SETTING THE STAGE

The SPR was tentatively explored in the 1990s within certain SOCOM units. What started as a simple upper receiver group upgrade quickly turned into complete rifle program. The SPR originated as a stopgap measure, filling the void between the M4 carbine and the M24 bolt-action sniper rifle roles. The 9/11 attack, resulting in our constant engagement around the world, brought the SPR program quickly to fruition. The SPR became the weapon of choice when dealing with threats at ranges beyond the capability of the M4.

The movie “Lone Survivor”, in which Mark Wahlberg portrays U.S. Navy SEAL Marcus Luttrell, shows the main character using a Mk 12 rifle. The SPR/Mk 12 found favor with SOCOM forces for a multitude of reasons such as its high degree of accuracy, versatility, portability, increased firepower when compared to pure sniper rifles, optics package, suppressor compatibility, more ammunition carried per pound than 7.62 NATO, etc. The Marines eventually started using the SPR, as well, in a DMR role. Examples of military SPR use include by a spotter on a two-man sniper team or as the primary sniping weapon where larger caliber heavy bolt action sniper rifle is not practical, for instance, in a target rich environment where engagement range is between 300-700 yards. Imagine Iraqi urban environments where snipers would hole up in a house, blocks away, to provide cover for clearing troops. The SPR can place rapid precision fire on multiple targets out to 800 yards while still being able to cope with CQB, if required. This firepower capability is grounded in the SPR’s minimal recoil and smooth operation thanks to rifle length gas system coupled with 5.56mm ammunition.

Phased out of production in 2017 by the MK17 (SCAR-H) and MK110A1, the SPR is still used by SOCOM units hoarding the ones left in inventory. Navy SEAL armorers reportedly still produce Mk12s for its teams thanks to their access to discretionary funds. This is a strong supporting statement of the Mk12’s performance.

AMMUNITION SUPPORT

The SPR’s sub-MOA accuracy is an important part of its appeal. This is thanks to the 5.56mm load specifically developed for it by Black Hills Ammunition, the Mk 262 round. Like the SPR rifle, the Black Hills Mk 262 ammunition has been tweaked since its introduction. Updates include a cannelured 77-grain Sierra MatchKing bullet, low flash propellant blend, 5.56mm brass and other un-disclosed proprietary improvements. The Mk 262’s most important characteristic is repeatable accuracy. Black Hills indicates ammunition lot accuracy test consists of 10 groups of 10 shots at 300 yards. No lot ships unless it shoots sub-2-inch groups at 300 yards.

Interestingly, the Mk 262 has unexpected qualities beyond long range accuracy. Mk 262’s terminal performance soon had other SOCOM team members stuffing it into their magazines. Often liberating it from their snipers. How did the 77-grain Sierra MatchKing do this in M4 14.5-inch and Mk18 10.3-inch barrels? The MatchKing’s open tip hollow cavity puts the majority of weight towards the projectile’s rear so that it is more stable in-flight, increasing accuracy. However, when the bullet strikes soft tissue, the heavier base comes around and causes the bullet to tumble. The hollow nose cone breaks off and often the bullet fragments at the cannelure. This happens across a wide range of the velocity spectrum, which is why Mk 262 ammunition proved effective in SBRs in addition to the longer-barreled SPRs.

MODERN RENDITION

As is prone to happen with a rifle requested and proofed by the USSOCOM operators, as word got out about the SPR/Mk 12, civilians wanted it. The SPR was viewed as a multi-purpose weapon. SPR-type ARs can be found overlooking prairie dog towns, predator hunting, as well as in 3-Gun and PRS competitions. Various manufacturers have produced their versions of the SPR. These rifles span the gamut from exact clones to shadowing noteworthy characteristics such as 18-inch match barrel, upgraded trigger, free floated rail, and other accuracy maximizing features.

The SPR that recently caught my eye is the IWI Zion-15 Special Purpose Rifle (SPR). For me the SPR’s most salient features consist of accurate reliable firepower in an easily portable platform. The Zion-15 SPR delivers. The IWI SPR weighs only 7.6 pounds with 18-inch barrel. This is important as an SPR is required to be able to deal with CQB encounters with distances measured in feet while still offering precision fire capability out to 800+ yards.

The IWI SPR is manufactured and assembled at the IWI U.S. facility in Middletown, Pennsylvania. Conversation with IWI U.S. Vice President of Sales and Marketing Jeremy Gresham confirmed certain nuanced attention to detail features in the IWI SPR. For example, IWI makes their own barrels at the Pennsylvania facility with a special 18-inch 5R 1:8-twist, nitride-treated, chrome moly vanadium barrel for the IWI SPR. A collaboration with Timney Triggers finds an IWI-specified two-stage match flat trigger installed in the IWI SPR. The importance of a quality trigger cannot be overemphasized when trying to produce sub-MOA accuracy. A rifle length adjustable gas systems provides the IWI SPR with smooth operation. The adjustable gas block allows for easy adaptation to suppressor use. The IWI website does not mention this important IWI SPR feature. The adjustable gas block was a pleasant surprise when inspecting the rifle upon arrival considering suppressor use is almost standard procedure anymore along with historical precedent of military SPR best practices.

Other thoughtful IWI touches are the built-in full-length ARCA rail on the bottom of the 17-inch MLOK forend. A steel barrel nut is another accuracy enhancing upgrade. A quality barrel nut is a vital component, providing a solid connection and proper alignment between barrel and upper receiver which ultimately contributes to consistent accuracy. B5 Systems adjustable Enhanced SOPMOD buttstock and Type 23 P-Grip finishes off IWI SPR furniture. The B5 pistol grip has a steeper vertical angle than standard pistol grips and an extended tang to improve ergonomics and ensure proper trigger finger index.

SUPPORT COMPONENTS

The versatility of the original SPR platform is indicated by the different optics end users equipped it with, such as 3.5-10x, 2.5-8x, and 3-9x optics. I considered mounting a Trijicon VCOG 1-8x but went with the higher magnification Trijicon Ten Mile 3-18×44. I really wanted to accentuate the precision component of the rifle. I am glad I did once the first range session showed what the IWI SPR could do in the accuracy department. An offset mount featuring a red dot will quell any concerns of the Trijicon Ten Mile 3-18×44, if the IWI SPR is pressed into a close-range affair. The offset optic mount allows a quick rotation of the rifle in the shoulder pocket to access the red dot optic with minimal effort or disturbance of handling.

The SPR was intended to be used primarily suppressed. This was the best way to conceal the origination point of shots taken with it. A lightweight Rugged Suppressors Alaskan360 was an easy choice to mount on the IWI SPR. A Rugged Suppressors 2-port 5.56mm muzzle brake replaced the birdcage flash hider that arrived with the IWI SPR. The Rugged Suppressors brake makes for easy removal and attachment of the Alaskan360 suppressor.

Ammunition tested with the IWI SPR was a combination of Black Hills Ammunition loads—the Mk 262 and civilian version 77-grain OTM, multiple Hornady loads—75-grain BTHP and 55-grain VMAX, SIG Sauer 77-grain OTM and Federal 62-grain FMJ-BT. The IWI SPR rifle kept all loads tested at 1.25-inches or better at 100 yards. Mostly better. The Black Hills loads—Mk 262 and 77grain OTM—SIG Sauer 77-grain and Hornady 75-grain and 55-grain loads produced sub-MOA groups. Some of these groups were in the ½-inch range. Impressive performance. Groups at 200 and 300 yards confirmed 100-yard findings. This is a compliment to IWI SPR’s barrel and trigger, Trijicon optic, and ammunition. At times it felt like the I was letting the IWI SPR down. After firmly establishing what it could do, when a group opens up to an inch or more, you know who the weak link is. The IWI SPR produces accuracy that fully supports the original SPR intended role. Velocity figures ranged from 2700 to 3000 feet per second over a Caldwell chronograph.

FIELD EVALUATION

Real proficiency begins with realistic training scenarios. Range evaluation at Echo Valley Training Center (EVTC) consisted of taking advantage of the recently added 3-gun rifle range with multiple plates set up at four different distances stretching out past 400 yards down a ravine following natural contours. Multiple sizes and shapes of steel plates occupy each station. A Burris Signature HD Spotting Scope 20-60x85mm proved handy for spotting purposes.

The IWI SPR/Trijicon/Rugged Suppressors combo was used in the prone, sitting, kneeling, standing positions, or shooting from a BOG Infinite Deathgrip tripod. The IWI SPR’s ARCA railed forend proved handy for securing into the BOG tripod. The IWI SPR proved to “hang” well from less well supported positions and was very manageable in getting into and out of shooting positions. Another twist is to have a companion pick the target and shooting position for the shooter to engage as quickly as possible.

PERFORMANCE

Clay pigeons were sniped with regularity at 475 yards from the supported prone position and off the BOG tripod. Felt recoil was minimal (as expected) with a suppressed 5.56mm. With the Rugged Suppressors Alaskan360 attached it was no problem to spot a miss and have another round on the way from the IWI SPR before the spotter could even relay the information.

TWO CENTS

While I appreciated IWI’s choice of a B5 stock and pistol grip, some end users may consider a fixed, precision-oriented buttstock. I will stay with the B5 as I favor the ability to reduce stock length. A gas buster-type charging handle is recommended if firing multiple rounds from one position when suppressed. An extended charging handle is another recommendation, especially with an optic mounted for easier manual operation. Lastly, ambidextrous controls would also have been a nice touch.

IWI indicated that “user subjective” items like charging handle, safety, and muzzle device was left as mil-spec standard so that the end user could build from there. Along these lines I have no issue with bird cage flash hider. With suppressors becoming so popular, its best to allow the end user to choose their muzzle device or just direct thread it onto the barrel. Frankly, IWI’s decisions in this regard make sense when the shockingly low MSRP of $1299 for the IWI SPR is revealed. $1299 for the kind of accuracy exhibited along with an adjustable gas block, ARCA rail forend, and B5 furniture is a great value.

MULTI-PURPOSE

The inherent adaptability of the AR platform is one its greatest attributes. The ability to send bullets downrange accurately, whether for competition, target shooting, military, law enforcement, or personal defense, ensures its place in the rifle marketplace. There is minimal difference between AR labels such as Recon, Recce, SPR, DMR, Mk12, Competition, etc. These ARs are required to be equally at home with close-range hose downs and long-range precision shooting. The IWI SPR rifle is an excellent example of this. The IWI SPR’s handling with superior accuracy is hard to deny. It’s smooth, easy, and accurate. And, best of all, it’s a great value.

SPECIFICATIONS

AR Field Armorer’s Toolkit has AR platform specific tools and components such as a .223 Bolt Scraper, .308 Bolt Scraper, Castle Nut Wrench, A2 Sight Adjuster, AR-15 Extractor Tool, AR10 Extractor Tool, Pivot Pin Punches, Bolt Catch Pin Punch, and an AR Bench Block. Other premium components include the most commonly needed hex bits and punches, a brass hammerhead, cleaning brush, and a magnetic tray to prevent losing small parts and a take-down brass cleaning rod.

A Fix It Sticks Ratchet T-Handle w/Locking Hex Drive and an All-In-One Torque limiter are also included. The Ratchet T-Handle w/Locking Hex Drive works with any quarter inch hex bit, but also allows the use of tools that require a pulling motion such as the cleaning rods. The All-In-One Torque Driver is perfect for properly mounting optics, lasers, lights, etc. The AR Field Armorer’s Toolkit includes the following comprehensive tool selection:

• Ratchet T-Handle w/Locking Hex Drive
• All-in-One Torque Driver (15-65 in-lbs)
• Extension/punch holder
• 8-32 adapter
• 1/2” socket and 1/4” bit adapter set
• Set of Two Brass Cleaning Rods (accepts 8-32 threaded attachments)
• Cleaning Brush
• Steel Pick
• Bronze Scraper
• Castle Nut Wrench
• .223 Bolt Group Scraper
• .308 Bolt Group Scraper
• A2 Sight Adjuster
• Non-marring Plastic Pin Punch
• Brass Hammer Head
• AR10 Extractor Tool
• AR15 Extractor Tool
• Roll Pin Starter Punches
• (1/16”, 5/64” 3/32”, 1/8”)
• Roll Pin Punches
• (1/16”, 5/64” 3/32”, 1/8”)
• Pivot Pin Punches
• (AR10, AR15)
• Bolt Catch Pin Punch
• (With Nylon Surface Protector)
• Twenty Two 1/4” Bits (1” in length):
• Torx: T8, T10, T15, T20, T25, T27,
• Hex: 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, .050”, 1/16”, 5/64”, 3/32”, 7/64”, 1/8”, 5/32”, 3/16”, 1/4”
• Screwdriver: P1, P2, SL3/32”
• Magnetic Tray
• Bench Block
• Soft Carrying Case

The soft carrying case features molded-in bit holders designed to hold any bit / accessory with a standard 1/4″ Base (including Fix It Sticks Torque Limiters), and any 8-32 threaded component. Elastic mesh pockets hold other tools and accessories as needed.
The AR Field Armorer’s Toolkit is now available with an MSRP of $368.00.

The Sport III is a gas-operated semi-auto AR-pattern (MSR) rifle chambered in 5.56 NATO/223 REM, and is offered in 30+1 and 10+1 capacities.

FEATURES

• 16-inch “Armornite”-coated, 5R-rifled barrel with a threaded muzzle
• 1:8-inch twist barrel that allows for a wider variety of ammo to be used
• Free-floating 15-inch M-LOK handguard with a full-length Picatinny-style rail, which offers more versatility than previous generations.
• Mid-length gas system that mitigates felt recoil
• 6-position adjustable stock
• Polymer grip
• Bolt forward assist
• Chromed firing pin

The new M&P15 Sport III rifle has an MSRP of $799 and is available now at authorized dealers. For more information on the M&P15 Sport III, visit www.smith-wesson.com.

Other features include a sloping cheek weld that combines a slim profile with user comfort, and a non-slip, rubber butt-pad that increases impact protection and allows for easier shoulder transitions and better fit with body armor. With an M-LOK slot molded into the rear of the stock, shooters can attach a sling using the slot as a footman’s loop or by adding the an M-Lok QD Sling Mount.

Features: 

• Minimalist, lightweight design 
• Support-hand rest on front strap to minimize movement 
• Bottom support acts as a bag rider for shooting rests 
• CTR Cheek Riser compatible (for firearms without a rear-operating charging handle)
• M-LOK slot for QD Sling Mount/footman’s loop
• BLK/FDE/ODG; all colors coming soon (Spring, 2024).
• MSRP: $44.95 

The new Dual Tension system produces additional tension on the buffer tube, providing extra-tight lockup on the buffer tube to minimize movement between the stock’s lock pin and receiver extension. The result is a stock that is significantly more durable, reliable,  and easier to adjust.

Features brought from our SL and the CTR stock lines include a non-slip butt-pad matching the footprint of the SL line with the CTR’s optimized curvature and CTR Cheek Riser compatibility. This new DT stock also sports an ambidextrous adjustment lever, a rotation-limiting QD sling mount, and a 1.25” footman’s loop.

Features:

• New LOP-adjustment Dual Tension locking system improves ease of adjustment while securing LOP placement, limiting secondary movements, and improving durability
• Ambidextrous adjustment lever 
• Newly designed non-slip butt pad
• Ambidextrous rotation-limiting QD sling mount
• 1.25” footman’s loop sling mount slot
• Compatible with CTR cheek risers
• MSRP: $64.95; Black (shipping now)/FDE (shipping later)/ODG (shipping later)

The XM15A2 was designed as a throwback to the simple Bushmaster rifles they have always been known for. Bringing classic elements from the history of Bushmaster rifles, the XM15A2 includes an A2 fixed carry handle, a 20-inch phosphate chrome lined barrel, a chrome lined bolt carrier and gas key, a rifle length gas system, an A2 style handguard, and a built-in rear 8/3 fixed carry handle sights.

This rifle will remind you of a time when things were simple, back when the standard was iron sights and carry handles. Bushmaster brought back phosphate finished, chrome lined barrels, and bolt carriers to rival the durability of the Windham, Maine originals.

The XM152A2 receivers are manufactured from 7075-T6 aluminum and are type III hard coat anodized. The XM152A is complete with classic A2 pistol grip, a Mil-Spec trigger, an A2 flash hider and includes three BFI aluminum 30-round magazines (10-round, California compliant magazines in CA version). All 100 of these collectible rifles are packaged in a limited-edition-logo embossed Pelican hard case, and include one limited-edition challenge coin marked with the 50th anniversary logo and our original 1973 logo on the back.

The XM15A2 is available in two configurations, XM15A2 Gold ($1,636.95 MSRP) and XM15A2-CA ($1,649.95 MSRP).

The Mag Pod simply replaces the stock PMAG baseplate and offers enhanced stability when using the magazine for prone support. Mag Pod’s signature “forward bias” geometry features a wide, stable point of contact at the forward edge of the PMAG, instead of relying on balancing the mag on the back edge to stabilize the rifle, and works effectively regardless if the shooting surface is perfectly level. An overmolded Thermo Plastic Elastomer (TPE) basepad provides improved traction on hard/slick surfaces.

The Gen3 Mag Pod’s distinctive arched back includes a dedicated docking slot for Multitasker’s NANO/NANO2 micro size optic tools (both sold separately), which are secured via a patent pending detent locking system that is disengaged by using the 5.56 bullet to push the tool out. This built-in slot offers a low-cost secure mounting option for those who wish to have their NANO tool(s) present on a primary mag.

Mag Pod’s shape also facilitates predictable reloads by giving the user an extended forward section to grip the magazine and the rear feet have been contoured to work better with securing bungee retaining tabs when inserted into certain mag pouches. And unlike bipods that add additional weight and bulk to the front of the handguard, interfering with lead hand placement, Mag Pod is a rugged 1-pc design that requires no manipulation before use and adds virtually no additional weight or footprint. Best of all, it is intuitive to use, even for novice shooters.

SPECS:

• Size: 3 in. x 1.5 in.
• Weight: Less than 1 ounce
• Material: 15% glass filled Nylon 6 with overmolded TPE basepad
• Available colors: Black and Cotyote Tan
• U.S. Patents 8,590,202 / 9,097,480 / 10,161,705 / 10,684,089 / 10,948,255
• MSRP: $27.95 for a pack of 3

Available now via select Multitasker Tools dealers.
For retail shops, Mag Pod is available to order from RSR Group.
For more information, please follow us on Instagram at @magpod

Specifications:

Overall Length: 15in
Top Rail Length: 14in
Height: 2in
Weight: 11.85 oz/0.74lbs (w/barrel nut: 14.9 oz/0.93 lb)
Material: 6061 – T6 aluminum extrusion
Finish: Hard coat anodize

The Vantac Direct Action Defense System (D.A.D.S.) is a drop-in aftermarket upgrade for your favorite M4-style rifle or pistol. An inspired solution to a timeless problem, the Vantac D.A.D.S. allows you to adjust the length of your buttstock or pistol brace to accommodate any tactical situation without breaking your sight picture. Whether you’re deploying your weapon from rest or gauging angles indoors, the D.A.D.S. keeps your gun geometry optimized for the moment.

As Bad as It Gets

There is literally no more stressful human pursuit than wresting control of an enclosed space from an armed opponent. We play at that all the time on the range, because, honestly, playing at it is fun. For those who have to do it for real, however, close quarters battle (CQB) is the ultimate human crucible. Forget professional football, Mahjong, high-stakes poker, jujitsu, or competitive chess, CQB eclipses all that.

In the rarefied world of personal combat, little things become big things. Fail to secure your shoelace enroute to work one morning and you may stumble walking into the office. Do the same thing as a soldier or police officer and the results can be catastrophic. The Vantac D.A.D.S. excises one more variable from that thorny equation.

Philosophy

I’m told that being born is fairly stressful. First your head is shoved through an opening about the size of an adolescent orange. Then somebody grabs you around the neck and drags you into a world characterized by brilliant white lights, frightening noises, and chaos aplenty. No wonder we come out screaming.

When my oldest was born I had no idea what to expect. I have since delivered sixty babies myself and am fairly familiar with the process. My eldest son, however, was born years before med school. I hadn’t a clue.

Like most new dads, I figured my job was to manage everything from the neck up. I therefore endured the stupid breathing classes and did my best to contribute within my limited capabilities. The actual event, however, took about forever and was really scary.

Newborn human babies are quite literally helpless. Sharks, snakes, and crocodilians emerge ready to conquer the world. Little human beings, by contrast, not so much. Brand new babies cannot focus at a distance nor can they control their own heads. About the only thing they can do is scream, so they do a lot of that. However, there is a brief window at the very beginning when the catecholamines and similar stress hormones give little kids the newborn equivalent of superpowers. This odd phenomenon is most frequently manifest in a potential brief episode of head control.

It typically takes several weeks for a newborn to master the fine art of controlling one’s head. Until the stress of the moment abates, however, sometimes a newborn right out of the factory can manage this higher-order task. Such was the case this fateful day.

My wife was too tired to participate, but the sundry attendants tidied up my spanking new man-child and deposited him on my bride’s chest. I naturally leaned forward to get a closer look. In a fit of amazing neonatal strength, the little guy lifted his head in a shaky fashion, cocked it at a jaunty angle and looked me in the eye from a slant range of perhaps six inches. His quizzical visage seemed to say, “Hi, dad. I’ve had the weirdest day.”

I was just done. In front of God, my wife, and the accumulated delivery room staff I made a bit of a fool of myself. In that moment I knew if that kid needed a heart he could have mine. Such is the simply breathtaking gravitas of fatherhood.

Roughly half of all American marriages end in divorce. That is arguably the most mournful statistic in the history of mathematics. Folks end relationships over some of the most remarkable stuff. Motivations range from esoteric to sordid with everything in between. The dirty little secret, however, is that if dad leaves voluntarily he is the one who suffers the most. Never before have I worked so hard at something that was so satisfying as raising my kids. Amidst a rich life aggressively lived, being a dad is the most fulfilling of human pursuits.

So why all this maudlin jabber in the pages of this esteemed firearm website? Because Joede Vanek gets it. Joede is the powerhouse behind Vantec, the company that makes the D.A.D.S. He didn’t name his inspired contrivance D.A.D.S. because it’s a random cool acronym. He selected this name because he really likes being a dad himself.

Flavor

Do me a favor. Give this video a quick watch. It’s only two minutes. I’ll be here when you get back.

See what I mean? If that last bit didn’t make you choke up and cheer then something is irrevocably broken inside of you. Nancy Pelosi and Chuck Schumer likely ran off into the night doing the screaming habdabs at the sight of a minor with a firearm, but we know better. A normal youngster appropriately raised around the sundry dangerous stuff of life ultimately matures into a responsible adult. Anything otherwise produces a substandard product. No matter, Pelosi and Schumer don’t read cool websites like this, anyway.

Joede Vanek is a former SWAT cop with loads of real-world experience concerning what works and what doesn’t in the realm of tactical gear. When confronted by the fact that you cannot manipulate the sliding stock of an AR rifle on the fly without taking the gun down and farting with it, he scienced himself a solution. That solution is the Direct Access Defense System.

Technical Details

If I had a dime for every time I looked at some nifty new tactical trinket and thought, “Why didn’t I think of that?” I’d have a lot of dimes. The D.A.D.S. is simply inspired. For starters Joede nestled a stout spring inside the mechanism between the stock and the buffer tube so that the position of rest is now fully extended.

Next he designed a mechanism that nestles up within the buffer extension that secures the buttstock in one of several different positions ranging from fully collapsed to fully extended. This mechanism is controlled via a bilateral thumb switch mirrored in the perfect spot on both sides of the weapon. To extend the stock you just thumb the switch and ride it out as far as you wish under spring pressure. Release the switch and the stock locks in place.

To make the stock shorter just hold down the switch, press in with your shoulder, and release the switch where you want the stock to lock. The mechanism is intentionally tight at first, but it loosens up in short order. Operation is intuitive.

With the D.A.D.S. in place you can optimize the geometry of your weapon without sacrificing that all-important sight picture. My D.A.D.S. came with a very nice Mission First Tactical collapsible buttstock, but it is backwards compatible with most any standard M4 buttstocks both GI and aftermarket. The same goes for most collapsible pistol stabilizing braces.

Installation took me maybe ten minutes. If you can change the filter in your heating system you are capable of outfitting your favorite black rifle with the D.A.D.S. Once you get it limbered up it runs like a crack-addled monkey.

Ever the Gracious Host

I wanted to test this thing out on something cool, so I dredged up a Faxon Firearms ARAK-21 upper receiver out of the gun stash. This inspired piece of kit offers reversible ejection, superb reliability, and easy exchange between a variety of calibers all in a drop-in unit that is a seamless fit with any standard milspec AR lower. Unlike a traditional direct gas impingement AR that fills the entrails of your rifle with grunge and crud, the ARAK-21 incorporates a variation on the Kalashnikov theme to keep your rifle clean, tidy, and running reliably long past the time when a lesser gun might sputter and die.

The charging handle folds out of the way when not in use and is readily reversible without tools. It rides up front in the manner of that of the HK MP5 for easy manipulation with the weak hand. Like the D.A.D.S., this feature allows you to keep your gun in the fight without lowering it from the ready position.

By spinning out a few Allen screws you can easily swap out barrels to convert your ARAK-21 between 5.56 NATO, .300 AAC Blackout, and 7.62 NATO. The 7.62 NATO setup requires a separate bolt and firing pin along with a dedicated sharply-curved magazine. The .300 BLK rig necessitates a suppressor for reliable operation with subsonic ammo.

Each interchangeable barrel assembly unit (BAU) includes the barrel, gas block, muzzle device, gas adjustor, and barrel trunnion. Faxon is an esteemed manufacturer of gun barrels, so all their barrel assemblies are made in-house. Swapping out a BAU takes about three minutes and can be done at the shooting bench.

The ARAK-21 upper includes a full-length Picatinny rail system that offers more tactical real estate than you might ever use. The four-position adjustable gas regulator allows you to tweak the rifle to suit different loads. There is also an off position should you wish to operate your suppressed rifle manually for maximum stealth or fire rifle grenades. I doubt many American civilian shooters fire a whole lot of rifle grenades, but the capability is there should you need it.

Practical Tactical

The manual of arms of the ARAK-21 is unique. It is sort of a holy melding between the M4 and an MP5. However, that’s why we train. It’s not like time on the range is actually work.

The D.A.D.S. works just as advertised. Pull the rifle up to the ready position, hit the stock release, and the buttstock telescopes out to your particular position of comfort. Start peeking around corners or operate within a vehicle and the pushbutton system allows you to telescope your rifle down as the tactical situation dictates. Treat this gear with only the tiniest modicum of respect and it should outlast your kids’ kids.

Operating the D.A.D.S. on the fly takes a little practice, but it does exactly what it is advertised to do. It might add an ounce or so to your overall weapon weight, but you won’t notice it. The D.A.D.S. is a well-engineered accessory that makes your good gun even better.

Denouement

My wife and I successfully homeschooled three kids into productive, responsible, tax-paying adults. In retrospect I wouldn’t trade a minute of that for anything. I just regret that I could not have put those precious experiences in a bottle and sipped from it as I got older after the kids moved away.

If your kids are still underfoot and driving you crazy then take a moment, tune out the chaos, and be thankful. With the benefit of hindsight it took mine maybe half an hour to go from screaming in the delivery room to marching off to college. I do miss them so.

If your kids are grown or distant, either physically or emotionally, then find a time that is convenient for them and pick up the phone. Through five careers, countless life and death experiences, and more than a few piddly honors and awards, one accolade stands out above all the rest. There are three awesome adults out there who call me Dad. That’s my greatest accomplishment. In the words of Joede Vanek, “Nothing is More Invincible Than Our Dads.”