Belgian Defence chooses Aimpoint M4

Recently, the Belgian Defence adapted about 800 Aimpoint M4 to put on the standard issue FN FNC. The first batch was distributed to the Belgian OMLT's in Afghanistan.

More info about the Aimpoint M4.

The earlier adapted Eotech 522 are only for use with the FN F2000 Tactical.

Belgian Military Championship Combat Shooting

During 4-7 october the "Belgian Military Championship Combat Shooting" was held in March en Famenne.
Here's some video footage from stage 2 and 3 taken with a V.I.O. shoulder mounted camera.

Tap Rack Patch ;-)

This is one that can get you into trouble and get you out of it by ensuring you never forget an important combat shooting skill.
Tap Rack is an important firearms drill that is learned during SOIT (Schoots Onderricht /Instruction de tir). When a weapon jams in a firefight, the first thing you do is a Tap Rack procedure. In other words the safest thing you can do to get your weapon operational and return fire as quickly as possible. The correct procedure is Tap (Push the magazine solidly into your weapon to get a misfed round ready) Rack (Operate the charging handle and assist as necessary to chamber the round) Bang (Pull the trigger and get that round downrange and into the enemy before they get theirs into you.

Review Benchmade 7 Rescue Hook

The Benchmade 7 Rescue Hook is developed by the Benchmade Knife Company, recognized as a world class U.S. manufacturer of superior military and law enforcement tactical and training knives. It is an essential part of the modern combat gear equipment; a multifunctional, lightweight, high quality, unobtrusive tool.
The Benchmade 7 ‘Rescue Hook’ is part of the Benchmade-Hook family. Other versions are the Benchmade 5,6 , 8 and the new 30100-BLK “Houdini-Pro”
The 5 and 6 are small sized (pocket size) where the 8 is a larger Benchmade Rescue Hook.

The Benchmade 7 ‘Rescue Hook’ is part of the Benchmade-Hook family. Other versions are the Benchmade 5, 6 , 8 and the new 30100-BLK “Houdini-Pro”
The 5 and 6 are small sized (pocket size) where the 8 is a larger Benchmade Rescue Hook.
The Benchmade ‘Rescue Hook’ is designed with a curved cutting head (or hook) that is designed to effectively cut various materials while offering protection from skin injury. It easily cuts trough clothing, webbings, shoe’s, combats, belts, etc. With very few force it cuts through the toughest clothing.
In these pictures we see the Benchmade 7 cutting trough combat boots and uniform clothing

The Benchmade family is constructed out of laser cut 440C Stainless Steel , and hardened to 58 to 60 HRC with a black oxide coating. The handle is covered in a black PVC coating to improve grip. 440C Stainless steel is a type of modern steel and famous for its high corrosion resistance, wear resistance, strength and hardness qualities among all the stainless alloys, capable of attaining the highest hardness (60 HRC)

In comparison to other similar tools, using the Benchmade to cut trough webbing requires far less effort.

Benchmade testresults

The choice for the Benchmade 7 is logical, it is not too small which makes it possible to use with protective gloves, easy to handle and not too big to put away. The overall length is 4.3 Inch (= 10.92 cm), the blade opening is 0.5 Inch(= 1.27 cm) and the finger opening is 1.06 Inch (= 2.7 cm). The Benchmade 7 weighs 1.6 oz (=56.7 gram).

The 7 is supplied with a nylon sheath that is molle compatible and capable of being mounted in several different configurations on your belt, tactical vest, etc. The sheath is available in black, sand and OD green.

Other than the reasons to use the Benchmade rather than a folding knife or emergency scissors is that it can be rapidly deployed and used immediately with only one hand.

This one-handed deployment allows to utilize this tool while holding a firearm, operating a radio, using a flashlight... etc. An other advantage is that it provides a safe alternative to remove flexcuffs, where a fixed- or folding blade knife could cut or wound the detainee, or be taken and used against you.

Keep in mind that although the Benchmade is an excellent rescue tool, it cannot replace a traditional tactical knife. The hooked cutting edge cannot effectively be used to cut trough certain materials such as larger diameter ropes, packing materials, etc. So, always carry both to avoid unpleasant surprises.

This concludes this review post of the Benchmade (7) Rescue Hook.

Benchmade offers a Lifetime Warranty and LifeSharp Service on all knives and tools. This service allows you to send the tool back to Benchmade for resharpening at any time (for a set fee of 5 USD)

Solution for dead space "Bear II vest"

A couple of "Contact Front" members came up with a solution to existing problem found on the Belgian issue "Bear II vest". The space in front of the zipper uses up 2 Molle channels. These channels could be used to put othet pouches like a flashlight pouch or even a triple magazine pouch. Nevertheless it still remains a zippered vest with the begative side that you can't put it on over your head like a CIRAS type plate carrier. You need to use the zipper toput in on.
It was a challenge to find a solution but we came up with a adapter in two parts which attaches on both sides of the zipper and when closed with velcro, overlaps the zipper.

I allready did some tests on the range and it seems that a full loaded triple magazien pouch (about 2,25kg) is a bit to heavy for the velcro. We are looking to solve this problem asap.

"Striplula" magazine quick loader

Everybody have seen and used the quick loader that you find in the 5.56 ammobox in the range and in ops. But you have to be honest that sometimes they are annoying when you have to use them in teh cold, to fill 20 mags, ...

In searching for a good alternative I came across the "striplula" which is manufactured by the Israeli company "Maglula". I have to say this has been a good investment. The loader works in all kinds of weather with the minimum of effort. Not even the side of the ammocase is used ;-)
You can load the ammo while still attached on the strips or you can load cartridge by cartridge in the striplula and load them in the magazine in an instance. There is even a tool attached to unload mags very quick and easy.

Here are a couple of video's that show the "striplula" in action.

I ordered the striplula from http://www.israeli-weapons.com/store/loaders/p3.htm and paid 29$ shipping incl.

Welcome to "CONTACT FRONT!!!!"

Hi all,

This is my first post welcoming you to our blog. Hope you enjoy it and see ya back in the future.

V