FN Wins U.S. Army Development Contract for the Precision Grenadier System

FN America, LLC is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a Prototype Project Opportunity Notice (PPON) contract valued at $2 million, by the U.S. Army to further develop its submission for the Precision Grenadier System, a next-generation primary soldier weapon system and family of ammunition that enables precision engagements to destroy targets with increased lethality and precision compared to legacy grenade launchers.

The FN Multi-purpose Tactical Launcher 30mm (MTL-30™) that was designed in the U.S. and will be manufactured by FN America at its plant in South Carolina is a soldier-portable, semi-automatic, medium-velocity, flat trajectory grenade launcher that enables warfighters to engage targets at extended ranges with more effective payloads over existing technologies. After extensive testing, FN’s solution has successfully met the DoD’s key performance criteria while also delivering desired characteristics. In addition, the FN solution is easily manufacturable and logistically supportable due to state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques, ensuring the program will be cost-effective.

“This program is a U.S. Government priority with the shift in modern warfare and engagements, and FN is honored to be selected to develop this new, innovative solution,” said Mark Cherpes, President and CEO for FN America, LLC. “Once developed and implemented, this weapon system could radically change future battlefield strategies. It will offer new capabilities at the squad level and upgraded tactical options, giving the warfighter a more effective system.”

FN’s solution, the FN MTL-30, is the first in this family of launchers and ammunition, as FN works with the Department of Defense (DoD) to help solve one of the world’s most pressing battlefield needs.

“The FN MTL-30 shoulder-fired launcher can engage in close-quarter warfare, defeat targets in defilade, and engage unmanned aerial systems (UAS). It could also be networked with FN remote weapon stations to create a multi-layered defense against UAS,” said John Bungard, Sr. Director, Military Development Programs for FN America, LLC. “Providing solutions that can counter multiple threats is critical for future battlefield engagements. We are excited that the Army is interested in maturing our PGS solution. We are fully committed to this system and its development.” Read more

Firearms

Interest in Roost Boxes is Growing

Cold weather can lead cavity nesting birds to look for shelter overnight and during storms. That’s when a roost box can be an important benefit to a pair of Eastern Bluebirds and other birds during freezing temperatures (photo by Adam Betuel).
A unique convertible roost box–nest box is available from BestNest, and is described and illustrated in the Products section of this issue.

As temperatures cool during fall, some birds begin to use nest boxes as overnight havens – as “roost boxes” – and they use these boxes increasingly as winter-like weather approaches. This has long been a secondary use of nest boxes, but during recent years some birders and nest box builders have improved the process in small but excellent ways to serve cold-weather birds by building a focused roost box. A roost box can be a great way to attract some favorite birds to your yard or property, while providing a considerable benefit to the birds that use it in the process. And who wouldn’t want to provide a roost box for a small owl, bluebirds, or chickadees to name a few of the birds that may benefit. Read more

Wildlife

James R. Wilkins Jr. Conservation Education Center to Open at RMEF Headquarters 

MISSOULA, Mont. — Wildlife enthusiasts of all ages have a new way to immerse themselves in the sights and sounds of big game country thanks to the captivating exhibits at the James R. Wilkins Jr. Conservation Education Center. Located at Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation headquarters in Missoula, Montana, the Conservation Education Center officially opens to the public on Thursday, Oct. 16, following a year of development and construction.

 
Through generous support from RMEF Life Member James R. Wilkins Jr., the Conservation Education Center houses state-of-the-art displays that highlight elk ecology and natural history, as well as RMEF’s work in conservation, habitat enhancement, public access expansion, research, advocacy and the promotion of hunting heritage. Among floor-to-ceiling landscape panoramas are interactive projection screens that present an elk’s point of view and track a visitor’s movements, allowing the participant to experience what it’s like to travel with a herd, forage for food and escape a predator. Touchscreens invite visitors to engage in the field work of biologists, counting elk during an aerial survey, capturing an elk calf to evaluate its health and determining the cause of a herd’s winter migration shift.

“This center is a great piece to the community here in Missoula,” said RMEF President and CEO Kyle Weaver. “It tells a remarkable story about RMEF as we move toward conserving 10 million acres of big game habitat by 2030. But I think the greatest impact it makes is for the youth. Kids can come here and learn about elk and the leading role hunters play in big game conservation. The center teaches that lesson well and in a way that will be remembered.” Read more

Wildlife

SDS Arms Expands Spandau Arms S2 Line with 20-Gauge

SDS Arms is proud to announce the expansion of its Spandau Arms S2 line with the addition of the 20-gauge caliber. Following the success of the S2 12-gauge, this latest offering is now available in response to the demand for more variety. The Spandau Arms S2 20-gauge delivers the performance seen in the 12-gauge, with the added benefit of reduced recoil that hunters have been seeking in the field.

Working with the input from partners at leading hunting and conservation organizations, including the National Wild Turkey Federation, Pheasants Forever, Quail Forever, Ducks Unlimited and Delta Waterfowl, SDS Arms saw an essential need for the 20-gauge among hunters. Through the development of this expansion, the team carefully paired heritage-driven craftsmanship with a strong value proposition. These efforts resulted in the S2 20-gauge shotgun, allowing hunters to focus on valuable hunting traditions.

“The introduction of the Spandau Arms S2 20-gauge reflects our dedication to listening to hunters and delivering the products they want,” said SDS Arms’ Digital Marketing Manager Jahred Gamez. “Sub-gauge shotguns like the 20-gauge continue to be in strong demand, especially among conservation and hunting groups. They provide reduced recoil with modern performance, while staying true to the heritage of the sport. With the S2 20-gauge, we’re proud to give hunters more options, more value and more reasons to spend time in the field.”

Featuring a dependable Inertia operating system, the Spandau Arms S2 20-gauge delivers lightweight power and high-performance. It comes equipped with a customizable Benelli/Mobil choke tube system and a fiber optic front sight for enhanced accuracy. Engineered for ease, precision and versatility, the S2 also includes oversized controls, a widened loading gate and compatibility with Benelli® M2 accessories. The Spandau Arms S2 20-gauage is now available in Mossy Oak Bottomland with 24” or 28” barrel lengths, and Traditional Matte Black finish with Turkish Walnut furniture with a 28” barrel length. Read more

Firearms

Smith & Wesson® Model 1854TM .30-30 Win Now Available in Walnut

MARYVILLE, TN. – Smith & Wesson Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ Global Select: SWBI), a leader in firearm manufacturing and design, announces the release of the Model 1854 Traditional Walnut, chambered in .30-30 Winchester.

This Model 1854 exhibits a classic lever-action wood aesthetic, while also integrating modern features to improve performance. It has a 6+1 capacity, a forged 416 stainless steel receiver, and a 20-inch 410 stainless steel barrel that includes a 5/8-24 thread pattern for suppressor use. Its large loop lever is constructed for smooth operation, allowing for quicker follow-up shots, while the flat trigger design assists in reliable finger placement to support accuracy.

The Model 1854 .30-30 rifle comes equipped with several out-of-the-box features such as a 5 ¾-inch Picatinny base for optics mounting, an adjustable XS Sights® ghost ring rear sight, a gold bead front sight, and a fixed magazine tube. The walnut forend and stock features textured grip panels for improved control and the rifle includes integrated mounts for the addition of a sling. Experience the perfect blend of heritage and innovation out in the field this hunting season – experience Smith & Wesson Smooth™ Read more

Firearms

XS Minimalist OR Tritium Night Sights Now Available for HK CC9

Fort Worth, Texas – XS Minimalist OR tritium night sights are now available for the HK CC9. Designed to co-witness in the lower fifth of the optic window of a direct mounted RMSc footprint optic, the Minimalist OR provides better visibility through the optic while still sitting low enough for use as a stand-alone iron sight set.

The Minimalist OR design is simple and highly effective with a self-illuminating tritium tac lamp in the front sight and a non-tritium, blacked out rear sight designed to drive focus to the front sight. Both the front and rear sights are serrated to eliminate glare, and the rear sight ledge allows for one-handed racking of the slide.

Ideal for those who prefer minimal features in the rear sight, paired with a tritium front sight, the XS Minimalist OR is currently the only aftermarket sight option for the HK CC9.

“By collaborating with HK on dimensions and fit, we built a sight that installs easily and stands up to hard use,” said Jeff King, Marketing Manager, XS Sights. “Between the low-profile sight picture and the Black Nitride finish, the Minimalist OR delivers reliable performance and long-term durability.”

The Black Nitride surface finish on the Minimalist OR offers twice the corrosion resistance of traditional black oxide treatments, ensuring superior durability and long-lasting performance.

Retail Price: $109.99 Read more

Optics

The 250th Anniversary Marines Commemorative Carbine

This product is a special edition, semi-automatic Thompson M1 carbine meticulously customized by the artists at Altered Arsenal to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Marines. The rifle immediately stands out with its presentation-grade, Cerakote two-tone receiver, featuring a matte black upper and a contrasting white lower. The left side is boldly emblazoned with the name “MARINES”, applied in a durable and vibrant USMC Red Cerakote finish. The right side features elegant engravings of “250TH ANNIVERSARY” and a commemorative crest. In a unique tribute, the top of the receiver is adorned with a custom design of red and gold that artfully evokes the iconic Marine Corps Dress Blue uniform.

The firearm is fitted with custom wood furniture, with each piece detailed with historical battle scenes. The handsome wood fore grip is engraved with “U.S.”, and “250 Years of Service” on the buttstock. As a whole, this carbine is a carefully crafted collector’s item designed for display. Every detail, from the specific Cerakote colors to the custom engravings on the wood and metal, are intended to honor the history, legacy, and spirit of the Marines. Each gun is chambered in .45 ACP, with one 20 and one 30 round stick magazine included. Read more

Firearms

Whitetails Unlimited Offers Whitetail Watch Signs

Whitetail Watch is an anti-poaching initiative created by Whitetails Unlimited to improve hunter/landowner relations and reduce the crime of poaching. To curb this illegal activity, participating landowners will post Whitetail Watch signs on their property. These signs will serve as visible reminders to poachers that citizens are on the watch and suspicious activity will be reported to the wildlife law enforcement.

Whitetail Watch property signs are made from PVC, measuring 11.25 inches on a side, and are white with red and black printing. Decals matching the sign, measuring 3.5 inches on a side, are also available. The signs and decals are suitable for use anywhere in the United States.

The recommended posting distance for Whitetail Watch signs is one sign for every 300 feet of road frontage or four signs per 40 acres.

To order complimentary Whitetail Watch signs or decals, please call Whitetails Unlimited National Headquarters at 920.743.6777 or send an email to nh@whitetailsunlimited.com. Read more

Hunting, Poachers

AGM Global Vision Unveils Next-Generation RattlerV3 Thermal Riflescope Family

Grand Prairie, TX –– AGM Global Vision, a leader in advanced thermal and night vision optics, proudly announces the launch of the RattlerV3 series, the latest evolution in its acclaimed Rattler thermal riflescope family.

Built on a legacy of reliability and performance, the RattlerV3 series delivers shutterless technology, enhanced thermal sensitivity, improved imaging algorithms, and long-range precision to hunters, tactical professionals, and outdoor enthusiasts worldwide.

The new RattlerV3 family includes: Read more

Optics
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