Revision Stingerhawk I-Vis: See What You’ve Been Missing
Most of us put a lot of thought into the guns we shoot and the gear we use. But admittedly, some items receive more attention than others. I recently understood that I’ve been neglecting my eye protection when I tested a set of Revision Military I-Vis lenses in the Revision StingerHawk frames. Most of my eye pro was basic stuff that you can pick up anywhere. I already had one good pair of glasses that I liked, but they were just ballistic sunglasses. Essential eye wear for the range, sure, (eyes and ears!) and very good quality – but nothing particularly special.
But I immediately noticed the difference when I donned the Revision I-Vis lenses. The colors pop . I saw colors that I didn’t know were there. I’m not really a gearhead, so I didn’t know that was even a thing. But these lenses made me more aware of my surroundings, offering contrasts I couldn’t see before. The advantages for shooters, hunters, and operators operating operationally are obvious (in addition to impact protection, fragmentation protection, and other features). And because the I-Vis lenses are from Revision, the quality is there.
Above: author’s i-Vis Revision Stingerhawk with Beretta 92. This protective system has retired all his other eye pro options.
Revision Stingerhawk
The Revision Stingerhawk spectacle system is combat-proven. They’ve been around for about a decade; if you served in OEF or OIF, there’s a good chance you were issued some of these. In 2016 Revision deployed in large numbers as part of what’s called a “Rapid Fielding Initiative” (RFI) to supply PEO Soldier (Program Executive Office) with thousands of ballistic protection spectacles. That was just one tranche of many sent to military, government agencies, OGA, and contractor personnel to combat theaters around the world.
There were good before, and now they’re better. These aren’t your everyday shooting glasses.
Revision CEO Amy Coyne explains it this way:
“I-Vis lenses increase the separation of colors so that when you’re wearing them, you’ll see multiple shades of a color compared to the single shade you’d see with the naked eye or when using traditional lens tints. The result is greater awareness and faster reaction times. In a military setting, this translates into greater survivability and lethality.”
The I-Vis lenses help differentiate targets from the background. (Author’s photo)
Read on, and I’ll explain further.
I-Vis Lens Features
• Facilitate superior optical performance – but not how you think. This is about improved color depth, reduced eye fatigue, and superior contrast without a reduction in light (which is information to the brain).
• Optical grade high-impact polycarbonate lenses provide maximum protection from fragments.
• Block 100 percent of harmful UV-A, B, and C rays.
• Scratch, streak, smear, and chemical resistant.
• The anti-fog coating reportedly lasts 10 to 20 times longer than competitors’ anti-fog performance.
• Available in six tints, each optimized for a specific geographic region.
• Meets or exceeds US military ballistic impact requirements.
• Meets or exceeds international ballistic impact requirements (there ya go, NATO!)
• Interchangeable lenses.
• Unrestricted field of view.
• High-impact protection goggles version i-VIS lenses are available.
• MIL-PRF-32432A clause 3.8.4.1 Ballistic fragmentation characteristics Class 1 spectacles.
• ANSI Z87.1-2015 clause 6 Impact Rated Protector Requirements (Z87+).
• Berry Compliant
*The chroma-related advantages are not present in the clear lens and smoke lens versions; however, other features (comfort, anti-fog protection, testing re: ballistic impact resistance requirements, etc.) are present.
AI Tint Analysis
Revision developed the six lens tints by employing AI to analyze satellite data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Specifically, the AI considered area-specific color vision variables informed by the color palette and the most likely lighting conditions for different geographic location types.
Each tint is optimized to increase contrast and color and elevate color recognition in a specific region and those analogous to it. Each tint also has its own Visible Light Transmission (VLT) percentage. Higher percentage lenses allow more light. Lower percentage lenses block more light. The six lens tints are, in brief:
• Verso: The most versatile and complex lens tint, the Verso is Revision’s “do-it-all” tint. If you aren’t certain of your operating environment, the Verso lenses are for you. 19% VLT
• Aros: Designed for desert environments, bringing out differences in shades of brown, tan, yellow, and orange. 12% VLT.
• Cano: Optimized for regions dominated by greens, browns, and grays. Think dense forests with heavy shade. 37% VLT.
• Alto: Perfect for dry, high-altitude areas with grays, tans, and blues, as in northern Afghanistan. 12% VLT.
• Clara: These lenses enhance color definition and contrast in brightly lit areas of white, gray, and blue, as in the snowy woodlands of northern Europe, Scandinavia, the Baltic States, and Poland. 12% VLT.
• Umbra: Designed for overcast, snow-covered areas featuring whites and grays, as in northern Europe, Scandinavia, the Baltic States, and Poland. They are similar to the Clara lenses but with a higher VLT rating of 48%.
Revision offers the I-Vis lenses in six tints, like these Altos. The StingerHawk frames are low profile and comms compatible. (revisionmilitary.com)
Does this kind of specificity help qualify them as mission essential eye wear? I don’t know, but the differing lenses have received great anecdotal reviews. I personally have the Umbras, and they worked very well for wooded Appalachia in the winter. I’m confident they’ll perform just as well through spring and into summer.
Revision StingerHawk Frame Features
All I-Vis lenses are available for use in the company’s StingerHawk ballistic eyewear system. Clara and Umbra are also available for the SnowHawk system. StingerHawk frames are a solid foundation for lens overall ballistic protection. Their features include:
- Low-profile and comfortable. I can personally attest to this. They have not interfered with my ear pro or headwear.
- Wide, textured, flexible, soft rubber nose piece.
- Comms compatible arms. I have not personally tested that capability, but it is noted by Revision and confirmed by some of the writers in my crew.
- Lenses are easily swapped out of the StingerHawk frames, meaning lenses may be purchased individually and slotted in as the user needs them.
- Available prescription lens inserts.
- Clear adjustable nosepiece for comfort and fit.
Left: Without I-Vis lenses. (Right) The I-Vis lenses make the colors pop. (revisionmilitary.com)
(Left) No I-Vis lenses. (Right) With I-Vis Aros lenses optimized for desert environments. (revisionmilitary.com)
New Favorite Eye Pro Option
Essential eye wear for more than the range
As I said before, I really didn’t know what I was missing before trying the I-Vis system. As it stands now, these are the only eye pro I wear. I’ve already ordered a set of Cano tint lenses for spring and summer here in the Appalachian woods. I’ll also get a set of prescription inserts, so I don’t necessarily have to wear contact lenses when shooting or hunting (more on those when I have them in hand). And I do intend to wear these glasses when I hunt in the fall. I think the enhanced colors and contrasts will be a real boon.
If you want to take the next step in eye pro performance, you should try the Revision I-Vis system. I know I probably sound like a paid spokesperson (I’m not), but they really are that good. And it’s kinda my job to share what I like and what I don’t. That’s why I refer to them as essential eye wear; I mean that sincerely, and not just for trips to the range or a mounted patrol through Fallujadishu. Until they come up with night vision or XRay vision eye pro, I’ll be wearing Revision Stingerhawk and Speed Demon eye pro. They fit every requirement I can think of for hard-use tactical sunglasses.
This is one product that won’t get thrown in the closet now that I’m done testing it.
The I-Vis lenses show us colors we didn’t know were there. (Author’s photo)
More at revisionmililtary.com.
Gray Beard Ammo Announces Grand Opening
Introducing Gray Beard Ammo: Conway, Arkansas’ Premier Gun Store.
Get ready, firearms enthusiasts! Gray Beard Ammo is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated grand opening on June 2nd and 3rd. This premier gun store is set to become the go-to destination for all your firearms and ammunition needs in Conway and beyond. Located at 3150 Vail Avenue, Conway, AR 72032, Gray Beard Ammo aims to provide a top-notch shopping experience for firearm lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and those who prioritize personal safety regardless of their knowledge and skill level. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter, a sport shooter, or a new or seasoned gun owner, Gray Beard has an extensive range of high-quality firearms and ammunition with friendly staff ready to help you.
The grand opening celebration promises an unforgettable experience for every visitor. So mark your calendars for June 2nd and 3rd, as Gray Beard Ammo has lined up an array of exciting activities and special offers to kickstart its presence in the community. Here’s a taste of what you can expect:
● Ribbon Cutting Ceremony: Join us at 10:00 a.m. on June 2nd as we officially inaugurate the facility with a celebratory ribbon-cutting ceremony. Local officials, respected members of the
community, and special guests will be in attendance to dedicate and commemorate this landmark event.
● Giveaways and Prizes: Prepare for excitement as Gray Beard Ammo will host giveaways every half hour throughout the two-day event. Stand a chance to win fantastic prizes.
● Community Engagement: Gray Beard isdedicated to fostering strong community relationships. As part of our commitment, we will present Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu demonstrations to showcase our nonprofit and how it serves anyone, but especially Arkansas veterans and first responders.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Gray Beard Ammo is a premium gun store located in Conway, Arkansas. We offer a wide range of firearms, ammunition, and accessories, catering to the needs of both experienced shooters and those new to firearms. Our mission is to provide exceptional customer service, expert guidance, and top-quality products to ensure the utmost satisfaction of our valued customers.
Find out more about the company!
Revolutionize Your Glock 43x Experience with Top Accessories
In the quest for improved accuracy and performance, firearm enthusiasts are constantly on the lookout for enhancements that can significantly elevate the capabilities of their Glock 43x. To aid in this pursuit, this press release delves into a curated selection of top-notch accessories that are currently redefining the world of Glock 43x upgrades. Those are the sights, a match barrel, and a metal high-capacity magazine. Beyond that, you can add a compensator if you have a threaded barrel for the Glock 43X.
One of the standout Glock 43x accessories is the Faxon Firearms Glock 43X Barrel. This high-quality match barrel boasts an array of impressive features like a straight fluted design, 1/10 barrel twist rate, and Chameleon PVD finish, making it ideal for those looking to optimize their firearm’s accuracy. With the Faxon Firearms Glock 43X Barrel, precision becomes far more attainable.
Faxon Firearms Glock 43X Barrel Specs
- Straight Fluted
- 1/10 Barrel Twist Rate
- Stress Relieved 416-R Stainless Steel
- Chameleon PVD Finish
- 11-degree Target Crown
- Conventional Riflin
The Faxon Firearms EXOS Compensator is another innovative addition to the Glock 43x accessory space. This cutting-edge pistol compensator is designed to enhance the overall accuracy of the firearm by reducing its upward movement. Engineered specifically to work effectively with a broad range of factory-loaded ammunition, the EXOS Compensator ensures optimal performance regardless of the type of ammunition being used.
Faxon Firearms EXOS Compensator Specs
- Length: 1.218″
- Width: .865″
- Height: 1.269″
- Weight: .05lbs
- Thread: 1/2×28
When it comes to sights, the Night Fision Tritium Sights offer some of the most technologically advanced options on the market for Glock 43x handguns. Created with a ballistic polymer cup and custom Tritium vial, these sights cater to both Glock 43X MOS and standard models. The unique combination of materials allows the Night Fision Tritium Sights to be the brightest available in the market, ensuring impeccable accuracy in various lighting conditions.
By incorporating these advanced accessories into your Glock 43X, you can significantly transform the performance and accuracy of your firearm. Investing in such premium upgrades enables you to unlock the full potential of your Glock 43x in any situation, empowering you to become a more skilled and confident shooter. Experience the next level of performance, accuracy, and reliability with these exceptional Glock 43x accessories.
Elevate Your Glock 48 Barrel Experience with Faxon
Are you a Glock 48 owner seeking ways to amplify your firearm’s accuracy and overall performance? Delve into the advantages of choosing Faxon’s precision Glock 48 barrel and determine if the investment genuinely pays off.
Faxon’s Premium Barrels for Glock G48
Faxon has masterfully developed and fabricated the Match Series pistol barrels, specifically tailored for the Glock G48. Constructed from stress-relieved 416-R stainless steel and machined in-house, these barrels are coated with either black Nitride or PVD to maximize lubricity, prolong barrel life, and enhance surface wear resistance.
Equipped with conventional rifling, these barrels accommodate a broader range of ammunition, including cast lead, and seamlessly integrate with factory-spec slides without necessitating a gunsmith. Their exceptional tolerances yield a more consistent and tighter lockup compared to OEM barrels.
Specifications
- Handgun Type: Glock G48
- Barrel Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel Material: Stress Relieved 416-R Stainless Steel
- Barrel Twist: 1:10
- Muzzle Thread: 1/2X28
- Crown: 11-degree Target Crown
- Rifling Type: Conventional
Perks of Faxon Glock 48 Barrels
- Superior accuracy: Faxon Match Series Glock 48 barrel offers outstanding accuracy compared to the stock Glock 48 barrel, due to its 1:10 traditional rifling and 11-degree target crown.
- Enhanced dependability: The Faxon barrel’s optimized chamber promotes reliable feeding and extraction, reducing the risk of malfunctions.
- Improved recoil management: Faxon Match Series barrels are engineered to decrease recoil, allowing for faster and more precise follow-up shots.
- Flexible customization: The Faxon Match Series Glock 48 barrel is available in a variety of finishes, lengths, and threading options for personalization. The threaded barrel option supports the attachment of suppressors or compensators.
Evaluating Stock Barrels and Faxon Match Series Barrels
While the stock barrel is a trustworthy option, the Faxon Match Series Glock 48 barrel outperforms it in terms of accuracy, reliability, and recoil management. The superior construction and customization options come with a higher price tag, so it’s essential to assess your specific needs and preferences before selecting a Faxon barrel.
Is a Faxon Glock 48 Barrel a Wise Investment?
Faxon Glock 48 barrels present multiple benefits over stock Glock barrels, making them an enticing choice for dedicated shooters seeking to upgrade their Glock’s performance. The higher price point may be a deterrent for some, but the decision to invest in a Faxon barrel ultimately depends on your unique requirements and preferences.
Browse Faxon’s G48 options here, or read more about Faxon’s Glock replacement barrel options.
New HandALL Models: Slip On Rubber Pistol Grips
Hogue has added a couple of new models to their line of slip on rubber pistol grips: the HandALL for SIG P365-XMacro and Taurus GX4 and XL handguns.
The manufacturer says,
“Continuing the expansion of Hogue’s HandALL grip sleeve line, models are now available for the SIG SAUER P365-XMACRO and the Taurus GX4 & GX4XL. The Advantages of Houge Beavertail grip sleeves are evident upon installation.
Perceived recoil is significantly reduced by Hogue’s renowned ultra-soft rubber. The Beavertail feature provides added protection for the purlicue of the hand, and the finger grooves allow consistent grasp and secure hold.
While it has become common for shooters to resort to stippling to upgrade the factory texture of polymer pistols, this practice ultimately compromises the original condition of the firearm’s frame. To avoid this irreversible trade-off, Hogue has perfected their Beavertail grip sleeve design to ensure a long-lasting, yet non-permanent alternative that will greatly enhance the shooters’ grip experience.“
Hogue Slip On Rubber Pistol Grips
P365-XMACRO / Taurus GX4 HoldALL
Production sleeves for both pistol and rifle grips have been around for a very long time. Although the increasing popularity of grip stippling has grown significantly there a huge market for them. One of the biggest groups of users is those who don’t want to (or who are forbidden to by policy) alter the original factory condition of their pistol frame; at least not permanently. Hogue Grips are a good, reversible way to achieve grip modification to someone’s preferred level of texture.
A grip sleeve is intended to do more than mitigate the drawbacks of some weapons’ geometry and texture. They are usually designed to provide some specific advantages (see below for more detail).
Grip sleeves also have other advantages. Most are not easily quantifiable, and not everyone will agree with them, but as long as people continue to use them we’ll know they have something to ovver.
The most significant advantage is that of an improved, more comfortable and effective grip by the master hand. This can be broken down into some specific points:
- Finger grooves are intended to position fingers for optimal grip (though admittedly “one size fits all”)
- Texture for maintaining a grip in slick conditions
- Beavertail to protect the shooting hand purlicue (that’s the stretch between the thumb and index finger)
- Softer material for grip = more comfort
- Color palette available to match or contrast a weapon’s finish
Grip sleeves like this are a popular Taurus GX4 accessory.
Read some more about the HandALL slip on pistol grip sleeve.
Find the original article in its entirety at Guns and Tactics.
Boost Your Glock 17 Gen 5 Performance with Faxon Firearms Barrels
Renowned for its dependability, user-friendliness, and precision, the Glock 17 Gen 5 has become a favored choice among gun aficionados worldwide. While this top-tier firearm already boasts exceptional quality, even the best handguns can benefit from upgrades to maximize performance and accuracy. The barrel, a vital component in any handgun, determines the bullet’s trajectory upon exiting the firearm. Upgrading the Glock 17 Gen 5’s barrel can substantially enhance its performance and accuracy.
Glock 17 Gen 5 barrel (bottom) Glock 17 Gen 1-4 barrel (Top)
5 Benefits of Upgrading Your Barrel
Upgrading the barrel of your Glock 17 Gen 5 can offer a range of benefits that can improve its performance and enhance your shooting experience. Here are some of the top benefits you can expect:
Improved accuracy: One of the most significant benefits of upgrading your Glock 17 Gen 5 barrel is improved accuracy. A high-quality barrel will have a tighter bore and more precise rifling, which can help stabilize the bullet and keep it on target. This can be especially beneficial if you’re using your Glock 17 Gen 5 for competitive shooting or self-defense purposes, where accuracy is critical.
Increased range: Another advantage of upgrading your Glock 17 Gen 5 barrel is increased range. A high-quality barrel can improve the bullet’s velocity, allowing it to travel further and hit targets at longer distances. This can be particularly useful for outdoor shooting or hunting.
Enhanced safety features: Some aftermarket barrels for the Glock 17 Gen 5 may come with enhanced safety features, such as improved feed ramps or a tighter chamber. These safety features can improve reliability and reduce the risk of malfunctions or misfires.
Increased Reliability: Aftermarket barrels are often made with higher-quality materials than stock barrels, such as stainless steel or titanium. These materials can be more durable and resistant to wear and tear than a stock barrel, reducing the risk of failure or malfunction. Also, most aftermarket barrels are precision-machined to tighter tolerances, which makes the fit and function more consistent.
Ammunition Compatibility: Another factor that can contribute to increased reliability is the ability of aftermarket barrels to shoot a wider range of ammunition types. The stock barrel of the Glock 17 Gen 5 is designed to handle a specific type of ammunition, and using different types can sometimes lead to jams or malfunctions. However, many aftermarket barrels are designed to handle a wider variety of ammunition types, making them more versatile and reliable in a wider range of situations.
Glock 17 Gen 5 Barrel Differences
The Glock 17 Gen 5 features a switch to Glock 19 locking geometry.
While the Gen 4 and Gen 5 19 barrels have different geometries, the Gen 5 barrels do away with the slope at the barrel hood and instead go to the simple right angles that the 17/34 have always had, similar to most G19 Gen 1-4 aftermarket barrels.
Due to the shared locking block, a Gen 5 17 barrel can theoretically be used in a Gen 5 19.
However, it’s important to note that Gen 1-4 17 barrels are not compatible with a Gen 5 17.
Even though Glock improved the Glock 17 Gen 5 OEM barrels to make them more accurate (hence the name “Marksman Barrel”), there is still room for improvement.
Popular Glock 17 Gen 5 Barrel Options | Faxon Firearms
The optimized match barrels from Faxon Firearms have been redesigned to work better and with Gen 5 guns.
These Glock 17 Gen 5 barrels have been redesigned for improved performance and Gen 5 compatibility. A recessed target crown, a new match chamber, and a stylized barrel hood with engravings for caliber and model are some of the new features.
The proprietary broach-cut 1 in 14” left-hand twist rifling was developed to create the most accurate Glock aftermarket barrel available, and testing confirms a significant increase in accuracy over factory barrels in all standard bullet weights.
Manufactured from 416R stainless steel, which is an ideal material for making match-grade barrels because the material allows for the precise cutting of chambers and rifling, which results in a more accurate barrel.
Faxon Flame Fluting
Glock 17 Gen 5 Barrel Specs
- Handgun Type: G17 Gen 5
- Barrel Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel Profile: Flame Fluted, Drop In (Compatible with Gen 5)
- Barrel Material: 416-R Stainless Steel
- Barrel Twist: 1:10
- Muzzle Thread: N/A
- Crown: 11-degree Target Crown
- Rifling Method: Button Rifled, Fully Stress Relieved
- Rifling Type: Conventional
- Inside Finish: Salt Bath Nitride
- Outside Finish: Salt Bath Nitride
Glock 17 Gen 5 Threaded Barrel Specs
- Handgun Type: G17 Gen 5
- Barrel Caliber: 9mm
- Barrel Profile: Flame Fluted, Drop In (Compatible with Gen 5)
- Barrel Material: 416-R Stainless Steel
- Barrel Twist: 1:10
- Muzzle Thread: 1/2×28
- Crown: 11-degree Target Crown
- Rifling Method: Button Rifled, Fully Stress Relieved
- Rifling Type: Conventional
- Inside Finish: Salt Bath Nitride
- Outside Finish: Salt Bath Nitride
Tighter lockup and SAMMI specs improve shot-to-shot accuracy and reliability.
Some of the features highlighted on the Faxon Firearms website to explain why their barrels are superior to those of their competitors are as follows:
- 4150 or 416-R Stainless – When used in firearm barrels, these two types of steel are made for durability, longevity & accuracy.
- 9mm SAAMI Chambers – Superior Accuracy w/ complete SAAMI Compatibility & Boring Reliability.
- Tighter Tolerances – A Drop In barrel with better fitment and a tighter lock-up than competing brands.
- Conventional Rifling – Fully compatible with cast lead bullets.
- 11° Target Crown – This preserves and protects accuracy.
Glock17 Gen 5 Threaded Barrel and Compensator
The threaded barrel and compensator work together to enhance the accuracy and stability of the Glock 17 Gen 5. The compensator shown here for the Glock 17 Gen 5 called EXOS has a unique design with an angled front port and a single chamber.
This design helps to decrease the movement of the muzzle by reducing both the upward and sideward recoil, resulting in improved accuracy from shot to shot.
Muzzle flip reduction is baked into the DNA of Faxon EXOS compensators.
Upgrading your Glock 17 Gen 5 barrel can be a game changer for anyone who wants to take their firearm’s performance to the next level.
With improved accuracy, increased range, reduced recoil and muzzle rise, enhanced safety features, and increased reliability, the benefits of upgrading your barrel are undeniable.
With the right barrel, you can unlock your firearm’s full potential and take your skills to the next level.
G-Flex: a Glock Binary Trigger
Double down. Bang it twice…every single time! Tactical Sh!t is taking pre-orders now for the G-Flex; the best binary trigger for your Glock pistol.
St. Peters, MO | 17 MAR 23
For the first time ever, enhanced pull and release firing capability is here for Gen 3, Gen 4, and Gen 5 Glock firearms. Introducing the G-Flex Binary Trigger for Glock pistols!
The G-Flex is engineered with Reflex Trigger Technology. It fires one round when the trigger is pulled rearward, then a second “reflex” round when the trigger is released forward. This provides the potential for lightning-fast split times and unmatched performance in your Glock handgun.
The G-Flex is manufactured from professional-grade materials and designed for easy drop-in installation. The G-Flex is manufactured with aerospace-grade stainless steel and is built to perform under pressure and hard use. You’ll harness elevated speed and effectiveness with unmatched strength and reliability.
The G-Flex has been engineered with what the ATF wanted; a patented secondary DISCONNECTOR makes it physically impossible for the G-Flex to achieve automatic firing.
Components:
• Trigger Bar
• Enhanced Bar Guide
• Trigger Return Spring
• Trigger Housing
• Trigger Shoe
Specifications:
• Style: Reflex
• Model: G-Flex
• Platform: GLOCK 17, 19, 22, 23, 26, 27, 19X, 45, 47, 31, 32, and 33
• Fit: generation-specific
• Weight: 5 ounces
• Material: Aluminum/Steel
Experience the speed and performance of the G-Flex and its game-changing Reflex Trigger Technology. Unleash Glock’s full potential with G-Flex!
Order yours online at Warlord Central: sigglockincolt.com
Be sure to check out the SHOTS FIRED podcast!
Danger Close Media Group | 4110 North Outer Road, St. Peters, MO 63376
SilencerCo: On a Mission To Do It Better
SilencerCo is on a mission. A mission to do it better. Do what better? Good question. Let’s look at that. First and foremost, SilencerCo strives to make better suppressors and suppressor accessories. That’s fine, but one could easily say the same for many companies that make quality products. What matters here is how SilencerCo does it.
SilencerCo lives by what they call “The Three Ps,” People, Passion, and Precision. The Three Ps are the road map to accomplish their mission of doing it better. Let’s break down how that philosophy works.
People
We often hear companies say that they put the customer first. A common customer service maxim says that “the customer is always right,” even though any honest person knows that’s untrue. SilencerCo takes a somewhat different approach to outstanding customer service: they put their employees first.
The idea is that happy employees, people who genuinely like, or even love, their jobs, will strive to do their best every day. That means better, more consistent product lines, more innovation, faster, friendlier service, and a great experience for everyone involved. In short, people who take pride in their work want to do things the right way. Everyone wins. That’s what SilencerCo aims for every day.
So, how do they do that? After all, a job is a job, and most folks would rather be doing other things. We’ve all been there. SilencerCo recognizes all that but continues to take steps toward improving their employees’ experience. Let’s look at a few of those.
Automation
SilencerCo is investing heavily in robotics to aid the manufacturing process. Usually, automation means real people lose their jobs because they’ve been replaced. Not so at SilencerCo. Founder and CEO Jonathan Shults told us that “By introducing higher levels of automation into our production processes we are creating greater efficiency for our company and more enjoyable jobs for our employees. We are automating the parts of manufacturing that are mundane and tedious. Employees will work in conjunction with these new automations in a way that allows them to spend more time on creative and high-level tasks.”
SilencerCo is investing in robotics to free their employees from tedious tasks, not to replace them. (Author’s photo)
This shift has been augmented by training SilencerCo’s employees to monitor the robots doing the tedious jobs they used to do themselves. The employees gain new skills and quality control gets a boost because of the constant human monitoring of the new machines. The company has invested so heavily that the production floor is being rearranged to accommodate the new processes. But not one employee has lost their job because of it, and Shults says that none will. Better, more precise machines, coupled with better-skilled employees whose jobs are less tedious means superior products and happier customers.
Time
Shults likes to say that “Time is time. Time is not money.” Time is the one resource we all have that cannot be replaced or made up. Once it’s gone, it’s gone for good. “You cannot put a price tag on time,” Shults said when asked about the subject. “It has so much more value than any amount someone can pay you. These new automations will give that valuable time back to our employees and our company, freeing up space to focus on growth and innovation.”
Automation frees up time for SilencerCo employees to be more creative and in control of the production process. (Author’s Photo)
SilencerCo is leveraging that regained time to understand not only how to make better products, but how the machines that make them can be improved. Shults told us that all the best machine tools are currently made in Japan, and that SilencerCo only buys from those companies. But thanks to Shults’ emphasis on giving his employees their time back, the company has begun designing and building its own machines as well. Shults told us that designing those machines provides insights into how they can be improved and tailored to SilencerCo’s products, resulting in even better output as the SilencerCo team learns and improves. Some of those in-house machines are already online on the production floor.
Dogs Are Welcome!
This was our second visit to SilencerCo, and both times we noticed the dogs. Dogs in the offices. Dogs in the hallways. Dogs on the production floor. How many companies not only allow you bring your dog to work, but actively encourage it? We’d bet that SilencerCo is one of a very few.
We met this good boy in SilencerCo’s hallway. His name is Blue.” (Author’s Photo)
Obviously, not everyone is a dog person, but for those of us who are, that sounds like a great deal. And it goes back to employee well-being. Shults told us that “We love having a dog-friendly environment. It lowers stress levels and creates a fun space where people want to come to work. Our dogs are really part of our team!” He was excited about it. We get it. We were excited about it. The company even has a “Dog Station” with supplies folks might need for their canine pals. Good stuff.
Passion
We quickly noticed that the Three Ps, People, Passion, and Precision, overlap in many places. People who like their jobs find it easier to be passionate about what they do. That passion translates into quality work, quality products, and quality service.
But SilencerCo isn’t just passionate about suppressors and their accessories. A giant American flag hangs conspicuously over the production floor. Monthly “All Hands” meetings are held directly underneath that flag. Each meeting starts with the Pledge of Allegiance.
And it’s not just lip service. Shults and SilencerCo take that attitude seriously. “We source almost all of our materials within the United States and are working toward having everything 100 percent sourced in America,” he told us proudly. “We want our business to support Americans on all levels: through the products that we sell and through the methods [by which] these products are made.” He added that SilencerCo is currently the only suppressor company to do so.
The machinery and robotics investments also reflect the company’s ideals. SilencerCo has long been the only suppressor company to manufacture all their products in-house, from start to finish. Shults showed us the bar stock and other components that go into SilencerCo products. When asked why this vertical integration was important, Shults told us that “By manufacturing our products in-house, we are actively bringing more jobs to the people of Utah. It also gives us the ability to control our products and thereby ensures that customers are receiving the very best that we can produce.” Which brings us to…
Precision
It’s not hard to see how SilencerCo’s focus on People and Passion leads to the final “P,” Precision. The company’s people continue to perform at higher levels, generating more passion and pride in what they do. The dogs no doubt play a vital role here too, because dogs just make everything better.
SilencerCo has long been regarded as a leader in the suppressor industry, with products like the Saker, Omega, Chimera, and Harvester series, among others. They are continuing that legacy with the new Velos Low Back Pressure suppressor designed specifically for the 5.56 NATO/.223 Remington cartridges.
The new Velos LBP is specifically designed for the 5.56 cartridge. (SilencerCo Photo)
The Velos LPB takes advantage of SilencerCo’s technology and people investments to make the most durable suppressor the company has ever made, thanks, in part, to the brand new patented Hoplon Blast Baffle. The Hoplon Baffle deflects debris and increases the suppressor’s lifespan on short-barreled rifles and full-auto firearms. It handles a standard-length semi-auto rifle with ease. The Velos LBP measures only 5.98 inches long and weighs 15.2 ounces.
Another innovation is the 3D-printed Inconel 635 core which is fully welded to the 17-4 stainless steel front and rear modules. The Velos LBP delivers an impressive 137.1 decibels at the muzzle of a 16-inch barreled AR-15. Just for reference, 140 decibels is considered hearing safe.
The Velos LBP features V-Series Cerakote to ensure the finish holds up to hard use. The new suppressor is compatible with the already popular SilencerCo Charlie accessories and has no barrel length restrictions. It ships with the brand-new Internal Charlie Flash Hider Front Cap, Charlie ASR Mount, ASR Flash Hider in ½ x 28, a spanner wrench, and a Charlie tool. Coupled with SilencerCo’s Gas Defeating Charging Handle, the Velos LBP may be the top AR-15 suppressor available today.
Precision Service
As always, SilencerCo backs up its products with perhaps the industry’s best warranty. Shults laughingly told us that he believes so strongly in supporting SilencerCo’s products that they’ve gone so far as to say “We’ll fix stupid once.”
SilencerCo Founder and CEO Jonathan Shults. (Author’s Photo)
When we pressed him on this he said “Being a consumer myself, I’ve experienced frustrations after purchasing a product and the manufacturer failing to provide support. That’s why providing top notch customer service and support is so important to me and why we focus so heavily on customer service and warranty…Our warranty department is in-house, and we maintain an average 48-hour turnaround time on suppressor warranty or service requests.”
So, the Three Ps come full circle back to People, with those People being SilencerCo’s customers. We admit that Shults’ confidence is contagious. It’s difficult to visit with him at SilencerCo and not feel that positive energy.
A Bright Future
SilencerCo’s investments in new machine tools, robotics, and processes are ultimately investments in their people, as we’ve noted. Such efforts rarely go unrewarded, and SilencerCo’s path forward appears surer than ever.
SilencerCo is looking to the future. And the future is now. (SilencerCo photo)
Employees who feel valued are more likely to take pride in their work. We once saw pride, as used in this instance, defined as “always doing your best, even when no one is watching.” Jonathan Shults and SilencerCo are building that kind of environment, which benefits not only the company and its employees, but the end user as well.
Some of the best advice we ever received regarding firearms and accessories was to “buy from companies who give a damn about their customers.” After spending time with Shults and other SilencerCo folks like Shauna Young, Caleb Gosnell, Cody Wootton, and Jace LeRoy, we’re convinced that SilencerCo is one of those companies.
But that’s always been the plan. Shults and his partner Josh Waldron started SilencerCo in a garage because they thought they could “do it better.” Fifteen years later, that small business with a simple but big dream is a reality. SilencerCo does it better than, or at least as well as, anyone else. But they aren’t waiting around for anyone else to catch up.
Hard Head Veterans American Made ATE Lite Ballistic Helmet
Hard Head Veterans, a veteran-owned and operated helmet manufacturing company, has announced the launch of its newest product, the ATE Lite ballistic helmet.
Proudly made at their facility in Sweetwater, Texas, by the very men and women who have worn helmets into combat, the helmet is designed for military, law enforcement, and patriots of this great nation.
The ATE Lite is an excellent example of Hard Head Veterans’ mission to protect our protectors, as it offers great protection while being ultra-lightweight.
The helmet is made from a hybrid blend of UHMWPE and Aramid and has a shell weight of 1.6 pounds, with a total system weight of 2.3 pounds in the medium size.
The ATE Lite is a perfect blend of performance and comfort, making it ideal for extended use.
Hard Head Veterans is dedicated to producing gear that performs in real-world situations.
That’s why the ATE Lite was put to the test at the National Technical Systems Testing Lab, the leading independent testing lab for personal protective gear.
Level 3a Ballistic Helmet
The helmet consistently hit single-digit ballistic transient deformation numbers in the single-digit range with an average of 8.27mm at 1400 fps (9mm Testing Data).
Furthermore, the ATE Lite has been thoroughly tested against .40 and .45ACP, with deformation numbers still far below the 24mm required for 9mm (.40 and .45 ACP Testing Data).
FBI casualty data tells us that these three calibers account for the majority of handgun threats in the US.
While many manufacturers are moving away from BFD (backface deformation) testing, even new standards such as ASTM WK70812 make this testing optional.
What is Backface Deformation?
Backface deformation is the term used to describe the indentation on the backside of a plate or helmet caused by a bullet being stopped and prevented from penetrating the body.
When a person is shot, the backface of the helmet is deformed. The degree of deformation is a crucial factor to consider since greater deformation results in more severe trauma.
UHMWPE, one of the materials HHV uses for its ballistic helmets, works by using high-modulus fibers with unusually strong tensile strength. When compared to other technologies, these fibers prevent or cause less backface deformation. This means that the bullet’s energy is diffused and spread out much more effectively.
Hard Head Veterans helmets have always been designed with limiting BFD at the forefront.
The ATE Lite has also been tested to the NIJ IIIA standards and is rated to stop .44 magnum in resistance to penetration tests.
MicroLattice Ballistic Helmet Pads
HHV’s MicroLattice Pads not only play an essential role with BFD and blunt impact mitigationbut also provide unparalleled comfort and support in the ATE Lite.
Conforming the helmet naturally to each individual’s skull shape while maximizing airflow inside of the helmet.
The ATE Lite also features Hard Head Veterans’ signature A3S Lite shroud, one of the lightest helmet shrouds on the market, weighing only 32 grams. This night vision retention shroud features rubber inserts and machined aerospace aluminum inserts that prevent movement on most common mounts.
In addition to this, the ATE Lite comes standard with our patented SnapBack Retention system, which is a set-it-and-forget-it alternative to dial-type retention systems that have failure-prone mechanical parts.
With a price tag of $978.99, the ATE Lite ballistic helmet is an excellent value for those looking for a premium, American-made ballistic helmet.
Hard Head Veterans is proud to offer a growing list of protective products and to employ a growing number of American veterans to make them.
Focusing on customer feedback, they have also decided to make the shell itself available for purchase as a stand-alone product for $764.00.
This will allow end-users to plug and play with various helmet accessories from other manufacturers to get the very best helmet setup for their personal needs and mission set.
Big Bores and Barrett BORS: AMRs on the Battlefield
If you spend much time on social media — and most of us do — you should consider leavening your selection of meme pages by following some educational accounts. And by educational, I mean teaching firearm history, current geopolitics, and even tactics (though the latter’s worth is far more subjective than the former). To that end, I will share some battlefield posts about Anti-Materiel Rifles (AMRs) and ballistic tech (Barrett BORS) sourced from some of my favorite Instagram accounts.
I’ll leave additional recommendations below.
“Idlib” 12.7mm Anti-Materiel Rifle
Necessity drives lots of things, including weapon craft. These images, sourced from @thedixiemauser on Instagram, display a single-shot, bolt-action 12.7mm anti-materiel rifle produced (or assembled anyway) in Syria’s Idlib region.
Says the account’s curator, “It is quite obvious that these rifles are based off of the Iranian AM-50 12.7x99mm single-shot rifle (which is an unlicensed copy of the Steyr HS-50), but these Idlib rifles are slightly different and are allegedly chambered for the Soviet 12.7x108mm cartridge.”
If you watch OSINT and informational accounts like this much, you’ll quickly see a pattern where Idlib is often used in conjunction with local “craft” gunsmithing, manufacturing, and firearm modification.
Given the chancy and inconsistent nature of logistics in both Ukraine and Syria, it’s no surprise so much of their loadout – weapons, scope rings, foregrips, accessories, and the like – are scratch-built or improvised.
The Dixie Mauser goes on to explain:
“The Idlib 12.7mm rifles feature a large AM-50-style muzzle brake, barrels of varying profiles, bipods, adjustable check risers, rubber butt pads, & are usually seen with an East German AKM or Iranian KL series Kalashnikov pistol grip.
The barrels on some of these rifles are possibly repurposed from Chinese W85 heavy machine guns. Some barrels look like they are professionally made, with well-machined lightening cuts and profiles very similar to the barrels on Steyr HS-50 rifles. It is possible these barrels came from another nation, such as from Turkey. There is also the possibility that these weapons are assembled from mostly foreign-made components. All we can do is speculate, as there isn’t really any information about these weapons available at this current time.
These rifles are used by various anti-government rebel factions. Rebels use these heavy 12.7x108mm rifles as long-range sniper rifles or anti-material rifles against fortifications or vehicles.”
More than a few “Idlib AMR” examples have been reported on Ukrainian battlefields.
It’s interesting that the first conflict widely photographed professionally was the Crimean War (1853-1856). and the first conflict widely caught on individual camera (and then propagated via social media)
Above: The Genoese Castle at Balaklava from near the castle’s docks. Roger Fenton Crimean War photograph collection, Prints & Photographs Division, Library of Congress, LC-USZC4-9116
Below: An unidentified combatant in the Russia-Ukraine conflict sometime in 2022; photographer unknown.
While it’s not the first war to be captured in the modern “cell phone” sense, it is the first (and largest) to be played out over every conceivable form of social media, from Facebook to Telegram and all their counterparts around the world.
ASVK-M AMR & M107A1 Barrett
These images feature a couple of different weapons, but all were taken in roughly the same region. Thank you, @streakingdelilah!
AVSK-M
The ASVK-M is a variant of the Russian KSVK 12.7 built at Degtyarev Plant in Russia.
The curator says,
“Pictured here is a member of the Ukrainian GUR’s (Main directorate of Intelligence) “Kraken” unit as he poses with a Captured Russian ASVK-M AMR chambered in 12.7x108mm.”
You have to wonder sometimes how these guys source their gear. It probably takes a lot more effort than those of us who can go online to Primary Arms, Brownells, GunMag Warehouse, or whatever.
“The ASVK-M is a bullpup configured, bolt action, magazine fed rifle which is a modernised variant of the original ASVK which entered production in 1998. This particular rifle appears to have been fitted with a 1P88 optic. This Kraken Combatant also possesses 2X potent, captured Russian RPG-28/RsHg-1s which entered service with the Russian Armed forces in 2011. This image was taken in the Summer.”
Barrett BORS
The M107A1 Barrett probably needs no introduction on a site like AmmoLand, but just in case: it’s a U.S.-made semi-automatic AMR chambered in .50BMG. You’ve seen it in one incarnation or the other in moves like Shooter, Smokin’ Aces, The Accountant, The Hurt Locker, The Expendables, and all sorts of FPS video games.
“Streaking Delilah” says,
Pictured here is a member of the Russian Armed Forces as he poses with a captured M107A1 AMR during a training session at a local training facility in Russia.
This particular M107A1 appears to have been fitted with a Barrett QDL suppressor as well as a Leupold Mark 4 optic. The latter seems to have been fitted with the “BORS” system (Barrett Optical Ranging System) which can be seen sitting on top of the rifle scope. The BORS is an integrated ballistics computer manufactured by Barrett Firearms that aids snipers and long-range marksmen in taking precise and accurate shots.”
The logistics required for letting a gun like this eat might not be as bad as you’d think given the wide variety of weapons (and large number of nationalities) on the battlefield.
“The system mounts directly to the riflescope and couples with the elevation knob. With the aid of the BORS, marksmen can rapidly account for temperature and barometric pressure and aiming at an upward or downward angle. The computer built into the BORS, constantly updates to account for changing factors.
Barrett states that the BORS instantly takes care of the data work so the shooter can focus on the task of putting lead on target. It takes data from thousands of tables and accounts for a number of real-time external factors, automatically giving the shooter the exact yardage at which a bullet will hit its target
Quite a decent amount of US-supplied Barrett AMRs have been captured by Russian forces, which hints at the possibility that Barrett firearms were supplied to Ukrainian forces in large quantities.”
Here’s another Barrett 50
It’s unclear whether this is the same one at a different location or a separate weapon entirely.
“[A] captured Ukrainian M107A1. Pictured here is a member of the Russian Armed Forces as he poses with a Captured Barrett M107A1 Anti-material rifle somewhere in Ukraine.
This particular M107A1 also appears to have been fitted with a NightForce optic mounted on what looks like a SPUR QDP uni-mount, but it is unknown if the optic was captured together with the rifle.
You could beat someone to death with that Nightforce scope, but you’d have to get a lot closer than you need to with the Barrett.
Before anyone mentions it, the patch seen on his chest is not the Ukrainian flag but rather the Komi Republic flag, which is a small republic lying in the Northeast of European Russia.
Going back to the caption from earlier about obtaining gear. They can’t easily go online, order scope rings, and have them delivered to “the frozen dugout behind the overwatch trench somewhere near Petropavlivka” now, can they? Nor rely on a website to show them how to choose scope rings if they could. (Note: I know about Petropavlivka because I followed @nicklaidthelaw.)
You should follow those Instagram accounts if you liked this imagery and info.
You might also consider:
@squinting_archivist (Insta)
@paul_the_history_dude (insta)
@the_colt_ar15_resource (insta)
@war_noir (Twitter)
@silahreport (Twitter)
@calibreobscura (Twitter)
t.me/entre_guerras (Telegram)
About the Author:
David Reeder is part of the faculty at Gun University. A former action guy who never saw much action, he is the current editor of the GU blog and HMFIC over at Breach-Bang-Clear.
