a large fenced compound protecting an exciting assortment of historic vehicles used in naval operations on land, sea, air, and beyond. A pedestal mounted Huey helicopter, icon of the Vietnam War, seems to have just taken off, straining for altitude above mini subs, riverine and oceangoing craft, dune buggies, and – seemingly out of place to those who don’t know why – a pair of space capsules.

The eye sweeps along its virtual flight path toward the nearby Atlantic Ocean, close enough to hear waves breaking and to catch the strong and evocative scent of seawater, carried inland on the steady Tradewinds.

It is from this dazzling white sand beach and clear blue waters that silent sentinels in concrete and rusting steel were recovered from the surf zone. More than a dozen original beach obstacles from WWII, used in demolition training to prepare for the epic invasion of France known as D-Day, now line up alongside the museum.

Wide pathways lead the visitor from one display to another, bordered with hundreds of emotionally powerful memorial bricks. Look closely and find the names of heroes of Naval Special Warfare like Roy Boehm, “The First SEAL.” Additional bricks display other names, and are available to all who support the museum’s mission.

We walked the verdant and well-kept grounds with current Executive Director Michael Howard, a friendly, energetic and wiry 50 year old retired Navy Captain with over 26 years of service including SEAL Team One and command of several Naval Special Warfare units. Howard appreciates this historic location but also notes the daunting environmental challenges that come with it including high temperatures, salt air with humidity, extreme winds, and frequent torrential rains.

Most recently, he said, “Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne hammered us and the whole place was almost destroyed. Boats actually got up and floated. All these are in different positions now than before the hurricanes.”

The Huey was particularly hard hit, he said, with the tail boom breaking off and other extensive structural damage. “New Piper Aircraft, up in Vero Beach, took on the repair project at no cost. They restored it and, with the help of Kauff’s Transportation and Recovery, we got it remounted on the pedestal.”

Pointing to the museum’s two Vietnam War era PBRs (Patrol Boat, Riverine) and a pair of current issue DPVs (Desert Patrol Vehicles), the Captain spoke of plans to improve on these already impressive displays. “One of the projects we’re working on is getting weapons on these boats and vehicles,” he said, hastily adding, “fake weapons.”

“We think that’s important to make the displays a little more dynamic, realistic looking, with more punch,” he said. “That’s what SEALs and boat guys and helicopters supporting them are all about – firepower.”

Since then, we’re told that highly realistic replica .50 caliber M2s have been bought and installed. Wisely, these are made with durable polymer resin that won’t corrode in the harsh salt air and, in this day and times, have the essential advantage of being completely inert.

A Proud Beginning

The Executive Director’s tour moved inside where walls of the main hallway are covered with impressive plaques listing units and personnel from the first NCDU in 1943 to the Plank Owners of SEAL Teams One and Two. These frame the entranceway to the World War Two gallery, heralded by an imposing wall-sized photo enlargement showing men of NCDU 200 during training at Fort Pierce in 1944.

Stepping a few feet inside, Howard paused in an area flanked by illuminated display cases containing individual mannequins representing the rapid evolution in WWII from NCDUs and Scouts and Raiders to UDTs (Underwater Demolition Teams). Each is authentically uniformed, equipped and armed, he said, often with items donated to the museum by actual veterans of the period or their families.

The Hagensen (sic) Demolition Pack is common to all, a generic name given to variations based on a clever field expedient explosive charge with two pounds of pre-rigged C2 packed in a canvas haversack for land or underwater use. The original is credited in official Navy D-Day documentation to Lieutenant (j.g.) C. P. Hagenson (note “son” with an “o”).

Also notable in this section is a tribute to Lieutenant Commander Draper Kauffman, “The Father of Naval Combat Demolition,” who set up NCDU training at Fort Pierce in June of 1943.

Moving around the gallery, Howard acknowledged SAR’s obvious bias by pointing out numerous examples of American and enemy weaponry. All of the standard Navy and Marine Corps small arms have honored places, from the M1911 .45 auto pistol through ’03 and M1 rifles, the M1 carbine, Thompson submachine gun, as well as John Browning’s famous BAR and his unstoppable M1917A1 machine gun.

As counterpoint to standard US firearms, we were pleased to find nice examples of German P38 and Luger pistols, as well as an MG34 machine gun, prominent in the D-Day case.

Japanese weaponry is similarly in evidence, including a representative Nambu pistol and Arisaka rifle. Most impressive to many visitors is the large, radiator-finned Type 92 heavy machine gun, dramatically posed beneath a Japanese battle flag. UDT 24 autographed this flag while occupying Japan, post surrender.

Also prominently displayed is a Samurai sword, formally surrendered by General Tomoyuki Yamashita after losing the battle for the Philippine Islands in 1945. While it was believed for many years that this was the general’s own priceless family heirloom sword, recent expert examination showed otherwise. Howard speculates that, anticipating the inevitable, the canny general sent his home, appropriating one from a junior officer to hand over to the Americans. Both the original surrender document and Samurai sword were presented to the Museum by Draper Kauffman’s family.

North Gallery

Moving ahead in time from victory in WWII and the Occupation of Japan, SAR’s VIP tour continued in the North Gallery with Chief Watson taking over duties at the Korean Conflict wall, fronted by a tripod-mounted .50 caliber Browning M2HB machine gun. This awesome example of John M. Browning’s genius was fielded in the 1930’s, then served with distinction in WWII, Korea and Vietnam. Remarkably, it is still going strong today on Naval Special Warfare Combatant Craft.

The large and menacing machine gun is intentionally set on a boxlike riser at knee height. This, the Chief says, encourages visitors to reach out and touch the gun, a significant departure from the rules at most museums and a particularly memorable experience for many in the school groups and others that regularly visit.

Watson told us that Korea was where UDTs started doing many of the things that would later become SEAL missions, “Going behind enemy lines and attacking fuel depots, bridges and railroad yards.”

The North Gallery’s tightly packed displays of photos, equipment and weapons from Korea to the present Global War on Terror are strongly enhanced by a video presentation on Basic Underwater Demolition School. BUDS is the hellish entry ordeal that all aspiring SEALs must successfully complete. Repeating automatically at regular intervals on a wall-mounted monitor, its sounds of pounding surf, straining men, screaming instructors, throaty cadence chants, gunfire, and explosions fill the gallery, bringing to life the harsh world in which these silent artifacts have served.

The evolution of diving gear for waterborne combat operations is well represented and the museum is particularly proud to have a fine example of the Lambertson Amphibious Rebreather. A “closed-circuit rig” that doesn’t release telltale bubbles, it was introduced in the latter part of WWII for OSS Maritime Units and UDTs.

Walls of Weapons

Noting our quick glances over his shoulder during the introduction to Aqua Lungs and such, the Chief – who definitely shares SAR’s intense appreciation for weapons of all kinds – quickly moved on to the primary focus of our visit. Guns are what we want, and the museum has got plenty of ‘em.

Several large Plexiglas-faced displays are filled with 20th Century military firearms, enticing the visitor to move up close for an intimate encounter. The tall, shallow cases allow examination literally inches from exotic and unusual pistols, submachine guns, rifles, grenade launchers, and more. Read serial numbers, see selector markings, note mechanical details, almost smell the gun oil….

Standing in front of the first case, containing a variety of allied and enemy weapons from the Vietnam War era, Watson recalled his time in preparation for SEAL Team Two’s deployments when, at the prophetic insistence of Team Chief Bob “The Eagle” Gallagher, “We trained with these because you never know if you’re gonna hafta pick one up and use it because you ran outta ammo or something happened to yours.”

The two weapons at the top were ChiCom copies of the RPG-2 (NVA B-40) launcher and generic AK-47 with underfolding spike bayonet. Four submachine guns lined up underneath; an M45b “Swedish K”, French MAT-49, and a Russian PPSh-41, nicely paired with the North Vietnamese K-50M that’s made from it by chopping the barrel and cooling shroud then replacing the fixed wooden stock with a telescoping wire version.

The Chief doesn’t hold the K-50 in high regard, citing at least one he fired with an apparent sear problem. “Hang on ‘cause it wasn’t gonna stop ‘till it was empty,” he said. “Definitely a piece of junk.”

But a big smile appeared when we stepped in front of the next case and he pointed out several of the US weapons his team and others used in ‘Nam. In addition to an early version M72 LAW (Light Antitank Weapon), there were three grenade launchers on display that he heartily approved of. A 40mm M79 “Thumper” often accompanied the Chief as a STAB (SEAL Team Assault Boat) coxswain on riverine missions, and his team got some of the first underbarrel-mounted CGL-4/XM148 launchers off Colt’s assembly lines.

The last of the trio is the exceedingly rare “China Lake Pump,” serial number 4 of a total run said to be only sixteen guns. This is an imposing cross between an M79 and a pump shotgun that allowed the grenadier four quick rounds when things got really hairy.

Of course the Chief has a story to go with the weapon. “When I went back to Vietnam in 1996, serial number 13 was hangin’ on the wall in their war museum,” then added with a knowing look, “I tried to find out who lost that but was unsuccessful.”

The enthusiasm level kept rising as we moved to behold yet another weapons case, this one filled with belt-fed machine guns. The topmost weapon is an HK 23, a sturdy but heavy West German-made 5.56mm that the Chief notes was combat tested by a Team Two buddy, the late John “Fly” Fallon.

But, he says, it didn’t stack up to Gene Stoner’s lighter, compact and modular guns. “Stoner designed a system – a rifle and machine gun combination,” he said, putting emphasis on the word system.

“When I went into Cambodia … I’d take the stock off it and use the short barrel. You wanted to make everything as light and small as you could.” The system aspect of Stoner’s guns is well presented in the three variants on display, showing how a basic receiver group can be reconfigured with various barrels and feed mechanisms. A 63A assault carbine version with folding wire stock and 30-round magazine is sandwiched between two belt-feds. Above is a Mark 23 Mod 0 with a generous 150-round drum and below is a 63A1 with a 100-round box.

(SAR notes that at least one of the Stoners and a good number of the other weapons on display are on long-term loan from the Naval Historical Society’s fabulous holdings. See Robert Bruce’s NHS feature in Volume 7 Number 1.)

Silencers vs. Suppressors

A bit incongruously sharing this machine gun case is an M16A1 with one mounted suppressor and another below, teamed with its cutaway version to reveal the engineering secrets inside. These prompted a quick lesson from the Chief, enlightening those handicapped by Hollywood-generated ignorance. “There’s no such thing as a silencer,” he declared, “every weapon makes some noise in functioning – even a bow and arrow.”

Pointing to the Mark II suppressor and its cutaway on display, he added, “When you use this one without subsonic ammo you’d hear the crack of the bullet when it broke the sound barrier. But it creates deception in locating the direction somebody’s shooting from. If we’re standing here and (points left) a guy’s out there shooting with a suppressed M16, you’d think he was over there (points right) ‘cause what you’d mostly hear is the bullet breaking the sound barrier.”

Shotguns, Shorties and Starlight

Then, turning to his left, Watson paused in front of the Vietnam diorama, figuratively traveling back in time nearly forty years to a nighttime raid on a bamboo hut on the other side of the world. Dramatic life sized figures of three men with green camo face paint and exotic armament are checking out a Viet Cong guerrilla weapons cache, a variety of weapons of communist bloc and other origin.

“The SEALs here just discovered it,” the Chief says, “the guy on the left is carrying a standard Model 37 (Ithaca shotgun) with a ‘duckbill’ – the later version with the ring around it.”

And there, sitting on a wooden ammo crate in front of the SEAL, was Watson’s own “Sweetheart,” described at the beginning of this feature. But he isn’t pleased that this makes it look like his gun had been captured. “That didn’t happen,” he declared, “we’re gonna get some stuff moved around.”

The SEAL on the right carries another interesting combo, a chopped M16 dwarfed by a big, strange apparatus attached to its topside carrying handle. The Chief shakes his head as he recalls his own brief experience with this ungainly rig.

“Here’s one of the first ‘Starlight Scopes,’ but it was too heavy and cumbersome,” he said. “I used it once mounted on a CAR Fifteen (submachine gun version of the Colt AR-15 rifle)…. Too heavy and when you put it up to your eye to use it there’s a green glow. Take it away and you’re blind; night vision’s gone in that eye for thirty minutes.”

Post-Vietnam to GWOT

The North Gallery continues with exhibits showing activities and operations since Vietnam, overseen by an eerie life-sized hologram with the spectral three dimensional presence of a SEAL armed with an MP5 submachine gun. He tirelessly guards displays showing Naval Special Warfare units in action in Grenada, Panama, Persian Gulf, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Noteworthy among the photos and artifacts is another tall case packed with examples of Navy edged weapons from the Mark I KA-Bar of WWII thru the new Gerber Silver Trident, the Chief’s own design in collaboration with Bill Harsey, Jr.

Across the way, visitors can walk right up and touch a battle-damaged 12.7mm ChiCom Type 54 heavy machine gun, a clone of the Soviet DShKM, captured by SEAL Team Two’s Fourth Platoon during a still-politically sensitive operation in the Persian Gulf in the late 1980s. Roughly equivalent to Browning’s M2HB, the exotically configured and impressively large weapon should spark recognition of how lethal is the arsenal of our current enemies.

Operation Desert Storm, the 1st Gulf War, is the final major exhibit, shown in display cases full of captured Iraqi gear dominated by a mannequin in “chocolate chip camo” uniform, representing a SEAL operating far behind enemy lines. Then, the last bit of wall space available in the museum holds a meaningful tribute to the eleven SEALs killed on a combat rescue mission in Afghanistan on 28 June 2005.

Safekeeping

Few museums have everything in the collection on display and this one has packed a small storage room literally from floor to ceiling with rare, unusual and truly exotic artifacts. Stepping up close we encountered vintage tactical radios, diving gear, uniforms, and other interesting items from decades of NSW operations. How about an example of the distinctive XM257 shotgun ammo that goes with the “Duckbills” on display? Got it. “Bazooka” rockets used against beach bunkers? Yep.

Also, three large safes line one wall of the room, jammed with weapons and other high-value artifacts. Their massive doors swing open to reveal an eclectic mix ranging from Great War vintage machine guns to GWOT RPGs. Chief Watson pulled a few out for us to handle (wearing the necessary white cotton gloves, of course) and graciously gave us the opportunity to shoot detailed photos. In addition to a 1917-made Lewis Gun that served in WWII protecting UDT craft, there’s Robert Marshall’s M1 Carbine (UDT 3 and 5) and a ‘Nam era S&W Model 39 auto pistol with suppressor.

But our props really started turning when the Chief set a trio of crude handguns down on the white background paper of our makeshift studio. “These are homemade VC pistols,” he said, “captured by Team Two’s ‘Fly’ Fallon and his PRU (Provisional Reconnaissance Unit) on a Phoenix operation.”

There, right in front of us, were jungle workshop weapons; surprisingly well made by resourceful guerrillas, captured by a real SEAL on a CIA-directed mission, brought back home by him, then personally donated to the museum. This is powerful provenance and future visitors can look forward to the time when space is available to put them and their story on display.

Artifacts Sought

Curator Ruth McSween has recently come on board. With a Masters Degree in Museum Studies, she brings a high degree of professionalism to the demanding tasks of cataloging, preservation, presentation, and much more.

McSween encourages the continued contribution of letters, photographs, uniforms, oral and written histories, weapons, and other memorabilia, relating to the history of Naval Special Warfare of all eras. Like most museums, they have a need for certain historical items to fill important gaps in the collection: OSS Maritime Units, the history and evolution of Special Warfare Combatant Craft, and photographs of UDT platoons executing hydrographic reconnaissance survey work.

Additionally, she says, “We would like to increase the number of artifacts that date to more recent operations including both wars in Iraq as well as the war in Afghanistan.”

Bigger and Better

Available space for major exhibits ends after the first Gulf War. So museum leaders are aggressively pursuing funding for expansion to showcase recent and ongoing NSW operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and other battlegrounds of the Global War on Terror.

Howard explained that there are existing architectural plans for a dramatic new addition but day to day operational costs have to take priority. “Right now we’re only making ends meet,” he said.

Association President Willard Snyder, interestingly a retired Army Colonel (Infantry) with service in 12th Special Forces Group (USAR), told us the Board of Directors is working to “get one focus and move ahead financially.” Both Snyder and Howard see corporate donors – such as major defense contractors – as natural sources of funding and other support.

Howard, Snyder and the Chief all emphasize the essential contributions of rank and file members whose dues, volunteer work, donations of artifacts, personal and professional networking connections, are the museum’s firmest foundation. Increasing membership – open to all who wish to support preservation and presentation of the history of Naval Special Warfare – is a top priority.

Find Out More

Membership details and a printable application form may be found on the Museum’s excellent website at www.navysealmuseum.com. Additionally, the site offers a stunning “virtual museum” tour as well as a wealth of information on history, heritage, and links for those interested in SEALs and other current Naval Special Warfare units. Go on-line shopping at The Ship’s Store for an interesting assortment of UDT and SEAL memorabilia including shirts, caps, pens, mugs, patches, stickers, videos, and plenty of books such as Chief Watson’s Point Man.

See For Yourself

No trip to Florida by a modern military history buff or small arms enthusiast would be complete without a side visit to tropical Fort Pierce and its UDT-SEAL Museum on beautiful North Hutchinson Island. Most anytime is fine, but particularly during Muster, the yearly gathering of past and present SEALs and other NSW members. The 21st Annual Muster, featuring spectacular combat demonstrations and other exciting activities, is scheduled for November 10 through 12, 2006. There’s detailed info on the museum website.

UDT-SEAL Museum
3300 North Highway A1A
Fort Pierce, FL 34949-8520
Telephone (772) 595-5845
www.navysealmuseum.com
Other Useful Websites
www.nswfoundation.org
www.navysealteams.com
www.navyseals.com
www.seal.navy.mil
www.realseal.org

By John Brown

In the several visits that the NFATCA board has made to Martinsburg, we have always been amazed at the technology and the energy it takes to keep up with the firearms trade in our great land. We read and hear a lot of self pronounced experts criticize the BATFE, their efforts, and the regulations. Most don’t have the courage to let the rest of us know exactly who they are; therefore you can never really get the help you think they might be able to offer. Out of this frustration, the NFATCA was born nearly two years ago. The NFATCA has grown to represent an organization run by the NFA community for the NFA community.

As most of you know from reading the past articles we have published, the NFATCA has been working collaboratively with the Bureau for almost two years. For the first time in history we have jointly developed the NFA Owners Manual for all members of our community. This effort is completed and has been done so in total excellence. Both the BATFE and the NFATCA have worked diligently to represent the NFA community as a whole, on rulings, explanations and understanding the law. We have accomplished many things with the combined energies.

It is unfortunate that we are unable to convince more of the NFA community to dig in and help out. What we do costs a lot of money. Some of the community complains that the dues are too expensive, yet they don’t hesitate to write a check for a $10,000 NFA weapon. I heard someone say, “The difference is my gun is an investment.” I did have the opportunity to smile at this gentleman and ask him, “And who is watching out to make certain that your investment is protected?” The look on his face would have stopped a truck.

That’s why the NFATCA is a group of individuals and corporations, just like you, interested in finding and defining the best way to protect our futures with NFA ownership. This is exactly what we do. We don’t fight battles on an individual basis, although we have been asked to do so. We work collectively for the entire community.

The standard question is, “What have you done for me lately?” The answer is a simple one, but will get very complex as the future presents itself.

With a new BATFE Director and a host of issues, we will need all the help we can muster including a robust membership and funding that continues to strengthen our organization’s efforts. In late 2006 we will be working many issues that are critical for many of you in the NFA community. We are being faced with technology questions, and the side effects of our work being recognized by ATF. They value our opinion and we are being asked on a more frequent basis to offer opinions on a variety of issues, again, critical to all NFA owners.

Today we are being asked, by BATFE, some very pointed questions on the use of sears in conversions and opinions on how the NFATCA feels about many technical issues concerning machine guns and manufacturing issues. We are participating in discussions on the use of various uppers and the effects on regulations. We are being invited into halls we have never been asked to visit until this time. For the first time, our opinion is valued, listened to, and used in the design of the NFA community’s future. We have realized a major objective in our goals: designing a more collaborative effort with the ATF. Mission accomplished!

The NFATCA today, with a membership of over 100 members, including major manufacturers, is the only organization that stands unified in representing the entire NFA community.

In the future we will be involved with counsel, ATF, and our membership to resolve a host of issues that we will detail in these articles. We will need the top 10% of our membership to handle these issues, offer opinions, and work jointly with ATF in forming policy for the future. At every turn I still see many NFA owners lethargic in their approach to offering any financial or other expertise to work NFA issues.

Even with only 100 members we will forge onward and work to the best of our efforts to stay strong, unified, and powerful in our energies to represent the best interests of the NFA community.

If you care at all, and want fair representation, join the NFATCA today and help this organization bring the strength necessary for the best representation in Washington, D.C. Our success will be a success for the entire community. Join today!

WWW.NFATCA.ORG

“Today’s war is against a global web of terrorist extremist networks and their state and non-state sponsors. This asymmetric challenge to the United States has sparked new interest in irregular warfare, which lies ill-defined at the nexus of insurgency, counterinsurgency, special operations, clandestine human intelligence collection, paramilitary operations, and strategic communication. In this form of warfare, the Department of Defense cannot and does not fight alone, but rather in partnership with other government agencies and nongovernmental organizations – including commercial enterprises – in a global battlespace that extends far beyond the traditional combat zones in Afghanistan and Iraq.” Thomas E. “Tim” Davidson, Colonel, USAF (Ret), Chairman NDIA SO/LIC Division

Long time readers know that Small Arms Review is committed to presenting not only the latest in military weaponry but also information on related developments that maximize combat effectiveness. This is why, year after year, we make the arduous trek inside the beltway of our Nation’s Capitol to cover the thoughtful presentations and diverse exhibits hosted by the Special Operations/Low Intensity Conflict (SO/LIC) Division of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA).

The theme of the 17th annual gathering, “An Interagency View of the Global War on Terrorism,” was supported by a distinguished lineup of top level speakers from the US and allied nations representing government, military and industry. The site was well chosen in Crystal City, just minutes by car from the Pentagon, Capitol Hill, Embassy Row, and the notorious K Street coven of lobbyists. Thus, the posh Hyatt Regency’s efficient and capacious exposition center enjoyed attendance and participation by a remarkable number of real stars, supporting players, and essential backstage technicians in the deadly drama that plays out daily in GWOT, the Global War on Terror.

Two of the most prominent were Thomas W. O’Connell, Assistant Secretary of Defense for SO/LIC, and General Bryan D. Brown, top man at US Special Operations Command.

O’Connell, in his sobering and thoughtful presentation “A War Unlike Any Other,” put GWOT into perspective by citing the many interlocking elements that must be factored. While conducting two simultaneous counterinsurgency campaigns halfway around the world, he noted that the US and our Allies must contend with hostile media, limited funding, political infighting, vulnerabilities in oil supplies, and the myriad opportunities for terrorists to acquire and use WMDs (Weapons of Mass Destruction).

During a riveting address headlined “No Borders, No Boundaries,” General Brown surprised many among the capacity crowd in the hotel’s enormous auditorium by publicly acknowledging a major shift at USSOCOM from Direct Action (traditional smash and grab operations) to Unconventional Warfare. UW is an umbrella term covering broad spectrum military and paramilitary operations in partnership with local or surrogate forces.

Fueled by a reported $9 billion budget increase over the next five years and strong endorsement in the newest Quadrennial Defense Review, Brown’s 52,000 person command is slated to grow by 13,000. Lobbyists and other industry reps leaned forward intently to note items on his wish list including dramatic modernization of aging aviation assets like C-130s and CH-47s, old warhorses that need to be put out pasture. He welcomed the exciting new CV-22 Osprey tilt-rotors but wryly noted that full delivery on present contracts won’t be complete for another ten years.

Anti-Terror Technology

Big picture and big policy presentations provide the framework for all those bits and pieces that are needed to actually get things done. Generals give the orders, it is said, but soldiers have to carry them out. Fortunately, soldiers – in this case special operations professionals – of the world’s most technologically advanced nation can look forward to some remarkable developments entering the supply pipeline or under development for the near future.

This year’s techno-guru was Ms. Sue Peyton, Deputy Under Secretary of Defense, Advanced Systems and Concepts, who outlined efforts underway to put the best new COTS (commercial off the shelf) gear into the hands of SOFs. This includes the FCT (Foreign Comparative Testing) Program and among several examples she cited we found the HK-Benelli M1014 Joint Service Combat Shotgun most compelling. Marines took the lead in fielding this semiautomatic shotgun and it quickly found favor in USSOCOM, particularly with Army Rangers and the new Marine Corps Special Operations Command.

But the spookiest hardware is stealthily moving along under the ACTD (Advanced Concept Technology Demonstrations) banner, “Bridging the gap between scientist and warfighter.” Some interesting items from the long list of initiatives that Peyton described:

• The Biometrics tool using retina scanning to instantly identify known insurgents.
• Expendable and Micro UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) that are manportable, easily launched and maneuvered, providing real-time situational awareness.
• Global Reach PSYOPS (Psychological Operations) to expand the range of current activities.
• Directed energy platforms, now including an amazing rifle-like manportable system. Also, work is ongoing toward the goal of replacing traditional gun systems on the AC-130 “Spooky” gunships with laser weaponry.
• Thermobaric munitions for a wider variety of weapons – down to 40mm grenade launchers – giving warfighters dramatically increased lethality.

Readers are urged to access briefing slides from many of the symposium’s presentations at www.dtic.mil/ndia/2006solic/2006solic.html. Of particular interest should be a video clip on a hot link right below the title to Ms. Peyton’s “Advanced Systems and Concepts for the Global War on Terrorism.” Watch how the new AT4CS (Confined Space) literally “lights up” a hideout for some now-ex Iraqi insurgents.

Exhibits

Running concurrently with high-level presentations in the auditorium, exhibits showcasing the latest developments by industry and government in support of USSOCOM’s worldwide missions were shoehorned in somewhat smaller space this year at the event’s new location.

SOPMOD Central The highest priority on SAR’s to-do list at SO/LIC is always a visit to the exhibit booth of the Crane Division of Naval Surface Warfare Center. These are the fine folks who make sure all of Uncle Sam’s most elite warriors – Navy SEALs and Special Warfare Combatant Craft units, Army Rangers and Green Berets, Air Force and Marine Corps Special Operations – are armed with the best weaponry available for high-stakes missions under the worst conditions encountered worldwide.

There, we were fortunate to find the affable and thoroughly knowledgeable Mike Jones, an acquaintance of several years by virtue of his senior position in Crane’s Research, Development and Acquisition office for the SOPMOD (Special Operations Peculiar Modification) Program. Drawn by the rack of exotic long guns at Jones’ elbow, we pulled alongside as he talked with a lean young officer in a dress uniform that was most notably adorned with a gold Trident.

Both men acknowledged our presence with a friendly nod while warily noting the conspicuous PRESS badge. SAR could listen in, it was tacitly understood, but such conversation that followed would be carefully phrased. It was later emphasized by Jones and others at the Crane booth that everything said was strictly off the record and the courtesy of an official review of this portion of SAR’s report was requested. Oh, and absolutely no pictures at the booth.

We are pleased to write that little of substance was subsequently deleted by USSOCOM from what follows. But less so to note that a formal request for photos common to several “Cleared for Public Release” SOPMOD and SCAR Program briefings, widely disseminated on publicly accessible websites, was not supported. It needs to be said in fairness to the very practical folks at Crane that this puzzling decision was apparently made at levels substantially above theirs.

Accordingly, graphics that accompany this portion of the narrative have been supplied by industry sources as well as some official military imagery that has been separately cleared for press release. Anyone who might be tempted to accuse SAR of aiding our nation’s many enemies by publishing these photos is likely far less computer-savvy than your average American teenager or al Qaida operative ….

Returning back to the conversation between the SEAL lieutenant and Jones, who was explaining how some urgent requests from operators were being addressed by the Crane team. The rack of rifles served as a hardware show ‘n tell for current solutions as well as some competition-sensitive items under evaluation for near-future fielding under the MDNS (Miniature Day/Night Sight) program.

Occupying top position on the rifle display at the Crane booth was a flat-top M4A1 Carbine with much of the standard SOPMOD items like Knight’s suppressor, rail accessory system and flip-up rear sight, a SureFire white light, Tango Down foregrip, and Lewis sliding stock. But two other accessories on the weapon were getting closer attention, the Insight Technology LA-5/PEQ ATPIAL (Advanced Targeting Pointer Illuminating Aiming Laser) and EOTech SU-231/PEQ Reflex Sight.

Smaller and lighter than current models, the ATPIAL boasts enhanced performance with combined visible and IR pointers and illuminators, as well as half MOA adjustments.

The SU-231, ruggedized and improved over EOTech’s very successful 500 series holographic day sights, is night vision compatible with an increased optical field of view and powered by standard GI issue DL 123 batteries.

Just below the Carbine was a flat-top M16 with a heavy, rifle-length barrel, free-floated inside a quad rail accessory system. Known in Navy circles as the MK12 Special Purpose Rifle, it is usually topped with a Leupold day scope but this one was carrying an unusual piggyback day sight combo.

It seems that operators like reflex type sights a lot for CQB (close quarter battle) but don’t want to sacrifice the target identification and precision engagement capabilities of the tough and bright Trijicon ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight). So, Crane is evaluating the SU-237, an eminently practical solution consisting of a tiny Docter red dot reflex that is hard mounted atop the 4 power ACOG.

Jones showed another contender along the same lines, an ELCAN Specter DR that also mounts a Docter topside. Designated the SU-230, this clever day scope is uniquely switchable from 1 to 4 power with the throw of a lever, going from wide field red-dot aiming in CQB to precision shooting out to 600 meters. This also works particularly well in both magnifications when used in-line with night vision devices.

By the way, ELCAN’s website allows us to test drive this remarkable switch-sight on a virtual target detection range found at http://elcan.phpinternet.com/specter_DR.

Another notable item on hand was Insight Technology’s SU-234 PAS Thermal Sight, a strong presence in Crane’s CNVD (Clip-On Night Vision Device) program. With 1 to 2 power zoom and VGA or RS 170 output, it takes uncooled thermal imaging to new standards of miniaturization and reduced weight without sacrificing target identification and engagement capabilities.

Conspicuously absent at the Crane booth was any manifestation of the high-speed new SCAR (Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle) Light, Heavy and Enhanced Grenade Launcher Module family of weapons that is rapidly clearing all hurdles on the way to production and fielding. Jones prudently declined to offer any explanation and, knowing FNH USA would show the entire line in a few months at NDIA Small Arms, SAR decided not to send the question up the chain of command.

A Few Good Guns

Kudos to Beretta Law Enforcement and Defense Group as the lone gun manufacturer with an exhibit booth; particularly interesting given the character of the event and its attendees who run the full spectrum from operators to general officers. There, Pat Gallagher and Jay Connors took full advantage of their place in the spotlight to show off several weapons including the impressive PX4 Storm carbine and pistol. They told us that the handgun component, a thoroughly modern polymer frame design that is currently available in classic 9mm and newer .40 S&W, is undergoing conversion to .45 ACP in anticipation of USSOCOM’s Joint Combat Pistol trials. www.BerettaLE.com.

We usually walk right past any display that doesn’t have an actual weapon prominently on display but the opportunity to talk with EWA’s Jason Pizzillo at the UCT Defense booth proved the exception. SAR had noted reports that their proprietary ULTRACHEM Nickel Boron coating process has been applied to a variety of small arms that have undergone exhaustive testing and field evaluations for USSOCOM and other Defense Department entities.

Published results show ULTRACHEM has successfully demonstrated superior performance in lubrication-free operation as well as dramatic extension in barrel life. Pizzillo says it’s already making a difference in the real world of special operators, understandably intolerant of the limitations of conventional lubrication and well known for pushing their firearms beyond design limits. www.uctdefense.com.

The veteran M72 LAW (Light Antitank Weapon) has been overshadowed in recent times by the AT-4, but complaints from the field about the newer weapon’s size, weight and firing signature vs. warhead performance have turned the tables. Larry Sanks of Talley Defense Systems was proudly showing the new FFE (Fire From Enclosure) LAW that Uncle Sam is buying for a variety of urban combat applications. Its novel Confined Space Propulsion System, initiated in 2003 for the Crane folks, boasts firing noise below 150 dB with no smoke or flash. www.talleyds.com.

Ring Airfoil Projectiles, irreverently called ballistic Frisbees by some, have been around for quite awhile but as not much more than novelties. Now, this concept is being developed by Aegis Industries in collaboration with the National Nuclear Security Administration as a way to send “less lethal” payloads to greater range with better accuracy. John Hicks, Defense Systems Program Office Manager at Department of Energy’s Kansas City Plant, says these capabilities may prove valuable in certain situations where a perceived threat needs to be stopped at a safe distance without having to resort to deadly force. www.aegispds.com.

Gear Up and Go

The biggest displays of real gear for real operators were put on once again by rivals Diamondback Tactical and Tactical & Survival Specialties, both jam-packed with everything from boots to brain buckets.

Plenty of examples from the no-nonsense products found in Diamondback’s impressive 350 page catalog were on display but we went right to a bullet-scarred “chicken plate” and picked it up for a closer look. David Ledbetter came over to explain that the surprisingly thin (5mm) DBT Ultra Concealable Level 3+ Stand Alone Ballistic Rifle Plate defeated two hits from 5.56mm green tip then two 7.62 x 39mm mild steel core AK rounds. Seems a good choice where light weight (4.5 pounds) and thin profile are priorities. www.diamondbacktactical.com.

TSSI (Tactical & Survival Specialties Inc.), teamed with SPSA (Special Projects Special Applications), offers both a staggering array of combat components as well as expertise in working with the government’s various procurement bureaucracies. Tom Little showed us uniformed mannequins sporting a wide variety of accessories for operators and their weaponry, explaining that this unique partnership of companies gets gear from the shelf to the field in record time. www.tacsurv.com and www.spsa.biz.

Wide Ranging Discussions

Training special operators takes a lot of expense and range time so several firms were on site to show how their products and services can maximize the investment. Range Systems builds sophisticated custom shoothouses for USSOCOM and other demanding users and offers a full line of targets and accessories. Additionally, their OUTPOST Mobile Shooting Range was a standout, rolling right up to your specified location all ready to go inside a 53 foot tractor-trailer rig. www.range-systems.com.

Leslie Duke of Ballistics Research Inc. showed us what looked like a giant black LEGO block that can be configured in any number of ways for force protection against projectiles or energetic fragments. The 3-Dimensional Interlocking Protection System is made from an advanced plastic-like compound with the astonishing ability to actually gain density, becoming stronger as multiple projectiles are absorbed, reportedly including .50 caliber armor piercing. Molded into a super dense cube with locking slots and tabs, it can be assembled in unlimited configurations. www.ballisticsresearch.com.

Five paramilitary companies under the banner of Blackwater USA at its 7,000 acre headquarters and training facility give the North Carolina based firm worldwide capabilities and a reputation for taking on the toughest assignments. While Blackwater’s VP for Strategic Initiatives was giving his “Contractors on the Battlefield” perspective to symposium attendees, the inimitable Hershel Davis, Blackwater’s “Corporate Master Chief,” was holding down the fort in the exhibit hall. Davis, sporting a handlebar moustache that’s a weapon in its own right, pointed with pride to the BEAR, a modular, mobile, multi-target steel range system that can be customized to meet user preferences. www.blackwatertargets.com.