Need to see bad guys at night? This vet-run company helps MAWL the opposition

Richard "SD" Kilgore
Nov 1, 2018 8:55 PM PDT
1 minute read
Special Operations photo

SUMMARY

The company that makes some of the military’s most advanced laser and infrared beam illuminators has just released a civilian-legal version of it’s rifle-mounted sight used by some of America’s top troopers. Laser and IR sight maker BE…

The company that makes some of the military's most advanced laser and infrared beam illuminators has just released a civilian-legal version of it's rifle-mounted sight used by some of America's top troopers.


Laser and IR sight maker BE Meyers Co. commercialized its MAWL-DA laser illumination and designation device and dubbed it the "MAWL-C1+." The sight complies with federal mandates on civilian-legal laser strength and performs almost as well is the ones special operators use in the field.

This is a big deal — but to understand why it's a big deal, one must know a little more about the company and about the original MAWL itself.

Many of you reading this already know BE Meyers Co., albeit indirectly. If you've ever been in a contact while a Forward Air Controller laser designated a target, or stood by while a TACP pointed out a place that needed a little special CAS love, you know BE Meyers. They're the folks who designed and built the IZLID for air-to-ground integration.

They're also the company behind the GLARE RECOIL some of you gyrenes have picked up for some additional less-lethal capability (that's some effective Hail and Warning right there).

Additionally, the IZLID makes for an excellent force multiplier if you need to zap someone (or at least point them out for someone in an aircraft to zap) or obtain PID a klick away...with a beam that's invisible to the naked eye.

So, now you know where they're coming from.

Last summer BE Meyers Co. released the MAWL-DA. Modular Advanced Weapon Laser (Direct Action). By numerous user accounts, the MAWL-DA was the greatest innovation in weaponized photonics (hell, any photonics) in a generation.

Apparently it really is that good.

Here's a photo representation of what the MAWL-C1+ can do in using its IR pointer in low-light conditions. (Photo: BE Meyers)

The MAWL is an aiming laser that features a visible green laser, an IR pointer and a predetermined battery of IR illuminators (each intended for a specific operating environment). It's ambi operated, low profile, tucked in close to the bore (so you don't have to worry about mechanical offset), and easy to operate under stress (in the dark, wearing gloves, while dudes are trying to kill you or keep from being killed).

Every anecdotal report we've heard — and there have been several — indicate this thing performs significantly better than the PEQ-15. And because it's modular, it's easier to maintain.

Did we mention the HMFIC over at BE Meyers is an infantry combat veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan?

BE Meyers President Matthew Meyers served in both Iraq and Afghanistan. (Photo: BE Meyers)

Requests for a commercial "civilian" version of the MAWL that doesn't break the Federally mandated 0.7mW barrier have been incessant. We know, because we're some of those who've been asking.

Now a device very nearly as good as the military version, but still far superior to anything else out there we're familiar with, is available for individual purchase. So whether you're about to deploy and your unit doesn't have them, a LEO who understands the significant advantages of a device like this, or a responsible armed citizen who wants one Because Reasons, you're good to go.

What the company tell us about the civilian-legal MAWL-C1+ is big brain speak. Up front though, what the end user needs to know is that you can use it intuitively and in a wide variety of operational conditions; for instance you can roll from a stack outdoors to indoors and back out adjusting the intensity and flood as you go without ever having to fumble-fart around with knobs and buttons and dials.

Just as importantly, you can punch way out there with it when you need to, even in an environment filled with photonic barriers like fog, smoke, or ambient light.

Learn more about the BE Meyers MAWL-C1+ right here.

 

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