IOR Valdada Tactical Rifle Scopes

Industry Optic Romania (IOR) scopes have been around since the 1930's and is one of the world's largest manufacturers of optics and precision glassware, but have really only been available in the USA for around 10 years. They have an excellent reputation, similiar to Zeiss, for quality "Eastern European" rugged scopes with excellent glass. The premier tactical scope is the 2.5-10x42mm Tactical model.

The scope is built extremely rugged, as most eastern European products are. They hold up extremly well to use and abuse. The knobs are well made, the tube is aircraft aluminum and the power select ring is very firm and not loose. The exterior is finished in standard matte. The magnification range is from 2.5-10x with a 42mm objective and a 30mm tube.

The reticle on this scope is the Valdada proprietary MP8 reticle which uses the milradian system. The gradiations have small hash marks for each half mil, large lines for 1 mil marks, and larger hash marks for every 5 mils. The reticle extends to 10 mils below the horizontal and allows hold over out to 800+ meters with a normal 100m zero and a standard 308 load.

The glass on the Valdada tactical scopes is outstanding: extremely clear and bright. The glass is also very sharp and clear from edge to edge, indicating full polishing from edge to edge. IOR-Valdada has had very close ties with German optics manufacturers (Schott Glasswerks) and Zeiss works with IOR from time to time on new products and improvements. The overall look and feel of the scope is utilitarian and ready for field use and these are where it is best used. The rugged construction, visible stadia lines, innovative reticle design and crystal clear glass add up to a well built, moderately priced scope which should give years of use.

www.CactusTactical.com

www.USGunWorks.com

Shawn in the Korengal Valley, Kunar Province, Afghanistan.

For more info on these and other weapons
Technical specs compiled from:
http://armypubs.army.mil/doctrine/Active_FM.html
http://world.guns.ru/index-e.html
https://en.wikipedia.org
http://www.militaryfactory.com/
http://www.olive-drab.com/
http://www.army.mil/
http://dok-ing.hr/products/demining/mv_4?productPage=general
http://www.peosoldier.army.mil/

"The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement."

CamelBak HAWG's

I recently came into possession of a CamelBak HAWG and had to try it out last weekend. The HAWG holds 100 ounces (or 3.0 Liters) of liquid. Given that the HAWG also has 1100 cubic inches of storage capacity, it will hold plenty of other equipment for your day or overnight trip.

A gallon of water weighs about 7.5 pounds. so the HAWG holds about 6.5 to 7 pounds of water. The system itself, when empty, has a published weight of 2.6 pounds, so that's about 10.5 pounds on your back, when the bladder is full.

Walking along with ten-and-a-half pounds on is nothing. Where you really start to test the comfort of such a system is when you require your body to move in different ways: turning, twisting, pulling, pushing, walking up and down hills, jogging on a beach, etc. The HAWG's shoulder straps are adjustable for fit, as is the waist band. If you don't care to use the waistband, it tucks away into two little pouches (one on either side) to keep it out of your way. There is also an adjustable chest strap and this is amazingly helpful in keeping the shoulder straps from digging into your upper arms. Wearing the HAWG is effortless.

The bite valve on/off switch is easy to use and secures well in either position. Further, the bite-valve cover that came with the HAWG keeps the bite-valve itself covered and clean.

Mine is in desert camo as shown above, The HAWG is available in desert camo, black or woodland camo. The pack has some useful features that should be noted. Tube guides are fastened on the shoulder straps with one on either side. They come in handy for hanging flashlights, hooking other gear, etc. Farther down each shoulder strap is a D-ring for clipping on equipment as needed. The chest strap can be positioned higher up or lower down as is necessary according to your body type. The nylon strap that adjusts your shoulder strap length is captured at the bottom by a piece of hook-and-loop strap - so you don't have loose nylon dangling. There is a sturdy nylon handle at the top of the pack for those times before you put it on / after you've taken it off, but you still have to move it around.

The pack consists of a large storage compartment and a smaller outer pocket, that combined equal that 1100 cubic inches of storage space. The larger cargo compartment has two covered slits at the top - one on eithr side - where a radio antenna could stick out if that's what you're humping. Both cargo compartments have easy-pull zipper tabs and open in a semi-clamshell fashion. Cinch straps - two on either side - help to keep your load tight so it doesn't move around on you, changing your balance at potentially awkward times.

The entire back of the HAWG is covered in MOLLE compatable webbing. If you need to carry more than the cargo space allows, attach some MOLLE pouches and keep on going. The bottom of the pack has an integrated drain-hole (so the only water you're carrying is what you intended) and there are four attachment points, double-stitched nylon webbing - for a sleeping bag, etc. The drinking tube and bite valve both connect / disconnect via CamelBak's trade-marked HydroLink Modular Connection System. This allows you to easily (and with one hand) connect or disconnect the tube and/or valve.

www.CactusTactical.com

www.USGunWorks.com

Shawn in the Korengal Valley, Kunar Province, Afghanistan.

For more info on these and other weapons
Technical specs compiled from:
http://armypubs.army.mil/doctrine/Active_FM.html
http://world.guns.ru/index-e.html
https://en.wikipedia.org
http://www.militaryfactory.com/
http://www.olive-drab.com/
http://www.army.mil/
http://dok-ing.hr/products/demining/mv_4?productPage=general
http://www.peosoldier.army.mil/

"The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement."