Spectre: Operations 2nd Edition is a miniature-based tabletop wargame that is currently up for pre-order direct on the creator website. Designed for 2+ players, the game is designed around the use of 28mm miniatures, along with vehicles, the design of which was meticulously researched and supplemented with advice from military consultants. Additionally, all pre-orders will receive a limited edition operator miniature along with the rulebook.
YouTube channel Make It Extreme planned out and built a ‘DIY Electric Rotary Gun’. A more detailed description of the build can be read here, but essentially they developed a motor-powered gun that feeds round projectiles from a hopper into an aluminum spiral-walled ‘barrel’ (a piece repurposed from an air compressor). The makeshift ‘barrel’ rotates at approximately 3000rpm, in which the rounds launch around the walls of the barrel until shooting out the opening, with a surprising amount of force. As the video clearly demonstrates, this isn’t a particularly accurate gun, but this inaccuracy is offset by the massive volume of projectiles, 8mm plastic shots for the purpose of the video; although the creators state their gun is capable of shooting both plastic and metal shots sized from 6mm to 9mm.
The video shows the non-descript build process for the gun, but if you want to make one for yourself, you can join the $10 tier of their Patreon, and you’ll have access to the plans. Also, to be fair, a common interpretation of DIY is you can do it yourself with fairly common tools and implements; the equipment in this video, such as the lathe and press, are fairly specialized components, so how DIY this project truly is can be pretty subjective.
It’s still pretty darn cool, though.
You can check out more of Make It Extreme’s videos via their YouTube Channel here: www.youtube.com/channel/UCkhZ3X6pVbrEs_VzIPfwWgQ
Truthfully, I’m not much of a fan of Playerunknown’s Battlegrounds, or Battle Royale games in general, but I do recognize their popularity. That’s why this Nendoroid of The Lone Survivor, the faceless character of PUBG’s key art, caught my interest. A Nendoroid, for those who aren’t familiar, is like a Funko POP! figure, but better, because they’re more detailed and poseable, with multiple points of articulation. Such is the case with The Lone Survivor Nendoroid, who not only comes with the aforementioned articulation, but also has a helmet with a flip-up visor, and an AK, M9, and Frying Pan as accessories.
It’s currently available for pre-order from the Good Smile Company, with a planned release of September, 2019.
www.goodsmile.info/en/product/8079/Nendoroid+The+Lone+Survivor
The Goonies is a classic 80’s adventure film that I’m sure most of my readership is familiar with. If you’re not, now you know about it, so watch it; it’s entertaining, honest. NECA, noted manufacturers of toys based on movies (and games, and comics, and tv shows, etc.) is releasing a 2-pack of Sloth and Chunk from The Goonies as part of their clothed action figures line. As implied by the name of the line, the figures come with cloth outfits; Sloth is 8 inches tall with a pirate’s knife and hat, and Chunk is 5 inches tall with a pirate hat and replica David statue with a bit of… movie-accurate anatomical damage.
This set is scheduled to release September 2019.
www.entertainmentearth.com/product/goonies-sloth-and-chunk-8inch-scale-clothed-action-figure-2pack
From Chief of Naval Operations Public Affairs
190219-N-QD512-0022
NORFOLK (Feb. 19, 2019) Quartermaster 2nd Class Taylor Miller, from Kent, Ohio, unfurls the union jack on the jack staff of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). Dwight D. Eisenhower is undergoing a planned incremental availability during the maintenance phase of the Optimized Fleet Response Plan. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Kaleb Sarten/Released)
WASHINGTON (NNS) — The Navy released a NAVADMIN 039/19 directing the display of the Union Jack in lieu of the First Navy Jack aboard Navy ships and craft, Feb 21.
U.S. Navy ships and craft will return to flying the Union Jack effective 4 June 2019. The date for reintroduction of the Union Jack commemorates the greatest naval battle in history: the Battle of Midway, which began on 4 June 1942.
“Make no mistake: we have entered a new era of competition. We must recommit to the core attributes that made us successful at Midway: integrity, accountability, initiative, and toughness,” said Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson. “For more than 240 years, the Union Jack, flying proudly from jackstaffs aboard U.S. Navy warships, has symbolized these strengths.”
The Union Jack is a flag consisting of 50 white stars, representing each of the 50 states, on a blue background. A version of this Jack first flew in 1777 and was updated as new states joined the Union.
“The Union Jack is deeply connected to our heritage and our rise as a global nation with a global Navy,” said Richardson. “The Navy is a symbol that projects American values to the world. Just as the Navy embodies the values and principles that we hold dear, our very appearance in port and at anchor communicates important messages.”
The Navy will re-establish the custom in which the commissioned ship in active status having the longest total period in active status, other than USS Constitution, will display the First Navy Jack until decommissioned or transferred to inactive status. As of 4 June 2019, the only warship authorized to fly the First Navy Jack is USS Blue Ridge (LCC 19).
This policy change does not affect the wearing of the First Navy Jack patch as an optional uniform component on TYPE II/III Navy Working Uniforms.
Get more information about the Navy from US Navy facebook or twitter.
For more news from Chief of Naval Operations, visit www.navy.mil/local/cno/.
This is one of those licensing deals that’s pretty darn logical, and pretty cool to see become a reality; a D&D starter set that’s based on Mike’s ‘Hunt for the Thessalhydra’ adventure from the first episode of Stranger Things. The set consists of a rule book, adventure book, and game dice, along with pre-made character sheets from the episode, although players can use blank sheets to create their own characters, if wanted. The set will also include 2 Demogorgon figures, one pre-painted, and the other one blank and ripe for customization.
The Stranger Things D&D Starter Set is set to release on May 1, 2019.
www.amazon.com/Hasbro-Stranger-Dungeons-Dragons-Roleplaying/dp/B07G5X6N5P
Sideshow has released a lot of awesome figures over the years, but in my (extremely biased) opinion, this one is easily one of the best: the 1/6 scale Jack Burton from ‘Big Trouble in Little China’. Coming in at 12″ in height, this highly-detailed figurine features a lifelike Jack Burton headsculpt (complete with mullet), multiple points of articulation, and some truly-impressive, movie-accurate clothing details, such as the laces on his boots, the included denim jacket, and even the stitching on his watch cuff.
The figure comes complete with Jack’s semi-auto TEC-9 pistol, Gerber TAC knife, multiple hand configurations, and a “Guardian” accessory figure, AKA the floating eyeball creature.
This figure is limited to 1500 units worldwide, and is available exclusively through Sideshow’s website.
www.sideshow.com/collectibles/big-trouble-in-little-china-jack-burton-sideshow-collectibles-100366
Credit: Florkofcows
The LEDGE is an EDC pocket knife desgined by Brooklyn-based StatGear, and is currently up for funding on Kickstarter. Designed as a modern take on the classic, non-locking slip-joint folding knife, the LEDGE features a D2 steel blade with a modified sheepsfoot profile, and an extended nail nick that runs along the spine of the blade for easier opening. The handle is made of textured G10 scales for a positive grip, with a dual-layer inlay that gives the knife a distinct look. The LEDGE is finished with a reversible pocketclip, which allow for a deep, tip up carry on the user’s preferred side.
While a non-locking mechanism may seem a bit outdated, one of the main benefits of StatGear having designed the LEDGE with a slip-joint action is that it is legal in countries like Canada and the UK that have more stringent laws regarding carry knives.
www.kickstarter.com/projects/34951038/the-ledge-slip-joint-pocket-knife-edc-for-everywhe
Ahoy is back once again with another video, this time detailing the iconic German MP40 and its inclusion in video games and films. The video starts with a brief overview of the adoption of submachine guns in 20th century warfare leading up to the development of the MP40, and also briefly recognizes some of the contemporaries of its era, including the American Thompson and Soviet PPSH-41. It’s by no means an in-depth history, but it’s still an entertaining video that shows the pedigree of the titular submachine gun, and its influence on culture and entertainment.
For more of Ahoy’s videos, check out his YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/channel/UCE1jXbVAGJQEORz9nZqb5bQ
Atomic Zeal is a strategy board game set in the irradiated wastes of post nuclear war 80s United Kingdom. Play as one of four unique factions each with a different play style, units and abilities. Combined with an unpredictable event deck, nuclear warheads and a variety of additional tactical supplies no two games will be the same. Battle for dominance of the map, capturing sectors for resources or to maintain a tactical advantage over your rivals.
Sounds super interesting. There’s not too much information out as of yet, however expect a follow up on Atomic Zeal when the Kickstarter goes live later this year.
Pistols braces are the current ‘in’ thing for firearms, so it’s no surprise that someone’s released one specific for one of the most popular handgun brands on the market. That someone is FLUX Defense, with their FLUX pistol brace for Glocks. Two models are currently on offer: a G17 and a G19 model; both are compatible with other Glocks that share the same frame size (ex: 22, 34, etc. for the G17 model, and 23 and 32 for the G19 model).
The FLUX brace is made of a high-strength, impact-resistant polymer and chromoly steel components, and features an auto deploy system which springs the brace out with the push of a button for rapid deployment.
In addition to the brace, FLUX Defense is also offering an IWB/OWB holster designed specifically to work with the brace.
The FLUX Brace G17 model is currently available for purchase, while the G19 model is up for pre-order, and is expected to ship by late March.
Multi-Fuel Light Features Double Switch Functionality, Adjustable Red Aiming Laser
EAGLEVILLE, PA, February 11, 2019 – Streamlight® Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting and weapon light/laser sighting devices, introduced a laser-equipped model of its popular ProTac® Rail Mount HL-X weapon light. The ultra-bright long-gun light delivers 1,000 lumens, while offering double-switch functionality and an integrated red aiming laser with a unique clamp design to maintain windage and elevation adjustments.
The ProTac Rail Mount HL-X Laser offers the latest in close combat/defense illumination technology for rifles, carbines, and sub-machine guns with MIL-STD-1913 (Picatinny) rails. Its specially designed clamp allows the light to rotate to maintain windage and elevation settings in any mounted position. The new light also features multi-fuel options, including either a USB rechargeable system that uses a Streamlight 18650 USB battery, or a CR123A lithium battery version.
“Tactical, military and other users alike can benefit from the ProTac Rail Mount HL-X Laser’s targeted bright white light and its red aiming laser with adjustable windage and elevation for enhanced accuracy,” said Streamlight President and Chief Executive Officer Ray Sharrah. “It also offers the functionality of double switches, including both a push button tail switch or dual remote pressure switch, to suit user preference.”
The new light uses a high power LED to deliver blinding white light that produces a concentrated beam with optimum peripheral illumination. Featuring high, low and strobe settings, on the high setting, the ProTac Rail Mount HL-X Laser provides 1,000 lumens and 18,200 candela over a beam distance of 270 meters. On low, the light provides 60 lumens and 1,100 candela over a beam distance of 66 meters. The new light also features TEN-TAP® programming that allows user selection of one of three different programs: high/strobe (factory default); high only; or low/high.
The light is powered by either one Streamlight 18650 USB battery or two CR123A lithium batteries. When using an 18650 USB battery, the ProTac Rail Mount HL-X Laser delivers up to 1.5 hours of run time on high and 23 hours on the low setting. With CR123A lithium batteries inserted, the light provides up to one hour and 15 minutes of run time on high and over 20 hours on low.
The ProTac Rail Mount HL-X Laser mounts to a broad range of weapons safely and securely by means of a one-handed, easy on-and-tighten interface that permits users to keep their hands away from the gun muzzle. The light can be operated with either a multi-function, push-button tactical tail cap switch or a dual remote pressure switch with latching push-button. Both switches allow for one-handed operation of the momentary, variable intensity or strobe settings.
Fabricated from 6000 series machined aluminum with a black anodized finish, the light features a high temperature, impact-resistant Boro Float glass lens. It measures 6.56 inches in length, with its weight varying depending on the two battery options. With the CR123A battery, the light weighs 10.3 ounces; it weighs 10.8 ounces with an 18650 USB battery.
The light is IPX4 rated for water-resistant operation. Extensively live fire tested, it features impact-resistant construction and an extensive operating temperature.
Streamlight offers an optional 18650 Battery Charger that can recharge either one or two batteries simultaneously, and permits charging through either AC/DC or USB power sources.
The ProTac Rail Mount HL-X Laser with the 18650 USB battery has an MSRP of $275.00 and includes a rail grabber, pushbutton tail cap switch, remote pressure switch, hardware kit and 22-inch USB cord. The CR123 A lithium battery model has an MSRP of $260.00. The light comes with Streamlight’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.
You can get it at www.wrmfzy.com/collections/art/products/hot-carl-sticker
Youtuber ioscribe shows off a fully-functioning 3D-printed Glock-pattern frame. The frame, called the Banana Standard, was printed out of PLA at 0.1mm layer heights, and is fully functional, except for an issue with the slide and recoil spring being too heavy to function when used in conjunction with a suppressor.
You can check out more of the Banana Standard, including some earlier iterations, and a 3D-printed VZ61 Skorpion frame, on ioscribe’s channel – www.youtube.com/channel/UCHdVwKz3nA_gaYXL9cEME0A
GRINNELL, Iowa (February 6, 2019) – Brownells is proud to announce its 2019 title sponsorship of The Tactical Games, a series of exciting “battles” designed to test America’s best warrior-athletes in a combination of two-gun shooting and military-style training, with elements of both Strongman and CrossFit® competitions mixed in.
The first two installments of The Tactical Games 2019 schedule are set for February 23 and 24 at the Merdian Public Safety Training Facility in Meridian, Mississippi, and Reveille Peak Ranch in Burnet, Texas, on March 16 and 17. More 2019 dates will be announced soon.
Former U.S. Army Green Beret Tim Burke co-founded The Tactical Games, bringing to bear his more than 21 years of experience in U.S. Special Operations as well as his career as the head of a law enforcement counter-terrorism unit.
“The Tactical Games provide an immediate, no-nonsense metric that either validates or challenges your training methods and conclusions. It is the only sporting event of its type available for open enrollment,” said Burke. “If you work with or carry a gun for any reason, why wouldn’t you compete at The Tactical Games?”
Among athletes scheduled to compete this year are John “Tig” Tiegen who helped defend the American Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, and Tes Salb, well-known NRA editor, pistol instructor and pentathlete.
Both men and women are welcome to compete in The Tactical Games. Mens’ classes are broken down into Elite, Intermediate (based on PT scores) and Master (45 years of age and older). Currently, all women, regardless of age or PT score, compete in the women’s division.
Participants do not need to have a military or law enforcement background to enter, but should be in good physical condition and have a reasonable familiarity with firearms. To learn more or to sign up, visit www.thetacticalgames.com.
If you’ve ever had a strong desire to own a life-sized T-800 Endoskeleton model, then Chronicle Collectibles has you covered.
Coming in at an impressive 78″ in height, the T-800 Endoskeleton model is based on its apperance in Terminator Genisys, and is based on both the original production molds, and digital files used for the film. Each figure will be custom made by hand, and features custom chrome plating, red LED eyes, and a removable brain chip, as well as limited articulation in the forearms and fingers.
The Terminator Genisys T-800 model is currently available for pre-order, and will be limited to 100 pieces.
chroniclecollectibles.com/collections/featured/products/endoskeleton
FORT SMITH, Ark., (January 22nd, 2019) – UMAREX GmbH & Co. KG (UMAREX), headquartered in Germany, expands Smith & Wesson® licensed replica offerings with the addition of airsoft and paintball categories. UMAREX® has been Smith & Wesson’s license partner for BB and pellet guns since 1996.
Eyck Pflaumer, managing partner of UMAREX, stated, “We are very excited to further expand our license relationship with Smith & Wesson into the airsoft and paintball category. The Smith & Wesson brand is an iconic brand enjoying worldwide reputation. We are proud and honored to be Smith & Wesson’s partner since 1996. As the leading manufacturer and provider of replica airguns, we will give the new Smith & Wesson airsoft and paintball lines our utmost attention to please enthusiasts worldwide.”
The Elite Force Airsoft and Training 4 Engagement sales teams of Umarex USA will display 6mm airsoft and .43 caliber paintball models at the 2019 Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade (SHOT) Show in booth number 15062 and booth 20112 in the law enforcement section.
Cliff Eisenbarger, National Sales Manager for Umarex USA’s Elite Force airsoft division said, “Our quality, consistency, and service has set airsoft industry standards to a whole new level and with the addition of Smith & Wesson to our strong assortment of licensed brands, we will continue to dominate the replica airsoft gaming market in six millimeter.”
About UMAREX
The UMAREX Corporate Group is the world’s largest manufacturer of over-the-counter firearm replicas and the largest importer of airguns in Europe. Its range of products comprises guns for defense and leisure time as well as sporting arms, airsoft guns, steel goods and top quality LED lighting devices. Founded in 1972, the company located in Arnsberg is now run by the second generation of the two founding families. An Austrian subsidiary with headquarters in Niederndorf and the company, Umarex USA, based in Fort Smith, Arkansas, also belong to the Corporate Group. Together they maintain the group’s global presence through an extensive network of distribution partners. For more information about UMAREX Corporate Group visit UMAREX.com.
About UMAREX USA
Umarex USA, Incorporated is one of North America’s fastest growing outdoor sport and recreation companies. Umarex USA innovates, develops and markets products under brands owned or licensed by its parent company, UMAREX GmbH & Co. KG. Such brands include Axeon® Optics, Beretta®, Browning®, Colt®, Elite Force® Airsoft, GLOCK®, Heckler & Koch®, Hornady®, IWI®, Optical Dynamics™, Ruger®, RWS®, Smith & Wesson®, UMAREX®, Walther® and others. For additional information regarding Umarex USA visit UmarexUSA.com.
For when a Maglight just isn’t enough to fulfill your combination flashlight/blunt instrument needs, you can reach for InfaPower’s Security Torch 2.0. Made of aluminum with a black anodized finish, the Security Torch 2.0 weighs around 1 lbs. without batteries, and is both weatherproof and anti-shock up to 1.5 meters. It features a 3 watt CREE LED bulb, with a max output of 170 lumens, and 5 five functions: 100% output, 50% output, 30% output, strobe, and SOS. The Security Torch 2.0 is powered by 3 AAA batteries.
www.touchofmodern.com/sales/infapower-cb74dc60-89b0-44d8-9fc1-35f72558c62d/security-torch-2-0
YouTube channel MetaBallStudios produced this video, which compares the sizes of various objects and beings within the Star Wars universe, from the lowliest lightsaber, to the grandiose Starkiller Base AKA the creatively bankrupt super-ultra-mega Death Star, and even planetary bodies beyond, up to Yavin Prime. Truthfully, the scale of ships and planets within Star Wars wasn’t ever really a personal interest, but it’s definitely interesting to see how vast some of the vehicles get, especially when they start dwarfing modern day cities in scope.
You can check out more of MetaBallStudios’ videos and content via their YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/channel/UCQwFuQLnLocj5F7ZcmcuWYQ
Black Rifle Coffee Company is now offering their own take on the beloved military-issue pancho liner, AKA the Woobie. Sized 80″ x 56″, the Logo Woobie features the BRCC ‘SBR’ logo, printed center on both sides, which are camouflage and black.
Available for purchase here: www.blackriflecoffee.com/products/brcc-woobie
TIMEBANDITS Watches, who true to their name makes watches, but also dabbles in ‘art toys’, has released a limited run George Orwell 1984 figure. Designed in collaboration with Mear One, this figure depicts 20th century author George Orwell holding a copy of arguably his most well-known book, ‘1984’. This figure is limited to 33 units, and each is hand made and painted in Los Angeles, CA.
This is footage from a build of a proposed Snake Plissken game, which would have taken place before the events of ‘Escape from New York’. The storyline was fully-approved by Kurt Russell, Debra Hill, and John Carpenter, and would have featured voice work by Russell and music composed by Carpenter. However, the project eventually fell through and all that’s really left of the game are some demo reels like this, and concept art.
If you’re wondering about the somewhat over-the-top game mechanics in the footage, the game itself was being developed by the same team that worked on the game Dead to Rights. If you’re not familiar with that title, it’s a John Woo-inspired action game in which you play as a cop who fights criminals while dual wielding guns, also using bullet time shoot dodges and martial arts takedowns – all elements that are featured in this footage. Bullet time or not, it would have been cool to play a Snake game, and it’s a shame this one never saw release.
An upcoming release under the Knight’s Armament Airsoft brand is a replica of the Knight’s Armament Company LMG, also known as the KAC Stoner 99 LMG. Fully licensed by KAC with full trademarks, the Stoner 99 replica features a CNC machined aluminum receiver, rail system, and outer barrel. The stock is made of aluminum, and is retractable to 6 positions. Mounting rails on top of the receiver, as well as at the 12 and 6 o’clock positions on the forend, allow for the attachment of optics and accessories.
The Stoner LMG fees from a 1200 round auto-winding box magazine, and features a full metal 8mm gearbox with quick detach spring feature, and adjustable hopup. The entire gun weighs 10.5 lbs, with a variable length of 32.24″ – 35″.
Now on sale from Mondo via their Death Waltz label is the original motion picture soundtrack from the John Carpenter classic ‘They Live’. Composed by John Carpenter and Alan Howarth, the score has Carpenter’s trademark synth sound, with some noticeably western-inspired undertones, and is one of his best. The album is available in two designs: ‘Formaldehyde Face’, which is a Reverse Purple and Blue Splatter clearly inspired by the aliens’ bizarre appearance, and the black and white swirl design titled ‘Annihilation of Consciousness’.
Now available direct from Mondo: mondotees.com/products/they-live-original-motion-picture-soundtrack-lp
