BlackHawk’s Stalker Drag Mat functions both as a carry bag and a shooting mat. Constructed of durable 1,000-denier nylon and closed-cell foam for interior protection, the BlackHawk Stalker bag features adjustable and removable shoulder straps with non-slip shoulder pads, internal weapon-securing straps, elastic loops that hold an additional 10 rounds of .308/7.62mm ammo, and an internal pocket for a data book. When set up as a shooting mat, the BlackHawk Stalker appears shaped like a silhouette target, with the “head” providing space for a bipod or sandbags. Its closed dimensions are 50.5 by 9 by 2 inches. Black and olive drab versions are available.
The Scout DX 1000 ARC laser rangefinder features 6X magnification, provides up to 0.5-yard accuracy and 0.1-yard display precision (a capability that Bushnell calls Extreme Speed Precision, or ESP); a built-in inclinometer; an ARC Bow Mode that provides true horizontal distance out to 99 yards; an ARC Rifle Mode that provides bullet-drop/holdovers in inches, MOA and mils; a Variable Sight-In (VSI) feature that includes Bullseye, Brush and Scan modes; an operational range between 5 and 1,000 yards; diopter adjustment for crystal clear viewing; and a waterproof body.
Until my former sniper instructor told me about them, I had not heard of J. Dewey Gun Cleaning Products. J. Dewey is a veteran-owned family business that handcrafts its products in the U.S.A. Its product line ranges from complete cleaning kits to individual components and specialty items, such as an AR Cleaning Link Tool that utilizes the rear takedown pin to hold the upper and lower receivers open for cleaning. The company’s cleaning rods include both straight cleaning rods as well as pull-through, nylon-coated cleaning cables. Some cleaning kits are specialized for specific firearms. Prices are quite reasonable for durable, American-made gear that will last.
While there are a number of good spotting scopes available out there, Leupold is one of the best brands. New on the market is the GR 15-30x50mm Compact Kit. The GR 15-30x50mm Compact Kit includes the Leupold Golden Ring 15-30x50mm Compact spotting scope, a quick-detach shoulder strap, a custom padded belt case, a specially designed mounting adapter that fits any 1/4×20-threaded mount, a sturdy tabletop tripod and a hard-sided carrying case.
There are actually companies out there that make gear that is useful for the sniper mission that is not marked with the word “tactical” all over it. Primos, a hunting gear supply company, is just that type of company. Specializing in hunting support equipment, Primos makes several items that are very useful for LE snipers. One of these items is its Cut Back Pak. The compact Cut Back Pak features a compact folding saw and Primos By-Pass pruning shears. Both tools are 6 inches long overall when closed and come with a nylon carry pouch.
Primos’ Trigger Sticks are so named because of their trigger- style adjustment locking system. With just one hand and a pull of the adjustment trigger, you can set the Primos Trigger Stick to the desired height. The Tall Bi Pod Trigger Stick serves as a gun rest and optical gear mount, perfect for kneeling or standing shooting support during those times when obtaining a prone shooting position is not possible. Trigger Sticks are also available in Mono Pod and Tri Pod formats in Tall and Short styles.
Ricoh America’s product line includes copiers, cameras and now night-vision digital binoculars. Ricoh’s NV-10A digital binoculars can penetrate fog, smoke, rain and blowing sand to provide a crisp, clear image even at night. By pushing a button, the viewed image is brightened and sharpened for positive identification of distant objects. The Pentax Atmospheric Interference Reduction (PAIR) technology reintroduces color that would otherwise be obscured in difficult viewing conditions. Ricoh digital binoculars can capture both still and video images of the scenes being observed. Advanced stabilization further improves image clarity, and infrared technology lights up the darkness.
It is understandable and natural that in a publication such as this, the primary focus of articles would be on the sniper rifle, optics and various accessories that could be mounted on the rifle. The secondary focus is usually on the latest and greatest calibers and ammunition for said rifle. What can get overlooked is the somewhat less “glamorous” gear precision shooters rely on to support that rifle, optics and ammo.
Since I am no longer an active team sniper, I contacted some of my fellow officers who are currently active as both snipers and sniper instructors to get their additional input on some of the best support gear available. The resulting list highlights some of their favorite items.
