Author: Tony Grist

Vector Heavy Chest Pack Putting my money where my mouth is… I’m Ben. I’m the Product Development Manager for Fine Group. I was recently talking to our Managing Director about the products we have developed. I told him we needed to be sure they were up to the standards of robustness required for use in arduous environments before they went anywhere near serious end-users. He agreed and off I went to Malaysia for a fortnight with the Maddog Adventures crew to go and thrash our kit in the jungle. Nothing beats real world feedback, and the jungle is the harshest…

This has been a topic many times here at Pistol-Training. Todd coined the term SIMP, after one range session at the NRA range where I just couldn’t believe how many guns people would show up at the range with. A version of SIMP, which is not nearly as egregious, is going to a training class with multiple different guns. Of course, if you have spent the time and money to take a class, maybe travelling a fair bit to do so, it only makes sense to bring a “pair and a spare.” It is best though if those guns are…

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Ops-Core Started Out As Artisent Back in 2014, I had an opportunity to visit Ops-Core’s new factory in Boston for a personal tour by founder David Rogers. The company started out as Artisent which made head protection like hockey helmets. Due to their location near Natick Labs they ended up doing some cool headborne systems work, including as part of Objective Force Warrior. Eventually, Ops-Core was spun off to do the military work and was later sold to Gentex who continue to innovate in the headborne systems space. Below are some photos I took on that visit. The shelves in…

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Watch full video on YouTube

Wiley X Proudly Launches Custom Eyewear Program Tailored For Performance Online experience delivers customizable eyewear without compromising protection or clarity FRISCO, Texas (January 13, 2026) – Wiley X, a global leader in premium protective eyewear, has launched its new Custom Eyewear Program, giving customers the ability to design select Wiley X models built to match their personal style and performance needs. Now live on the Wiley X website, the program allows full customization of the WX Founder, WX Ovation, and WX Jakl frames. “Wiley X has always been about purpose-built eyewear that performs when it matters most,” said Dan Freeman, CEO…

With 23 exhibitors from 8 countries: The IWA Pavilion at SHOT Show 2026 brings together international innovation Nuremberg / Las Vegas, January 15, 2026: The IWA Pavilion at SHOT Show in Las Vegas has long been more than just a joint stand – it is a well-established format that combines international visibility, service orientation, and industry expertise. In 2026, the Pavilion will showcase a record lineup of 23 exhibitors, including 12 German companies and 11 international participants from seven countries. Many exciting brands are exhibiting at IWA Pavilion at SHOT Show 2026. Strong Presence with Strategic Impact With 352 m²…

U.S. CENTRAL COMMAND AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (AFNS) —   For the first time at this location, U.S. Airmen assigned to the 332nd Expeditionary Logistics Readiness Squadron conducted a hot-pit refueling operation using an R-20 expeditionary refueling system to support a U.S. Army UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter on a flightline within the U.S. Central Command area of responsibility, Dec. 14, significantly reducing aircraft ground time and expanding expeditionary fueling capabilities. The operation marked the first use of the R-20 at the base to conduct hot-pit refueling, allowing the helicopter to remain running while taking fuel directly from a bulk fuel bladder…

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – January 13, 2026 – SDS Arms is thrilled to announce its attendance at the 2026 Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show in Las Vegas, January 20-23. Attendees are invited to visit booth #12460 to participate in exciting booth activities, explore product lineups and get a first look at new product launches. SDS Arms will showcase products across all brands, including Tisas USA, Tokarev USA, Military Armament Corp, Spandau Arms and Inglis. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn more about the wide range of firearms and accessories, while connecting directly with the SDS Arms team. Throughout…