This year’s TriggrCon was full of new and innovative products from some of the best companies. However, only one can win in each Golden Trigger Award category. It was a tough decision for our panel of judges, but after much thought, they concluded. Here are your 2023 Golden Trigger Award winners.
Read on for an interview with Hard Head Veterans’ very own Chris Naganuma!
Best in Show – Holosun Optics Digital Reflex Sight Thermal Pro
Founded in 2013, Holosun Optics has focused on creating innovative products that revolutionize the industry. Their dedication to innovation, quality and to their customers has paid off. The DRS Thermal PRO is the winner of the Best in Show Award and is expected to hit stores in the first quarter of January. They will also have a night vision version of the exclusive optic as well!
Most Innovative Suppressor – Replicator VENTUS Suppressor
Replicator prides itself in leading breakthroughs in suppressor technologies. Utilizing 3D printing and extensive knowledge to create never-before-seen products. The VENTUS 9 is an excellent example of their creative in-house processes, earning them the Golden Trigger Award for Most Innovative Suppressor at TriggrCon.
Features:
- HUB Compatible Industry Standard Threads For Most Adapters (1.375×24). Fits Dead Air KeyMo, SilencerCo Bravo, Area 419, YHM etc.
- Virtually Zero Backpressure – doesn’t require gas adjustment or special bolts etc. Runs just like your weapon does unsuppressed.
- Solid, One-Piece Construction
- Full-Auto Rated
- Cerakote color options: C-102 Graphite Black (up to 1,800°F), C-246 (up to 1200°F)
- Comes with a wrench, bore alignment rod, and direct thread adapter (1/2×28 for 556, 5/8×24 for .30 cal and 9mm)
“Suppressors Reimagined” – Replicator USA
Most Innovative Handgun – Oracle Arms OA 2311 Pro
Oracle Arms designs innovative products for competitive athletes, law enforcement and military members. They are constantly pushing the boundaries of performance, and it’s this dedication that won them the Golden Trigger Award for Most Innovative Handgun.
The 2311 PRO is so new that it’s still in development and expected to be released in late 2023. You can stay up-to-date on all things Oracle Arms by following them on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
Most Innovative Long Gun – VIKTR Industries VK-1
VKTR Industries “combines passion, precision, and purpose with proprietary technology to produce exceptional firearms,” according to their website. I have to agree. Their entry for the Golden Trigger Award is well deserving of Most Innovative Long Gun.
Features:
- Patented Billet Ambidextrous Controls
- Heavy-Duty Buffer Retainer
- Bolt Carrier Group
VK-1 is a piston-driven rifle that uses a patented low-profile piston system design. The optimum gas port sizing and a unique cup and spigot design aid the overall efficiency of the system. The VK-1 Rifle is available in Sinper Grey and FDE finishes.
Most Innovative Optic – RIX LEAP series L3/L6
RIX Optics is the winner of the Golden Trigger Award for Most Innovative Optic. They unveiled the world’s first continuous optical zoom thermal riflescope at TriggrCon. This game-changing optic is perfect for all challenging weather conditions, from rain, snow and fog. They are providing all the features you need for a clear view of your target.
Features:
- Optical Zoom Magnification
- 1920×1080 OLED Display
- Extended Battery Life up to 8 Hours of Continuous Use
- Cutting Edge Recoil Activated Video
- Built-in mic
- IP67 Waterproof Rating
Most Innovative Accessory – Hard Head Veterans Micro Lattice Helmet Pads
Veterans have been at the heart of Hard Head Veterans operations since their inception. In 2008, Iraq, a Naval Special Warfare Task Force was having communication problems. Their headsets were being crushed under their standard MICH helmets. There weren’t many accessible options for helmets that could accommodate headsets. This is where HHV came to be.
The Micro Lattice Helmet Pads from HHV are revolutionary. On the product page, they offer the Preliminary Data of Ballistic Resistance Testing, and the data doesn’t lie. Congratulations to Hard Head Veterans for winning the Golden Trigger Award for Most Innovative Accessory at TriggrCon!
I reached out to Chris Naganuma for a brief interview, and this is what he had to say. Thank you again to Chris for taking the time to speak with me!
Interview with Chris Naganuma from HHV
Could you tell me about yourself? How long have you been with Hard Head Veterans?
Chris: My Name is Chris Naganuma, I’m 37 years old and have worked in the defense industry for over a decade. I’m the Community and Events manager for HHV, and in my off time, I work as a War journalist and Fixer. I’ve worked for HHV for just under a year, and you can follow my work on the IG pages @ofbloodandsteel and @ProjectLeaflet.
How did it feel to win the Golden Trigger Award?
Chris: For me, this was a pretty exciting win. I’ve attended all but one Triggrcon since it was created by John and the Rainier team, so to take home a win on an item ( our Micro Lattice helmet padding ), we know helps the end user is big!
How long did the Micro Lattice take to develop? Were there any challenges the company faced while designing it?
Chris: These pads have been in development for years, and through our partnership with Carbon and their Digital Light Synthesis manufacturing process, we are able to create energy-absorbing complex structures in a helmet pad that could never be manufactured before. The Carbon DLS process enables lattice structures that absorb and dissipate energy through the precise tuning of strut thickness and cell size. There were challenges creating the perfect level of thickness, layers and how it feels against the skin, but we have been able to solve those with our partners.
What problem were you trying to solve when creating the lattice? Did you solve the problem?
Chris: Reduction of Shock absorption to the head, ballistic transient deformation and impact accelerations while increasing airflow with better head forming.
What about it might surprise people who use it for the first time?
Chris: I think the first comment we get is ( Oh! It’s a lot softer than I expected it to be! ) when people first pick it up and touch it.
Does HHV do anything to benefit veterans – such as raising money for charities, employment opportunities, etc?
Chris: Yes, most of the employees who work at HHV today are vets, and we often look for other vets to employ! We also donate to the Navy Seal Foundation, the Green Beret Foundation, C.O.P.S. and are involved in numerous giveaways and events through the shooting industry!
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