Columns – Small Arms Defense Journal

Dispatches: V11N2

ARMAMENT RESEARCH SERVICES (ARES) — Fri, 15 Mar 2019 07:15:31 +0000

A YPG sniper employing a Zagros AMR against Islamic State forces at the Battle of Al Hawl, November 11, 2015. (AL MASIRAH)

Craft-Produced Anti-Materiel Rifles and Light Cannon in Yemen By Yuri Lyamin/ImproGuns

Makeshift Adaptations Still Lethal A video published on August 23, 2017, which was purportedly produced by the “Defense Industry Department” of the armed forces who are loyal to the Ansar Allah (“Houthi”) movement, shows several types of craft-produced weapons being developed and employed, including anti-materiel rifles and light cannon up to 23mm and even 30mm in calibre. The video was first broadcast on the Houthi-owned Yemeni TV channel Al Masirah and gives some basic specifications for each of these weapons. It should be noted that the technical specifications given are not necessarily accurate. In particular, the claimed ranges of these weapons will, in reality, vary significantly with user skill—almost invariably being much shorter than described. The Sarem 8mm sniper rifle is stated as having a maximum range of 1,600 metres and a weight of 4kg. This weapon appears to be a Mauser Karabiner 98k type bolt-action rifle chambered for the 7.92x57mm cartridge. It is quite probably the Yugoslav M48 copy which has been seen several times in the region. These old rifles are fitted with what appear to be 6x24mm POSP optical sights. Despite their age, these rifles can pose a threat in experienced hands, particularly when fitted with an optic.

Craft-produced light cannon Shown next are craft-produced anti-materiel rifles (AMRs) chambered for the common Soviet-origin 12.7x108mm and 14.5x114mm cartridges, commonly used by heavy machine guns. As is common practice for many craft-produced AMRs globally, surplus barrels from weapons such the Soviet/Russian DShK and KPV type heavy machine guns form a key component in the construction of such rifles. The weapons are typically simple single-shot bolt-action guns, occasionally being magazine fed. prepared for inspection. (AL MASIRAH)

Such makeshift adaptations have become increasingly common, where captured or damaged vehicles provide a ready source of mounted weapons which can be disassembled and re-purposed. In several cases, damaged weapons have had viable barrels salvaged from them. The allure of such craft-produced AMRs owes to the fact that personnel and even lightly armoured vehicles can be defeated at long range with the large cartridges, making the user difficult to detect. It’s no wonder that, in the absence of large-calibre sniper rifles of industrial production from other countries, locally craft-produced models are appearing frequently in multiple conflict zones. Such weapons are usually produced in typical light workshops equipped with lathes and milling machines, which may be capable of producing relatively high-quality mortars, AMRs and other weapons. In some cases, direct copies of conventionally-produced weapons are made, such as the SPG-9 recoilless guns produced in workshops operated by ISIS in Mosul. The 12.7x108mm Khatef rifle is described as being portable over all terrain, with a weight of 14kg and range of up to 1,500 metres. It appears to be manufactured using a basic tubular receiver into which is fitted a DShK type barrel. Several of these appear to have been taken from a Chinese HMG known as the Type 54. The 14.5x114mm Ashtar is described as having a weight of 28kg and a range of 3,000 metres. This much larger rifle is fitted with a monopod towards the rear to provide balance for the long, heavy barrel.

Khatef, a 12.7x108mm craft-produced bolt-action rifle, with a weight of 14kg and a claimed maximum effective range of up to 1,500m. (AL MASIRAH)

The 20x102mm Hasem has a stated weight of 28kg and maximum range of 2,500 metres. It is billed as being capable of engaging low-flying aircraft such as helicopters. The choice of this calibre is not accidental. Yemen remains one of the countries who continue to use U.S. 20mm M167 Vulcan Air Defense Systems (VADS) which are typically mounted on vehicles and have, in this conflict, been more commonly employed against ground targets. The Zulfiqari 1 is a 23x152Bmm calibre gun, suggested for installation on “all types of military vehicles” and claiming an accurate range of 2,000 metres. It weighs less than 25kg. The Zulfiqari 2 is a larger version weighing some 62kg, with a stated range of 4,000 metres. Construction appears to be very basic, if not crude, with plain steel tubing used for the receiver and grip. The most powerful of the improvised cannons shown is the 30mm Qassem, with a stated weight of 75kg and maximum range of 5,000 metres. There appear to be at least two slightly differing variants, both featuring external spring assemblies to mitigate what is sure to be substantial recoil. One of these appears to be adapted from a pair of automotive (motorcycle) shock absorbers. A tripod is shown for use, although semi-fixed emplacements and vehicle mounts are likely to be more effective. The video also includes some brief footage of the Qassem being manufactured in a workshop using very basic equipment.

Detail of one of the two variants of Qassem 30mm light cannon, featuring an external spring assembly adapted from a pair of motorcycle shock absorbers. (AL MASIRAH)

Detail of shock external spring assemblies on a Qassem 30mm light cannon. (AL MASIRAH)

Houthi fighter with a Khatef 12.7x108mm craft-produced, bolt-action anti-materiel rifle. (AL MASIRAH)

Craft-Produced Firearms Used in Shoot-Out with Police in Odessa By ImproGuns A shootout with police in the Ukrainian city of Odessa on January 19, 2017, left three people dead including the shooter. The attack appears to have been carried out using one or more craft-produced firearms. Valentin Doroshenko, a 57-year-old man who was identified as the shooter, was known locally for his pro-Russia activism, being shown in one photo holding a flag emblazoned with Soviet leader Joseph Stalin. He had previously been documented engaging in stunts such as arriving outside the Mayor’s office on horseback to challenge the-then City Head to a duel. A police officer, 27-year-old Sergei Prigarin, died in the hospital after sustaining a gunshot to the chest while another police officer eventually recovered after receiving five gunshot wounds. Photos released by police appear to show a crude, though compact (and evidently functional), improvised submachine gun complete with a homemade magazine. The magazine appears to have been welded together from sheet steel and is very crude in design. The gun is also fitted with a makeshift “laser pointer” sight attached. According to local sources, the weapon was loaded with homemade steel-core ammunition which may well have been capable of penetrating police body armour. Two more improvised submachine guns, a pistol and several fragmentation grenades were discovered in a workshop equipped with lathes and welding equipment, located in a disguised cellar of the home of the suspected shooter.

57-year-old Russian activist Valentin Doroshenko’s crudely made steel weapon. (Odessa Regional Police)

Crudely improvised submachine gun complete with a homemade magazine and laser pointer. (Odessa Regional Police)

Shooter’s makeshift workshop in disguised cellar. (Odessa Regional Police)

Shooter’s homemade projectile. (Odessa Regional Police)

Shooter’s “workshop” equipped with lathes and welding equipment. (Odessa Regional Police)

Craft-Produced Anti-Materiel Rifles in Service with the Kurdish YPG By Ian McCollum The Fight Against Vehicle-Borne Explosive Devices The Kurdish YPG (People’s Protection Units) employ various craft-produced anti-materiel rifles (AMRs), and ARES has obtained photographs and details for several examples. These photographs and the accompanying contextual information came from a confidential source who served in a sniper tabor (platoon) of the YPG from June 2015 through August 2016. Such guns are also produced by a number of other factions operating in Syria and Iraq, as well as non-state and state actors in other conflict zones. Craft-produced small arms and light weapons, including anti-materiel rifles such as these, are covered extensively in a forthcoming report authored by ARES personnel for the Small Arms Survey. In combat use, these rifles are used primarily for defence against vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs), serving a secondary role as counter-sniper weapons. VBIED armour has been generally increased to the point that standard rifle calibres used by designated marksmen (typically 7.62x54Rmm and 7.62x51mm) are not able to stop them reliably. Instead, the YPG turned to heavier weapons. Whenever available, modern anti-materiel rifles such as the Chinese M99, Zastava M93 and Barrett M82 are in high demand, as are direct-fire recoilless weapons and rocket launchers and anti-tank guided weapons (ATGWs). To supplement these scarce and more broadly useful weapons, the YPG has developed several of its own indigenous AMR designs built around barrels taken from heavy machine guns and light cannon.

Foreground, 14.5mm Ser Portative; background 12.7mm Zagros. Picture taken July 7, 2016, Battle of Manbij. (ED NASH/ARES)

AMR against Islamic State group at the Battle of Al Hawl, November 11, 2015. (ED NASH/ARES)” width=”100%” /> The two main rifles in service are the Zagros, chambered for 12.7x108mm, and the Ser (and shorter Ser Portative), chambered for 14.5x114mm. Conceptually similar guns have been built in 23x152Bmm, but the YPG determined that these were too massive and bulky to be practical. Islamic State group continued to employ a handful of guns in this calibre, however. All of these rifles are made by fabricating simple tubular receivers and bolts to match up to barrels from DShKM, W-85 and KPV pattern guns. In at least one case, the barrel of a Kord heavy machine gun was used. The barrels may be salvaged from damaged or inoperable guns, or they may be spare barrels accompanying functional guns, depending on circumstances. The resulting rifles are single-shot only. According to ARES’ source, the Ser Portative was a shortened version of the 14.5mm Ser introduced early in the summer of 2016 in an effort to make the latter more portable. It reportedly succeeded in this, although at the price of very intense felt recoil and muzzle blast. In addition, they are reported to have destroyed optical sights in as few as five rounds. The Zagros was reportedly reserved for use at longer ranges, as it was more comfortable for the user and more accurate to use, because it could be more precisely zeroed with a telescopic sight. The full-length Ser has apparently been largely removed from combat, as it is too bulky for offensive use, and its role has been largely changed to supporting air strikes from CJTF-OIR forces. It is important to note that all of these rifles are almost exclusively used with ammunition made for machine guns, rather than precision ammunition. This will limit the potential accuracy of the weapons; however, it is unlikely to reduce their effectiveness in the anti-vehicle and anti-materiel roles for which the YPG use them. The availability of AP, API and other specialty ammunition types is likely to compensate for limited precision or accuracy.

Weaponry of a three-man YPG sniper unit. Foreground is a 12.7mm Zagros, with two 14.5mm Ser Portatives behind, as well as two 7.62x51mm Sako TRG-22 rifles. The Kalashnikov type rifles leaning against the wall are the men’s individual weapons. Photo taken July 7, 2016, Battle of Manbij. (ED NASH/ARES)

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Photographs and contextual information courtesy of Ed Nash. Special thanks to ImproGuns, Jonathan Ferguson and several confidential sources.

Industry News: V11N2

SADJ Staff — Fri, 08 Mar 2019 08:15:54 +0000

New Drone Training Program Botach, Inc. (a drone reseller–drone service provider and distributor of tactical products to the U.S. Public Safety channel and the U.S. government) announced a reseller/training partnership with Las Vegas-based Sundance Media Group (SMG), a company that specializes in assisting police, fire and private corporations with setting up training programs across the country and filing Certificates of Authorization and/or waivers with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). SMG also creates or assists in the implementation of Policy, Procedures and Operations manuals for ISO-compliant municipalities and organizations. During the Nevada State Traffic Incident Management training event in early November 2018, Chushim Botach, Botach’s Chief Executive Officer, commented: “Our reseller partnership with Sundance Media Group (SMG) enables us to offer a necessary and critical component of our everything drone strategy to our customers. Through SMG and our own product offerings, we possess the ability to offer our customers a turnkey acquisition, training and COA/Waiver package. We have observed their abilities over the past two years and have been exceptionally impressed with their dedication to excellence.” SMG has a 17-year history working in Aviation and has developed training missions for MIRT (Major Incident Response Teams), CSI, traffic homicide, night-time forensic missions and crowd overwatch with and without tethering components. botach.com B&T Delivers 40mm Launcher to U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security The Swiss weapons manufacturer Brügger & Thomet (B&T) has won the tender of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security for delivery of non-lethal launchers with its model GL06. The devices are used for border protection and public demonstrations. The B&T GL06 launcher is issued after being extensively tested in many countries around the world (Spain, France, Portugal, Andorra, Switzerland, Hungary, Slovenia, Estonia, Croatia, South Africa and South Korea). The GL06 launcher, in conjunction with the SIR (Safe Impact Round) ammunition also offered by B&T, is ideal for peacekeeping. Due to its high precision and very effective ammunition, which is tuned to minimize the risk of injury to violent demonstrators, the police can use the weapon safely and effectively. www.bt-ag.ch Elbit Systems Completes the Acquisition of IMI Systems Elbit Systems Ltd. (Elbit Systems) announced November 25, 2018, that it completed the acquisition of IMI Systems Ltd. (IMI) for a purchase price of approximately $495 million (NIS 1.8 billion), with an additional payment of approximately $27 million (NIS 100 million) contingent upon IMI meeting agreed performance goals. Bezhalel (Butzi) Machlis, Elbit Systems President & CEO, commented: “The synergy between the capabilities of the two companies and the global positioning of Elbit Systems will enable us to offer an enhanced portfolio and to realize the potential of the technologies of IMI in the international arena, making this acquisition significant to our long-term growth strategy.” Machlis added: “Elbit Systems has a proven track record of successfully performing major acquisitions, and I am convinced that this acquisition will be beneficial for Israel’s economy, for both companies’ employees and customers and for our shareholders.” elbitsystems.com

International Legal Affairs – V11N3

Jason M. Wong — Wed, 06 Mar 2019 23:23:51 +0000

International Legal Affairs – Export Reform

By Jason M. Wong

Draft regulations have been published regarding the transfer of USML categories I, II and III from the U.S. State Department to the U.S. Commerce Department. Once the new regulations become effective, the change will represent the single largest change to small arms export policy in decades. Thankfully, the changes to the export of small arms will not be without precedent—the changes to USML categories I, II and III represent the last categories to undergo export reform. Thousands of commodities have already been transferred from State Department jurisdiction to Commerce jurisdiction, and the process for export licensing has mostly been worked out.

The 600 Series

Nearly all items formerly under State Department jurisdiction have been classified under a scheme designated the “600 series.” The series isn’t new but rather are an addition to existing Export Control Classification Numbers, or ECCNs. Military aircraft propulsion systems formerly controlled by the ITAR under USML category VIII are now classified by Commerce as ECCN 9A610 or 9E610. The “600 series” classification comes from the middle number of the ECCN. The 600-series is not a “new” ECCN category but rather new additions to existing ECCN categories, with the “6” designator to show that the commodity was formerly ITAR classified. As with the rest of the ECCN, the alpha classification (A through E) designate what type of commodity is being exported. Items can be easily classified by looking at the ECCN: (A) designators are for physical items, (B) designators are for test inspection and production equipment, (C) designators are for raw materials, (D) designators are for software, and (E) designators are for technology.

As a general rule, Commerce treats 600 Series commodities in nearly the same manner as the ITAR. Exporters of USML items must obtain an export license before exporting any item on the USML, barring use of any available exemption. Export of 600-series items will almost always require an export license. As a general matter, the 600 Series ECCNs are subject to the following export controls: National Security Column 1 (NS1), Regional Stability Column 1 (RS1), Anti-Terrorism Column 11 (AT1) and United Nations embargo (UN). In addition, all exports of 600 Series items must be reported via the ACE export system, regardless of value or destination. 600 Series items are also subject to U.S. arms embargoes; they cannot be exported to countries subject to a U.S. arms embargo.

Exemptions—Know the Rules of the Game

The stated goal of export reform was intended to make exports of U.S.-made goods easier and simpler. While nearly all 600-series items will require an export license, there are a number of exemptions that may apply to 600-series commodities.

Recall that under the proposed reform of USML Category I, the U.S. State Department is retaining jurisdiction over most NFA classified weapons—machine guns, suppressors and destructive devices. Items shifted to the 600 Series have been deemed to be less militarily significant. As a result, Commerce has indicated that license exceptions for the export of 600 Series items should be more available than comparable ITAR exemptions. One potential exemption currently available for the export of 600-series commodities includes the Strategic Trade Authorization (STA) exemption, allowing the export of 600-series items to government end users within 36 countries in the A-5 Country Group listing without an export license. As with any exemption, the details matter, and exporters should carefully review the requirements of any license exception relied upon for export. Also recall that the final version of the regulations concerning small arms has not been released; there may be additional restrictions on the use of the STA exemption as applied to small arms and ammunition.

Facing Forward

The next few years are likely to be challenging for manufacturers, exporters and foreign end users. Manufacturers will potentially no longer need to register under the ITAR if they are not manufacturing ITAR regulated items. The export of small arms and ammunition may become easier, with less governmental oversight for some transactions. Exporters will likely face lower registration fees, as fewer export transactions will require a DSP-5 export license. It is likely that there will be many new faces in the arms export field within the next few years, as barriers to entry (via ITAR registration) are eliminated. There are no financial costs associated with Commerce license applications, and exporters who formerly only handled Commerce regulated items (or were unwilling to register under the ITAR) are likely to claim expertise in small arms exports. There are likely to be many new entrants to the field of arms exports, as there are no longer registration costs associated with conducting an export. U.S. Customs will likely face increased numbers of export violations and seizures as exporters work their way through the new regulatory requirements. Foreign end users should be cautious, as those without practical experience in arms exports (whether they have experience as an exporter or are new to the field) may not be the best choice for delivering product internationally. The end result should be increased arms exports from the United States, in an easier and less restrictive environment—as long as the regulations are followed. The new regulations should be published for final rule making in mid-2019, with the rules being implemented before the end of the year.

Jason Wong is a licensed attorney that manages Hurricane Butterfly, a U.S.-based company that specializes in the import and export of small arms. He may be reached via email: Jason at HurricaneButterfly.net. The foregoing is not intended as legal advice, and readers should not rely upon the foregoing without additional research. If readers have specific questions, they should seek competent legal counsel.

Industry News: V11N3

SADJ Staff — Wed, 06 Mar 2019 18:23:38 +0000

INDIAN MINISTRY OF DEFENCE ENTERS NEGOTIATION PERIOD WITH SIG SAUER & CARACAL

SIG SAUER and Caracal International LLC are courting the Indian Ministry of Defence (MOD) to secure a $503 million contract to provide the Indian Army’s infantry troops with over 72,000 SIG 716 battle rifles and an undisclosed amount of CAR816 carbines to replace the Indian Army’s problematic 1B1 INSAS.

According to MilitaryTimes.com, the shift from 5.56 NATO with the 1B1 to the larger-caliber 7.62 NATO with the SIG 716, provides the Indian Army’s infantry troops a more reliable weapon which they currently lack. Troops have complained of the 1B1’s untimely stoppages and mechanism failures. The Indian MoD had hoped the 1B1 INSAS would have a long and storied career for its (at-the-time) next-generation gun.

The SIG 716 uses a short stroke piston-driven operating system with a heavier push rod than its smaller version, the 516 (chambered for 5.56 NATO) and a 16-inch hammer-forged free floating barrel. An ambidextrous mag release, tons of rail space for electronics and optics, plus a telescoping Magpul stock round out the features on the rifle (sigsauer.com).

CAR816

Caracal International LLC is a UAE-based defense contractor, but the CAR816 is manufactured in the U.S. (caracalusa.com). The CAR816 is similar to the M4, firing the 5.56 NATO round. Similar to the SIG 516 and the SIG 716, the CAR816 uses a short-stroke push rod gas piston design controlled by a 3-position gas valve and has a 16-inch barrel. The CAR816 will be used as a close quarters battle (CQB) weapon, replacing the smaller caliber 9mm Sterling.

ACCURACY INTERNATIONAL LTD. AWARDED CONTRACT TO UPGRADE GERMAN ARMY’S G22 SNIPER RIFLES

Accuracy International Ltd. announced it has been awarded the contract to upgrade the German Army’s G22 Sniper Rifles through its German agent POL-TEC. Accuracy International (AI) will refurbish and upgrade the current G22 and G22A1 rifles to the new G22A2 platform. The rifles will remain in the 7.62×67 caliber.

G22A1

“Thank you to the German Army for awarding us with this contract to upgrade their sniper rifles to the G22A2, a superior rifle with full capabilities,” said Tom Irwin, Director of AI. “We look forward to working with our German agent POL-TEC and the BAAINBw to deliver these rifles.”

G22A2

The updated G22A2 rifle was introduced by Accuracy International in 2018. It is an all-weather, day and night, AX-style rifle with user configurability and mission adaptability. The rifle features a full-length action and a forend rail with right-side folding stock over the bolt. The updated G22A2 is in AI Pale Brown with modern accessories.

The German Army ordered 780 which will be delivered by 2020.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY AWARDS OLIN-WINCHESTER A 9MM CALIBER RITA AMMUNITION CONTRACT

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) recently awarded Olin-Winchester a major ammunition contract. Starting delivery this year, the contract provides for up to 62.5 million rounds of 9mm caliber “Readily Identifiable Training Ammunition” (RITA) to multiple Department of Homeland Security (DHS) law enforcement components and other federal agencies for up to 5 years. This contract will provide the organization’s agents and officers with 9mm caliber training ammunition.

The 9mm/115-grain FMJ product, assembled with a distinctive “purple” colored brass shell case, will complement existing Winchester .40SW and .223 RITA products that have been in service for DHS training efforts for several years.

New Products: V11N3

SADJ Staff — Wed, 06 Mar 2019 17:04:31 +0000

TRIJICON

REAP-IR® Thermal Riflescope Line Expanded

The new REAP-IR models offer two additional magnification options to the 35mm effective focal length variants (2.5x base optical magnification). A 60mm EFL (4.5x base optical magnification) and 20mm EFL (1.5x base optical magnification) configuration is now available along with the original REAP-IR models. A simplified “Easy Zero Method” makes sighting in the optic easier and more intuitive. Getting rounds on target is now a simple matter of aligning an on-screen digital icon with bullet impacts using provided MOA readouts.

Trijicon also updated the main housing to include an integrated Picatinny rail interface for mounting optional accessories and redesigned the battery compartment to a ruggedized, top-loading compartment with an easy-to-use thumbscrew for simpler night-time operation. Trijicon’s new and improved REAP-IR thermal riflescopes retain leading image quality, ease of use and durability while adding new user friendly features.

trijicon.com

FN HERSTAL

FN SCAR®-SC

The FN SCAR®-SC is now also available in 7.62x35mm (.300 BLK) caliber. It features a standard telescopic buttstock and is available with a wide choice of buttstock types and accessories to accommodate the specific needs of the users. Additional developments will include all FN SCAR® carbines and rifles being now available with a receiver with Picatinny type side rails or KeyMod receiver.

fnherstal.com

FN HERSTAL

FN SCAR®-L

The FN SCAR®-L rifle recently selected by Bavarian Police as their next rifle (Mitteldistanzwaffe). The semi-auto weapon features a 13-inch barrel, KeyMod receiver and RFID tag integrated into the receiver. The RFID tag is an in-house-designed electronic system developed by FN Herstal that allows digital identification of the weapon, hence enabling optimized inventory and in-and-out management of the weapon fleet. The RFID tag can be integrated in any FN SCAR® weapon, including precision rifles.

fnherstal.com

WINCHESTER

RANGER ONE™ Ammunition

The Winchester commitment to providing innovative ammunition products is paramount in serving the law enforcement community. In 2019, Winchester continues its long-standing investment in developing technology-driven ammunition into its Law Enforcement line with the introduction of RANGER® ONE™.

RANGER® ONE™ is a bonded bullet that contains a proprietary rigid, fluid directing, polymer insert that is seated within the hollow-point cavity. The technology prevents the projectile from being affected by drywall, cloth or other material, which can minimize expansion and effectiveness. Upon impact, the rigid polymer insert contributes to the expansion and segmentation of the petals to ensure maximum threat-stopping energy transfer while the bonding process maintains bullet integrity and optimal penetration depth. The bullet insert’s blue color stands as a salute to our men and women of the law enforcement community.

Winchester.com

FLIR

Scion™ Professional Thermal Monocular (PTM)

The new FLIR Scion™ Professional Thermal Monocular (PTM) is built for public safety professionals and is powered by FLIR’s high-performance Boson® thermal core for greater image quality. The Scion features connectivity with FLIR TruWITNESS® to allow real-time encrypted thermal video streaming to provide professionals with greater situational awareness. The rugged Scion PTM features FLIR’s most advanced thermal imaging core, which allows users to quickly detect objects with greater detail and offer clear vision in low visibility conditions. Available in a 60 hertz refresh rate, the Scion PTM features 2 gigabytes of internal storage and a microSD™ card slot to record both geotagged video or still images for later playback. Additional features include picture-in-picture zoom, global positioning system (GPS) functionality and both Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi capabilities to allow simple file transfer between devices.

flir.com/scion

OPTICAL DYNAMICS

EXUDE Illuminator

The EXUDE™ Direct Light Illuminator, by Optical Dynamics® features a patented Collimated Amplified Lens System (CALS)—four state-of-the-art lenses to focus and project a beam of light that is pure, clean and powerful. Unlike a flashlight, which disperses a wide cast of distorted light (which may be okay for a walk in the woods or down a dark hallway), the light from an EXUDE is a narrow beam of clean, intense white light that lets you see tremendous detail up close and at great distances, part of EXUDE’s Direct Projection Technology. The EXUDE Direct Light Illuminator is available in two models. Both feature a USB rechargeable battery, three brightness settings and are made of machined aircraft grade anodized aluminum.

longdistancelight.com

365 PLUS

3D Shooting Dummy

Our 3D Shooting Dummy is a unique, self-sealing shooting torso target. The most important feature that sets it aside from the competition is weight, which is up to 4 times less than similar products on the market, while it takes 50% more shoots then other dummies out there. The shooting dummy is weather-resistant.

The dummy is made from special Polyurethane foam which is rigid enough for the 3D shooting dummy to stands by itself but still not too hard to damage the bullets, which pass through the target easily. Due to this, the targets are highly resilient and durable, and a single dummy can take up to 10,000 shots before it needs to be replaced. For training with sniper rifles, CQB or just having it on range this dummy is a must for a more realistic training which results in a better and safer performance in a hostile environment. This dummy is now integrated in NATO standard system.

365-plus.com

AIMPOINT®

Acro P-1™

The new Acro P-1 is the first Aimpoint sight dedicated to riding the slide of a semi-automatic handgun. It is the only fully enclosed system in its category with a sealed optical channel and electronics protected from environmental elements such as rain, dust, and ice. The Acro is NVG compatible, submersible up to 82 feet and has over a year of constant-on use with one CR1225 battery. The ultra-clear sight picture and 3.5 MOA red dot allows for extremely fast target acquisition, making it the number one choice for pistol optics worldwide.

aimpoint.com

New Products: V11N1

SADJ Staff — Fri, 04 Jan 2019 08:15:53 +0000

ABOVE: FIME GROUP VEPR 12 Shotgun

FIME GROUP
VEPR 12 Shotgun

The Vepr 12 is a shotgun designed for self-defense, hunting, range shooting and 3-gun competitions. The Vepr 12 Gauge Shotgun is a popular choice amongst competitive shooters. It comes standard with a polymer grip, fixed NATO polymer stock, RPK style windage adjustable rear sight and a factory 5-round magazine. The Vepr 12 Shotgun comes with many of the same features as the Vepr 12-07 with some key differences. It includes an original AK-enhanced ambidextrous safety lever, a side-folding stock and some U.S. factory-made parts such as the handguard, trigger and pistol grip. The Vepr 12 Thumbhole Stock is similar to the Vepr 12 Shotgun with the most significant difference being in the stock itself. It is constructed with a single piece of wood and can be attached to a sling. Over the years this wood piece has defined the look of this particular model, becoming popular amongst collectors and enthusiasts.fimegroup.com

QIOPTIQ Dragon S12 Thermal Weapon Sight

QIOPTIQ
Dragon S12 Thermal Weapon Sight

DRAGON S12 is a new in-line uncooled thermal sight and part of the latest development in thermal imaging technology from Qioptiq, providing Sharpshooters and Snipers with 24-hr surveillance and outstanding target identification and engagement capability.

DRAGONS12 utilizes the latest 640×480 format 12µm, uncooled thermal sensor coupled with a near silent shutter and a low-power electronic architecture delivering class leading sensitivity and uniformity. A high definition (HD) OLED micro-display provides the user with a crisp image, along with the ability to select a number of color modes to enhance target detection, recognition and identification. A ballistic calculation engine is built-in for seamless integration with Laser Range Finder (LRF) devices and improved first-round accuracy at long ranges.

Designed specifically to meet surveillance and target engagement requirements for military and law enforcement customers, DRAGON S12 delivers high performance within a lightweight, compact and rugged military qualified design without the need to remove or re-zero the day sight. qioptiq.com

DOUBLE SHOOT Zeroing and Scoring App

DOUBLE SHOOT
Zeroing and Scoring App

Double Shoot, a pioneer in advanced systems for zeroing high accuracy weapons and scoring systems, presents for the first time a unique and innovative smartphone application for zeroing weapons, scoring and comparison. The versatile app can be used with a variety of assault rifles and machine guns.

Double Shoot’s unique app is a response to the manual weapon zeroing process currently being used by armies and security forces around the world. This manual process is slow and requires a great deal of ammunition, making it expensive while not delivering a high level of accuracy. The new app streamlines the zeroing process, making it significantly more efficient by saving 30-50% in training time and ammunition. Optimizing the entire process of shooter training, the app turns every shooting range into a smart shooting range. double-shoot.com

SIG SAUER Caliber X-Change Kit, P320 Compact Rx, 9mm, 15-Round Mag

SIG SAUER
Caliber X-Change Kit, P320 Compact Rx, 9mm, 15-Round Mag

The modular P320 allows you to select any of several centerfire calibers. Just disassemble the pistol and reassemble it with the X-Change Kit’s barrel/slide assembly, grip module, and 15-round magazine. Not compatible with manual safety models of the P320. This kit features SIG SAUER’s exclusive side-mounted optic, the ROMEO1 pre-zeroed, which ensures faster sight acquisition on target. Note: CALX kit comes with contrast sights. sigsauer.com

ASHBURY PRECISION ORDNANCE SABER M700 .308 Tactical Rifle

ASHBURY PRECISION ORDNANCE
SABER M700 .308 Tactical Rifle

Designed for quality-conscious, aspirational long range precision rifle shooters and law enforcement tactical team use, the SABER M700 Tactical Rifle offers shooters numerous high-end precision, semi-custom rifle features at a very competitive price.

The SABER M700 Tactical Rifle uses an APO Custom Shop accurized Remington Model 700® SPS Tactical AAC-SD barreled action which delivers sub-MOA downrange performance. The SABER M700 Tactical Rifle is fitted with an externally adjustable Rifle Basix trigger set to break at a crisp 3 pounds. The M700 rifle barrels are hammer-forged, with the .308 Win configured as a 20-inch, 1:10 twist barrel and the 6.5 Creedmoor as a 22-inch, 1:8 twist barrel. Both rifle models have 5/8-24 threaded muzzles and are fitted with an AAC Blackout 51T muzzle brake suppressor adapter. ashburyprecisionordnance.net

MantisX Shooting Performance System

MantisX
Shooting Performance System

The MantisX Shooting Performance System helps track the movement of your handgun’s barrel during trigger pull. Gain complete control over your training as shots are grouped according to movement pattern similarity. The system allows you to track score of each shot individually, analyze trends and provides a full record of and suggestions for the shooter’s improvement. mantisx.com

MantisX Shooting Performance System includes:

MantisX smart sensor.
MantisX app, for use on iOS and Android smartphone/tablet that supports Bluetooth 4.0 (free download)
Micro-USB charging cable
1-year limited warranty
Available accessories: tablets, rail adapters, snap caps, t-shirts, dry fire mag inserts
An unlimited 45-day money back guarantee.

FOXFURY LIGHTING SOLUTIONS RUGO Quick Swap® Power Pack with Strobe

FOXFURY LIGHTING SOLUTIONS
RUGO Quick Swap® Power Pack with Strobe

The Rugo™ QuickSwap® Power Pack with Strobe is a rugged go-anywhere lighting tool that is primarily used for drones but can also be used as a camera or accent light in photography and videography as well as a handheld search light. This new power pack is most useful for drone night operations as it fulfills the FAA FAR 107.29 requirements for dusk, dawn and night flights. This power pack installs in seconds and allows the Rugo™ to be used on the high setting for a longer period of time. Units can be recharged via a USB charger (not included). This power pack meets the FAA FAR 107.29 requirements for UAV nighttime anti-collision lighting as it is visible for 3 statute miles away and strobes at a rate of 90 times per minute. foxfury.com

Industry News: V11N1

SADJ Staff — Fri, 04 Jan 2019 08:15:52 +0000

Raytheon, Saab Demonstrate New Carl-Gustaf Munition for U.S. Army

Raytheon Company and Swedish aerospace and defense firm Saab are demonstrating a new guided munition for the Carl-Gustaf man-portable, shoulder-launched weapon system under a U.S. Army contract. There will be three all-up-round test firings against threat-representative targets. This new munition answers a U.S. Special Operations Command requirement to increase the capability of the multirole Carl-Gustaf weapon system built by Saab.

The Carl-Gustaf weapon system is used by the U.S. Army and ground forces of more than 40 other countries and has been modernized to meet the changing needs of soldiers operating in the world’s most demanding combat environments.

“The Carl-Gustaf system paired with this new guided munition gives U.S. and coalition dismounted forces a tremendous advantage on the battlefield,” said Kim Ernzen, Raytheon Land Warfare Systems vice president. “The munition is intended to enable ground troops to engage multiple targets precisely at distances up to 2,000 meters, including moving targets.”

The munition’s advanced warhead penetrates light armor, bunkers and concrete structures while minimizing collateral damage. With increased range, the new munition offers greater protection for ground troops by enabling them to fire at targets from inside structures.

In 2017, Raytheon announced its partnership with Saab to develop new weapons for infantry forces. Raytheon and Saab will oversee test firing of the guided Carl-Gustaf munition planned for 2020 in Sweden.

New Million-Dollar Grant Program

The National Shooting Sports Foundation® (NSSF®) announced its partnership with the Hunting Heritage Trust to create a first-of-its-kind million-dollar grant program in support of hunting and the shooting sports recruitment efforts.

The Hunting Heritage Trust and the NSSF are donating $500,000 to the new grant program. The Hunting Heritage Trust was created in 2002 by leaders in the hunting, shooting sports and conservation communities “to fund and foster programs that enhance appreciation of our hunting heritage and increase public understanding and participation in recreational shooting sports.”

Each year, beginning in 2019, organizations meeting certain eligibility requirements may apply for an annual $100,000 grant to be used to support recruitment, retention and reactivation (R3) programs within the hunting and shooting sports industry. The grant program will be offered for a period of not less than 10 years, and while all organizations with formalized R3 programs will be considered for each year’s award, an emphasis will be placed on programs focusing on youth and non-traditional participants.

“Providing the resources to those newly interested in learning about firearms safety and the shooting sports, sparking renewed interest in those who used to hunt or shoot, and keeping up interest of those engaged in hunting and the shooting sports, is of paramount importance to our industry,” said Steve Sanetti, NSSF CEO. “The new NSSF Hunting Heritage Trust grant program provides much-needed funding for these efforts.”

“The Hunting Heritage Trust has awarded dozens of grants totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars over the past 15 years, but none will have a greater long-term impact on the future of our hunting and shootings sports heritage than this $500,000 grant,” said Bob Delfay, President of the Hunting Heritage Trust and former NSSF President. “There is no organization more dedicated than NSSF when it comes to R3 efforts in our industry. From its research and educational services to its numerous conferences and summits, NSSF leads the way in providing the tools our industry members need to get people actively, regularly involved in hunting and the shooting sports. We are pleased to partner with them in creating this important grant program in support of those efforts.”

International Legal Affairs: V11N1

SADJ Staff — Fri, 04 Jan 2019 07:15:04 +0000

Screening Prohibited Parties

As the world becomes increasingly more complicated, one might imagine that there is an official list of “naughty” countries (or individuals) to which U.S. citizens and corporations may not export arms. It would clearly be against U.S. Foreign policy to send arms to a country where U.S. service men and women are put into harm’s way. Officially, there are several lists maintained by several U.S. Regulatory agencies, including the Commerce, Treasury and State Departments. Parties may search the consolidated list of prohibited parties online at: www.export.gov/csl-search

Searching the Consolidated Screening List is not difficult and is legally required for export compliance. While there are companies that offer software to search the Consolidated Screening List, using the list online is easy, quick, reliable and most importantly, free. There have been cases of export violations occurring where an exporter, using a paid screening service, did not catch a recent addition to one of the lists. An after action report showed that the paid subscription service had not updated the list in a timely manner, resulting in a prohibited person being involved in an export transaction. As one might imagine, this resulted in an export violation to the exporter and triggered a monetary fine.

The lists maintained by the U.S. Government exist for a variety of reasons—the interests of the U.S. State Department and the Treasury Department may be identical in seeking to prevent the proliferation of arms worldwide, but the triggering violation will likely be specific to the agency. This has resulted in a number of lists, all of which should be checked and are included within the Consolidated Screening List. The official watch lists maintained by the U.S. Government include the following:

The Denied Persons List: This is a list maintained by the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security. The individuals and corporate entities on this list may be U.S.- or foreign-based and have been placed on this list because they have been denied U.S. export privileges. Dealing with any party on this list is not allowed.

The Unverified List: This is also a list maintained by the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security. The parties to this list have been involved in prior export transactions, but the Commerce Department was not able to certify the legitimacy of the party in the prior transaction. While not prohibited per se, dealing with a party on this list should be considered a red flag.

The Entity List: This is the third and final list maintained by the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security. Some commodities do not require an export license to ship from the United States. However, dealing with a party on this list may trigger a license requirement specific to the party listed within the list. Parties to this list have typically been identified as being an increased risk of diverting lawful exports to prohibited parties and/or destinations.

Non-proliferation Sanctions: This is a list maintained by the U.S. State Department to prevent illegal arms proliferation. Parties to this list have been sanctioned for violating U.S export laws that prohibit the proliferation of nuclear, chemical and biological weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems, advanced conventional weapons and related materials, technologies and expertise.

The Debarred List: This is the second list maintained by the U.S. State Department. It lists entities and parties that are prohibited from participating directly or indirectly in the export of defense articles, to include technical data and defense services. Parties are added to this list via “statutory debarment” upon conviction of violating or conspiring to violate the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). In some cases, parties are added to this list via an “administrative debarment,” where an administrative proceeding is conducted to determine whether the party violated the AECA, but no criminal charges were pursued.

The Specially Designated Nationals List: This is one of six lists maintained by the Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control. This is a general list of prohibited parties that have violated Treasury regulations. Parties on this list are prohibited from transacting export transactions.

Foreign Sanctions Evaders List: This is another list maintained by the Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control. Foreign individuals and entities on this list have been determined to have violated, attempted to violate, conspired to violate or caused a violation of U.S. sanctions on Syria or Iran. The list also included foreign persons who have facilitated deceptive transactions for, or on behalf of persons subject to U.S. sanctions. Transactions by U.S. persons or conducted within the United States involving parties to this list are prohibited.

The remaining four lists maintained by the Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control are specific to Russian parties, the Palestinian Legislative Council, Iranian parties and certain foreign financial institutions. Parties to these lists are either prohibited from export transactions with U.S. parties, or strict conditions have been created prior to any transaction taking place.

The world is a big place, and parties seeking to do business with American companies are not always honest or legitimate. There are many instances of Iranian and Chinese parties acting in bad faith, attempting to export controlled items for improper purposes, to foreign bad actors. Many who seek to complete an illicit export transaction are caught, arrested and imprisoned. When a U.S. company is involved, fines are usually levied, although criminal charges may also be pursued against the company and/or the controlling managers of the company. It pays to know the parties to any proposed export transaction and screen all parties to the transaction. A domestic supplier may be a debarred party on the U.S. State Department list. Similarly, a freight forwarder may be listed within the Commerce Denied Persons List. U.S.-based exporters and those abroad that deal with U.S.-made goods are advised to screen all parties to an export transaction, whether U.S.-based or foreign-based.

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Mr. Wong is a Washington State licensed attorney and manages Hurricane Butterfly, a U.S.-based import/export company that assists foreign and domestic firearm manufacturers, resellers and collectors wade through the regulatory quagmire of U.S. import/export regulations.

The preceding article is not intended as legal advice and should not be taken as legal advice. If the reader has specific legal questions, seek competent legal counsel.

Book Review: V10N6

SADJ Staff — Fri, 19 Oct 2018 07:15:44 +0000

A History of South African Firearms

South Africa has a rich history evident in its firearms, but this is a story that is seldom told outside of Southern Africa and certainly the lore that has been passed around verbally has not been previously researched, documented and properly presented. The initial goal was to research and record approximately 220 firearms made in the region, and the dozen and more distinguished contributors have come close to hitting that goal. For over 8 years members of the Pretoria Arms and Ammunition Association searched, researched, photographed, interviewed, gathered documents and compiled the information on over 180 firearms indigenous to the region.

The firearms covered in this book are tools, and as such, appearance and function are dictated by the job at hand. These run the gamut from fine hunting rifles, to weapons of war, to law enforcement tools, to the pleasures of sport shooting. This book is not just about one type of weapon or firearm, it is about entire cultures of shooters and designers in the post-World War II-era of the Republic of South Africa. A section on Rhodesian firearms (now called Zimbabwe) covers many of the items from the 1970s war period.

A History of South African Firearms, Edited By Chas Lotter

Historical anecdotes abound, from the interviews conducted with manufacturers and designers such as Truvelo Armoury, Tony Neophytou, Denel and many others. The Neopup, Neostead, Truvelo’s CMS series including the 20x42mm sniper, LDS submachine gun, Panther, CR21 and many hunting rifles that were innovative are covered. The birth of the Striker 12-gauge and MGL 40mm are well covered, as are the Rhodesian War guns such as the Kommando SMG.

Chapters include: Musgrave; Lyttelton Engineering Works; Truvelo; Republic Arms; Milkor; Other South African Manufacturers; and Rhodesian Firearms.

We highly recommend this book for all those interested in small arms. It is well organized and can be searched by products made by weapon designer or company as well.

Compiled by: Pretoria Arms and Ammunition Association
Edited By: Chas Lotter
Published by: Pretoria Arms and Ammunition Association, 2017
ISBN: 978-0-620-72874
Hardcover. 540 pages, 1252 images
(Also known as “The DAMISA book”)
First edition: 1000 ZAR / Second edition: 750 ZAR (About US $70, 60€, 55£ at press time)
Order from: tacticalquartermaster.co.za

International Legal Affairs: V10N6

SADJ Staff — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 07:15:38 +0000

Defense Distributed: The Final Chapter?

Frequent readers of this column will note that we’ve been following the Defense Distributed case since inception and originally noted that this was a First Amendment and Freedom of Speech case versus over-reaching Government regulation.

The ability to regulate speech in the United States is very difficult. We noted back in 2015 that there are generally two ways in which free speech within the United States may be restricted. Regulations may be imposed upon the time, place and manner of expression, but the restrictions imposed must be content-neutral, the restrictions must be narrowly tailored to serve a significant government interest, and the restrictions must leave open ample alternative avenues of communication.

Restrictions on content (as were contemplated by a 2015 U.S. State Department proposed regulatory change to the ITAR and pursued by the U.S. State Department within its regulatory enforcement action against Defense Distributed) may have been permissible if the restriction passes “strict scrutiny.” Strict scrutiny requires the government to show that the restriction serves “to promote a compelling interest” and that the restriction is “the least restrictive means to further the articulated interest.” We predicted back in 2015 that “[it] is unlikely that DDTC can overcome the strict scrutiny threshold under the current proposed regulation language.” It should come as no surprise that the U.S. State Department backed off from its enforcement action and agreed to dismiss all litigation related to the case.

One would think that following the settlement, that would be the end of the case. Unfortunately, Attorney Generals in eight U.S. States (apparently) did not pay attention in law school and have filed additional litigation against Defense Distributed to prohibit the online publication of the programs needed to 3-D print a firearm. This article will predict now–as it did in 2015–that the eight States that filed litigation cannot prohibit this type of speech.

Recall that the eight Attorney Generals are seeking to prohibit the online publication of Defense Distributed’s software. From a technical standpoint, the very thought that the internet could be restricted is ludicrous. From a legal stand point, the current litigation is nearly exactly the same argument as the U.S. State Department’s argument–that there should be a restriction on the content that Defense Distributed is publishing online.

Acceptable First Amendment restrictions on content include defamation, fraud, obscenity, child pornography and threats. Not surprisingly, there are no restrictions on the print publication of the Anarchist Cookbook, The Improvised Munitions Handbook (FM 31-210), or any number of books published on how to manufacture a firearm, whether from common materials found around the home or via the use of complex machinery. The online publication of Defense Distributed’s software is no different from the print version of a similar book.

Recall that these types of restrictions must pass a “strict scrutiny” analysis. Would a prohibition on the online software serve “to promote a compelling interest?” Is the proposed prohibition “the least restrictive means to further the articulated interest?” In both cases, the answer must be no. Manufacture of a firearm by an individual within the United States is not illegal. While some states (like California) require homemade firearms to be registered, most states have no restrictions on the manufacture of firearms made for personal use. There are no such restrictions on the manufacture of firearms for personal use in Federal law. Simply, there is no compelling interest to prohibit an activity that is otherwise legal.

Is “the least restrictive means to further the articulated interest?” In simple terms, no. The internet is very difficult to regulate. It would be impossible to prohibit the online publication of the Defense Distributed code within the eight states that take offense. If Defense Distributed were prohibited from publishing its code in the eight states that take offense, such a prohibition would effectively ban publication (by Defense Distributed) worldwide. Once released, the information has been copied and shared worldwide and is readily available online despite Defense Distributed’s agreement to remove the plans from its website.

Release of the information is far from the public nuisance that politicians and the media have portrayed it to be. Efforts to manufacture a Liberator pistol would require several thousand dollars in equipment and a significant amount of time to make a pistol that may not be safe to fire once produced. Rather than going after the information, the eight states should be going after illegal action performed by possessing the information being distributed. This argument is further supported by the fact that the information has already been released; like the proverbial horse and barn door, it is far too late to control the flow of information on the internet once it has been released.

•••

This article is not intended as, and should not be taken as legal advice. If you have legal questions regarding the content of this article, seek competent legal counsel. Mr. Wong is a Washington-licensed attorney. He regularly provides legal counsel to the firearm and defense industry via his law firm, The Firearms Law Group. Mr. Wong also maintains Hurricane Butterfly, an import/export company that assists U.S. firearm manufacturers and foreign buyers wade through the regulatory morass of U.S. import/export regulations.