ST ENGINEERING
Compact Personal Weapon (CPW)

ST Engineering’s CPW is a cost-effective and compact submachine gun made of strong yet light engineering plastic and aluminum alloy. Its unique cam recoil mitigation mechanism reduces recoil significantly with delayed blowback operation for accurate and controlled firing. The retractable buttstock allows CPW to be handled and carried like a conventional pistol for easy concealment for law enforcement and security forces. stengg.com/en

Technical Specifications
Species: Semi-automatic & Auto
Caliber(s): 9x19mm
Overall Length Standard Model: 393–597mm
Barrel Lengths Available: 180mm
Weight, Standard Model, empty magazine, no optic or bipod: 1.7kg
Weight, Standard Model, full magazine, no optic or bipod: 2.17kg
Feed System: Magazine

SIG SAUER
MPX Copperhead

The MPX Copperhead has a monolithic upper receiver with an integrated stock knuckle lower and a 3.5-inch barrel with integrated muzzle brake. The MPX Copperhead also comes with the new SIG SAUER Pivoting Contour Brace (PCB) giving pistol users a brace that easily adapts to the movement of the shooter’s arm with a patented swivel operation for perfect placement. sigsauer.com

Technical Specifications
Species: Semi-automatic
Caliber(s): 9mm
Overall Length Standard Model: 14.5in
Barrel Lengths Available: 3.5in
Weight, Standard Model, empty magazine, no optic or bipod: 4.5in
Feed System: Magazine

POF-USA
Revolution DI .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor

POF-USA broke barriers and won awards when they released the piston-driven Revolution. Now, they’ve introduced the Revolution DI. You get the same technology, durability, features and AR-15 size, but in a direct impingement system.

The original Revolution weighed in at a paltry 7.35 pounds. The Revolution DI weighs even less at 6.81 pounds, making it ideal for just about any situation you put it in. Available in .308 and 6.5 Creedmoor. pof-usa.com

Revolution DI .308 Win Specifications
Species: Semi-automatic, direct impingement
Caliber(s): 7.62 x 51mm NATO (.308 WIN)
Overall Length Standard Model: 34.0in / 86.36cm (collapsed)
Weight, Standard Model, empty magazine, no optic or bipod: 6.81lbs / 3.09kg (empty)
Feed System: Magazine

Revolution DI 6.5 Creedmoor Specifications
Species: Semi-automatic, direct impingement
Caliber(s): 6.5 Creedmoor
Overall Length Standard Model: 41.0in / 104.14cm (collapsed)
Weight, Standard Model, empty magazine, no optic or bipod: 8.6lbs / 3.9kg (empty)
Feed System: Magazine

WALTHER ARMS
Q5 Match Steel Frame

The Q5 Match Steel Frame incorporates all the great features of the PPQ family, only now, in a German-machined steel frame. Weighing in at 41.6 ounces and featuring the famous Quick-Defense trigger, this pistol will recoil flat and allow you to shoot fast and accurately. The machined steel frame features an extended beaver tail, recessed slide release and reversible magazine release button and front strap serrations. Optic-ready, the slide features front and rear slide serrations and a ported slide. waltherarms.com

Technical Specifications
Species: Semi-automatic
Caliber(s): 9mm
Overall Length Standard Model: 8.7in
Barrel Lengths Available: 5in -1/10
Weight, Standard Model, empty magazine, no optic or bipod: 41.6oz
Feed System: Magazine

SIG SAUER
Legion 938 Micro-Compact Pistol

The Legion Series of pistols are all-metal pistols with a Legion-gray coated slide and frame, X-RAY3 Day/Night Sights, a precision-machined aluminum trigger and custom high-checkered G10 grips with a Legion medallion. Like all Legion Series pistols the P938 features a reduced and contoured elite beavertail, which allows for a higher grip but a reduced profile, thus eliminating printing. The Legion Series P938 pistol comes standard with three 7-round magazines. sigsauer.com

Technical Specifications
Species: Semi-automatic, hammer-fired pistol
Caliber(s): 9mm
Overall Length Standard Model: 5.9in
Barrel Lengths Available: 3.0in
Weight, Standard Model, empty magazine, no optic or bipod: 17oz
Feed System: Magazine

CZ-USA
P-10 Series

After several years of hard work, production of CZ pistols in in full swing at our Kansas City headquarters. Available in the full-size F, compact C and subcompact S, the P-10 family has grown greatly. Optic-Ready versions of each are available, as well as low-capacity versions of each variant

For sights, U.S.-made P-10s feature a single tritium lamp in the front with a large orange surround and a serrated black rear. Optics-Ready versions ship with a blank filler plate, and plates for both the Trijicon RMR and Leupold DeltaPoint Pro are available. Also available are matching sights that allow the user to co-witness their optic dot with the irons. cz-usa.com

P-10 S Optics Ready (Low Capacity) Specifications
Species: Semi-automatic
Caliber(s): 9mm Luger
Barrel Lengths Available: 3.5in
Weight, Standard Model, empty magazine, no optic or bipod: 24.4oz
Feed System: Magazine

CZ-USA P-10 C Optics Ready Specifications
Species: Semi-automatic
Caliber(s): 9mm Luger
Barrel Lengths Available: 4.0in
Weight, Standard Model, empty magazine, no optic or bipod: 26.3oz
Feed System: Magazine

CZ-USA P-10 F Optics Ready Specifications
Species: Semi-automatic
Caliber(s): 9mm Luger
Barrel Lengths Available: 4.5in
Weight, Standard Model, empty magazine, no optic or bipod: 28.2oz
Feed System: Magazine

GLOCK, Inc.
G45

GLOCK, Inc. announced a new addition to the 9X19 family of pistols featuring the latest in design and engineering seen in the 5th Generation of GLOCK pistols. The G45 combines the fast handling of the G19 compact-sized slide with the full-size frame as a compact Crossover.

The G45 incorporates elements of the 5th Generation of GLOCK pistols including smoother trigger pull, enhanced frame texture, reversible magazine catch, Modular Backstrap System and match-grade GLOCK Marksman Barrel. us.glock.com

Technical Specifications
Species: Semi-automatic
Caliber(s): 9x19mm
Overall Length Standard Model: 189mm | 7.44in
Barrel Lengths Available: 102mm |4.02in
Weight, Standard Model, empty magazine, no optic or bipod: 694g |24.98oz
Weight, Standard Model, full magazine, no optic or bipod: 860g | 30.34oz
Feed System: Magazine

ALIEN GEAR

ShapeShift Hook & Loop Holster

The ShapeShift Hook & Loop Holster is a non-permanent solution for carriers who want their firearm off the body, but within reach—in their vehicle, at their bedside, under their desk or on almost any flat, smooth surface. The hook-and-loop fastener is sewn onto a low-profile holster base, which attaches to a separate industrial-grade adhesive mounting pad.

Without any tools, the pad can be mounted to plastic, metal, plywood and more. The highly adhesive mounting pads have been rigorously tested in heat up to 230 degrees Fahrenheit, and the high life-cycle VELCRO© stays like-new through thousands of holster removals. This holster is also available in Alien Gear’s Cloak Series, which is compatible with nearly 600 firearms.

aliengearholsters.com

TANGODOWN

Vickers Tactical Carry Trigger for Glocks

TangoDown Inc. has added the Vickers Tactical Carry Trigger (VTCT). There are two different models which accommodate the large variety of Glock models on the market. The VTCT is a flat-faced polymer trigger. The flat-faced trigger has become quite popular among shooters and offers the perception of a lighter trigger press. When developing the VTCT, the mechanical take-up was not modified. However, over-travel was shortened to offer a quicker reset, which allows for a quicker follow up shot. The VTCT is made from the same material as the OEM trigger, so there isn’t the risk of wear/damage to the frame. The trigger is an insulator, not a heat conductor and will not get hot while spending the day on the range. The VTCT is easily installed in minutes by a Certified Glock Armorer.

tangodown.com

BIG HORN ARMORY

AR500

The AR500 in 500 Auto Maxis designed for hunters and law enforcement. Based on a DPMS style AR308, the AR500 features a lightweight aluminum receiver with grooves cut into the front of the mag well and the trigger. The precision-machined stainless steel barrels are surface-hardened to Rc82 with BHA’s nitride process for consistent downrange performance and in-the-field dependability. The 18-inch barrel is threaded at a ¾-inch x 28 TPI, standard for most 50-caliber muzzle devices and ships with a standard flash suppressor.

Big Horn Armory’s 500 Auto Max is a rimless version of the 500 S&W with the same ballistics. It is capable of feeding and firing any .500 diameter bullet between 200 and 700 grains. The AR500 has an adjustable gas block to allow the user to run subsonic loads using a suppressor.

The Big Horn Armory AR500 rifle is capable of taking any big game animal. For law enforcement or military use, the AR500 is the ultimate checkpoint duty rifle replacing the .50 Beowulf or CQC rifle in a short barrel configuration, or as a powerful breaching weapon capable of clearing any obstruction, including bullet proof glass.

bighornarmory.com

CCP M2

Walther Arms, Inc., announced further expansion of its extremely popular concealed carry product line with its new CCP M2. Retaining all the great features that made the original CCP a great carry option, the CCP M2 incorporates a new visible cocking indicator and an innovative tool-less takedown. With these new features, as well as the soft-coil recoil reduction system and incredible Walther signature ergonomics already found in the CCP, the new CCP M2 is the ultimate concealed carry pistol.

The original CCP was introduced to the market in 2014 and brought with it an innovative design that set a new standard in single-stack 9mm pistols. The soft-coil piston system offered substantial recoil reduction, while also making the slide easier to manipulate. Walther designed the ergonomics to fit a wide range of shooters, offering an extremely comfortable grip, low profile manual safety and reversible magazine release.

waltherarms.com

TRIJICON

REAP-IR Thermal Riflescope Line

The new REAP-IR models offer two additional magnification options to the 35mm effective focal length variants (2.5x base optical magnification). A 60mm EFL (4.5x base optical magnification) and 20mm EFL (1.5x base optical magnification) configuration will now be available along with the original REAP-IR models.

A simplified “Easy Zero Method” makes sighting in the optic easier and more intuitive. Getting rounds on target is now a simple matter of aligning an on-screen digital icon with bullet impacts using provided MOA readouts. Trijicon also updated the main housing to include an integrated Picatinny rail interface for mounting optional accessories and redesigned the battery compartment to a ruggedized, top-loading compartment with an easy-to-use thumbscrew for simpler night-time operation.

Trijicon’s new and improved REAP-IR thermal riflescopes retain leading image quality, ease of use and durability while adding new user friendly features.

trijicon.com

GALCO GUNLEATHER

Scout IWB Holster

The open-top Scout is constructed with the rough side of the leather out. This construction method provides additional stability in the waistband, as well as a smooth leather holster pocket for a faster, smoother feel on the draw. The reinforced mouth allows for easy return to the holster.

The ambidextrous Scout is supplied with two types of interchangeable tuckable clips. The first is the UniClip, designed to go over the belt, but which also works well without a belt. The second is the Ultimate Stealth clip with hook, which fits on the trouser waistband, under or behind a belt with just the clip showing, for the ultimate in stealthy concealment. Both belt clips are adjustable for cant, making the Scout suitable for strongside-, crossdraw- or appendix-carry positions. Scout is available in natural finish with black mouth band.

galcogunleather.com

CMMG

Mk57 GUARD

CMMG has announced the release of a new line of AR pistols and short-barreled rifles (SBR’s) chambered in FN 5.7x28mm. Available in 5-inch barreled BANSHEE and 8-inch barreled PSB configurations, each model in the new Mk57 GUARD line is fed from FN 5.7 pistol magazines and uses CMMG’s patent-pending Radial Delayed Blowback operating system. The Radial Delayed Blowback operating system is designed to minimize felt recoil. It features a rotating bolt that requires the recoil impulse of a round being fired in order to unlock. As each round is fired, a portion of the rearward force is exhausted in unlocking this bolt prior to driving the carrier rearward and cycling the action. With less rearward force to compensate for, CMMG is able to use a lighter carrier and buffer than a standard blowback design would allow, thus reducing the overall reciprocating mass.

cmmg.com

NIKON SPORT OPTICS

NEW TREX Modular Optic Carrying System

Nikon’s new TREX modular optic carry system is headed for dealers’ shelves and now available for the serious outdoors enthusiast. The TREX harness comfortably distributes an optic’s weight during long miles in the field and is available in three system variants—FreeStyle, EXO and 360—designed to address the degree of optics protection sought for your environment. All components in the system are fully interchangeable, allowing users to modify the TREX into any of the above variants by adding or removing the optic accessory bags. Each model also has a ventilated yoke built into the harness that integrates a stowaway hydration net to allow you to accommodate your own hydration bladder.

At the system’s core is the TREX FreeStyle fully adjustable harness with quick-release attachment cords. This feature-packed harness securely holds your optic close to the chest while running or crawling, yet allows fast access for glassing. The TREX EXO carry system integrates a lightweight exoskeleton shell that provides incredibly fast access. In conjunction with the harness’s quick-release attachment cords that hold the optic securely in place, EXO offers protection of the eyepiece lenses even when the over-flap is not secured. Rear cellphone pocket has built-in microfiber cleaning cloth for keeping lenses smudge-free. Nikon’s TREX 360 adds a water-resistant, padded optic compartment to shield and secure your glass while also keeping it at-the-ready. The patent-pending closure system keeps the case closed tight to shield against water, snow and dirt. Interior cellphone pocket has a built-in microfiber cleaning cloth.

nikonsportoptics.com

APEX TACTICAL SPECIALTIES

Apex Action Enhancement Kit for the Ruger Mk IV

The Apex Action Enhancement Kit for the Ruger Mk IV (only) replaces the factory trigger and hammer and is designed to reduce the trigger pull weight by approximately 40% to around 3.5 pounds. The kit delivers a crisp trigger break while reducing the trigger’s over-travel by 50% and overall trigger travel 15%. Also included in the kit is a safety plate to maintain factory safety values, even when drop-tested from 6 feet. The red anodized magazine safety delete, which when installed, allows the pistol to fire without the magazine inserted. This is recommended for competition use only.

apextactical.com

POF-USA

Two-Stage Triggers

Based on overwhelming demand, POF-USA has delivered to the market a full lineup of two-stage triggers matching the style and final weight of the current single stage offerings. Long hailed in competition shooting realms as the preferred method of trigger operation for many people, two-stage triggers have a brief amount of slack that can be taken up before hitting a defined “wall” at which point the shot can be withheld until the perfect moment with an incredibly clean break. Available in 4.5-pound curved, 3-pound straight and 3.5-pound EFP (Enhanced Finger Placement) final weight models.

pof-usa.com

RISE ARMAMENT

Legacy Rifle

The Legacy Rifle features a 416R stainless steel barrel with proprietary fluting for an unparalleled combination of accuracy and weight reduction. The aluminum handguard has 32 MLOK connection points and a Picatinny upper rail system for countless customization options and is ergonomically designed for enhanced comfort. The rifle’s special-edi-tion Patriot Trigger enables enhanced precision shooting and faster follow-up shots. The Legacy Rifle also boasts the incredibly effective RA-901 Compensator, a high-performance bolt carrier group and a Mag-pul CTR carbine stock.
risearmament.com

BLUE FORCE GEAR

The Tourniquet Now! Pouch

The Tourniquet Now! Pouch was designed around the CAT tourniquet but can fit the SOF, RATS, TK4, SWAT-T or other similar sized tourniquets and serves as a great all-around rapid deploy pouch. The tourniquet fits inside an elastic keeper attached to the lid that is then folded up and secured on the top with a hook and loop field. Lastly a BLIP—or Ball Loaded Index Point makes for the perfect ‘pull’ with gloved, wet or bloody hands. The ball doesn’t rely on friction; the bones in your fingers positively engage it. BLIP’s form is both easy to pull and impossible to miss. As with all Blue Force Gear equipment, it is made with excellence in the USA and carries a limited lifetime warranty.

The Tourniquet Now! Pouch starts with the Helium Whisper MOLLE attachment system made of ULTRAcomp—a battle proven, high performance laminate. This creates a small and light yet secure MOLLE attachment for the pouch on any MOLLE war belt, plate carrier, pack or any other platform.

The Belt Mounted Tourniquet Now! Pouch allows you to carry a tourniquet on your belt—easily the most effective life saving device. Whether a trip to the mall, the office or through the woods—a tourniquet should always be with you. The pouch fits on any pants belt or duty belts up to 2 inches wide.
blueforcegear.com

This article first appeared in Small Arms Review V22N8 (November 2018)

HI-POINT
1095TS Edge 10mm Semiauto Camo Carbine

Hi-Point’s 1095TS Edge 10mm carbine (auto-wrapped in Realtree’s Edge Camo pattern) is threaded for a suppressor and comes with a thread protector. If one wishes for noise reduction, serious bullet energy at longer ranges, reduced carbine recoil and a reasonable price, this is the gun. The carbine comes with various Picatinny rail attachment points and may be purchased with optional laser, red dot, optical sights, tactical lights, vertical grip and several other options. hi-pointfirearms.com

SMITH & WESSON
SW22 Victory Target Pistols

Smith & Wesson Corp. announced four new Performance Center SW22 Victory Target pistols to the Performance Center’s rimfire line of handguns. The Performance Center SW22 Victory Target pistols are chambered in .22LR and are designed specifically for target shooting competitions. These pistols feature 6-inch target barrels, muzzle brakes and Tandemkross hiveGrips, among many other high-performance features. The Performance Center SW22 Victory Target pistols ship with two 10-round magazines and a Picatinny-style rail for the quick mounting of an optic and are available both with and without a Vortex Viper Red Dot Sight. smith-wesson.com

AMERICAN BUILT ARMS CO.
MOD*X GEN III Modular Rifle System—LITE Version

American Built Arms Company (A*B Arms brand) has introduced the latest version of their best-selling chassis for the Remington Model 700 SA; the A*B Arms MOD*X GEN III Modular Rifle System—LITE. The A*B Arms MOD*X GEN III Modular Rifle System—LITE is a lightweight (1 lbs. 10 oz.), ergonomic, drop-in chassis for the Remington 700 Short Action. It serves as a modular foundation on which tactical accessories can be added according to the operator’s needs. The system includes a multi-point radial cut inlet which allows barreled action to sit in stress free for utmost accuracy (no V-block) and 11.5-inch, free-floating modular forearm (13.5-inch upgrade available). abarms.com

AIMPOINT
ACRO Series Sight

Aimpoint introduced their new line of red dot sights, the Aimpoint ACRO (Advanced Compact Reflex Optic) Series. The unique small sight design of the Aimpoint ACRO series electronic red-dot sight was developed for use on pistols and other weapon platforms. The ACRO P-1 optic can perform under tough conditions while adding negligible size and weight to the equipment. The ACRO P-1 sight is a 1X (non-magnifying) parallax-free optic that features a 3.5 minute of angle (MOA) red dot for fast target acquisition. It is fully submersible to 25m and allows continuous operation for over 1 year on a single CR1225 battery. Dot intensity is adjusted with side push buttons. aimpoint.com

CMMG INC.
BANSHEE Series

CMMG has announced the addition of the new BANSHEE series of short-barreled rifles (SBRs) and AR pistols. The BANSHEE’s sleek new design sports the shortest barrels CMMG offers in 9mm, .45 ACP, 300 BLK and .22 Long Rifle. This ultra-compact and lightweight platform is extremely portable, making the BANSHEE a great option for close protection, home defense, plinking, competition shooting or any other application that benefits from the reduced size. The BANSHEE line offers an ambidextrous charging handle, safety selector and sling plate and comes standard with CMMG’s cerakote finish, an RML M-Lok handguard and Magpul MOE pistol grip. cmmginc.com

ALIEN GEAR
ShapeShift Shoulder Holster

The ShapeShift Shoulder Holster, available in black and brown, includes edge-bound premium English Bridle Leather and CoolVent Neoprene and offers multiple configurations of the company’s injection-molded polymer handgun shell and single- or double-cloak mag carriers. The shoulder holster is anchored to the beltline and centered between the shoulder blades. It can be configured with one handgun and two mag carriers, two handguns or four mag carriers. aliengearholsters.com

STREAMLIGHT
Jr. F-Stop Flashlight

Streamlight Jr. F-STOP is an ultra-compact 2AA alkaline penlight that allows users to smoothly transition between spot and flood beams to meet both close-up and area lighting needs by simply sliding the flashlight’s bezel. The penlight features the latest in power LED technology, providing 220 lumens, 5,600 candela and a 150m beam distance on the spot setting. The flood setting offers 250 lumens, 360 candela and a 38m beam distance. Its run time is 6 hours; 10 hours with (L91) lithium cell batteries; it weighs 4.4 ounces; it’s IPX4-rated for water-resistant operation; and is impact-resistant tested to 1m. streamlight.com

BLACK RAIN ORDNANCE
Amend2 AR-15 Laser-Engraved Magazine Mod2

The Amend2 30-round magazine is a sturdy, reliable 5.56×45 NATO (.223 Remington) AR-15/M4/M16 magazine made of advance polymer material. It is a light, durable and excellent alternative to the standard M4/M16 USGI aluminum magazine. blackrainordnance.com

Features include:

• Laser designs on both sides of the magazine
• Sturdy impact resistance polymer with textured grip
• Anti-tilt super follower
• Heavy duty, non-memory and non-corrosive stainless steel spring
• Made in the US.

BLACK RAIN ORDNANCE
Muzzle Flash Regulator—Master Key

For pistols or short barrel rifles, the muzzle flash regulator with master key weighs 9.8 ounces, is 3.2 inches long, has a 1.375-inch outside diameter and comes in 5.56 and .308 calibers. Thread for 5.56 is 1/2-28; .308 is 5.8-24. blackrainordnance.com

POF-USA
Renegade Plus SPR .224 Valkyrie

POF-USA announces the addition of the .224 Valkyrie caliber to the award winning Renegade Plus family. Embodying everything a direct impingement AR-15 can be, the .224 Valkyrie Renegade Plus boasts virtually every luxury one would want in a long-range MSR package. Featuring a 20-inch 1:7 twist match grade barrel, 3.5-pound flat single stage trigger, 9-position adjustable gas block, Ultimate Bolt Carrier Group with patented roller cam pin, heat sink barrel nut, 14.5-inch M-LOK compatible free-floating handguard, fully ambidextrous billet lower receiver and more. pof-usa.com

POF-USA
Patriot Ordnance Factory P17, P19 and P34 Glock Slides

The new Glock slides from POF-USA are now shipping. They are available for Glock 19, 17 and 34 in both Gen 3 and Gen 4 models. The slides are machined from 17-4 stainless steel and feature a nitride heat-treated finish for maximum durability. Each slide comes red-dot ready with a cover plate and mounting hardware. pof-usa.com

Federal Premium Ammunition
Syntech Action Pistol Ammunition

Shooters who compete at the highest levels need ammunition built for the demands of their discipline. American Eagle Syntech Action Pistol is specifically designed for the action shooting sports and loaded to power factor requirements with heavy, flatter-nosed bullets for more reliable knock-downs on steel targets in competition. Like all Syntech loads, they feature the exclusive Total Synthetic Jacket (TSJ™), which prevents metal-on-metal contact between the bullet and barrel, eliminating copper and lead fouling as well as reducing damaging heat and friction. Combined with clean-burning powders and the Catalyst lead-free primer, Syntech Action Pistol provides the softest-shooting and most reliable performance possible for high-volume competitive shooters. www.federalpremium.com

Features & Benefits:

• Official Ammunition of USPSA Optimize for actionshooting sports’ power factor requirments
• Reduced felt recoil
• Flatter than typical nose profile for better energy transfer to steel targets
• TSJ eliminates copper and lead fouling, while extending barrel life
• Exclusive lead-free primer formulation provides reliable, consistent ignition
• Clean-burning propellants minimize residue
• Drastically reduces splash-back on steel targets

Blue Force Gear
Tracer Pack

Like the other packs in the Blue Force Gear line, the Tracer Pack is named for an Allied deception operation during WW II quietly revealing its intention as a product to support the Blue Force. Designed to add additional capability in a “day pack” sized format, the new pack has features like side water bottle pockets, a quick-access pocket on top of the pack for sunglasses, travel documents, charging cables and an integrated laptop sleeve. The Tracer Pack is built in America with the same rugged durability and attention to detail as the rest of the combat-proven Blue Force Gear products and will be available 1st quarter of 2018. www.blueforcegear.com

Blue Force Gear
Custom Sling Builder / UDC Padded Single Point Bungee Sling

Blue Force Gear’s Custom Sling Builder allows you to make the perfect sling for your individual weapon. From unique color combinations of webbing and hardware to hardware sewn on for a specific weapon, there are thousands of possibilities. With 12 color options, seven hardware versions and 14 front and rear hardware attachment options, everyone gets to choose how their personal sling is built. In 2018, the Custom Sling Builder introduces the option to create your own Single Point UDC Sling along with the Vickers Sling option they already have.

The UDC Padded Single Point Bungee Sling is a dedicated single point sling that is both fast and comfortable. The UDC Sling has 2-inch inline padding, similar to the Padded Vickers Slings for extra comfor that ends in two sections of bungee. The bungee has a travel of approximately 2 inches—enough to absorb shock from movement or transitions but short enough to reduce the risk of facial injuries or sagging weapons. The overall length is adjustable, ambidextrous and compatible with use of body armor. www.blueforcegear.com

Federal Premium Ammunition
224 Valkyrie Ammunition

Federal Premium has drawn from its 95 years of ammunition manufacturing excellence to develop an all-new cartridge that transforms the MSR 15 platform, unleashes shooters’ long-range potential and shatters the boundaries of ballistic performance. The 224 Valkyrie provides extremely flat trajectories and match accuracy beyond 1,300 yards. The cartridge offers significantly less wind drift and drop than other loads in its class, as well as less than half the recoil of cartridges with comparable ballistics. Loaded in an unmatched array of high-performance projectiles, 224 Valkyrie is the new choice for both long-range target shooters and hunters. www.federalpremium.com

CCI
VARMINT TARGETS/17 HMR VNT

Devastate varmints or drill targets at long range with new CCI VNT. The 17 HMR loads feature a Speer bullet with an extremely thin jacket and polymer tip that team up to offer flat trajectories, superb long-range accuracy and explosive terminal performance on impact. It’s the perfect combination for hunting varmints or shooting at the range. www.cci-ammunition.com

CMMG
MkGs GUARD

CMMG’s new MkGs GUARD in 9mm is a pistol caliber carbine (PCC) AR-15 that is fed from 33-round factory Glock magazines and runs on CMMG’s patent pending Radial Delayed Blowback operating system. When using the same Radial Delayed Blowback operating system to chamber 9mm, CMMG’s newest version of the GUARD boasts a lighter buffer and bolt carrier group than other 9mm PCC’s that use a straight blowback system. The combined difference in weight of the BCG and buffer when comparing straight blowback versus Radial Delayed Blowback can be as much as 6.5 ounces. This reduction in reciprocating mass on the CMMG GUARD makes it a smoother shooting firearm and makes it easier to keep follow-up shots on target. An incredibly smooth shooter, the new GUARD in 9mm is a great option for home defense, PCC competition or as a plinker to bring to the range. www.cmmginc.com

Comp-Tac Victory Gear
Wheel Chair Holster Mount

For folks confined to wheel chairs who want to compete or open carry for self-defense Comp-Tac Victory Gear has the solution. This all new wheel chair holster system uses Comp-Tac’s popular International Holster with a hex screw mount that allows it to be clamped to a wheel chair using two firm gripping clamp mounts that are adjustable to different bar diameters. System comes complete with holster and clamping assembly. www.comp-tac.com

SAVAGE ARMS
10/110 Stealth Evolution

Blend pinpoint precision and torture-tested toughness to beat the most challenging targets and conditions. The new Stealth Evolution pairs a heavy-fluted barrel with a monolithic aluminum chassis finished in rugged bronze Cerakote. The incredibly hard polymer-ceramic coating greatly enhances resistance to abrasion, corrosion and impact. Its factory-blueprinted 10/110 action, matched with Savage’s zero-tolerance headspacing, user-adjustable AccuTrigger and 5R button rifling, produces sub-MOA accuracy at extreme ranges, right out of the box. The rifle is available in six of the hottest calibers in long-range shooting, including the new 6mm Creedmoor. savagearms.com

SAVAGE ARMS
110 Long-Range Hunter

Making an extreme range shot on the trophy of a lifetime requires not only a rifle built for accuracy, but a rifle built for you. The Savage 110 Long Range Hunter’s AccuFit system lets you easily customize the length-of-pull and comb height for a personalized fit, while the user-adjustable AccuTrigger offers a crisp, clean pull. Together with the AccuStock, which secures the action three-dimensionally along its entire length, the 110 Long Range Hunter provides the fit and function of a custom rifle—right out of the box. Its 26-inch button rifled barrel provides the utmost precision and consistency and is topped by an adjustable muzzle brake. savagearms.com

ACCU-TAC
SR-5 Quick Detach Bipod

The SR-5 Quick Detach Bipod has several features such as individual leg adjustments with five different positions, spring-loaded legs with a one button retract, the ability to cant for precision shooting and a quick detach option. Its design is sleek, tactical and modern which compliments any rifle. Accu-Tac believes in offering the best quality by using 6061 high grade aluminium alloy and type 3 hard anodize to coat our bipods. All our products are manufactured and assembled in the USA and come with a limited Lifetime Warranty. www.accu-tac.com

SPEER
Handloading Manual No. 15

Decades of reloading knowledge and the latest recipes and techniques have been distilled into a single source: The Speer Handloading Manual No. 15. This new edition is Speer’s largest volume yet, featuring updated recipes with the latest propellants for more than 120 legacy cartridges, as well as data for 13 new cartridges, including 204 Ruger, 6.5 Creedmoor and 300 Blackout. The all-encompassing manual also provides recipes for loading new Gold Dot rifle component bullets and articles by professional shooters Julie Golob and Jim Gilliland. www.speer-ammo.com/reloading-manual

Blue Force Gear
Custom Sling Builder

Blue Force Gear’s Custom Sling Builder allows you to make the perfect sling for your individual weapon. From unique color combinations of webbing and hardware to hardware sewn on for a specific weapon, there are thousands of possibilities. With 12 color options, seven hardware versions and 14 front and rear hardware attachment options, everyone gets to choose how their personal sling is built. In 2018, the Custom Sling Builder introduces the option to create your own Single Point UDC Sling along with the Vickers Sling option they already have. www.blueforcegear.com

APTUS Weapon System

DRD Tactical | www.drdtactical.com

DRD’s new APTUS weapon system in 5.56 Nato or 300BLK calibers is designed using their patented quick change barrel and internal recoil system on a direct gas-operated rifle.

With Magpul folding stock, the weapon can be fired with the stock folded unlike standard AR platforms. This allows the operator to quickly change the barrels to fit the mission. All lower parts and some BCG parts are M4 compatible. It can go from PDW to DMR in less than 1 minute.

BY17SOR2 CARA CARA 2

SPYDERCO | www.spyderco.com

The all-new Cara Cara 2 Rescue features a high-visibility, orange-injected, molded FRN handle. For emergency cutting on a budget, this knife teams a Cara Cara 2 lightweight handle with a sheepfoot rescue blade.

Blade Steel: 8cr13mov stainless steel
Blade Grind: Hollow
Lock Type: Back lock mechanism
Handle Material: Fiberglass-reinforced nylon
Carry: 4-position hourglass pocket clip

STRYKE-2 Compensator

556 Tactical, LLC | www.556tactical.com

556 Tactical STRYKE-2 Compensator is available in 5.56 and 7.62. This new muzzle device will dramatically reduce muzzle rise as well as felt recoil, allowing for faster target acquisition. Three upward ports ease the side felt concussion and increasing target-acquire speed. With their STRYKE Face design this can be used for breaking a window, stamping a zombie on the forehead or tenderizing your favorite meat for grilling!

Dagger II Silencer

GEMTECH | www.gemtech.com

The updated GEMTECH DAGGER II is an all Titanium suppressor designed for semi-auto 18-inch 300WM precision rifles. The DAGGER II is the everyman silencer; it can be used on all lesser calibers, and its extreme strength lends itself for use on 12-inch .308 SBRs. This suppressor is held to the exacting SOCOM standards and passes with flying colors. The new feature allows ease of mounting and even has a predrilled pin hole for permanent fixture to short barrels.

H&K 3-Lug

GEMTECH | www.gemtech.com

GEMTECH World Class Silencers is happy to announce a new product to increase the compatibility of their 45 ACP silencers. The new H&K 3-Lug mount screws directly into GEMTECH’s Blackside, GM-45 and LUNAR Silencers for quick mounting on the standard 3-Lug mounts—popular on MP5s and modern pistol caliber carbines.

Cold Steel Frenzy

COLD STEEL INC. | www.coldsteel.com

The new for 2017 Cold Steel Frenzy draws inspiration from ancient Japanese Kabutowari, with a noticeably thick spine, slender blade, needle-sharp piercing point and long flat cutting edge. The Frenzy was designed by award-winning custom knife maker Andrew Demko and weighs just less than 6 ounces, making it thin and flat enough to comfortably carry. Premium American CTS XHP-powdered steel was chosen for the Frenzy’s 5.5-inch blade, and the knife is available in three different dual-tone G10 handle options: blue/black, OD green/black or grey/black.

Renegade Plus SPR

POF-USA | www.pof-usa.com

The Renegade Plus series embodies everything a direct impingement AR-15 can be. The initial offerings quickly became popular among shooters who push the limits of the .223/5.56 NATO cartridge. This extended range application warranted a new addition to POF-USA’s Renegade line up. New for 2017, POF-USA releases the Renegade Plus SPR. It still boasts the upgraded features the Renegade Plus is known for, such as a nine-position adjustable gas block, roller cam pin, heat sink barrel nut and more, but with an 18.5-inch barrel and adjustable Luth-AR MBA stock. These upgrades go well above mere aesthetics often found in rifles today.

NAS3 9mm Luger Cases

Shell Shock Technologies, LLC
www.shellshocktech.com

Shell Shock Technologies is an early stage technology and manufacturing company focused on developing innovative case technologies for the ammunition industry. Shell Shock is a component manufacturer supplying its lightweight NAS3 shell cases to the shooting sports market, as well as to U.S. and foreign ammunition manufacturers. Shell Shock’s NAS3 cases are 50% lighter than brass, give more consistent round-to-round performance and can be picked up with a magnet. 9mm Luger cases are immediately available (5.56mm cases available soon), with more calibers coming later in 2017. All Shell Shock’s cases are designed and manufactured in the U.S.

Spektre Inside-the-Waistband (IWB) Holster

HIGH THREAT CONCEALMENT (HTC)
www.Highthreatconcealment.com

High Threat Concealment’s (HTC) new Spektre Inside-the-Waistband (IWB) Holster is a no-compromise solution for those who want to comfortably conceal a fighting-sized handgun for their everyday carry. The Spektre provides maximum concealment and a comfortable custom-engineered fit for your weapon that can be worn strong-side IWB or in the appendix (AIWB) carry position. Each holster can be configured with one of three available attachment systems to better fit your preferred style of carry.

The Spektre is currently available for most popular semi-auto pistols. For most double-stack pistols, the Spektre will accommodate most popular pistol-mounted red dot optics. Shooters are also able to adjust the fitment and tension of the holster to suit their individual preference, using a custom tensioner that precisely adds or removes pressure from the holster’s capture feature. All holsters have an open bottom to enhance comfort and permit the use of after-market and threaded barrels.

The SHOT Show is the world’s largest gathering of shooting, hunting and outdoor gear manufacturers. In fact the acronym SHOT stands for Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade. Manufacturers display their wares for thousands of retailers, law enforcement, military and media types from all over the world. They also pick the SHOT Show to introduce their new products for the coming year. This year the show was located at the Sands Expo and Convention center in Las Vegas, Nevada. As the Venetian Hotel connects to the Sands Expo center there were booths in that hotel’s meeting rooms as well. The Sands/Venetian is probably not the best place for the show as this year it took two maps to try and find your way around. Even with the maps in hand, navigating the show was problematic at best. The show runs four days and even with that much time it is almost impossible to see everything. In covering this years show this author tried to uncover as many new products as possible, especially products that the readers of Small Arms Review would be interested in.

The Law Enforcement section of the show seems to grow tremendously every year. New products in the tactical and military field are driven by the need for them in places like Iraq, Afghanistan and mean streets the world over. Manufacturers of military and law enforcement firearms have been producing civilianized versions of the same firearms because of public demand either for self defense, sporting competition or simply collecting. If you don’t think that these guns are popular just take a look at the cover of any firearm related magazine. Small Arms Review has been known for covering these types of firearms since day one.

New firearms exhibited at the show always seen to create the biggest buzz. This year Bushmasters new rifle was probably talked about the most. The ACR (Adaptive Combat Rifle), which is a joint product of MagPul, Bushmaster and Remington Defense, has been in the works for several years. It is now finally scheduled for production, starting with the first Basic models in March and followed by the Enhanced version in May of this year. This rifle has several noted features that include a totally modular design with major components being able to be swapped out in seconds to include barrels of different lengths, stocks, forearms and even the trigger group. This piston drive rifle is adaptive for any situation with four different barrel lengths, two stock options and even different calibers. With the ability of changeable barrels and a bolt that is multi-caliber, the rifle can be switched from one caliber to another in minutes. The rifle will initially be available in 5.56 and 6.8 SPC. Other calibers will follow at a later date. The ACR is fully ambidextrous and accepts standard AR-15 magazines. (www.bushmaster.com)

LWRC International was on hand with their full line of fine rifles. New this year is the R.E.P.R. (Rapid Engagement Precision Rifle), a short stroke piston driven 7.62mm that can be configured for a variety of roles. It can be used with a 12 inch barreled upper in an assaulter role or by switching to a 20 inch barreled upper it can be used as a sniper rifle. The theory here is that carrying another upper in a backpack is more convenient that carrying two rifles. The rifle has a side-mounted charging handle that enables the operator to reload without removing his eyes from the target. Also, with a side-mounted charging handle the rear of the upper receiver has no opening that might allow gas to be blown into the shooters face when the rifle is equipped with a sound suppressor. The R.E.P.R. will be available in four models: the standard with either a 12 or 16.1 inch barrel, the Designated Marksman with an 18 inch barrel or the Sniper with a 20 inch barrel. (www.lwrci.com)

POF (Patriot Ordnance Factory) USA was on hand to introduce their new P-416 PDW. This gun is a 7 1/4 inch barreled piston driven .223 rifle that weighs right at 6 lbs. This tiny gun is just over 20 inches long with the stock collapsed. The gun features the MMR (Modular Railed Receiver), a free float barrel and a 3/4 inch shorter buffer system. Also new for POF this year is their new 25-round .308 magazines that will fit not only their P-417 series guns but also the Remington, DPMS, LWRC and the SR-25 rifles. Another new product from them this year is their Roller Cam Pin kit. This kit contains a new cam pin with a rolling head, a modified bolt carrier key which allows the new cam pin to be removed without removing the carrier key and new screws as well. The complete kit will retail for just $45. (www.pof-usa.com)

FNH USA chose the SHOT Show to introduce several new firearms as well as a couple of new less than lethal guns. The gun that drew the most attention was their new semi-auto version of the SCAR Heavy designated the SCAR 17S. Following last years introduction of the SCAR 16S that is the civilian version of the .223 Special Operations Combat Assault Rifle, the SCAR 17S is the .308 version. This piston driven rifle is totally ambidextrous with a magazine release and fire controls on both sides as well as a reversible charging handle. The SCAR 17S also has a folding, collapsible stock with a 2-position cheekpiece that allows the shooter’s eye to be aligned higher for optics or lower for iron sights. The gun can also be fired with the stock folded. Also new this year was FNH’s series of handguns called the FNX. The FNX is available in either 9mm or .40 S&W. The pistols feature either double or single action and have a decocking lever that allows the pistol to be carried either cocked and locked or hammer down in the decocked mode. A modular grip is another feature of the FNX and comes with several backstraps with different checkering and different profiles to fit just about any size hand. These new pistols were designed with a different grip angle and position so that the bore sits lower in the hand thus producing less recoil and reduced muzzle flip. (www.fnhusa.com)

Smith and Wesson has supplied duty weapons in the form of handguns for just about as long as anybody can remember. In recent years they have enhanced their line of law enforcement firearms with the M&P 15 series of rifles. The M&P logo designates Military and Police. This year they expanded the M&P 15 line with several new versions of this rifle. The first will be equipped with the MagPul MOE stock, MOE grip, MagPul P-Mag, MagPul folding sights and the Troy Industries TRX Extreme rail forearm. The new rail is very thin and light and only comes with a top Picatinny rail. There are mounting points located in various positions along the forearm to add rails. This allows the shooter to place rails just where they are needed and still have a smooth forearm gripping surface without the need for rail covers. This gun is equipped with a 14.5 inch barrel with a permanently attached muzzle brake to bring it to legal length. Another new model of the M&P 15 is their new piston driven rifle which will be available with either a standard M4 forearm or a railed forearm. The new rifle uses the excellent Adams Arms piston conversion that has a railed gas block. Adams Arms has a proven design that is well made and works every time. Smith & Wesson has also updated the M&P 15-22 that was introduced last year and is their entry into the .22 LR black rifle market. It features polymer upper and lower receivers and a full sized .22 LR magazine that makes the gun look just like its full-sized counterpart. The new model of the M&P 15-22 now has a railed forearm, MagPul stock and pistol grip and now also a threaded muzzle that will accept different muzzle devices as well as a suppressor. The M&P 15-22 has had rave reviews and now this upgraded model is bound to be a winner as well. (www.smith-wesson.com)

Several companies picked the show to break the news of their new .22 rimfire guns. Among them, Umarex USA will be bringing to market a new line of Heckler & Koch licensed .22’s. These will include semi-auto rimfire copies of the H&K 416 battle rifle and the H&K MP-5 submachine gun. Two versions of both will be available. There will be a standard MP-5 with a dummy suppressor shroud that will cover its 16 inch barrel and also a model with what appears to be an MP-5 SD with an integral dummy suppressor covering its long barrel. As far as the 416 goes, it will be produced in a standard rifle configuration as well as a pistol version with a dummy suppressor. Both models are sure to be hot sellers. (www.umarexusa.com)

Barrett Firearms announced their newest heavy hitter. They are now producing their Model 82 A1 in .416 Barrett caliber. Their original Model 82 A1, in .50 BMG, has become feared the world over as the shoulder fired cannon that can reach out and touch someone or something at extraordinary ranges. Now this same platform will be produced in their latest caliber. This .416 caliber alternative further adds to the mystic of the Model 82 A1. With enhanced accuracy and stability, not to mention a significantly higher muzzle velocity, the .416 offers extreme long range accuracy. Like the original M82 A1 this rifle comes with a 29-inch chrome-lined barrel, carry handle, optics rail, flip-up iron sights, detachable bipod and cleaning kit all in a fitted Pelican case. If you want a heavy caliber rifle but live in a state that doesn’t allow it, this is your rifle. (www.barrettrifles.com)

New accessories abound at the SHOT Show and many retailers visit the show for just that purpose to have the newest and neatest accessories that the industry has to offer. With over 1,800 exhibitors plying for the business, most dealers will run out of money before they run out of things to stock up on.

Suppressors have become big business with the tactical market expanding the way that it has. A relatively new suppressor company called Silencerco was there explaining the merits of their new suppressors. Classified as their Osprey line, the new handgun suppressors utilize a revolutionary eccentric design which means that the internal bore of the suppressor does not run exactly through the center of the outer tube but instead runs through the top of the tube. This allows for a slimmer, flat sided suppressor tube that still has the internal volume of a round tube. Because of its slimmer form it can be holstered while still attached to the host firearm. Another feature of these suppressors is a Nielsen device that is integrated with a cam-lock mounting system. Interchangeable pistons in the locking system allow one suppressor to be used with multiple host weapons. With an eccentric design these new suppressors allow an unobstructed sight picture without having to use extremely tall sights. They also offer safe hearing protection without the use of water or grease. The Osprey suppressors are available in 9mm, .40 S&W and .45 ACP. (www.silencerco.com)

Gemtech has long been known for their line of fine suppressors and this year they have added some new 100% titanium suppressors. These new suppressors still provide the optimum sound suppression but with the substantial weight reduction and strength of titanium. These include the PSR (Precision Sniper Rifle) in .338 Lapua, the QUICKSAND in 7.62 NATO, the G5-Ti in caliber 5.56mm and the TREK in 5.56mm. Also new for 2010 is their G5-22, a .22 LR suppressor that has been designed to be correctly proportioned for the .22 caliber full-sized copies of famous assault rifles. It looks just like their 5.56mm G5 but made for .22 rimfire. It can be 100% user disassembled and has zero first round pop. They also have now introduced their new ALPINE .22 LR suppressor. This suppressor was designed for shooters who wanted a suppressor for their .22 rifles and pistols that could be taken apart. The only tool needed for disassembly is a U.S. coin. Gemtech is also now providing suppressors in Realtree and Desert Digital camouflage. (www.gem-tech.com)

Leatherman introduced one of the neatest accessories for all of the AR shooters out there. It is a new multi-tool called the MUT that functions as both a tactical as well as a practical tool for military, law enforcement and civilian shooters. It comes in either a utility model or the EOD model. The utility model has 18 tools plus a 3 piece bit kit and the EDO model is equipped with 17 tools as well as the 3 piece bit kit. The MUT has several tools specially designed for servicing the AR-15/M16 rifle. There is a bolt override tool, a firing pin removal tool, a takedown and retaining pin removal tool, a bronze bolt carrier carbon removing tool, cleaning rod brush attachments and optic mounting and adjustment tools. Both tools feature a removable pocket clip and a MOLLE Sheath. Everyone that owns an AR-15 or M16 needs to have one of these. (www.leatherman.com)

Optics have not been left behind when it comes to the tactical arena and several of the major players have introduced “Tactical” lines of their scopes. This year Leopold brought out their new Tactical Optics line. This new line features the newest Mark 4 ER/T riflescopes. Leupold’s Mark 4 Extended Range/Tactical M1 Front Focal riflescopes are designed to let you take advantage of the reach and power of today’s long-range hunting, target and tactical rifles. At 20x or even 25x, you’ll have the superior clarity needed to positively ID targets, and the generous range of windage and elevation adjustment that gives you the accuracy and precision that you need at the most extreme distances. They also now have a full line of tactical mounts and bases so that mounting these new optics to any rifle is not a problem. (www.leupold.com)

All in all, this years SHOT Show proved to have just about anything that anyone in the industry would have an interest in. This article in no way covers every new item that was represented there. It would take hundreds of pages to cover them all. Just be sure to watch future issues of Small Arms Review as we cover a host of new and interesting products from the shooting industry.

Phase II:
How Hot Does it Run and How Many Continuous Rounds Can We Fire?

It has been almost a year and a half since the original tests, and a review of the data we collected from those outings created a few additional questions that needed to be answered. We noticed that the running temperatures of the P-416 were consistently lower than those taken during the same circumstances with a direct gas impingement system. It makes perfect sense that the absence of the gas tube redirecting hot gasses into the action would relate to lower operating temperatures but we wanted to find out exactly how much of a difference it would actually make, especially during abnormally heavy usage. This allowed us to set up and began phase II.

Phase II would be another type of endurance test where large amounts of ammo would be fired, in very long, continuous and uninterrupted bursts, possibly bringing the test rifles to the point of catastrophic failure. Upon reaching the predetermined number of rounds, the temperature of the rifle would be measured in several areas, and the testing would immediately continue, allowing for the residual operating temperatures to continue to increase. No cooling time would be allowed.

Since BETA C-Mags are readily available and have worked well for us in past testing of this type, we decided to use them as the baseline and go with 100- round continuous mag dumps. We determined that the complete test would consist of 1,000 rounds, barring any type of system failure. After continuously firing each 100-round burst, the surface temperature would be measured on the following parts: the bolt face, the chamber area, the gas block and the muzzle brake. The surface temperature of the barrel would be measured occasionally but was not considered a vital measurement for purposes of these tests. The temperatures would be measured in the Fahrenheit scale with a Geneva Scientific Model TLL950LS Infrared thermometer. This thermometer has a working temperature range from -32° up to +950° and no contact is necessary to slow down the testing or require cumbersome embedded sensors.

Since we determined that it was going to be possible to reach a catastrophic failure point, for safety purposes, each test rifle was fitted with a KNS precision tripod adapter allowing it to be fired from a standard MG42 anti-aircraft tripod, and both series of tests also employed a set of KNS Precision Spade grips. This combination would allow the shooter to place his body well behind the action of the firearm and not require a cheek weld on the stock only inches from the chamber.

We decided to use Wolf 62-grain, FMJ .223 for several reasons. First, there was an abundance on hand, and if both test rifles reached their maximum number of rounds allotted for the testing, we would need at least 2,000 rounds. Secondly, and most importantly, this was to be one hell of an endurance test and it is almost universally agreed that steel-cased ammunition has the potential to be tougher on chambers than traditional, brass-cased ammo. Contrary to sometimes popular internet and urban legend, we have run tens of thousands of rounds of this ammo during testing firearms of all calibers, types and styles over the years with no adverse effects whatsoever.

Load Up

All available BETA C-Mags were loaded and the remainder of the ammo was loaded onto steel stripper clips for use with a speed loader. We didn’t know really what to expect, but having heard stories about “fire till failure” drills with other rifles, we dressed properly including correct sight and hearing protection. The 16-inch barreled P-416 was mounted on the MG42 anti-aircraft tripod and the baseline temperatures were taken. (It should also be noted that the rifle had been test fired and several magazines were fired in measuring the rate of fire before this round of testing began. Given the high endurance of the original test model we decided not to bother cleaning the rifle before starting this round of testing. Since it was obviously dirty, a quick burst of Rem-Oil was applied through the dust cover prior to beginning this test.) The air temperature was a seasonal 41° above zero with no measurable wind and all parts to be checked were very close to our established “room temperature” this day. (A complete set of charts with all round counts and recorded temperatures are included with this article). After establishing that everything was at a base temperature, it was time for the testing to start.

Drum number 1 was loaded and emptied in a single, sub 10-second burst. This was the kind of shooting that we were always warned against because it was potentially destructive and usually pointless in situations where “placing multiple hits on approaching targets was necessary.” It is also precisely the kind of shooting that many serious class III recreational shooters (who have no current approaching enemy targets at the time) really enjoy. The rifle was quickly cleared and temperature measurements were taken in the chamber area, the bolt face, the gas block and the muzzle brake. All were recorded and the next drum was loaded in approximately 90 seconds time.

The bolt was closed on drum number 2 and it was emptied as flawlessly as the first. Measurements were repeated, the next drum was loaded. As the P-416 effortlessly continued to chug along through drums 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, we wondered if it would indeed make the 1,000-round count we set without a major stoppage.

Drum 9 ran as smooth as the first and it wasn’t until approximately 1/3 into the 10th and final drum that the rhythmic sounds we were getting quite used to screeched to a halt. A quick survey of the situation showed nothing more than a severely cracked magazine feed tower had allowed it to spread and log jam several rounds up inside the action. The loose rounds were quickly cleared and an 11th full magazine was immediately inserted, giving way to another 100-round stream of steel casings, that never ended until the magazine was empty. The final readings were taken and the Phase II portion of the P-416 test was officially over. We didn’t have any reason to believe it would not make it through the whole 1,000 rounds in this harsh manor, but we were still relieved and impressed that it did. A count of the rounds fired through the malfunctioning magazine gave us a total of 1,036 rounds fired throughout the test.

Phase II, Part II

All the data gathered during the P-416 portion was quickly filed, and a second rifle was brought out to duplicate the testing with, and to take direct comparative measurements from, while in exactly the same conditions. This second rifle was a standard direct gas impingement system with an M4 contoured 16-inch barrel, and utilized the same lower receiver and mount setup for continuity.

After taking baseline temperatures the shooting began in the same manor as the first rifle. The first BETA C-Mag was inserted and the first 100-round magazine dump was completed as easily as with the first rifle. It was getting a little darker at this point and the glowing gas tube was highly visible under the rail system. We quickly swooped in with the instrumentation, gathered the necessary numbers and we were onto the second burst.

Drum number 2 was inserted, the bolt was dropped and the range filled again with the same rhythmic beat that had been played since we were set up and started the testing. The gas tube started glowing almost simultaneously with the beginning of the firing, evidenced by the residualheat in it, the barrel and the gas block. The cyclic rate remained smooth and even, and all 100 rounds found their mark in the impact area. The numbers were gathered and drum number 3 was inserted.

As soon as the impact area was in the sights the trigger was engaged and drum 3 was on its way to being rapidly emptied. The gas tube again glowed immediately, and this time the cyclic rate was almost instantly erratic. About 30 rounds into the third drum the cyclic rate started slowing and eventually sputtered to a stop. Pulling the charging handle rearward, anempty chamber was discovered. There had been a gas tube failure and there was not enough pressure to bring the bolt carrier back far enough to pick up a new round and chamber it. Another round was cycled by hand and fired only to have the same result. The magazine was pulled, the gun cleared, and the measurements recorded. Test over. Total rounds fired in rifle number 2 was 264.

Heat Transfer

As discovered through the measurements we recorded, heat was indeed transferred into the action of the firearm through the gas tube at a much faster rate than with the piston gun. The numbers that seemed to indicate the most significant difference were the temperatures of the bolt itself. The bolt face temperature was measured after every magazine was emptied and it reached a higher temperature after firing only 200 rounds with the direct gas impingement gun than it did even after firing over 1,000 rounds through the piston gun. Another factor that plays into the equation is friction, which is greatly reduced in the P-416 by the removal of the gas rings and the silicone nickel coating, which creates an extremely smooth surface. The maximum temperature the bolt face reached in the P-416 was 122° and that was recorded immediately after firing 1036 rounds. The maximum temperature the bolt face reached in the direct gas impingement rifle was 133° but that was only after 264 rounds, the failure point for this system.

Chamber temperatures recorded with the direct gas impingement rifle reached a maximum of 115° and was recorded after 264 rounds, the maximum number of rounds fired. The P-416 reached a similar temperature of 119° after firing 600 rounds. The maximum chamber tempera ture measured in the P-416 was 131° immediately after concluding the testing at 1036 rounds. All temperatures were measured in the rear of the chamber through the barrel extension.

The gas block of the P-416 retained much more heat after firing than the gas block of the direct gas impingement rifle. While the maximum temperature recorded with the direct gas impingement rifle was after only 200 rounds, it only reached a temperature of 339°. After firing 200 rounds in the P-416, the gas block reached a temperature of 498° and spiked at 697° after firing 800 rounds. Gas block temperatures fluctuated greatly throughout the testing but seemed to dissipate much faster in the direct gas impingement rifle. The mass of the gas block is much greater in the P-416 and the free flowing transfer of heat ends there in that particular system as opposed to allowing the flow rearward through means of the gas tube.

Much of the barrel temperature increase is due to the friction of the projectile being forced down the bore. Since the focus of our testing was to check for changes directly related to the differences between the direct gas impingement system and the gas piston systems we did not bother collecting significant data in this area.

Conclusion

We did not really know what to expect when we started this test. The number of rounds fired in the short time allowed was way beyond the normal use of any standard black rifle. The rifle system itself was simply not designed to fire that many rounds without failure. We have all seen enough melted gas tubes and have a good enough understanding of how the system works to know this kind of abuse is well past its intended use. The point of the test was to fire as many rounds as the rifle would withstand, and record the data to that point. Since the P-416 was still functioning at the end of the testing, we still do not know what that end point really is. Maybe a “fire till failure” test is something we should explore in the future. All this writer knows for certain is that the POF-USA P-416 rifle system was designed without the limitations of a standard black rifle and continues to perform in ways quite unrealistic to the original design. There seems to be plenty of active debate about the piston operating system versus the direct gas impingement design and there may never be a “perfect” system for everyone. Just like there are desired barrel lengths, calibers and mounting platforms that some see as mission critical and others see as simple options, the operating system may just be another choice for the end user to determine and remain the topic of another endless debate in the gun world. While there may be valid reasons to stick with a time proven direct gas impingement system in some instances, it is clearly becoming obvious to some that the newly designed piston systems on the market today also have definite advantages. It was not very long ago that the implication of a rifle that could double as a PDW and a SAW would be considered unrealistic at best. Today, thanks to POF-USA, that might not seem quite so far fetched.

Use Your Ears

If you shoot a lot of fully automatic firearms, especially to extremes such as this, your ear can become an important tool. A smooth and even cyclic rate is usually a sign of things working well. When the cyclic rate varies up and down (when shooting the same ammo) or is erratic in any way, it is often a sign of something wrong. A gas leak is an easy one to diagnose as the cyclic rate often slows drastically from start to finish during a long burst. It can be anything from a failing gas tube to a loose gas key but is usually a sign of a gas pressure problem.

During the testing of a new rifle a few years ago, it was decided to do a full BETA C-Mag dump during a lull in the shooting at a well attended private shoot. Since it was a very short barrel (11.5 inches) and had a brake that was quite loud, after 35 or 40 continuous rounds it caught the attention of several participants. The cyclic rate started out in the area of 950 rounds per minute and was slowing at an even pace. By the time the rifle finished the magazine, it was running no faster than 450 rpm. Several people came right over and commented that it sounded like the gun was “running out of gas” and sounded like an outboard boat engine as the tank ran dry. After clearing and cooling, the gun was examined and an improperly staked (and very loose) gas key was found to be the culprit. As usual, your senses, in this case your hearing, can give you more information than you know how to process if you only listen to it.

Sources

P-416 Rifle System
POF-USA
Dept. SAR
23623 N. 67th Ave.
Glendale, AZ 85310
Phone: (623) 561-9572
Fax: (623) 321-1680
E-mail: sales@pof-usa.com
www.pof-usa.com

BETA C-Mags
The BETA Company
Dept: SAR
2137B Flintstone Drive
Tucker, GA 30084
Phone: (770) 270-0773
Fax: (770) 270-0599
E-mail: cmag@betaco.com
www.betaco.com

Spade Grips & Tripod Adapter
KNS Precision, Inc.
Dept: SAR
112 Marschall Creek Road
Fredricksburg, TX 78624
Phone: (830) 997-0000
Fax: (830) 997-1443
E-mail: sales@knsprecisioninc.com
www.knsprecisioninc.com

Wolf Performance Ammunition
Sporting Supplies
Dept: SAR
1125 North Lance Lane
Anaheim, CA 92086
Phone: (888) 757-WOLF
Fax: (714) 632-9232
www.wolfammo.com

Every war is different. Every battleground has diverse characteristics. Each mission, whether a military role or civilian law enforcement detail varies greatly in its specific purposes. It seems almost impossible on the surface that a single weapon system could adapt and function in such a range of climates and missions, but the familiar M16 is still going strong. From a lightweight carbine to a heavy barreled LMG, the M16 weapon system has been fulfilling the role of America’s primary service weapon for more than 40 years and it doesn’t seem it will be replaced wholesale anytime soon.

The earliest history of the inception and design of the black rifle bas been chronicled numerous times and it is not the intent of this author to rehash this historical material other than a very brief and condensed historical summary. There are many credible sources for this information including The Complete AR-15/M16 Sourcebook by Duncan Long, The Black Rifle I by Blake Stevens, Black Rifle II by Christopher R. Bartocci and an extensive Colt M16 ID Guide in the Machine Gun Dealers Bible by Dan Shea. This article will focus on the versatility of the M16, the characteristics that have allowed the metamorphosis from the original designs to the current battle rifle of the 21st century and possibly beyond.

Although there are a countless number of model designations for these rifles from numerous manufacturers, for simplicity purposes in this article, the designation “M16” can be assumed to be a fully automatic rifle while the designation “AR-15” makes reference to the semiautomatic version.

A Very Brief History

While its initial roots are clearly in the Stoner designs of the early 1950s, like most designs, the multiple lug bolt head, lockup into a barrel extension, and gas system principle can be traced back farther. It was at ArmaLite where this all came together. The first heavy public exposure to the black rifle started in the wet and humid environment of the tropics with the earliest variations sent to US troops in Viet Nam. There were many positive responses at first, but after the ammunition/propellant change, the black rifles were plagued with an extremely lackluster initial impression and poor performance in the field. Problems were eventually minimized after several rounds of intense testing combined with numerous committee change recommendations. Many alterations in production were initiated including chamber dimensions, rifling twist ratios, firing-pin changes, redesigning the flash hider and charging handle, and (against the advice of many people) the addition of a forward assist assembly. Along with ammo and gunpowder refinement, proper maintenance, and problems addressed with early magazines, the early version of black rifle as we know it today was on its way to becoming the cornerstone of the modern American military arsenal.

As early as 1963, Colt started manufacturing this “new” rifle in semiautomatic only with the civilian population and the law enforcement community in mind. Sold as the AR-15 Sporter it was virtually identical to the M16 with the exception of the fire control group. With an early retail price of $189.50 it was marketed to the hunting and sporting community as a beacon of a new wave of manufacturing technology allowing it to be lightweight while remaining accurate and effective. Although several minor changes have been made to separate the function of the semiautomatic version of these rifles from their fully automatic relatives over the years, and to keep them from being easily converted to fully automatic, they remain wildly popular and an enormous civilian market thrives today. Numerous upgrades and model enhancements of the civilian line of semiautomatic variants have followed very closely to those designed for the fully automatic models keeping them on a fairly level playing field.

With the 1977 expiration of Gene Stoner’s patent on the M16 gas system, several companies sprang up and started manufacturing their own versions of this popular rifle. The trademark model name of “AR-15” was, and still is, owned by Colt, and they are still one of many businesses that manufacture this weapon system and its many configurations.

Modularity is King

At the heart of the black rifle is the versatile lower receiver. This portion of the firearm is the section considered by federal law to be “the firearm” by definition. The lower receiver is the portion of the firearm that contains the trigger group and the pistol grip as well as the magazine well. Also attached to the lower receiver is the buffer tube and stock. This is the part that requires purchase through a licensed federal firearms licensee (if ordered from an out-of-state dealer) and the paperwork that goes along with any other firearm purchase, depending upon the laws of the State of the buyer. Every other part of this firearm may be ordered directly by the end user and requires no federal licensing or paperwork. All other parts, including the upper receivers and the barrels are treated just like any other non-regulated parts.

The upper receiver plays an equally important role in the mechanism. The upper receiver is the point of attachment for the barrel and the housing for the bolt, bolt carrier and charging handle. It is attached to the lower receiver by two takedown pins that are operable without the aid of any tools. The upper and lower receivers may be separated and rejoined at any time without fear of losing any components under normal handling. This may be attractive for size considerations when breaking down for transportation or when changing the characteristics of the rifle for a specific task.

Several rifle configurations may be assembled on a single lower receiver simply by swapping out barreled upper receivers. Specific tasks may require features unique to that task but may not be desirable to others. This is where the real beauty of the black rifle comes in. Unlike most other firearms, the characteristics of the black rifle can be altered at any time, and reversed back again, just by changing upper receivers. It is indeed more than a weapon; it is truly a “weapon system” as it is often properly referred as.

For obvious reasons, an entry-type rifle may consist of a very short barrel and either iron sights or a zero-magnification dot-type sight. A varmint hunting rifle may be much more effective with a long barrel and high power telescopic sight. With a black rifle, both of these configurations are only a quick upper receiver swap away with no lack of performance in either field.

There are barrels ranging from the 7-inch* “Kitty Kat” barrel from DPMS (www.dpmsinc.com) to a 24-inch Varminter Extra Heavy Barrel from Bushmaster Firearms (www.bushmaster.com) and a multitude of lengths in between. (* Under Federal Law a rifle barrel has to be over 16 inches in length to be a legal Title I firearm. By purchasing or registering the rifle as a Short Barreled Rifle, the owner can use any barrel length at will. With registered machine guns, the barrel length is not a legal stipulation under Federal Law and any length barrel may be used). There are not many rifles that allow the flexibility of swapping out barrel lengths without the necessity of tools in less than 30 seconds like this system. Additionally, another major advantage is the sights are part of the upper receiver as well, so there is no need to re-zero after making this swap. If multiple barreled upper receivers are owned, they can all be sighted-in and swapped as desired with a complete return to zero with careful handling and the correct ammunition.

From Plinking to Protecting

If there is any one thing that can always be counted on in the firearms community, it is American Ingenuity and the desire to make something bigger and better. (Sometimes smaller and better, in this case.) Fortunately, this has proven to work well in transforming the once light .223 Rem. (5.56x45mm) rifle into something left only to one’s imagination and budget. With the ease of changing upper receivers, the transformation from the original caliber to a completely new round is almost as simple. Since the upper receiver holds the barrel, bolt and bolt carrier, this is the portion of the rifle where the caliber of the ammunition to be utilized is determined. Thanks to many able minded firearm enthusiasts, these rifles can be converted to almost any caliber ranging from .17 to .50 BMG with minimal (if any) temporary modifications to the lower receiver. From the luxury of plinking for recreation on a budget or additional training, to having the stopping power to assist our front line fighters in the War on Terror, the black rifle can be custom configured to suit every application.

One of the most popular subcaliber units among black rifle shooters is the “Atchisson” .22LR conversion manufactured by Jonathan Arthur Ciener, Inc. (www.22lrconversions.com). When utilized with the recommended ammunition, properly maintained and operated, they provide hours of plinking fun in semiautomatic AR-15s or full automatic fun when used in conjunction with a registered M16. On the opposite end of the ammunition spectrum is the .50BMG Upper Receiver from Watson’s Weapons Inc. (www.watsonsweapons.com). This upper receiver actually allows the use of the massive .50 BMG round when attached to your lower receiver. It functions as a single-shot rifle that must be partially taken down to be reloaded between shots.

One of the most popular pistol caliber conversions would include the 9x19mm (Luger) conversion. First introduced in 1985, Colt offered a 9mm blowback-operated submachine gun that worked quite well. Most of the characteristics were the same as the standard rifle, making operation simple for anyone who had utilized or trained on the 5.56x45mm rifle. A special magazine (both 20-round and 32-round) was developed for the much shorter 9x19mm round and a block was pinned inside the standard lower receiver’s magazine well to accommodate the smaller magazine while utilizing the same magazine release. A civilian version was soon to follow in semiautomatic only with a 16-inch barrel. Other than the upper receiver and bolt differences, only the buffer was changed to a heavier one, and a few of the trigger group parts were slightly modified. In the 1990s, the US Drug Enforcement Agency adopted a silenced version of this rifle. The Department of Energy also adopted a very short variation known as the Model 633, commonly called a “DoE Upper.” The 633 had a 7-inch barrel, collapsible stock and a front handguard to keep the operators hands from straying in front of the muzzle.

Several other companies started manufacturing these pistol caliber conversions with numerous types of feeding systems. While a few emulated the Colt style mag-well block and use the factory Colt 9mm magazines, others used highly modified magazines reworked to fit the interior portion of the factory magazine well. Although many of the modified magazines work very well, they are often expensive and the availability is less than desirable in most cases. Even though there are several manufacturers of aftermarket (any non-Colt) black rifles including several Caliber conversions, the pistol caliber most often encountered remains the 9x19mm.

Many different calibers in black rifle variations have been written about here in the pages of Small Arms Review over the last 10 years. While there are new caliber combinations coming out at an amazing rate, some of the latest ones we are familiar with include the Alexander Arms .50 Beowulf and 6.5 Grendel, (www.alexanderarms.com), .502 Thunder Sabre by Cloud Mountain Armory (www.bigborecanyon.net) and lastly the .45 Bushmaster (www.bushmaster.com). We will be testing the .45 Bushmaster for a future issue of Small Arms Review very soon. Some of the more common calibers include, but are not limited to: .308 NATO*, 7.62x39mm and 6.8SPC and can be found from multiple vendors. (*.308 NATO (7.62×51) requires a different lower receiver due to the longer interior dimension of the magazine well necessary to accommodate that particular round).

Feed Me, Seymour!

Like the hungry man-eating plant named Seymour in the 1960s cult classic film Little Shop of Horrors, a black rifle is always hungry and never seems to be fed enough. Firearms, especially those in a military role, are no exception. The earliest magazine design of the AR-15 was a 25-round magazine, which had problems due to being straight, and was immediately replaced with a 20-round magazine. The first ones were steel “waffle” pattern magazines, which were also immediately replaced with the standard aluminum 20-round magazine that eventually evolved into the 20-rounder so common today. In the mid 1960s, a 30-round magazine was manufactured with a slight curve and it seemed to work great in all new rifles but had a hard time feeding in some, including the earlier ones. This was corrected in part by keeping the top portion of the magazine straight like the 20-round version and starting the curvature at the bottom of the magazine well. These magazines still had a reputation for jamming if they were loaded to 30 rounds, and the SOP was load to 28 rounds. This was corrected later by stabilizing the follower with equal leg lengths.

In order to address this “need for feed,” Colt experimented with a belt-feed mechanism that operated with a modified upper and lower. With a 20-inch barrel this unit weighed in at almost 8 1/2 pounds without the bipod or ammo box. The belt fed M16 never made it to production.

Fast forward to the early 1980s and bring Jonathan Arthur Ciener back into the picture. A manufacturer primarily specializing in sound suppressors at the time, Jonathan took it upon himself to redesign and reintroduce the concept of a belt-fed AR-15 and M16 and made them available to the general public. When they were evaluated for the now defunct Machine Gun News in 1992, this writer had the pleasure of working on the article and spending some trigger time with these guns. We were provided with both a semiautomatic model and a fully automatic model. They were built on factory Colt AR-15 and M16 rifles, and like Colts early design the upper and lower receivers were both modified. The Ciener system had a few very interesting points. First, the belt-feed mechanism could be removed from the weapon and it would again accept factory magazines. Second, Ciener produced some of the belt boxes which locked into the magazine well, as in the original design.

We tested them under several conditions with many types of ammunition in semiautomatic and full automatic. We tested it in belt-feed and magazine feed. We tested it with and without the addition of a sound suppressor. In summary it performed excellently. The only drawback was that in the case of a jam it was a “4-handed” operation to clear it and have it up and running quickly, but with a little practice it could be done quite efficiently. It also used a proprietary, modified link that was quite expensive at the time compared to standard unmodified links. These were sold for a few years but were eventually discontinued due to the enormous amount of time necessary to manufacture them.

There are a few current belt-feed systems for the black rifle but nothing yet has reached a mass marketing level. In the March 2003 issue of Small Arms Review (Vol. 6, No. 6), the Shrike 5.56 from Ares Defense (www.aresdefense.com) was covered in great detail as it was due to be released en masse around the time of publication. To this date, it is still being manufactured, released and shipped in very small quantities due to several redesign upgrades and improvements. The great attraction to the Shrike 5.56 is the fact that it works in conjunction with a completely unmodified lower receiver. All attempts at a belt-fed black rifle in the past have required major lower receiver modifications. Like the Ciener, model it can be fired from belt or box magazine but in the case of the Shrike 5.56, when the belt is out, a box magazine is simply inserted, the rifle charged and firing is uninterrupted. There are no parts to take out or change over. We are anxiously awaiting mass shipments of the Shrike 5.56 and will certainly test the newest production model as soon as they are shipped.

Another interesting belt feed option for the black rifle is the XMG from BRP Guns (www.brpguns.com). The XMG34 is essentially an MG34 “upper receiver” designed for use on an M16 lower receiver. Currently in its 5th year of production this inexpensive alternative to an original MG34 has been receiving great reviews for years. Available in 8mm and in .308, they are popping up at ranges nationwide and are becoming more popular with every passing year. They will function in fully automatic when used in conjunction with a registered lower receiver and require only a small (nonpermanent) modification to function.

Seeing a need for a belt-fed black rifle that is inexpensive to feed, the master of the miniatures, Lakeside Machine of Tippmann Arms fame decided to design a .22LR belt fed upper receiver with a similar mechanism to the popular Tippmann 1/2 scale miniature machine guns. (www.lakesideguns.com). This upper receiver, available for both semiautomatic and fully automatic function, was tested in the April 2006 (Vol. 9, No. 7) issue of Small Arms Review. The only modifications required to the lower receiver in this assembly are the exchange of the factory buffer and the suggested replacement of the hammer spring.

Understanding the demand for more ammo capacity than the 30-round magazines were able to provide, the Beta Company, of Atlanta, Georgia (www.betaco.com) worked with Jim Sullivan of the old ArmaLite and the M16 design fame, the original inventor of the 100-round C-Mag. Sullivan worked as a consultant with Beta Company in the early developmental stages of the new Beta C-Mag and with the introduction and advances in plastic materials and its ability to keep tight tolerances the C-MAG as we know it today has developed into an extremely reliable system, all while keeping weight to a minimum.

Mounting Madness

We live in a market driven economy and combined with the simple truth that necessity is the mother of invention, some “solutions” have been presented to us for “problems” we may never have known existed otherwise. In the last several years there have been an enormous number of accessories manufactured for mounting on MIL-STD-1913 rails. Along with these accessories came a mad rush for mounting platforms, and the standard factory handguards on the AR-15 and M16 are quickly being antiquated and replaced with new and improved rail systems. There are several to choose from including the Knight Rail Interface System (RIS) and Rail Adapter System (RAS) (www.knightarmco.com), VLTOR VIS System (www.vltor.com), POF-USA Predator Rail System (www.pof-usa.com), LMT Monolithic Rail Platform (www.lewismachine.net) and many more. All of the aforementioned have been of excellent quality.

For those not needing the precision, or wishing to spend the amount of money those mentioned may cost, some simple handguard replacements have been introduced that incorporate rails into them and some rail adaptors have been manufactured that simply bolt on to the existing A2-type handguards. A few of those have been utilized for testing devices like vertical grips where a slight amount of movement was not detrimental to the system and they performed fine. Other applications like mounting optics or more “load bearing” accessories would probably not be recommended for the latter systems.

All the new configurations and types of intended deployments these systems are capable of bring the necessity of new support equipment. One area where a serious advancement has been made is in the sighting systems available. Electronic “dot type” sights are very popular for close-up work and there are many types and styles. A few extremely popular systems include the EOTech Holographic Sight (www.eotechinc.com), the Aimpoint CompM4 (www.aimpoint.com) and the Trijicon ACOG (www.trijicon.com). While each system has distinct advantages the author is very familiar with the EOTech model 552. It has several settings for use with a night vision monocular as well as the standard day settings. The Holographic Sight is placed in a forward position on the top rail and utilized as usual during normal daylight. During low light the monocular is mounted behind it so the operator can use it at night without having to re-zero the weapon.

Along with the popularity of low or zero magnification electronic sights, the demand for a well-made, high quality, Back Up Iron Sight (BUIS) has been high for use during a potential electronic failure. Several contenders on the market include the Troy Industries, Inc. Folding Battle Sight (www.troyind.com), the GG&G Flip-Up Sights (www.gggaz.com), and A.R.M.S. Inc., #40 Folding Sights (www.armsmounts.com). An interesting front sight is the POF-USA FTA2005 Front Sight. It is not a folding sight but a stationary sight that is hooded for an extremely fast target acquisition and has been found to be complementary to use in conjunction with “dot-type” sights or as a stand alone with the correct rear BUIS. Due to the great number of new sight requirements, many of the modern rifles are available with a removable carry handle. Once the familiar carry handle and rear sight is removed, a standard MIL-STD-1913 rail is exposed to be used alone or in conjunction with these new sights and rail systems.

Another interesting new front sight was recently introduced for the black rifle. It is made by KNS Precision (www.knsprecisioninc.com) and is actually a circular “peep” with a crosshair in it. Initial testing appears it is fast and accurate and we are anxious to spend more time with this new front sight as well as several more of their latest offerings.

As a Catch-22, these new mounting platforms that were spawned from new items in need of mounts have spun off their own items made to be mounted on this newly available space. There are several devices available for mounting on MIL-STD-1913 rails including visible lasers, IR lasers, and lights. optics, night vision, camera equipment and many more items. Some earlier available items that were designed to mount on standard handguards or directly on the barrel have even been redesigned to mount directly on a rail system due to the high proliferation on later models. A prime example is the new rail mount 40mm LMT M203 Grenade Launcher. This tried and true M16 accessory used to mount on the barrel of the standard black rifle and a special handguard replaced the factory A1 or A2 handguard issued with the rifle. With the new rail mounted version, no additional handguards are necessary and due to the nature of the mounting system there is no longer any stress on the barrel as it is allowed to free-float with many current rail systems.

AR Accessories

As mentioned previously, several companies exist today just to service this weapon system. A quick glance around the Internet or any large, stocking gun shop will uncover thousands of items geared toward users of the AR-15 and M16 weapon systems. A look at KNS Precision and their product line will unveil several components for the black rifle useful in simple preservation roles such as pins that are designed not to rotate and egg-hole the aluminum receivers at the thin section supporting the hammer and trigger pins. They carry a variety of sights for target, plinking, competition and tactical applications and even manufacture a set of Spade Grips so you can shoot the rifle in the same manor as a 1919A4 with butterfly grips or an M60D model. We tested these grips in the May 2007 (Vol. 10, No. 8) issue of Small Arms Review and we found them a blast to shoot, especially with a pintle mount and Beta C-MAG. They are well made and functioned flawlessly.

While you are in research mode, take a peek at some of the products in the Command Arms Accessories line (www.commandarms.com). Some of these accessories manufactured for the AR-15 and M16 weapon system look more like they came back from a fact finding mission from the 22nd Century than from Ivyland, Pennsylvania where they are located. With accessories and upgrades from buttstock to muzzle, the only part of the original weapon system that looks familiar is the distinct shape of the receiver section. Watch for a piece in an upcoming issue of Small Arms Review where we take a “Plain Jane” AR-15 and give it the complete CAA treatment while testing it every step of the way. We are looking for something that really enhances performance and not just cosmetics and we have been assured we will not be disappointed.

Back to the Future

There is one unique feature of the black rifle that is as controversial as all other designs combined. This would be the way the gas system of the firearm operates and whether changing it is considered an upgrade or downgrade by the user. The black rifle operates with a direct impingement gas system in the following manner. When the rifle is fired, the rotating bolt is in its locked position in the barrel extension. As the bullet passes a gas port located under the front sight, some gas is bled off into a gas port and directed through a gas tube to the rear. The hot gas pressurizes the gas tube and the rear end of the pressurized tube is the gas key located on top of the bolt carrier with the gas thus exerting rearward pressure on this movable part. This pressure starts the bolt carrier traveling rearward, unlocking the bolt via its cam pin in the cam path on the carrier, and initiating the extraction. The bolt carrier travels rearward, and the projectile exits the bore evacuating the pressurized gas from the gas tube, ending any rearward pressure from the gas system. That time under pressure is critical to reliability and is dictated by the amount of time the bullet is traveling in front of the gas port. As the bolt carrier passes into the buffer tube (concealed in the stock) the fired casing is ejected. Met with a forward amount of spring tension from the now compressed buffer spring, the bolt carrier is returned to the front, picking up a new round from the magazine, loading it in the chamber and rotating and locking the bolt to restart the sequence.

The problems with this particular system are multiple. It is dumping combustion byproduct – “dirt” – into the same place it feeds ammunition from. This leaves a lot of carbon buildup over time and can create function problems when not maintained regularly. The lower receiver and its trigger group are often heavily soiled from this gas system and it is compounded numerous times over when combined with the use of a sound suppressor. Due to the carbon, unburned powder and extra heat following the path of least resistance, the extra back pressure created with the use of a silencer leaves more debris than normal and blowback is often an unpleasant effect inflicted on the shooter. On top of the maintenance issue, which in the recreational shooting world should be a no-brainer, is an issue not often spoken about. As indicated before, the additional debris is carried back into the action of the gun and it is carried by very hot gas. It has been suggested by some people that the effect of these hot gasses under heavier than normal shooting conditions could cause metal temperament problems over time. A heavy influx of heating and cooling could create some structural problems with extremely heavy use.

There are several systems that now use a gas piston system in place of the direct impingement system and Small Arms Review has covered several of them in the past. In the last two years we have examined the HK416 System, the POF P-416 System and just recently, the Colt LE1020 Advanced Law Enforcement Carbine. Fairly recently, Ares Defense introduced their GSR-35 Black Lightning system, which is a drop-in piston kit that takes the place of the original gas tube and bolt carrier. Leitner-Wise Rifle Company (www.lwrifles.com) also specializes in a piston system however we have not had the opportunity to evaluate it yet. While the concept is certainly nothing new, (Colt experimented with a piston system in the 1960s, and there are many other examples pre-dating that) its time certainly seems to have come and it appears to be here to stay.

Other than a brief amount of time spent working with an early “Rhino System” in the early 1990s, of all the systems mentioned above, this writer only has an extensive amount of time on the POF P-416 system at this point. Other SAR contributors have extensive trigger time on the HK416, and will cover other systems in the future. On the POF system that I have tested, there are definite advantages that have been witnessed, primarily the number of rounds it is able to run with little or no maintenance with no malfunctions. The POF P-416 utilizes C.R.O.S. (Corrosion Resistant Operating System) where their major components are impregnated with silicon nickel creating an incredibly slick surface. After firing several thousand rounds, the surface easily wipes clean with only a dry cloth, and after almost 20,000 rounds in one particular test unit there is no visible wear on any of the coated parts.

During initial testing the system was fired in excess of 9,000 rounds with no maintenance or lubrication of any kind and when it was finally cleaned because we thought there was a single failure to feed, ending the endurance test, it was later found that it was a faulty magazine creating the feeding problem and not the gun itself. Another factor that assists the P-416 system in functioning so well under harsh treatment is the fact that there are no gas rings necessary since there is no actual gas pushed back into the bolt carrier. This seems to translate into a firearm that will operate in a harsher environment due to much lighter tolerances. Without the presence of gas rings creating a seal between the bolt and bolt carrier, everything moves much smoother and is less meticulous in its typically tight tolerances.

If there is an immediately noticeable advantage in this particular gas piston system it is durability. On top of the several thousand rounds fired with no maintenance except for the initial cleaning after the perceived stoppage, many of them have been in a succession so rapid that it would have been certain failure for a direct impingement system; melting the gas tube and ending the testing very early on. After years of testing black rifles, the author has a collection of failed gas tubes, many resembling spaghetti found lying on top of the barrel after reaching the point of failure. If there are any immediate disadvantages of this gas piston system over a direct impingement system, this author has not yet noticed them.

Now Left Can Be Right

A fantastic example of how the civilian market often takes its own direction and even has the potential to influence the military marketplace is a manufacturer from New Britain Connecticut named Stag Arms, LLC. (www.stagarms.com). Founded in May of 2003, Stag decided to cater to a percentage of the market who had been all but ignored for years. They completely redesigned the upper receiver, bolt and bolt carrier to eject from the left, specifically for left-handed shooters. Featured in the March 2006 (Vol. 9, No. 6) issue of Small Arms Review, southpaws will never again have to depend on a brass deflector keeping hot brass from hitting them or crossing their line of fire.

The Future

It is the versatility of the AR-15/M16 that has allowed it to adapt and thrive in so many differing environments and it is the modularity of the system that is a direct contributor to its survival and evolution. There are a few companies that are addressing this in ways that could never have been originally conceived 40 years ago and will lead the way into a long future for the black rifle.

MGI (www.mgimilitary.com) has been in the black rifle business for decades. Their upgrades have been chronicled in the pages of Small Arms Review several times including their Rate Reducing Buffer – May 2004 (Vol. 7, No. 8), The QCB Upper Receiver – December 2004 (Vol. 8, No. 3) and most recently The Hydra Modular Weapon System – May 2007 (Vol. 10, No. 8). With such versatility as a quick-change barrel upper receiver that requires no tools and works with original factory barrels, changes in length, style and caliber have never been faster, easier or less expensive. The Marck-15 Lower Receiver with interchangeable magazine wells, again with no tools, allows the correct magazine to be used to coincide with the caliber being fired. For example, if you are utilizing a 7.62×37 barrel and bolt, you can use the AK mag-well and utilize standard AK47 magazines. This ensures the correct feed and presentation rather than redesigning a new magazine around an existing space and angle. Mags are inexpensive, available and reliable. Next in the works is a 9mm SMG mag-well that will utilize the factory Colt 9mm SMG magazines. Several new offerings are in the pipeline, some certain to be out even before this magazine hits the newsstand.

Cobb Manufacturing (www.cobb50.com) has a line of rifles called the MCR (Multi Caliber Rifle) and it is based on the design characteristics of the AR-15, just a little bigger. The MCR is a semiautomatic, gas operated system that can be chambered in a long list of calibers from 9mm to 338 Lapua, designed originally for the SCAR rifle program. They are far from newcomers to the industry and have been dealing with such innovative firearms as the .50 BMG FA50 and BA50 for several years. Teamed up with top-line suppressor manufacturers their systems are well made and versatile.

With the “feeding” frenzy a constant issue as discussed previously, we expect to see upgrades and alterations to this portion of the weapon system as long as it is in use. Just before finishing this article the author received what is perhaps the latest offering to the high-capacity quest to evaluate for a future article. It is the CL-Mag from Armatac Industries, Inc. (www.armatac.com). Resembling the Beta C-MAG in shape, the CL-Mag is manufactured from aircraft aluminum and holds 150 rounds of 5.56x45mm. Finished in a hard coat type III anodized finish, it is intended to work in all AR-15/M16 variants. We are anxious to proceed with testing this new feeding system in the near future.

Conclusion

Since there is really nothing to compare the popularity of this unique weapon system to, with its longevity in both military and civilian applications, it is the opinion of this writer that the sheer ability to act as a chameleon and adapt to almost every environment is the life force behind its ever growing popularity. It has to be noted that many of the upgrades and enhancements are civilian based ideas with no military spec sheet giving them direction. Some of these ideas and items can be looked at as simply “fun” and that is an important aspect of shooting that some of us who are a little too hung up on being “professionals” tend to overlook a little too often. Not everything that is discovered or tested has to have an adrenaline soaked special operations application in mind. Some of the best gear for our professional applications stands a chance of starting out as a light-hearted civilian product, just because it is looked at and designed with fresh, new, untainted eyes. Some of the greatest design innovations this writer has witnessed have come from challenges from people who specifically stated that in their professional opinion something couldn’t be done.

With an ever-changing requirement for the ultimate weapon system in this unpredictable War on Terror, if any weapon stands the test of time it is the AR-15/M16. With a virtual flood of new accessories, upgrades, calibers, finishes, furniture and design enhancements being introduced at breakneck speed, this writer has a hard time even thinking of the day where the black rifle or some form of it is not going to be the basis for our primary service weapon for at least 40 more years.

Author’s Note: While this article started out to be a short overview of the AR-15/M16 and its longevity, it soon became obvious that it could not be done in just a few words. The system is too complex and the changes, alterations and upgrades are far too numerous to simply skim over and condense. Unfortunately, due to space constraints, it had to end somewhere and we were not able to include every single company that offers firearms and accessories related to this weapon system. They are far too numerous, and even a quick glance through the pages of Small Arms Review will reveal several more businesses who specialize in parts and accessories for the black rifle. It is not our intention to promote anyone in particular while leaving anyone else out, nor should either be misconstrued as an endorsement or lack of such in the latter case. We would be happy to put together a condensed Black Rifle Buyers Guide listing every business related to this system in the future, but had no room to so in this article.