By Oleg Volk

TNW Firearms offers a wide array of pistol caliber carbines and pistols, all based on the same in-line blowback action. The Aero Survival Rifles (ASR) and Pistols (ASP) are available in .45 ACP, 9mm, .40S&W, 10mm, .357SIG, .22LR and .460 Rowland. In the world where 9mm ammunition can be hard to get, it’s nice to have options: all of these share the same receiver and require only barrels, bolt heads, springs and sometimes a lower receiver to use a different cartridge. TNW Firearms’ rifles have 16.25-inch barrels and stocks, and their pistols have 10.25-inch barrels and braces, otherwise the two are very similar. The upper receiver is the serialized part. Bolt heads are marked with the caliber, the bolt body is common to all calibers.

At first glance, the Aero Survival pistol and carbine line looks like a modernization of the classic Sten submachine gun. They have a similar tubular receiver and forend, a quickly detachable barrel, a safety notch for the bolt handle and robust and simple construction. A closer look reveals considerable improvements on the Sten, like milled aluminum lower and upper receivers, well-radiused forms, threaded barrels and a full-length rail. The overbuild look and the availability of powerful .460 Rowland chambering bring Imperial bolters from Warhammer 40,000 universe to mind.

The Aero Survival Rifle and Pistol serve a variety of roles, such as self-defense, backpacking and small and large game hunting, and the barrels are designed to return to their established zero no matter the amount of removals and reinstalls. The 9mm pistol model this author tested came with a well-ventilated extended forend, helpful for a secure hold, an SB Tactical rubber brace and a 17-round magazine. All GLOCK magazines, including the 100-round BETA C-MAG®, work in this pistol.

Although the upper and lower resemble an AR-15 configuration, they differ considerably on the inside. Both the buffer tube plate and the ratcheted barrel nut use center locating pins for consistent reattachment. The barrel nut screws onto a coned thread, providing self-centering for the barrel. A tension adjustment screw at the top of the rail regulates the ratchet engagement. Disassembly is very simple. Two pins release the upper from the lower. A spring-loaded latch on the forend releases it from the upper; the threaded forend then spins off. The barrel nut, similar to those on Stens or Uzis, spins off to release the barrel forward. The bolt gets pushed back slightly to withdraw the charging handle, after which the bolt and its rigidly attached carrier slide forward out of the receiver.

One of the most obvious features of the ASR is the ejection ports on both sides of the receiver. Ejection direction can be changed by swapping the fixed blade ejector and the bolt stop in the lower. This feature is obviously vital for the comfort of left-handed users. Unfortunately, the weak-hand side opening allows gas and unburned powder bits to reach the shooter’s face, an issue that gets worse if a muzzle brake or a suppressor is attached to the threaded barrel. Fortunately, this issue is easily solved with a piece of electrical tape placed over the opening. The charging handle track is only on the right. There’s no automatic bolt hold-open, but the charging handle can be locked up into a slot.

The push-through fenced safety is the only easily activated control on the gun. Everything else is made for those with strong hands. The cocking effort on the charging handle is about 25 pounds, which takes a real effort with the relatively small control surface. The un-fenced magazine release button is also strongly sprung against accidental activation. Magazines drop free, and reloading is also quick and easy. The trigger, nominally two-stage, has a gritty 8.5-pound pull. Despite the hefty recoil spring, felt recoil is noticeable for the mere 9mm.

While the extended forend provides a respectable iron sight radius, I wanted to try this gun with an optic. A Bushnell Lil P illuminated 1x prism red dot sight added minimal weight for the total of 6.5 pounds unloaded. Unlike most scopes, the Lil P is parallax-corrected for 50 yards instead of 100, just the thing for a PCC. The ASR proved completely reliable with all types of ammunition, from light ball to defense hollow points to heavy subsonics. GLOCK, ETS and Magpul magazines worked great, but 33-round SGM magazines did not work at all. 

Accuracy was consistent across the various loads, suggesting that the limiting factor was the trigger. Typical spread was an inch at 25 yards, or about 4 MOA. Supported, this gun is sufficiently accurate for head shots past 100 yards, but the marksman has to employ good technique to effect that accuracy under field condition. Other ASR users have reported that the trigger can be improved considerably by polishing the working surfaces.

Despite the certain roughness, this pistol is fun to use. The solid heft of it inspired confidence that has been well-justified by the reliability experienced over several hundred rounds. The Lil P sight proved a good match, with just enough reticle complexity to allow drop compensation out to 150 yards. Between the 9x19mm cartridge limitations and the trigger, that’s the furthest realistic range for the weapon. The vast modularity of the TNW system is a great advantage in the current climate of logistical uncertainty.

We should discuss the small arms arsenal of the two world wars. In World War One, scattered among the Mausers and Springfields and Carcanos, and Enfields and Hotchkiss and Maxims and Vickers of the day, there were the M15 Villar-Perosa, and the MP18 Bergmann. They were short, light (by comparison to the infantry rifles of the day) and fired pistol cartridges at the rate of a machine gun from very high-capacity magazines. In World War II we still see the presence of high-powered infantry rifles; but now, well developed on all fronts is the submachine gun. It is important to grasp this point that based on the lessons of World War One; every country that would be involved in the Second World War would develop and field a pistol caliber shoulder fired small arm. Government and military bodies had learned that battle engagements were typically happening at close to intermediate ranges. The infantry rifle’s size and power and potential to hit the horizon were proven unnecessary in most situations. The battlefield would eventually adopt a lighter, smaller rifle that could sustain automatic fire and hold 30 to 40 rounds and hit a man-sized target up to 150 yards away. To properly illustrate the proliferation of the pistol caliber carbine, here’s the short list of sub-guns from WWII: Thompson, M3 Grease Gun, Reising, Beretta 1918, Moschetto 38, Sten, Sterling, Lanchester, Owen, PPD-34, PPD-38, PPD-40, PPS-42, PPS-43, PPSH-41, UD-M42, LAD, Nambu type 100, Suomi, MAS 38, Ribeyrolle, Danuvia, Orita, Bechowiec, Blyskawica, Volks MP3008, MP28, MP34, Erma MP35, MP35 Bergmann, MP38, MP40, and MP41 etc., just to get the list started. Consider that 24 years prior to the start of WWII, only 2 submachine guns saw their start in World War 1. We need not argue in support of the efficacy and practicality of the SMG. History speaks well to that effect, by the marked proliferation of this class of weapon. The world’s militaries would eventually adopt the “assault rifle,” which fired a high velocity low impulse cartridge, featured large magazine capacities, and automatic fire capabilities; but only after the submachine gun had proven its worth. The assault rifle was only a logical next step for the SMG; it had greater effective range. The German MP43(44) and STG 44 assault rifles were the immediate descendants of the submachine gun. Today’s military and law enforcement have kept the submachine gun in service; mostly among SWAT and Special Forces units. The most notable and successful examples would be the ubiquitous Heckler & Koch MP5 from Germany and the infamous Uzi, from Israel. Most people would be hard-pressed to name any others. But can the average “Joe” get his hands on an SMG? The high price and legal restrictions on a transferrable submachine gun pushes many consumers out of that market. The closest many will get to owning one will come in the form of a semiautomatic pistol caliber carbine; referred to herein as a “PCC.”

Many major arms maker have offered a PCC at one time or another. Ruger and Marlin both made excellent PCCs in years past. Beretta, Calico, Kel-Tec, and Hi-Point offer their own unique PCCs – all incorporating very advanced design and materials. The Auto-Ordnance Thompson, Kriss Vector, FN PS90, and the HK 94 (and clones) represent true submachine guns that have been recreated in non-NFA configurations for the civilian market. Do-it-yourselfers have fostered a huge market for rebuilding old war surplus guns from parts kits. Salvaged Sten, Sterling, and Suomi semiautomatics have become quite common. There exists a family of devices that can be affixed to an existing handgun to render it a carbine; suggesting improved accuracy and handling characteristics that exceed the basic pistol. These are available from companies like FAB Defense, Command Arms Accessories, Hera Arms, MechTech and SIG Sauer. All but the MechTech employ the pistol’s existing short barrel, and require an NFA tax stamp for legal use. And the inherent accuracy, range, and effect of the pistol are not necessarily enhanced by simply adding a stock. Some firms that manufacture the AR-15 produce the AR rifle in pistol calibers. They either create a new receiver to accept the pistol magazine, or install a magazine adapter. The barrel, bolt, and some internal parts are also replaced in these converted rifles. But the platform is not purpose-built, and the resultant rifle maintains the size and weight of the basic AR-15. At times, this is desirable, as the manual of arms is the same no matter the AR-15’s chambering.

Then there is a small group of innovative companies that are making dedicated pistol caliber carbines that take a more practical approach to the PCC. They mimic the form or function of a familiar weapon platform as it’s quick to learn. They utilize commonly available parts and basic repairs are cheap and easy. Proprietary components are simple and robust – they’re durable and unlikely to fail. They might feature a quick caliber swap so the gun can adapted and upgraded easily, even without tools. They scale the weapon down for the pistol ammunition; so it can be made smaller and lighter. The result is a dedicated, purpose-built carbine. These companies have names like JRC, TNW, and Thureon Defense. The JRC is a slick little package; it’s approaching its 10th year of manufacture and has earned its accolades. But for this evaluation, we wanted something newer to the PCC market, so we procured some PCCs from two relative newcomers; Thureon Defense and TNW. We opted for the basic models from each company in 9mm luger.

Thureon Defense GA Carbine

This PCC can be ordered in any of five calibers; 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, .357 SIG, and 10mm auto. The .357 and 10mm versions feature some unique internals to properly handle the increased pressure and velocities. This carbine can be ordered to work with any of five common magazine types; Glock, XD, M&P, SIG, or Uzi, and will soon be released to accept 1911 single stack magazines. Thureon’s PCC is not able to switch calibers or magazine well. What you get is what you get. This carbine can be ordered with a number of enhancements. These include a Picatinny-railed forend assembly, a slide-fire stock, and a selection of Magpul AR-15 furniture and components. The charging handle is on the left side of the receiver so it’s fast to operate with the shooter’s front hand and it ejects empties to the right. The gun is offered as a left-handed version with the charge handle and ejection switched accordingly. The Thureon borrows the fire control assembly from the AR-15, so it will accept any trigger upgrade meant for the AR-15. The stock trigger breaks at 5.5 pounds. The magazine release can be reached with the trigger finger. The lower receiver houses the fire control, magazine, feed ramp and ejector. The feed ramp and ejector are attached to the lower by screws and are easily replaced. The lower connects to the upper with two captive pins, not unlike the AR-15. The upper houses the barrel, bolt, forearm and an AR-15 buffer tube and stock. The forearm is not an AR part; it is unique to this gun as it acts as a jam nut against the receiver to lock the barrel in place. The barrel is threaded at the muzzle and comes equipped with a flash hider. A 16-inch barrel is standard and 19-inch is an option. A pistol and SBR version are available, both with 10.5-inch barrels. The GA can be stripped down to all its moving parts with only a pin punch for a tool. We must note that the Picatinny base atop the receiver is located one inch over the stock – one-half inch higher than we find it on the AR-15 and its derivatives. This is significant as most scopes mounts and sights are made to a specific proportion, which contributes to proper location of that sighting device while maintaining correct check weld. The extra height of the scope rail can cause some complication here.

TNW Aero Survival Rifle (ASR)

The gun can be had in 9mm, .40 S&W, or .45 ACP. Conversion kits allow the gun to be swapped over in minutes, without tools. The TNW only accepts Glock magazines. The company has plans to release the ASR in .22 long rifle, .22 and .17 magnum, .357 SIG and 10mm auto. This PCC is offered in black, OD green, dark earth, pink camo and green camoflage anodized finishes. TNW does make a “bullet buttoned” model for states with restrictive “assault weapon” laws in place. It is also available as a pistol. The weapon is charged on the right side of the receiver, and ejection is user selectable to be toward the left or right. The quick-change barrel nut consists of a ventilated tube surrounding the first 3 inches of the barrel. Real estate on the receiver is cramped, or one could say that it “makes efficient use of space.” There is no forearm; the user’s front hand is meant to occupy a 4-inch section of receiver between the magazine and barrel nut. The TNW’s compact proportions remind one of the MP5K. If you’re wearing a glove, the trigger guard may be a tight squeeze. The factory trigger breaks at 4 and 1/4 pounds. The magazine release is located on the left side of the magazine well near the front of the receiver. We spent some time developing the muscle memory for the location of the magazine release; the button was often hard to find from a shooting position, but at the same time was easy to “bump” inadvertently with the wrist or palm. The receiver and full-length scope base are machined from a single block of aluminum. The Picatinny-style scope base is almost twice as long as that of the Thureon; this leaves more options and possibilities for optics selection. The TNW maintains the proper, standardized scope base height over the stock to ensure compatibility with common sights and optics. As standard equipment, this carbine includes a 4-inch Picatinny accessory rail that can be attached to the bottom front section of the receiver. This option costs extra on the Thureon. The internals are totally unique to the TNW. The fire control design looks to be derived from an FAL rifle. The upper and lower receivers are held together by two pins, similar to those of the AR-15, but on the TNW, the takedown pins are not held captive in the receiver. The ejector is held in with two roll pins, and is fast and easy to replace should the ejector ever break. The chamber is recessed into a deep pocket in the breech end of the barrel. This design creates a “feed chute” to guide the bullet toward the chamber. This is also a safety measure, to keep a ruptured case from blowing debris sideways from the ejection ports.

We headed to Pro Gun Club, just outside Las Vegas, to air these guns out. What we learned in our testing is that these two carbines are totally distinct from one-another. The Thureon GA carbine demonstrated tremendous accuracy; the best of it was a 2-inch group at 100 yards. There are full-sized high-power rifles on the market that can barely achieve this. The Thureon was as reliable as can be expected (with new, brass cased ammunition). We fired a total of 400 rounds through the GA carbine. 50 rounds of Wolf steel and 50 rounds of Blazer aluminum ammo both resulted in frustrating failures to eject and the occasional failure to fire. We experienced a 20% malfunction rate with this “bargain” ammunition. We tested the GA carbine with 300 rounds of brass-cased ammo, including hollow point, full metal jacket, frangible, commercial remanufactured and some hand loads. Bullet weights were 115, 124, 135, and 147 grains. Of this batch of ammo we only had two stoppages, which occurred with the commercial remanufactured ammo, and these came in the form of a “click” instead of a “bang.” This type of failure suggests a bad cartridge rather than a deficiency in the gun. At closer inspection of the remanufactured ammo, we found a few rounds that were not crimped at the case mouth which could prevent that cartridge from completely entering the chamber. The most satisfying thing about the Thureon was not that it produced excellent accuracy, but that the accuracy was extremely consistent for all bullet weights and types. The barrel is truly “match grade,” a term that is often misused today in order to sell a product. The accuracy of the TNW Aero Survival Rifle was not as impressive. At 100 yards the best we could print were 5 inch groups. Different bullet weights showed extreme point-of-impact shift (groups wandered several inches across the paper). So we could be realistic, and remind ourselves that it’s just a 9mm and 100 yards is asking a lot of it. If we look at it from another angle, a 3-inch 50 yard group is more than adequate. At ranges where a handgun would be appropriate, say, 5-20 yards, the TNW can easily make 1-inch groups. Most shooters cannot shoot that well with a 9mm handgun, so the TNW still greatly enhances the capability of the 9mm cartridge. The TNW did prove slightly better than the Thureon in terms of reliability. The Wolf and Blazer ammunition fed, fired and ejected as well as the brass-cased ammunition. That’s quite an achievement. The only repeated malfunction was a failure to eject with 147 grain subsonic ammo. This occurred 6 times out of 25 rounds of this ammunition type. Again, this was not indicative of a defect in the gun, only that this particular ammo was underpowered to cycle the weapon. The only real gripe we have for the TNW is that the barrel loosened a bit while firing. The barrel nut is engaged by a spring detent, which proved insufficient. The shifting point-of-impact and sporadic accuracy are likely due to the barrel nut loosening during operation.

We then took these guns away from the rifle range and put them on a CQB range where a gun’s personality really shows; employing these PCCs in some gun fighting scenarios involving hot reloads, left to right transitions, firing from different positions and barricades, rapid fire while moving, failure drills and double taps, up to 25 yards. The TNW was the clear winner here. The Thureon is longer, heavier, has more overall recoil and a pronounced muzzle rise. The compact nature of the TNW forces the shooter to really “saddle” the gun, and keep it all locked in tight. Its recoil impulse is very flat with almost no muzzle rise. All else being equal, this enhanced control is the result of the gun’s geometry. When we intentionally held the TNW “wrong” the muzzle flip became apparent. To prove this theory, we employed the same “locked in” hold on the Thureon, and were able to eliminate muzzle rise. We all know perfectly well that technique is everything; but the design of the TNW encourages a shooter to adopt a proper hold and stance – automatically and unconsciously – even if that shooter does not have or even understand shooting technique. Thus, the TNW proved to be more inherently “shootable.” Both guns proved excellent at the CQB role. At a full 25 yards, a rapid controlled pair of shots could be held within a 4 inch circle with the TNW. The Thureon’s muzzle flip would throw those same shots up to 8 inches apart. Still very good, and for all intents and purposes, both guns would serve well in this role. Compared to a 5.56mm rifle, a pistol carbine has very little muzzle blast. When working in and around barricades and obstacles, this is a valuable attribute of the PCC. The shooter’s senses are not overwhelmed by pressure, noise, dust, and blast; all common ailments of a high-powered rifle in a close-quarters environment.

There are clear justifications to own a PCC. Some shooters can appreciate the soft recoil, or the total lack of muzzle blast. The ammunition can cost much less than 5.56mm NATO. Rules of a local or indoor shooting range may not allow rifle calibers. The PCC utilizes pistol magazines that a shooter may already own. The average shooter’s skill level may not be able to exploit the potential of a high-powered rifle. For the hunter, excess velocity can waste meat and damage a hide. A PCC can double or even triple the effective range of the handgun cartridge, making it a viable option for hunting small to medium game. For law enforcement, security, personal and home defense applications, a pistol cartridge has enough power to stop an assailant, without the danger of over-penetration of an intended target.

We cannot honestly say if one of these is better than the other. They each have their strengths and weaknesses. Any mechanical deficiencies are easy to overlook, as both of these guns are loads of fun to shoot and easy to operate and maintain. They are as effective and reliable as the ammunition used in them. The Thureon’s larger frame and familiar controls make its operation quick and instinctive. Its accuracy is beyond expectation. The TNW’s ergonomics make for more and faster hits on close targets. It is supremely suited for close quarters applications. We are pleased to see the AR-15 challenged for market share by weapons like these and the “dark horse” companies that make them. We hope to see TNW and Thureon continue to expand their product lines and gain prominence in the small arms market.

Thureon Defense
PO Box 173
New Holstein, WI, 53061
(920) 898-5859
www.thureondefense.com
info@thureondefense.com

TNW Firearms
(503) 429-5001
www.tnwfirearms.com

New Timney AR-10 Trigger

On the heels of the 2007 release of the highly anticipated and wildly successful AR-15 replacement trigger, Timney Triggers now offers another true drop-in trigger for the AR rifle platform. The new AR-10 trigger by Timney is a design created in conjunction with Frank Desomma of POF-USA, manufacturers of the popular P-415 & P-416 Gas Piston AR rifles. The Timney AR-10 trigger is a self-contained, 100% drop-in unit ready to install in an AR-10 rifle for an exceptionally smooth, crisp, single-stage trigger pull. No gunsmithing, fitting, or adjusting is required. Pull weight is factory set at 4 pounds. The lightweight 6061 T6 alloy housing is anodized for superior durability. Hammer is EDM machined from S7 tool steel that combines hardness to resist wear with superior impact resistance to withstand heavy use without chipping or breaking. Finally, a Teflon Nickel coating is applied to the hammer to deliver a super smooth trigger pull with superior lubricity. Other components are EDM cut from A2 tool steel, then heat treated to Rc 56-60 for longer service life. The trigger module installs using your rifle’s original hammer/trigger pins and the proprietary design eliminates pin rotation and walkout. Timney Triggers offer the rifle shooter a convenient way to shop online. Customers can now order the model they want, with the options they want, and request it factory tuned to the pull weight desired. For more information contact them at Timney Manufacturing, Inc., Dept. SAR, 3940 West Clarendon Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85019. Phone: (602) 274-2999. Fax: (602) 241-0361. They can be found on the web at www.timneytriggers.com.

Fobus Introduces Two New Holsters for Popular Handguns

Fobus Holsters, the leader in polymer holsters with the most fits available, is pleased to announce the new Evolution Series holster for the Beretta Vertec (BRV) as well as a holster for the FN Five-seveN. The new Evolution Holster utilizes their proven Fobus passive retention system that secures the pistol while allowing instant presentation, without the need to disengage mechanical securing devices. Evolution Series upgrades such as an adjustable retention screw, one-piece holster body construction, steel-reinforced rivet attachment system and a protective sight channel have been incorporated. The Vertec Evolution Holster is available in right hand paddle (BRV), belt (BRVBH), roto paddle (BRVRP), roto belt 1-3/4 inch (BRVRB), and roto duty belt 2-1/4 inch (BRVRDB). The BRV also fits the Taurus full size 92/ 99 with rails. The FNH Evolution Holster is available in right hand paddle (FNH), belt (FNHBH), roto paddle (FNHRP), roto belt 1-3/4 inch (FNHRB), and roto duty belt 2-1/4 inch (FNHDB). For more information on these as well as their extensive line of holsters and firearms accessories, please contact Fobus Holsters/Command Arms Accessories, Dept. SAR, 76 Vincent Circle, Ivyland, PA 18974. Phone: (267) 803-1517. Fax: (267) 803-1002. Their website is www.fobusholster.com.

DoubleStar Introduces New Gas Blocks for AR-15/M16 Rifles

DoubleStar now has three new gas blocks for the AR-15/M16 series of rifles. They say that the new gas blocks are lighter and studier than anything on the market today. The trio includes a two-piece two rail, a one-piece four-rail and a low-profile block. Each is especially suited to the needs of individual shooters, and all are more rugged and durable than what have previously been available. The two-piece and four-piece blocks are made of standard 6061 T6 aircraft-grade aluminum with a hard coat anodized finish for a lighter weight. Each has 1913 Picatinny rail systems to accept accessory attachments. The four-rail system is securely held in place with three sets of screws, rather than the typical two. The screw sets – two on the bottom and one on top – ensure a perfect gas seal. The four-piece system is made to fit .750 inch diameter barrels and retails for $64.95. The two piece gas block is easily and securely installed with four socket head machine screws. It is available for a .750 inch diameter barrel or a .625 inch diameter A1 barrel, and retails for $64.95. DoubleStar’s low-profile gas block is made from 1018 steel and mil-spec parkerized, yet maintains a light weight. Designed for shooters who always use a scope, the low-profile gas block replaces the front sight and retails for $38.95. To find out more, contact them at DoubleStar, J&T Distributing, Dept. SAR, P.O. Box 430, Winchester, KY 40391. Phone: (859) 745-1757. Fax: (859) 745-4638. Website: http://www.jtdistributing.com.

Advanced Technology Introduces New Shotgun Stock

Advanced Technology, Inc. has developed an ambidextrous, top folding stock with pistol grip for pump shotguns. Made of matte black, glass-filled nylon, the stock comes with all the necessary hardware and a sling swivel stud. It is easy to install, lightweight, compact and requires no gunsmithing. A quick-release button allows the stock to fold and unfold quickly and also allows the gun to function in both the open and closed positions. It fits the 12 and 20 gauge Mossberg 500/590, Remington 870, Winchester 1200/1300 and the Maverick Model 88. The retail price of the new stock is just $69.99. To compliment the stock, Advanced Technology offer the Deluxe Heatshield with ghost ring sights, and the ghost ring sight adapter that allows combined use of the top folding stock with the heatshield. The stock comes predrilled to accept their shot shell holder for easy access to an extra five 12 gauge rounds. They also offer the stock as the Marine Top Folding Stock with stainless steel hardware for wet weather use. For more information or ordering options, please contact them at Advanced Technology, Inc., Dept. SAR, 102 Fairview Drive, Versailles, KY 40383. Phone: (859) 873- 9877. Fax: (859) 873-6229. Their website is www.atigunstocks.com.

New M-230 Kit for the 1919A4 from TNW Firearms

Have you ever wondered what the ever reliable Browning 1919 machine gun would have looked like if it had continued in development and evolved past the A6 variant? The skunkworks design team of TNW Firearms, Inc. – Mark Eschenbacher, Dennis Gann and Tim Bero – have projected the form and function into a readily adaptable kit that converts any semi or full auto 1919 into a modern mobile squad weapon. The system consists of a lightened .308 barrel with flash hider, innovative front shroud assembly with threaded mounting holes, custom rails, bipod and folding carry handle. Other features include an improved front sight, FN style buttstock assembly and FN style pistol grip assembly with safety. The weapon retains the ability to be fired from a tripod or pedestal. The upgrade takes about twenty minutes to install and requires no permanent modifications to your 1919. The front shroud assembly has a top cover that swings up for quick and easy barrel changes. The barrel of the new system is lightened and shortened to 16 inches. By doing this there is no longer a need for a barrel booster. The custom Picatinny rails on the top, bottom and sides of the front shroud give the user the ability to add optics, front vertical grips, lights, lasers or other accessories. The kit makes the standard 1919A4 look much like an M- 240 GPMG. For more information on this as well as their semi-auto M2 .50 caliber, semi-auto 1919A4 and A6, semi-auto MG 34 and a full line of accessories and gun mounts, please contact them at TNW Firearms, Inc., Dept. SAR, P.O. Box 311, Vernonia, OR 97064. Phone: (503) 429-5001. Fax: (503) 429-3505. Website: www.tnwfirearms.com.

Gunslick Introduces New AR-15 Cleaning Kits

The AR-15 Cleaning Kit offers shooters a specialized high performance cleaning kit. Headlining the components in this kit is Ultra-Klenz, a high-tech copper dissolver and carbon remover and Ultra-Lube, an advanced gun oil protectant. This kit also includes a full line of cleaning accessories, steel cleaning rods and the special AR-15 bronze and steel brush that cleans the chamber. For more information on this as well as the entire Gunslick line-up, contact them at Gunslick Gun Care, Dept. SAR, N5549 County Trunk Z, Onalaska, WI 54650. Phone: (800) 635-7656. Fax: (763) 323-3899. Their web site is www.gunslick.com.