Remington Upgrades M-24 Rifle with Leupold ER/T Scope

Remington’s latest upgrade of its Sniper Weapon System for the U.S. Army, the M-24E1, includes a new Leupold Mark 4 6.5-20x50mm Extended Range/Tactical (ER/T) M5 Locking Adjustment riflescope. Specially designed and built with the military sniper in mind, the scope has an auto-locking elevation adjustment. This feature ensures rock-solid reticle adjustment is maintained during rough going and stressful conditions on the battlefield. Other key features of the new ER/T include M5 windage and elevation adjustment dials with audible, tactile 1/10 (0.1) milliradian clicks to match the range-estimating, mil-based Horus reticle options. An elevation zero-stop helps prevent under-rotation in high-stress situations. With the battle-proven Horus H27 or H58 reticle in the front focal plane, the scope offers the versatility of a variable magnification optic and the ability to accurately range at all magnification settings (the reticle magnifies with the image). Leupold’s Xtended Twilight Lens System delivers an exceptionally clear, bright sight picture for outstanding target discrimination at all powers and in a wide range of lighting and environmental conditions. A lockable fast-focus eyepiece makes reticle focus simple to achieve and maintain. Other key features include side focus parallax adjustment for fast, easy parallax focusing from 75 yards to infinity, from any shooting position. The Mark 4 6.5-20x50mm ER/T M5 Locking Adjustment riflescope is waterproof, fog proof and shock proof. For more information contact either Remington Defense at www.remingtondefense.com or Leupold & Stevens at www.leupold.com.

BarrelXchange Introduces 76-Round Drum for the AK-74

For the first time ever there is now a high capacity drum magazine for the 5.45×39 AK-74. The drum holds 76 rounds of the inexpensive 5.45×39 Combloc ammunition. Drums are open back loading design (Chinese clone) and can be loaded and stored indefinitely. Wind them up when you need to. These professionally converted Romanian AK-47 drums go through over 20 modifications each and are test cycled 2-3 times before packaging. Each drum comes with loading instructions and a money back guarantee. Some may require minor fitting on catch pad. Drums will fit in any AK-74 variant semi or full auto. Can also be fitted to MGI AR-15 lowers with AK-74 or AK-47 magwells and a 5.45 upper. The drums are $295 each plus $10 flat rate shipping with sales in the U.S. only. All state and local laws apply. For more information or to place an order you can contact Troy Edhlund at BarrelXchange, Dept. SAR, P.O. Box 821, Arlington, Heights, IL 60006. Phone: (847) 609-4811. The website is www.barrelxchange.com.

New HK Super Long Low Profile Scope Mount from MFI

MFI has just introduced a new 14 inch long optics rail mount for the HK 91/G-3 series of weapons. The new mount was developed as a direct response to requests by the U.S. Military for a longer scope mount that will fit uniformly all HK 91/G-3 variants including the HK 21 (some modification may be required). In fact these new mounts are in the supply chains for all theaters of combat operations including Iraq and Afghanistan as well as law enforcement, SWAT teams and private military contractors throughout the world. This sleek design allows extended length for any of the HK guns in 7.62×51/.308 guns. There is plenty of room for a full size sniper scope and a PVS-22, which is slightly longer than the new PVS-24. Used in conjunction with MFI’s 30mm Tall Sniper rings or their 30mm Cantilever Scope Ring the new mount is a perfect match for the PVS-22 Night Vision height, which is also standard Mil-Spec height for all night vision optics that are to be used with and in front of regular daylight rifle scopes. Unlike competitors’ mounts, the new MFI mount takes less than 5 minutes to mount on the weapon. HK ejection port buffers or any device that rolls over the top of the gun’s receiver in the same location where the mount fits cannot be used along with the new mounts. The MFI Low Profile mount lies on the top of the receiver with near zero clearance. The mounts are made from 6061 T-6 aircraft grade aluminum with hardened steel legs and hooks. They are hard anodized flat black, weigh only 7 ounces and are 100% Picatinny/Mil-Spec 1913 correct. These low profile mounts are made so that they do not interfere with the iron sights when the scope is removed. The mounts are the real deal and made for live weapons. MFI now also has extended low profile mounts for the HK 33, HK 53 and the HK MP-5. For more information please contact them at MFI LLC, Dept. SAR, 2215 Via Dulcea, Fallbrook, CA 92028. Phone: (760) 728-7079. Their website is www.mfiap.com.

Arsenal, Inc. Introduces new 5 and 10-Round Magazines for AK Rifles

Introducing one of Arsenal, Inc.’s latest accomplishments, the 5 and 10-round 100% U.S, made magazines for 7.62×39 AK rifles. For the first time ever, there is a 100% U.S. made magazine with a steel lug insert. The solid steel lug allows for a precision fit and longevity for the magazine. Your magazine will not wear over time due to rubbing against the mag catch. The new double-stack magazine is perfect for all shooting enthusiasts who like to bench shoot or shoot from prone position. They are also great for those of you that live in a state that only allows lower capacity magazines. These magazines are made using the original Kalashnikov design. They are not reverse engineered and are made to the original specs. These are by far the highest quality, low profile magazines on the market today and pass the Russian Mil-Spec drop tests. The smooth body is made from the same high quality polymer and texture as the U.S. made furniture found on all Arsenal, Inc. firearms. The magazine will count as three (3) 922r compliance parts and is available in plum and black colors. The magazines come with a limited lifetime warranty. For more information or to place an order you can contact them at Arsenal, Inc., Dept. SAR, 3395 S. Jones Blvd. #331, Las Vegas, NV 89146. Phone: (702) 643-2703. Fax: (702) 307-2341. Website: www.arsenalinc.com.

Rudy Project Introduces New Tactical Eyewear

Rudy Project, long known for their sport line of eyewear, now has a line of tactical eyewear that is second to none. In case you haven’t heard of them they make the most technically cool eyewear there is. They have been used by athletes since 1985 and now they are making a line of tactical glasses and goggles that offer cutting edge eye protection as well as the most optically clear glasses that there are. They are also very good looking. The lenses used in the glasses are called Impacts and are made from the same material as Apache helicopter windshields. The material used in the lenses is stronger than any other lens material. It is stronger and 10% lighter than polycarbonate. The lenses are guaranteed unbreakable for life. They also have excellent resistance to abrasion and scratching. In fact, Rudy Project lenses are so scratch resistant that they are covered by a Replacement Lens Guarantee. They are so high tech that they have a Hydrophobic treatment that facilitates runoff of water droplets from the surface of the lens, maintaining vision free of typical distortion caused by wearing the glasses in a wet environment. The lens can be had in just about any color including several colors of Photochromic. The Photochromic lenses automatically darken within just a few seconds. Rudy Project glasses have very high tech frames as well. Some are made from plastic mixed with advanced carbon, others from advanced metal composites but all feature temple arms and nose pieces that are 360° adjustable, so you can literally shape the frame to your face. The frames fit comfortably under hearing protection even for extended periods. You can adjust the nosepiece so that the glasses fit either closer or farther from your face to control fogging. Rudy Project Tactical Eyewear features instantly changeable lens so the user can change colors to fit the requirement. All Rudy Project glasses can also be fitted with prescription lens. For more information on this outstanding eyewear you can contact them at Rudy Project North America, Dept. SAR, 3300 E. 17th Ave., Denver, CO 80206. Phone: (949) 272-2457. Fax: (949) 260-7851. Website: www.rudyprojectusa.com.

Pelican Deploys the 9440 Remote Area Lighting System

Pelican Products has announced that their Advanced Area Lighting Group has rolled out the 9440 Remote Area Lighting System (RALS), as an incredibly bright and extremely portable area light. The 9440 RALS features 10 next-generation LEDs and a beam spread of 120 degrees that effectively lights a large area. Additionally, it offers two brightness settings that shine 2,400 lumens for 3 hours in high-setting and 1,200 for 6 hours in low. The light is powered by the latest, maintenance-free, nickel metal hydride rechargeable battery. As a result, it runs silent and has no power cord which eliminates trip-hazards and emits no toxic fumes like bulky inefficient gasoline-powered lights. Setting up in seconds, and weighing in at a mere 16 lbs., the 9440 RALS is built with a streamlined, self-deploying tripod for easy site placement and a nylon shoulder strap for simple transport. The 9440 RALS also features a telescoping light tower which extends more than 7 feet and a light array that articulates 90 degrees. The 9440 RALS is available in either yellow or black and has an MSRP of $999.95. For more information you can contact Pelican Products Inc, Dept. SAR, 23215 Early Avenue, Torrance, CA 90505. On the web at www.pelican.com

By Christopher R. Bartocci

With the increase use of tactical carbines by law enforcement, a whole new breed of sights have been developed and employed for law enforcement applications. Many of the currently available sights began life as military sights and carried over to law enforcement.

In the U.S. Armed Forces, optics have only been used for special applications such as for snipers or sharpshooters. The standard combat rifle remains to have the mainstay with conventional iron sights. Combat rifles are subjected to the harshest environments including mud, dirt, snow and rain; all of which can render an optic useless. Without immediate accessibility to a backup iron sight the weapon will be ineffectual and may cost the soldier his life. Not to mention the issues of batteries dieing at the wrong time or the tritium lamp dieing at an inopportune moment.

However, for Special Operations use on the most advanced level, operators may be trained to deal with these downfalls and, once they have this new breed of tactical sight, they bring incredible advantages: in particular to the close quarter battle or CQB arena. This is also the arena that law enforcement most often encounters.

There are many sight options out in the market today and here we will look at a few of the most popular. All are excellent sight systems and have their own individual advantages and disadvantages. To begin with, the most popular sight used in Close Quarter Battle situations, both military and law enforcement, is the reflex sight.

Reflex sights differ from standard scopes in the fact they do not magnify in the normal way. They provide a large dot or sight inside a screen. The dot or hologram is adjusted just like a scope but designed for quick site acquisition when the operator has little time to react. Due to no magnification, the shooter will be able to fire with both eyes open increasing peripheral vision and speed. Among the most popular reflex sights in the marketplace are the Aimpoint M68 Comp 2, Trijicon ACOG and the EOTech Holographic sight.

The Aimpoint M68 CompM2

This is the most mass produced reflex sight made; adopted by U.S. Forces in 1997 as the M68 Reflex sight as well as SOPMOD Block 2. This uses 3-volt Lithium battery type 2L76 or DL1/3N batteries which may be its only negative aspect due to cold weather use. The sight has a red dot sight and is adjustable for brightness by a dial on the sight. This sight has become issue and may be seen on numerous M4 and M16A4 rifles in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The sight can be mounted many different ways with different mounts. One of the most popular is the ARMS/Swan throw lever mounts (#17). ARMS offers a spacer to raise the sight up about 1 inch. When the sight is mounted on the receiver with an ARMS #40L back up rear sight, it allows co-witness in case the battery was to die. By flipping up the back up sight, the shooter will be able to see both iron sights and engage the target. The other benefit to using the throw lever mounts is that if the optic was to become damaged, unusable or the batteries die out, under stress, the sight can be removed in seconds rather than having to unscrew one or two nuts.

No deficiencies were found during testing other than the use of a battery. If it should go out at an inopportune moment and the shooter does not have back-up sights it could be a problem. However, keeping fresh batteries on hand and replacing them before any mission, this is an excellent sight. Being able to adjust the brightness, the accuracy is increased. With use in short range the brighter the better but when engaging 100 yards and beyond it is more advisable for a dimmer setting causing the dot to become smaller and more defined.

Trijicon ACOG Reflex Sight

This sight has seen extensive use by USSOCOM (United States Special Operations Command) as part of their SOPMOD enhancement program. This is by far the most durable of all of the sights due to its 7075T6 aluminum body: the same as the M16-series/M4 receivers. Unlike the M68, the ACOG (Advanced Combat Optical Gunsight) uses a tritium lamp instead of batteries. That lamp has a 10-year life giving it an incredible boost in reliability and Tritium is not affected by any weather conditions. Additionally, the dot is amber in color instead of red as it is claimed by Trijicon that amber is more visible to the eye than red. Provided with the sight is a polarizing filter. There are several good mounts for this sight but the ARMS, Inc #15 throw lever mount is the most versatile of the lot.

Adjustments are made in point of impact with a screwdriver or the base of a 5.56x45mm cartridge. A collimator in the front of the sight adjusts the intensity of the dot by the amount of light outside the optic.

While it is comforting to know that no batteries are used, the sightscreen is dark and small compared to the M68 which gives a clearer sightscreen than the AGOG. In bright conditions the darker screen can be advantageous. Groups remained less than 3 inches at 100 yards with a Colt M4 carbine with Black Hills MK262 MOD 1 ammunition.

The Elcan Optical Sight

Perhaps the most manufactured combat sight of all time is the Elcan optical sight by Armament Technologies up in the Great White North in Canada. It was adopted for general use by the Canadian military and many of their foreign military customers. The U.S. military has adopted a customized Elcan scope for use on the M249 SAW (Squad Automatic Weapon).

While not necessarily a reflex sight, it is worth mentioning due to the way the sight can be utilized. There is a triangular shaped aperture in a spear form. The tip of the sight glows with Tritium so no batteries are required. The scope has a 4/20 magnification, which is optimal for a combat scope keeping extremely quick sight acquisition.

Due to the low power and the tritium lamp in the reticle, this sight may also be used as a close quarter battle reflex sight. Up close the picture will not be as clear, but clear enough to accomplish the job, with the additional advantage of engaging targets beyond 400 meters.

Shooting with this sight is very effective. The ability to engage accurately at longer ranges versus an iron sight is an incredible advantage. The glowing aiming point is truly there for close-up work due to the fact you will not see a target 400 meters away in the dark. Using the ELCAN in CQB conditions has proved to be effective and is an excellent choice for a combat scope with magnification. The durability and quality are second to none. This sight has an incredible service record being the most mass-produced combat scope in the world.

The EOTech Sight

It is suffice to say that the EOTech sight is the most high-tech of the lot. The development of the holographic sight can be traced back to the Rochester, New York based company LaserMax, Inc and their former CEO Will Houde-Walter. The EOTech sight has proven itself world over with many elite combat units and Police Department as well as Federal agencies. This is not a dot sight but a holographic sight. This by far has the largest screen giving the best overall peripheral vision to the shooter making it easy to fire with both eyes open. Due to no magnification this sight is ideal for any CQB environment.

This is a battery-operated sight (N or AA alkaline batteries) that has a hologram sight, which is an aiming dot with an outer circle around the point of aim dot. The intensity of the sight can be manipulated and adjusted by the user to suit the tactical lighting conditions. The sight has an automatic shut off. Models are also available for use with night vision scopes and glasses.

Due to this being a hologram, as long as the sight reticle can be seen in the screen regardless where, the rifle will shoot to point of adjustment aim of the sight. In other words, if the sight appears in the top right corner of the screen, that is where the bullet will go. The sight does not have to be centered in the screen. This means if the sight was covered partially in mud, snow or oil, as long as there was a small clean spot in which to view, the sight will still be usable.

Of all of the optics tested, this one was the easiest to see and use because of the combination of the shape of the reticle and the massive screen. The only draw back was the fact that the sight used batteries. Recently, ARMS, Inc. just released a throw lever (#54) mount for this sight. Accuracy was comparable to all others tested. Group shooting at 100 yards with Black Hills MK262 MOD 1 ammunition yielded groups just under 2 inches off a bench rest.

Leupold Mark 4 CQ/T

The Leupold Mark 4 CQ/T is a compromise between a scope and a reflex sight. The reticle may remain in a standard black recticle configuration or by clicking the dial it will light up from a dim to bright amber. What is unique about the CQ/T is the fact that the power can be turned down to 1x so that no magnification is made and the scope fills the role of a reflex sight. Then the power can be raised to the standard 2x and 3x magnification giving long-range capabilities. This is by far the largest and most cumbersome of all the scopes tested. However, it is very effective.

The sample sight took one AA battery – perhaps its largest draw back. This sight has Mil-Std-1913 rails at 3, 12 and 9 o’clock for mounting accessories. The reticle is an aiming point surrounded by a larger circle. Adjustments are made with a coin or a 5.56x45mm cartridge base. There are many different mounts available including the ARMS, Inc. (#12) throw lever mount.

This optic tested very well and is truly a well thought out design. Even if the battery was dead the standard black reticle is still there giving full use of the scope unlit. The low 2x to 3x power settings are ideal for a combat sight assuring quick target acquisition and follow up through recoil. The aiming reticle is small enough particularly with no illumination to do excellent long-range work. Only this sight and the Elcan sight are still useable without the illumination part of the sight.

Conclusions

Law Enforcement has certainly benefited from the research and development of military CQB optics. Military units both foreign and domestic have used all of the mentioned optics. These optics greatly enhance the speed in which targets can get spotted, identified and ultimately engaged. All have strengths and all have weaknesses. But with proper training these optics will serve the soldier/police officer well.

Aimpoint, Inc.
3989 Highway 62 West, Suite 1
Bernville, AR 72616
(877) 246-7646
A.R.M.S., Inc.
Atlantic Research and Marketing Systems, Inc.
230 West Center Street
West Bridgewater, MA 02379
(508) 584-7816
Black Hills Ammunition
3050 Eglin Street
Rapid City, SD 57709
(605) 348-5150
Colt Defence, LLC.
P.O. Box 1868
Hartford, CT 06144
(800) 962-COLT
EOTech, Inc.
Electro-Optics Technologies
3600 Green Court, Suite 400
Ann Arbor, MI 48105-1570
(734)741-8868
Elcan/Armament Technology, Inc.
3045 Robie St. Suite 113
Halifax, Nova Scotia B3K 4P6
Canada
(902) 454-6384
Leupold & Stevens, Inc.
14400 Northwest Greenbrier Parkway
Beaverton, OR 97006
(503) 646-9171
Trijicon, Inc.
49385 Shafer Avenue
P.O. Box 930059
Wixom, MI 48393
(800) 338-0563

Cold Steel, a leading manufacturer of professional grade self defense knives, has announced the introduction of a pair of Sword Canes designed to provide a discreet self defense option for anyone who employs a cane. Cold Steel’s Sword Canes will be available in two models. One is a stainless steel handle model, the other features a handle of faux cocobolo wood. Each is a stylish complement for the well dressed gentleman, collector or businessman, and offers both support and protection to the elderly, handicapped or infirm. There is no denying that a sword cane is an uncommonly handy weapon and that it can be put into action with lighting speed as an effective and reliable means of defense. The stainless Sword Cane has a 24” long, 4 sided cruciform blade that is forged from 420J steel. The overall length of the cane is 37 1/2”, and it weighs 22.3 ounces. The actual sword is 31” long including the 7” handle. Cold Steel’s cocobolo handle Sword Cane also incorporates a 24” long, 4 sided blade forged from 420J steel. It is also 37 1/2” long but weighs just 17.5 ounces, while the sword and handle are the same length as the other model. The scabbards of both swords double as highly effective impact weapons. They are built from 11 layers of fiberglass, weigh just 8.5 ounces, and can be swung faster than the speed of sound. In Cold Steel’s impact tests they proved to be virtually unbreakable. The Sword Canes will retail for $139.99 for the stainless handle model and $119.99 for the cocobolo handle model. Like all Cold Steel fixed blade knives, each is protected by Cold Steel’s exclusive 5 year warranty. For more information contact Cold Steel, Inc., Dept. SAR, 3036-A Seaborg Avenue, Ventura, CA 93003. Phone 1-800-255-4716. Fax: 1-805-642-9727. Website: www.coldsteel.com.

TRIPOWER™ SIGHT FROM TRIJICON

Trijicon, Inc., the industry leader in the development of innovative, self-luminous aiming systems, has introduces the industry’s first triple illuminated sight. The new TriPower is a failsafe firearms sighting system that provides a fully illuminated reticle that’s easy to see under virtually any lighting conditions including partial or total darkness. The new TriPower features a red chevron-shaped reticle illuminated by three lighting sources. 1. The Integrated Fiber Optic System, which is an ultra-reliable system that automatically adjusts the brightness level of the reticle to the ambient light conditions. 2. Tritium-Illuminated Reticle, in which the glowing Tritium provides a vivid, distinct aiming point even in total darkness. 3. On-Call Battery Backup, a innovative system which is ideal for tactical entry or other uses in which the need for a bright reticle in low light is critical. This unique battery back-up system includes a reliable digital circuitry and an automatic shutoff. A remote pressure switch is optional. The TriPower has also been designed with an easy to mount 30mm tube, coated lenses, and it’s completely sealed for underwater use up to a depth of 30 meters. The TriPower is 5 inches long and weighs just 6 ounces. For more information on this and other high quality sighting devices contact, Trijicon, Inc., Dept. SAR, P.O. Box 930059, Wixom, Michigan 48393-0059. Phone: 1-800-338-0563. Fax: 1-248-960-7700. Web site: www.trijicon.com.

LEUPOLD MARK 4 CLOSE QUARTER TACTICAL SCOPE

Leupold has just introduced their latest and possibly their most talked about new optic, the Mark 4 CQ/T® scope. The new scope is the latest and maybe the most exciting addition the their line of tactical scopes. The Mark 4 CQ/T is a multi-functional optic sight designed specially for tactical firearms, such as the AR-15 and M-16. It combines the strengths of a red sight and a variable riflescope. Developed in cooperation with law enforcement and the military from around the world, the Mark 4 CQ/T can help accomplish a range of missions that can’t be done with any other single scopes. Use the Mark 4 CQ/T at 1X and it functions as a non-magnifying, illuminated sight for tactical scenarios or engaging targets at extremely close ranges. The Mark 4 CQ/T has a true 1X setting, allowing the user to use it with both eyes open. The clear, bright Circle Dot reticle is a bold aiming point for the operator, ensuring instant target acquisition in close quick encounters. You can also dial the scope up to 3X and accurately engage targets at medium ranges. This is where then Circle Dot reticle really shines. The dot won’t obscure a 9-inch target at 300 yards and the circle’s edge can be used to lead targets at long distances. You can also use the Circle Dot to estimate range. Ten illumination settings match any light conditions and even includes two low-intensity settings that work with night-vision devices. The scope also features built-in picatinny style rails that can be used to attach accessories. Other features include water-proof integrity, large field of view, windage and elevation adjustments of 1/2 MOA and DiamondCoat™ lenses. The new scope is powered by a single AA battery which provides up to seven hours of continuous use. It includes a mounting base for carry handle style AR-15’s and M-16’s and can also be mounted be mounted to weaver style bases with the optional mounting hardware. For more information on this innovative new scope contact, Leupold & Stevens, Inc., Dept. SAR, P.O. Box 688, Beaverton, OR 97075. Phone: 1-503-526-1400. Website: www.leupold.com.

COLORFUL FIREARM FINISHES FROM LAUER CUSTOM WEAPONRY

Lauer Custom Weaponry now offers a full line of custom firearm finishes that will satisfy even the most discriminating users. Their CAMOCOAT is a proprietary oven-cured coating offering the perfect combination of outstanding durability, extraordinary artistry and unparalleled quality. They also offer Parkerizing which is a non-reflective and durable finish. Gun-Kote is another of their finishes which is a durable, thermo-set resin finish that will not break down, peel or dissolve. In fact, the only way to remove Gun-Kote is to blast the part with an abrasive. It can be used on internal as well as external parts where a close-tolerance fit is required. Dura-Kote is their proprietary finish that consists of a two-part oven cured urethane and catalyst. It is by far the most durable and versatile coating available in the industry. Powder Coating is another coating that has several benefits including a wide range of colors, show quality finish and outstanding durability. Teflon/Moly, Electroless Nickel and Bluing are also available. Lauer is one of the few refinishers that offer an H&K Finish that matches H&K factory original color, sheen and durability. All in all if you need any kind of firearm refinished Lauer Custom Weaponry can do it. For more information contact Lauer Custom Weaponry, Dept. SAR, 3601 129th Street, Chippewa Falls, WI 54729. Phone 1-800-830-6677. Web Site: www.lauerweaponry.com.

BARRETT FIREARMS PLANS TO IMPORT ISRAELI MADE TAVOR 21

According to Barrett Firearms, noted at the Shot Show, they plan to import the new Israeli made Tavor 21 sporting rifle. The new rifle is a bull-pup configuration in .223 caliber. The Tavor 21 features a stock of a polymer type material and is completely ambidextrous. It also has a built-in picatinny rail for the attachment of accessories and a replaceable foregrip with various optional foregrips available. It is gas-operated with a rotating bolt locking mechanism. Barrel length is 18.1” with an overall length of just 27.8” and a weight of 7.7 pounds. Watch future issues of SAR for more details on this exciting new rifle. Until then you can contact Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Inc., Dept. SAR, P.O. Box 1077, Murfreesboro, TN 37133. Phone: 1-615-896-2938. Fax: 1-615-896-7313. Web Site: www.barrettrifles.com.