My familiarity with Trijicon’s IR Hunter started in its pre-production days in 2015. At the time, the options were extremely expensive military thermal scopes that cost more than some cars, and relatively affordable imagers with many extraneous functions but only mediocre sensors. The IR Hunter by IR Defense fit neatly in the middle, producing a very good image with a minimum of extraneous frills for a feasible price. A compact, solidly built unit, it also had better battery life than the mil-spec model. Being able to use the thermal scope by itself without mounting it in tandem with a day scope cut the weight and much improved the sight picture. For the longest time, the sight lived on a Smith & Wesson M&P15-22 rifle. Sound-suppressed, it was discreet enough for nighttime walks around the property. Turns out that steel targets at the range retain daylight heat for hours, so practice in the dark was possible, especially in the hot summer months when midnight temperatures were far more comfortable than in the daytime. At some point, IR Defense was absorbed into Trijicon and a refined IR Hunter was released. Although it looked identical on the outside, I borrowed a sample to find out how it compared with the original model. The manual of operation has not changed, but the quality and the usability have improved considerably.

The Trijicon IR Hunter uses the same 640×480 resolution sensor but delivers a much higher quality picture. The battery life is improved, and boot-up time is reduced to a small fraction of the original. The controls are familiar and simple: the on-off rotary switch, three knobs that look like capped turrets, a +2 to -6 diopter adjustment ring. Focus is fixed, limiting clarity at short distances, but adequate down to about 12 yards. The rubber eye cup has a shuttered eye guard; the pressure of shooting glasses on it opens the petals to show the sight picture. When the sight is away from the eye, its output is hidden from potentially unfriendly eyes, also avoiding ruining adapted night vision of its user. Eye relief is 1.1 inch, enough to keep the ocular lens from touching shooting glasses when running up to about .308 caliber. A hinged front objective cover is a must-have accessory and required for correct sensor calibration. My IR Hunter uses three CR123 batteries to extend its battery life to about 3.5 hours at a fast 60Hz refresh rate and nearly 5 hours at the slower 30Hz refresh rate. MK2 comes with either 35mm or 60mm lenses, roughly 2.5x or 4x magnification. My test sample has the 2.5x optic. 2x and 4x digital zoom option is included, but doesn’t really help with detail. At 37 ounces, the sight is heavier than it looks thanks to its all-metal construction. The battery door and image output interface are covered with rubber gaskets. The sight is submergible up to one meter for an hour.

The MK3 offers five BDC reticle options. With a one-shot zeroing process, the setup is quick and easy. A stadiametric rangefinder option is included on the MK3 but that function can be performed quicker with any of the standard reticles. In general, the left-side rotary knob sets up the menu entry, the top and the right-side knobs make adjustments. Imaging options include white-hot and black-hot modes with various degrees of contrast, along with an edge mode that turns the objects in the image into outlines. Enhanced Target Recognition (ETR) is for images with a dominant sky, essentially the thermal equivalent of backlight compensation on a camera. The digital focusing option is actually unsharp masking. At 2.5x magnification, the absence of a focus knob simplifies construction without taking away from the scope’s functionality.

The optic can be used to take photos saved to internal memory in BMP or JPG formats. After selecting photo mode with the left knob, turn the top knob to take a photo. Downloading requires an optional IRDACC-9703 USB/RCA video cable, which is also employed for live video output. A downloading program, supplied by Trijicon, is required.

The quality of the image is impressive. At 200 yards, I can identify a cat. At 75 yards I can differentiate one cat from another. Looking at vehicles, it’s easy to tell how long they’ve been driven by the engine and tire heat signature. Set up on a JP Rifles SCR-11 for coyote hunting, it excels far above amplified night vision for spotting targets. Having taken rabbits at ranges from 25 to 75 yards, I appreciate how rapidly this optic handles on a variety of rifles. As with other thermal scopes, the limitation on distances comes from the atmospheric humidity and on the limited number of pixels available to resolve detail. On targets like feral hogs, engagement is possible out to 600 yards; further with the 4x version. On the other hand, telling the difference between a person carrying a handgun and another carrying a wrench might be limited to a much shorter distance, perhaps 150 yards.

The main appeal of the IR Hunter is the combination of operating simplicity, toughness, and excellent image quality. Due to its appetite for batteries, make sure to watch the viewfinder indicator to know when it’s time to swap in fresh cells.

The newest model of this scope that came out since I got mine has some major upgrades. The output port is now USB-C, making both for easy photo and video output, and for charging from external battery packs. New reticle selections include caliber-specific BDC options for .223, .308, and .300 Blk. The weight has been reduced by about 20%. Manual focus adjustment has been added to the 60mm lens. Due to the change in the sensor size, the new lens magnification options are now 1.2x, 1.75x, and 3x. Battery life with two CR123 batteries has been bumped up to 4 hours.

It seems that Trijicon didn’t just refresh the design from IR Defense but upgraded it significantly on all fronts. It’s definitely a formidable tool for night varmint control and other ballistic applications.

The optical sighting device industry is heading toward replacing traditional ground lens see-through glass optics with optoelectronic sighting devices. This evolution is made even more potent through the integration of optoelectronics and artificial intelligence (AI). Like high definition multi-spectral cameras and viewing screens that offer reliable performance under all light extremes and environmental conditions, sophisticated technology is slowly becoming the norm. For example, the U.S. Army’s Program Executive Office Command, Control, Communications-Tactical seeks single-channel data radios that can “support and integrate” with the Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS). The IVAS program, led by the Soldier Lethality Cross-Functional Team, provides soldiers with artificial intelligence—enhanced goggles that assist with navigation, targeting and advanced night and thermal vision (more on this later). Will this technology transition to the sporting firearms market? Absolutely! It already is.

Perhaps a quick review of the technology may be helpful. Optoelectronics is the science and application of electronic devices that source, detect and control light. Many consider it a sub-field of photonics (the science of radiant energy). In this context, light includes visible light and invisible forms of radiation such as gamma rays, X-rays, ultraviolet and infrared. Photonic devices are electrical-to-optical or optical-to-electrical transducers (devices that convert forms of energy) or instruments that use such tools in their operation. Electro-optics is often erroneously used as a synonym for optoelectronics. While related, “electro-optics” encompasses a much broader physics branch that includes all interactions between light and electric fields, whether or not they form part of a particular electronic device.

Remarkably, optoelectronics is not a new technology. It can be traced back to 1907 when Englishman Henry Round (remember this name) discovered electroluminescence using silicon carbide and a cat whisker while experimenting with a turn-of-the-century crystal radio set.Uniquely, this straightforward radio receiver’s only source of power comes solely from the power of radio waves received via its long-wire antenna. It gets its name from its most crucial component known as a crystal detector, originally made from a piece of crystalline mineral such as galena.

Galena is the naturally occurring ore of lead. Galena crystals act as a semiconductor with a small bandgap of about 0.4 eV. In solid-state physics, a bandgap (also called an energy gap) defines an energy range in a solid where no electron states can exist. In graphs of the electronic band structure of solids, the bandgap refers to the energy difference (in electron volts, expressed as eV) between the top of the valence band and the bottom of the conduction band in insulators and semiconductors. Valence refers to an electron of an atom, located in the outermost shell (valence shell) of the atom, that can be transferred to, or shared with, another atom. Therefore, the bandgap is a significant factor determining the electrical conductivity of a solid. Substances with large bandgaps are generally insulators; those with smaller band gaps are semiconductors, while conductors have very small bandgaps (or nearly none at all) because the valence and conduction bands overlap.

First crystal radio sets used galena crystal as a point-contact diode capable of rectifying alternating voltages and current and detecting radio signals. The crystal was “tuned” with a sharp-pointed wire, known as a “cat’s whisker.” The radio’s operation required that the point of the wire in contact with the galena crystal be shifted about the crystal’s faceted surfaces to find a part of the crystal that acted as a rectifying diode. Today the crystal and cat whisker has been eliminated, and this component is called a diode. Diodes are manufactured with specific purpose-intended semi-conductance values. Semiconductors are the foundation of all modern electronics because anything that’s computerized, like AI or optoelectronics, relies on semiconductors.

Understanding the properties of a semiconductor relies on quantum mechanics to explain electrons’ movement through holes in a crystal lattice.The development of the first transistor in 1947 was made possible by Albert Einstein’s development of quantum mechanics theory. Yet, the path from Einstein’s ingenious quantum mechanics theory to the first manufactured transistor involved thousands of science and engineering hours, numerous failed attempts and billions of dollars. In other words, it was neither easy nor cheap.

Today’s semiconductors are made from material with an electrical conductivity value falling between a conductor, like copper, and an insulator, such as silicon (glass). Therefore, something in-between qualifies as a semiconductor. Semiconducting material exists in two types: elemental materials (pure metals: e.g., gold, silver, copper, etc.) and compound materials (alloys). Using compound materials provides a means to “tweak” the metal’s semiconductive properties (band gap) to achieve a particular component’s purpose. Semiconductors are at the heart of microprocessor chips, as well as transistors.

In the 1920s, Russian physicist Oleg Losev further advanced Henry Round’s electroluminescence research. Losev studied the distinctive properties of light-emitting diodes (LED) in radio sets and published several detailed scientific papers that quantified and documented his findings. Even though one might assume World War II’s wartime necessity would have furthered Losev’s research, it was largely overlooked until the late 1950s. Remarkably, history can’t provide a reason. Whether the scientific community simply didn’t realize the potential or whether LEDs were misunderstood remains a mystery.

In early 1961 while creating a laser diode, Bob Biard and Gary Pittman accidentally discovered the infrared light-emitting diode (LED) at Texas Instruments. In 1962, General Electric’s Dr. Nick Holonyak, Jr. developed the first visible red light LED. This development led the future discoveries of multi-colored LEDs, liquid crystal diodes (LCDs), organic LEDs (OLED) and made possible the expansion of optoelectronics. Applied variations of these diodes are incorporated in every optoelectronic device made today. From smartphone cameras, computers of all kinds and sizes, visible and IR spotting and ranging lasers, low light imaging devices, starlight-magnifying devices, passive and active infrared sighting and imaging devices, to HD digital multi-spectral micro-imaging, flat-screen monitors, high-intensity visible light LED light bulbs, flashlights, headlights, marker lights—the optoelectronic device list goes on and on.

The future for optoelectronics is bright (no pun intended). We are witnessing the exponential advancement of the computing power necessary to enable the marriage of artificial intelligence and optoelectronics. This makes possible the incorporation of features like instantaneous imaging analysis, navigation, ranging, all-weather day/night and spotting capabilities, a user heads-up display (goggles or visor), an encrypted data recording capability, an encrypted data-in-motion link to any smartphone for real-time social media-like or other communications connectivity and the uploading/downloading of updates and data, to name a few.

We are witnessing the exponential advancement of the computing power necessary to enable the marriage of artificial intelligence and optoelectronics.

AI-augmented optoelectronic devices include real-time image identification capabilities, target acquisition and classification, electronic picture stabilization, clutter reduction and/or elimination and a host of other effectiveness options that instantly manipulate, integrate and interoperate image data, target I.D. and firing solution and present it in an understandable intuitive, user-friendly format. At some point these devices will be cheaper to manufacture than traditional glass optics, smaller and lighter to carry, more rugged with a longer life expectancy and provide downloadable, upgradeable, fully-programmable capability with apps all in one AI-augmented optoelectronic multipurpose sight. Remarkably, this technology currently exists. It’s a matter of functionally combining it in a cost-effective package.

So why aren’t manufacturers offering the ultimate gun sight that includes some or all of this technology? The answer is simple. It is available, but it’s expensive. Manufacturers are slowly adding optoelectronic capabilities to their product lines. However, with the addition of sophisticated technology comes the inherent problem of user interface, training and familiarity. The analogy is similar to problems designers faced when teaching pilots to fly a drone. The engineers quickly realized that it was easier to train a computer game player to fly a drone using a game-like hand paddle and joystick than by using something that simulated an aircraft cockpit. The reason was user familiarity (muscle memory).

Most of today’s generation grew up playing computer games and they are at home with the gaming controls that all operate similarly. So, the transition to drone piloting using similar functioning game-like controls is logically straightforward. That is precisely the challenge optoelectronic device design engineers now face. They must design sophisticated devices with controls that closely mimic something that the users are already familiar with and know how to use. Like the drone controllers, the optoelectronic gun sight controls must look, work and feel much the same no matter what brand they carry. AI can help with this by operating most of the technically sophisticated tasks involved without the user even realizing it’s being done for him or her. But there is another concern that goes hand-in-hand with sophisticated AI operations—and that is one of user trust.

So why aren’t manufacturers offering the ultimate gun sight that includes some or all of this technology? The answer is simple. It is available, but it’s expensive.

Trust is necessary when AI is involved in the decision process. For example, things like AI target ID followed by instantaneous engagement requires user trust. Even more so if the AI is autonomously empowered to engage the target without human permission. The problem faced in this scenario is that AI operates at light speed and humans do not. If human permission is required in the AI decision loop (lacking full trust in AI making the correct decision), it will serve to severely slow the process, if not confound it. If a target image has to be transmitted for a human to look at it (evaluate) and then decide to push the “fire” button, that is an eternity at the speed AI operates at. The resulting lag seriously jeopardizes winning the fight. So it logically follows that an AI that has to get human approval to shoot will always be beaten to the draw by an AI that doesn’t. The good news is this problem can be overcome with sufficient AI-human trust. The bad news is the manufacturers aren’t yet working toward a common trust-based operating baseline.

There is always a downside to most things that appear almost too good to be true. In this case the penalty involves the Law of Physics consisting of two major obstacles, thermal fluctuations and random quantum fluctuations—a barrier known as the standard quantum limit. As AI-augmented optoelectronic devices become more powerful, so does the requirement for power and power equates to entropy. Additionally, the standard quantum limit for the noise of an optoelectronic device refers to the minimum level of quantum noise which can be obtained without the use of squeezed states of light (very pure vacuum-enhanced states of light with minimal noise). This translates to unavoidable noise distortion in optical amplifiers resulting from the spontaneous emission of excited atoms or ions. It’s somewhat analogous to the static one hears when a powerful amplifier is turned up to its maximum amplitude. It’s a problem that DARPA has been working on for a number of years and may never fully resolve.

DARPA is also working on the ability to automate the processing, exploitation and dissemination of massive amounts of full-motion optoelectronic imagery (“big data”) collected by U.S. and allied intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) assets in operational areas around the globe, using AI as a discriminator. The sheer volume of this raw imagery intelligence is impossible for human analysts to sort through, much less analyze and correlate, making AI analysis a necessity.

Following the 2011 U.S. withdrawal from Iraq, the Department of Defense (DoD) set its sights to adapt its warfighting tools and strategy for the next decade. Designated Project Maven, the DoD’s central focus is the employment of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in the global fight against terrorism. Machine learning relies on the statistic that, in any large set of data, there will emerge clusters of data points that correspond to things in the real world and this data volume requires AI “deep learning.”

We mostly understand what AI and machine learning is, but what is deep learning (DL)? As the company FLIR explains it:

… deep learning is a form of machine learning that uses neural networks with many “deep” layers between the input and output nodes. By training a network on a large data set, a model is created that can be used to make accurate predictions based on input data. In neural networks used for deep learning, each layer’s output is fed forward to the input of the next layer. The model is optimized iteratively by changing the weights (values) of the connections between layers. On each cycle, feedback on the accuracy of the model’s predictions is used to guide changes in the connection weighting.

Traditional smart cameras combine a machine vision (optoelectronic) camera and a single-board computer running rules-based image processing software. This provides a great solution for simple problems like barcode reading or answering questions like “On this part, is the hole where it’s supposed to be?” Inference cameras excel at more complex or subjective questions like “Is this an export-grade peach?” When trained using known good (reference) images, inference cameras can easily identify unexpected defects that would not be recognized by rules-based inspection systems, making them far more tolerant to variability.

Inference cameras can be used to augment existing applications with rich, descriptive metadata. For example, these cameras can use inference to tag images which are passed to a host that carries out traditional rules-based image processing. In this way, users can quickly expand the capabilities of their existing [optoelectronic] vision systems.

This hybrid system architecture can also be used to trigger a traditional vision system for human viewing.

The combination of AI-augmented optoelectronics and ML running specialized DL algorithms designed to search for, identify, correlate and categorize specific items (even people) of interest in massive volumes of data is the future. Project Maven’s initial results in successfully exploiting “big data” by operationalizing AI/ML indicates DoD is transitioning from its historic hardware-centric organization to one that is AI/ML data-driven.

Another underway example (mentioned earlier) is the U.S. Army’s Integrated Visual Augmentation System (IVAS). IVAS consists of an optoelectronic Heads-Up Display (HUD) helmet-worn visor that will allow soldiers to experience AI-augmented reality. The IVAS includes an optoelectronic HUD, a body-worn computer and networked real-time communications and AI-capable data connectivity. The IVAS uses various optoelectronic imaging sensors, artificial intelligence and machine learning to provide a fully integrated day/night combat capability at the forward edge of the battlefield. It will be fully integrated into combined combat operations to increase lethality, mobility and soldier situational awareness. It will also enable soldiers to train in synthetic environments with the same equipment they use in combat.

Like high definition multi-spectral cameras and viewing screens that offer reliable performance under all light extremes and environmental conditions, sophisticated technology is slowly becoming the norm.

Another similar program along the lines of IVAS (but on steroids) is an AI/optoelectronic  upgrade to the M1 Abrams tank’s sensor suite, target display, tracking and fire control systems, and ability to provide and receive real-time targeting data to and from other tanks, and target designating sources like drones, spotter aircraft, ground units, etc. This system relies on optoelectronic eyes and AI targeting analysis and target prioritization. It’s no less than brilliant.

As this technology proliferates, one might imagine it will transition, at some point, to sighting devices tailored for the sporting firearms market. These devices could very well operate much like IVAS providing the hunter visor-worn real-time all-weather day/night information on terrain, range, bearing, target identification, target validation and firing solution. It could even be augmented with safety information that would alert a hunter of no fire safety zone vectors or other humans within his field of fire. It could also provide a synthetic training environment that a hunter could use for practice, hunt rehearsal or hunt replay. Consider this feature for competition shooters.

AI-augmented optoelectronic gun sights for sporting purposes may never have mobile phones’ commodity status, so recovering development investments always results in expensive end cost products. Nonetheless, history reflects the profit impact of most technology evolution is still far greater than anticipated, mainly resulting from the related spinoff technology. As we proceed further into this decade, AI-augmented optoelectronics is becoming the mainstay of all space exploration and operations. Semi-autonomous robots already see with optoelectronic eyes and think using AI/DL. Spacecraft rely on this technology to navigate, image, analyze and classify physical surroundings. Fully autonomous robots will soon conduct specific tasks like site selection and then build human habitats in advance of humans on the Moon and Mars. We will likewise see them conducting fully autonomous mining of asteroids for precious minerals. We live in exciting times. Space (we used to say “the sky”) is the limit for the future of AI-augmented optoelectronics—imagine the possibilities.

Any mention of Christensen Arms inevitably brings forth an association with their precision bolt actions. Various models of Christensen weapons have been introduced since Dr. Roland Christensen saw a way to apply his aerospace experience to firearms. He developed and marketed a carbon-fiber-wrapped barrel that has significant advantages over solid steel barrels in both weight and heat dissipation. He used his doctorate in mechanical engineering to look at how to apply carbon fiber to the benefit of shooters. Not resting on previous success, the company now builds a full range of firearms: tactical & precision rifles, 1911 pistols, rimfires and AR style rifles.   

The adage “if you want it done right, do it yourself” might be the unofficial motto for Christensen Arms. The same Christensen Arms quality and attention to detail, which enabled the company to provide highly-accurate, rugged and reliable bolt-action rifles, were turned toward the AR platform. This article will feature the Christensen Arms’ take on the AR platform, as embodied by the CA5five6 AR. 

Christensen continuously evolves with various models offered. For example, the CA5five6 has AR siblings in the form of the CA-15 G2, CA-10 G2 and CA-10 DMR. Christensen listened to market feedback about how cost was the main reason new users would hesitate with these earlier introductions. They concluded both customers and the company would benefit if more users became familiar with their products via a less-expensive rifle. The CA5five6 series was the solution. Christensen responded with forged upper and lower receivers, along with different furniture with the CA5five6. The handguard was changed from the CA15 G2’s free-floated, full aerograde carbon fiber handguard to hybrid aluminum handguard with carbon fiber inserts. All of this served to reduce price point while maintaining the carbon-wrapped barrel to deliver the Christensen Arms experience.   

The CA5five6 is not a stripped-down base offering. It features a 16-inch 416R stainless steel 1:8 twist aerograde carbon-fiber-wrapped barrel with .223 Wylde match chamber, ½×28 threaded muzzle wearing a stainless steel 3-prong flash hider, forged upper and lower receivers, black nitride finish bolt carrier group, M-LOK®-compatible 15-inch hybrid aluminum/carbon fiber handguard, Trigger Tech® single-stage trigger and Mission First Tactical (MFT®) Minimalist buttstock. A mid-length direct impingement gas system was chosen. The CA5five6 is backed by Christensen’s sub-MOA accuracy guarantee. Three color options are available: Hard Black Anodized, Tungsten Cerakote, Burnt Bronze Cerakote. 

An overarching theme with the Christensen CA5five6 is using weight efficiency to maximize overall efficiency. The carbon-wrapped barrel is a key component for this. The CA5five6 tested herein weighs in at 6.3 pounds. The hybrid handguard design not only minimizes weight, but maintains weapon balance, especially when combined with the carbon-wrapped barrel. The handguard is textured, allowing for positive grip anywhere along its length. QD sling mounts are placed out on the forend. A single-stage Trigger Tech trigger group rides in the lower receiver, featuring a 3.5-pound pull weight. 

A quick word about the CA5five6’s .223 Wylde chambering is in order. The .223 Wylde was designed as a match chambering for semi-automatic rifles. It will accommodate both .223 Remington and 5.56mm ammunition. It is relieved in the case body to aid in extraction and features a shorter throat for improved accuracy. As many know, the 5.56mm is not synonymous with the .223 Remington chambering. Generally, it is acceptable to fire .223 Remington in a 5.56mm, but not the other way around. The .223 Wylde was meant to give a slightly tighter body spec than 5.56mm, but a bit looser than .223 Remington, while retaining a longer leade/throat. In effect, the .223 Wylde is a hybrid, splitting the difference between the 5.56mm and .223 Remington while extending benefits in terms of accuracy and reliability. 

The CA5five6 was tested with a Riton Optics X5 Tactix 1-6×24mm optic. The X5 Tactix features daylight bright illumination and capped, zero resettable turrets. The X5 Tactix 1-6×24 illuminated, first focal plane (FFP) TF-1 reticle allows for quick, accurate ranging based on target size inside the unique diamond shaped reticle and spaced hash marks, as well as the ability to utilize bullet drop compensation (BDC).  

Combat experiences since 9/11 served as the catalyst for new optic types such as the Riton X5 Tactix compared to non-magnified red dot or fixed powered magnified optics. The X5 Tactix offers a 1x illuminated reticle setting for quick target acquisition at close range with both eyes open. A quick turn of the knob to 6x enables longer-precision shots. The ability to access 6x while still being able to use an illuminated dot at 1x is a force multiplier. This optic is loaded with high-end features, such as 30mm aircraft grade aluminum tube with high transmittance glass for outstanding light transmission and clarity, as well as an integrated removable throw lever, ½ MOA windage/elevation adjustment, fast focus eyepiece and six levels of red illumination with on/off space between each setting. The X5 Tactix is assembled in an EP-level clean room and is 100% waterproof, fog proof and shockproof (tested up to 1200 Gs).

T&E with the CA5five6 rifle with Riton X5 Tactix optic produced consistent hits out to 500 yards on steel targets placed downrange at Echo Valley Training Center (EVTC). With budgets constantly under pressure, the CA5five6 with a Riton X5 Tactix 1-6x24mm optic could be the answer to fulfilling a multitude of roles: DMR, general-purpose patrol rifle and CQB/entry weapon. This is a positive reflection on how the Riton X5 Tactix positively influences the user/weapon equation. The Christensen CA5five6 displayed a high degree of accuracy, living up to Christensen’s sub-MOA promise. Ammunition used was a combination of Black Hills Ammunition 69 Grain Match and 55 Grain FMJ, Hornady® 55 Grain TAP and SIG SAUER 77 Grain Elite OTM. 

The 5.56mm/.223 round’s flat trajectory aids in making center mass hits out to 300 yards without having to compensate excessively for bullet drop. Range evaluations consisted of functionality tests consisting of dumping multiple magazines at several targets in rapid fashion once sights were verified. Magpul and Brownells AR-15 magazines were primarily used in testing the CA5five6, with other magazines types utilized to verify the Christensen Arms rifle was not particular about what feeds it. Once the CA5five6 proved functionally reliable, it was then put through its paces on different rifle courses that were set up for a pending law enforcement competition to be held at the Echo Valley Training Center facility. The CA5five6 handled as expected from a lightweight AR carbine. Total rounds fired was near 500 over several range visits.

The CA5five6 is not marketed as the least expensive AR option, though Christensen has done a great job in lowering the price point with it. All CA5five6 design features are intended for maximizing effectiveness during a fight or realistic training on the range. The key component in a fighting rifle is reliability. No matter how accurate or powerful chambering a rifle is, if it does not work 100% of the time it is a liability.

The 16-inch-barreled Christensen AR showed its versatility by performing within EVTC 100-yard bays, Jungle Walk firing from barricades and engaging targets, but also back at the prepared firing position line with targets placed out to 370 yards. Numerous drills were run involving magazine changes and moving between barricades simulating cover. Several of the more dynamic drills experienced during the T&E showed the CA5five6 at its best, with unrelenting reliability even when scorching hot after multiple magazines fired consecutively. 

The Christensen Arms CA5five6’s theme is evident. No one is advocating going retro and breaking out retired M16A1s for use. Christensen Arms is more than willing to utilize AR improvements as long as items contribute to effectiveness. However, the need for full-length quad rails adding weight and unbalancing the AR is resisted. Doubters are urged to attend a course with a rifle weighing 10 plus pounds, laden with accessories, and compare it to a rifle configured like the CA5five6. I guarantee which rifle allows its user to perform more dynamically, especially around cover, moving or unorthodox firing position drills. The ability to mount infrared laser designators, night vision devices or other sorts of hardware is not something most of us require. The CA5five6 balances performance with handling.

As with any personal weapon, and selection of a rifle is as personal as it gets, individual preferences and prejudices will decide interest level in the Christensen Arms CA5five6. There is a plethora of AR-style rifles vying for consumer attention from individuals, departments or other entities. The Christensen Arms CA5five6 is worthy of consideration based on the attention to detail and quality of materials used in its manufacture. The cliché of “buy right the first time” comes to mind, with the CA5five6 being a good example.

WEBSITES OF INTEREST

Christensen Arms

christensenarms.com

Riton Optics

ritonoptics.com

Black Hills Ammunition

black-hills.com

Hornady

hornady.com

SIG SAUER

sigsauer.com

This article first appeared in Small Arms Review V25N5 (May 2021)

Second, the sight features a built-in thermal that presents a white-hot, black-hot, or outline image over the top of the direct-view image.

Lastly, the sight’s thermal superpowers are compatible with NODS through the clever use of a prism in the optic’s light path. So, for the first time, guys running night vision goggles have access to on-demand thermal fusion imaging by just raising their rifle optic up to their eyeline. Used this way with a set of panos, the operator maintains complete I² situational awareness without distraction and augments his detection capability with a thermal outline in thier rifle optic. Check out the video below to see how the thermal overlay looks.

On the thermal side, the uncooled, NUCless IR sensor has a 12µm pitch, a resolution of 640×480 pixels, and runs at 60Hz, so there’s little lag, flicker, or dragging of moving subjects. The thermal overlay has two options, a traditional full thermal image or an outline mode, as shown above.

The unit is about the size of an old EoTech 512 and weighs 18.7 ounces. It runs on a set of two CR123 batteries that provide about seven hours of thermal operation and about 500 hours when powering only the direct view reticle. Fully hardened for battlefield use on carbines and light machine guns, the XTRAIM is also compatible with 3x magnifiers, a rail-mounted remote control, and offers a unique set of observational and targeting benefits for infantry, operators, and paramilitary/law enforcement units.

Unfortunately for civilians, Thales is only offering the XTRAIM to military and law enforcement at this time. If you’re interested, learn more at www.thalesgroup.com or reach out to solutions@thalesdsi.com.

Thales XTRAIM Features and Specs:

Direct View Optic:

• Eye Relief 90mm @ 14º Thermal HOV, Fixed Diopter
• Red Dot Reticle: 1.6 MOA
• Magnification 1x
• High Luminance OLED Display
• 30x24mm Viewing Window
• Runtime: 500 hours

Thermal Channel:

• New Generation Sensor: 12µm pitch, 640×480 Resolution
• 2x Digital Zoom
• 14º Horz. Field of View
• NUCless imager
• 2 Display Modes: Continuous and Outline
• Runtime: 7 hours

• Weight: 18.7 ounces
• Length: 6.7 inches
• Power: 2x CR123

Staring hard into the dark, a nine-man team, composed of six light Infantry scouts and three snipers tread carefully through a thick forest of concrete; their shadows follow along the 12-foot blast walls that litter the city as they make their way to a vacant two-story house on the west side of town. Their mission—to set up a final firing point to overwatch a highway and eliminate any threat that might be stirring about.

After infiltration into the vacant structure, the snipers slip off their heavy, burdensome packs and asses their final firing point, knowing that every urban hide must facilitate the following elements: positive communications, concealment, observation and fields of fire, escape routes, method of entry, interlocking sectors of fire and hide security.

After fabricating their hide site, the snipers emplace their M-110 rifles, supported by tripods affixed with HOG Saddle mounts. The tripod allows the sniper to deploy a sniper weapon system in a multitude of battle space environments. The Knights Armament-produced M-110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System is a precision 7.62mm NATO caliber, gas-operated rifle that is highly acclaimed for its battlefield performance. The rifle’s inherent accuracy, ambidextrous controls, abundant MIL-STD-1913 rail mounting capabilities and highly efficient sound suppressor system all contribute to the system’s combat success. Behind a double drape screen, the snipers clip on their universal night sights. The PVS-30 clip-on weapon sight adds the latest high-performance Gen 3 light intensification night vision to their rifles by attaching to the MIL-STD-1913 rail in front of the day optic. This device lets the snipers see at all hours of darkness, in shades of green.

Through the looking glass, the snipers begin their rapid scan and detailed search. The rifle scope that the snipers use is from a company that has been providing optics to the U.S. military since 1985. Leupold & Stevens, Inc. is an American manufacturer of telescopic sights, red dot sights, spotting scopes and binoculars located in Beaverton, Ore. Leupold & Stevens was founded by German immigrant Markus Friedrich Leupold and his brother-in-law Adam Voelpel in 1907, under the name Leupold & Voelpel. In 1942, the company name was changed to its present form, Leupold & Stevens. After World War II, Leupold & Stevens began making rifle scopes. In 1947, Leupold & Stevens introduced their first rifle scope, the Plainsman. It was the first fog-proof scope built by an American company. Fast forward to today, and Leupold’s line of optics are being used by organizations such as the United States Army, United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps. Not only is our military depending on them, but across the United States and abroad, countless military units and law enforcement agencies are putting their trust in them to get the job done.

MARK 5HD

The Leupold Mark 5HD is the latest development in Leupold’s tactical line of rifle scopes. Created with the serious shooter in mind, the Mark 5 pushes the engineering limits with its input from elite military personnel and professional shooters. The Mark 5HD was ergonomically designed with superb tactile, .1 Milliradian (Mil) audible click adjustments and a high-speed throw lever so the professional shooter can put accurate fire downrange faster. The Mark 5HD features a proprietary Argon/Krypton gas blend, which nearly eliminates the effects of thermal shock and reduces the diffusion of gases sealed inside the rifle scope. Its large eyebox provides the shooter exceptional head positioning and overall brightness, facilitating in the shooter gaining an effective sight picture quickly and with relative ease.

Weight: 26oz
Length: 12.06in
Eye Relief (low): 3.54in
Objective Diameter: 2.10in
Eye Relief (high): 3.82in
Tube Diameter: 35mm
Elevation Adjustment: 9.1 Mils
Windage Adjustment: 23.3 Mils

MARK 6 (ECOS-0)

In 2013, the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division in Crane, Ind., awarded a five-year contract to Leupold & Stevens, Inc. and Aimpoint in Chantilly, Va., for the Enhanced Combat Optical Sight-Optimized (ECOS-O) program. The ECOS-O advanced rifle sighting system combines the Leupold & Stevens Mark 6 3-18x44mm rifle scope with the Aimpoint Micro T-1 red-dot aiming system. The Aimpoint Micro T-1 red-dot sighting system uses advanced circuit efficiency technology (ACET) with a light-emitting diode (LED) light source to create a 650-nanometer red light. The ECOS-O design attaches the Aimpoint T-1 sighting device to the top of the Leupold Mark 6 rifle scope. The system is designed to provide optical targeting from zero to 300 meters and optically enhanced targeting from 300 to 1,000 meters for the shooter.

The Leupold Mark 6 is a compact, lightweight rifle scope that features the same proprietary Argon/Krypton gas blend found in the Mark 5HD and an exterior lens surface that is treated with DiamondCoat 2, an ion-assist lens coating, for higher light transmission and excellent abrasion resistance. According to Leupold, the DiamondCoat has the additional advantage of assisting in light transmission, for greater brightness, clarity and contrast. The Mark 6 features a powerful 6:1 zoom ratio that delivers a distinctly clear image throughout the entire magnification range and has a Twin Bias Spring Erector System that features beryllium/copper alloy leaf springs for a 30 percent increased holding force to withstand the most intense recoil and abuse.

The Mark 6, 3-18x44mm M5C2 rifle scope is a waterproof, shockproof and fog proof variable magnification rifle scope featuring audible and tactile 1/10 Mil click adjustments, a Zero-lock elevation adjustment with zero-stop, 34mm main tube, front focal plane TReMoR3 reticle for range estimation and long-range target engagement, side-focus parallax adjustment and optional reticle illumination.

Weight: 23.6oz
Eye Relief: 3.8in
Length: 11.9in
Elevation Adjustment: 26 Mils
Main Tube Diameter: 34mm
Windage Adjustment: 15 Mils
Objective Lens Aperture: 44mm
Adjustment Markings: 1/ 10 Mil

TReMoR3 RETICLE

The TReMoR3 reticle is a first focal plane reticle that magnifies along with the image, so you can estimate range at all magnification settings. The T3 reticle is ideal in tactical situations. The T3 gives the shooter the ability for excellent milling capability with 0.1 Mil resolution milling chevrons, allowing extremely fine estimation. Reticle hold points subtending to 0.2 Mil, with the central targeting grid calibrated in USMC Mils (6283 Mils/circle) (1 Mil= 3.60 inches at 100 yards) (10cm at 100 meters).

The speeds associated with the wind dot markers increase by a specific value from one marker to the next, moving outward from the reticle center. The specific value between wind markers depends on the ballistic coefficient and muzzle velocity. Different sniper weapon systems have different wind marker values. There are seven time-of-flight wind dots on each horizonal stadia line.

For example, an M110 has a wind value of 4, resulting in the following speeds from center outward: 4 miles per hour, 8 miles per hour, 12 miles per hour, 16 miles per hour, 20 miles per hour, 24 miles per hour and ending at 28 miles per hour. It is crucial to recognize that the wind speeds are the same for each drop line. As an example, the third wind marker speed equals 12 miles per hour for an M110 weapon system regardless of which drop line it occurs on. This means that no further calculations are required to place wind holds for different drop adjustments.

To determine the wind dot value of your system, in your Applied Ballistic engine, turn off the spin drift calculation, then find the range in which 4 Mils is your elevation hold. Adjust the full wind value until you have as close to a .95 Mil hold as you can.

SPUHR MOUNT

The Spuhr mount is an extremely sturdy scope mount, with the possibility to attach multiple optical accessories directly to the mount. The mount has a built-in bubble level to help offset shooter-induced cant. A 45-degree split of the rings provides unobstructed view of the knobs. The sniper’s rifle and the spotter’s carbine can have the same mount, enabling the use of the same or shared equipment and accessories.

Traditionally weapon-mounted lasers have been mounted on the forend of the rifle, a solution with drawbacks. For the same reasons you don’t want your barrel to touch the forend you don ?t want the sights to be mounted on the forend. The Spuhr mounting system has up to seven interfaces for accessories, and the laser can be easily attached to the scope mount, providing the advantage of an undisturbed laser and having the weight close to the center of the gun instead of forward.

For weapon-mounted laser rangefinders, the direct-view optics are decoupled from the laser rangefinder itself. The sniper must manually align the laser rangefinder (LRF). Improper alignment results in poor ranging capability as well as inaccurate range measurements. To take full advantage of LRF performance, snipers want to ensure that a maximum amount of the laser energy is focused on the target and not scattering off of adjacent areas. At 1000 meters, if the laser rangefinder is misaligned 0.5 Mil low, this could result in an error in the range measurement of up to 5 meters, which could drop the probability of hitting the target by as much as 30 to 40 percent. Weapon-mounted LRFs rely on the rifle scope’s reticle for alignment. If the sniper dials windage or elevation corrections for ballistics, it will ruin the reticle’s alignment with the laser.

E-DOPE READER

The E-Dope is an electronic display used to clearly display target data. Utilizing E-Paper technology, the display is sunlight readable at extreme angles. The display is battery-less, utilizing NFC technology from your Android device to update the display. The E-Dope display is intended for fast-paced target shooting where multiple targets are to be engaged under time constraints. The display uses the E-Dope and Kestrel Ballistic Link Android applications. The E-Dope application allows you to save an indefinite list of stages with multiple targets. This allows the user to pre-save target distances, elevation and wind holds and load them to the E-Dope display when needed.

Using the E-Dope card is easy. Simply input all your required data into either the E-Dope application or the Kestrel Ballistics Link application. Hold the back of your Android device to the front of the E-Dope card. You will get a status bar showing the transfer progress and a message stating “Transfer Complete.”

Dimensions: 2.13in x 3.37in x 0.145in
Viewable Screen Size: 2.9in
IP54 rated: Dust- and Water-Re-sistant
Operating Temp: -10°F to 130°F
Attachment Method: Hook and Loop
Data Transfer: Android Application

ENGAGEMENT CYCLE

Once in the firing position, both the sniper and the observer are responsible for ensuring the sniper hits the target with one shot. The key to success is communication. The sniper team members may communicate however they feel comfortable, as long as their means of communication are effective and concise. With the assistance of the E-DOPE, Applied Ballistic software, a weapon-mounted laser rangefinder, and the robust design of the Leupold rifle scope, the sniper team is able to quickly begin the engagement cycle, which consist of four steps:

Step 1. Target identification—The sniper team identifies and determines that engagement is needed or a leader has directed it.
Step 2. Target acquisition—The sniper team makes the following assessment: Positive identification, weapon capability and individual proficiency.
Step 3. Target engagement—Sniper teams use the shot process and the functional elements of the shot process to engage a target.
Step 4. Target assessment—Sniper teams assess the effects on target and situation.

As dawn breaks over the horizon, the sniper team identifies an enemy combatant emplacing an IED on the side of the road. The team radios to command, informing them of the situation unfolding. Given the green light to engage, the sniper confirms the target distance via his weapon-mounted laser rangefinder, and by quickly glancing at the E-DOPE reader, he holds over the respected Mils in his TReMoR3 reticle and peers through his Leupold rifle scope; with the bend of his index finger, a shot hisses out from the end of the suppressed barrel. Like ripples in a pond, the spotter sees the trace of the bullet traveling at supersonic speed. The tiny projectile arriving to do its job well before the sound does and in less than a second, the enemy combatant is neutralized. The sniper team radios back to command and continues to scan for targets of opportunity.

The Z-008 III of the Zbroyar company in Kiev, Ukraine, can best be described as a bolt-action rifle with AR-looks. We have seen that before. But the Z-008 is not just a fashionably dressed repeating rifle. The weapon has been specially designed in this configuration and is full of gadgets.

The Ukrainian firm Zbroyar (which translates as “weapon maker”) is a private company established in 2004. The company in Kiev focuses on guns for sports, hunting and military use. Production, assembly, finishing and surface treatment are largely done in-house, using modern CNC machines and with a quality comparable to or better than many Western European companies.

At present, Zbroyar produces three types of weapons: the Z-15 (based on the AR-15) in 5.56x45mm (.223) NATO or .300 Blackout caliber, the Z-10 (based on the AR-10) in 7.62x51mm (.308) NATO caliber and the Z-008 III. The Z-008 III is the subject of this article.

The Z-008 is not restricted to any specific caliber. The construction of the gun, with a separate barrel extension, makes it relatively easy to change the barrel (and therefore caliber), which makes it a good choice for long-range shooters.

Description

The Z-008 is a bolt-action rifle. The Roman numeral III stands for the third generation of the gun, as Zbroyar previously made several conventional Z-008 bolt-action rifles. The weapon is completely built in Kiev. Only the AR-stock and pistol grip are aftermarket parts, made by Magpul on the rifle pictured here. The magazine of the illustrated gun is also by Magpul, but of course there is a wide choice in this area.
The Z-008 is a fascinating combination of bolt-action rifle gun and AR. The weapon has the ergonomics of the latter, in terms of the position of the double-sided safety and single-sided magazine catches. The aluminum handguard with its mounting rails and the design of the construction with an upper and lower frame have also been copied from the AR. But since this is a bolt-action rifle, there is no gas block, cocking handle or forward bolt assist. The right side of the solid aluminum ‘upper’ has two elongated openings. The front one is the ejection opening (without a hinging lid), and the rear is for the bolt handle.

The height of the upper part of the receiver is almost the same as that of a semi-automatic rifle, which means it is almost seamlessly continuous with the handguard. To give the upper sufficient rigidity, the top part contains a steel cylinder, of which only the back is visible when the weapon is disassembled.

Unlike a semi-automatic, the Z-008 trigger mechanism is an integral part of the upper frame. The Z-008 comes standard with a single stage trigger mechanism designed at Zbroyar, but the construction is such that it can be exchanged for one of the main brands for an aftermarket trigger.

Extras

The Z-008 bolt has a narrowed bolt head with three locking lugs. The front of the bolt has the extractor, which has been mounted from the rear. It is a Zbroyar design, comparable to a Sako style extractor. The ejector is a spring-loaded plunger in the bolt head.

To maintain the best possible fit between the bolt and frame, Zbroyar added two extras. First, the body of the bolt has been extended to the rear, by means of a detachable end cap. A longer bolt automatically means less play. But as the bolt now travels further to the rear, the buffer and buffer spring had to be removed from the stock, which now has an empty tube with room for the rear part of the bolt. A second characteristic is a steel U-profile, put in the left lower side of the upper receiver. The axis of the bolt handle protrudes from the opposite side of the bolt. This notch runs in the U-profile and secures a tight guide. The U-profile bends upward at the point where the bolt handle is turned downward. This prevents wear to the aluminum upper and aids in primary extraction when the bolt is opened.

Operation

As far as operation is concerned, the Z-008 is simplicity itself. Insert the magazine, operate the bolt and the gun is ready to fire. The magazine housing is asymmetrical. The right wall is shorter than the left, making it easier to insert a magazine in a prone position. The magazine is a standard AR-10.

The firing pin is cocked when opening the bolt. A tooth on the bottom of the firing pin locks in the rear of the bolt body. If the bolt is completely closed, this tooth is released but is then caught by the trigger sear. This is similar to 99% of all other bolt-action rifles, comparable to the reliable operation of the mother of all modern bolt-action rifles, the K98. A small notch with a red ring protrudes from the right side of the upper receiver, giving visual and perceptible evidence that the bolt is cocked. The gun has an ambidextrous safety catch, but only the left side of the receiver is marked with “FIRE” and “SAFE.”

Disassembly

Like the AR, the upper and lower receiver are connected with two cross-pins. When the rear pin is pushed out to the right (it won’t fall out), the lower receiver pivots open. For normal maintenance, that is enough. A special pin now blocks the mechanism to ensure that the weapon cannot be fired.

With the stock out of the way, the bolt can simply be pulled out to the rear of the receiver. To dismantle the bolt, one must first remove the end cap, which is fastened with a bayonet catch. If the cap is turned clockwise, it can be pulled from the bolt body. Next, the firing pin case and firing pin can be pulled rearward out of the bolt. The bolt head is attached to the bolt with a solid crossbolt, in turn fixed by a pin. If this little pin is removed, the crossbolt can be taken out and the bolt head separated from the bolt. The front part of the bolt has a smaller diameter than the rear and the bolt head. It is fitted with a synthetic sleeve, which reduces friction when operating the bolt.

Shooting

We fired the Z-008 III, equipped with a Tier-One Spartan III silencer and a Kahles K 624i 6-24×56 scope, at a 100-meter range, with Lithuanian GGG Ammunition. That distance is almost an insult for the rifle, with a group of roughly half an inch. The bolt runs very smooth, cartridges fed without any problems, and the trigger is excellent. The European importer, the Dutch company PIROSPORT, also specializes in custom-made barrels. It prepared a first run in 6.5x47mm Lapua, but the Zbroyar ZB-008 III can be made in any caliber of the .308 (short action) family, like .243 Win., 6mm BR, 6.5 Creedmoor, .260 and the 7mm-08. The gun is being used as a military sniper rifle as well.

Introduced around 2010, the AR57 blowback upper receiver for the AR15 uses 50-shot P90 magazines and ejects spent casings down through the magazine well for ambidextrous operation. Operating by simple blowback, this upper is available in 6-inch pistol and 16-inch rifle versions. Chambered in 5.7x28mm, this upper is less powerful than the standard 5.56mm version, but that reduction in power brings certain advantages: reduced muzzle blast, a high practical rate of fire, nonexistent recoil, lightness even when fully loaded and, thanks to the top-mounted magazine, the opportunity for the shooter to get very low to the ground for cover. The upper arrives with a custom buffer that fits any carbine AR15 lower.

The first generation came with a medium-weight fluted barrel and full Picatinny rail, which made the potentially light personal defense weapon into more of a varmint rifle. Unfortunately, the intrinsic accuracy of the cartridge yielded mediocre results for tagging small varmints. Of all available ammunition, RRWS copper hollow-point seems to offer the best combination of accuracy (2MOA) and terminal performance (2/3-inch expansion from the original 0.224-inch diameter and around 15 inches of penetration in gel after four layers of denim). Velocity was around 2680 feet per second with SD under 10, so it was no surprise that this cartridge produced more accurate results than other factory loads.

• American Eagle FMJ 40gr 2020fps 3MOA
• RRWS HP 37gr 2680fps (substantially higher than advertise 2550fps) 2MOA
• FN Vmax 40gr 2600fps 2.5MOA
• Handloads Vmax 40gr 2175fps 2MOA

The second generation cut quite a bit of weight by going to a light profile barrel and M-LOK forend with only small rail segments machined in it top and bottom of the front—ideal for a backup front sight and a bipod. Unloaded, but with a Holosun red dot sight, the 2nd Gen. AR57 on a GWACS Armory polymer lower weighs only 5.3 pounds. Fully loaded, it remains a reasonable 6.7 pounds, light enough for most shooters. Placed on an aluminum lower, it gets slightly heftier but gains length of pull adjustment and more neutral balance.

While the reduction in barrel diameter cuts heat endurance, the cartridge used makes this a mostly theoretical issue. Burning around six grains per shot, 5.7x28mm runs much cooler than 5.56mm, which burns four or more times as much. That yields much reduced muzzle blast and far greater heat endurance, though this is naturally at the cost of bullets traveling roughly 40% slower. Even the thin barrel has continuous fire endurance in excess of 150 shots, plenty for any realistic defensive fight. The real limiter of the sustained fire is the exposure of the plastic top-mounted magazine to the heat radiating from the barrel.

To load, place the baseplate of a standard FN P90 magazine into the recess on the front of the upper, then press the feed lip side down on the catch located above and slightly back of the bolt. To charge, pull on the right-side non-reciprocating handle and release. The charging handle’s placement on the right makes it accessible for operation by the strong hand. Since it only has to be operated once every 50 shots, the time penalty for moving the hand off the pistol grip isn’t too great. Empties will eject downward through the nominal magazine well. Some users put a 20- or 30-round magazine body with the feed lips, spring and follower removed to act as a brass catcher. AR15sport.com offers a sheet metal brass catcher of much greater capacity. We tested it on two AR57s at a high round count event with good results. The magazine has no provision for activating the bolt lock when empty, but the bolt can be locked open using the catch on the lower. The upper runs very cleanly and reliably, requiring no maintenance after the first 500 shots.

At $745 from 57center.com, it is less expensive than a PS90 carbine at $1,350, even after the cost of an AR15 lower is added in. 5.7x28mm ammunition costs about as much as 5.56x45mm, though the variety of available loads is definitely smaller.

The adequacy of 5.7x28mm for stopping human aggressors has been in dispute ever since its introduction. Some of the lighter bullets available for it have traditionally been tipped or leadless hollow-points prone to excessive fragmentation. Firing a 27gr lead-free hollow-point at a full, upright 12-ounce beverage can did not result in complete penetration—an excellent result for a range or a small varmint round, but not a man-stopper. Expanding ammunition with better penetration is also available from FN, along with non-fragmenting 40gr FMJ American Eagle. R&R Weapon Systems offers two 37gr all-copper loads, 37F (fragmenting) and 37X (expanding). I would recommend 37X for defensive use, relegating the fragmenting load to short-range varmint elimination.

The main limitation in using the AR57 for varmint control is the space available for optics. With the magazine lifting up for unloading, the length of the scope is sharply limited. I was able to fit 2.5x or 4x prismatic scopes, anything longer caused interference. Considering the sighting limitations, I would rate it as suitable for small rodents out to 100 yards. With defensive use being its more likely purpose, AR57 works best with a smaller red dot sight or an illuminated 1x prismatic scope like the Vortex Spitfire, since the speed of target acquisition trumps precision. Follow-up shots with the 2nd Gen. AR57 were limited only by trigger finger dexterity, as it showed no muzzle rise at all. The newer version moved a little more, as the fairly effective flash hider/compensator got replaced by a thinner, less effective variant that was also quite loud. My recommendation would be to install something like a Kaw Valley Precision linear compensator, which would leave the minimal muzzle rise uncorrected but noticeably reduce the report at the shooter’s ears. AR57 also works well with sound suppressors, producing no gas blowback and only a mild ejection port pop.

The new, lightweight AR57 is lighter than a PS90, though about 8 inches longer. The advantages of AR57 are numerous. Even a stock AR15 has a better trigger than PS90, and aftermarket options can make that difference extreme. AR lowers allow adjustable length of pull. AR ergonomics, excepting the reloading process, make more use of existing training. The height of sights over bore is significantly less, making accurate hits easier.

Compared to a 5.56 upper, AR57 is simpler to clean, generates less felt recoil and much less muzzle blast. With no protruding magazine, it allows the shooter to get into a very low prone position. A lot of ammunition can be carried, as two full 50-round P90 magazines weigh as little as one 5.56 30-rounder. The niche I see for AR57—besides it being plain fun to shoot—is for self-defense by the same slightly built individuals who would have picked an M1 carbine in the past. It requires less upper body strength to use than most long guns and gives 50 shots without reloading. A small teenager or a fragile senior can run it with ease, with the generously sized charging handle being on the side of the strong hand for most users. The rest of us enjoy shooting this upper without even looking for an excuse.

Vortex Spitfire AR prismatic scope bridges the gap between red dot sights and scopes. An unmagnified sight with an integral AR-height riser, it uses an etched reticle of two concentric circles around a 3MOA center dot. The centerline of Spitfire AR is 1.575 inches above the Picatinny rail surface. Windage and elevation turrets graduated in 0.5MOA clicks are capped, but a spare turret graduated with 5.56x45mm BDC out to 700 yards is included for uncapped use.

While the optic has a wide 23-degree angle of view, it’s generally used with both eyes open, making that feature less critical. Spitfire eye relief is 3.7 inches, with a generous eyebox, but not infinite as with red dots. What does it gain over the red dots that makes up for the loss of unlimited eye relief?

First and foremost, the black etched reticle makes it useful without batteries. The sight may be deployed without being turned on and can function in the coldest weather. With the etched reticle as the projection backing, Spitfire has 6-step daylight bright illumination in red or green. The color and the brightness are controlled with two buttons on the back of the integral riser mount. A quick press on both switches color, a long press shuts the illumination off. As a backup for the absent-minded, a 14-hour timer also turns off illumination on an inactive scope. Single AAA battery life is decent but not spectacular at about 250 hours (full power) or 3,000 on the dimmest setting. For long-term storage, lithium AAA batteries are recommended. At the brightest setting, Spitfire is useful for shooting aerial targets like clays. The concentric circles also work very well for leading aerial clays with straight stock shotguns like MKA1919 or Origin 12.

The view through this scope is brighter than on a typical red dot sights, as the front lens doesn’t have to be tinted. Also unlike red dot sights, the prismatic scope causes fewer problems with undercorrected astigmatism in the shooter’s eyes. I am not sure why that’s the case, but numerous people have noticed that unmagnified prismatic scopes don’t suffer from reticle distortion in very low light, when the pupil opens fully and begins to use the less corrected peripheral vision.

The reticle subtensions, 140MOA on the outer circle, correspond to twice the height of an adult male, so a typical foe would fit in that circle at 50 yards, or between the center dot and the top at 100. The inner circle is 44MOA. The center dot is 3MOA, but the absence of light bloom makes it feel smaller. With no vertical or horizontal reference, the reticle is definitely intended for short-range use but can be pressed into service for distance if necessary. Since the rifle front sight usually remains visible at the bottom of the optic, it serves as an expedient cant reference. In my experience, the reticle is detailed enough to facilitate 100-yard, off-hand head hits and 300-yard deliberate torso shots with 5.56mm carbines. The center dot gives a slightly more precise aiming point with the illumination off, but the light bloom is minimal even at full brightness. At distances below 75 yards, placing the highly visible inner ring around the torso of the foe is very quick and almost guarantees a hit. In theory, +/-60MOA of elevation adjustment enable hitting area targets out to 1200 yards with 5.56x45mm ball, but the center dot covers the width of a typical human at 400 yards.

While backup sights remain visible through the optic in the lower 1/3 of the image circle, the front sight will not be in focus. It can be used for rough emergency aiming, but not as true co-witnessing. However, the most robust construction of Spitfire makes it likely to outlast folding mechanical sights. When stowed, the glass is protected with flip-up caps. All connections are sealed with O-rings, and the optics are nitrogen-filled to prevent internal fogging. The single piece tube housing and riser remove yet another potential failure point.

My experience with Spitfire began with the older, turn-dial model. I still prefer the dial to buttons for gloved use, but plenty of competent people prefer buttons. The battery compartment is definitely easier to use on the new model. It has seen extensive use on a Tavor SAR carbine. It is ideal for pistol caliber carbines and other short-range long guns with straight stocks. At this time, I run Spitfire AR on a shotgun, a 22WMR carbine and a 5.56mm rifle. The usability and the moderate price make it practical for use as a standard, across-the-board sight for most short- to medium-range long guns with straight stocks.

The urge to capitalize on AR modularity, firepower, ergonomics and accuracy potential with cartridges other than a 5.56mm cartridge has constantly appealed to the shooting community. Rock River Arms (RRA) is a manufacturer that tapped into this sentiment early on. RRA models and configurations have grown significantly since 1996. Rock River Arms was founded in 1996 by brothers Mark and Chuck Larson. Their initial product focus consisted of custom 1911 pistols before turning their attention to AR-style rifles. The attention to detail associated with creating Match-grade 1911s was transferred over to AR production methods. RRA quality control was rewarded within only a few years of emerging on the AR scene, as RRA was quickly brought to the forefront by winning contracts to provide AR rifles to the DEA and FBI. This has been followed up with multiple other procurement deals with federal, state and local law enforcement entities.

Two recent RRA firearm introductions, the BT-3 Precision .308Win and BT-9 9mm, highlight Rock River’s adaptability. The 18-inch barreled BT-3 and 4.5-inch barreled BT-9 show the full gamut of Rock River Arms’ capabilities and configurations involving the AR; sort of a “long and short” of AR life.

RRA’s goal with the BT-3 is to wring the most out of Eugene Stoner’s design in terms of reliability and accuracy. These two objectives are often at odds with each other. The tight tolerances associated with accuracy can hinder reliability if not applied properly. By improving fit and finish, including the use of a billet lower receiver with the BT-3, RRA sets itself apart from the majority of AR manufacturers in existence today. The BT-3 Precision comes with a fluted 18-inch cryogenically treated barrel. The BT-3 Precision features an extended, free-floated 17-inch M-LOK forend rail system. The BT-3 Precision being direct impingement versus piston-driven assists in maintaining weapon balance. The accuracy potential of a quality AR-type weapon is often on par or superior to a bolt action.

The Rock River BT-9 braced pistols are the latest twist on what Colt started in the early 1980s with its Fourth Generation SMG Model 635 9mm. The Colt Model 635 was patterned off of the M16/AR platform. Other differences between a 9mm AR and a 5.56/.223 AR are related to the 9mm AR working via blowback. The bolt carrier on the 9mm AR needs to be much heavier due to this operating method. It is one piece as compared to the 5.56/.223Rem rotating bolt head. The bolt still recoils into the buffer tube located in the stock; thus, side folding stocks are not an option. The 9mm bolt face is integral to the bolt, and the bolt itself is totally different in configuration due to making room for an ejector that protrudes up from the magblock sliding along its length. Lastly, there are no rotating/locking lugs on the 9mm bolt face.

The Rock River BT-9 has eschewed using Colt or modified Uzi magazines to feed rounds from. The BT-9 is GLOCK-magazine compatible. While the original Colt was select fire, the RRA BT-9 braced pistol evaluated in this article is not. Full-auto is overrated unless you are the lucky individual to have a fun switch-equipped weapon. In all seriousness, the semiauto-only path is not that much of a compromise due to the weapon retaining the handling characteristics of the original design.

Rock River offers a full line of BT-9 pistols with 4.5- (featured herein) 7- and 10.5-inch barrels along with a BT-9 rifle featuring 16-inch barrel. The RRA BT-9 weighs just over 5 pounds with the 4.5-inch barrel surrounded by a free-floated, M-LOK-compatible quad rail and measures 23.5 inches with a 5-position adjustable SB Tactical® SBA3™ brace extended. A Smith Enterprise Vortex® flash hider is mounted with .5-inch-36 thread pattern. The 4.5-inch chrome moly barrel features 1:10 twist rate. This twist rate is well suited to take advantage of the full range of 9mm loads—115 grains to 147 grains. The 4.5-inch barrel gets the most out of the 9mm, while allowing for a suppressor to mount while staying below what a 16-inch barrel length and weight would be even with a suppressor mounted.

The Rock River BT-9 is an excellent example of a classification of weapons that can be no longer ignored or not taken seriously—the braced pistol. The number of pistol models stemming from what was typically associated with rifle-pattern weapons has exploded. Every major manufacturer is now compelled to offer a pistol version of rifle models. AR-type pistols dominate the brace pistol genre due to not only the overall popularity of the AR in the U.S. but also the way the AR buffer tube interacts with the user. Early AR pistols relied on the buffer tube only for user interface. People forget that the plethora of brace options were not present initially. The whole trend exploded with the arrival of braces pioneered by SB Tactical. The AR buffer tube proved an ideal, natural mounting point for braces.

For individuals who have no legal access to an NFA Class 3 Short Barrel Rifle (SBR), the brace-stabilized pistol may well be the closest they can get to achieving SMG-like firepower in such a compact package. Along these same lines, the expansion of states issuing concealed carry permits and other states honoring these permits are another reason why braced pistols are so popular currently. The ability to maintain handgun status with a semblance of SBR performance cannot be resisted. The legal classification as a handgun offers users who have a concealed carry license a certain amount of flexibility compared to a true rifle or NFA-SBR-classified weapon.

To exploit the Rock River BT-3’s versatility, a Nightforce® NX8™ 2.5-20×50 F1 optics was mounted. This scope has a low-power setting for quick target acquisition at close range, and a turn of the knob provides longer or precision shots as the mission dictates. The BT-3’s Picatinny flat-top receiver allows for one of the sturdiest and versatile scope-to-rifle connections available. Variable power magnification optics are becoming more the norm in military and law enforcement circles, especially as available power ranges expand.

A Word on Nightforce

Most have no idea what they are missing in terms of rifle optics offered by Nightforce. Nightforce produces some of the most diversified, high-performing scopes on the market. The low magnification setting with wide field of view, edge-to-edge clarity and illuminated reticle options allow for extremely fast, accurate target acquisition. This is an ideal scope for when fractions of seconds count, and a lethal shot placement is a must. The Nightforce NX8 2.5-20×50 F1 can handle close-quarter situations and much longer shots with a quick turn of the magnification dial.

Accuracy Tests

Various .308Win loadings from Remington, SIG SAUER and Federal provided the basis of accuracy tests. No ammunition, including full metal jacket ammunition, generated greater than 1.75 MOA accuracy levels. The direct-impingement BT-3 AR proved reliable throughout this evaluation with over 350 assorted rounds each sent downrange. The Rock River BT-3 initial group was fired with SIG SAUER Elite 168-grain BTHP. Three rounds nestled into a ¾-inch cluster at 100 yards.

Echo Valley Training Center has been hosting the Hesco® Zombie Invitational for the last 6 years. The Zombie Invitational is a precision rifle, pistol and shotgun match with a zombie theme. A participant is tasked with carrying all weapons, ammunition and supplies for the entire day of activities … no returning to vehicles or campsites to top off ammunition or resupply. We all know that a round to the brain is the best way to deal with a zombie; thus, precision is the key for all the timed stages encountered. The Rock River Arms BT-3 was evaluated using this format. There is no better way to get a feel for a weapon than humping it around all day and then being timed in front of your peers while engaging targets. As expected, the BT-3 was ideal for the longer range engagements where hitting a 4-inch round target at 300-plus yards is no easy task. The CQB stages, thought of as the realm of the AR-15, were handled without issue with the BT-3 as well.

Even though chambered in the 9mm pistol cartridge, the BT-9 braced pistol is a much more potent package than any handgun due to its increased accuracy, and therefore effective range, and ammunition capacity. The muzzle blast differential between a 9mm carbine versus an obnoxious rifle muzzle signature is further accentuated in confined spaces—such as inside a home if serving in a personal defense role. The old standard touting the advantage of having both a carbine and handgun chambered in the same caliber should not be casually dismissed, especially if one is not supported by an organized logistics chain. The Rock River BT-9 further accentuates this by accepting GLOCK-compatible magazines, including 33-rounders.

The RRA BT-9 benefits from proven M16/AR-15 ergonomics, operating controls, ease of accessorizing, sights and other modifications that have evolved over the years since the original Colt Model 635 was introduced; not to mention broad familiarity with the M16/AR-15 platform in the shooting culture. The BT-9 this author tested featured a free-floated quad rail and A4 flattop receiver, allowing for easy mounting of accessories. A conscious decision was made to minimize any weight added, and any accessory was scrutinized for its benefit added versus its weight added.

Drills quickly moved past stand-and-deliver drills to more dynamic drills involving movement, magazine reloads and firing from behind cover. A Trijicon® MRO® (Miniature Rifle Optic) HD was mounted. The MRO HD expands upon on the original MRO by offering both a 2MOA dot and segmented reticle more likely found in a laser holographic sight than a sealed reflex sight (SRS). For certain scenarios, a Trijicon 3x Magnifier was mounted behind the MRO HD. The MRO HD was designed to mate up with the Trijicon 3x Magnifier. The Trijicon Magnifier is on a tilt mount, allowing for it to be swung out of the way until a situation calls for its use. The MRO HD large tube provides a superior field of view compared to many competitor red dot sights. For the civilian, the Trijicon MRO HD and 3x Magnifier combination is worthy for consideration as it enhances performance via flexibility of offering pure red dot or magnification for longer ranges.

The author decided to concentrate on using the Rock River BT-9 in training scenarios involving team tactics and patrolling to contact through Echo Valley Training Center’s (EVTC) 360-degree MOUT Village and Jungle Walk ranges. A wide range of 9mm loads were tested consisting of multiple bullet profiles and weights. 115-, 124- and 147-grain JHP and FMJ loads from Black Hills, Federal®, Hornady®, Remington and Winchester® were tested. The RRA BT-9 SBR was sighted in at 1-inch high at 25 yards which gives a 50-yard zero and -9-inch low at a 100-yard trajectory. Range sessions consisted of nearly 500 rounds to gain confidence in the RRA BT-9’s reliability. The first evaluation was a function test consisting of dumping multiple magazines in quick succession. Nine millimeter ARs have a reputation for being finicky at best and cranky at worst. The RRA BT-9 exhibited neither of these characteristics.

The case can be made that the Rock River Arms’ BT-3 and BT-9 combine to satisfy any imaginable scenario encountered. All of the Rock River features are intended for maximizing effectiveness during a fight or realistic training on the range. The key component is reliability. No matter how accurate or powerful chambering is, if it does not work 100% of the time, it is a liability. Selection of a fighting weapon is as personal as it gets. The Rock River BT-3 and BT-9 are intended for serious practitioners who plan on using them for patrolling, training or defense.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Rock River Arms BT-3
CALIBER 7.62NATO
BARREL 18in cryo-treated
OA LENGTH 36.5in–39in
WEIGHT 8.5lb empty and no scope
ACTION Semiautomatic
CAPACITY Magpul® PMAG® 10-, 20- or 25-round detachable
PRICE $1,550

Rock River Arms BT-9
CALIBER 9mm
BARREL 4.5in
OA LENGTH 23.5in with SB Tactical SBA3 brace
WEIGHT 5.1lb empty and no scope
ACTION Semiautomatic
CAPACITY Detachable GLOCK-compatible magazines
PRICE $1,380

Rock River Arms
rockriverarms.com
Nightforce Optics
nightforceoptics.com
Trijicon
trijicon.com
Echo Valley Training Center
echovalleytraining.com

Questioning the standard approach is not always the easiest path to follow. This applies to any firearms arena: tactical, military, sporting or hunting. What comes to mind if someone mentions getting a rifle for hunting mid-size or larger game? I bet most would not consider an AR pattern rifle, especially if assuming in 5.56mm/.223Rem chambering. A light-weight, fast-handling, hard-hitting rifle is a premium when afield. The search for the “perfect” rifle and cartridge combination is the impetus of many gun designers and manufacturers; this search motivated Stoner himself back in the early 1950s. The AR’s inherent qualities have caused many manufacturers to jump on the bandwagon in recent years by offering their versions. Of late, the most attention seems to be on “improving” the AR platform via increasing chambering options. While most of this is driven by the tactical arena, hunters have benefitted greatly by this as well. We will discuss several prime AR examples that are at-home hunting.

Alexander Arms decided to up the ante with the AR by going a different route—cartridge enhancement in the form of the .50 Beowulf cartridge. Alexander Arms’ 6.5 Grendel is another example of this. Reports from Afghanistan and Iraq have re-exposed that under certain conditions the 5.56mm performs poorly in putting an adversary down quickly with minimal rounds fired. This prompted a re-evaluation of how to enhance the AR platform with different chambering. The .50 Beowulf was introduced in 2001 by Alexander Arms. The last frontier with the AR is caliber expansion that fits within a standard 5.56mm lower receiver and uses a standard bolt group—with some modification. Though the 7.62x51mm/.308Win AR10 has been around for quite some time, the .308Win AR’s increase in size and weight in terms of necessary AR receiver sizes and other accessories to accommodate the larger cartridge is a drawback to many. This is where an AR chambered in the .50 Beowulf comes into the story. Alexander Arms decided to enter the AR fray only after thoroughly exploring the topic and by designing their ARs around new cartridges in an effort to expand the AR’s horizons.

The .50 Beowulf operates with bullet weights between 300 and 400 grains propelled between 1,800fps to 1,900fps depending on barrel length and bullet weight. The .50 Beowulf was specifically designed by Alexander Arms to generate unprecedented stopping power at short to moderate ranges out of the AR. For most .50 Beowulf loads, a 100-yard zero will give a relatively flat trajectory out to 150 yards; 100-yard zero will have the bullet offset less than a 1-inch low at 50 yards, zero at 100 yards, and dropping only 3.5 inches at 150 yards. Anecdotally, the .50 Beowulf can be thought of as a 45-70 Government in term of power. The .50 Beowulf’s heavy, large-diameter bullets and moderate velocities make it well-suited for hunting deer, hogs, black bear and similar-sized game that is found in woodlands or other thick cover situations. The .50 Beowulf’s terminal ballistics and large projectile can anchor most any animal found in North America.

The Alexander Arms .50 Beowulf story does not end with the new cartridge. Bill Alexander insists that the rifles that bear his name be of the utmost quality in all aspects—material, assembly and design. Research for a previous article indicates that each rifle starts with a receiver manufactured by a company that specializes in aircraft engine parts. This industry’s quality control exceeds most due to zero tolerance of failure for obvious reasons. Another Alexander Arms manufacturing tweak is the barrel attachment method to the receiver. Over the years I have become convinced that a quality barrel is the best insurance for providing an accurate weapon. Alexander Arms feels the same way as they contract Lothar Walther for barrels. The .50 Beowulf is fed from 7- or 10-round magazines that share the same dimensions of standard 30-round AR magazines. .50 Beowulf AR magazines need the feed lips opened to accommodate the much larger .50 Beowulf cartridge and single-stack configuration of the .50 Beowulf round.

Alexander Arms’ other AR hunting option is chambered in the 6.5 Grendel. The 6.5 Grendel cartridge can have an entire article written on it. The 6.5 Grendel can be considered an intermediate cartridge falling between the 5.56mm and 7.62 NATO rounds, while maintaining use of the standard AR receiver size. The 6.5 Grendel case fits the bolt head of another Alexander Arms AR creation—the .50 Beowulf. The 6.5 Grendel was developed from the PPC benchrest family of cartridges (which traces lineage to the .220 Russian and eventually the 7.62×39) with modification to the shoulder and neck dimensions. It allows use of standard AR magazine bodies by switching out the followers. 5.56mm 30-round capacity is reduced to 26-round with the Grendel cartridge. The 6.5 Grendel can handle 80 to 144gr projectiles, but it performs best with bullets in the 100-123gr range. The 6.5 Grendel is no hot rod with velocities in the high 2,400-2,800fps range depending on bullet weight. However, it produces excellent down performance due to its high ballistic coefficient enabling retained down range velocity better than almost any other bullet diameter.

The urge to merge AR modularity, ergonomics, optics mounting and accuracy with heavier than 5.56mm cartridge has constantly appealed to the shooting community. CMMG has experience with this in the form of their highly successful Mk 47 Mutant 7.62×39 offering. (More on the Mutant later.) CMMG has upped the ante with their MkW ANVIL .458 SOCOM. The .458 SOCOM emerged from what started as informal discussions within the US Special Operation’s community after involvement in Somali. A set of initial requirements were set forth that shaped the design of the .458 SOCOM. The cartridge needed to fit in standard AR15 5.56mm magazines. The .458 SOCOM was specifically designed to generate unprecedented stopping power at short to moderate ranges out of the AR.

Upon testing, it was found that the .458 SOCOM not only lived up to the initial functionality requirements set forth, but also demonstrated ballistics to making it a viable caliber for a multitude of roles. There is a surprising variety of .458 SOCOM ammunition available from companies such as Corbon, Lehigh, Southern Ballistic Research (SBR), Underwood, Black Butterfly, Polycase and Venture Munitions. Bullet weights span 140 grain to 600 grain. The SBR-loaded Polycase 140 grain ARX reaches nearly 3,000 feet per second (fps), 300 grain loads 1800+fps, 400 grain 1600+ and 500-600 grain 1200-950 fps. Research indicates that the 300-400 grain loads are the “sweet spot” for the caliber with the most bullet load options. The 500-600 grain rounds are for suppressor use.

For 300-350 grain .458 SOCOM loads a 150-yard zero will give a relatively flat trajectory out to 200 yards; 150-yard zero will have the bullet offset less than 1 inch low at 50 yards, +2.5 inches at 100 yards and dropping 7 inches at 200 yards. The .458 SOCOM’s heavy, large-diameter bullets and moderate velocities make it well-suited for use in multiple arenas, including hunting. Shorter range has shared characteristics of each of listed roles. The .458 SOCOM’s terminal ballistics and large projectile have equal effect on engine block or large hog.

The CMMG Mk 47 Mutant product line immediately caught this hunter’s attention as something very worthy of exploration. Hunters know that the 7.62×39 cartridge mimics the hunting icon 30-30 in terms of ballistics. The CMMG Mk 47 Mutant offers true AR modularity, ergonomics, accuracy, optic adaptability, wide spread AK47 magazine compatibility—including drums—and lightweight svelte handling with 7.62×39 firepower. The 7.62×39’s trajectory is conducive to making hits out to 300 yards without having to resort to excessive hold over; 3 inches high at 100 yards produces a 200-yard zero with 15 inches low at 300 yards. The CMMG Mk 47 Mutant combined with a quality optic mated to quality ammunition in the form of the Hornady 123 grain SST is what many hunters have been waiting on.

AR10 type rifles are the most obvious choice for hunting considering the .308Win chambering. The .308Win is an established hunting round in its own right. Sturm, Ruger & Company (Ruger) has taken its concept of the AR rifle another step forward with its SR-762 .308Win (SR25/AR10). The SR-762 is a short-stroke gas piston AR. Ruger decided to enter the fray only after thoroughly exploring the topic and by designing their version of a short-stroke, push rod, piston-driven system for the AR. Ruger describes its short-stroke piston as a two-stage affair eliminating the sharp pulse often associated with other piston ARs as the op-rod strikes the flat-faced carrier key located on the bolt carrier. This aids in faster follow up shots on game.

The Ruger’s decision to expand its AR model line up with the piston driven SR-762 is a valid one. While the SR-762 is not going to be issued to our military services, sportsmen will find the Ruger SR-762 appealing. The combining of the AR platform with the increased power represented in the .308Win cartridge is the key. This is speaking in terms of lethality and effective range, while still allowing for multiple rounds sent quickly downrange if needed.

FN has taken its vision of the AR rifle another step forward with its new ARs chambered in .300Blackout (.300BLK). It is not unusual to see military pattern weapons embraced by hunters. This pattern can be discerned ala Trapdoor, Springfield 1903, etc. Why not take advantage of the time and effort expended by various nations’ armed forces in doing the initial leg work of what works in terms of reliability and effectiveness. This is not to say military weapons are to be blindly followed; just that millions of dollars and countless hours of research and development should not be ignored as a starting place.

The .300 Blackout (.300BLK) is emerging as one of the most successful alternate AR chamberings. Literature describes the goal of the .300BLK as being the ability to launch .30 caliber projectiles from the AR platform using existing 5.56mm magazines without a reduction in magazine capacity or reliable functioning. Another notable characteristic of the .300BLK is its compatibility with the AR standard bolt; thus only a barrel change is necessary. Anecdotal information compares standard velocity .300BLK 115-125 grain ammunition as matching the ballistics of the 7.62x39mm AK and eclipses 5.56mm both in ballistics and terminal punch. At 300 yards, the .300BLK has approximately 17 percent more energy than the 7.62x39mm. There is a wide variety of ammunition available for the .300BLK. A favorite for hunting would be the SIG SAUER Elite HT 120 grain Solid Copper load.

The same FN quality and attention to detail in providing accurate, rugged and reliable weapons such as the M249 and M240 belt-fed machineguns, both examples of other FN designs, were turned toward their AR product line-up. Even though FN America has been making AR pattern rifles for decades here in the US, introduction of a civilian AR product line is new. The FN 15 Tactical’s tale of the tape indicates a 6.6 pound weight and measurements of 33.7 and 37 inches depending on stock adjustment. The FN 15 Tactical is one of the lighter AR versions on the market, especially considering that it features a full-length rail and 16-inch barrel, weighing less than 7 pounds. The FN 15 Tactical shows versatility in satisfying customer needs by not using full-length quad rails, but instead a lower profile handguard in the form of the Midwest LWM. The LWM handguard minimizes weight and contributes to the excellent balance of the FN 15 Tactical. Some full-length rails cause a front heavy feel. This is important for any rifle intended to be used for hunting.

Hunters should not automatically dismiss AR rifles as valid hunting options. Any sneers or jeers received at deer camp can be handled with an explanation of the different calibers available along with describing the accuracy and firepower of which ARs are capable.

SITES OF INTEREST

Alexander Arms www.alexanderarms.com
CMMG www.cmmginc.com
Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. www.ruger.com
FN www.fnamerica.com