Safariland

The new Protech APV (All Purpose Vest) QR (Quick Release) Carrier incorporates the same features of the standard APV tactical vest, but adds a quick-release system. The vest is designed around the BALCS (Body Armor Load Carriage System)/SPEAR (Special Operations Forces Equipment Advanced Requirements) ballistic shape used by the U.S. military for high speed and mobility. The ballistic panels are interchangeable with the standard APV tactical vest and the recently introduced APV LV (Lo-Vis) covert vest, to offer mission flexibility for any operation without compromising protection.

The quick-release mechanism allows the front and rear of the vest to be released through a single pull of a deployment handle located in the center upper torso on the front carrier. The carrier also features dual-side closure systems that give an operator the option of either inserting mini side plates into the outer cummerbund for added protection or removing the cummerbund altogether and utilizing the elastic strapping closure system for a more low-profile application.

Other features include an external auxiliary (dump) pouch with optional detachable M4 magazine pouches, adjustable shoulders for a custom fit, and a 360-degree modular attachment system.

(800-347-1200; safariland.com)

Springfield Armory

 

 

Only 1 inch wide, Springfield Armory's ultra-compact XD-S features a low-profile rear and fiber-optic front sight, enabling easier and faster target acquisition. A single-position Picatinny rail readily accepts lights, lasers, or other pistol accessories. The comfortable and ergonomic point-and-shoot design allows the user to shoot naturally at eye level without adjusting the wrist to line up the sights. This striker-fired pistol was designed to be an extension of your body, which naturally helps you shoot your best. The slim, single-stack frame packs the punch of a .45, but easily lends itself to the shooter looking for a concealed-carry option. Capacity is 5+1, and the toal weight is only 21.5 ounces. SRP: $599 to $669.

 

 

(800-680-6866; springfield-armory.com)

 

 

 

Midwest Industries

The AR-15/M16 Gen2 SS-Series one-piece, free-floated handguards from Midwest Industries are as tough as nails and made in the USA.

 

New from Midwest Industries is its AR-15/M16 Gen2 SS-Series one-piece free-floated handguards. They offer a slim 1.5-inch outside diameter, along with a lightweight design, and are available in 12-inch and 15-inch models; 7-inch, 9-inch, and 10-inch models will be available later this year.

Constructed from 6061 aluminum and hard-coat anodized, the 12-inch model weighs 9.3 ounces, while the 15-inch model weighs 10.9 ounces. These feature a modular design with MIL-STD 1913 top rail, T-marked for accessory location, with bipod stud and barrel nut wrench included. The Gen2 SS-Series handguards are made in the USA and feature a lifetime warranty. SRP: 12-inch model, $184.95; 15-inch model, $199.95.

(262-896-6780; midwestindustriesinc.com)

 

Fiocchi Ammunition

Fiocchi's new Tracer Shells do exactly as the name implies: They leave an environmentally safe, visible chemical trail to help shooters track their shots, and will undoubtedly have other ammo companies wondering, "Why didn't we think of that?"

 

Shooter's can light a path to their moving target with Fiocchi's tracer shotgun shells. Available in 12-gauge 2 3/4 ounce No. 8 shot, the shell is an ideal training tool to follow the impact point of a shooter's swing.

Packaged in a 10-round box, they function exactly like a traditional shotshell. The chemical tracer is powered by Cyalume and provides a visible trace that travels with the cloud of shot as it hits or misses the target or bird.

Certified environmentally safe by the EPA, the product represents a huge advance in shotgun training. This technology does not generate dangerous levels of heat and is classified as non-pyrotechnic, nor will it pose a risk of starting a fire. It is non-corrosive and does not leave a residue in the barrel. SRP: $19.99.

 

(417-725-4118; fiocchiusa.com)

 

Rocky Brands

Rocky's new L3 Stretch-Back gloves allow users to use touchscreen smartphones in the field without removing their gloves.

 

Whiling away the hours in a treestand or turkey blind just got easier with Rocky's new touchscreen compatible gloves. Both thumb and index finger of the L3 Stretch-Back Glove are covered with a fabric that lets you text, make calls, and play games without removing your gloves.

Rocky's new "Athletic Mobility" outerwear collection is aimed at a crowd that is enthusiastic, athletic, and always connected. The L3 gloves feature neoprene knuckles and cuffs, a Velcro cuff in Mossy Oak or Realtree camo, and Rocky's SIQ scent-control technology. SRP: $29.

 

(740-753-4024; rockybrands.com)

 

 

Princeton Tec

Princeton Tec's new Charge MPLS tactical helmet light picks up where the original Charge left off, and offers quite a bright punch for its compact size.

 

Princeton Tec continues to prove that the military really does have some of the coolest stuff. The company's newest tactical light, the Charge MPLS, is a lightweight personal task light designed primarily for Armed Forces soldiers and tactical users to attach to their helmets. The flexible neck design allows the light beam to be manually directed in a range of directions, and the casing comes in black or a desert beige for ultimate concealment.

The lamps inside the MPLS are a Maxbright LED and three ultra-bright LEDs that run at 55 lumens, with a total burn time of 36 hours. The MPLS runs on 1 AA alkaline battery and is available with LEDs in a choice of configurations, including red, blue, green, or a combination of the colors.

 

(800-257-9080; princetontec.com)

 

German Sport Guns

German Sport Guns is releasing a .22LR version of the German StG44. Designed and manufactured during the end of the World War II, the firearm was a major leap forward in small-arms development, and served as an inspiration for a generation of a military tactical firearms.

GSG is manufacturing this .22LR under license from Schmeisser, with a design that promises to be close to the original. The GSG-STG44 is available with a wood box. The first shipment to American Tactical Imports is available now. SRP: $600.

(germansportguns.de)

Opti-Logic

Sporting 6X magnification and an easyto- read display, Opti-Logic's Recon laser rangefinder uses angle compensation software to help hunters compensate for trajectory

 

Originally designed for military and tactical purposes, the hunter-friendly Recon laser rangefinder features 6X magnification and a simple, easy-to-understand internal LCD display. This unit ranges distances out to 1,000 yards. It also helps hunters hit what they aim at, because its VAC (Vertical Angle Compensation) technology compensates for the trajectory of arrows out to 120 yards and bullets out to 1,000 yards. Powered by a single long-life CR123A battery, the low-current draw of the compact and lightweight (less than 8 ounces) Recon will provide up to 2,500 "shots" on a single battery. As with all Opti-Logic products, the Recon includes a full two-year warranty against manufacturer's defects. SRP: $359.95.

 

(888-678-4564; opti-logic.com)