The Milipol show has been feeding the demand for information and technology in the field of homeland security since the 1970s. At the time, a group of French police equipment manufacturers were worried that they had limited commercial contacts at an international level. The aeronautics and defense sectors had their own shows, but the interior security sector did not have a promotion and communications platform that matched its importance in France. As a result, the idea of organizing a specific international exhibition took hold.
In 1970, EXPOL (Exposition Police) showed the way, and in 1984 it evolved into the Milipol show when the International Milipol Committee came into existence as an association whose goal was the promotion of security technology and equipment. That same year, the first international Milipol show was organized in Paris, and then in 1995 it acquired new dimensions under the patronage of the French Ministry of the Interior. The Milipol Paris show became an official event, along the same lines as the international Eurosatory exhibitions for land armament, Euronaval for naval equipment and the Paris Air Show.
Today, the international Milipol trade show is recognized globally and attracts manufacturers from all around the world, and since 2009 has expanded its law enforcement focus to create an area dedicated to providing comprehensive solutions for specific natural disasters as well as health, industrial and terrorist risks.
Voere X3 Sniper Rifle
It did not come as a surprise when I saw the new Voere sniper rifle. Well known in Europe for its high-quality hunting rifles, Voere’s new X3 sniper rifle and its smaller brother, the M2, have all the features to join my short list of the top medium-caliber sniper rifles.
Let’s concentrate on the X3, as the M2 has the same basic layout but on a smaller scale. The rifle has a completely modular configuration, with a removable, free-floating forend. The X3 also has a multi-caliber action with no head-spacing or large tools needed for a barrel swap, while the bolt will only require a new bolt face.
The X3 is available in .308 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum, .338 Lapua and .408 CT, while the M2 is available in chamberings up to .300 Winchester Magnum. Barrel lengths are dependent on caliber and vary between 23.6 and 28.3 inches, and the same goes for magazine capacity, which varies from five to 10 rounds. As with all multi-caliber rifles, the weight will vary with the caliber, too, and the X3 tips the scales between 14 and 18 pounds. The side-folding stock has a fully adjustable cheekpiece, hand rest and monopod. The trigger is fully adjustable with a crisp pull between 1.5 and 2.8 pounds. The X3 also has an AR-style pistol grip, so the customization options are endless.
For more information, visit www.voere.com
Qioptiq Dragon-S
Made by Qioptiq in the UK, The Dragon-S (Sniper) clip-on thermal sight has been developed specifically for sniper applications, unlike most of its predecessors, which have been modified from existing equipment. This unit has a detector of 8 to 12 micrometers with a resolution of 320×240 pixels and lots of other shooter-friendly features.
For more information, visit www.qioptiq.com
FN SCAR-H TPR
The new FN SCAR-H TPR is a beauty. In my experience, the SCAR-H Precision Rifle (PR) is the best semi-auto .308 designated marksman rifle out there, and I can’t wait to try the new SCAR-H TPR.
With its 20-inch barrel; two-stage match trigger; short-stroke piston; fully adjustable stock; and all the features from the SCAR-H PR, I can’t wait to get my hands on this super rifle. FN offers the PR and TPR in semi-auto and selefct-fire variants.
For more information, visit www.fnherstal.com
Spuhr Ideal Scope Mounts
Spuhr Ideal scope mounts are made of 7075 aluminum, have a built-in bubble level, a 45-degree split in the rings to provide an unobstructed view of the knobs and a very smart insert that will ensure the scope is mounted level to the Picatinny rail quickly. Spuhr carries 30mm, 34mm, 35mm and even 36mm models that weigh between 200 and 270 grams, and the company offers all sorts of accessories to mount directly on the base. Spuhr also offers a whole set of mounting accessories for M4 rifles, HK G36s and MP5s, and even some shotguns.
For more information, visit www.spuhr.com
ViVAX Concept Case
In a market full of Pelican cases, finding a new, mil-spec, submersible laptop/tablet case is a surprise in itself. But that was not the only surprise—the second was its weight. ViVAX uses much less plastic in its Concept case than its competitors because the walls of its cases are thinner. This does not mean that the Concept case is more fragile—just simply that it is lighter.
The Concept case is more comfortable and more versatile, so it can be used in military situations but also in daily life.
ViVAX does not use polyurethane foam and manufactures its Concept cases in a completely different way. The company prints the cases with a mold using a material called SEBS. This way they obtain a waterproof level of IP68, the highest possible, which translates to full immersion for 24 hours at a depth of 2 meters.
ViVAX doesn’t use polyurethane for custom interiors, either, because it will discolor over time and crumble. For this type of interior, the company uses only XVA45, a material of high durability and excellent cushioning properties that can be customized even for small quantities.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
FN
fnhusa.com; 703-288-3500
Qioptiq
qioptiq.com; 800-429-0257
Spuhr
spuhr.com; +46 702 603344
ViVAX
vivaxcases.com
Voere
voere.com; +43 5372 62547
