Jewelry trees and bowls are a popular, funky way of displaying your jewels — but they’re also an open invitation to burglars, and sometimes they’re bad for your jewelry, too. We recommend you only display items you’d describe as trinkets; anything more valuable should go into a home safe for jewelry. Here’s why:

1. Hard stones and soft metals don’t get along. Storing your rings in bowls is stylish and attractive, but contact with hard gemstones can scratch soft metals like gold and silver. Some gemstones, including opals and pearls, can also be scratched by contact with metal or other gems. Even diamonds can chip or come loose from their settings if they’re allowed to bump up against other jewelry.

2. The specialized dividers and modular compartments in a home jewelry safe keep your valuables from rubbing up against one another, yet still make efficient use of space. This includes necklace racks and forms, watch panels, ring slots, and grooved jewelry holders (good for rings, earrings, and so on).

3. Some jewelry does better in enclosed spaces. Exposure to moisture (and air) makes silver tarnish faster. Your silver stays at its best when wrapped in an anti-tarnish cloth (or acid-free tissue paper), sealed in a polyethylene bag, and tucked into a jewelry safe.

4. Exposure to everyday chemicals, including cosmetics, hairspray and perfumes, will damage precious metals and gemstones. Some of the most tempting places to put a jewelry tree or bowl — including your dresser and bathroom counter — are usually straight in the line of fire.

5. Putting your jewelry away in a safe is also a good reminder to wipe every piece clean and dry with a soft, nub-free cloth. This helps remove residues from your touch (or environmental exposure) that could otherwise build up and damage your jewelry over time.

6. Storing your jewelry in a safe also reduces a myriad of small, but potentially costly risks such as accidentally knocking your exposed items off the dresser, or having them fall off in case of an earthquake or other natural disaster. But the number one reason for keeping your jewelry in a safe is theft prevention.

As pleasant as it is to see your beautiful jewelry on display, it becomes a beacon that can be easily spotted through an open window or door, or by workmen and other visitors to your home. Most of the people who enter your home are no doubt honest, but there’s no reason to draw attention from the very few who might have something else on their minds. Wear your valuables frequently so people can admire them, but keep them stowed safely out of sight and out of mind when not in use.

Here at the Brown Safe Research Lab we have just completed our most badass battle rifle to date. This beast is based on the already highly capable M1A Socom II from Springfield Armory, but our version has undergone an extreme makeover at the hands of the Brown Safe Ballistic div. to transform it into this custom battle rifle for extreme engagements.

Springfield’s Socom II is the highly evolved close quarter version of their popular M1A rifle. The M1A, or its military counterpart the M14, is an iconic rifle that Springfield Armory first began producing in 1958. The powerful M14 made use of the heavy-duty 7.62mm round  and became the standard issue rifle of American soldiers in Vietnam. The enhanced power of the weapon meant superior stopping force and unmatched range. However, many soldiers complained that the 22” barrel and heavy weight made it difficult to easily maneuver through the jungles of Vietnam, and the traditional wooden stocks were prone to swelling in the wet and hot climate which affected the rifle’s accuracy. Although it is no longer the standard issue rifle for American soldiers, variants of the M14 are still used throughout the Armed Forces today, especially as sniper and designated marksman rifles because of its long range accuracy and effectiveness.

Throughout its storied lifespan the M14 platform has evolved into the multiple variations available from Springfield today. One of these variations is the Socom II, created in an effort to alleviate some of the problems associated with the earlier generation M14s. The intent when creating the Socom II was to maintain the weapons legendary abilities as a battle rifle while incorporating features better suited to today’s close quarter combat scenarios. The barrel has been shortened to a 16” configuration  to reduce the overall length of the weapon and aid in maneuvering in tight spaces. While the modified gas system has been tuned to make the shorter barrel system function with the same reliability of its 22” counterpart. Muzzle rise is tamed with the addition of Springfield’s proprietary and phenomenally effective recoil compensator, greatly enhancing shootability through accurate follow-up shots. The stock is formed from a robust synthetic polymer which eliminates the problems associated with the traditional wood stocks and the addition of multiple picatinny rails enhances the versatility of the rifle by accommodating various optics, lights, and accessories.

The Socom II is undoubtedly one of the most capable production rifles on the market today, but still needed some modifications to fill our requirements.

At Brown Safe’s Ballistic division, we were charged with creating an improved battle rifle based on the M1A/ M14 platform. One that would be a highly effective close quarter mayhem machine while conversely being capable of rapidly neutralizing multiple threats out to 800 meters.

We decided to start by lightening the weapon while increasing its accuracy. We contacted J. Allen Enterprises, well regarded within the tactical community for producing flawless stocks for M1A and Remington 700 rifles. True to their reputation, J. Allen provided us with a custom JAE-100 GEN 3 precision rifle stock machined from a single piece of aluminum, a true work of art.  Many riflesmiths advocate the pillar bedding method to gain the most accuracy from bolt-action rifles and by precision CNC machining the stock for an extremely solid metal-on-metal fit, we’ve created a pillar bedded interface for the barreled action. In addition to the reduced weight and increased accuracy of the new aluminum stock, it also provided us the opportunity to add a few more components to satisfy our requirements. In its stock form the Socom II is primarily designed to be run with iron sights and the buttstock does not accommodate the proper cheek weld necessary for long range optics. So, with the new stock design we used the opportunity to add an adjustable cheek rest for a solid cheek weld that would enable better sighting through the Leupold Mark 4 1.5-5x20mm MR/T M2 Illuminated Reticle Riflescope we planned on mounting on the top rail. We also added a monopod at the rear along with a folding bipod up front to accommodate multiple accurate shots out to 800 meters in rapid succession. With the long range requirements satisfied we turned our attention to those things that would make this rifle a beast in close quarter battles. Firstly, because we planned on running the medium/long range optic on top and didn’t like the idea of removing or retracting it before engaging threats at close range, we added a secondary close quarter site in the 1 o’clock position. By mounting an Aimpoint Micro T-1 hollow sight to the side rail through the inclusion of a Daniel Defense 1 O’clock Offset Rail, we are able to rotate the weapon slightly to acquire the target all while still maintaining a firm cheek weld and never removing our hands from the weapon. This also enables the operator to seamlessly transition back and forth between sighting in close and long range threats with ease. An effective variation on this aiming method is demonstrated through the below video provided by Viking Tactics.

More of their valuable videos can be found visiting the Viking Tactics website 

Secondly, although we had substantially reduced the weight of the Socom II with the addition of an aluminum stock, the rifle proved too hefty to hold in an engaged position for an extending period of time. To counteract operator fatigue we installed a VO Blackout 100 milliwatt green laser under the barrel allowing the weapon to be accurately fired from the hip during close quarter confrontations even in full daylight.

We feel the completed weapon may just be the perfect battle rifle for extreme engagements.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Based on M1A platform
• 7.62x51mm NATO (.308WIN) caliber
• Penetrate Light Armor
• Single shot target take down
• Accurate out to 800 meters
• Close quarter capability
• Highly configurable with multiple locations for mounting of optics, lights, and accessories

FEATURES:

• Leupold Mark 4 1.5-5x20mm MR/T M2 Illuminated Reticle Riflescope
• SureFire M952V V-Series Weapon Light with both white light and IR output
• VO Blackout 100mW Green laser Sight
• Daniel Defense 1 0′clock sight offset mount
• Aimpoint Micro H-1
• J. Allen Enterprises JAE-100 G3  M14 Rifle Stock
• B&T industries BT12-QK Rear stock monopod
• Heavy Duty XDS Bipod
• Viking Tactics Wide Sling
• Adjustable Cheek Rest with Thumbwheel
• Off Hand Rest with Integral 1913 Picatinny Rail
• Side Rail Adapters with Picatinny Rails
• Butt Pad
• Quick Release Swivel Sling Mounts
• Adjustable Palm Rest with Spacers

The technical innovation and mechanical know-how of the Brown Safe Research Lab has been expanded beyond our previous endeavors with this latest project….but that’s just the sort of thing we’re into around here. We were asked to improve upon a design for a Mutli-Rotor UAV, which stands for Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. The client requested that the drone we design be capable of accomplishing covert operations in upmost stealth while being compact enough to transport without arousing suspicion.

REQUIREMENT PARAMETERS:

• Capable of a 3 Mile Range
• Fit Inside a Standard Size Briefcase
• Can Transport Equipment Up to 5 Pounds
• Autonomous GPS Navigation and Payload Placement
• Silent Flight
• First Person wireless remote Viewing and Control (FPV)
• Infrared Viewing Capabilities
• Acceleration in excess of 0-30mph less than 0.5 seconds
• Auto Leveling Camera Platform for Stabilized HD Video Recording

HARDWARE:

• Go Pro HD Hero
• Sony NEX-7 Micro Four-Thirds Camera
• Proprietary Explosives Release and Remote Detonation System
• Carbon fiber Xaircraft Hexa Frame
• Fat Shark Predator FPV Vision System
• HellBest Camera Stabilization Platform

Ever think to yourself “I can make this better?” Well that’s exactly what the creators of Massif clothing thought when they found that the flame resistant gear required by their profession severely lacked in many other critical areas commonplace in performance clothing. They found that while these garments could help to save their life in the event of a fire, the complete absence of breathability, stretch, wicking, and comfort was severely compromising their ability to perform their job at the highest level. With the problem squarely in their mind, they began working on a solution, and after exhaustive research they developed revolutionary fabrics that have quickly become the new standard for flame resistant gear to those who take on the world’s most dangerous jobs. With this proprietary blend of high quality fibers selected for the optimum combination of flame resistance, weight, strength, breathability, moisture management, and durability Massif’s gear keeps you safe and at the top of your game.

Massif produces some of the best performance and flame resistant clothing  that we’ve come across. Not only does the Massif line actually perform its job of keeping you safe under harsh conditions, the civilian line actually looks stylish and is rather affordable for the level of quality and performance characteristics of the garments. Now you can sport gear that fulfills your needs without sacrificing comfort or standing out like a sore thumb.

Visit their website to learn more about Massif Flame Resistant Clothing

Here’s a sneak peak at one of the many projects under development in the Ballistic Division of Brown Safe Research Labs. We were approached to create a companion sidearm that would be used under extreme combat situations to compliment a particularly badass Assault Battle Rifle currently under development (more on this rifle to follow in the next week or so). The client stipulated that this handgun be based on the Beretta M9 and must function both as a highly effective close-quarter battle weapon and  provide accuracy out to 75 yards. We love a good challenge, so we jumped at this chance to transform the standard issue Beretta M9 into a supreme tactical pistol.

REQUIREMENT PARAMETERS:

• Highly effective for close-quarter battle
• Accurate rapid succession shot groupings out to 75 yards
• Capable of holding 20+ rounds
• Works in low light situations and night vision applications
• Operator to carry a minimum of 200 rounds with a total weight not in excess of 9 lbs.

HARDWARE:

• Meprolight ML-10662 Tru-Dot Night Sight
• TNVC LDI LAS/TAC 2 Class 1 Infrared Pistol Laser w/ Remote Switch
• Beretta SGS” Profile Compensator
• Jarvis Inc. 6” Barrel
• Command Arms Beretta F92 Pistol Picatinny Rail Adaptor
• Beretta Steel Trigger with Wolfff Trigger Spring
• Hogue 92001 Beretta 92/96 Grip w/FG
• Evolution Gun Works Beveled Magazine Well Extension
• ProMag BER-A8 Beretta 92 20 round magazine

It’s come to our attention that the development team at the ultra secretive Google X laboratory has a new project in the works. Google is calling it Project Glass, and the concept centers around the idea of wearable technology that seamlessly integrates with your everyday life. The hardware takes the form of slim glasses with a small screen that would sit above your eye, on which projected images appear as you communicate with the Android software to show you maps, take calls, snap pictures, and do most any other thing your favorite Smartphone currently does. This technology is still very much in the development stage, but we can definitely see a future where these glasses could allow technology to be more seamlessly and discreetly implemented…all while freeing up the use of both your hands for other important tasks like testing your evasive driving skills, honing your hand-to-hand combat tactics, scaling large buildings, or whatever else you’re into.

Check out Google’s short video showcasing how the Project Glass could be utilized during your day to day activities.

………and now for a bit more of an entertaining look, check out this take on the Google Glass Project

AR15 style rifles are some of the most popular weapons for military and civilians alike, and for good reason, the vast number of manufactures designing and building parts for the AR15 makes it the perfect platform to easily create the style of gun best suited to your needs. Shorter and shorter barrel lengths have become increasingly popular with AR addicts and the advancements in gas piston  setups mean they are more and more reliable than ever before. Those individuals seeking a close quarter weapon that is easy to manipulate in tight spaces, light, accurate, and still carries plenty of power have opted to go with an AR style lower in a pistol configuration.

Short barreled AR style weapons registered as pistols are known as Personal Defense Weapons, or PDWs. One such company specializing producing such a AR15 PDW is Phase 5 Tactical out of Roseville, CA. Phase 5 Tactical is calling this little beast the Close Quarter Combat Pistol, or CQC Pistol for short. They offer the AR15 pistol in two models, the AR15 Phase 5 CQC Pistol – Standard Model (CQC-S), and the AR15 Phase 5 LIMITED CQC Pistol (CQC-L).

The standard CQC Pistol includes a 7.5″ barrel Chambered in 5.56 NATO with  a 1/9 Twist, a Phase 5 Lower receiver, Flat top style upper receiver, 7″ free float quad rail hand guard, anti walk trigger pins, pigtail gas tube system, and mil-spec A2 flash hider…. In other words pretty decked out for the so-called “standard” model. Additionally, the Standard CQC Pistol is offered in an upgradable version that allows you to spec out any other grip, rail system, muzzle break, backup sights, etc. all of which they will install for you at their facility.

The LIMITED CQC Pistol includes all the same goodness that the standard does but it will come with an anodized finish in Battle Green as well as a low profile flattop upper with flip up back up sights, and the full range of killer Phase 5 products including the MB-5sp muzzle brake, Ambi-Battle Latch, REVO Sling Attachment System, Ambi-Battle Latch Charging Handle, Winter Trigger Guard, and Extended Bolt Release.

In addition to their badass close quarter pistols seen above Phase 5 Tactical also sells many of the individual parts needed to turn your short barreled AR15 into one wicked weapon.

Check out the Phase 5 Tactical website to see all their products and learn more about their AR15 pistol.

The Brown Safe Research Lab was recently sought out to create a system that would allow a single operator to  silently and rapidly scale a variety of structures to reach key operational locations and facilitate an even more rapid exit once the objective has been reached. Due to the nature of the operations to be carried out it is extremely important that this system functions with supreme reliability and as discreetly as possible. Additionally, the number of pieces used to make up the system and weight of the individual components utilized required that they be no more than one operator could easily handle on their own.

Requirements:

• Ascent speeds in excess of 3ft per second
• Ability to lift at least 300lbs.
• Redundant Unassisted  fail-safe fall safety
• Silent line launcher capable of projecting a line 100 feet
• Extremely rapid descent option with integrated fail safe braking

Hardware:

• ATLAS Powered Rope Ascender
• Tactical ResQmax
• Petzl ASAP Mobile Fall-Arrest Device
• Petzl MICRO TRAXION  Progress Capture Pulley
• Petxl I’D S Self-braking Descender with Antipanic Function
• Adventure Rope Gear Zip Line Cut-Away Dismount System
• SR-71 Blackbird Zip-line trolley

Carbon Fiber Gear has introduced a brand new set of slick daggers made completely of their namesake material of course, carbon fiber. Carbon fiber isn’t the first material that jumps to mind when thinking of devastating edged tools, and to be fair these don’t have a razor sharp cutting edge, but what they don’t have in sawing power they more than make up for in ultra-light stabbing ability…not too mention they just look plain cool. This set of three carbon fiber daggers is known as the escort series. Each version’s design features a different handle, blade shape and length, but all weigh in at about an ounce; yes that’s right one ounce!

To learn more and buy a set for yourself head over to Carbon Fiber Gear website

Think of a home safe and two things may immediately pop into your mind: A cleverly concealed wall safe (a la nearly every James Bond movie ever filmed), or a massive, heavy, impenetrable estate safe. But bigger — or more cleverly hidden — isn’t always better. Keeping the following tips in mind as you research and shop can make it much easier to find the right home safe:

Location and Accessibility

A good safe is like a seatbelt for your valuables: Great protection, but only if you use it.

There’s nothing wrong with cleverly concealing your home safe. But if you get too clever — by placing the safe in an out-of-the-way location, or just making it a trial to get in and out of — you might find yourself using it less and less, and eventually leaving your valuables unprotected.

Relocating a heavy safe can be an ordeal, so make things easy on yourself at the planning stage: Place your safe in an accessible location where it’ll actually get used. And if the thought of spinning a dial back and forth to get into your safe every day turns you off, consider upgrading to an electronic lock, or even a biometric lock, instead.

Putting a Safe Upstairs

As important as it is to place a safe where it’s convenient and easy to use, some flooring configurations — especially on upstairs levels — just can’t support the weight of a heavy estate safe with fire cladding. That doesn’t mean you should never put a safe upstairs, but do let us connect you with a qualified safe installer who can inspect your home’s structure and determine whether additional support is appropriate.

A few other things to keep in mind about your safe’s “location, location, location”:

• Will there be enough light for you to operate the locking mechanism?
• Can an onlooker see you operating the safe through a window, or from another room?
• Can the safe be anchored in place in its planned location?

Fire Protection vs. Security Protection

The majority of today’s “fire safes” are built of fireboard sandwiched between thin sheets of metal. These safes look good and can offer good fire protection, but they don’t offer adequate protection against burglary, even when “reinforced.”

If you’re concerned about fire but not theft, that’s no problem — but if you want both fire and burglary protection, you should steer clear of fireboard and head straight for cladded fire safes. A cladded safe has a shell of concrete amalgamate outside the safe’s actual steel core; the shell is then covered with a thin sheet of metal. The steel core (and the concrete amalgamate, to a certain degree) protect against burglary, and the concrete amalgamate and the outer steel shell protect against heat.

Response Time

A determined burglar can break into even the strongest of safes — eventually. A well-built safe may deter the burglar entirely, or at least delay him (or her) long enough for the police or a private security firm to arrive.

Safes are tested and rated according to how quickly a burglar can gain access, but the very best-rated safes tend to be both heavy and expensive. If you live in a remote location, it’s worth investing in the best of the best. If you live in a relatively accessible location, you can balance practicality with security by learning the authorities’ response time in your area. Then purchase a safe that’s been tested and rated to withstand entry attempts for at least that long.