FN USA ANNOUNCES NEW M249S PARA IN BLACK AND FDE

FN America, LLC, is pleased to announce the latest addition to the FN Military Collector Series—the semi-auto FN M249S Para or Paratrooper model, originally developed for airborne troops. Building on the company’s unique tradition of offering semi-automatic variants of the most popular military-designed firearms, the rifle will join the full-size FN M249S Standard and the FN 15 Military Collector M4 and M16. The M249S Para is the fourth in their series of classic, semi-automatic FN military rifles, and like the Standard, the Para is authentic to the last possible detail. You’ll notice only two major differences between the semi- and full-auto versions—the barrel length and reconfigured internal components to change the rifle’s operation from open-bolt to closed-bolt. Authenticity was critical in this series, and they changed as little as possible. The rifle features a machine-gun-grade, 16.1-inch, cold hammer-forged barrel, closed-bolt for semi-automatic-only operation, classic M249 flip-up feed tray, integrated steel bipod, robust gas-piston system and the iconic telescoping and rotating buttstock, making it lighter and more compact. The rifles will be available in either black or Flat Dark Earth (FDE). The guns will accept either 30-round M-16 style magazines or 200-round plastic ammo boxes. For more information you can contact FN America at www.fnamerica.com.

BATTLE RIFLE COMPANY INTRODUCES NEW CUTLASS MARITIME RIFLE

Battle Rifle Company has announced its all-new 2017 BR4 Cutlass rifle. The Cutlass is based on Battle Rifle Company’s best-selling Spectre Rifle and is specifically designed for MARSEC (Maritime Security) operations and shipboard usage. The Cutlass is built with care to ensure long-lasting life in extreme conditions. Its extended rail and low-profile gas block allow for more accessories to be installed, making it well-suited for shipboard, coastal and all-weather operations. They built the Cutlass so that no direct ferrous, metal-to-metal contact is made throughout the entire rifle, ensuring corrosion-free operation, even after months at sea. This rifle is perfect for shipboard operations, both coastal and riverine. If you live or work on the water, this gun is perfect for you! Additionally, Battle Rifle Company is introducing a new color for 2017. The MARSEC rifles will be available in the all-new Battle Rifle Ocean Blue—a marine gray-blue which provides a great contrast for this special rifle. For more information on Battle Rifle Company, visit www.battleriflecompany.com.

GEMTECH INTRODUCES NEW SUPPRESSORS FOR 2017

Gemtech has just introduced its first new suppressors for 2017. The first is their new LUNAR-45. The Gemtech Lunar-45 is the culmination of decades of silencer innovation. They have created the lightest and quietest modular .45 suppressor available that is able to be taken apart and cleaned. The Lunar-45 is crafted from military-grade aluminum and titanium for the utmost in durability and strength. The modular suppressor is available in either a short length (6.9 inches) or a long length (8.5 inches), depending on the shooter’s needs. The short suppressor is said to have a 136 dB noise reduction, and the longer version has a 129 dB reduction. Gemtech offers a variety of mounting options for the Lunar-45 allowing it to be used with a variety of platforms and calibers. The new suppressor is also full-auto-rated.

The other new suppressor is their INTEGRA, which is an AR-15 integrally suppressed upper receiver. The new suppressed upper will be available in both 5.56 and 300 BLK. Gemtech has teamed up with NEMO Arms to create the smallest and easiest-to-maintain package the shooting world has ever seen. The INTEGRA utilizes Gemtech’s proven G-Core Technology that is removable, cleanable and replaceable while still bringing the best sound reduction of any similar-sized package. The NEMO Arms patented gas block eliminates blowback, making this upper more comfortable to shoot. The barrels of both units offer either 10- or 10.5-inch lengths with integrated lengths of 16.1 inches overall. Information on all of Gemtech’s suppressors can be found at www.gemtech.com.

MEOPTA INTRODUCES NEW MEOTAC 3-12×50 RD

Meopta is pleased to introduce its newest tactical riflescope—the 34-mm MeoTac 3-12×50 RD.Designed for use on assault rifles, the MeoTac 3-12×50 RD is an excellent scope for medium-range engagement and is engineered to meet the needs of armed forces, security details and tactical shooters worldwide. This scope features MeoLux, Meopta’s most advanced lens coating. MeoLux, combined with Schott glass and expert design, enables 99.8% light transmission per lens surface allowing users to see better and farther in the most challenging light. The solid 34-mm, aircraft-grade aluminum tube allows for expansive windage and elevation ranges of 55 MOA and 100 MOA respectively with click adjustments of 1/3 MOA. The illuminated MilDot 3 RD reticle, located in the first focal plane, enables use of the range-finding elements of the reticle on any power setting. The new MeoTac 3-12×50 RD also features precision tactical mil-mil turrets with a large grip, easily distinguishable positive clicks and a zero-stop function. The side-focus parallax adjustment ranges from 27 yards to infinity, and the integrated illumination control is also located on the side of the center of the scope, making adjustment in the field quick, easy and convenient. The RD illumination system features a highly defined illuminated red dot reticle with 16 reticle intensity settings for all light conditions and intermediate off positions between every setting. The auto-off function will switch the illumination off if unused for one hour. The MeoTac 3-12×50 RD features Meopta’s MeoShield protective lens coatings, MeoQuick fast-focus eyepiece and an erector system designed for maximum holding force to withstand heavy caliber recoil. This scope also has an anodized exterior for scratch resistance and is waterproof and fogproof for maximum performance and durability. The MeoTac 3-12×50 RD is covered by Meopta’s North American lifetime transferable warranty. Find out more at www.meoptausa.com.

RUGER AMERICAN PISTOL IN .45 AUTO

Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc., is proud to announce the addition of the Ruger American Pistol Compact in .45 Auto. This newest compact model is offered in the “PRO” configuration with no external manual safety. Originally introduced in December 2015, the feature-rich Ruger American Pistol was designed with the latest U.S. Military standards in mind and was tested in the harshest environments to ensure the rugged reliability consumers have come to expect from Ruger. Ruger polled law enforcement and military trainers throughout the country to select the form, function and features of the Ruger American Pistol. The resulting pistol combines a recoil-reducing barrel cam (which better spreads recoil over time) with a low-mass slide, low center of gravity and a low-bore axis to provide better balance, less felt recoil and less muzzle flip than comparable pistols. The Ruger American Pistol also features a pre-tensioned striker system, which allows for a short take-up trigger with positive reset, and a modular wrap-around grip system that adjusts palm swell and trigger reach to fit a wide range of hand sizes. With a 3.75-inch barrel, overall dimensions of 7.25 inches long, 4.65 inches high and a weight of 28.6 ounces, the Ruger American Pistol Compact model shares all of the features and rugged reliability of the duty-size gun in a smaller, lighter, more concealable package. It ships in a hard case with medium and large replaceable grip modules and two nickel-Teflon-plated steel magazines (one 10-round extended magazine and one 7-round compact magazine). The American-made Ruger American Pistol is built on a rigid, one-piece, precision-machined, stainless steel chassis with integral frame rails and fire control housing. Additional features include genuine Novak LoMountCarry three-dot sights, a stainless steel slide with a non-reflective, black nitride finish, a one-piece, high-performance, glass-filled nylon grip frame and a mil-standard 1913 accessory rail. For more information on the Ruger American Pistol Compact in .45 Auto or to learn more about the extensive line of award-winning Ruger firearms, visit www.Ruger.com.

LIBERTY SUPPRESSORS ANNOUNCES THE SOVEREIGN

Liberty Suppressors is proud to introduce their newest .30 caliber suppressor, the Sovereign. The Sovereign was designed for the precision rifle shooter, as well as for the hunting community. At just over 1.5 inches by 7.125 inches and only 12.7 ounces, this titanium silencer all but disappears on the end of a rifle. It comes with both 1/2-28 and 5/8-24 direct-thread adapters, as well as the 5/8-24 LS1 muzzle brake mount and a full complement of beyond-the-box accessories available for the upmost in versatility. They round out the package with a custom Armageddon Gear Suppressor Cover making the Sovereign one of the most adaptable and functional silencers on the market. Find out more about the Sovereign and the full line of Liberty Suppressors at www.libertycans.net.

Battle Rifle Company’s BR-4 Odin is a lightweight, fast handling rifle with all the tricks of the trade for the role of a 3-gun competition rifle, a fast firing varmint hunting gun or just as a versatile recreational plinker. It is well put together with the best parts available and runs perfectly.

By Chris A. Choat

Battle Rifle Company (BRC) is a Texas based company that specializes in manufacturing quality built AR based rifle platforms. They have been in business for about five years and started out just building 5.56 guns. They later evolved into taking the next logical step by building .308 rifles. This year, at the SHOT Show, they were showing the new pistol version of their .308 rifle as well as their new AR-15 9mm pistol called the Attache. In fact, they make 5.56 and .308 pistols as well and they also carry the Attache
model designation.

BRC offers nine different variations of their 5.56 caliber guns designated the BR4. They run the gamut from 14.5 to 20 inch guns with varying types of different accessories. The firearm tested herein is their BR4 Odin rifle. This rifle is a carbine style gun with a 14.5 inch barrel and a 2 inch permanently attached muzzle brake making it a legal 16 inch length. The BR4 Odin is a joint project between Battle Rifle Company and Odin Works, as a premium carbine in their line of rifles. The base model BR4 rifle is a direct gas impingement operated carbine with all of the features of a standard AR-15 carbine. The Odin model has quite a few added features that set this gun apart from others of its kind. The rifle has a 14.5 inch barrel with one of Battle Rifle Company’s Disintegrator Flash suppressor permanently attached. This flash suppressor is advertised as having the ability to reduce 98% of the muzzle flash and it works as advertised. The barrel is cryogenically treated for the ultimate in accuracy.

The gun has a mid-length gas system covered with Odin Works’ 12.5 inch K-Mod forearm. This forearm is made to VLTOR Weapons Systems KeyMod specification from 600T651 aluminum. It is a free-float forearm with a continuous uninterrupted Picatinny rail across the top. It has KeyMod slots at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock for adding lights, lasers or other accessories. The top rail matches up perfectly with the rail on the upper receiver. The forearm is light (10.15 ounces) and very sleek being engineered to allow for a low profile gas block to fit inside. With an outside diameter of just 1.8 inches it is very comfortable to hold onto. The forearm comes with one five slot accessory rail installed.

Sights are included installed on the Odin rifle and are MagPul MBUS folding sights. Other MagPul accessories include their Extended Trigger Guard as well as their B.A.D. bolt release lever. You can also order the rifle with several different buttstock options including any of MagPul’s outstanding stocks.

The test rifle came with a Hogue Overmolded Collapsible Buttstock. This was the first time that this author had used one of these stocks and came away very impressed. The Hogue stock features reinforced polymer construction with a built-in rubber cheek piece and a rubber/polymer hybrid butt pad that provides snag-free shouldering. The design of the stock creates a snug anti-rattle friction fit on the buffer tube. The stock is available for both Mil-Spec and commercial buffer tubes. The test rifle came with a Mil-Spec tube. The stock also has multiple sling mounting slots as well as several quick attach sling mounting sockets. The stocks are available in black, tan and OD green. An Ergo pistol grip concluded the list of furniture.

The fire control parts on the rifle are the standard AR-15 type except that the trigger and hammer in the test gun had been nickel boron coated. Nickel boron has a natural lubricity that gave the test gun a very smooth trigger pull. The gun’s charging handle was equipped with an extended tactical latch to make charging the weapon easier with an optic mounted.

For an optic the author chose to mount one of the new Bushnell AR/223 scopes. The scope used was a 1X4 24 mm power scope with a 30mm tube. It features their Drop Zone-223 bullet drop compensating reticle designed especially for the 5.56 cartridge. The AR Optics riflescopes are available in 6 configurations for every AR platform rifle from .22 rimfire to long range .223. The reticle features a center crosshair with a row of 4 aiming dots on the bottom crosshair. These dots are placed to coincide with ranges from 200 through 500 yards. So simply zero the scope at 100 with the center crosshair and then use the dots at all ranges out to 500 yards. The scope also features target turrets with 0.1 mil click adjustments. The scope offers the best in CQB as well as long range accuracy. The scope would make an excellent choice to use in 3-gun matches, which the Odin rifle seems made for.

The rifle comes with a single MagPul 30-round Pmag but will naturally take any Mil-Spec AR-15 magazine. The author used the Pmag as well as two of the new Elite Tactical Systems (ETS) magazines that were also received for testing. The new magazines are available in 10-, 15- or 30-round capacities and are made from smoked translucent polymer. One of the most unique features of the new magazines is that they can be had either with or without a built-in coupling system. The couplers are molded right into the magazines and only make the magazines about 1/8th of an inch wider allowing them to still fit into standard AR-15 magazine pouches. The magazines can be coupled by simply turning them 90 degrees to each other and then rotating them a 1/4 turn to lock them together. They remain firmly locked until the magazine tops are squeezed together and then they can be rotated to unlock them. The connectors allow any number of magazines to be coupled together. The magazines are marked 5.56 x 45 as well as 7.62 x 35 because they work equally well with .300 Blackout. The new magazines use stainless steel springs and come with clip-on dust covers that can be instantly detached with the shooter’s thumb. Elite Tactical Systems has also just come out with what they call their R.R.S. (Rapid Recognition System). These are their excellent anti-tilt magazine followers and base plate inserts molded in different colors so that the user can color code his followers and base plates to different calibers or even different bullet types. Where the magazines are translucent you can even see the follower at any angle even when the mags are loaded.

The rifle was tested in a variety of 3-gun scenarios as well as some varmint hunting sessions. A gun like the Odin seems to be at home competing in 3-gun matches where the gun weight and reliability come first. The gun proved fully capable of performing 3-gun match requirements. Its lightweight and reliability were second to none. The rifle was fired 200 plus rounds on the first outing and never had so much as a hiccup. It was fed only quality ammunition and it just ran and ran. It was also used on a couple of varmint hunting expeditions where it had to be carried for long periods. Night time coyote hunting proved that the manufacturer’s claim of 98% flash reduction was indeed accurate. The rifle’s light weight was a welcome relief after going through a phase where it seemed to be that the latest craze was to hang as much stuff as possible on a rifle. Shooting this lightweight fast-handling rifle was a pleasure. In the accuracy department the gun proved to be a winner as well. From the bench, the rifle would print groups inside an inch all day long. It also scored a 100% on its reliability test having fed and ejected all ammunition that it was fed. The Bushnell proved to be an excellent optic for this rifle whether it was used as a games gun or in a hunting role. Probably the addition of an offset red dot optic would be perfect for those distances under 100 yards. Other than that this author wouldn’t change a thing.

Battle Rifle Company has proved to this author that they make an excellent product. The great thing about them is that they are a small enough company that customer service is one of their main goals. You can call them up and tell them what you want and they will build it just as you request. You won’t be disappointed with a Battle Rifle Company gun.

Battle Rifle Company
1056 Hercules Avenue
Houston, TX 77058
(281) 777-0316
www.battleriflecompany.com

Bushnell Outdoor Products
9200 Cody
Overland Park, KS 66214
(800) 423-3537
www.bushnell.com

Elite Tactical Systems Group LLC
P.O. Box 18511
Knoxville, TN 37928
(855) 887-5452
www.etsgroup.us

By Chris A. Choat

BURRIS INTRODUCES NEW TACTICAL OPTICS KIT

Burris helps tactical and competitive shooters get ready to roll with three new AR Tactical Kits. The kits include a quality prism sight and either a secondary red dot sight or an AR Tripler, plus mounts, all packaged in a rugged carry case. They’re complete, ready-to-go optics platforms, at over a $100 savings compared to buying each item separately.

AR-332 Tactical Kit

The Burris AR-332 Tactical Kit’s 3x magnification with the Ballistic CQ reticle is perfect for instinctive target acquisition and quick shooting from point blank to intermediate ranges. The black reticle is etched directly onto the prism, with red or green illumination at the turn of a dial. Reticle dots correspond to bullet-drop from 5.56mm or 7.62mm ammunition, but the optic can handle heavier recoil if needed. An Anti-Reflection Device reduces reflection and glare. The FastFire II red dot reflex sight provides a 4 MOA dot with an automatic brightness sensor that adjusts to any lighting condition. Position it on top of the AR-332 for lightning fast target acquisition and close-range engagement.

AR-536 Tactical Kit

The fixed 5x magnification Burris AR-536 Tactical Kit is for lawmen, military and competitive shooters who want additional range plus fast target acquisition. The etched-on black reticle with red or green illumination offers lightning response to intermediate targets and precision shooting at longer distances. Its 10-position power/color selector satisfies all lighting conditions. The Ballistic CQ reticle’s holdover dots are good to 600 yards and work with 5.56mm or 7.62mm ammo. The kit includes an Anti-Reflection Device and FastFire II 4 MOA red dot reflex sight.

AR-1X Tactical Kit

The Burris AR-1X Tactical Kit Prism Sight delivers both-eyes-open accuracy for ultra-fast shooting. The Ballistic CQ-1X black reticle is etched onto the prism for use without battery power, plus instant push button adjustment between green or red illumination settings. Easy-to-see hash marks offer trajectory compensation out to 600 yards. One lithium AA battery delivers up to 5,000+ hours of service. The Burris AR-Tripler allows quick transition from CQB to mid-distance shooting. Mounted in the quick-detach AR-Pivot Ring, it rides in tandem with the AR-1X for additional 3x magnification. With the push of a button, it flips to the side for 1x shooting. For more information contact them at www.burrisoptics.com.

BATTLE RIFLE COMPANY INTRODUCES THE BR4 ATTACHE 9MM AR PISTOL

Battle Rifle Company, builder of quality and affordable AR platform rifles, is proud to introduce the BR4 Attaché model 9mm AR pistol. The BR4 Attaché is new for 2015 and it is Battle Rifle Company’s first entry into the 9mm AR pistol market. The BR4 Attaché 9mm is a blow-back Colt SMG configuration and comes with a 32-round straight magazine and a 10.5 inch barrel. In addition to being available with an A2 flash suppressor or muzzle brake, it also comes with an Ergo pistol grip, single point sling adaptor and an optional SIG Brace. Topping off the features is an Odin Works rail system with many options available for sights. If you are looking for a truly fun AR pistol, then the BR4 Attaché fits the mold perfectly. The 9mm round offers extremely low recoil and the ability to go up to 32-rounds for extended shooting. It’s the perfect combination for plinking or varmint/predator hunting. Go to www.battleriflecompany.com.

Ross & Zheng Engineering Unveils NEW MULTI-CALIBER UNIMAG AR MAGAZINE

Ross & Zheng Engineering (RZE) has announced that it has a new multi-caliber magazine to fit the AR 5.56 platform guns. The UNIMAG multi-caliber magazine, RZE’s first production-ready firearm component, provides enhanced performance and reliability for gun owners and enthusiasts. Compatible with AR-15 and other rifles that use a STANAG magazine, the UNIMAG is proven to be reliable and functional for six different types of ammunition and counting. The patented design includes a two-piece, self-levering follower that maintains its stability while also accommodating tilt introduced by the ammo, and a self-adjusting magazine shell to regulate various cartridge diameters. This is the first magazine that can handle the .223, 6.5, 6.8 and the two AK calibers, the 7.62×39 and 5.45×39, reliably. It also offers manufacturers a tremendous opportunity to expand their AR-15 product families, particularly in 7.62×39 uppers and lowers. RZE’s proprietary technology is backed by patents, including the self-levering follower for a universal magazine of multiple caliber compatibility for firearms (U.S. 8667724 B2) and the magazine shell of a universal magazine of multiple caliber compatibility for firearms (U.S. 8850732 B2). The company holds two additional firearms accessory patents and has one patent pending. Learn more about the UNIMAG at www.rosszhengengineering.com.

MESA TACTICAL DRAMATICALLY EXPANDS STOCK OPTIONS FOR FN SCAR

Mesa Tactical, designer and manufacturer of high quality tactical accessories and equipment for law enforcement, military and civilian shooters, has introduced a buttstock adapter for the FN-SCAR rifle. This new adapter allows the FN-SCAR to use virtually any AR-15 buttstock. The availability of different styles and configurations AR-15 buttstocks, now usable on the FN-SCAR, increases the adaptability and versatility of this fine carbine. The Faro Adapter fits both the SCAR 16S and SCAR 17S. The FN-SCAR is an excellent carbine, but its proprietary buttstock limited configurations and user desired options. The investment cast aluminum Faro Adapter replaces the factory SCAR buttstock assembly. The adapter accepts rifle length or carbine length AR-15 buffer tubes to which the user can attach almost any available AR-15 buttstock. Simply install the tube onto the adapter, add any AR-15 buttstock and then simply install on the SCAR in place of the factory stock assembly. The Faro Adapter features steel ambidextrous push button style QD sling attachment points and is available in either matte black or Flat Dark Earth. The comb height in relation to the top Picatinny rail is exactly the same as a Flat Top AR-15. For more information contact them at www.mesatactical.com.

MASTERPIECE ARMS UNVEILS NEW MPA930DMG PISTOL

MasterPiece Arms (MPA), manufacturers of the MPA MAC Line of semiautomatic pistols, carbines, suppressors and MPAR rifles, proudly announces the MPA930DMG, the first all-aluminum lower pistol from the new DMG (Defender, Machined, Grip) Series. This 9mm pistol is based on the 930sst, but includes a fully machined aluminum pistol grip and lower receiver. The 930DMG uses their fully machined grip system matched up with an all-aluminum lower receiver; significantly reducing the overall weight of the pistol. The 930DMG is chambered in 9mm, uses Glock style magazines, has adjustable front and rear sights, has a built-in single point sling flush cup, and mounting holes for a rear fixed or side folding stock. The MPA930DMG comes standard in Cerakote Tungsten coating. It is also available in Black, Gunmetal, Flat Dark Earth and Burnt Bronze Cerakote finishes. The pistol is further equipped with a side cocker, scope mount, hammer with disconnect (plus original hammer) and comes in an MPA polymer case. It will also be available in an SBR version shown in the photo. It has a retail price of $679.99. For more information on MasterPiece Arms and their product line of pistols, rifles, carbines and suppressors, visit www.masterpiecearms.com.

ADAPTIVE TACTICAL HAS NEW SIDEWINDER VENOM 10-ROUND 12 GAUGE MAG

Adaptive Tactical, LLC, manufacturers of innovative firearm stocks and accessories, including the popular Sidewinder Venom shotgun systems, is proud to announce the release of its Sidewinder Venom 10-round box magazine for the Sidewinder Venom magazine-fed shotgun system. This system provides the ability to transform your Mossberg 590, 500* and 88** series 12 gauge pump action shotgun into a magazine fed, smooth operating tactical shotgun. The Venom 10-round magazine is compatible with 12 gauge 2.75-inch ammunition. It allows for rapid reloads while maintaining reliable feeding. Each magazine is made of durable polymer construction with strong composite and metal components. Magazines are available in Black, A-TACS, MultiCam, or Desert Digital. The interchangeable design makes this not only an innovation for the range but for home defense. Individuals now have the ability to leave their shotgun unloaded with an easy, quick loading option. This also allows for speedy transitions from buckshot to slugs or whichever ammunition the user chooses by labeling each mag with the specific shot shells loaded. For more information on Adaptive Tactical visit www.adaptivetactical.com.