The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) has selected and begun fielding the Glock pistols after a thorough review of testing results.

The USCG operates under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security during peacetime with a maritime law enforcement mission with jurisdiction in domestic and international waters. The USCG is charged with protecting America’s economic, national, and border security as America’s maritime first responder. With missions of search and rescue, homeland security, and national defense, the USCG requires a reliable sidearm that performs in all conditions and harsh elements.

After careful evaluation of existing federal contracts supported by Glock, the USCG selected to purchase through the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) contract the Glock 19 Gen5 MOS as the standard service pistol. USCG acquisition objective was fulfilled by Glock within four months of the initial purchase request. CBP’s extensive solicitation process, which included independent testing by the Institute of Justice Laboratories, comprehensive field evaluations, and direct input from 16,000 CBP law enforcement personnel, helped guide the selection by USCG.

“Glock is honored to support the requirements of the USCG and provide a weapon solution that delivers on unmatched performance and value in any environment,” said Glock VP Josh Dorsey. “The comprehensive testing and evaluation process conducted by CBP demonstrated the Glock pistols lasting reliability that instills confidence in those who use it to go into harm’s way.”

The CBP award incorporates Glock’s newest 5th Generation technology pistols.

Ayoob New President of Second Amendment Foundation

Internationally-known firearms author and trainer Massad Ayoob has been named president of the Second Amendment Foundation, succeeding the late Joseph Tartaro.

“The election to president of SAF is one of the most cherished honors of my life,” Ayoob said. “I have been proud to serve for many years on SAF’s Board of Trustees and will do my best to continue my commitment to what I consider a civil right and indeed, a human right.

“I am humbled at the thought of replacing my long-time friend and mentor Joe Tartaro,” he continued, “and frankly doubt that anyone, myself included, can truly fill his shoes. I accepted the position only after being assured that it would be an interim appointment, and one of my primary goals is to find a dedicated 2A warrior with a longer life expectancy than my own to eventually serve in this position. In the meantime, I will support the goals of SAF, particularly to further strengthen our ties with the law enforcement community and to enhance the organization’s policy of embracing diversity in the community of the ‘gun culture.’”

Ayoob brings a lifetime of experience to the position. He served 19 years as chair of the Firearms Committee of the American Society of Law Enforcement Trainers, and several years as a member of the Advisory Board of the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association. In addition to teaching for those groups, he has also taught for the International Association of Law Enforcement Firearms Instructors and the International Homicide Investigators seminars.

The winner of the Outstanding American Handgunner of the Year Award in 1998, Mas has won several state and regional handgun shooting championships. He was the first person to earn the title of Five Gun Master in the International Defensive Pistol Association. He has been handgun editor of Guns magazine and law enforcement columnist for American Handgunner since the 1970s, and has published thousands of articles in gun magazines, martial arts publications, and law enforcement journals. He is the author of some 20 books on firearms, self-defense, and related topics, including “In the Gravest Extreme” and “Deadly Force,” widely considered to be authoritative texts on the topic of the use of lethal force.

He has received judicial recognition as an expert witness for the courts in weapons and shooting cases since 1979, and served as a fully sworn and empowered, part time police officer for 43 years, mostly at supervisor rank. Ayoob founded the Lethal Force Institute in 1981 and served as its director until 2009, and now trains through the Massad Ayoob Group.

“We are proud and delighted that Mas Ayoob has assumed the SAF presidency,” said SAF founder and Executive Vice President Alan M. Gottlieb. “I’ve had the pleasure of working with him over the years as a SAF trustee, and look forward to working with him more closely in his new role. Without a doubt, Mas Ayoob is true defender of the Second Amendment, and his devotion to protecting and advancing the right to keep and bear arms will be critical as we face new challenges.”

Blackhawk Expands Serpa CQC Holster Line

Blackhawk has expanded its Serpa CQC concealment holsters line for the Sig Sauer P365/P365XL, Glock 48, Smith & Wesson M&P Shield EZ 9mm/.380 Auto and Springfield Hellcat pistols.

The Serpa CQC concealment holster line is one of the most popular platforms for law enforcement officers, military personnel and responsible citizens. The new models are available in a right-hand configuration with a matte finish.

For the ultimate in handgun security, Blackhawk Serpa CQC concealment holsters feature a passive retention detent adjustment screw and the patented Serpa Auto-Lock release. The release offers Level 2 retention and reinforces a full master grip that allows users to draw normally with the index finder sliding from the holster body to the pistol frame in one single movement. Upon re-holstering the firearm, the Auto-Lock immediately engages the trigger guard with an audible click that won’t let go until released.

A belt loop and paddle platform are included. Serpa CQC concealment holsters also fit shoulder, S.T.R.I.K.E.®, quick disconnect and tactical holster platforms, making them extremely versatile.

GSM Outdoors Acquires GPS Bags

GSM Outdoors is excited to announce their newest company acquisition, GPS Bags, which manufactures specialized range and gear bags for shooters under two distinct product lines.

The GPS Wild About Shooting series includes multiple range backpacks, range bags and totes that are tailored for rifle, handgun and shotgun shooters. The Tactical line of range backpacks are built to meet the needs of military and law enforcement defense professionals.

GPS bags, cases and totes are designed around the concept of intelligently organized storage combined with easy access and identification of needful gear. The latter derives from the patented Visual I.D. Storage System, which makes all content easily identifiable and easily accessible. This system is a leap forward in practical function and deployment when compared to conventional range bags, eliminating the large "common compartment" approach that makes gear difficult to find or to keep organized.

In addition to the Visual I.D. Storage System, GPS bags incorporate numerous features that are purpose-driven in their design and construction. This includes rugged, over-sized zippers, metal-reinforced hardware, lift ports for improved leverage and grip, integrated rain covers and durable bar-and-tack stitching to withstand hard use.

XS Sights Offers Pink Big Dot Night Sight in October

As a proud supporter of National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. (NBCF), XS Sights is offering an exclusive Pink version of its DXT2 Big Dot Tritium Night Sight in October.

XS’s ‘Aim for Hope’ initiative will support the outstanding work of NBCF, which provides help and inspires hope to those affected by breast cancer. The foundation’s focus is on early detection, education, and support services. XS Sights is committed through this campaign to donating a minimum of $3,000 to NBCF and the programs it provides.

“As a majority women-owned business, we are blessed to have the opportunity to support NBCF in helping women facing the cancer fight," said Kellie Brunn, Co-Owner of XS Sights. "Our family has first-hand experience with the impact of the cancer journey and most importantly the benefit of a supportive network and the hope it provides. We are grateful to have this opportunity to support NBCF in providing resources during this life-changing experience as so many have done for our loved ones,”     

The popular XS DXT2 Big Dot Tritium Night Sights offer vivid front sight visibility in all light conditions The design of the sight – a large dot that is 0.188” in diameter with high-contrast front and a low-profile V-notch rear – coupled with the technology used in the proprietary photoluminescent glow dot that surrounds the tritium, drive the focus to the front sight and downrange threat in any light.

The Pink Big Dot is available for the Glock 17, 19, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 38, & 45 and Glock 42, 43, 43X, & 48 models. Installation might require filing to fit the sight into the dovetail.  Do not use a sight press or sight pusher tool. Once installed, the Big Dot Night Sight fits in standard holsters.

Sig Sauer Partners With Evike for Sig Air Distribution

Sig Sauer's Sig Air Division has partnered with Evike Manufacturing Group (EMG) for future product development, and continued product distribution of Sig Air airgun and airsoft products in the U.S. through Evike.com.

“This exciting collaboration between Sig Air and EMG is a result of the increasing popularity and demand we are seeing in the marketplace for Sig Air airguns and airsoft products,” said Tom Taylor, Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President, Commercial Sales, Sig Sauer. “This new partnership with EMG will allow us to increase our product development capabilities allowing us to bring more Sig Air products to consumers worldwide.”

The Sig Air product line includes a series of traditional CO2 pellet and BB rifles and pistols, that are designed to imitate the look, weight, balance, and handling characteristics of their traditional firearms counterparts. Additionally, Sig Air offers a line of training products with the Proforce line of airsoft pistols, rifles, and accessories.

“The team at Evike.com and EMG are excited for the opportunity to join forces with Sig Air to create new products, expand the Sig Air product line, and provide a new dealer experience for Sig Air products,” added Evike Chang, CEO of Evike.com and President of EMG, Inc. “We are completely aligned with the Sig Sauer brand to bring the best-in-class airgun and airsoft experience to the Sig Air product line.”

Olin Winchester Assumes Management of Lake City Army Ammunition Plant

Olin Winchester has assumed full management and operational control of the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant in Independence, Missouri.

The U.S. Army selected Winchester to operate and manage the Lake City plant in September 2019. The contract has an initial term of seven years and may be extended by the U.S. Army for up to three additional years. Winchester is now the world’s largest small arms ammunition manufacturer.

“Winchester employees have built a reputation with the U.S. Army that is unrivaled, and for the past year, we have been preparing for this significant transition,” said Brett Flaugher, president of Winchester. “We were selected to manage the Lake City plant because of our industry-leading capabilities and track record. For decades, we have successfully demonstrated those capabilities in quality, innovation and on-time delivery as well as through our partnership with the U.S. Army in developing solutions that service the U.S. warfighter. Our team is fully prepared and 100% committed to the safe, reliable and efficient operation of the Lake City plant.”

Currently in its 154th year of operation and 90th year as part of Olin, Winchester is a premier developer and manufacturer of small caliber ammunition for sale to domestic and international militaries, law enforcement agencies, and commercial distributors and retailers. Winchester has been providing ammunition to the U.S. military since World War I and is currently the U.S. Army’s largest supplier of small caliber ammunition outside of the Lake City plant. 

The Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, which began production in 1941, provides small caliber military ammunition for training and combat purposes. Winchester previously operated the Lake City plant from 1985-2000. The plant, encompassing nearly 4,000 acres, also serves as a national test center for ammunition performance and weapons firing.