DefenseReview.com (DR): An online tactical technology and military defense technology magazine with particular focus on the latest and greatest tactical firearms news (tactical gun news), tactical gear news and tactical shooting news.

by David Crane defrev (at) gmail (dot) com May 6, 2003 Several months ago, DefRev attended the AUSA 2003 Winter Symposium (Feb. 26-28). During the show, we ran into the fine people at IMI (Israel Military Industries), and got a chance to handle their Tavor assault rifle variants, the Tavor TAR-21 Commando Carbine (shortened version of the Tavor assault rifle, …

by David Crane The U.S. Army has a new toy for off-road adventures in third world countries. It’s called the SmarTruck II. It comes complete with the latest global communications equpment, 360 degree video surveillance gear, and a dual SPIKE laser-guided missile launcher utilizing an 18-round magazine. The SmarTruck II is part of the U.S. Army’s overall movement towards a …

by David Crane david@defensereview.com "Screaming .357G" has created a thread and provided a range report and pics on the Springfield Armory XD-9 pistol at Glocktalk.com. It’s worth taking a look at. DefRev hasn’t tested the XD-9 pistol yet. When you view the report, be sure to scroll down through the thread, as "Screaming .357G" has made multiple postings with additional …

by David Crane Taser International is about to introduce their new Taser X26. The new offering will utilize a technology the company calls "shaped pulse technology". Apparently, the new Taser X26 is 60% smaller and lighter than the company’s current top of the line Taser, the Taser M26. The Taser X26 will be formally unveiled on May 30, 2003. The …

by David Crane Eye Safety Systems, Inc. ( ESS) bills their ICE 2.4 ballistic eyeshield as "the most complete system available for high-impact eye defense in any light conditions", and they may just be right about that. "ICE" is an acronym for "Interchangeable Component Eyeshield", and the "2.4" refers to the thickness of the polycarbonate lens material, which is a …

by David Crane DefRev has received some sneak peak pics of prototypes for the new vented Dark Parts rail covers with M203-style vent holes in them(You can view the links to them by clicking on "Read More" below). These new rail covers have the same advanced polymer gripping surface as Dark Parts’ standard non-vented "super-grip" rail covers. All Dark Parts …

The April Tactical Operator Newsletter is now visible on-line from Suarez International Group, which welcomes you to view, download, and pass it on. Best of all…its free. Click on this link to read the April issue of the Tactical Operator Newsletter. Here’s contact info for Gabe Suarez and Suarez International Group, Inc.: Gabe Suarez Suarez International Group, Inc. 303 E. …

Markus Maassen writes: "The German firm Oberland Arms licence- produces a brand-new Model for all AR15/M16 fans. The OA-SPR is a german made quality product, showing the best of german workmanship. The flat-top receivers are CNCprecision- machined from an Alloy normally used in the formula 1. Accuracy of the SPR is consistenly 1" or better. Due to the restrictive export …

by David Crane There’s a new sheriff in town, and it’s called LOSAT. Brought to you by the good and enterprising people at Lockheed Martin Missile and Fire Control, LOSAT is one of a new group of anti-tank weapon systems that is quickly changing the face of the modern battlefield, specifically in the area of ground-to-ground combat. Here’s my prediction …

by David Crane There is growing interest by the military in the 20mm cannon round for anti-material use, since it’s capability in this area significantly exceeds that of the .50 BMG. Special Operations units are particularly interested in the development of sniper/anti-material rifles chambered for a cannon round, since they offer significantly increased performance to even the Nammo/Raufoss Mk211 Multipurpose …

This is just a heads-up to let our members and readers know that DefRev is going to be doing a review and providing pics of Pro Ears’ new "Predator" active electronic shooting muffs shortly, so stay tuned. We can tell you now that the new muffs are very light, inexpensive compared to Pro-Ears’ Dimension series muffs, and they work.  

I just created a thread on the Special Operations Forums. I’ve posted a very interesting picture of a certain U.S. Special Forces unit walking along and carrying some rather interesting ordnance. You can view the picture by clicking on this link. You may have to scroll to the right to view the man carrying the M4A1 I’m talking about, as …

by David Crane david@defensereview.com The U.S. Army is developing new thermobaric munitions for their BDM(Bunker Defeat Munition) and M203 grenade launchers, and ultimately for the XM29/OICW(Objective Individual Combat Weapon) as well. This is a long time coming. The Russian army has been using thermobaric light support weapons since its Soviet/Iron Curtain days. The Russian RPO-A Shmel is a perfect example. …

You may remember reading about the Magpul Industries MSS (Modular Stock System) in several previous DefRev stories. The MSS was first brought to our attention at SHOT Show 2002 in Las Vegas. Well, Jeff Carpenter, a.k.a. "USMC03", has just written a great review of the Magpul MSS M93, and submitted it to DefRev. Jeff is active LE SWAT. The MSS …

by David Crane david@defensereview.com DefRev recently published a story on the Arms Tech Compak-16 subcarbine, which contained a video clip of DefRev editor-in-chief David Crane firing the weapon. The story was titled "Arms Tech Compak-16 Subcarbine at SWAT Round-Up 2002. First Time Video!". DefRev now has pics of the Compak-16 sales brochure. Click here to view the front page of …