Shield Republic Offers Apparel and Drinkware for Blue-Collar Americans

Shield Republic Offers Apparel and Drinkware for Blue-Collar Americans

From Shield Republic

Shield Republic was founded in 2016 by Barrett Johnson and Ryan Carter, who grew up in North Carolina, to perpetuate the duo’s core values: honor, courage and commitment, while standing proud for freedom and liberty.

All of the creative and fresh apparel, hats and drinkware made by Shield Republic embody the spirit of American pride, with many displaying strong support for the Second Amendment-and everything is designed in-house and manufactured in the U.S.

“We wanted to bring a general voice to the blue-collar American,” says co-founder Ryan Carter. “And to give them something they can wear and feel proud of while putting out products that aren’t going to be influenced by what’s considered politically correct.”

Shield Republic is also deeply involved in charity work, recently creating a 5013c, the Shield Republic Foundation. Since 2016, Shield Republic has donated about $700,000 to fallen first responders’ families via sales of custom products. The bulk has been generated in 2020 during the pandemic-driven e-commerce spike.

“Shield Republic is a bit edgier than other companies out there in this space, we’re a little more vocal and uncompromising, in a way,” co-founder Ryan Carter says. “Within the last six months, we’ve seen a lot of brands sort of scoot closer to slight-right of center, and we’re not going to be doing that.”

But big changes are coming.

By the beginning of 2021, SR will have gone through a sweeping rebranding campaign, complete with a new line of products for every season of the year, new logos and a new creative spin on apparel with more fashion options than just t-shirts, Carter says, along with more products designed for women and children. Additionally, by next year, 95 percent of everything Shield Republic makes and sells will be sourced from a local vendor in North Carolina.

SR is also reworking the consumer-facing side of their business to decrease turnaround time for orders. By the beginning of next year, 95 percent of orders will ship within 24 hours.

But even with all those changes, Carter says the spirit behind Shield Republic isn’t changing.

“We are staying tried and true to what we believe in,” Carter says. “We’re not jumping on the Politically Correct bandwagon or getting involved with cancel culture. We’re going to stay in the space where we are and give a voice to people like us, Republicans, gun-toting Americans.”

Realtree TACKBACKS Device Grips

Realtree TACKBACKS Device Grips

From Realtree

Featuring an ultra-durable bond and non-slip texture, TACKBACKS, available in a variety of Realtree camo options, grip firmly and safely to the back of phones, tablets, laptops and so much more.

TACKBACKS are made from a latex-free material that repels dirt, lint and other debris and are easy to apply to all of your favorite devices. They’re perfect whether you are out on a hunt or a hike and need to know that your phone is secure regardless of where you happen to set it down.

Cold weather is here, so the EXSCAPE Parka in Realtree might be an ideal gift this holiday season.

Proudly made in America, TACKBACKS provide extra protection to your device while still allowing you to show off your personal style through their wide variety of Realtree camo patterns.

TACKBACKS are made with a universal fit and can be easily cut to suit any mobile device. Not only does this allow you to custom fit your grip but also allows you to incorporate your accessories with ease; simply choose the size that best suits your device.

Features:

  • Non-slip texture
  • Grips firmly and safely to the back of phone, tablets, laptops, and so much more
  • Durable bond
  • Easy to apply
  • Made from latex-free material that repels dirt, lint, and other debris
  • Wireless charging compatible
  • Extra protection for your device
  • Made in America
  • Universal fit; can easily be cut to fit any mobile device
  • Choose the size that suits your device
  • You can custom fit your grip and incorporate your other accessories with ease

SIG SAUER Achieves Milestones for U.S. Military Handgun

SIG SAUER Achieves Milestones for U.S. Military Handgun

From SIG SAUER

SIG SAUER is proud to announce the recent achievement of two significant milestones of the Modular Handgun System (MHS) program; the delivery of the 200,000th MHS pistol manufactured at the SIG SAUER facility in Newington, New Hampshire, and the first month to have MHS pistols simultaneously delivered to all branches of the U.S. Military.

I interviewed the experts and they has some surprising comments when asked how long polymer framed handguns will last.

“These milestones are a testament to SIG’s ability to adapt and succeed amidst the extraordinary circumstances we have faced throughout this pandemic. Our supply chain was challenged, and the strength of our manufacturing systems has proven that we will, without hesitation, continue to outpace the stringent demands of the delivery schedule of the MHS program,” said Ron Cohen, President & CEO, SIG SAUER, Inc. “Throughout this period, our factory operations and our employees have been faced with unimaginable adversity. Despite the unpredictability, we continue to consistently deliver M17 and M18 pistols that surpass the requirements for accuracy, and exceed expectations for both quality and reliability, to ensure our nations soldiers are prepared for the rigors of the battlefield.”

These milestones are a testament to SIG’s ability to adapt and succeed amidst the extraordinary circumstances we have faced throughout this pandemic. Our supply chain was challenged, and the strength of our manufacturing systems has proven that we will, without hesitation, continue to outpace the stringent demands of the delivery schedule of the MHS program,” said Ron Cohen, President & CEO, SIG SAUER, Inc. “Throughout this period, our factory operations and our employees have been faced with unimaginable adversity. Despite the unpredictability, we continue to consistently deliver M17 and M18 pistols that surpass the requirements for accuracy, and exceed expectations for both quality and reliability, to ensure our nations soldiers are prepared for the rigors of the battlefield.”

Sightmark Introduces Additions to Core HX Family

Sightmark Introduces Additions to Core HX Family

From Sightmark

Sightmark is pleased to announce the Core HX riflescope for 350 Legend and 450 Bushmaster (SM13068). This 3-9x scope features fully multi-coated lenses and a range-finding BDC reticle designed specifically for whitetail deer. With a hardy single-piece aluminum housing with a hard-anodized finish, 1-inch tube platform, 40mm objective lens, capped turrets and IP67-waterproof, dust-proof, shockproof and fogproof performance, the Sightmark Core HX 3-9×40 is perfect for your rugged hunting conditions and close- to mid-range target engagements.

Which is better, an etched reticle or wire? I asked the experts.

Features:

• 3-9x magnification

• BDC range-finding reticle

• VHR reticle compatible with various calibers

• Aircraft-grade aluminum housing

• Multi-coated optics

• Resettable, capped turrets

• Shockproof, waterproof and fog-proof

• Hard anodized finish

Shine United Launches New Website for Krieghoff International

From Shine United

Shine United is pleased to announce the launch of a new website for Krieghoff International, a 130-year-old brand best-known for their elite competition shotguns and hunting rifles.

Krieghoff approached the Madison, Wisconsin-based agency for their unique ability to drive outdoor brands forward through bold design and rich storytelling. The newly launched site seamlessly integrates contemporary design with an intuitive user experience – helping shooters find the right firearm for their sport.

“When it comes to competition and hunting shotguns, Krieghoff makes some of the best firearms in the world,” said Mike Kriefski, Shine United’s President and Executive Creative Director. “It’s beyond inspiring to work with a company driven by engineers and artists – where every product they produce is a custom- built work of art. Our job was to make sure their new site lived up to the firearms they build – and we did just that.”

Since its inception in 2001, Shine has been revered for its bold brand evolutions, innovative marketing strategies and breakthrough creative executions. Shine has received much acclaim for its work for outdoor lifestyle brands, working with brands such as Sitka Gear, Carver Yachts, LaCrosse Footwear, Aguila Ammunition, Mossberg Firearms, Winston Fly Rods and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

“Our deep understanding of the outdoor and firearm business makes Shine an exceptional fit for Krieghoff. This knowledge base, combined with Shine’s bold design sense and forward-thinking brand strategy, have a proven track record for success. We’re thrilled to be part of Krieghoff’s growth,” said Chris Sprangers, Shine’s Director of Outdoor Brands.

“Shine was able to take all of our needs and translate them into a new website that gives our customers a more comprehensive experience,” said Ken Pfau, General Manager. “The contemporary design exemplifies our corporate identity and the functionality of the interface will make it easier for customers to learn about, and purchase, our products. We’re very pleased with Shine’s work on this project.”

See the new website in action https://www.krieghoff.com/.

Viridian Gun Cameras Deployed by Crandall PD

Viridian Gun Cameras Deployed by Crandall PD

From Viridian

The Crandall, Texas Police Department has deployed the FACT Duty™ Weapon-Mounted Camera (WMC™) for officers in the field. Police Chief, Dean Winters, and officials from Minnesota-based Viridian Weapon Technologies will give a short news conference on the impact of the new technology. The news conference will take place Wednesday, November 18 at 10:00 AM at the Crandall Police Department, 104 E. Trunk, Crandall, TX 75114.

Crandall’s announcement follows other recent departmental adoptions in Texas. Earlier this year, a high-profile officer-involved shooting (OIS) trial in Vernon, Texas included footage from Viridian’s gun camera as the key evidence. The jury convicted the defendant of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on a public official. Viridian’s WMC captured footage that clearly showed the defendant pointing a sawed-off shotgun at Vernon Police Corporal T.J. Session who was wounded in the ensuing exchange of gunfire. The Body Camera footage of the incident did not provide this crucial view.

One agency in California has also deployed the cameras.

“The FACT Duty Weapon Mounted Camera literally provides a lens to view the actions of law enforcement that has not been available before with other types of cameras,” said Chief Winters. “When Viridian first came on the scene a few years ago we knew that it was on the leading edge of law enforcement technology. After the recent trial in Vernon, Texas, where the video captured by an officer’s FACT Duty camera during an Officer Involved Shooting, where the officer was shot by a suspect, it became very apparent that it was technology that was important for us to have as part of our department.

“Although the Crandall Police Department is a small agency, we have always tried to be on the forefront in the use of technology in day-to-day operations,” Chief Winters continued. “Crandall was the first agency in Kaufman County to have officers wearing Body Cameras, long before anyone really understood the reasons why they were needed. But for us, not only was it a way to capture evidence in the field, we felt it added a layer of transparency to our department. Now that our officers are utilizing Viridian’s FACT Duty Weapon Mounted Camera, we want the community that we serve to know that their trust and our transparency is paramount, and to show how important it is to us, we are honored to take the extra steps that modern policing requires by adopting the use of the camera system into our department.”

Viridian has created an important category for law enforcement with the introduction of the Weapon-Mounted Camera. This distinctive technology provides an unobstructed view of critical use-of-force events from the end of the firearm, addressing limitations officers can face with body cameras.

“The decision by Chief Winters and many other agencies across the country demonstrates the commitment to transparency made possible by our FACT Duty gun camera,” said Viridian President and CEO, Brian Hedeen. “Viridian’s FACT Duty Camera can provide an unobstructed view that’s often hard to capture with body cameras. Our technology affords officers an evidentiary tool that can capture the critical evidence of a subject’s actions.”

The highly advanced WMC employs a 1080p full-HD digital camera with a microphone and 500 lumen tactical light. Viridian’s proprietary INSTANT-ON® technology automatically activates the camera and microphone whenever the officer draws the firearm from its holster. Not only does this eliminate risk of failure to manually turn on the camera during a critical event, but it also keeps the officer from fumbling with cumbersome equipment.

ScentLok BE:1 Fortress Parka in Realtree EXCAPE Camo

ScentLok BE:1 Fortress Parka in Realtree EXCAPE Camo

From Realtree

ScentLok’s BE:1 Fortress Parka in Realtree EXCAPE camo checks every box when it comes to cold-weather protection, comfort and durability. This fully waterproof, windproof and insulated parka is ultra-quiet and is tailored for optimum bowhunting performance, featuring full articulation, compression and sculpting with minimal bulk.

Carbon Alloy technology provides maximum odor adsorption, while thermal mapped Thinsulate insulation ensure superior warmth.

If you’re looking for a pack in Realtree, here’s an option from OutdoorZ.

The soft and flexible fleece shell fabric is quiet for a stealthy hunt and articulated elbows provide for a superior range of motion.

Features:

  • Carbon Alloy™ technology
    • For maximum odor adsorption
  • Waterproof and windproof
    • Keeps you dry and warm with breathable protection
  • Thermal mapped Thinsulate™ insulation
    • Offers the perfect warmth
  • Soft and flexible fleece shell fabric
    • Provides crucial quietness
  • Ten pocket design
    • To keep your essential gear secure
  • Concealed safety harness opening
    • Allows Carbon Alloy to control odors on the harness
  • Articulated elbows
    • For a superior range of motion and comfort

Mission First Tactical EvolV 3 Prong Ported Muzzle Brake

Mission First Tactical EVOLV 3 PRONG PORTED MUZZLE BRAKE

Experiments are often therapeutic, although I’m not sure what to make of the unexpected results of this Mission First Tactical EvolV 3 Prong Ported Muzzle Brake photo. If nothing else I temporarily forgot about the pandemic, elections and civil unrest while cursing the lighting and inability to control the “explosion” within.

This thing looks good before, during and after unwarranted photographic abuse. Mission First Tactical built this brake to last without going overboard on weight.

Specs

The Mission First Tactical Evolv 3 Prong Ported Muzzle Brake is designed for 5.56 NATO or .223 Rem. firearms. It tips the scales at 1.57 ounce.

The 416 stainless steel muzzle device has a black nitride finish. Not all steel is the same. The experts explained some of the differences when I interviewed them for a story on steel targets for Shooting Illustrated magazine. If you’re in the market for reactive targets, make sure you heed their advice. It’ll enhance safety and save cash in the long run.

Included with each EvolV is a mil-spec crush washer. Timed right during installation the brake functions extremely well. Recoil’s not much on a 5.56 NATO, but follow-up shots seemed faster, which prompted this image experiment. The porting/vent configuration is unusual, obviously.

Details in the Mission First Tactical EvolV Image

The photo atop this blog is looking directly down at the the brake when timed properly. Mission First Tactical claims the ports, two on each side, disperse gases laterally to reduce recoil. The image pretty much confirms that fact, not that there was much doubt.

The pair on top, staggered and in two different sizes, aren’t letting quite as much escape. Their function, according to the company, is to reduce muzzle rise. It looks like they’re doing exactly that, although not with quite as volume as the side vents. That’s deliberate, I’m confident, because this thing goes on low-recoiling 5.56 NATO or .223 Rem. firearms. A little can make a big difference on follow-up shots with that cartridge.

About the only claim the image doesn’t seem to confirm is the ability for the three prongs up front to direct gas and concussion away from the shooter. Maybe I’ll find that in another of the dozens of images I took.

In the meantime let me know if you think if exploring muzzle devices with this technique is worthwhile at all. It’s far from scientific and doesn’t address the high-speed laminar flow. It is, however, an interesting look at a device all of us run on our guns.

Thanks so much for visiting my modest blog. I hope you have a glorious day and consider coming back soon.

Hatch Debuts Best-in-Class Cut and Needle Puncture-Resistant Friskmaster MAX Gloves

Hatch Debuts Best-in-Class Cut and Needle Puncture-Resistant Friskmaster MAX Gloves

From Safariland Group

Hatch®, a brand of The Safariland Group (“Safariland”), a leading global provider of safety and survivability products designed for the public safety, military, professional and outdoor markets, announced today that it has released the new standard in needle puncture and cut resistant gloves: The FMN500 – Friskmaster™ MAX – Cut & Needle Puncture Resistant Glove.

Built for those who need a glove that provides maximum protection without impeding the ability to complete routine tasks on the job, the new FMN500 (Friskmaster MAX) glove is tested to ANSI Cut Resistance A9, the highest rating for cut resistance, and provides Level 5 ANSI Needlestick Puncture Resistance, the NIJ’s highest-rated level of protection.

“The Friskmaster MAX gloves are a lifesaver for public servants who come into regular contact with cut and needle threats,” said Vince Abrams, Category Manager at The Safariland Group. “Safariland® has drawn on our success with PROTECH™ Armor to bring PROTECH Resistance Layer Technology to our Hatch gloves. The FMN500s provide robust protection from daily cut and needle threats and maintain superior dexterity. With the FMN500, you can complete all of your routine daily tasks and still be protected from the unexpected.”

The FMN500 gloves also maintain the clean lines and unobstructed surfaces that make Hatch gloves ideal for uniform compliance. The construction process of the PROTECH Resistance Layer Technology is seamlessly built into the FMN500 gloves, keeping the palm free of superfluous stitching that can compromise the protective features of the gloves where it is needed most.

Hatch’s new FMN500 line will be available in classic black and a gray version (FMN501) for any agency or individual who requires gray gloves for uniform compliance. Glove sizing will range from XS to 3XL. $MSRP is $49.00.

About Hatch®

The Hatch® name has been synonymous with the finest in protective gloves and gear since 1967. Using the finest leathers and synthetic materials, Hatch offers a full line of “Built for the Job”, needle puncture-resistant, cut-resistant, cold weather, tactical and duty gloves to meet the needs of uniformed, tactical, corrections, and military personnel.  Products include Friskmaster™ gloves, Street Guard™ Series, XTAK™ tactical knee and elbow pads, and patrol bags. Hatch is a part of The Safariland Group family of brands. For more information, visit www.hatchgloves.com.

About The Safariland Group 

The Safariland Group is a leading global provider of a broad range of safety and survivability products designed for the public safety, military, professional and outdoor markets. The Safariland Group offers a number of recognized brand names in these markets including Safariland® Armor, Duty Gear and Communications, Bianchi®, Break Free®, Hatch®, Med-Eng®, Identicator® and Nik®. The Safariland Group’s mission, “Together, We Save Lives®“, is inherent in the lifesaving and protective products it delivers. The Safariland Group is headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. The Safariland Group is a trade name of Safariland, LLC.

Woox Introduces New FORTE Axe

Woox Introduces New FORTE Axe

From Woox

WOOX continue to set new standards in outdoor gear with the introduction of the new FORTE axe.

Following the success of the AX1, WOOX have continued their pursuit of developing the best quality outdoor gear with the new FORTE axe. Combining classical American and Italian axe designs, the WOOX FORTE is another great example of “old world” craftsmanship meeting the modern age of high-performance gear.

The American hickory handle adds strength and durability, while the anti-slip coating offers a superior grip in any condition. Each head on the FORTE axe is individually hammered into shape, hand finished and made of tempered carbon steel (c60/1060). With a length of 22 inches and a weight of only three pounds, the FORTE axe can easily be packed into the backcountry for your next great adventure.

The WOOX FORTE axe is designed and made in both Italy and Hickory, North Carolina. Available in time for the holidays, the FORTE has a retail price of just $169.00.

About WOOX: A new outdoor gear company, WOOX prides itself on delivering best craftsmanship at a competitive price. WOOX manufactures high-performance rifle stocks and chassis, as well as outdoor gear such as knives and axes. By circumventing traditional channels, making their gear in-house in Italy and engaging with customers directly, WOOX can deliver higher-quality, higher-performance and better-looking products at a fraction of the traditional craftsmanship price. WOOX is a division of Minelli Group with its North American headquarters situated in Hickory, North Carolina. All WOOX products are developed in the USA and manufactured in Italy. Find out more at https://wooxstore.com/.