Author: Tony Grist

New Carbine Options for UK Firearms Units Over the last week several press releases have come out claiming that their company’s rifle has been selected for use United Kingdom Police Firearms Units. Since there are more than one, it has naturally led to some confusion. The truth of the matter is that six models in 5.56mm from different manufacturers were approved for purchase in a framework which allows the the 50 individual units or so, to select the firearm from a list which they feel is best for their use. The carbines approved are: – KAC KS-1  – ?Glock AR …

Helikon-Tex Launches Chocolate Chip Desert Pattern for 2026 Each year Helikon-Tex introduces a classic camouflage pattern to their line up of modern combat clothing and equipment. For 2026 it’s the US 6-Color Desert Pattern, popularly referred to as “Chocolate Chip” due to its distinctive coloration. Developed in the wake of the series of the Arab-Israeli conflicts of the 60s & 70s, the pattern was based on research conducted in the US southwest with its rocky desert environment rather than the vast sand dunes of the Arabian peninsula. This logic explains its distinctive construction: six colors and very specific “chips.” The…

L4 Performance – LAWS Weighing in at 380g (size Large) LAWS was designed as a lightweight yet rigid harness for the Crye Precision AWS and their own Maritime L4PC. It’s offered in a variety of colors and patterns including Black, Coyote, Ranger Green, MultiCam, MC Black, MC Tropic, Woodland and M05 in sizes Small, Medium, and Large. Available now at www.l4performance.com/product-page/lavs. Read the full article here

FirstSpear Friday Focus: Thin Blue Line T-Shirt National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day lands on Friday, January 9th, and the FirstSpear THIN BLUE LINE T-SHIRT is built to represent those who stand watch when it matters most. This is a no-nonsense way to show respect for the men and women in law enforcement who run toward the problem, hold the line, and keep pushing through the hard days. Whether you’re training, on the range, off-duty, or just moving through the day, this shirt is designed for comfort and everyday wear without sacrificing the message behind it. The Thin Blue Line graphic…

Watch full video on YouTube

FORT BRAGG, N.C. – Since assuming the Army’s top civilian role, Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll has made one message abundantly clear: the Army must innovate faster, transform deeper, and fundamentally accelerate the pace of acquisition if it intends to win the wars of tomorrow. During an address at the Association of the United States Army’s annual conference in October, Driscoll underscored the urgency behind his vision. “Nobody can predict the next war,” he said, “but we cannot wait to innovate until Americans are dying on the battlefield. We must act now to enable our Soldiers.” XVIII Airborne Corps…

Arktis, the legendary British tactical gear brand, today announces the release of the Vulcan Jacket V2 in PenCott® GreenZone™, now available worldwide via the Arktis online store and authorized dealers. Building on the acclaimed Vulcan platform, the Vulcan Jacket V2 delivers enhanced performance for operators and outdoor professionals who demand exceptional warmth, comfort, and concealment in challenging environments. Designed as a lightweight, packable insulating mid-layer, the V2’s refinements are the result of extensive user feedback and field testing. Advanced Thermal Performance — Zero BulkFeaturing premium PrimaLoft® Gold insulation, the Vulcan Jacket V2 balances thermal efficiency with breathability even when wet.…

The Department of Commerce on Thursday released its latest monthly trade report, showing that the U.S. trade deficit narrowed sharply in October as exports rose and imports declined.  Subscribe Today Get daily emails in your inbox The deficit fell to $29.4 billion, the lowest level since mid-2009, following the Trump administration’s implementation of a sweeping tariff regime in early April 2025. The October narrowing was also influenced by the large movement of gold, which economists said is unlikely to be sustained. Pharmaceuticals were another factor, with October witnessing a $14.3 billion drop in imported medications. On a year-to-date…

BARNEVELD, Wis. – Born from the standards of elite military units, the AMG®1-10×24 delivers high-power magnification and optical clarity to compact, short-barreled carbines — leaving rail space for thermal attachments, lasers, offset red dots, and backup irons. British SAS, Royal Marines, and U.S. SOCOM units set the baseline for zero retention, optical performance, and extended operational durability. Over years of testing, Vortex® engineers pushed the AMG® 1-10×24 against those standards until it exceeded every requirement. The result is the most advanced optical and mechanical system Vortex® has engineered in an LPVO. “The project started when the UK Ministry of Defense…

The Senate on Thursday narrowly advanced out of committee a war powers resolution that would bar President Donald Trump from using U.S. armed forces in or against Venezuela without authorization from Congress, marking a rare bipartisan rebuke of the administration’s military actions.  The procedural vote passed 52–47, with five Republican senators—Rand Paul (R-KY), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Todd Young (R-IN), Susan Collins (R-ME), and Josh Hawley (R-MO)—joining a united Democrat Senate contingent to move the measure forward for a vote on the Senate floor. The resolution, spearheaded by Tim Kaine (D-VA) and co-sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, Adam Schiff…