At Viking Arms, were passionate about giving back to the communities that matter most to us. Recently, we joined forces with Amey and e50K, a military spouse and veteran-led social enterprise, for another incredible pack up day to assemble the much-needed Move You In Packs.
These packs are a lifeline for military families transitioning to new accommodation, providing them with essential items to help them settle into their new homes. Each pack is more than just a box of essentialsits a gesture of support and solidarity with the Armed Forces community.
What Happens on Pack-Up Day?
Our team, alongside other volunteers, came together to pack 2,500 boxes, each filled with eco-friendly, sustainable products sourced from small, veteran or Armed Forces Covenant-holding businesses. This effort not only provides crucial support for military families but also:
Offers paid employment opportunities for spouses, families, and local community members.
Encourages teamwork and connection among Defence professionals and military supporters.
Directly impacts the lives of military families, ensuring they feel valued and supported during a significant life change.
Its also a fantastic chance to meet like-minded individuals and contribute to a project that strengthens the Armed Forces community.
The Bigger Picture: Empowering Military Families
The Move You In Packs are funded by Amey through its collaboration with e50K. This initiative goes beyond simply providing essentialsits about uplifting military families in meaningful ways.
Every product in the pack is thoughtfully selected, including contributions from businesses like Willsow, creators of the worlds first plantable childrens book. The profits generated are reinvested into e50K to support community-driven schemes that improve the physical and social environments for military families.
Heres what this project has achieved so far:
188 spouses employed
2,613 paid hours provided to Armed Forces community members
4,657 volunteer hours contributed by local and national partners
82 partnerships formed to support the initiative
4 new Armed Forces Covenant signatories
A Shared Mission
Our Armed Forces families sacrifice so much for usits a privilege to give something back. Through projects like this, we can help military families feel supported, empowered, and valued.
By participating in the Move You In initiative, were proud to support a mission that connects people, enhances communities, and uplifts the Armed Forces community.
Join the Movement
Want to learn more about the Move You In initiative and how its making a difference? Visit e50K and discover how you can get involved in supporting this amazing project.
Get ready for an exhilarating start to 2025 with Viking Arms at the SHOT Show in Las Vegas. This renowned event is the premier global trade show for professionals in the shooting sports, hunting, outdoor, law enforcement, and armed forces industries.
As the UKs leading importer and distributor of defence equipment for police and military sectors, Viking Arms is proud to be part of this pivotal event in the industrys calendar. Join us from January 21-24, 2025, at the Venetian Expo + Caesars Forum and meet our experienced team, including Sam Macarthur, Dan Preston, Rob Macarthur, Ed, and Rich Fell. We will be available for networking, discussions, and exploring potential partnerships.
Why Visit Viking Arms at SHOT Show 2025?
Viking Arms is dedicated to providing top-tier defence equipment and reliable solutions to top-tier UK police, military and defence professionals. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our collaborations with world-class manufacturers, such as Glock, Leupold, Federal, Streamlight, Mossberg, EOTech, and L3Harris.
SHOT Show 2025 offers an invaluable opportunity to: ? Engage with our team of defence specialists, ready to provide insights and expertise. ? Discuss your unique UK export distribution needs and explore tailored solutions from our knowledgeable staff. ? Connect and collaborate with industry leaders to stay ahead of emerging trends and challenges. ? Gain a deeper understanding of the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) and UK Police Forces procurement processes to enhance your strategic planning.
Our Commitment to Defence Excellence
Viking Arms is proud to hold the UK MoDs Silver Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) and to be a signatory of the UKs Armed Forces Covenant, demonstrating our steadfast support for the PMD community.
We look forward to meeting you at SHOT Show 2025 and contributing to your businesss success. Book a meeting in advance and experience first-hand the innovation and expertise that Viking Arms brings to the defence sector, email us via pmd@vikingarms.com
Viking Arms Partners with e50K to Support Defence Spouses in Catterick
November 19, 2024
In September 2023, Viking Arms, in partnership with SmartShooter, made a generous donation of £18,000 to support e50K Communities, a female-led social enterprise dedicated to improving the lives of Defence families. This funding has directly contributed to providing employment opportunities for Defence spouses, helping to break down the barriers that military families often face when seeking work.
Why This Matters According to the 2024 FAMCAS survey, 41% of Army families feel negative about their household income due to employment challenges, with 59% of spouses reporting difficulties finding suitable jobs. For many, being part of a Defence family negatively impacts their career progression. Viking Arms and SmartShooter have committed to helping alleviate this issue by funding employment for two Defence spouses at the Bramble Woods project in Catterick.
The Impact on the Community The donation has provided 967 hours of paid employment at above living wage levels for Amy Manuel, an Army spouse and Royal Navy Veteran, and Molly Tate, an Army spouse. In addition, both team members have been enrolled in a pension scheme with combined employer contributions of £540. These roles have allowed the Defence spouses to not only support their families but also play an integral role in their local community.
Beyond employment, e50Ks efforts in Catterick have supported wider community initiatives. Over the course of eight months, e50K has organised 26 hours of community events, provided over 200 hours of job training, and contributed over £25,000 to the Bramble Woods site through grants, donations, and event income.
Amy’s Testimonial Amy Manuel, one of the beneficiaries of this initiative, shared her gratitude:
“After leaving the Royal Navy to care for my disabled child, I feared I’d never work again. Thanks to e50K, I found not just a job, but regained my confidence and sense of purpose. The support from Viking has been instrumental in helping me return to work and progress our community project at Bramble Woods. This donation has made a real difference to my life and to the local community.”
Environmental and Educational Contributions Beyond employment, this partnership has helped influence the community to engage in environmental protection initiatives such as tree planting and the development of local allotments. The combination of education, job training, and hands-on projects has provided a sense of purpose and belonging for the Defence community, fostering both mental and physical well-being.
Looking Ahead Viking Arms is proud to support the e50K initiative and contribute to the well-being of Defence families. By funding this project, Viking Arms is helping to address some of the critical challenges faced by military spouses while promoting community engagement and sustainability. This is only the beginning, and Viking Arms looks forward to further supporting Defence families in the future.
This partnership highlights the commitment Viking Arms has to social value, community well-being, and supporting the families that sacrifice so much for their country.
Viking Arms Welcomes Special Projects Lead to Police, Military, and Defence Division
November 18, 2024
Viking Arms is excited to announce the appointment of Ed H to the Police, Military, and Defence Division, where he will take on a pivotal role as Special Projects Lead. With an impressive 23-year career in the British forces, Ed brings unparalleled expertise and insight into military operations, equipment, and training environments. His arrival strengthens Viking Arms’ commitment to delivering the best possible kit to those on the front lines of defence and security.
A Distinguished Military Career
Ed joined the British Armed Forces in January 2002. Throughout his distinguished career, he served operationally in diverse and high-stakes environments, including the Middle East and Afghanistan, and completed training deployments in challenging terrains from the jungles of Brunei and Belize to the deserts of Oman and the cold-weather conditions of Europe.
Throughout his service, Ed gained extensive, hands-on experience with a wide range of military equipment and advanced technologies. His knowledge spans night vision devices (NVGs), counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), military-grade optics, breaching techniques using explosives, and tactical equipment for land and marine operations. As a qualified military parachutist with training in both free-fall and static-line jumps, Ed has operated in some of the most challenging and unpredictable conditions, giving him a profound understanding of the practical demands of military kit.
Specialist Insight into Tactical Equipment
Eds vast experience with military-grade technology includes extensive work with cutting-edge equipment that has proven essential in modern warfare. His go-to kit features products from Viking Arms premier brands, such as L3Harris GPNVG (Ground Panoramic Night Vision Goggles), NGAL (Next Generation Aiming Laser), and BNVD (Binocular Night Vision Device). He is also an advocate for the Glock 17 Gen 5a trusted sidearm in the military communityand the Mossberg Breacher, which he played a key role in trialling during his time in the service.
Night vision technology has been a game-changer for those of us working in low-light or night-time environments, Ed shared. The advancements weve seen over the last decade, particularly from companies like L3Harris, have transformed operational capabilities and safety in the field.
Joining Viking Arms: A New Mission
Ed was drawn to Viking Arms not only because of the high-quality brands the company represents but also due to its strong Yorkshire heritage and close-knit, family-oriented culture. A Leeds native, Ed feels a personal connection to Viking Arms Yorkshire roots and values the companys commitment. as Armed Forces Covenant signatories and Silver ERS award holders, to supporting the UKs defence community.
Im excited to be part of a team that not only supplies quality equipment but understands the importance of getting the right kit into the hands of those who need it most, whether its a UKSF operator, an armed police officer, or a new recruit in the infantry, Ed said. Viking Arms Police and Military Division is uniquely positioned to support those on the front lines, and I look forward to adding another layer of operational experience to the team.
Focus on Future Defence Technology
In his role as Special Projects Lead, Ed is particularly interested in the future evolution of defence technology. His focus includes advancements in night vision, optics, and tactical gear that can enhance operational effectiveness and safety for personnel. Given his background, he is especially keen to see how emerging technologies will continue to push the boundaries of night vision capability.
Night vision has always been a key element of our toolkit, and Im looking forward to seeing how companies like L3Harris continue to develop this technology, he noted. In todays rapidly evolving defence landscape, keeping pace with technological advancements is crucial for mission success and personnel safety.
Continuing Service as a Reservist
Even after leaving the regular service, Ed remains committed to supporting the Armed Forces. He currently serves as a Reservist, helping prepare and equip the next generation of specialist operatives. This ongoing role allows Ed to maintain a close connection with the military community and stay up-to-date with the latest developments in tactics and training.
Looking Ahead to SHOTShow 2025
As part of his new role, Ed will attend SHOTShow 2025 in Las Vegas, where he is eager to connect with the brands Viking Arms partners with and explore the latest innovations in the defence industry. SHOT Show offers an unparalleled opportunity to engage with industry leaders and discover cutting-edge products that will shape the future of tactical and defence technology.
Im looking forward to meeting with the brands we work with and seeing whats new in the industry. Its a great chance to explore innovations that could become essential tools for the teams we support back home, Ed shared.
Strengthening Viking Arms Commitment to Excellence
Ed Hs appointment is a significant milestone for Viking Arms as the company continues to grow its Police, Military, and Defence Division. His depth of experience, operational insight, and dedication to equipping personnel with the best possible tools make him an invaluable addition to the team. Viking Arms is proud to welcome Ed and looks forward to the expertise he brings to the role, enhancing the companys ability to serve the needs of defence, police and security communities across the UK and beyond.
For more information on Viking Arms products and solutions for the Police, Military, and Defence sectors, visitViking Arms.
The women’s football team at the Army Training Centre (ATC) Harrogate has kicked off their season with renewed energy, thanks to a generous sponsorship from Summerbridge-based defence distributor, Viking Arms.
Formed last season to unite female staff members, the team provides an opportunity for participants to develop new skills, stay active, and inspire female Junior Soldiers by demonstrating the vital roles women play within the Army.
Lieutenant Charley Rogerson, who spearheaded the initiative, highlighted the team’s importance: Inspiring the next generation of female soldiers is crucial. With women making up a smaller percentage of the British Army, its essential to demonstrate that they have a valuable place within the ranks. Football is a powerful way to showcase the camaraderie, support, and capabilities women bring to the Army.
This season, ATC Harrogates womens football team is competing in a local league, recently completing an international tour in Salou, Spain. The tour marked a historic milestone for the team, underscoring the colleges commitment to promoting womens sports and fostering team spirit.
The tour was made possible through Viking Arms sponsorship, which provided the team with high-quality kit and resources for elite training ahead of their international match. The AFC Ladies team, featuring players with varying levels of experiencefrom Army-level athletes to first-timersfaced a well-drilled Spanish side, St Llorenç. Despite a tough start, the team showed resilience, delivering a strong performance.
This event marks the beginning of a new era for womens football at ATC Harrogate, with the all-female team setting a high standard for future teams. Their commitment, teamwork, and resilience will not only shape their roles at ATC but also serve as a model for the Junior Soldiers they inspire.
Currently, women make up just under 12% of the UK Regular Forces, but with all military roles now open to women, they are welcomed into a diverse and supportive workplace. Female leaders play key roles across the Armys capabilities, including combat and support positions.
Sam Macarthur, Managing Director of Viking Arms, shared her excitement about the partnership: As a female-owned and managed business in the defence industry, we are thrilled to sponsor this team. Supporting opportunities for female soldiers and officers to unite and excel through football is something we are incredibly proud of.
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal Visits Viking Arms in North Yorkshire
October 6, 2024
On Tuesday 1st October, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited Viking Arms, a leading supplier of defence equipment to UK police and military forces. During the visit, The Princess Royal officially opened Viking Arms new warehouse facility, toured the companys state-of-the-art facilities, and met with staff members to learn about their contributions to the UK defence industry.
Welcomed by Managing Director Sam Macarthur and members of the founding family, The Princess Royal began her tour with a presentation about the companys operations. Viking Arms specialises in developing, supplying, and distributing advanced defence technology and equipment to the UK police, military, and gun trade. Additionally, the company provides expert firearms training and education.
During the tour, Her Royal Highness was shown the company’s new licensed warehouse, equipped for the storage of ammunition, firearms, and section 5 prohibited weapons. The Princess Royal saw Viking Arms’ advanced Counter UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) technologies, such as the SMASH Smart Weapon Sight Fire Control System, which are currently being adopted by Very High Readiness units across the British Military, and Flex Forces DroneBuster, a handheld electronic attack defeat solution approved by the U.S. Department of defence.
Her Royal Highness also took part in a live demonstration with Rich Fell, Viking Arms Glock armourer and specialist firearms trainer. The demonstration showcased the disassembly of the Glock 17 Gen 4, the standard sidearm used by British Armed Forces since 2013.
Throughout the visit, The Princess Royal met staff from various departments, discussing Viking Arms’ dedication to meeting the evolving needs of the UK defence industry. By maintaining close relationships with end-users in the police and military, Viking Arms influences the design and functionality of many of the products it distributes today.
In addition to officially opening the new warehouse, The Princess Royal presented an award to long-serving employee Janet Dinsdale, in recognition of her 48 years of service. The visit concluded with the unveiling of a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion.
Managing Director Sam Macarthur expressed her pride in the visit: We were deeply honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness to Viking Arms. It was a privilege for the entire Viking family, including our founder Mrs Brown, to share our journey with Princess Anne. The Princess Royal took the time to engage with our team, showing genuine interest in how we support the British military and police with cutting-edge defence technology. We are incredibly grateful for her visit.
Precision in Focus: Viking Arms at the Sniper Symposium 2024
September 27, 2024
Viking Arms Police & Military Division is attending this year’s Sniper Symposium on 2nd & 3rd October in the Newbury area followed by a day & night practical shoot at a nearby MOD facility on Salisbury Plain Training Area.
The Viking Arms team will be demonstrating cutting-edge equipment including the: ? Leupold Mark 5 3.6-18×44 Scope ? Leupold Mark 5 5-25×56 Scope ? Huxwrx Helix 7.62 Suppressor
Mark 5HD rifle scope delivers superior edge-to-edge clarity and extreme low-light performance, while the versatility of its multiple reticle options will give you an advantage at the range or in the field. With three revolutions of elevation adjustment, the Mark 5HD was built to max out the performance of the latest long-range rifles and ammo. A strong utility player suppressor built with patented and proven Flow-Through technology, the HX-QD 762s design and development were heavily influenced by the U.S. Armys CSASS and SDMR requirements, it delivers 136-139 dB performance, is full-auto rated up to 7.62, and is cross-platform compatible up to .300WM theres no other suppressor like it on the market.
Both the Mark 5HD and Helix 7.62 feature in the L129A2 SHARPSHOOTER II upgrade programme.
Book a meeting in advance with Viking Arms defence equipment specialists via pmd@vikingarms.com
Sniper Symposium brings together the best in the industry to explore the future of sniper technology through presentations and live-fire demonstrations. Its an exceptional opportunity for professionals to engage with the latest in military innovations and discuss advancements in tactics and equipment.
Whether you’re involved in defence procurement, an enthusiast of the latest military tech, or a professional in the security and defence sectors, this symposium promises invaluable insights and hands-on experience with the most advanced gear on the market.
Join us to see our products in action and discuss how Viking Arms can support your operational needs.
Viking Arms Police and Military Division: Enhancing a Modern, Lethal, and Productive Army
September 18, 2024
Join Viking Arms at DVD2024
On 18th and 19th September 2024, Viking Arms will join leaders in the Land Equipment sector at UTAC Millbrook for two days of dynamic engagement through informal discussions, briefings, demonstrations, and displays.
DVD2024, jointly Sponsored by Defence Equipment & Support (Land Equipment) and Army Headquarters, will focus on delivering a more modern, lethal, and productive Army, forming military partnerships, and driving investment into UK industry via the Land Industrial Strategy. This event will emphasise learning from current conflicts and swiftly adapting procurement priorities to accelerate the Future Soldier program. Industry collaboration will leverage science and technology to develop next-generation capabilities, meeting the requirements of a contemporary, lethal army.
The Viking Arms team will exhibit cutting-edge C-UAS equipment from SMARTShooter, the Dronebuster from Flex Force, the latest firearm technology from Glock and Meduza, an electro-optical scanning system dedicated for drone recognition engineered by ThirdEye Systems, plus many more. Our team will be on-site to engage with MOD and DE&S staff to highlight equipment for Defence Accelerators and to address land and system requirements. Discussions with Army Headquarters personnel will help identify capability gaps and user requirements, showcasing potential systems or solutions.
Resilience and Collaboration
In todays volatile world, resilience and collaboration are essential for effective deterrence. Viking Arms works with the Army and Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S) to supply technology that outpaces adversaries and fosters a robust defence ecosystem, enhancing the Armys readiness and operational efficiency.
Battle Winning Ideas
Viking Arms is at the forefront of delivering Battle Winning Ideas that make land forces more adaptable, agile, and lethal. By analysing and learning from current conflicts, we enable the Defence sector to rapidly adapt and optimise procurement priorities. This proactive approach ensures the Army can effectively counter future threats, maintaining a competitive edge on the battlefield.
Exploiting Innovation
Viking Arms is dedicated to exploiting innovation and integrating novel technologies at every stage of the procurement process. Our efforts ensure the Armys resilience and adaptability against both current and future threats.
About DVD
With over two decades of legacy, the biennial Defence industry exhibition DVD is THE event for Defence industry, DE&S Delivery Teams, Army HQ, and Defence community users of Land Equipment. Held at UTAC Millbrook since 2003, DVD is jointly sponsored by Defence Equipment & Support (Land Equipment) and Army Headquarters. The event serves as an essential forum for developing ideas, understanding technologies, capabilities, and requirements. Scheduled between the biennial DSEI show, DVD is a pivotal event in the Defence calendar, promoting coordinated engagement through discussions, briefings, demonstrations, and live displays. Stakeholders from across the MOD are invited to broaden perspectives and encourage innovation.
Introducing the SHIELD AMSc: The Latest Innovation in Red Dot Sights
September 18, 2024
Since its original design in 1996, SHIELD has been at the forefront of manufacturing the worlds smallest, lightest, and toughest mini red dot sights. Proudly designed, manufactured, and assembled in Great Britain, SHIELD continues to develop products that enhance shooters accuracy and performance. Viking Arms are proud distributors of SHIELD SIGHTS in the UK.
Introducing the AMSc Building on the success of the AMS, SHIELD proudly presents the AMSc (Advanced Mini Sight compact). This latest addition to the SHIELD AMS line of products offers an enclosed emitter in a scaled-down package, perfect for covert carriage on slimline pistols but rugged enough for duty use on full size pistols.
Key Features of the AMSc:
Enclosed Emitter: The AMSc expands the range of enclosed emitter products, providing advanced features in a compact design.
Compatibility: Utilising our unique SHIELD footprint ensures forward and backward compatibility with existing firearm installations and accessories.
Durable Design: The AMSc features a newly designed aerospace-grade billet aluminium body, providing robustness not usually found in micro-compact products.
Precision Adjustments: No click adjustment allows for a more accurate zero with wider limits of elevation and windage.
Battery Options: Multiple battery tray options allow for a choice between increased operational life or a reduced overall profile.
Weatherproof: Nitrogen-sealed housing is submersible to 30 feet for 30 minutes, ensuring all-weather capability with zero user interaction required.
Co-Witness Capability: Benefitting from multiple patents, the AMSc offers a co-witness using our hollow bridge rear sight design, remaining watertight and one of the smallest and most attractive enclosed sights on the market.
Technical Specifications:
Optical Characteristics:
Light Source: Red light emitting diode (LED), no laser, completely eye-safe, no radioactive materials.
Red Dot Size Options: 4 MOA, 8 MOA.
Lens: Reflex x1 (no magnification), parallax-free, crystal clear 1x hard dip-coated acrylic lens.
Lens Coating: Anti-reflection, no coloured coating, minimises visible signature. Front and rear glass, acrylic inner reflection lens.
Electronics:
Battery: One 3V lithium battery (CR2025, CR2032, or CR2050) with multiple size battery caps for extra concealability or battery life.
Battery Life: 20,000 hours at average daylight with a 2032 battery at 70°F (21°C).
Brightness Adjustment: Automatic.
Brightness Range: Lowest compatible with Night Vision; Highest visible against the sky in bright daylight.
Dimensions: Sight with 2032 battery and cap (Length x width x height): 42 x 34 x 26 mm / 1.65 x 1.35 x 1 inch.
Weight: 21.39 grams / 0.75 ounces without battery.
Mount: The SHIELD Footprint 100+ mounting solutions.
Water Immersion: 30 feet for 30 minutes (IP68).
Why Choose SHIELD AMSc? The AMSc stands out as the toughest, smallest, and most advanced red dot sight in its class. Designed for battle and sized for stealth, it is the perfect choice for both duty size and covert pistols.
Its sleek design and iconic SHIELD footprint ensure compatibility with existing products and demonstrate SHIELDS commitment to innovation and quality in all future projects. Derived from SIS and RMSw products, the AMSc meets rigorous international DEFSTAN standards.
For distributors in the UK, Viking Arms is your go-to source for the latest in SHIELD technology. Experience the unparalleled performance and reliability of the AMSc built for those who demand the best.
Viking Police, Military and Defence: Supporting the Armed Forces Community in Catterick
July 2, 2024
At the end of last year, Viking Police, Military and Defence reinforced its dedication to the local military community by contributing £18,000 to the e50Ks Bramble Woods Project in Catterick. Since then, the project has flourished and achieved significant milestones.
Bramble Woods Project Achievements:
Polytunnel Installation: A 72 ft. polytunnel with 100 planters has been set up. Seventy planters are available for community hire, while 30 are managed by the e50K volunteer team. 10% of the produce from these planters is donated to food banks, with the remaining profits reinvested into the project.
Volunteering Opportunities: Sixty new volunteer positions have been created to help maintain the polytunnel.
Planter Sponsorship: Local businesses can sponsor planters for £100 each, with all funds supporting community initiatives.
Site Improvements: In collaboration with the Princes Trust, the site has been tidied, weeded, planted, and re-designed.
Beekeeping Project: Two bee hives have been introduced, with six volunteers trained as beekeepers at the prestigious Foxglove Covert.
Extended Lease: The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) has granted a five-year lease for Bramble Woods, signifying the MOD’s recognition of the project’s impact and support for e50Ks initiatives.
Community Recognition:
Bramble Woods success is largely due to the hard work of dedicated volunteers and the broader community. The project has been recognised for its outstanding contributions:
Service Children Friendly Group of the Year: Awarded at the inaugural Catterick Service Children’s Awards.
Community Champion Award: Secured by one of the young volunteers.
Celebrating Forces Families Awards: Finalist for both Inspirational Family Member of the Year and Small Business of the Year.
Ex-Forces in Business Awards 2024: Shortlisted for Advocate of the Year.
Viking Police, Military and Defence looks forward to celebrating Armed Forces Day with the Bramble Woods team on June 29, 2024, at the community picnic event.
