(LAS VEGAS) – After nearly a decade since its initial introduction into the firearms marketplace, the SLR-106 series is getting a change in to “Collector’s Item.” Production on the series officially ended. The SLR-106 rifle and pistol series was Arsenal’s answer to the 5.56 caliber as the company looked to compete in that arena. The years to follow brought much success with several variations and configurations, robust sales and recognition as one of the industry’s best — due in-part to its chrome-lined and hammer-forged barrel.
“In my opinion, the SLR-106 series of rifles, perfectly bridge the gap from east to west. Furthermore, the advancements made in the manufacturing this rifle series will be seen on future models by our company for years to come.” – Walker English, Sales Director, Arsenal, Inc.
A comprehensive audit of the current offerings in the firearms industry, recent trends and near-future shifts with regard to technology and advancement all factored into the decision to discontinue the series. Arsenal’s obligations with military and government contracts, production for the movie industry and commitments to distributors and dealers also shaped this decision. The current stock of SLR-106 5.56 caliber rifles and pistols will continue to be sold until supply runs out. Arsenal’s availability list is displayed below. Additional SLR-106 products can be found by checking with Arsenal’s distributors and various dealers nationwide.

Last Friday, 17-May-2013, the DoD announced that DoD issued iPhones are approved for use on military networks. The approval comes from the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) for all DoD issued iPhones and iPads using the iOS6 operating system. The clearance applies solely to DoD issued devices. DISA specifically excluded privately owned Apple mobile devices. DISA has previously approved Blackberry and Samsung Knox operating systems for use on military networks. DISA’s goal is to support 100,000 multivendor mobile devices by February of 2014.

The announcement probably comes as good news to Chinese intelligence services who undoubtedly have created ports in firmware during the manufacturing process. Hopefully, DISA has explored all avenues for potential exploitation.

. The assembly kit includes a side folder mechanism, L-Bracket, a stock adaptor with 1 3/16 thread (accepts any AR-15 buffer tube), fasteners and the MPA low profile stock.

This complete system will allow an individual to attach the MPA Side Folding Stock to an MPA Carbine. The stock will fold toward the shooters left side, away from the ejection port. The side folder locks in both the “open” and “closed” position.

Please specify 9mm / 5.7 caliber or 45ACP when placing the order. The 9mm / 5.7 version will fit any 9mm or 5.7x28mm MPA Carbine (MPA930sst, 20sst, 5700sst). The 45ACP version will fit any 1sst Carbine (1sst).

Please note, if this item is added to any MPA Pistol, it will convert the weapon into an SBR, which is an NFA weapon. A tax stamp will be required to add this item to an MPA Pistol. NFA rules and law apply. Check with your local Class II dealer for details. MSRP is $129.99.

I’ll be closing out May with a review of Critical Safety Equipment, CSE Gear, plate carrier and DKX Armor. If you’re unfamiliar with DKX’s products you’ll want to catch my review, which will be out  1 – June.

The DKX MAX III is unique among ballistic plates in that they exhibit positive buoyancy. They’re also NIJ Level III certified. 

We don’t spend a lot of time covering gaming; however, the technology has reached the point where you’re going to start seeing these gaming consoles, complete with motion sensing technologies, used for tactical simulation. With the processing power available in devices like the new PS4 the only thing missing is software and rest assured it’s underway.

Lots to look forward to in the training and simulation front and we will certainly bring that to you in considerable detail.

The overwhelming majority of professionals working in the defense sector and tactical industry are gentlemen. Worldly individuals with strength of character and a great deal of class. The mere thought of disarray is vulgar to these men. They are leaders in their field, Larry Vickers, Pat Rogers, Mil-Spec Monkey, Military Moron, Rick Taylor,  Soldier Systems Daily, Chris Costa, Travis Haley; I can go on and on. I too am in that group yet I’m caught in the horns of this dilemma.

I carry in my pack, a small Craftsman socket set; it comes in VERY handy for a variety of things – not too heavy and complete enough to do the job. However, its case was made by some lackluster minor functionary and I have yet to open it to find an orderly assortment of sockets. Now, I’m a reasonably intelligent man; therefore, I don’t need lettering to tell me what size socket goes under the lame elastic, which is looser than a Bogotá hooker.

Furthermore, there is not one respectable yacht club in North America  that would not expel you immediately. If I were to show up at one of Pat Roger’s classes with a tool kit that looks like that, he would immediately bestow me with his infamous moose cock patch. It is simply an outrage!

Surely, someone in the tactical nylon business can come up with a MOLLE compatible pouch, suitable for gentlemen. I have scoured the planet and have yet to find anything.

WONG KOK Restaurant San Jose, CA

USSOCOM is currently deployed in about 80 countries around the world and the force is starting to show a bit more than fraying around the edges. The country is placing increasing demands on the SOF community without putting its money where its mouth is. By my estimation, ±30% of SOF capabilities are derived from the “Big” services and Sequester is taking its toll.

In spite of DoD wide fiscal challenges, USSOCOM has as its number one priority Force Preservation; taking care of the service member and his or her family. Holding a number two spot on its list of priorities is networking. I don’t mean that in the IP sense but rather in social networking. Partnering across the globe so that partner nations are capable of taking the fight to insurgents and terrorist organizations. To accomplish this goal, SOF operators will need to undergo a transformation from kinetic operators to diplomats; language skills and cultural awareness will become tools of their trade. Excellent opportunity for cultural anthropologists and for computer-aided curricula to help SOF personnel acclimate.

The need to collaborate with partner nations across the globe will require significant improvements to communications and information sharing so you can expect C4ISR remaining a high priority on the acquisition side. Mobility is also an area of interest for USSOCOM. Folks part of Naval Surface War (NSW) recognize the need to begin to transition Navy SEAL teams back to their genetic origins. Future SEAL operations will increasingly involve waterborne activity.

Other priorities include signature reduction technologies and technologies that make the operator safer, more comfortable and more effective.

If you are not already an NDIA member consider joining and reap the benefit of collaboration, solidarity and knowledge! Take my word for it, it’s worth the investment.

                                                                                                                      -Sal Palma