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Accessories MDT CKYE-POD GEN2 DOUBLE PULL - BIPOD
- Buy - Sell - Trade
- 4 Replies
New Gen 2 Cyke Pod Double Pull, I bought this and a lightweight to see which one I wanted to keep and decided on the lightweight before I even took this one out of the box.
$700 shipped SOLD
mdttac.com
$700 shipped SOLD
MDT CKYE-POD Gen2 Double Pull - Bipod
mdttac.com
Attachments
Accessories Crye precision gen 4 combat shirt and pants
- By Powderhorn
- Buy - Sell - Trade
- 3 Replies
Attachments
China Restricts Export of Nitrocellulose and Antimony
- By lash
- The Bear Pit
- 74 Replies
We were discussing this very subject in a thread here a couple weeks ago and I maintained that we (the U.S.) needed to do what is necessary to bring mining and production of these items back. That it’s our own regulatory barriers that are the true cause of the loss of almost all domestic production.
The recent decision by China to halt the export of two critical components —nitrocellulose and antimony— has raised alarms within the U.S. ammunition manufacturing industry and among defense experts. These materials are indispensable in the production of propellant powder and primers, and their restriction threatens to create significant supply chain disruptions.
AmmoLand News Continues
As geopolitical tensions rise and global conflicts, like the war in Ukraine, drive up demand for ammunition, the U.S. faces an uncertain future in maintaining adequate ammunition supplies for both military and civilian markets.
China’s dominance in the production of antimony and nitrocellulose cannot be overstated. As the world’s largest producer of antimony, China accounts for nearly half of global production and supplies 63% of U.S. antimony imports. Antimony plays a vital role in the defense industry, from armor-piercing ammunition to night vision goggles and precision optics. Nitrocellulose, or “guncotton,” is essential for making propellant powder used in ammunition.
Antimony’s Critical Role
Antimony is a crucial material for the U.S. defense sector, particularly for hardening lead bullets and creating other munitions. The closure of domestic antimony mines in the early 2000s has left the U.S. entirely dependent on foreign sources, with China being the most significant supplier. Recent efforts, such as the proposed reopening of the Stibnite Gold Mine in Idaho, are intended to reduce reliance on Chinese imports. However, these projects will take years to come online, meaning the U.S. remains vulnerable to supply chain disruptions in the short term.
Nitrocellulose and Ammunition Production
Nitrocellulose, another critical component in ammunition manufacturing, has also become a point of geopolitical tension. Nitrocellulose is used in propellant powder and is necessary for both firearms and artillery. Europe, too, has felt the pinch, as European countries rely on China for the bulk of their nitrocellulose imports to supply Ukraine with ammunition during its ongoing conflict with Russia.
John Farnam, an industry expert, warns that these supply chain issues will only get worse. Farnam shared insights from his connections in the ammunition business:
This was as almost guaranteed to happen sooner or later and those that couldn’t see it coming were blinded with folly.
China’s Export Restrictions Create Chokehold On US Ammo Market
Posted on September 26, 2024 by The Notorious FDE
The recent decision by China to halt the export of two critical components —nitrocellulose and antimony— has raised alarms within the U.S. ammunition manufacturing industry and among defense experts. These materials are indispensable in the production of propellant powder and primers, and their restriction threatens to create significant supply chain disruptions.
AmmoLand News Continues
As geopolitical tensions rise and global conflicts, like the war in Ukraine, drive up demand for ammunition, the U.S. faces an uncertain future in maintaining adequate ammunition supplies for both military and civilian markets.
China’s Stranglehold on Critical Materials
China’s dominance in the production of antimony and nitrocellulose cannot be overstated. As the world’s largest producer of antimony, China accounts for nearly half of global production and supplies 63% of U.S. antimony imports. Antimony plays a vital role in the defense industry, from armor-piercing ammunition to night vision goggles and precision optics. Nitrocellulose, or “guncotton,” is essential for making propellant powder used in ammunition.
In August 2024, China announced that it would discontinue the export of these materials to the United States. This decision follows a series of similar moves by China in June of 2024 to restrict the global flow of critical minerals and materials in the name of national security. For example, China imposed export controls on graphite and rare earth materials in 2023, impacting industries from semiconductors to electric vehicles. Now, the defense and ammunition sectors are bracing for the impact of these new restrictions.
Antimony’s Critical Role
Antimony is a crucial material for the U.S. defense sector, particularly for hardening lead bullets and creating other munitions. The closure of domestic antimony mines in the early 2000s has left the U.S. entirely dependent on foreign sources, with China being the most significant supplier. Recent efforts, such as the proposed reopening of the Stibnite Gold Mine in Idaho, are intended to reduce reliance on Chinese imports. However, these projects will take years to come online, meaning the U.S. remains vulnerable to supply chain disruptions in the short term.
Nitrocellulose and Ammunition Production
Nitrocellulose, another critical component in ammunition manufacturing, has also become a point of geopolitical tension. Nitrocellulose is used in propellant powder and is necessary for both firearms and artillery. Europe, too, has felt the pinch, as European countries rely on China for the bulk of their nitrocellulose imports to supply Ukraine with ammunition during its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Impact on U.S. Ammunition Supply
As China’s export restrictions take effect, U.S. ammunition manufacturers are already struggling to keep up with demand. Many companies report that their supply of components, especially propellant powder, has dwindled throughout the year, with much of the global supply being diverted to military efforts in Ukraine and domestic military stockpiles. As a result, civilian ammunition consumers are likely to experience increased shortages and higher prices.John Farnam, an industry expert, warns that these supply chain issues will only get worse. Farnam shared insights from his connections in the ammunition business:
This was as almost guaranteed to happen sooner or later and those that couldn’t see it coming were blinded with folly.
Anyone know anything about amphibians? I've got a question about a toad...
- By LuckyDuck
- The Bear Pit
- 21 Replies
Just trying to identify this guy I found in the backyard today. My research (https://www.fishandboat.com/Conservation/Reptiles-Amphibians/Pages/Frogs-and-Toads.aspx) suggest there aren't that many species of toads in PA and my best guess is it's either an Eastern American Toad or a Fowler's Toad (I'm leaning more towards the former choice). Truth be told I don't know much about them but have been seeing quite a number of small (around and inch or so) toads hopping in the grass but this one is rather large. I don't have any beef against toads so I'm leaving him alone and letting him do his thing but just curious what I have here.
I'll include some pictures and see what the Hide thinks, before I got the tape measure out, it started backing into the hole and lost about an inch or so I'd say so I'd say it's pretty big in my limited experience:
Thanks in advance,
-LD
I'll include some pictures and see what the Hide thinks, before I got the tape measure out, it started backing into the hole and lost about an inch or so I'd say so I'd say it's pretty big in my limited experience:
Thanks in advance,
-LD
Gun owner's home raided by NJ Police
- By Bcamos
- The Bear Pit
- 55 Replies
If any of you are active in the Facebook gun groups, his name will likely be familiar to you. What are the chances of FPC/GOA taking on a case like this?
www.news2a.com
Facebook posts lead to Totowa man's arrest for 'cache of illegal firearms,' police said
Kyle Arena was arrested and charged with multiple firearm and weapon offenses, the Totowa Police Department said.
www.northjersey.com
The Sad Case of Kyle Arena
Many people believe "red flag" laws are the solution we need, dismissing the fact that these laws strip citizens of constitutional rights without due process, all in the name of the "greater good." But some of us know better. Kyle Arena's story is just one example of how red flag laws are abused...
www.news2a.com
Help Me Pick Rangefinding Binos (2024/2025)
- By Secant
- Observation & Sighting Devices
- 57 Replies
I have an older set of Leica HD-Bs, and I've been looking to find something worth replacing them with. Like a lot of people here, I use them for hunting and general glassing, but I also want a solid laser that can reliably hit small steel targets at distance with an integrated ballistics solver (that does not need to BT to another device). I'd prefer AB, but it's not a deal killer. I was set on picking up a pair of the Vector X's when they became available, and my hope was that the Vectors would bridge the gap between the gamer options and the hunting options, but I'm re-evaluating. Potential options that I'm considering are (not necessarily on this order):
I saw some conflicting info on some of these units regarding beam divergence, so maybe this table is not completely accurate
Vectronix Vector X ($2,799 + $600 enhancers)
Not a ton of info out yet regarding general production units. Pre-production and influencer type reviews indicate that the laser is great, I like the display readout, and it sounds like glass is good (probably not on par with alpha bino RF?).
Currently they are unobtanium. Previous comments related to civilian sales support is poor. I don't care that much about the etched reticle - it will get occasional use, but I'll glass more than I use the reticle so I'd probably prefer clean optics. Some of the comments in the Vector X threads so far have me second guessing quality of these units (but that's probably not a fair assessment at this point). I like the prospect of throwing the enhancers in my backpack to use while tripod mounted.
Revic BLR10b ($2,425.50)
A little more info on these than the Vectors, but still not a ton. Sounds like laser is good, I'm okay with display, and glass sounds like it's okay (but not competing with the top 3). I don't want to rely on a BT connection for the ballistics, and my understanding is that these can function independently, is that right? I'm luke warm on this option, but can't actually say why. I haven't used a set myself, but part of me thinks if I were to go this route, I should just grab the vortex AB option for almost half the price and wait for a future option with better optics.
Leica 3200.com OR PRO ($2,000 - ~$2500 + AB upgrade)
I've been really happy with the optics in my older HD-B's, so I'm inclined to grab another set of Leica's. The .Coms have better beam divergence than the Pros, but I'd prefer the AB solver in the Pros as well as the ability to receive a solution beyond 1,000 yards (I'd upgrade the Pros to AB Elite). The Leica solver I use in the HD-Bs is workable, but honestly it's kinda shit. I believe the Pros have the largest beam divergence of any option I'm considering. I also don't like how long you have to wait for the range display to cycle to the ballistic solution display (why wouldn't they display both on the initial screen?!). My understanding is that these Leica's will be optically superior to the Vector & Revics, which is appealing.
If Leica would upgrade their laser and provide additional display options, I'd happily pay more to have high level optics with a high performing laser/ballistics solver.
Swaro EL Range TA ($3,150)
I haven't looked into this option too much. Previously, Swaro's lasers seemed to be lacking and their in-house ballistic app was shit. Optics should be among the best of the group. I'm most leary of the ballistics solver and display at this point. I've looked at some of the specs, and I don't see anything that would steer me towards Swaro over Leica, but maybe I'm missing something.
Zeiss Victory RF ($3,099)
Similar to the Leica & Swaro, I think the pro with these will be the optics, and the potential con is going to be the ballistic solver, readout, and the laser is not as good as other options.
Vortex Fury 5000 AB ($1,350)
These would be a place holder until 'something better' came along. You could probably substitute these Vortex units with a host of other options. There's a pretty low probability that I'd go this route especially since I haven't heard of anything concrete on the horizon.
I've watched a handful of YouTube videos, I've read some reviews, and I've had hands on with only a couple of these units, but nothing really jumps out as THE choice. It's kinda crazy that Sig or Vortex (or some other company) doesn't offer a high quality optics choice or that Swaro/Leica/Zeiss doesn't offer a better laser/readout option.
Anyone have any great insights?? I know a lot of people are in the same boat, what did you pick and why?
I saw some conflicting info on some of these units regarding beam divergence, so maybe this table is not completely accurate
Vectronix Vector X ($2,799 + $600 enhancers)
Not a ton of info out yet regarding general production units. Pre-production and influencer type reviews indicate that the laser is great, I like the display readout, and it sounds like glass is good (probably not on par with alpha bino RF?).
Currently they are unobtanium. Previous comments related to civilian sales support is poor. I don't care that much about the etched reticle - it will get occasional use, but I'll glass more than I use the reticle so I'd probably prefer clean optics. Some of the comments in the Vector X threads so far have me second guessing quality of these units (but that's probably not a fair assessment at this point). I like the prospect of throwing the enhancers in my backpack to use while tripod mounted.
Revic BLR10b ($2,425.50)
A little more info on these than the Vectors, but still not a ton. Sounds like laser is good, I'm okay with display, and glass sounds like it's okay (but not competing with the top 3). I don't want to rely on a BT connection for the ballistics, and my understanding is that these can function independently, is that right? I'm luke warm on this option, but can't actually say why. I haven't used a set myself, but part of me thinks if I were to go this route, I should just grab the vortex AB option for almost half the price and wait for a future option with better optics.
Leica 3200.com OR PRO ($2,000 - ~$2500 + AB upgrade)
I've been really happy with the optics in my older HD-B's, so I'm inclined to grab another set of Leica's. The .Coms have better beam divergence than the Pros, but I'd prefer the AB solver in the Pros as well as the ability to receive a solution beyond 1,000 yards (I'd upgrade the Pros to AB Elite). The Leica solver I use in the HD-Bs is workable, but honestly it's kinda shit. I believe the Pros have the largest beam divergence of any option I'm considering. I also don't like how long you have to wait for the range display to cycle to the ballistic solution display (why wouldn't they display both on the initial screen?!). My understanding is that these Leica's will be optically superior to the Vector & Revics, which is appealing.
If Leica would upgrade their laser and provide additional display options, I'd happily pay more to have high level optics with a high performing laser/ballistics solver.
Swaro EL Range TA ($3,150)
I haven't looked into this option too much. Previously, Swaro's lasers seemed to be lacking and their in-house ballistic app was shit. Optics should be among the best of the group. I'm most leary of the ballistics solver and display at this point. I've looked at some of the specs, and I don't see anything that would steer me towards Swaro over Leica, but maybe I'm missing something.
Zeiss Victory RF ($3,099)
Similar to the Leica & Swaro, I think the pro with these will be the optics, and the potential con is going to be the ballistic solver, readout, and the laser is not as good as other options.
Vortex Fury 5000 AB ($1,350)
These would be a place holder until 'something better' came along. You could probably substitute these Vortex units with a host of other options. There's a pretty low probability that I'd go this route especially since I haven't heard of anything concrete on the horizon.
I've watched a handful of YouTube videos, I've read some reviews, and I've had hands on with only a couple of these units, but nothing really jumps out as THE choice. It's kinda crazy that Sig or Vortex (or some other company) doesn't offer a high quality optics choice or that Swaro/Leica/Zeiss doesn't offer a better laser/readout option.
Anyone have any great insights?? I know a lot of people are in the same boat, what did you pick and why?
Accessories AICS 1.5 non folder SA Green Victor Co skins
- By fnberzerker
- Buy - Sell - Trade
- 14 Replies
Attachments
Firearms Bergara B-14HMR in 6.5 PRC in MDT oryx
- By Boogereater
- Buy - Sell - Trade
- 19 Replies
$1555 OBO
Bergara B-14HMR in 6.5 PRC, it’s in an MDT oryx chassis. Included is an oryx bipod and Meopta optika6 5-30x56 scope. Less than 50 rounds fired, will include 1 box of ammo.
Let me know if you have any questions
Bergara B-14HMR in 6.5 PRC, it’s in an MDT oryx chassis. Included is an oryx bipod and Meopta optika6 5-30x56 scope. Less than 50 rounds fired, will include 1 box of ammo.
Let me know if you have any questions
SOLD XLR Element 4.0 with carbon stock- PRICE DROP
- By 951Hunter
- Buy - Sell - Trade
- 4 Replies
Attachments
SOLD WTS: Arken EP5 5-25
- By db2000
- Buy - Sell - Trade
- 2 Replies
SOLD
Arken EP5 5-25 x 56 FFP MIL VPR
Bought new from Arken and put rings on it. Never taken out of the house. Glass is perfect. Rings not included. Only torqued to 15 in/lb despite Arken recommending 18.
No fault Lifetime Warranty.
shipped FedEx.
Arken EP5 5-25 x 56 FFP MIL VPR
Bought new from Arken and put rings on it. Never taken out of the house. Glass is perfect. Rings not included. Only torqued to 15 in/lb despite Arken recommending 18.
No fault Lifetime Warranty.
shipped FedEx.
SOLD sold 300 Norma Mag, Norma 230gr Match ammo. Super sale.
- By MOUNTIC
- Buy - Sell - Trade
- 2 Replies
Attachments
Mayor Adams Indicted by the Feds
- By jrhtx
- The Bear Pit
- 33 Replies
I guess he complained too much....
www.times-georgian.com
Feds indict New York City Mayor Eric Adams
(The Center Square) – Federal prosecutors indicted Mayor Eric Adams after a corruption investigation, marking the first time a sitting mayor has been indicted in New York City.
