Author: Tony Grist

Barrett Developing MRAD MK 22 6.8x51mm Capability Barrett Firearms Manufacturing Inc. today announced the ongoing development and evaluation of a 6.8x51mm caliber conversion kit for the Barrett MRAD MK 22 Advanced Sniper Rifle system fielded by the U.S. Army. The new caliber conversion kit is being developed to support the high-pressure, high-performance 6.8x51mm cartridge used across the U.S. Army’s next-generation small arms platforms, including the M7 Rifle, M250 Automatic Rifle and M157 Fire Control system. The conversion kit is intended to provide increased flexibility for warfighters seeking to employ the enhanced terminal performance characteristics of 6.8x51mm ammunition within the in-service…

The Iran War entered its 102nd day Tuesday as Israel continued its military campaign in Lebanon — a key sticking point in ceasefire negotiations — two days after Iran struck Israel over its bombing of Beirut Sunday and continued occupation of southern Lebanon. The Financial Times and other outlets have reported “friction” between President Donald Trump and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in recent days over Israel’s attacks on Lebanon and the challenges posed to the peace process to end the Iran War, which is now in its fourth month. Trump told FT in an interview Sunday that “I call…

During OPERATOR EXPO I was glad to learn that SPARROWS Lock picks will be expanding Rock’a Lock’a BANG! BANG! for 2026 Geared towards covert entry specialists and first responders this highly immersive training convention has quickly established itself as a high caliber industry event with impressive instructors, sponsors and media attention. The main event will run Sept 17-20th in Carson city, Nevada in a Massive Maximum security prison. It will feature new material including helicopter infil/exfil training. There will also be an optional range day on September 16th. SUBJECT MATTER: Lock Picking   SERE – including resistance Vehicle extraction with TNT rescue…

When you go to a class, do you go for the social aspect or the learning? For hard training, or for fun? In a 2 day class, it is impossible to cover everything for everyone, but I don’t think a class should be a brief overview of everything under the sun. It is tempting for many instructors to try to tell you everything they know in 2 days. It is better to identify weaknesses that are fairly consistent in the class and then work to address them in a more detailed way. 2 days is not enough time to see…

Belleville Boot Flyweight MXG Now Available to US Army and US Air Force Belleville Boot Company, America’s oldest continuously operating military boot manufacturer, proudly announces the American Made Flyweight MXG™ hot weather steel toe boot is now officially available and shipping worldwide. Engineered for maximum protection and comfort in demanding conditions, the MXG’s design is ideal for flight line operations and maintenance personnel. Leveraging Belleville’s proven military craftsmanship with modern performance materials, the MXG weighs in at one of the lightest steel toe boots available, helping to reduce fatigue while maintaining reliability and protection service members expect in the field.…

Ghost X Tactical MPLS Headlamp from Princeton Tec New for 2026 is the Ghost X Tactical MPLS Headlamp from Princeton Tec is compatible with MOLLE as well as helmets thanks to an inculded NVG and ARC rail adapter. I’m really excited about this light. It offers 300 lumens dimmable light and 320 mWr IR output, with an IP68 rating. What’s more, the Ghost Mode switch only allows activation of IR High, IR Low, or IR Strobe settings, so no accidental white light incidents. Light colors include white, red, blue, green and IR. Offered in Black, MultiCam, OD, and Tan as a…

Over the last several years, I’ve had the same conversation with other gun people about AR-15 rifles wherein these folks share two basic opinions about the platform.Yes, they concede, the AR-15 is a very functional platform, handy and generally lightweight and able to put many rounds down range fast.But the platform needs to send all those rounds because, they claim with their second opinion, the rifles aren’t really all that accurate. Certainly not as accurate as a good bolt action, goes the argument, with the very best groups around 1.5 inches at 100 yards and usually larger.My response is always…

Recently, the Mustangs of the 4th Joint Communications Squadron (4JCS), Joint Communications Support Element (Airborne), put their skills, endurance, and determination to the test during their annual Mustang Challenge. So, what is the Mustang Challenge? It is a rigorous competition designed to evaluate Soldier readiness through a demanding series of events that test physical fitness, technical proficiency, military knowledge, and teamwork. Conducted during the Squadron’s two-week U.S. Army Reserve Annual Training period, this year’s challenge consolidated key Army and JCSE training requirements into three intense days of mission-focused competition. The competition began with Weapons Qualification and a Soldier Board, challenging…

New Leadership of Technology Systems Division at Rohde & Schwarz On July 1, 2026, Hansjörg Herrbold and Andreas Hägele will take over as Executive Vice Presidents Technology Systems at Rohde & Schwarz. They follow Dr. Luis Alejandro Orellano, who will leave the company on June 30 at his own request. The decision to establish a dual leadership position is a logical next step to align the division even more consistently with customers and markets. Munich, June 5, 2026 — Rohde & Schwarz relies on two experienced, entrepreneurial managers with a strategic vision. Hansjörg Herrbold and Andreas Hägele will strategically divide…

Chinese President Xi Jinping made a rare trip to North Korea on Monday to call for increased economic and military cooperation between the two Asian governments. The two-day visit to Pyongyang is the first Xi has made in seven years and is the Chinese premier’s first trip abroad in 2026. Before the trip, Xi wrote in a letter to North Korean media that “no matter how times change or how the international situation evolves, the traditional friendship between China and North Korea remains unbreakable, enduring, and constantly radiates vitality.” Subscribe Today Get daily emails in your inbox Xi…