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2007 Shot Show Law Enforcment Brands PDF Print E-mail
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Written by Written by Jim Weiss, Mickey Davis   
Sunday, 30 September 2007
 

The Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show features firearms, ammunition, archery, cutlery, outdoor apparel, optics, camping and related products and services. Included each year is a growing law enforcement section where exhibitors display their newest products, everything from body armor to tactical medical kits to weapons. In 2007, there were 1,870 exhibitors visited by 42,000 buyers in four days. Here are just some of the products related to law enforcement.

Trijicon

During Trijicon’s “Triple Threat” media event, the company introduced its new ACOG TA33, a 3x30 mm optical sight. This sight offers the combination of ample magnification, low-light capability, and long eye relief preferred for law enforcement and military applications. The system is battery free and uses patented fiber optics and tritium-based technology, providing a dual-illuminated reticle.

Also unveiled was the Trijicon ACOG 4x32 Enhanced Combat Optical Sight (ECOS), developed for special operations forces. This system is available with Bullet Drop Compensation calibrated to the trajectory of the .223 Rem cartridge for precision aiming out to 1,000 meters.

Aimpoint

Aimpoint introduced its smallest tactical sight, the Micro T-1 electronic red-dot sight. This compact sight can be used on rifles, carbines, shotguns, submachine guns, and handguns. The 1X (non-magnifying) Micro T-1 can be used alone or piggybacked on top of larger magnifying scopes, night vision, or thermal imaging optics. It has a manual adjustment switch with six night vision-compatible settings and seven daylight settings, and it will run continuously for more than five years on a single CR-2032 battery.

Aimpoint also introduced its new CompM4 sight, which is under contract with the U.S. Army for 163,000 units. This sight will run continuously for more than eight years on a single AA battery.

Benelli USA

The Benelli SuperNova was given the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence Award as the 2006 Shotgun of Year. According to Benelli, the SuperNova is the softest-kicking, pump-action shotgun in the world. The ComforTech stock reduces recoil up to 48% over other pump shotguns. The SuperNova’s new modular design concept makes it quickly convertible into a wide range of special purpose guns, from field to tactical.

Beretta

For 475 years, Beretta has been making firearms. Since 1977, Beretta has supplied the standard firearm to the U.S. armed forces. New products from the company include its PX4 Storm .45 ACP SD and PX4 Storm .45 ACP. It is also offering another new product in the PX4 Storm line, the PX4 Storm Sub-Compact, available in 9mm and .40 S&W.

The PX4 Storm .45 ACP is built around Beretta’s latest PX4 modular technology that offers individualized performance. According to Beretta, its optimal grip angle ensures a correct line of sight, and it is contoured to snugly fit the shooter’s hand. Part of a newly patented modular system, the pistol adapts to different hand sizes easily, with interchangeable backstraps included. The pistol features a rotating-barrel locking system system; a standard Picatinny Rail allows for an array of aftermarket accessories.

Bianchi International

Bianchi is recognized by shooting enthusiasts and professionals as one of the largest leading designers / manufacturers of innovative, high-quality handgun holsters and accessories. California police Officer John Bianchi started the company 47 years ago.

Bianchi has a new magazine pouch available, the Bianchi M1035 Double Magazine Pouch, MOLLE. This product features Bianchi’s patented AccuMold® trilaminate construction and comes in either in a “coyote” or “universal digital camo” finish. It is designed with a ballistic weave exterior and interior of Coptex™ lining to provide for a contoured molding for maintaining its shape and fit. MOLLE strap attachment points allow for integration with the MOLLE tactical vest systems. It is made for comfort and to resist abrasion.

Blackhawk Products Group

Former Navy SEAL Mike Noell began BlackHawk 14 years ago in his garage. Now the company operates out of a 64,000-square-foot facility, and this year, it introduced more products at the SHOT Show than any other time in its history. BlackHawk’s S.T.R.I.K.E. Cutaway Tactical Armor Vest is designed for operators to remove quickly. The four-piece carrier covers the entire torso with large front, back, and side components designed to hold Level IIA soft armor panels as well as Level IV ceramic plates. It features a quick-release strap that can be configured for left- or right-handed operation.

BlackHawk Warrior Wear introduced new apparel such as Warrior Wear Tactical Pants. These are constructed of durable, wrinkle-, fade-, and stain-resistant cotton canvas with double layering in the seat and knees to protect against wear. Other high-wear areas such as the leg cuff and hand pockets sport reinforced hems to increase durability and guard against fraying. A hidden, expandable waistband slides to accommodate an increased waist size up to 4 inches. These pants are designed to securely carry gear, weapons, and accessories, and provide easy-access for the wearer.

BlackHawk Night Ops Expanded Light Lineup has added to its illumination tool line with the Legacy Professional and Warrior series. These illumination tools are manufactured from aircraft-grade aluminum with a durable Type II or Type III Anodized finish.

Bushmaster

New from Bushmaster is the O.R.C. (Optics Ready Carbine). This carbine was developed for the shooter who intends to immediately add optics—scope, red dot, or holographic sight—to the rifle since it is shipped without sights. Various add-on rear iron sights can be easily attached to the flattop upper receiver, and Bushmaster’s BMAS Front Flip-up Sight for V match rifles (Part #YHN-9360K) can be mounted over the Milled Gas Block.

This carbine’s 16-inch M4 Profile Barrel with an A2 Bird Cage Suppressor, has both a chrome-lined bore and chamber in caliber 5.56mm / .223 Rem. It also features a receiver-length Picatinny optics rail with two ½ optics risers, heavy duty oval M4-type hand guards, and a six-position telescoping stock.

Danner

The original Danner Striker Series quality boots built confidence in the field with stability and durability. Now Danner has taken a quality boot and enhanced it with a new extremely light platform, improved styling and ankle support for the Striker II Series. The new Danner TFX-LITE platform (TERRA FORCE™ X-LITE) provides a solid base with oil- and slip-resistant outsole. And the nonmetallic hardware is ideal for high-level security jobs and quick entry though electronic metal detectors.

The new styles of the Striker II Series include the 1) Striker II Hot, featuring an advanced highly breathable liner that increases breathability and allows for all day boot comfort in warm and extremely hot conditions; the 2) Striker II Leather Side Zip with the convenient non-Metallic YKK® side zipper that allows for quick and easy entry and exit. Striker II has two additional Leather and Cordura® options: the Striker II 8-inch and the Striker II 45, featuring a 4.5-inch ankle height. Both focus on ankle support and all of the options of the new series including a GORE-TEX™ liner for waterproof protection in the field.

Also new from Danner, is the 8-inch Telson Side Zip GTX boot, which features the most recent technical innovations from Danner and is built for law officers, military personnel and anyone else who wants athletic performance in his boots. The conformed zipper accommodates the natural design of both the boot and the foot for the most precise fit.

DPMS Panther Arms

DPMS, an industry leader in providing quality AR-style rifles, announced the new Panther Mini SASS (Semi-Automatic Sniper System) rifle. Chambered in 5.56 NATO, the new Panther Mini SASS features an 18-inch chrome-moly, mid-length barrel with a 1x8 twist and a Panther Flash Hider. The A3 flattop upper receiver, forged from 7075-T6 aluminum and hard coat anodized per MIL-SPEC is Teflon-coated black. Its upper receiver features a dust cover, shell deflector, and forward assist. The 8620 steel bolt carrier and steel bolt have been heat treated and plated per MIL-SPEC.

This rifle has a standard length, vented four-rail free float tube and backup iron sights, the Mangonel® Front and Rear Flip-Up Sights, completing the upper assembly. Optics are not included. The semi-automatic lower assembly has a 7075-T6 aluminum lower receiver that has been heat treated and plated to MIL-SPEC. A JP Adjustable Trigger, Ambi-Safety Selector, Panther Tactical Grip and Vltor Clubfoot Carbine Stock complete the rifle. Additional accessories are included.

Eye Safety Systems (ESS)

ESS announced the release of its newest generation of battery-powered Striker TurboFan™ goggles. In order to provide increased levels of simplicity, performance and durability, these new ESS models allow operators to forget about fog and focus 100% on the high-intensity mission at hand.

Like the original TurboFan goggle systems, the new Profile and Striker designs rely on splined rotor technology designed to draw fresh air into a goggle frame while exhausting humid air that could otherwise promote condensation on the inner lens surface; fog is eliminated before it starts. These new models have a simplified PowerPod switch mechanism, a single push-button that controls three fan settings. The reliability of the redesigned TurboFan goggles is backed by ESS’ one-year warranty.

First Choice Armor

A unique ballistic shield called M.U.S.T. (Multi-Use Shield Technology) has been developed for first responders. This new design revolutionizes tactics by allowing more versatile use of a ballistic shield during tactical operations; it reduces exposure of the head and arms and allows for easier long-gun deployment while standing, kneeling, and in the prone position.

First Choice Armor’s M.U.S.T. is currently available in Level IIIA in a 24” x 36” size. At 14 pounds without tactical add-ons, the M.U.S.T. is about 30% lighter than shields of the same size currently available. The shield boasts a more ergonomic design that relies on the operator’s bone support instead of muscle support, allowing it to be carried easily for extended periods of time without fatigue.

It is also designed with a much larger view port, giving the shield operator a larger field of view and better peripheral vision. The standard shield comes with a thick foam pad where the forearm rests for added comfort, and a lower strap for the forearm that stabilizes the grip on the shield and allows for 180-degree rotation. Optional items are also available.

FN Herstal

For a century, FNH USA’s .45 ACP has provided legendary chambering, reliability and big-bore stopping power. At the SHOT Show, FNH introduced its new FN FNP-45 auto-loading pistol. Features include traditional, double-action / single-action (DA/SA) operation; a high-capacity, ergonomic polymer frame with interchangeable blackstrap inserts; accessory rail; ambidextrous, frame-mounted de-cocking levers; and magazine release. A variety of fixed, standard and night sights are available, as is a loaded chamber indicator.

Also new is the FN PS90 TR Triple Rail Semi-automatic Carbine, a 5.7 x 28mm top loader that ejects fired cases downward where they cannot interfere with the shooter. It is fully ambidextrous, blowback operated, with closed-bolt operation, 10- and 30-round magazine capacity, and weighs 6 pounds 3 ounces, with a loaded 30 magazine.

Three M1913 rails are standard, making the carbine adaptable to operational requirements by mounting a full package of user-supplied accessories, including electronic or optical sights, tactical illumination tools, and laser target designators. It comes with either a black or olive drab polymer stock.

The FN SLP MK I Autoloading Shotgun features a 12-gauge, 3-inch magnum receiver, eight-shot magazine tube, and 22-inch barrel. This shotgun series is based on the Active Valve System, the innovative gas-management mechanism that adjusts automatically to utilize the exact amount of gas needed to reliably operate the action. An adjustable folding rear sight, red fiber-optic front sight element, and Weaver-pattern cantilever optics rail are standard.

Glock

On the market as of January is the Glock Model 21SF .45 ACP semi-auto, short-frame pistol with new features for the military and law enforcement. It is engineered with a reduced trigger reach in the grip dimension, along with an ambidextrous magazine catch. The pistol also incorporates the Glock Standard Rail or the new Picatinny rail design, allowing it to accommodate any of Glock’s tactical lights when needed.

Even with the reduction in trigger reach, the magazine capacity remains at 13 rounds. The outside diameter is reduced at the backstrap of the pistol, which according to Glock, has not affected the firearm’s reliability and accuracy, but this minimal change makes a world of difference in how the firearm feels and reacts when being used.

Hardigg Cases

Founded more than 50 years ago, this company is a leader in packaging and transport cases; its customers include the military and law enforcement. Introduced this year was the TL 5001 Trunk Locker that targets those law officers who cannot afford to be slowed down by damaged or hard-to-reach equipment when responding to a crisis or chasing down bad guys. The Trunk Locker is ideally suited to transport sensitive equipment to the crime scene safely and securely. Press-and-pull latches make opening the cases a snap, yet they hold fast when the going gets rough. Molded in hasps for external strength provide an additional measure of security.

Hatch

This Armored Holdings company recently introduced its new Operator HK Glove, designed to maximize knuckle and overall hand protection and comfort for SWAT teams and Special Forces units. Features include leather-covered PVC hard knuckles, superior flash- and fire-retardant properties, and cut and abrasion resistance. The glove has high-density foam finger protection on the lateral part of the fingers, an area often left unprotected. It is designed to fit the curvature of the hand.

As a leather-covered, hard-knuckle glove, it cannot be detected by infrared devices. The wicking properties of Kevlar® and Nomex® in the glove’s palm help to pull moisture away from the hand and keep it cool in hot climates. This wrist-length tactical glove is made of water-resistant, premium aniline goatskin leather with a laminated PVC hard-shell.

Heckler & Koch

According to H&K, its 9mm P30 pistol is an important development in the world of modern police weaponry that will be available in America soon. It will possibly also be available in .40 S&W. Large numbers of this pistol have been bought by the Norwegian police and the German Federal Customs Administration.

The highest possible safety and functionality standards were strived for in the designing of this gun. Ergonomics of the high-grade, fiber-reinforced polymer material grip have been markedly improved by interchangeable backstrap inserts and lateral plates. In combination with the ambidextrous operating controls, this pistol can be individually adapted to almost any user.

The P30 has a self de-cocking, double-action hammer with a firing pin block safety that eliminates the need for a manual safety. Another feature is the open square notch rear sight with luminous, long-glow, non-radioactive contrast points (non-tritium) (three-dot), which aids in obtaining an exact target acquisition, even under poor lighting conditions. A Mil-Std 1913 Picatinny rail and a loaded chamber indicator are standard.

Hornady Manufacturing

New is 5.56 NATO Tactical Application Police (TAP) “High Octane” 5.56 NATO 75-grain HPBT T2 ammo for military and law enforcement applications. Many rifles chambered in 5.56 NATO are not realizing their full potential because they are shooting .223 Rem ammo. Hornady’s 5.56 NATO advantages are that the T2 is designed to enhance function and feeding into M16/M4 variant guns; its propellant is made to enhance weapon system operation and deliver temperature stability; the cases are made to mil-spec hardness.

Also new from Hornady are its 6.8 SPC 110-grain TAP Urban and 6.8 SPC 110-grain HPBT TAP. The 6.8 SPC round originated through a joint development effort between the Army Special Forces and the leading experts in the firearms and ammunition industry. The 6.8 SPC 110-grain HPBT TAP and 6.8 SPC 110-grain TAP Urban offer rapid expansion for exceptional energy transfer and reduced risk of over-penetration, ricochet and collateral damage—all with virtually no muzzle flash.

INOVA

The T-Series LED flashlights from INOVA, engineered to withstand the rigors of tough duty and extreme conditions, provide powerful illumination. They come in a variety of sizes and tactical switch designs. All five lights in the T-Series are engineered to give more light with less bulk. The T1 is small enough to fit into a uniform pocket, yet powerful enough to illuminate up to 150 feet.

It has an end-position, four-way tactical switch and lanyard hole for added transport options. The T2 illuminates up to 200 feet away, while the beam from the T3 reaches up to 250 feet. The rechargeable T4 uses a lithium ion battery; the T5 has a three-way, mid-body switch. Both the T4 and the T5 project a uniform beam up to 300 feet. All come with battery(s).

Insight Technology

The new M3X tactical illuminator from Insight Technology has a tungsten halogen light with 125 peak lumens and one hour of continuous run time. It also has a shock suppression system that makes for an output of 30% more white light than the standard M3. The M3X (the “X” stands for “X-treme”) is airtight, so harsh environments and underwater use (up to 66 feet) will not harm it.

This light attaches to the weapon, allowing the operator to aim and illuminate simultaneously. It can be mounted using either the Slide Lock™ or Insight’s Rail Grabber™. With the Slide Lock mounting system, the light can be attached to a variety of weapons and removed quickly without tools. This allows transition from multiple handguns and shoulder-fired weapons easy and fast. The Rail Grabber interface uses just one screw to clamp the illuminator to the weapon, offering security and accuracy.

Leupold & Stevens

New in 2007 is the Leupold 1x14 Prismatic sight. Its wide field of view is three times wider than other red dot sights, so it is on target faster. The standard flip-open lens cover and DiamondCoat 2™ treatment to the lens surface itself protect the lens from scratches. This new prismatic sight has a flexible, glass-etched reticle that can be used with or without illumination, and a focusing eyepiece that can be adjusted and used by anyone on virtually any type of rifle, muzzleloader or shotgun.

Magnum Boots

Distributed in more than 100 countries and a leader in footwear used by law enforcement, Magnum Boots revealed its latest entry into the SWAT and tactical footwear business, the Magnum Elite Spider. It is advertised as the lightest weight, most breathable and athletic tactical boot on the market, especially engineered to suit the needs of tactical professionals, including SWAT, tactical patrol, and task force officers. The boot’s upper is constructed of a combination of fully polishable, full-grain leather, lightweight action leather, and highly breathable aero mesh.

A nonmetallic, Stabilaflex lasting board ensures lightweight support underfoot and keeps the weight down. Elite Spider’s propriety Vibram® outsole exceeds international slip and oil-resistance standards, generating less noise and providing a higher level of grip than the industry standard.

Magtech

Magtech has been manufacturing ammunition for more than 80 years. Its products are sold in more than 50 countries worldwide, and 20 different national police forces use it. Magtech High Performance Ammunition is available in most calibers.

Magtech First Defense™ ammunition was developed for law enforcement. It is different from other hollow-point rounds because the bullets are 100% solid copper. Unlike lead core ammunition, the copper jacket will not split or tear away when fired, which can cause a loss of weight and a corresponding loss of power. Solid copper ensures that every round delivers maximum impact and effectiveness.

Propper

Propper International has introduced a new tactical uniform called the TAC.U. Over the past 40 years, Propper has made more than 50 million garments for the Department of Defense and has now customized the Army Combat Uniform (ACU) to meet law enforcement’s needs. The uniform’s coat and trousers are made of 65% polyester and 35% cotton Battle Rip™ fabric and are available in five colors.

Among the customizations are: a nine-pocket, zipper fly, tactical trouser with numeric waist sizes and a double-snap closure; quick-access, tilted chest pockets on the coat with a protective collar and external Velcro™ patches for insignia and department identification; longer coat length; gripper waistband to keep shirts tucked in; and external knee and elbow pad openings.

Protective Products International

One of the greatest officer protection innovations to patrol cars since the introduction of prisoner shields is the introduction of armored door panels. Protective Products International, in conjunction with major police departments and Ford has introduced the Covert Ballistic Door Panel.

The Covert Ballistic Door Panels are made of ceramic and Kevlar, are half the weight of steel, and trap the bullets. Open front doors can become tactical shields against incoming projectiles. These ballistic door panels are not visible from the outside of the vehicle, are lightweight, and do not interfere with interior space or door and window mechanisms.

HP White Laboratories tested these ballistic panels using six shots per panel of 7.62x39 mm ball and 5.56x45 mm ball ammunitions. The panels meet NIJ Level IIIA protection, are crash-test certified, have passed Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, and have been weather tested from -49 deg F to 104 deg F.

Rock River Arms

In business since 1996, this company has gained status as builder of AR-style rifles, 1911 pistols, parts and accessories. New to its market is a series of AR-style rifles: 6.8 SPC RRA LAR-6.8 in CAR A2 and CAR A4 as well as Mid-Length A2 and Mid-Length A4. These are in caliber 6.8mm Rem SPC Chamber, with forged A2 or forged A4 upper receivers with 16-inch Wilson Chrome Moly, 1:10 twist barrels, and an accuracy of 1 MOA at 100 yards. The noticeable difference is that CAR A2 and Mid-Length A2 have butt stocks with carrying handle, while the CAR A4 and Mid-Length A4 are built with 6-Positon Tactical CAR Stocks.

Their .458 SOCOM RRA LAR-458 CAR A4 comes with standard configurations as well as options and upgrades, and a RRA two-stage match trigger. The barrel is a 16-inch Wilson Chrome Moly Bull with a 1:14 twist. The RRA two-stage match trigger is competition-based, where a 1-pound pressure on the trigger takes up the shooter’s preload slack, connecting to a “notch” in the trigger pull—somewhat like driving over a speed bump. This speed bump in the trigger pull allows the shooter to breathe and apply the 4.5 pounds of trigger pressure needed to discharge the weapon.

SAVVY Armor

Currently women represent about 15% of the law enforcement population. In response to the growing need to equip these women, when Armor Holdings acquired Second Chance in 2005, it formed SAVVY™ Armor, the first stand-alone, female-focused body armor manufacturer.

Previously, women wore altered armor made for men. SAVVY has designed the new armor so that it fits the contours of a woman’s body using three different shaping technologies—thermal-forming, radial offset pleating™, and advanced draping. SAVVY also offers a one-year Perfect-Fit-Promise™ on returns and alterations to give flexibility in normal weight changes; three washable carriers; increased side, back, and soft tissue protection; and 250 Certified Female Sizers™ to be sure that every vest fits properly. In addition, SAVVY is producing formed trauma and rifle plates that concave with a woman’s bust line for a comfortable fit.

SIGARMS

New from SIGARMS for 2007 is the P220 Combat. It was built to military specifications with a True M1913 Picatinny Rail, vertical front strap serrations, and SIGLITE Night Sights. According to the folks at SigArms, this pistol exceeded a 20,000-round accuracy test. Each pistol features the military’s flat “dark earth” finish on its alloy frame, and is treated to be extremely corrosion resistant; the barrel is hard-chrome, and 8-round magazines and 10-round extended magazines are available.

For years the Swiss-made SG 550 rifle was restricted to law enforcement and the military. The new USA-made SIG 556 and SIG 556 SWAT are now available. Features include gas-operated, rotating bolt, an ambidextrous safety, and 30-round magazines. The rifles weigh 6.8 pounds and are designed to accept standard AR magazines. The Picatinny rail-equipped receiver is made of high-strength carbon steel with a wear-resistant phosphated rifle finish.

Smith&Wesson

Smith & Wesson, America’s 154-year-old firearms maker, launched its expanded military and police (M&P) series with its M&P45, a .45 ACP model. A number of law enforcement agencies preferred a sidearm chambered in the powerful .45 ACP cartridge. The Zytel polymer-framed M&P45 is reinforced with a ridged, stainless steel chassis, and a thru-hardened, black melonite-finished stainless steel barrel and slide for durability. It is being offered in either a traditional black frame, or in a bi-tone, dark earth brown frame. The M&P45 offers one of the smallest grip sizes available on any .45 ACP pistol, and benefits from the addition of three interchangeable grips, allowing the user to customize grip size to preference based on ergonomics.

Tritium sights are available for low-light conditions. A universal Picatinny-style equipment rail has been incorporated for tactical lights and lasers. Features include a passive trigger safety to prevent the gun from firing if dropped. Eliminated is the need to press the trigger in order to disassemble the firearm, and a loaded chamber indicator is located on the top of the slide. Both models have ambidextrous controls, with the bi-tone M&P45 additionally featuring an ambidextrous, frame-mounted thumb safety.

Springfield Armory

Springfield Armory has a new addition to its Springfield Extreme Duty (XD) series of pistols, the XD Service Model 4-inch. This combines safety with quality and ease of use. With the new Ultra Safety Assurance™ Action Trigger System, this polymer-framed pistol is as comfortable as it is safe. Features include frame: black polymer; slide: forged steel, Melonite finish; barrel: 4-inch steel, Melonite; recoil system: dual spring with a full-length guide rod; trigger pull: 5.5 to 7.7 pounds; sights: Heinie Slant Pro Straight Eight Night Sights; caliber: .45 GAP; magazines: stainless steel, 2-12, easy glide.

Streamlight

Using technology whose roots go back to developing a miniaturized 1 million candle power light source for a NASA project, Streamlight designs, manufactures, and markets a variety of portable lighting products. These include a wide range of miniature, rechargeable- and standard-battery, precision-engineered flashlights for various applications.

The company has introduced an LED version of its most popular law enforcement flashlight. The Stinger LED delivers up to 80 lumens of bright white light. The three-watt, super high flux Luxeon® LED works with Streamlight’s proprietary, deep-dish parabolic reflector to provide an even, highly usable light spread, and the microprocessor-controlled LED offers three variable light modes in addition to a strobe mode. LED will last the lifetime of the flashlight, and the NiCad battery can be recharged up to 1,000 times, resulting in a very low day-to-day operating cost.

Sturm, Ruger

Voted the 2004 Guns & Ammo magazine Gun of the Year, Ruger’s .45 Auto P345 offers the following features: dovetailed, three-dot sight system for faster and more precise target acquisition; a slimmer, contoured slide and slimmer ergonomic grip frame; eight-round magazine capacity; and easy maintenance. The Auto P345 can be field stripped into five major sub-assemblies for cleaning without special tools. The frame has checkered grip areas, and front and back straps.

A loaded chamber indicator and magazine disconnect safety ensures that the pistol will not fire unless a magazine is fully inserted into the pistol, whether or not there is a round in the chamber. It also comes with an internal lock. An A-frame, integral Picatinny-style rail is available on some models. The two new Ruger P345 polymer-frame .45 Auto pistols include a blued steel slide version and a stainless steel, de-cock-only version. Two stainless steel, manual-safety model Ruger P345 pistols are currently available, one of which includes a Picatinny accessory rail.

Under Armour

Originally created as a brand of clothing to be worn under sports uniforms, Under Armour is making a name in the law enforcement field. Its form-fitting undergarments are constructed of moisture-wicking microfiber that wicks perspiration away from the body. This helps the clothing to dry quickly, which in turn keeps the wearer dry and comfortable during the most rigorous activity.

New in 2007 is the Black Ops Jacket. Made of Under Armour’s new ArmourStealth™ technology fabric, it is extremely quiet and offers weather protection in the field. The jacket has a high-density knit, sueded face. This and the PU membrane combine to be one of the most unique technologies on the market. The jacket has waterproof zippers, ample storage in the removable internal organizer vest, underarm access zips for easy access to gear, underarm venting, and fleece lining for added warmth.

U.S. Armor Corp

U.S. Armor Corp., founded in 1985, has risen rapidly to become a leader in the body armor industry. One of U.S. Armor’s new products is its new Enforcer™ XLT Series, which uses KEVLAR® Comfort XLT—the latest ballistic technology from DuPont™. Starting with proven Kevlar fibers and then applying advanced state-of-the-art yarn spinning and weaving techniques, the end result fabric becomes DuPont Kevlar. The XLT system is at least 25% lighter and more flexible than current all-aramid fabric armor designs and still delivers V-50 ratings. The Enforcer XLT has a removable, washable panel cover in male and female sizings; anit-microbial closed-hole mesh fabric with built-in two-way stretch, the “Comfort Curve” padded shoulder strap system for enhanced weight distribution; and Akwadyne moisture-wicking mesh on the body side and tuck-in tails.

Woolrich

Woolrich’s Elite Series Tactical™ line is made especially with the law enforcement professional in mind. The clothes are durable, comfortable, and functional. Two examples are the carry shirt and the tactical polo. The short sleeve, discreet carry shirt offers a generous cut. The bottom button is false, and has a hook-and-loop closure behind it. The side vent also features a hidden hook-and-loop closure. These allow for easy access to gear worn on the waist. It comes in black, brick and chambray.

The short sleeve, tactical polo features two loops on the shoulders to position a microphone securely. The left sleeve has a double pen pocket and a hidden zipper pocket for ID, credit card, and other small items. This washable shirt is made of wrinkle-resistant, wicking fabric so that it breathes as well as wicks perspiration. It comes in black, navy, and range officer red.

XGO

Longworth Industries is known for its Polarmax™ brand of outdoor, cold-weather sportsman and hunting clothing. A new clothing line manufactured by the company is XGO Tactical, which produces tactical base layers designed for law enforcement personnel to use with body armor, or as sub-layers in warm or cold weather. In warm weather, the layer removes moisture, and in cold weather, the wicking and insulating properties of the garment help retain warmth.

The tactical shirt (1G56M) has a contoured fit, and features a mesh construction to improve breatheability and reduce drying time. It is also treated with Scent Prevent anti-microbial protection. The shirt’s flat lock and performance-positioned seams eliminate rubbing, and the silver infused gussets eliminate binding and put additional microbial protection where it is needed. XGO also features a relaxed tactical shirt (1G16M) with relaxed fit and the same mesh construction.

Jim Weiss is a retired lieutenant from the Brook Park, OH Police Department and a frequent contributor to LAW and ORDER. Mickey Davis is a Florida-based writer and author

Last Updated ( Tuesday, 27 November 2007 )
 
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