DoubleStar Introduces New “Oval” AR Handguards

With its trademark oval shape, this two-piece four-rail handguard system should prove to be a favorite among smaller-handed shooters. However, those with large hands will also find the handguard easy to grip and maneuver. People with smaller hands feel like the round handguard systems on the market today don’t fit their hands very well. The new AR oval handguard just fits and feels better in your hand. The oval handguard is made of aircraft-grade 6061 T6 aluminum extruded to provide a lightweight advantage that still offers extreme strength. The mil-spec 1913 Picatinny rails will accept attachments from nearly every manufacturer, so pack on your sites, grips, scopes, lasers – whatever you need. The handguards’ snap-on installation has a spring pressure that forces it against the front handguard cap. The tight fit allows no side-to-side movement. DoubleStar started working on the oval AR handguard back in November after a group of law enforcement officers complained about the current market offerings. The handguard currently is available only in a carbine AR version, but a rifle model should be available soon. A free-float version is expected to be available later this year. For more information please contact DoubleStar, Dept. SAR, P.O. Box 130, Winchester, KY 40391. Phone: (859) 745-1757. Fax: (859) 745-4638. They can be found on the web at www.star15.com.

ATI now has the GSG-5PK Variation of the GSG-5 Rifle

American Tactical Imports, Inc., the world wide importer and exclusive overseas representative for several manufacturers of high quality shooting sports and law enforcement products, introduces the new GSG-5PK pistol model. The new GSG-5PK pistol is a .22 Long Rifle HV caliber with a barrel length of 4.52 inches with a total length of 15.275 inches and a total height of 10 inches. It weighs in at a dainty 5.2 pounds. It has an alloy frame construction and features a magazine safety and click-adjustable target sight. At a MSRP of $549.95, the GSG-5PK pistol is the perfect partner to the original GSG-5 rifle model. The GSG-5PK is a remake of the H&K MP5K-PDW (Personal Defense Weapon). The MP5K-PDW is a compact submachine gun designed for vehicle operators, air crew members, security details, and others who require a small but powerful weapon. While comparable in performance to the full size GSG-5, the size and weight of the GSG-5PK make this weapon the ideal choice when a rifle or full-sized submachine gun is unmanageable and a handgun is a poor compromise. Because the GSG-5PK is chambered in .22 cal., it is the ideal choice for plinking or training without the high cost of ammunition. American Tactical is the exclusive U.S. importer of the GSG – German Sports Guns. The GSG-5 is a world innovation, the first semiautomatic rifle in the legendary design of the MP5. There has not been a more sought after product to hit the market in the firearms industry than the GSG-5, and now with the introduction of the GSG-5PK, things just keep getting better and better. For more information contact American Tactical Imports, Dept. SAR, 100 Airpark Drive, Rochester, NY 14626. Phone: (800) 290-0065. Fax: (585) 328-4168. Website: www.americantactical.us.

New “Universal” Bullet Puller from Forster

Every reloader is eventually confronted with the problem of having to pull bullets from loaded cases either to correct an error or to modify a load using a different bullet or powder. Pulling bullets isn’t always as easy as it sounds, particularly when the only available bullet puller won’t fit the press or when the diameter of the loaded bullet won’t fit the puller. Forster Products now comes to the rescue. Their new Universal Bullet Puller fits not only Forster’s patented Co-Ax Press for which it was originally designed, but it will fit virtually any standard reloading press with a 7/8 x 14 inch thread. It makes pulling bullets much easier, quicker and safer than using a hammer style puller. To ensure true universal function, the Universal Bullet Puller uses diameter-specific Bullet Puller Collets to hold the bullet, which are available in twenty-one different sizes from .17 to .458. So, almost any caliber of bullet can be held securely by simply tightening the collet screw with a 9/16 inch wrench. Changing calibers is as simple as changing collets. Each Universal Bullet Puller is supplied with a modified version of Forster Products’ exclusive Cross Bolt Locking Ring which locks the puller securely into the Co-Ax press. Caliber-specific Bullet Puller Collets can be ordered separately. For more information or to place an order please contact them at Forster Products Inc., Dept. SAR, 310 East Lanark Avenue, Lanark, IL 61046. Phone: (815) 493-6360. Fax: (815) 493-2371. Website: www.forsterproducts.com.

Mesa Tactical Announces New Shotshell Carrier for Mossberg 930

Mesa Tactical, a Costa Mesa, CA manufacturer of professional grade tactical shotgun accessories, and recognized originator of the industry acclaimed SureShell shell carriers, which are available for most popular tactical shotguns, announces the completion and availability of its four, six, and eight-shot receiver-mounted SureShell shotshell carriers for Mossberg’s recently released Model 930 tactical shotgun. Mesa Tactical’s four, six, and eight-shot SureShell shell carriers are an industry standard and the preferred choice of most federal, state, and municipal law enforcement agencies due to their hard anodized aircraft aluminum construction, fail-safe shell retention system, serial number access window, and ease of installation. Mesa Tactical also manufactures other SureShell shell carriers in a variety of styles and mounting methods for Remington, Mossberg, and Benelli tactical shotguns, including Benelli’s SuperNova. Mesa Tactical also manufactures a wide variety of other accessories for tactical shotguns, including: various stock adapters, AR-15 style telescoping stock kits with, or without, hydraulic recoil buffers, Picatinny optical sight rails, barrel and magazine clamps for mounting flashlights, rails, slings, and additional hook and loop sling mounting hardware. For more information contact Mesa Tactical, Dept. SAR, 1760 Montrovia Avenue, Suite A14, Costa Mesa, CA 92627. Phone: (949) 642-3337. Fax: (949) 642-3339. Their website is www.mesatactical.com.

Portable Tool Kit from SOG Knives

SOG Knives, maker of civilian, military, law enforcement and utility knives, debuts its latest high speed extreme power multi-tool. Thanks to SOG’s S.A.T. (SOG Assisted Technology) this is the only multi-tool in the world that features a one-hand power assisted opening system configured for two blades. Many times users in a working environment have only one hand available to operate a multi-tool. SOG has the solution. Once the blade is moved about 10-15 degrees by the user’s thumb the S.A.T. takes over and completes the opening. Now the user has two blades (one fully serrated for cutting cord and other slick surfaces and one with a conventional edge) to pick from (especially handy if the worker is wearing gloves). SOG’s PowerAssist features a unique robust internal gear drive system that multiplies the closing force of the pliers, cutter, and crimpers. Simply stated, it doubles the operator’s grip power. Finally, a handy sized robust utility tool that actually can do some serious work. Comfort plus robust construction: SOG’s PowerAssist multi-tool features a wide grip for comfort and incredibly tough industrial grade construction. The other tools and accessory blades lock safely and securely once opened. No more accidental closing yet one finger can easily release and close these accessory locks with light pressure thanks to SOG’s ingenious easy to use Piano-Lock blade locking system. The multi-tool market is extremely popular with consumers and professionals alike for their utility tool usefulness. This new SOG PowerAssist multi-tool comes armed with: combo pliers/wire cutter, utility blade, serrated utility blade, metal saw, can opener, flat and Phillips screw drivers, crimper tool, ruler, and handy V-cutter for line and industrial packing straps. The new tool weighs just 9.3 ounces and is only 4.6 inches long in the closed position. It comes in either stainless or black oxide over stainless finish. Retail prices of this new tool are $115 for stainless and $122 for the black oxide. You can contact them at SOG Specialty Knives & Tools Inc., Dept. SAR, 6525 212th Street Southwest, Lynnwood, WA 98036. Phone: (425) 771-6230. Fax: (425) 771-7689. They can be found on the web at www.sogknives.com.

New Night Vision Monocular from NIVISYS Industries

NIVISYS Industries announces their military grade night-vision system is now available for public purchase. NIVISYS is a name new to many but they have been around for some time. NIVISYS makes an extensive line of ultra-quality military specification infrared, laser, and night vision systems for military and law enforcement. Due to NIVISYS’ advanced technology, these systems have been restricted to government use, require proof of U.S. citizenship, and restricted outside the U.S. unless State Department approved. Finally, NIVISYS has a system they can sell to civilians. It’s a Generation III unit designated MUM-14 (Multi-Use Monocular) that also meets all U.S. military specifications for combat use. The MUM-14 is a top level high-resolution piece of gear. The MUM-14 is ideal for security and covert work and is fun for any night recreational use or any situation where seeing what can’t be seen is desired. The MUM-14 is the smallest and toughest system available anywhere. It is designed for hand-held operation, helmet mount, head-mount, and firearm. As a head-mount unit, it affords users night vision while keeping their naked eye available for observation and/or gun-sight acquisition. For use even in total darkness it features a built-in infrared flashlight emitting light only visible through the MUM-14. The MUM-14 uses a single AA battery for 20-plus hours of use or a single CR-123 three-volt battery for 40-plus hours of operation. NIVISYS products are ruthlessly tested in altitude, heat, cold, water, and humidity chambers. NIVISYS is making the MUM-14 available in a special package containing the MUM-14, quick detachable Picatinny weapon mount and complete night-vision head-mount system with a retail of $3200. For more information they can be contacted at Nivisys Industries LLC, Dept. SAR, 400 South Clark Drive, Suite 105, Tempe, AZ 85281. Phone: (480) 970-3222. Fax: (480) 970-3555. Their website is www.nivisys.com.

If there has ever been a group of people who were truly disadvantaged on the shooting range, it has been the southpaws. From bolt-action rifles to belt-fed machine guns, firearms have historically been designed around the framework of the right-handed end user. Given the typical ejection path of most semiautomatic and fully automatic firearms, many people who shoot left-handed are quite “gun-shy” when handling these guns for the first time with brass ejecting through (or extremely close to) their line of sight. Thanks to Stag Arms of New Britain Connecticut, left-handed fans of the Black Rifle can consider this problem a thing of the past.

Stag Arms, LLC was founded in May of 2003, but their experience in manufacturing AR-15 and M16 type rifles and parts goes back more than 30 years. An offshoot of their sister company, Continental Manufacturing, all the major components of the Stag Arms line of rifles are manufactured “in house.” None of the components utilized in the Stag Arms rifles are imported or manufactured outside the United States.

The original concept of the left-handed AR-15 type rifle actually started even before the formation of the company- in fact there have been some attempts at this in the past. The Stag Arms left handed AR-15 story starts in 1998, when some of the initial manufacturing parts were ordered in anticipation of the project. 5 years later when Stag Arms was founded by Mark Malkowski, the project was restarted and the rest of the necessary development continued. Since the original concept rifle, the STAG-15L has become a completely new upper receiver system, compatible with any original lower receiver.

There is much more work necessary than reversing a few off the shelf parts in order to manufacture and assemble the STAG-15L. The bolt and bolt carrier needed to be completely redesigned and all of the coinciding features of the upper receiver itself had to be redesigned to match these new internal changes. In order to eject from the left side of the rifle the ejection port must be relocated from the right side to the left. This would involve a complete redesign of the upper receiver including the relocation of the dust cover, brass deflector and forward assist assembly. Due to the location of the bolt-hold-open feature on the lower receiver, the dust cover must now open up towards the carry handle instead of opening down towards the magazine well. This way the bolt-hold-open lever operates as intended and is unobstructed.

As soon as the bolt carrier is removed from the rifle many of the internal changes become apparent. The most obvious change is the addition of the notches on the left side of the bolt to be used in conjunction with the newly designed forward assist assembly. The right side of the bolt is smooth and is not notched. At the front of the bolt carrier, the gas relief ports are on the left side to coincide with the location of the new ejection port. In addition, the slot the bolt cam-pin rides in is also reversed and the cam pin must be removed to the right of the carrier key during disassembly. The firing pin retaining pin must also be removed from the right side of the carrier to disassemble the carrier and remove the firing pin and bolt. The carrier key is no different than the key in a standard bolt carrier.

Removing the bolt will reveal a few more major changes. The bolt cam pinhole in an AR-15/M16 bolt is undersized on one side so that the bolt may only be able to be installed in the bolt carrier in one position. On a standard bolt carrier when the bolt is installed and fully extended to the ejection position, looking at the face of the bolt, the extractor is in the 10 o’clock position. On the STAG-15L bolt, during the same function, the extractor is in the 2 o’clock position. The undersized side of the bolt cam pinhole in the STAG-15L is reversed to accommodate this change. The user should be cautioned to be extremely careful not to mix up right handed and left handed bolts during assembly as it is possible for these two parts to be interchanged even though they will not function properly and cause serious problems. A quick check as to the position of the extractor will allow the user to be certain the correct bolt is in place. The bolt carrier is clearly marked “Left-Handed” on the right rear side and a similar marking on these special bolts could be a worthy upgrade in the future to help avoid potential confusion with new AR-15 style rifle owners.

The firing pin, bolt cam pin, firing pin retaining pin, ejector, extractor, and bolt gas rings are standard factory parts.

The STAG-15L sent to SAR for evaluation was their Model 1L. In this configuration the rifle has a 16-inch, M4 contoured barrel and 6-position collapsible stock. The upper receiver, though left handed, was of an A3 configuration employing the use of a detachable carry handle with a fixed front sight. All the STAG-15 guns have a 1/9 twist rate and are chrome lined. Also available are the following models:

• Model 2L – 16-inch, M4 contoured barrel and 6-position collapsible stock. No carry handle and utilized an A.R.M.S. #40 rear flip-up sight along with the A2 front post.

• Model 3L – 16-inch, M4 contoured barrel and 6-position collapsible stock. No sights, only M1913 Picatiny Rail flat top upper receiver and M1913 Picatiny Rail front sight platform.

• Model 4L – 20-inch barrel with A2 buttstock and detachable carry handle and front sight post.

• Models 1, 2, 3 & 4 (no letter “L” suffix) are also available from Stag Arms in the same configuration as those listed above, in a traditional right-hand design.

Stag Arms offers these complete rifles and all have an ambidextrous safety selector on the lower receiver making them even more comfortable to the left-handed user. Another accessory offered through Stag Arms for their STAG-15L series of rifles is the Norgon Ambi-Catch. This accessory replaces the standard magazine release and allows the user to release the magazine on the left side of the receiver by rotating this new latch without changing the function of the magazine release button on the right side of the receiver. Upper receiver assemblies can be purchased separately for those who already have a lower receiver and full-auto compatible bolt carriers can also be purchased for owners of registered receivers and drop-in auto sears.

Shooting the STAG-15L made this right-handed shooter aware of, and appreciate the importance of, the brass deflector. The brass pile was growing to the left rear side of the shooter dropping at approximately the 8 o’clock position. One quick glance at the deflector, suddenly colored with fresh brass strikes, made me realize what a great innovation that was for the left-handed M16 shooters of days past. It was thoughtful of Stag Arms to include this feature for right-handed shooters who want to utilize their left-handed rifle.

To stay with the program, several magazines were fired from the left shoulder and practice using the left eye. With a little concentration it was actually more comfortable than I thought possible. The difference was that it was not instinctual and fast, but a slow process that actually required concentration during every step. Knowing how disadvantaged it is to be forced to fire from the opposite shoulder and eye, I can now fully understand how exciting a project the STAG-15L actually is for many members of our shooting community.

Summary

The quality of the STAG-15L is excellent. The markings on the STAG line of rifles are deep and clean and the logo is distinctive and attractive. The fit and finish is very nice and the rifle submitted for evaluation never malfunctioned under any circumstance. We even tested it in sub freezing temperatures with the new NATEC Polymer Cased Ammunition (see accompanying article in this issue of Small Arms Review) and it never skipped a beat. During most of the shooting time, we were using Wolf 62-grain FMJ and Norinco 55-grain FMJ ammunition. The 1 in 9 inch twist barrel seemed to accommodate both rounds with ease, and at distances of 50 yards and 100 yards, all met their intended marks in a series of B27 Silhouette targets.

Shooters who have had the opportunity to handle the STAG-15L has been very intrigued. Those intimately familiar with the AR-15/M16 family of weapons have especially taken interest in the redesign of the parts necessary to accomplish the proper extraction and ejection. The few southpaws who have seen it have been ecstatic. I would recommend the STAG-15L to any left-handed shooter who wants to feel like they finally have an instrument made for them. I would also recommend it to any collector of the AR-15/M16 family of firearms who is looking for an interesting “gap” to fill in their collection, even if they didn’t realize it previously existed.

Specifications STAG-15L

Model: 1L
Caliber: 5.56×45 NATO
Overall Length: 32 inches (812.8mm) stock collapsed
Barrel Length: 16 inches (406.4mm)
Number of Grooves: 6 – chrome lined
Rifling Twist & Pitch: Right hand, 1/9 inches (1/228mm)
Sights:Rear: Detachable carry handle w/A2 adjustable
Front: Protected post
Weight, Empty: 6.75 pounds (3.06kg)
Weight of full Magazine: 1 pound (.445kg)
Magazine Capacity: 30-round magazine
Selector / Safety: Ambidextrous
Stock: 6-position collapsible
MSRP as tested: $989.00

Stag Arms, LLC
Dept. SAR
515 John Downey Drive
New Britain, CT 06051
Ph: (860) 229-9994
Fax: (860) 229-3738
www.stagarms.com

Wolf Performance Ammunition
Dept. SAR
1125 N. Lance Lane
Anaheim, CA 92806
Ph: (888) 757-WOLF
Fax: (714) 632-9232
www.wolfammo.com