BORELLI CONSULTING: Tactical Equipment Reviews

Pre-SHOT Show 2008
28 January 2008

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It’s that time of year again. Each January the military / law enforcement / outdoor communities got just slightly insane as they prepare for the Shooting Hunting Outdoor Trade Show otherwise known as SHOT Show. When SHOT first started it was dedicated to the hunting and outdoors communities. The past decade has seen the Military / Law Enforcement section grow larger every year. As has become our habit in the past few years, we’ll do a Pre-SHOT post (this one);
a quick overview the Monday while I'm at SHOT Show (Feb 4th);
a bit longer overview the Monday after SHOT Show ends (Feb 11th);
and then a full blown multi-page SHOT review on February 18th.

This week we have some press releases to look at, which we've received from some well known names in the market:
BlackHawk sent some info about new boots and knives.
Sabre Defence Industries sent info about new guns (always a good thing!)
Lewis Machine & Tool Company sent info about some new guns (more good stuff)
and C.A.M.P. Technologies sent us info on some new camping gear they've got coming out

Let's get to them in that order...

BlackHawk Products Group
BlackHawk has had its own apparel line for some time now under the name Warrior Wear. Part of the Warrior Wear line is BOOTS. While I'm not a fan of boots with zippers, many other folks are and there is no denying the convenience of side-zip boots. BlackHawk Warrior Wear boots are coming available in '08. The new ZW5 and ZW7 are touted as fast, lightweight, comfortable and waterproof. Side-zips that are waterproof? Cool. The soles are oil resistant with substantial lugs for better traction moving over uneven or irregular surfaces. The upper is a mix of leather and Cordura with rubberized toe and heel reinforcements. The model number indicates your boot height: ZW5 = 5". ZW7 = 7". MSRP runs between $165 and $175. It'll be interesting to see how these hold up (once I get my feet in 'em).

Besides the new boots, BlackHawk Blades has seven new knives coming online. Shown here to the right are three of them: The HawkHook, the XSF Micro and the XSF Punch Dagger. The HawkHook is designed as a rescue tool with the following features:
- a folding blade that includes a recessed cutting edge (seat belts, parchute cord, webbing)
- a straight serrated cutting edge
- a glass breaker
- a flat screwdriver / pry tip
- a bottle opener
- a wire stripper
With a retail price of $39.99, this is going to become popular in cops' pockets.

The XSF Micro and XSF Punch Dagger are down-sized variants of the XSF1 fighting dagger already in the BlackHawk line. In the phone shown, the Micro is in the center with the punch dagger on the right end.

Masters of Defense (MOD) has been making the Massad Ayoob Razorback for some time, and now there is the new Razorback-Trocar - designed with specific input from tactical medics for field use.

MOD also made the Trident utility folder that had - at least for a little while - gone by the wayside. The Point Man is BlackHawk's rebirth and evolution of the Trident. With a blade made from AUS8A and textured G-10 handles, the spear pointed knife promises to become a respected performer.

Another rebirth is the MOD Hornet, originally designed by edged-weapons expert James Keating - now the Hornet II. The Aus8A blade is sandwiched between 420J stainless steel liners and textured G-10 grips. The blade is black Teflon coated for a low profile and increased corrosion resistance. The clip can be positioned four different ways for increased versatility in carry.

The last new knife is the Garra II. Based on design features from both the Caracara and the Garra knives, Michael Janich fine tuned this aggressively curved folding blade. I've seen Michael work a blade... I'm glad he's not coming at me with one of these! The 3" AUS8A blade can be had with a plain or serrated edge and comes with a Black Teflon coating.

Now for some even cooler toys...

Sabre Defence Industries:
Sabre Defence Industries (SDI) will be unveiling three new rifles at SHOT Show. The SDI-M5, SDI Competition Extreme, and the SDI Precision Marksman Rifle (PMR). Check them out...

The M5 Tactical is available in 5.56mm, 6.5 Grendel or 7.62 x 39. The 14.5" chrome-moly-vanadium (CMV) barrel comes with a permanently attached A2 flash hider and railed hand guards. The stock is adjustable for length of pull and features a unique locking system that friction locks the stock to the buffer tube. The rifle comes standard with an Ergo Grip (check the pistol grip) and an LE-EOTech 552 reflex sight.

The Competition Extreme (above) in 5.56mm is equipped with Sabre free-float handguards that have picatinny rail mounts offset by 45 degrees to keep the accessories out of the line of your optics / sights. The 410 stainless barrel is fluted and includes a Sabre Competition gill-brake, barrel extension and barrel nut assemly already installed. You can order the Competition Extreme with a 16", 18" or 20" barrel. The rifle is shipped with two 30-round magazines in a "tactical case" for an MSRP of just under $2K.

Ah, the Precision Marksman Rifle (PMR) shown right. This "standard" equipment list is kind of interesting:
- Sabre A3 upper and matched lower CNC machined from 7075-T6 forgings (metallurgy well beyond me)
- 20" fluted 410-stainless barrel
- Mid-length gas operating system with a match trigger
- Rail hand guards
- Ergo Tactical Deluxe Grip
- Leupold 6.5 - 20x50 Mark 4 LR/T MI Illuminated Scope
- Magpul PRS adjustable stock

The rifle is available in 5.56mm (MSRP $3600) or in 6.5 Grendel (MSRP $3800). The PMR comes with two -30-round magazines and an Otis cleaning kit in an Elite Tactical Carry Case.

Lewis Machine & Tool Company:
LMT is debuting their Standard Patrol rifle with a collapsible stock resulting in an overall length of 32.5" (collapsed) or 35.5" (stock open). A 16" chrome lined barrel is standard with the weapon weaghing in at 5.9 pounds. That ain't bad. LMT also have a collection of options available to / for the Standard Patrol Rifle. The "fully loaded" version is the LMT CQB with SOPMOD Stock. The weapon comes with a "monolithic rail platform" which gives you LOTS of room for mounting anything that will fit on a picatinny rail. The 6.8 pound weapon has the same 16" chrome lined barrel and runs between 33" and 36.25" in length depending on whether the stock is open or collapsed. All LMT weapons ship with a user manual and ONE 30-round magazine.

C.A.M.P. Technologies, LLC:

Now THAT'S a tent. The Recreational Towed Vehicle (RTV) Camping Trailer and Shelter Vehicle comes with an attached, heavy duty, tent/shelter that can be equipped with a trail galley, propane fired stove, refrigerator, 3.5 KW electric generator, sink, water pressure pump, lights and more. The promotional material says that the RTV will "comfortably accommodate a party of four adults". I look at that picture and think THAT tent will comfortably accommodate four people each with their own bedroom. I mean, I've "camped" with nothing more than a poncho for shelter and the poncho liner for a sleeping bag. That was one cold puddle. I look at that RTV and think it gives whole new meaning to "pop up". The entire package weighs under 2,500 pounds and collapses into the trailer for easy and fuel efficient towing. Pricing (according to the paper) starts at $21,500 and works its way up from there depending on what options you order / purchase.

Naturally, we'll be trying to check out all thses items at SHOT Show. Next week's review will have some early highlights from the SHOT Show floor. Don't forget to check back!

Stay Safe!!

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Don't forget to check out our Recreational Equipment Review reviewing two new books: one from Vince Flynn and the other from Robert B. Parker.

This week's Feature Article discussing the value of thinking before you speak.

For a listing of all reviews in chronological order, GO HERE.

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