Whether products are brand new or receiving an upgrade, manufacturers are always pushing the envelope to deliver better gear to the end user. This week is no different. Here’s some exclusive relevant news from the tactical firearms industry.

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Week of November 27

Mission First Tactical Partners with Stag Arms for Stag 15 Minimalist Rifle

Mission First Tactical, LLC (MFT™), a leader in USA-made rifle/carbine accessories, is proud to announce its partnership with Stag Arms® to produce the Stag 15 Minimalist Rifle. MFT chose Stag Arms' highly popular Stag 15 model for its lightweight, high-quality manufacturing, coupled with its long-lasting durability standards. The Minimalist Rifle is the first Stag rifle to be outfitted in Mission First Tactical furniture and accessories. Stag Arms has launched a special giveaway, launching on Nov. 30 at 12:00 a.m. and running through Dec. 14 at 2:00 p.m. EST. One lucky winner will be awarded a Stag 15 Minimalist Rifle and Swag Pack. Contestants may enter at https://www.stagarms.com/giveaway/.

"We are very excited to partner with Mission First Tactical and release our new Stag 15 Minimalist Series," said Rick Bergen, Stag Arms Vice President of Sales. "Mission First Tactical has proven themselves as one of the premium MSR accessories providers in the industry, and their quality and durability is a superb fit for Stag Arms."

The Stag 15 Minimalist in 5.56 NATO (.223) is built on MIL-Spec forged 7075 aluminum receiver with Type 3 hard coat anodizing, a MIL-Spec single stage trigger, a MIL-Spec manganese phosphate coated M16 BCG and a 16-inch chrome-lined, government profile barrel. MFT accessories complete the Minimalist build with the MFT Battlelink Minimalist MIL-Spec stock that has an angled non-slip rubberized buttpad for quicker presentations, even while wearing body armor. The upper section of the MFT stock has an enhanced cheek weld and a QD sling mounting point is positioned for ambidextrous use.

"Partnering with Stag Arms on this project was a no brainer. Our best-in-class accessories with their innovative MSRs was a natural fusion, creating the durable, ultra-lightweight Stag 15 Minimalist Rifle. We are very happy with the end product and we think our customers will be, too," commented MFT's Vice President David Edelman.

MFT's TEKKO Polymer AR15 carbine handguard with M-LOK rail provides a secure platform for the mounting of Picatinny rails and other accessories. The single stage trigger is housed within an MFT E-VolV Enhanced Trigger Guard with an oversized opening that allows full access to the trigger, even with gloves. The MFT ENGAGE™ AR/15/M16 pistol grip has textured finger swells and a grooved backstrap for a positive grip surface even wearing gloves or in wet conditions. The pistol grip also features a secure, water resistant storage compartment and a plug retention for one-handed storage access. The MFT flip up rear sight is a low profile, snag resistant design paired with an A2 front sight with full elevation adjustment for rapid target acquisition. Finally, the Stag 15 Minimalist Rifle comes with a 30-rd MFT Polymer Magazine engineered as an enhancement of the standard STANAG design with a stippled texture and low-profile front ribs with a flared floor plate for positive extraction and handling.

The combination of MFT accessories and the Stag 15 rifle bring together two best-in-industry companies leading advances in materials, technology and manufacturing processes to bring to market an unprecedented firearm featuring the most reliable and durable accessories on the most reliable and durable AR with the Stag 15 Minimalist Rifle and the Stag15L Minimalist Rifle (left-hand model).

Also available in the Stag 15 Minimalist line is the Stag 15 Minimalist Uppers and Lowers (sold separately) and the Stag Arms Minimalist Rifle Kit that includes everything for your build on your own lower. All Stag Arms rifles come with a Lifetime Transferrable Warranty.

Stag 15 Minimalist Series Specifications:

Stag 15 Minimalist Rifle

• Weight: 6.05 lbs.
• Length: 32.25" Collapsed, 35.5" Extended
• Caliber: 5.56 NATO | .223
• Barrel: 16", 1/7 Twist, 4150 Steel, Chrome Lined, Government Profile, Manganese Phosphate
• Handguard: MFT - Tekko Polymer AR15 Carbine M-LOK Rail
• Receivers: Forged and MIL-Spec 7075 T6 Aluminum with Type 3 Hard Coat Anodizing
• Trigger: MIL-Spec Single Stage Trigger with MFT E-VolV Enhanced Trigger Guard
• Buttstock: MFT Battlelink Minimalist Stock - MIL-Spec
• Bolt Carrier: MIL-Spec Manganese Phosphate coated M16 BCG
• Gas System: Carbine Length with A2 Front Post
• Rear Sight: MFT Polymer Flip Up Sight
• Grip: MFT Engage AR15/M16 Pistol Grip
• Muzzle Device: A2 Flash Hider
• Magazine: 30rd MFT Poly Mag
• Stag 15 Minimalist Rifle MSRP: $874.99
• Promotion Price: $654.99
• Stag 15L Minimalist Rifle MSRP: $919.99
• Promotion Price: $689.99

Stag 15 Minimalist Rifle Kit

• Caliber: 5.56 NATO | .223
• Barrel: 16", 1/7 Twist, 4150 Steel, Chrome Lined, Government Profile, Manganese Phosphate
• Handguard: MFT - Tekko Polymer AR15 Carbine M-LOK Rail
• Upper Receiver: Forged and MIL-Spec 7075 T6 Aluminum with Type 3 Hard Coat Anodizing
• Trigger: MIL-Spec Single Stage Trigger with MFT E-VolV Enhanced Trigger Guard
• Buttstock: MFT Battlelink Minimalist Stock - MIL-Spec
• Bolt Carrier: MIL-Spec Manganese Phosphate coated M16 BCG
• Gas System: Carbine Length with A2 Front Post
• Rear Sight: MFT Polymer Flip Up Sight
• Grip: MFT Engage AR15/M16 Pistol Grip
• Muzzle Device: A2 Flash Hider
• Magazine: 30rd MFT Poly Mag
• Stag 15 Minimalist Rifle Kit MSRP: $624.99
• Promotion Price: $529.99
• Stag 15L Minimalist Rifle Kit MSRP: $664.99
• Promotion Price: $559.99

Stag 15 Minimalist Upper

• Caliber: 5.56 NATO | .223
• Barrel: 16", 1/7 Twist, 4150 Steel, Chrome Lined, Government Profile, Manganese Phosphate Coated
• Handguard: MFT - Tekko Polymer AR15 Carbine M-LOK Rail
• Muzzle Device: A2 Flash Hider
• Upper Receiver: Forged and MIL-Spec 7075 T6 Aluminum with Type 3 Hard Coat Anodizing
• Gas Systems: Carbine Length with A2 Front Post
• Stag 15 Minimalist Upper MSRP: $319.99
• Promotion Price: $269.99
• Stag 15L Minimalist Upper MSRP: $319.99
• Promotion Price: $269.99

Stag 15 Minimalist Lower Half

• Caliber: 5.56 NATO | .223
• Lower Receiver: Forged and MIL-SPEC 7075 T6 Aluminum with Type 3 Hard Coat Anodizing
• Trigger: MIL-Spec Single Stage Trigger with MFT E-VolV Enhanced Trigger Guard
• Buttstock: MFT Battlelink Minimalist Stock - MIL-Spec
• Grip: MFT Engage AR15/M16 Pistol Grip
• Magazine: 30rd MFT Poly Mag
• Stag 15 Minimalist Lower Half MSRP: $269.99
• Promotion Price: $229.99

Promotional pricing ends 12/31/2017. Dealers should contact their sales representatives at sales@stagarms.com or call (860) 229-9994. Visit www.stagarms.com to learn more about each product. For more information on Mission First Tactical, visit www.missionfirsttactical.com. Stag Arms Lifetime Transferrable Warranty: Stag Arms is proud to manufacture the highest quality AR15 rifles, parts and accessories for you! We stand behind our products with a lifetime transferrable warranty and infinite shot barrel guarantee.

Ultra-tough, UltraLite Mini First-Aid Kit

Inspired by the need for a lightweight and compact first-aid rollup kit and supplies that satisfy both the soccer mom and minimalist hiker, 12 Survivors announces the newest addition to their popular line of first-aid rollup kits, the UltraLite First-Aid Kit (TS42004R).

Weighing just at 11.3 oz, the UltraLite First-Aid Kit provides simplicity and portability for the all users. Constructed of moisture-wicking, honeycomb ripstop nylon, the durable first aid kit fits an astounding 90 pieces including bandages, gauze, alcohol pads, scissors, tweezers, tape and moleskin; all organized inside 6 zipper pockets. Fully customizable, restock it with items that fit your specific needs! Unlike many other first aid kits, the 12 Survivors UltraLite Kit features a slim, flexible profile allowing the kit to take up less space and fit where others may not.

Visit Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube to learn more about 12 Survivors® products.

U.S. Army Fields SIG SAUER M17/M18 Pistols

On November 28, the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) became the first unit to field the U.S. Army’s new M17 and M18 Modular Handgun System. The 1st Brigade Combat Team, 101st ABN DIV (AASLT) began fielding the new handguns today at Fort Campbell, Kentucky under the command of Col. Derek K. Thomson.

"What a great day," said Thomson.  "To witness modernization firsthand as my soldiers became the first in the Army and this storied division to fire the new pistol is an absolute honor."

The MHS handgun is a variant of the SIG SAUER® P320® pistol and is equipped with an external safety, an integrated MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail for the attachment of light and laser systems, self-illuminating night sights to maintain combat effectiveness in all lighting conditions, and is capable of accepting a sound suppressor.

Ron Cohen, President and CEO of SIG SAUER, Inc., said “We are both humbled and proud that the P320 was selected by the U.S. Army as its weapon of choice. Securing this contract is a testimony to SIG SAUER employees and their commitment to innovation, quality and manufacturing the most accurate and reliable firearms in the world.”

Over the next 10 years the Army will distribute the new MHS handguns to all Army units replacing the M9 pistol, which has been in service since 1986.

"That's pretty dated technology," said Lt. Col. Steven Power, Project Manager Soldier Weapons, individual weapons product manager.  "The specific performance improvements of the MHS over the M9 include better accuracy, tighter dispersion, and better ergonomics, which when combined, result in a far more lethal pistol."

"The world has changed since the strength and resilience of this division was forged during the maelstrom of World War II," said Maj. Gen. Andrew P. Poppas, 101st ABN DIV (AASLT) commander. "In order to maintain our decisive edge, we must continue to outpace our potential adversaries with more lethal capabilities, from the modular handgun system we fielded today to the innovative and adaptive air assault concepts, equipment and training the 101st continues to perfect."

Images Courtesy of the 101st Airborne Division.

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Week of November 1, 6 and 13

NiteSite Offers Black Friday Deals for Retailers

NiteSite LLC, the U.S. Sales Division of NiteSite LTD, the UK company and developers of infrared technology for predator hunting, are offering retailers a limited time offer to enjoy more money in their pockets with the NiteSite day/night systems.

Now, until November 23, 2017, retailers can receive an extra discount above their normal rates on all main units ordered. These units include the highly popular Eagle, Wolf and Viper night vision systems and the RTEK systems.

During the Black Friday weekend of Friday the 23rd to midnight Sunday the 25th of November, retailers can promote discounts to their customers and make additional profits. All discounts must be discontinued as of November 26, 2017. Keep customers coming back for more with the Black Friday Dealer specials and introduce more hunters to the sport of predator or varmint hunting using the affordable NiteSite day/night systems. They are made to use in both daylight and darkness using an existing rifle or crossbow and scope. An illuminator module fits to the scope allowing hunters a heads-up view of the action. The NiteSite RTEK systems also allow for video recording of hunts and training sessions.

The RTEK series is available in three models depending upon a hunter's preferences and game related hunting distances. The Viper RTEK has an identification range of 110 yards (100 meters) and a suggested MSRP of $850.00. The Wolf RTEK system has an identification range of 330 yards (300 meters) and an MSRP of $1,100.00. The Eagle RTEK night vision system identifies objects out to 550 yards (500 meters) with an MSRP of $1,350.00. All of NiteSite's RTEK night vision systems come with a 24-month limited warranty.

To find out more, or become a dealer, contact NiteSite at salesusa@nitesite.com or call 682-626-5290. For more on NiteSite, visit www.nitesite.com or visit the NiteSite Facebook page.

Consumers Recognize BLACKHAWK! as Best Tactical Holster Brand in the OpticsPlanet Brilliance Awards

Overland Park, KS - November 7, 2017- Online retailer OpticsPlanet has awarded BLACKHAWK!, leading manufacturer of high-tech holsters and tactical accessories, Best Tactical Holster in its 2017 Brilliance Awards. Decided by popular vote, the Brilliance Awards annually recognize the best of the best in performance optics and shooting equipment.

OpticsPlanet named the finalists vying for the right to bear the coveted Brilliance Award seal. Consumers then cast their votes, choosing the BLACKHAWK! Omnivore Holster for Streamlight TLR-1 and TLR-2 weapon as the best tactical holster on the market.

“To be recognized as the winner for Best Tactical Holster by OpticsPlanet and its consumers is an incredible honor for our team,” said BLACKHAWK! Global Product Lane Director, Dan Rice. “We work diligently to produce the highest quality and most innovative tactical products on the market.”

Multiple holsters for multiple handguns is no longer an issue. The BLACKHAWK! Omnivore is a multi-fit holster that accommodates more than 150 styles of semi-automatic handguns with an accessory rail. The active retention mechanism doesn’t wear the handgun’s finish. It locks onto the frame of the light in the Streamlight models. A thumb release disengages the locking mechanism when drawing the handgun. The Omnivore represents the future in retention holster technology, and delivers unparalleled firearm access.

To view the Brilliance Awards visit www.opticsplanet.com/brilliance-awards.html.

BLACKHAWK!, a Vista Outdoor, Inc. brand, is committed to providing the best class of tactical gear. For more information, visit www.blackhawk.com.

Speer Launches New Dynamic Website with a Full Suite of Multi-Device Enhancements

Speer recently announced the launch of its new website, www.speer-ammo.com. The totally redesigned site offers a wealth of information on the brand’s proven lineup of loaded ammunition and component bullets, plus a complete library of reloading data, all in a user-friendly format optimized for easy navigation with any device.

The new site lets visitors search by product number or filter by usage and attributes. This allows quick access to comprehensive details on each of Speer’s 238 SKUs, including its legendary lineup of Gold Dot ammunition, the No. 1 choice of law enforcement. Enhanced product detail pages include product and packaging images as additional context.

Sections geared to reloading, protection and training, and law enforcement further speed the search for load data, performance specifications and more.

The dynamic and extremely detailed reloading section lets consumers choose their cartridge and easily filter by attributes such as bullet weight and charge to find the exact recipe to produce the performance they desire. Reloaders will also appreciate the extensive education section, which includes a glossary of terms, step-by-step guide to getting started, and an expanded FAQ section.

Speer-ammo.com Highlights
• User-friendly design optimized for easy navigation with all devices
• Detailed product data on each of Speer’s 238 SKUs
• Search by product number or filter by use and attributes
• Complete library of reloading data and recipes
• Special section devoted to safety information
• Speer Gear store with Speer-branded attire
• Links to informative YouTube product videos

Speer is a brand of Vista Outdoor Inc., an outdoor sports and recreation company. For more information on Speer, go to www.speer-ammo.com.

NovX Ammunition Distributed Through MidwayUSA

NovX is now being distributed by one of the largest online retailers in the firearms industry, MidwayUSA. NovX offers the consumer a bullet that has the firepower of a .45 packed in a 9mm round.

NovX ammunition combines two innovative technologies by marrying the intellectual properties of a polymer/copper ARX bullet with the Shell Shock Technologies (SST) stainless steel casing and aluminum primer base, operating on the principle of Aero and Fluid Dynamics, not hydrostatic shock or mushrooming. The NovX technology is replacing old-world brass with a stronger, lighter and more consistent cartridge, creating possibly the most accurate defensive handgun ammunition on the market.

“We are honored that an industry leader such as MidwayUSA is the first to come on board to distribute NovX ammunition. In developing this new round of ammunition, our goal was to increase performance in not only accuracy but functionality as well,” states Scott Shultz, CEO. “This partnership with MidwayUSA is a perfect fit as our business philosophies run in tandem.”

To review product information or to place an order, visit www.MidwayUSA.com.

RRA LAR-15 Fred Eichler Series Predator2 Rifle Now Available in Rock River Arms Custom ROCKote Ghost Camouflage

Rock River Arms, Inc., an industry leader well-known for producing a full line of high-quality AR15-style rifles, components, parts, and accessories releases their newest predator rifle, the Fred Eichler Series Predator2 rifle with Rock River Arms ROCKote Ghost Camouflage finish.

The new Fred Eichler Series (FES) Predator2 rifle with RRA ROCKote Ghost Camouflage is chambered in the popular .223 Wylde which accepts both 5.56mm & .223 Remington ammunition. The ROCKote finish not only protects the metal from extreme environments and abuse, but also provides a unique, one-of-a-kind look to the predator rifle. The 16-inch fluted stainless steel barrel offers impressive accuracy at long ranges, has a 1:8 twist and has been cryogenically treated and bead blasted for a professional finish. The FES Predator2 rifle with RRA ROCKote Ghost Camouflage features a special RRA Fred Eichler Series Brake, helping control muzzle lift and reduce muzzle flash and a RRA two stage Varmint trigger for a crisp, light (3½  to 4 pound) trigger pull. This rifle is built for serious predator hunters and for those seeking a precision rifle capable of ¾ MOA.

The FES Predator2 with RRA ROCKote Ghost Camouflage also includes a RRA Fred Eichler Series free float extended handguard that is custom designed with Fred’s unique coyote paw prints and includes a full length top rail and two 2½-inch rails at the 6 & 9 O’clock. An exclusive gray Hogue pistol grip is included and the custom ROCKote Ghost Camo paint continues on the RRA’s Operator CAR buttstock, BCMGUNFIGHTER medium charging handle and the 30mm Hi-Rise mount (scope not included). MSRP is listed as $2,225. For more information, visit www.rockriverarms.com.

Week of October 23

MTM CASE-GARD Introduces New .308 Tactical Mag Can

Since 1968, MTM has continued to design and produce products for the shooting enthusiast. From ammo boxes to gun rests to clay target throwers, MTM offers a huge variety of products essential to the sportsman. New for 2017, MTM introduces the Tactical Mag Can, a stackable, sturdy plastic container that is lockable  and includes a foam insert designed specifically for .308 magazines.

The heavy duty Tactical Mag Can will support 10, 20, and 25 round magazines for the .308 AR Platform rifles, along with 10 and 20 round magazines for M1A and M14 rifles. It features a reinforced O-ring seal, making it water-resistant and the latching system maintains a tight lock and protects the magazines it holds. The Tactical Mag Can will support a total of 14 mags, each individually secured in pre-cut, closed military grade foam. It measures 17.2” x 10.7” x 9.2” (H), has a double padlock tab and molded-in stacking ridges for practical space saving and organization options. This made in U.S.A. product has strong comfortable handles for effortless transportation and comes in a Dark Earth color. To learn more about this Tactical Mag Can, please visit www.mtmcase-gard.com.

Tactical Mag Can .308 Features:

• Pre-cut, closed cell military grade foam
• Water-resistant O-ring seal
• Heavy duty, latching system
• Strong handles
• Holds up to 14 Magazines
• Double padlock tabbed
• Molded-in stacking ridges
• MSRP: $27.99
• Made in U.S.A.

Feature image: iStock