When you hear a reference to ‘the girls’ your mind may wander in a few different directions, but today we’d like to direct your attention to a truly positive initiative from our friends at Tactical Night Vision and their Website www.tnvc.com.

As you know, breast cancer is a serious disease that attacks people every day of every year. Cancer research is always ongoing, but the cost of such research is unfathomable to those of us outside that circle. One thing we can do to support research efforts is to donate to the American Cancer Society or other sources who are helping raise funds for the cause.

TNVC recently created a For the Girls pink ribbon patch that’s available online for only $10, with all proceeds going to the American Cancer Society. I picked up one of these at their booth during SHOT Show this year and wear it proudly!

You can be part of helping to find a cure for this horrific disease, as well as visibly show your support for those who are fighting for their lives. Visit TNVC today to order your patch, or visit the American Cancer Society to make a donation.

A few people, including our friends at The Survival Podcast, have brought an issue to our attention that we all need to support and supporters of the 2nd Amendment.

The National Gun Victims Action Council has decided to start a movement for all anti-gun supporters to boycott Starbucks this Valentine’s Day, February 14th, 2012. In response to this boycott, a few bloggers have started a Starbucks Appreciation Day “buycott” to counter the NGVAC’s rally.

To participate in the Starbucks Appreciation Day, the call-out is to grab a few $2 bills (which justly portrays the signing of the Declaration of Independence on the reverse of the $2 bill) and head to Starbucks on Valentine’s Day to buy a few cups of coffee. Even if you can’t source $2 bills from your bank, make your presence known!

How do you do that and why all this pressure on Starbucks? Glad you asked!

Starbucks and the 2nd Amendment

As a whole, Starbucks has never done anything other than to support the local laws where their shops are located. This means that if that State/County allows Concealed Carry, then so do they. Click here to read about the original issue with the Brady Campaign we covered here back in 2010.

When Starbucks came under pressure from such circus animals as the Brady Campaign, it prompted the crew of Lightfighter.net and OP Tactical to produce the awesome Guns and Coffee Patch back in the spring of 2010.

This was the first iteration of any kind of pro-gun Starbucks patch and will always be the true patch for supporting the movement. Pick yours up today from OP Tactical (in traditional green & white or subdued as seen on the right) and even if you can’t buy a cup of joe with a $2 bill on Valentine’s Day, you can always walk in wearing a Guns and Coffee Patch and as the Brady Campaign put it, “intimidate patrons” with your open or concealed carry!

Stay tuned for live coverage coming from the 2012 SHOT Show floor on Day 4.

This post will update throughout the day as our coverage continues, so check back often for all the awesomeness!

If you have specific requests, please leave them in the comments and we’ll do our best to track down the information for you. Thanks for tuning into our coverage!

–1512– LaRue Tactical Costa Edition 5.56 14.5″

–1452– New HK G28. (7.62)

–1406– SureFire X400-GN :: 250 lumen weapon light featuring a version with a green-laser diode.

–1403– New hands-free illumination from SureFire :: 2211 Wristlight : 200 lumens.

–1244– New HK MR762A1 (7.62 x 51 NATO.)

–1336– HK MP7. Wow!

–1259– Watershed camera liners drop right in the backpacks.

–1254– Watershed Clutch with the ITW Nexus Cat Snap.

–1225– New Cat Snap from ITW Nexus.

–1203– I keep hearing great things about Lowa boots/shoes. These Lowa Renegades may make my wish list soon! ~KB

–1158– ACR ResQLink with antenna deployed.

–1155– Lowa now making a Zephyr mid made specifically for women. (Similar to this Men’s Zephyr.)

–1151– Lowa GSG Revo GTX.

–1144– Lowa Zephyr for the Air Force. (Ready in June or July.)

–1135– Maritime ACR ResQLink adds flotation with just a tiny bit of bulk.

–1134– The new ACR ResQLink is a big improvement over the old. Smaller and lighter. Will still save your life.

–1106– Meopta USA Meopix Adapter Spotting Scope allows you to use your iPhone to record. Surveillance game changer.

–1101– He who shoots the most. The fastest. Wins. – Dillon Aero

–1058– So many awesome shirts from 7.62 Designs!

–1056– Beautiful bomber jacket from Cockpit USA.

–1037– TeludyneTech M24 Remington 700 Titanium StraightJacket – easily nails the bullseye at 100 yds!

–1024– TeludyneTech StraightJacket Barrel System improves accuracy, reduces heat and reduces recoil for your rifle.

–1000– Adventure Lights now in tan; new velcro helmet mount and switch to prevent white light AD.

– 0900 — The sun is up and we’re prepping for the final day of SHOT Show! We hope you’ve enjoyed the coverage.

Stay tuned for live coverage coming from the 2012 SHOT Show floor on Day 3.

This post will update throughout the day as our coverage continues, so check back often for all the awesomeness!

If you have specific requests, please leave them in the comments and we’ll do our best to track down the information for you. Thanks for tuning into our coverage!

–1422– New Wilcox mount allows two non standard PVS-14′s to be paired together or used individually.

–1220– Multitasker Series 3x prototype sneak peek. New Aimpoint T-1 adjustment addition and hefty blade!

–1145– Multitasker Series 2X… the only tool you need for your AR!

–1144– The pocket toolbox for your AR from Multitasker. MSRP $150

–1125– MagPod – Design virtually eliminates see-saw motion when using as a monopod.

–1123– MagPod – monopod attachment for the Pmag | Less than 1 oz and no tools required.

–1113– Kel-Tec KSG Tactical: 13.7 in barrel, 21.4 overall length. Integrated light.

–1107– Mystery Ranch BASE [Body Armor Support Equipment] – Really takes the load off of your shoulders.

–1008– Princeton Tec CHARGE MPLS Task Light now using a single CR123 battery – even lighter weight than before!

–0953– Titanium 4Sevens [Space] Pen $99 and $15 for the endcap attachments (lanyard, glass breaker…). THIS is my next pen. ^MP

–0947– PO-SS from 4Sevens – Tiny, magnetic, 1/4 of a lumen low and 25 high. – $24.99

–0944– 4Sevens Mini/ML-X – 210 lumens in a 0.6 oz. (without batteries) 2 inch body. Super cool!

–0927– Silencerco’s 5.56 Saker Suppressor….innovation in the industry!

–0919– 4Sevens Preon/P1 Flashlight 2.95″ with Strobe, SOS, Hi/Lo, 70 lumens max in beautiful bright colors! $37 ~KB

–0818– We still have some SWAG to giveaway! Come find us on the SHOT Show floor!

– 0715 — The mountains look gorgeous today, but SHOT Show is calling!

Stay tuned for live coverage coming from the 2012 SHOT Show floor on Day 2.

This post will update throughout the day as our coverage continues, so check back often for all the awesomeness!

If you have specific requests, please leave them in the comments and we’ll do our best to track down the information for you. Thanks for tuning into our coverage!

–1615– 5.56 Saker from Silencerco – High tech can on a gorgeous rifle. Check it out online!

–1609– Primer and Flux Ballistic Performance Eyewear from Gargoyles are new for 2012!

–1605– High velocity .22 from 20 yards hit the Gargoyle Cardinal. Barely a scratch. Total protection.

–1600–Walther P22 with SWR Spectre 22lr Suppressor

–1556– Are silencers legal? Hmmmm… Just ask SilencerCo!

–1542– Crye Precision Compact Assault Ghillie.

–1539– The Airlite Plate Carrier from Crye Precision is only 8 ounces! Super light!

–1537– Crye Precision Jumpable Plate Carrier offers protection & mobility.

–1535– Crye Precision Cage Plate Carrier

–1514– S&S Precision Plate Frame with ultra light design weighing only 1 lb 6 oz and uses a non/stitch/non-sewn process

–1512– S&S Precision – Sling Clip [Simple/effective retention] & adjustable low profile Sling.

–1503– Ops-core/Wilcox mount reduces weight by being integrated.

–1457–The Sentry helmet from Ops-Core with lower cut sides.

–1456– Ops-Core Fast Ballistic Maritime – Super light 3A protection.

–1332– Kifaru Koala Lite

–1253– A-TACS Sleeping System from Snugpak.

–1250– New for 2012 Kifaru Koala Lite Modular pouch paired down from last year’s model.

–1248– Specter DR14 – 1x to 4x red dot.

–1234– Yates Kong Duck Ascender. Super small and simple ascender. 75 grams and versatile!

–1227– New Yates Tactical Rappel/Fast Rope Glove

–1217– Yates Afghan Special Ops Hook.

–1215– BlueWater Dyna-Stat dynamic climbing rope ideal for mountain and technical rescue scenarios.

–1212– MultiCam Yates fast rope gloves.

–1211– Front and Rear Folding BattleSights from Troy Industries for IAR, HK416 and other rail systems.

–1210– Troy Battle Ax CQB NAV Stock. Comes with Garmin Foretrex 401 GPS.

–1209– Troy Battle Rail Delta – Add smaller sections of rails if needed. Free float drop-in.

–1208– Troy Battle Rail Charlie – Four full length picatinny free float drop-in.

–1207– BlueWater Ropes for your rappelling and climbing needs!

–1205– Troy is making some of the only drop-in free floating rails on the market that require no gunsmithing.

–1203– Troy Squid Grips. Heat resistant, easy insert, grippy and still allow heat dispersion.

–1202– New Alpha Rail from Troy uses your standard barrel. Stronger than previous version.

–1152– Ruger 22/45 internally suppressed by Troy Industries.

–1141– Nightforce Precision Optics Reticle MOAR, a look though the scope!

–1135– Nightforce Precision Optics Reticle Velocity Calculator Online helps you find the scope best for your rifle.

–1132– Nightforce Precision Optics Reticle MOAR

–1114– Hyper Stealth Camo patterns similar to selection moving into phase four of the US Army Camouflage Program

–1106– Laser Devices CQBL-1 [Close Quarters Battle Laser] Low profile, eye safe, powered by one 3v CR 123A battery.

–1059– Laser Devices SPIR [Special Purpose Infrared LED Illuminator] 8.2 oz, 800m range, eye safe civilian ready.

–1057– New DBAL-D2 from Laser Devices. Civilian ready IR pointer and 800m illuminator.

–1050– Stag Arms 3G [Three Gun] with new 3G compensator and 3.5 lb trigger.

–1047– AK rails with a cool clamp method from Samson Manufacturing

–1046– Samson MFG AK Rear Sight Rail

–1044– Samson Manufacturing says Let It Rain!

–1043– Samson Manufacturing Evolution Rail System

–1034– Daniel Defense MFR 12.0 rail system. Low profile and totally modular/customizable.

–1025– Daniel Defense DDM4V5 300 Blackout

–1023– Daniel Defense DDM4v7 6.8 SPC. One slick rifle! ^MP

–1017– DuraCoat Firearm Finishes available to pimp your piece!

–1016– Zombie DuraCoat

–1015– Desert DPM from DuraCoat

–0820– Where to? Planning day 2 at SHOT Show 2012!

– 0700 — The sun is rising and so are we! Well actually we’ve been up for almost an hour, getting ready for Day 2 of SHOT Show 2012!

Stay tuned for live coverage coming from the 2012 SHOT Show floor on Day 1.

This post will update throughout the day as our coverage continues, so check back often for all the awesomeness!

If you have specific requests, please leave them in the comments and we’ll do our best to track down the information for you. Thanks for tuning into our coverage!

–1559– Magnum Boots Command 8.0 Side Zip

–1558– The Magnum Boots lineup.

–1555– Always quality from Magpul!

–1542– MagLink from Magpul, $18

–1539– New shotgun forends and stocks from Magpul.

–1537– Strider Knives SJ-75 Retails for $400

–1536– New Strider Knives, Aluminum

–1532– A beautiful (limited edition) M40 rifle just like Chuck Mawhinney’s.

–1529– Battle Mug – One serious made in USA mug

–1527– LFP-9 Pistol from Legion Firearms will be available in 9mm and 40 cal

–1526– Browe Inc optics with Legion Firearms AR rifle

–1525– Great stuff from Legion Firearms out of Temple, Texas! LF-15C Dissipates 30% faster, maintenance free rifle

–1524– New from Kitanica: The Mark V

–1521– Gurkha Bag from I-SHOT. Free standing, stores 6 ammo boxes, bladder/laptop, mag pouches…etc.

–1511– Great rifles from Legion Firearms!

–1448– New stocks from Accuracy International. Thumb hole to pistol grip.

–1440– Accuracy International AW rifle system.

–1438– Mossie Universal Mount from Battle Comp also comes with picatinny mount

–1435– Mossie Universal Mount Battle Comp – If your light fits on a Glock, it fits on this!

–1239– CMMG .22LR Pistol 6.5″ with Wasp treated barrel.

–1231– Desert Tracker Plate Carrier from US Palm made specifically for the sweltering Arizona Desert heat!

–1230– Happiness is a belt-fed weapon.

–1229– Pencott Snow Drift Camo

–1228– US Palm Plate Carrier Backpack.

–1227– Check out this iPad case from US Palm! Get yours in Coyote, Ranger Green, MultiCam or Black

–1226– Breakdown AK from US Palm! Break it down all the way and it fits in a size 12 shoebox!

–1218– 45 round and 30 round AK mags from US Palm!

–1215– US Palm showing off great patches with their gear!

–1213– FirstSpear’s 6/12 Modular Attachment System offers 20-40% reduction in weight than alternative.

–1212– New Drop Leg Panel featuring 6/12 technology from First Spear

–1151– First Spear Strandhogg MBAV Cut Plate Carrier featuring new First Spear ‘Tubes’ quick release.

–1135– Exciting new product line coming from DriFire this year. More to come on RF apparel that feels like cotton!

–1120– SOLKOA’s Ultra-lightweight Multi-purpose Aluminum container : 3.1 oz but sturdy!

–1118– SOLKOA FastFire Fire Starting Kit retails for $18.95.

–1114– SOLKOA Serving America’s Lone Warriors showing their love for America in their booth

–1113– Desert Tactical Arms.

–1112- Eyeball Camera Kit from Mistral Security Inc.

–1101–TEGS Grip Tape available in MultiCam!

–1058– TEGS grip tape and gloves give up to 270% grip improvement. Cool stuff!

–1051– Hey I remember this bag from last year! Though I think it grew… (Sandpiper of California.)

–1046– So new, they don’t even have a name yet! Super light and breathable knee pads from Massif for $40.

–1044– Massif Diamond Peak Field Pant is discreet and fully fits the new ITS EDC Trauma Kit. (Pulled out for demo.)

–1040– New Revision Sawfly Photochromic Eyewear! Adjusts as you move in the field or anywhere. Retails for $149.99

–1028– New Massif Klamath Technical Fleece – Reinforced panels, stretchy, weather resistant. $149

–1027– Durable, stretch, well thought out pants from Massif – Diamond Peak Field Pant

–1025– Massif High Performance Civilian Line – High quality gear direct from their Military line

–1024– Battle Ax Combat pant from Massif with a unique low profile side cargo pocket to minimize bulk.

–1012– Brand new Index Card Wallet from Rite in the Rain!

–1010– Rite in the Rain – It Works!!!

–1004– More Rite in the rain good stuff!

–1002– Rite in the Rain products to help sportsmen and women keep track of the important stuff.

–1000– Fox Fury Nomad – Up to 4,000 lumens – Sets up in 20 seconds. Up to 95 inches tall.

–0957– Fox Fury Rook Checkmate – 600 lumens – $199 – Hi/Low/Strobe.

–0945– Darth Vader mask from Fox Fury.

–0944- TKN (Trauma Kit Now) from Blue Force Gear.

–0943– Blue Force Gear Admin Pouch. Very slick.

–0938– I feel as if I’m being watched… ^MP

–0936– New LMAC (Lightweight Modular Armor Carrier) from Blue Force Gear. (23 oz empty – $259.95)

–0934– Blue Force Gear Helium Whisper Double M4 Pouch. Reducing weight for troops from 115g to 54g for standard double mag pouch.

–0933– Helium Whisper from Blue Force Gear – Strong, lightweight, slim MOLLE attachment.

–0925– Asymmetric Warrior Precision Tactical Rifle System from Ashbury Precision Ordnance

–0920– Helo jacket from Otte Gear, lightweight and easily packable.

–0915– OTTE Gear Sentinel. (Similar to Overwatch but no hood & a few other differences.)

–0913– Sniper Overwatch soft shell from OTTE Gear. (Taking orders & shipping next month.)

–0912– Sentinel Releasable Plate carrier from London Bridge Trading.

–0906– Equipment Sanitizer kills all bacteria in 14 minutes using ozone. New from Rapid Response Concepts & Decon Zone

–0902– Combatives training gear from LBT. Lightweight, flexible, protective, simmunition compliant…

–0857– Great products at London Bridge Trading & a new site launching soon!

–0835– Free DRIFIRE FR T-Shirt from Tactical Distributors – Just drop by their booth and give the password: The Indians are on the Warpath!

–0745– The crew is in the Press Room planning the day AKA ‘drinking coffee by the gallon.

Stay tuned for live coverage coming from the 2012 SHOT Show Media Day at the Range.

This post will update throughout the day as our coverage continues, so check back often for all the awesomeness!

If you have specific requests, please leave them in the comments and we’ll do our best to track down the information for you. Thanks for tuning into our coverage!

–1135– Ram Law Enforcement

–1133– Media Day is huge!

–1118– Check out this one of a kind target from Strikemark (I might miss on purpose!) ^MP

–1117– Camera mounting options from Strikemark Targets (GoPro, Contour, any cam with 1/4 thread…)

–1115– Strikemark Targets [sniper glass]

–1107– Hostage scenario targets from Strikemark

–1052– Kelly shooting the 9mm FNS from FNH USA

–1041– The .22 GSG STG-44 [wooden box included]

–1037– They don’t call it SHOT Show for nothin’!

–1035– T&E is hard work (haha) – Parabellum Armament

–1014– Ambidextrous charging handle from Parabellum Armament

–1012– SWORD International Mk-18 Advanced Target Interdiction Rifle

–1009– Bryan shooting the Mk-15 Patrolman Carbine from SWORD International

–1002– Great weapon system from Sword International!

–0959– .22 UZI from Umarex Arms…Crazy!

–0952– We’re in!

–0937– I love seeing all the coyote, Ranger greens, MultiCam… Good company here. ^MP

–0928– Still in line, but getting closer…

–0917– Hurry up and wait…in line for SHOT Show Media Day.

–0847– On our way to the SHOT Show Media Day at the range!

Revision Military has an awesome promotion currently running where they’re  giving away a free Revision Swag Kit with every order over $99 placed in their online store!

Not only that, but ITS Tactical members can get 30% off their order by entering their discount code on checkout! This promotion runs through the end of the day on Thursday December 22, 2011. (Limit 1 Swag Kit per order)

The Swag Kit consists of a Revision Velcro-backed patch, Revision hat and 2 Revision bandanas. Here’s one of my favorites that Revision is producing.

Revision Exoshield

I’d highly suggest looking at the Revision Exoshield while you’re browsing the Revision Website. I’m currently putting them through their paces now; they’re extremely low-profile, resist fogging well and excellent for running NODs (Night Observation Device AKA Night Vision) with.

The Exoshield ballistic goggles are also comfortable under EarPro. I’m eager to skydive with them after the first of the year too. I’ll have a full write-up coming to ITS, but those are just a few of my initial notes on the Exoshield.

It was initially developed for Special Operations personnel who wanted a goggle that could be used for the entire mission; from insertion to extraction.

Not only is SKD Tactical‘s shipping now officially branded as “Ninja-Certified,” but their entire Website makeover is extremely beneficial.

They’ve made their navigation even easier to use, their graphics more visually stunning and it now even features real bits of panther! (just kidding on that last part, watch Anchorman)

I’ve been a long-time customer of SKD’s and have always appreciated their dedication to great customer service, quick shipping and a $5 flat-rate shipping cost. Running our own store here at ITS and dealing with the intricacies of shipping, I still don’t know how they can afford to offer $5 shipping, but it’s definitely an awesome benefit!

Check them out online, I know I can’t go there without finding a great piece of gear I can’t live without!

We wanted to put a list together this year with a few of our recommendations for goodies under $25 that you might want to put in someone’s stocking.

Our list of items comes from some of our favorite companies throughout the industry and it’s coming down to the deadline to get your online Christmas shopping completed!

Be sure to check out the ITS Tactical Store for your holiday shopping as well, we’ve got quite a few items under $25 too.

25 Gifts Under $25

• Rite in the Rain Universal Field Flex 3.5″ x 5″ Notebook
• Parker Jotter Pen
• Triple Aught Design Fleece Beanie
• Original SOE Christmas Stockings
• Tactical Distributors Shooter Shirt with Velcro
• Tactical Distributors Fleece/Velcro Beanie
• Lock n’ Load Java Warrior Select Coffee
• Haley Strategic Patches and Sticker Packs
• Zulu Nylon Gear Map Sleeve
• Magpul iPhone 4/4S Case
• 215 Gear Blended Operator’s Hat
• Magnum Custom Fit Boot Laces
• SKD Tactical Ball Cap
• OC Tactical Hearing Protection Covers
• LaRue Tactical Beverage Entry Tool (Dillo)
• LaRue Tactical Bumper Stickers
• Lucky Gunner Sellier & Bellot 115 gr FMJ 9mm Ammo
• Revision Military Lens Cleaner
• Venom Industries Flashlight Pouch
• ReactGear Demo Gun for Training
• Tactical Sammich
• FHF Gear MOLLE Bear Spray Holster
• Down Range Gear PALS Belt Platform
• Down Range Gear QASM Vertical Connectors
• Shaddox Tactical Shooters Bean Bag Rest

How is your Holiday Shopping going so far? Have you even started?