Editorial Special: AR-Type Rifles

Small Arms Review Editorial Staff

Barrett

REC7 DI DMR

Hand built and tested to ensure it lives up to the Barrett name, the REC7 DI DMR is a lightweight, modular, accurate AR that even the most diehard traditionalist can appreciate. The upper and lower receivers are machined from 7075-T6 aluminum, and feature a lengthened gas system, Magpul furniture, Radian charging handle, TriggerTech adaptable trigger, M-Lok slotted hand guard, and is available finished in Cerakote black, tungsten grey, or flat dark earth.

• Action: Direct Impingement, Semi-Automatic
• Caliber: 5.56 x 45 NATO
• Overall Length: 35.3 in.
• Barrel Length: 18 in.
• Upper/Lower Construction: 7075-T6 Aluminum
• Ambi. Controls: Safety Selector
• Weight, w/empty Mag.: 7.9 lb.
• Handguard Length: 15 in.
• Handguard Acc. Attachment: M-Lok
• Trigger Pull Weight: 2.5-5.0 lb., adjustable
• MSRP: $3,025
• barrett.net

Barrett

REC10 DMR

Every component of the REC10 DMR is specifically designed to guarantee durability and accuracy. The direct impingement operating system, recoil mitigation, and intermediate-length gas system allows for reliable operation. The upper and lower receivers are machined from billet 7075-T6 aluminum, and feature fully ambidextrous controls, slimline free-float hand guard, M-Lok accessory mounting slots and a full-length Picatinny top rail with Magpul MBUS sights.

• Action: Direct Impingement, Semi-Automatic
• Caliber: 308 Winchester
• Overall Length: 34.5 in.
• Barrel Length: 16 in.
• Upper/Lower Construction: 7075-T6 Aluminum
• Ambi. Controls: Safety Selector, Bolt Catch, and Mag Release
• Weight, w/empty Mag.: 9.0 lb.
• Handguard Length: 15 in.
• Handguard Acc. Attachment: M-Lok
• Trigger Pull Weight: 2.5-5.0 lb. adjustable
• MSRP: $3,999
• barrett.net

Big Horn Armory

AR500 – 500 Auto Max Rifle

Big Horn Armory, makers of big bore rifles and pistols, designed the AR500 Auto Max to provide AR-style enthusiasts with an option for a large caliber gun on a familiar platform. The 500 Auto Max was developed by Big Horn Armory using a 500 S&W rimless straight walled casing. With a variety of loads available, the 500 Auto Max can exceed 4,000 FPE easily, making it the choice for dangerous game hunting, world-wide.

• Action: Direct Impingement, Semi-Auto
• Caliber: 500 Auto Max
• Overall Length: 37 to 40.25 in.
• Barrel Length: 18 in.
• Upper/Lower Construction: Billet
• Ambi. Controls: Safety Selector, Bolt Release
• Weight, w/empty Mag.: 9 lb.
• Handguard Length: 15-in.
• Handguard Acc. Attachment: M-Lok, free float handguard
• Trigger Pull Weight: 4 lb.
• MSRP: $1,999
• bighornarmory.com

Black Rain Ordnance, Inc

FALLOUT15

The Black Rain Ordnance Scout rifle is Black Rain’s elite tactical rifle for the shooter who values the highest quality and craftsmanship. Built on a foundation of 7075 T-6 billet aluminum receivers with nothing but the best options available to build the firearm that you have always dreamed of. If you are looking for top tier quality and a variety of color options, the Black Rain Ordnance Scout rifle is the choice for you.

• Action: Direct Impingement
• Caliber: 5.56
• Other Calibers Offered: 300 AAC Blackout
• Overall Length: 32.5 – 35.75 in.
• Barrel Length: 16 in.
• Upper/Lower Construction: 7075 Billet Aluminum
• Ambi. Controls: None
• Weight, w/empty mag.:  6 lbs. 9 oz.
• Handguard Length: 15 in.
• Handguard Acc. Attachment: M1913/M-Lok
• Trigger Pull Weight: 3.5 lbs.
• MSRP: $2,089
• blackrainordnance.com

Black Rain Ordnance, Inc

FALLOUT15 / We The People

The Black Rain Ordnance custom shop has out done itself on this American flag “We the People” rifle. They put in many hours of laser work on the 7075 T-6 billet aluminum receivers to deep engrave the image. Plus, many more hours of laser time in all the fine details that are placed on the rifle. The stencils for the stars and stripes are all hand laid one at a time just to be finished off with four different hand sprayed colors to complete the build.

• Action: Direct Impingement
• Caliber: .223 Wylde
• Overall Length:   35 – 38.4 in.
• Barrel Length:  18 in.
• Upper/Lower Construction: 7075 T6 Billet Aluminum
• Ambi. Controls: None
• Weight, w/empty mag.: 7 lb. 3 oz.
• Handguard Length:  17.76 in.
• Handguard Acc. Attachment: M1913/M-Lok
• Trigger Pull Weight:  3.5 lb.
• MSRP: $ 2,899
• blackrainordnance.com

CZ-USA

CZ Bren 2 MS Carbine

Based on the select-fire Bren 2, this handy rifle operates via a short-stroke gas piston system with a return spring contained within the action itself. Without the need for a buffer tube, it features a folding, adjustable stock. At 35.6 inches long, the folding stock brings its length down to just 28 inches — making it much easier to transport or store.

• Action: Piston
• Caliber: .223 Rem/5.56×45
• Overall Length: 35.6 in.
• Barrel Length: 16.5 in., Cold Hammer Forged
• Upper/Lower Construction: Extruded Aluminum 
• Ambi. Controls: Safety Selector, Magazine Release, Bolt Catch
• Weight, w/empty mag.: 7.3 lb.
• Handguard Length:  9 in.
• Handguard Acc. Attachment: M-Lok
• Trigger Pull Weight: 3.5 lb.
• MSRP: $2,259
• cz-usa.com

DRD Tactical

APTUS

The Aptus uses DRD Tactical’s patented internal recoil system that eliminates standard buffer tubes and springs associated with most AR style rifles. This feature allows it to be fired with the stock folded and maintain in the ready for close quarter battle situations. Discreet and designed for compact portability, it can go from box-to-built in 60 seconds without the use of tools. We’ve eliminated the need for an additional upper to change calibers, giving you the added versatility.

• Action: Semi-Auto, Direct Impingement
• Caliber: 5.56mm NATO
• Other Calibers Offered: 300 AAC Blackout
• Overall Length: 34 in.
• Barrel Length: 16 in.
• Upper/Lower Construction: Billet Aluminum
• Ambi. Controls: Bolt Catch
• Weight, w/empty Mag.: 7 lb.
• Handguard Length: Full Length
• Handguard Acc. Attachment: M-Lok
• Trigger Pull Weight: 4.5 lb.
• MSRP: $2,500- $2,900
• drdtactical.com

DRD Tactical

KIVAARI

If you’re looking for a jaw dropping AR-style rifle in a big boy caliber, you found it. No matter your mission, the Kivaari does the job. Long range accuracy, ballistics, you name it, this .338 Lapua has you covered. Did we mention it’s a takedown design? It features an ambidextrous safety & bolt catch, arrives in a compact hard case or discreet backpack, and comes in black hard coat type III anodizing, NIB Battleworn or FDE Cerakote.

• Action: Semi-Auto, Direct Impingement
• Caliber: .338 Lapua Magnum
• Overall Length: 47 in.
• Barrel Length: 24 in.
• Upper/Lower Construction: Billet Aluminum
• Ambi. Controls: Safety Selector, Bolt Catch
• Weight, w/empty Mag.: 13.6 lb.
• Handguard Length: 17 in.
• Handguard Acc. Attachment: M-Lok
• Trigger Pull Weight: 4.5 lb.
• MSRP: $5,500 – $6,250
• drdtactical.com

FN America, LLC

FN 15 TAC 3

The FN 15 TAC 3 is built from a MIL-SPEC foundation with HP/MPI-tested and certified bolt and M16-style bolt carrier group with mid-length gas system and H buffer. The chrome-lined, cold hammer-forged barrel, made from FN proprietary steel, is fully free-floated within a Hodge Defense-designed wedge lock handguard. The handguard, with proprietary barrel nut and anti-rotation technology, provides continuous 12 o’clock rail space and M-Lok slots for accessories. Outfitted with ambidextrous charging handle and selector, and FN’s custom furniture and available in black anodize, FDE Cerakote, or tungsten gray Cerakote.

• Action: Direct impingement
• Caliber: 5.56×45
• Overall Length: 33-36.2 in.
• Barrel Length: 16 in.
• Upper/Lower Construction: Forged Aluminum
• Ambi. Controls: Safety Selector, Charging Handle
• Weight, w/empty Mag.: 7 lb.
• Handguard Length: 14 5/8 in.
• Handguard Acc. Attachment: 6 M-Lok slots
• Trigger Pull Weight: 4.75 – 7.75 lb.
• MSRP: $1729
• fnamerica.com

Maxim Defense Industries

MD-11

New for 2022, Maxim Defense Industries is launching their Direct Impingement, large-frame MD-11 series made on the SR-25 pattern. This large frame rifle will be available in 6.5 Creedmoor or .308 Winchester using either an 18-inch Proof Research stainless-steel barrel or a carbon fiber barrel, allowing it to come in at just nine pounds. They come with carbine buffer system and B5 Sop-Mod stock and use the Geissele SSA-E trigger. They are available in urban, arid, and black.

• Action: Direct Impingement
• Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
• Other Calibers Offered: .308 Winchester
• Overall Length: 37 in.
• Barrel Length: 18 in.
• Upper/Lower Construction: Billet 7075-T6 Receiver Set
• Ambi. Controls: Safety Selector, Magazine Release, Charging Handle
• Weight, w/empty Mag.: 9 lb.
• Handguard Length: 15.5 in.
• Handguard Acc. Attachment: M1913/Maxim M-SLOT
• Trigger Pull Weight: 2.9 – 3.8 lb.
• MSRP: $3895-$4295 (Carbon vs. Stainless Steel Barrel)
• maximdefense.com

Maxim Defense Industries

MD-1505

The MD-1505 is engineered to bring Maxims’ top-tier PDX package to an even more affordable price point. Each MD-1505 is equipped with the patented Maxim HATEBRAKE, their Slimline Handguard. The MD-1505S (pictured) is equipped with our SCW Stock for the ultimate in compactness, comfort, and versatility.

• Action: Direct Impingement
• Caliber: 5.56 NATO
• Other Calibers Offered: .300BLK, 7.62×39
• Overall Length: 18.7 in.
• Barrel Length: 5.5 in.
• Upper/Lower Construction: Forged
• Ambi. Controls: Mag Release
• Weight, w/empty Mag.: 5.5 lb.
• Handguard Length: 6.45 in.
• Handguard Acc. Attachment: M1913/Maxim M-SLOT
• Trigger Pull Weight: 6 lb.
• MSRP: $1895.00
• maximdefense.com

Robinson Armament Co.

XCR-L Modular, Multi-Caliber, Weapon System

The XCR-L is a truly innovative, modular, multi-caliber weapon system designed from the ground up to be the best. Its gas-adjustable, piston-driven Kalashnikov based operating system makes it reliable under all conditions. Its excellent placement of manual controls gives the user the upper hand. Its quick-change barrel system allows it to shoot the most popular calibers. Its low recoil impulse keeps it on target. The XCR-L accepts AR mags.

• Action: Piston-Driven, 3-Lug Bolt
• Caliber: 5.56
• Other Calibers Offered: .300 BLK, 7.62×39, 6.5 Grendel, 6.8 SPC, 5.45×39, and .224 Valkyrie
• Overall Length: Stock Extended 25 in. to 36 in.; Stock Folded 18.25 in. to 29.25 in.
• Barrel Length: Quick-Change Barrel System 7.5 in., 9.5 in., 11 in., 12 in. 14.7 in., 15.3 in., 16 in., 18.6 in.
• Upper/Lower Construction: Upper is Extruded; Lower is Forged
• Ambi. Controls: Safety Selector, Magazine Release, Bolt Catch, Stock Adjustment, Charging Handle
• Weight, w/empty Mag.: 6.4 to 8.5 lb.
• Handguard Length: 6.5 in., 8.3 in., 11.5 in., 14.7 in.
• Handguard Acc. Attachment: Keymod, or M-Lok
• Trigger Pull Weight: Two-Stage, 3.5 lb.
• MSRP: $2295
• robinsonarmament.com

Robinson Armament Co.

XCR-M Modular, Multi-Caliber, Weapon System

The XCR-M is the big brother of the XCR-L. It shares all the same features of the XCR-M but comes in a package designed to handle larger calibers.

• Action: Piston-Driven, 3-Lug Bolt
• Caliber: .308 WIN
• Other Calibers Offered: 6.5 Creedmoor, .243 WIN, and .260 REM
• Overall Length: Stock Extended 28 in. to 41 in.; Stock Folded 21.5 in. to 34 in.
• Barrel Length: Quick-Change Barrel System 9.5 in., 12 in., 14.7 in., 16 in., 18.6 in., 20 in. Upper/Lower Construction: Upper is Extruded; Lower is Forged or Billet
• Ambi. Controls: Safety Selector, Magazine Release, Bolt Catch, Stock Adjustment, Charging Handle
• Weight, w/empty Mag.: 7.5 to 9.5 lb.
• Handguard Length: 9.2 in., 10.7 in., 13.6 in.
• Handguard Acc. Attachment: Keymod, or M-Lok
• Trigger Pull Weight: Two-Stage, 3.5 lb.
• MSRP: $2795
• robinsonarmament.com