BLACKHAWK’s Best

JJ Reich, NAHC’s Field Test Coordinator, recently visited one of BLACKHAWK’s manufacturing facilities, located in Idaho, to check out new products that fellow NAHC members will Field Test and evaluate this fall.

BLACKHAWK is a leading manufacturer and supplier of high-quality and innovative gear for military, police and security professional. They do it all from rugged boots, huge backpacks and other gear organizers, flashlights, knives, high-tech handgun holsters, and a whole lot more.

 

One of their most inventive products are their unique military pants with built-in tourniquets which almost instantly stops bleeding from injuries resulting saved limbs and saved lives of our country’s military, police, and rescue workers.

Another item is BLACKHAWK’s new swim boots. Navy Seals use these unique fully-submergible boots when they swim. Think of them as beach shoes on steroids.

The company also operates BLACKHAWK Outdoor Products Group, supplying premium gear for men and women who love to hunt, fish, and camp. NAHC members will be happy to learn that as they develop new outdoor gear, they will rely on NAHC Field Testers to evaluate and provide critical insights and useful feedback.

We interviewed two BLACKHAWK associates to tell us more about their gear designed for the great outdoors.

The first interview was with Clif Cook, VP of Manufacturing and Research & Development, who told us about their “over-built” hunting packs:

Out of all your packs, designed for hunters, which one are you most excited about?

“The BLACKGORGE pack to me is the most unique of all of our packs and is not just a warmed over outdoor pack design with some extra pockets. If you truly hunt on your own two legs and venture off the beaten path then this is an absolutely indispensable piece of gear. Its best feature is the huge expandable mid-section which easily carries large quantities boned-out meat and other bulky cargo.”  

 

What are the major considerations you deem as most important when designing a hunting pack?

“Comfort ,ruggedness and ability to keep gear organized and readily accessible. The interface with your firearm/bow is very good as is the fact that the packs are designed to move easily and quietly through the brush.”

What sets your packs apart from competition?

“The cutting edge hunting specific design, compatibility with accessory pouches, the over built construction (a Blackhawk! tradition) and the use of high tech materials such as the molded space mesh monofilament back panel found on most of our hunting packs. We also have our own proprietary hydration system which offers many advantages to the hunter.”

The second interview was with Gary Cauble, Knoxx Stocks Category Manager. Gary provided much insight on BLACKHAWK’s Knoxx Stock which is a high-tech, recoil-reducing stock that you can swap out and add on to your hunting shotguns and rifles.

 

How does the Knoxx Stock technology work?

“The Knoxx recoil reduction system is variable ratio cam system. The main components of the recoil system include; a cam, cam roller, and an extension spring.  Through a caming action, the rearward moving energy from the recoil pulse is slowed down and spread over a longer period time by the extending of an internal extension spring. The stored energy is then released by the spring collapsing back to its original state of rest.”


Knoxx Stock Shotguns 

How much recoil reduction does each model provide?

“Overall the various recoil systems offer a 65% to 90% reduction in perceived felt recoil. This new technology definitely makes every aspect of shooting more enjoyable.”


Knoxx Stock Rifle 

For Hunters, what makes and models are the Knoxx Stocks available for?

“For the SpecOps Stock (Adjustable Shotgun Stock) it comes in popular pump action models for the Remington 870 (20 & 12g), Mossberg 500, 535, 590, 835, 88 and the Winchester 1300/1200. For the Axiom Rifle Stock, it’s available for Remington Model 700 Rifles, Howa 1500, and Weatherby Vanguard. For the Rifle CompStock, it’s available for Rem 700, Win 70, Ruger 77 MKII, Mauser 98, Howa 1500, and Weatherby Vanguard. Knoxx Stocks also come factory-installed on several firearms, including Remington Arms, Traditions, and Legacy Sports International.”


Knoxx Pistol Stock Inside 


Knoxx Comp Stock Inside

Learning all about BLACKHAWK’S product lines convinced us that the company is obsessed with quality and dedicated to providing premium outdoor gear for sportsmen and women. However, if you or anyone close to you has a job with the military or law enforcement, you should check out BLACKHAWK’s huge catalog of goods, it’s quite impressive.

Contact Blackhawk Products Group at: (800) 694-5263; or visit www.blackhawk.com.