The YHM Model 57 is produced in both flat black as well as burnt bronze. Notice this model has a longer extended handguard, which is also an option to the customer.

By Christopher R. Bartocci

The AR business, like any other, has trends that alter the way the weapons are produced to make a more modern updated looking carbine instead of the legacy AR look going back to the early 1960s. Many companies have created unique looking receivers with a much more modern look such as AXTS, San Tan Tactical, Seekins Precision and now the Yankee Hill Machine Model 57. Providing to numerous OEM’s as well as manufacturers of their own weapons is Yankee Hill Machine Co., Inc. of Florence, Massachusetts. Opening their doors in 1951 as a job shop, Yankee Hill Machine (YHM) broke into the gun world in the late 1960s in the form of a government contract making cleaning kits. Around 1998, YHM started to sell complete AR-type rifles in co-op with ZM Weapons. The co-op dissolved and DPMS is now its own company. YHM has manufactured several weapon components for the U.S. military as well making them familiar with military grade quality control.

YHM manufactures a wide variety of components including rifle receivers, back up sights, front sights, rail systems, flash suppressors, lower receiver accessories as well as sound suppressors. They have a very good size selection of complete rifles ranging from entry level to professional. Along with their complete rifle line, they also sell complete upper receivers whether they are stock items or custom items. YHM has earned their reputation in this industry for quality and innovation. One does not have to look very far to see other manufacturers using YHM parts.

The newest entry to the market is the Model 57. To start with, the upper and lower receiver is manufactured from a billet instead of a forging. There are several reasons why this is a benefit over the forging. With a forging, there is very little that can be done to alter the look of the receiver without alteration of the forging die. Another big factor is when there is a buying surge of rifles and components forgings can be very hard to come by. Here in the U.S., there are relatively few forging companies that manufacture for the entire industry. These include Cardinal Forge, Anchor Harvey, Cerro Forge, Martin Marietta and Brass Aluminum Forgings, to mention a few. Many of these have U.S. government contracts with Colt and FN. In some cases receiver forgings that are rejected by those companies find their way into the commercial market as well. Basically, these are standard lower and flat top upper receiver forgings. YHM found during the frenzy of 2012 they had difficulty getting forgings. They wanted to be sure they could build rifles whether there were forgings or not.

Using a billet instead of a forging offers a starting point to allow the manufacturer to sculpture any design they like with the only limitations being the length and the width of the billet. Billets are also much easier to manufacture. The original YHM design arguably mimicked a forged lower (concept design started in January 2013). YHM started to make sure all of their specifications would match any upper throughout the industry. Although the design of their first six prototypes had a very unique look to them, it was too similar to that of a legacy lower so YHM decided on a course in a different direction. At this same time, the YHM engineering department had greatly increased in capability and innovation. YHM knew they could do vastly more with the lower with this new engineering approach as well as improve machining practices. Two more concepts later, YHM arrived with the current Model 57. Once the lower was completed, YHM decided on a whole package. Once this was decided, the YHM engineering team was challenged to come up with an entirely new rifle to show at SHOT Show 2014. By October 2013, YHM had their new billet upper receiver as well.

The Model 57 rifle has an unloaded weight of 7.43 pounds without a magazine. With the stock extended the overall length is 37.5 inches and with it closed is 33.5 inches. The rifle comes with two Magpul Gen 2 PMags and YHM Quick Deploy Q.D.S. sights, which are manufactured from 7075 T6 aircraft grade aluminum. The Model 57 can be purchased in 5.56mm, 300 AAC Blackout (7.62x35mm) and 6.8mm SPC calibers. Finishes are offered in flat black and burnt bronze. The MSRP is $2,195 for the flat black model.

Starting from the rear of the Model 57, the rifle uses a Magpul Commercial Specification CTR stock that is lightweight, durable and has a lock on the stock so it will not inadvertently move without intent. The receiver extension allows the stock six different positions.

The pistol grip is the Magpul MOE or Magpul Original Equipment. This is far more comfortable than the standard Mil-Spec A2 pistol grip and up more of the user’s hand.

The lower receiver is manufactured from a 7075 T6 aircraft grade aluminum billet, the same type of aluminum as the Mil-Spec forgings. The trigger guard is integral into the lower receiver and is oversized to allow for heavy gloves. The magazine well is cut in a unique shape and appears as though the front of the magazine well extends a little more than a standard legacy rifle. During testing of the T&E rifle it was found two magazines would not seat due to this. These were the H&K polymer magazine and the newly introduced Elite Tactical Systems translucent polymer magazines. This bears no reflection on the rifle; these magazines were designed a little different is all. The front of the magazine well has grooves machined into it making it easier and a more solid hold. The rear takedown and front pivot pins are the YHM designed E-Z Pull takedown pins that protrude from the right side of the rifle making field stripping of the rifle considerably easier and faster. The trigger is a two stage trigger that broke at 5 pounds

The upper receiver, also machined from a billet of 7075 T6 aircraft grade aluminum has a very unique sculptured look to it. Machined into the receiver is a forward assist as well as a fired cartridge case deflector. The ejection port has written on the outside the caliber and in the case of the T&E it said “5.56mm NATO.” All YHM firearms now include a caliber marked ejection port dust cover.

The barrel on the T&E rifle is a YHM manufactured 16 inch fluted barrel manufactured from 4140 steel and Melonite QPQ finished. The barrel is referred to as a ball cut barrel and is patterned in such a way so that although material is removed, it retains its original tensile strength. The rifle is offered with a carbine gas system. There are four different barrels offered by YHM: a standard 5.56mm Mil-Spec 1 turn in 7 inch barrel, a 5.56mm barrel with a 1 turn in 9 inch barrel, a 300 AAC Blackout/300 Whisper barrel with a 1 turn in 8 inch twist barrel to accommodate both super and subsonic loads, and a 1 turn in 10 inch 6.8mm SPC barrel. YHM’s ball cut barrel is at this time only available on complete Model 57 rifles. YHM offers both threaded and unthreaded muzzles as well.

The muzzle device was quite interesting called the YHM Slant Series Brake/Comp – a combination of a muzzle brake and compensator. The particular one on the rifle was the YHM-26-MB-A, which can also be bought separately for a MSRP of $70. This device stood out during testing as it did not have the brutal blast on the sides as you would come to expect from a muzzle brake and you could clearly feel it doing its job. Muzzle jump was negligible and although very uniquely and somewhat freaky looking, this muzzle device does an excellent job.

The handguard is the SLR (Slim, Light, Rail)-Slant Series handguard. The top of the rail makes a continuous top rail from the charging handle to the tip of the handguard at the muzzle end. The rail is T-marked so the operator will know the proper placement of the optics or other accessories to maintain zero. This rail is manufactured from 6061-T6 aluminum and is available in midlength as well as rifle length configurations. The rail on the T&E rifle is the midlength (YHM-5145), which has three QD mounts on the front left and right sides and the underside of the handguard. The rail is continuous on the top but the sides and bottom are only 3 inches in length on the front of the handguard. To the rear is smooth and very comfortable to hold. The 12 o’clock position of the handguard accepts customizable Mil-Std 1913 rails. The handguard is 2.18 inches wide and 2.18 inches tall. The handguard does require a proprietary barrel nut. All the necessary components and tools are provided with the handguard for installation. The handguard on the submitted T&E is their Specter Systems – a term coined by YHM that refers to a free floating handguard that extends over/past the gas system/gas block hiding it under the handguard. This also protects the gas system from any damage from the rifle being dropped or any other type of impact.

The rifle comes standard with the YHM Q.D.S. (Quick Deploy Sights) front and rear sights (YHM-5040). These folding backup sights feature a spring loaded automatic deploy system and lock positively in the upright and folded positions. They deploy by a spring loaded button and stow the same way. Both sights are manufactured from 6060-T6 aircraft grade aluminum. The rear sight has the same short and long range dual aperture as the standard A4/M4 rifles and windage is adjusted by a knob. No tools are necessary.

The bolt carrier group is standard Mil-Spec. The carrier group was very well machined and melonite coated. The charging handle has the new YHM tactical latch on it that makes it much easier to manipulate with gloved hands.

The charging handle includes the Tac Latch.

At the same time the new Model 57 arrived, so did some new magazines for testing manufactured by Hexmag. Product design of the Hexmag began in early 2013. Hexmag was incorporated in November of 2013 and began shipping product in March of 2014. The design was done by Adam Schefter, one of the company’s owners.

The material is very similar to other top end magazines that are made of a mix of nylon and fiber materials for strength. The magazine has a series of hexagram shapes on the magazine exterior. According to Hexmag, the grip is the number one benefit and they feel the design was more interesting to look at compared to what else is out there saying the pattern compliments the design and not distracts. The pattern saves on weight and they estimate the weight savings as two 5.56mm rounds per magazine.

Another outstanding feature of this product is the colored follower and the colored lock plate. The base plate has a hexagram shaped hole where the lock plate protrudes and locks the floor plate and magazine base together. No tool is needed to disassemble the magazine. One can use their finger to push inward on the lock plate and slide the floor plate off the magazine body. Both the follower and lock plate are offered in black, orange, green, red, yellow, pink and blue. By changing the color of the lock plate to various colors, this can help the shooter to identify caliber of the cartridges in the magazine as well as projectile types. The magazine itself is offered in black, Flat Dark Earth and olive green.

The market can expect other types of magazines in the future. Hexmag offers a Lifetime Warranty on their magazines. Prior to release, the magazines had been put through a battery of testing including drop testing and compatibility testing. The T&E magazines were subjected to different rifles as well as fully automatic fire.

The YHM Model 57 was tested with numerous magazines to determine compatibility. These magazines included GI aluminum, Magpul PMag, HK High Reliability steel magazine, Hera Arms polymer mag, Lancer AWM, Surefire 60-round and the new Hexmag. These all functioned without issue. The rifle was tested for function with 500 rounds of Black Hills Ammunition .223 Rem 55gr FMJ as well as Federal American Eagle .223 Rem 55gr FMJ. There were no malfunctions. The efficiency of the muzzle brake/compensator was quite noticeable on affecting muzzle jump. The feel of the handguard was quite comfortable. It was nice not having the rail at the rear of the handguard due to how uncomfortable that can be. The Magpul MOE pistol grip is always a winner. The best group shot that day was a .740 inch group by a SWAT Team sniper with Black Hills Ammunition MK262 Mod1 ammunition. This is a 77gr Open Tip Match Round used by SOCOM. It is this authors opinion this is the finest factory produced 5.56mm cartridge in the world. You get a combination of match accuracy and consistent wounding ballistics. Designed by Jeff Hoffman, this round has become the most sought after 5.56mm round in the military as well as foreign military who have had the chance to shoot it with their SOCOM advisors. Black Hills Ammunition makes this ammunition available to the commercial and LE markets as the 5.56mm 77gr OTM in their new manufactured ammunition line.

With all the variations of the Black Rifle you may be thinking, “Not another one!” This is not your typical copy of the M4 carbine – in fact it is the opposite. This rifle sports a new style upper and lower receiver, new free float handguard, excellent fluted barrel, advanced muzzle brake/compensator and more. The only thing this author would have liked to see different is that the gas block to be drilled and pinned in place instead of locked on with set screws.

Many of the field guns featured exquisite engravings and carvings and probably exemplify Beretta’s long-standing tradition of top quality craftsmanship. Among the field guns, I found myself drawn towards some of the more unusual examples: a strange breech-loaded single shot shotgun, some open hammer quad-barreled shotguns, and some unusually large or small gauge guns. But probably my favorite was to see that John Browning’s lever action 12 gauge had earned a place in this exhibit, one of the few non-Beretta field guns represented.

I wasn’t surprised to see that antique guns were well represented, comprising about one third of the overall collection. There were many flintlocks, a few wheel locks and matchlocks, plus a few guns with even stranger firing mechanisms. There were a few handguns that fired projectiles about the size of a golf ball. I bet they would be a handful to shoot. The pride of the collection, perhaps, was a gun carried by General Giuseppe Garibaldi during the conquest of Naples. Garibaldi figures prominently in the 19th century unification of Italy.

Personally, I was drawn to the ‘other’ guns – the more modern military weapons. It was amazing to see several hundred years of small arms history condensed to a single wall in an exhibit. The older weapons were interesting more for novelties, such as the appearance (in this exhibit anyway) of the first grenade launcher or of early machineguns. A tiny, Chipmunk-sized .22LR carbine, with what appeared to be about a 20 round magazine and (of all things) a fixed bayonet was particularly amusing. There was a 1915 era 9mm Villar Perosa in perfect condition, with it’s distinctive twin barrels and corresponding top mounted magazines. However, the most impressive part of this section was the excellent tribute to WWII-era weapons. I have never before seen so many important patterns in one place: M1 Garand, M3 Greasegun, Sten, PPSH, MP44, MP40, several Thompsons, right up through (Beretta made) M14s.

Curiously, the focus of the collection narrows considerably after World War II. All of the more recent military guns are limited to ones made by Beretta. AK-47s and M16s are conspicuous in their absence.
Pistols were displayed in waist high cabinets with glass tops and 4 or 5 layers of locked drawers underneath. So the guns exhibited on top are just a fraction of the total collection.

Closest to the entrance there were two flat tables containing an assortment of Beretta handguns. Modern model 92 or 96 guns in various finishes took up about a third of the first table. A few were gold-plated or had gold appointments. A little more interesting were a series of pocket pistols, showing the evolution of the model 21 series back over time. Most interesting of all was a full-auto model 57 (‘Helwan’ style), featuring a contoured horizontal fore-grip and a shoulder stock. Next to it was a model 93R.

The non-Beretta pistols were much more interesting. One table was dedicated entirely to Lugers. In addition to many examples of the classic P08 handgun, there were some artillery-style variants both with and without shoulder stocks. However, the centerpiece of this table was a Borchardt Pistol – the immediate predecessor of Mr. Luger’s famous design.

The next table was full of Broomhandle Mausers. Again, there was an assortment of regular pistols and some with shoulder stocks. But the most unique piece was a Mauser carbine. Another table had a random collection of assorted WWII era handguns, one or more each: P38, Japanese Nambu, Radom, plus a number of strange handguns I didn’t recognize.

I was pleased to see that the last two tables were tributes to John Browning’s handguns. One table was almost entirely Browning High Powers. Again the collection presented an enviable assortment of unique configurations. The other table contained a significant number of 1911-pattern guns, along with a representative assortment of other Browning designs.

At first I was struck by the conspicuous absence of any crew-served guns or larger artillery. Then I noticed towards the far end of the main room there were a couple of cannon on display. One appeared to be muzzle loaded (at least I never figured out how to open the breach). The other was clearly breach loaded but I was surprised by the conspicuous label which said it was “Spingarda Beretta / CAL.32 MOD.27”. I thought what is this, some kind of a joke? The muzzle looks around 30mm. I opened the breach and was stunned to see what looked like a tiny .32 cal opening. Then I realized I was looking at the base of a 32mm case with the primer punched out. When I fully ejected the shell, it was about 20cm long. It turns out that this gun was a mainstay of the Beretta product line at one time.

The far end of the main room had doors leading to other rooms. Turns out they were hiding the more aggressive weapons of war in these back rooms. One room was small, almost a closet, but it had a single gun rack with a variety of famous machineguns. Lighting was poor and I did not recognize all the models but there were at least two MG42s, a Chaucat and a Bren. These guns were tagged like the rest of the collection but it looked like they were the bastard stepchildren. Also, incongruously, about one third of the rack was filled with old swords.

The other room was much more interesting. The walls were covered with bookshelves filled with gun patterns and trophies the company won in various competitions. More interesting was the assortment of heavier artillery. There was the cutest little 5” mortar. Nearby there was an older, muzzle loaded cannon, turquoise with age. There was a Maxim and a couple belt-feds I didn’t recognize but it was gratifying to see John Browning well represented in this collection too: a potato digger and a 1919A1. In the far corner was a 3” cannon that was a popular product at one time. Most interesting perhaps was an unusual dual-barreled machine gun. It was somewhat like the Villar Perosa only somewhat larger. What I could make out from the label was “Contro Aerei… / Gassa Quota / Mod. 30 / Cal. 6.6mm / Per La R. Marina.” My Italian is terrible but I’m getting some kind of anti aircraft gun for riverboats. “Gassa Quota” suggests gas operated, but the gun looks like a blowback design.

Some time earlier we had heard the factory whistle blow and heard most of the employees leaving for the day. We half expected to get kicked out but nobody interrupted us so we didn’t leave until we had had our fill. As we left, I noticed our original escort had left the keys in the door, so I locked up and reluctantly turned the keys over to an older executive who had been waiting patiently for us.

We thought the tour was over but he ushered us onto the next phase of the tour. This was a product display room. Mostly it exhibited Beretta-branded clothing, bags, and other accessories. One wall did have guns on display but they were mostly exotic shotguns. Only thing that was particularly interesting was seeing for the first time their Beretta 98 handgun. This is a model 92-pattern gun in caliber 9×21 along with some minor cosmetic improvements. I’d love to have one but it may never be imported to the US.

Even this wasn’t the end of the tour. We were escorted to one last section, exhibiting some of Beretta’s forays into non-firearms markets. Most prominently was the Beretta automobile. Vaguely resembling a cross between a Fiat and an old Volvo, the company experimented with the auto industry for about three years. There also are some motorcycles the company made for a while. There are a lot of lakes in this part of Italy and I get the impression that some of the Beretta family were enthusiastic about boating. For a while the company made a little water skiff. This was a motorized water scooter about the size of an inner tube. By far one of the most interesting things in this section was a rowboat, mounted with one of those “Spingarda” 32mm cannon. It was about twenty-five feet long and seated a crew of three rowers plus a gun operator. The gun operator controlled the gun’s elevation. The rowers had oars for getting around but they also had cranks to control left and right propellers for fine-tuning the direction. I can see one of the Beretta owners out on one of the lakes, shooting at targets on the alpine hills. It’s good to be the boss.

From their web page I was led to believe this was an ordinary firearms museum open to the public. Upon arrival it was clear that this is not quite the case. Though the company was most gracious at receiving us without an appointment, it was clear that they, in fact, receive hardly any visitors, being so far from any of the normal tourist stops. My friend and I had the entire museum to ourselves for the several hours we chose to stay. But if I had it to do over again, I’d phone ahead and make an appointment. Maybe then we could get them to open some of the cases so we could take some better photographs.