By Chris A. Choat

FREEDOM ORDNANCE RELEASES NEW 9MM BELT-FED UPPER FOR AR’S & M-16’S

Freedom Ordnance is now releasing their new FM-9 9x19mm Belt-Fed AR-15/M-16 Upper Receiver. The new upper offers a quick change barrel system that is rigid and accurate with no tools required to change barrels. You can literally switch barrels in seconds! The new upper uses Freedom Ordnance’s own proprietary disintegrating 9mm links that are designed especially for the 9mm cartridge, not modified military links. The upper is blow-back operated. The complete unit is machined from billet aluminum and ordnance grade steel. It is heat treated and features QPQ nitride finish on all steel parts to give the system extreme durability. The upper will drop on to any mil-spec AR-15 or M-16 lower receiver. A mag block is dropped into the mag well from the top before putting the upper on, this provides an attachment point for the belt bag and houses the ejector. Without the mag block in, the unit will not function. This is the only “modification” that is done and no tools are required so M-16 lower owners don’t have to modify their precious lowers. It comes standard with the 16.5” barrel and the 11 inch barrel can be ordered as an option. It uses a supplied 150 round belt bag and also comes with 150 links. Extra links can be ordered in bags of 500 or 1000. Watch future issues of SAR for a test and review of this new belt-fed! For more information or see a video of the new unit go to www.freedomordnance.com.

TACSTAR TACTICAL SHOTGUN GRIPS FOR MOSSBERG AND REMINGTON

Increase the versatility and speed of your pump-action shotgun with Tactical Shotgun Grips from Tacstar. The new grips are designed with the proper width, rearward angle and back swell to distribute recoil energy evenly to both hands resulting in greater speed, accuracy and control when shooting. Injection-molded from a high-impact ABS polymer, these grips are tough and ready for hard use. Tactical Shotgun Grip Sets are available for the Remington 870 and Mossberg 500/590/600/Maverick. Sets include all the necessary hardware for quick and easy installation and require no alterations to the shotgun. They are available for 12 gauge only and include the action bars. The grips are also sold individually. The retail price is just $69.98 for the set. For more information go to www.lymanproducts.com.

MISSION FIRST TACTICAL INTRODUCES MINIMALIST STOCK AND 30 ROUND MAGS

Mission First Tactical has recently introduced their new Battlelink™ Minimalist Stock. The new stock is made from an “evolutionary” new military grade polymer material that is stronger and lighter than other stocks. The stock is energy absorbent, impact and shatter resistant and has a very high weight to strength coefficient. It has been combat tested in jungle, desert and icepack conditions. It features a direct slide-on replacement and comes in either mil-spec or commercial sizes. It has an angled, non-slip buttpad and quick detach sling mount. The new Minimalist is available in Scorched Dark Earth, Grey, Foliage Green and Black. Also new from Mission First Tactical is their new 30-round magazines. The new MFI standard capacity polymer magazine is designed for the AR-15/M-16 platform but will work in all milspec AR platforms. A flared floor plate aids in extraction from tight magazine pouches. The magazines offer tool-less disassembly with double floorplate safety release tabs. The magazines also have paint pen dot matrix areas for easy identification and they also feature drain holes. They are equipped with stainless steel springs, four-way anti-tilt followers and an oversize bolt catch notch which provides increased bolt catch clearance. For more information on these as well as their full line of high quality AR accessories contact them at www.missionfirsttactical.com.

SIGHTMARK INTRODUCES READYFIRE PISTOL LASER SERIES

Sightmark is proud to unveil the complete ReadyFire Pistol Laser Series lineup, giving shooters the ultimate advantage with four different units; the R5, CR5, G5, and CG5. Each model in this lightweight series of pistol lasers features an ambidextrous digital switch activation, as well as continuous and pulsing operation modes. The ReadyFire series offer units with a red laser (R5 or CR5) and green laser (G5 or CG5). The R5 and G5 ReadyFire models fit both compact and subcompact pistols. The CR5 and CG5 units are compatible with full size and compact pistols. Sightmark ReadyFire Pistol Lasers are designed for when seconds count and there is no time to find your sights in the dark. The lightweight, streamlined G5 laser mounts between the trigger guard and muzzle of any railed handgun, decreasing snag points. Visibility for the G5 and CG5 extend to 50 yards during the day and an impressive 600 yards at night. The ReadyFire G5 is energized by a CR2 battery and features two modes, continuous and pulsing, to increase battery life up to 15 hours. The Sightmark ReadyFire R5 Pistol Laser is a compact, lightweight sighting system that’s designed to fit any compact pistol with a weaver or picatinny mount. The visible red laser on the R5 has built-in windage and elevation adjustments and is energized by two AG13 batteries. The R5 also features a continuous and pulsing operation mode to increase battery life up to 10 hours. The ReadyFire CR5 Pistol Laser is designed with an integral weaver mount and is the ideal laser sighting system for any shooting scenario. The R5 and CR5 provide up to 300 yards of visibility at night and up to 20 yards in daylight. For more information you can contact them at www.sightmark.com.

NEW QUICK CHANGE CALIBER CONVERSION UPPER FROM WINDHAM WEAPONRY

The Windham Weaponry Multi-Caliber Upper Receiver Assembly Kit is designed as a unique upgrade for the AR15 Type Rifle – offering quick & easy caliber changes by simply switching out the barrel, and if necessary, the bolt/bolt carrier and magazine. The kits are completely “ready for the range” once you add the optic or iron sights of your choice. As with their complete rifles, they are manufactured to the highest standards from the best materials available. Barrels are Chrome Lined for long wear and easy cleaning – machined from 4150 Chrome Moly Vanadium Steel, finished in Black Manganese Phosphate, and rifled appropriately for the intended caliber. Upper Receivers are CNC machined from forged 7075 T6 Aircraft Aluminum and finished in Hardcoat Black Anodize. Bolts are machined from Carpenter 158 Steel. The MCS 1 Kit includes a complete Upper Receiver assembly with .223/5.56mm caliber M4 barrel assembly; integral railed forend; (with barrel release levers, and barrel retaining block). Additionally, a .300 Blackout caliber barrel assembly is included allowing the change between .223/5.56mm caliber and .300 Blackout caliber by utilizing the same bolt / bolt carrier and .223 magazines. The .223/5.56mm bolt / bolt carrier and .223 magazines are utilized. The .300 Blackout caliber barrel assembly is complete with railed gas block, gas tube, and A2 flash hider. The MCS 2 Kit includes a complete Upper Receiver assembly with .223/5.56mm caliber M4 barrel assembly; integral railed forend; (with barrel release levers, and barrel retaining block). Additionally, a 7.62 x 39mm caliber barrel assembly is included allowing the change between .223/5.56mm caliber and 7.62 x 39mm caliber by utilizing 7.62 bolt / bolt carrier and the included 7.62 x 39mm caliber magazines. The 7.62 x 39mm caliber barrel assembly is complete with railed gas block, gas tube, and A2 flash hider. Their 7.62 Bolts are marked with 3 rings behind the locking lugs so as not to be confused with the .223 caliber bolt. More information can be found at www.windhamweaponry.com

MG INDUSTRIES NOW SHIPPING MARCK 15 IN 9MM SMG CONFIGURATION

MG Industries, manufacturers of the Marck 15 AR “Hydra” platform, a base system that the user can configure to any mission-specific rifle, announces that the complete weapon system configuration in 9mm SMG Hydra is now shipping. This rifle features the complete modularity and interchangeability of the Hydra Modular Rifle System. The 9mm Hydra weapon system is ready to fire right out of the box and comes standard with a 16-inch blow back barrel and blow back bolt. This configuration is set up for 9mm that utilize 9mm Colt-style SMG magazines. The suggested retail for the MGI 9mm SMG Hydra Modular Rifle is $1,299. For more information, visit www.mgi-military.com.

MISSION FIRST TACTICAL ANNOUNCES NEW ILLUMINATOR / IR TOOLS

Mission First Tactical, LLC (MFT) is proud to introduce Torch; the new MFT series of lights and IR for home defense, law enforcement, security and as a primary light source backup. The Torch line includes three models and all are USA made by Princeton Tec. The Torch Backup Light White (TBLW) is a low profile, Picatinny mounted light with dual white LEDs. It has a recessed pressure pad for easy activation and a power button for simple ON/OFF functions. The illumination is low output for signature reduction during patrol, stealth structure search and approach to the target and breaching operations. The Torch Backup Light White has a 10-year storage lifespan, a 12-hour burn time with a 20-lumen bright white output. It weighs just 22 grams and has an IPX7 water resistant rating. MSRP is $59.99. The Torch Backup Light White/Red (TBLWR) illumination tool has many of the same features of the TBLW, except the dual LEDs are white and red; it has a 24-hour burn time and a 10-lumen output. Also, the power button features a one-click for low, a second click for high and a hold for 2-seconds brings on the primary light functionality. MSRP is $59.99. The third light in the Torch series is the Backup Light with Red/IR LEDs (TBLIR). It features all the same specifications of the TBLWR and includes the IR LED. MSRP is $59.99. For more information on the new Mission First Tactical Torch series of illumination tools, visit Mission First Tactical online at www.missionfirsttactical.com.

TRIJICON INTRODUCES NEW VCOG 1-6 X 24 RIFLESCOPE

Trijicon has combined the legendary toughness and function of its combat-proven ACOG and associated ballistic reticles with a new variable optic. The new Trijicon VCOG (Variable Combat Optical Gunsight) 1-6×24 mm meets the rigorous demands of duty or competition while giving shooters the flexibility to engage CQB targets and out to the maximum effective range of most service rifles. Designed and built in the USA, the Trijicon VCOG is machined from a 7075-T6 aluminum forging and given a Mil Spec, hard-coat anodized finish. There is a full 90 MOA of windage and elevation adjustment available in 1/2 in. / click increments at 100m to get almost any weapon system on target. Lenses are all fully multicoated with a broadband anti-reflective coating that maximizes light transmission while meeting and beating the military’s requirements for abrasion resistance. The scope maintains a constant four inches of eye relief throughout its magnification range and an oversized and knurled adjustment knob makes finding the perfect power setting easy and fast, even with gloved hands. The VCOG is waterproof to 66 feet and its illumination electronics are Mil Spec tough. Initially, the VCOG will be offered with seven different reticle choices, all of which are located in the first focal plane allowing the ballistic reticle to be used at any magnification. The segmented circle reticle with a centered crosshair can be matched with 175-grain 7.62, 55- and 77-grain 5.56, or 115-grain supersonic 300 BLK loads. The popular horseshoe/dot reticle is available in each of the 5.56 and 7.62 offerings. The red illuminated reticle is powered by a common AA battery, accessible underneath the objective, delivering 700 continuous hours of runtime at setting 4 of 6 with a lithium battery. A rheostat is located on the main tube, opposite the windage turret, and has an off position between each of its six brightness settings. An integral mount securely pairs the optic with any M1913 Picatinny rail and its height is perfect for flattop M16, M4, AR-15 and SR-25/AR-10-style rifles. At just 10 inches, the VCOG leaves plenty of rail space ahead of the objective for night vision or thermal intensifiers. Also new for 2014, Trijicon has introduced a selection of ACOG, Reflex and RMR models featuring Cerakote finishes. Cerakote is a ceramic based finish that can be applied to metals, plastics, polymers and wood surfaces. This versatile finish is becoming a popular option for high-quality firearms and accessories. Trijicon now offers color options in Sniper Gray, OD Green and Flat Dark Earth (FDE) on select ACOG, Reflex and RMR models. More information can be found at www.trijicon.com.

OHIO ORDNANCE WORKS ANNOUNCES NEW HCAR

Ohio Ordnance Works, Inc. has now introduced a new rifle that they have dubbed the HCAR, which is an acronym for Heavy Counter Assault Rifle. The rifle’s origins began decades ago as John Browning’s famous BAR chambered for .30-06. The new HCAR brings the BAR into the 21st century with an extreme makeover. The gun has a lightened receiver and a new trigger pack that has a trigger that can be adjusted down to 3.5 pounds as well as a pistol grip. Other features of the new rifle include a lightened, fluted barrel that is threaded to accept flash hiders as well as suppressors. The rifle is semiautomatic and fires from a closed bolt. It accepts any magazine made for the original BAR as well as the new 30-round magazines that Ohio Ordnance Works themselves make. The gun’s receiver has an M16 buffer tube so it can use any collapsible or fixed stock made for the M16 rifle. The HCAR includes a railed forearm as well as a Picatinny rail along the top of its receiver for optic and accessory mounting. The total weight of the rifle has been dropped to just 12 pounds, which is about 7 pounds less than the original BAR. The HCAR will be available in most Cerakote color finishes. Watch future issues of Small Arms Review and Small Arms Defense Journal for a full test article on this new gun. You can find out more at www.ohioordnanceworks.com.

LASERLYTE INTRODUCES NEW DUAL LENS CENTER MASS LASER

LaserLyte, innovators in firearms laser technologies, re-engineers the best-selling Kryptonyte Center Mass laser system to give users a choice between two laser patterns; single dot or the popular Center Mass pattern. The Center Mass laser feature projects a ring of eight green laser dots with one green laser dot in the center as the aiming laser. The circle grows at one-inch per yard, approximately the same configuration as a shotgun aimed at a moving target. The green laser, both single and Center Mass pattern, aid the user in daylight visibility, giving the user the advantage of a wide field-of-view while using both eyes for aiming. The CM-K15B, built in rugged military style housing, sports a tethered battery cap to prevent loss during in-the-field battery changes. The hybrid aluminum and nylon design of the unit gives it the durability to withstand active scenarios. The aluminum core keeps the laser accurate and reliable. The activation button located on top of the laser can be utilized as a momentary switch or with a quick double tap, will turn the laser to a constant ON mode. A remote pressure switch with a ten-inch length, two-inch tape switch area with copper braided cord is also included. The offset design of the CM-K15B allows the user a variety of mounting options. The LaserLyte CM-K15B Dual Lens Center Mass laser gets sport shooters and professionals on the target faster, increasing accuracy and overall hits. For more information, visit www.laserlyte.com.

GEMTECH HAS NEW INTEGRAL RUGER 10/22 BARREL

Gemtech is now making an integrally suppressed barrel for the Ruger 10/22 series of rifles and clones. This new barrel features a monocore suppressor with a removable tube to allow for easy cleaning. Used in combination with Gemtech’s subsonic .22 LR ammunition, this rifle is said to be the ultimate in quite. Gemtech is now also producing a new suppressor for the 300 Blackout round. Coupled with that, they are offering their own 300 Blackout subsonic ammunition that is loaded with a 187 grain polymer tipped bullet that has a velocity of 1,010 feet per second. For more information on these items as well as Gemtech’s full line of suppressors you can go to www.gem-tech.com.