The story of the Kalashnikov assault rifle began in 1942, during the hardest part of World War II, when the Soviet Union desperately fought against the invading Nazis. Two events took place during that year. First, a young, wounded tanker, Sergeant Mikhail Kalashnikov, began to design his first small arm, a submachine gun while on medical leave. Second, during the winter of 1942, the Red Army captured the first specimen of the newest German weapon, the Mkb 42(H) machine carbine and its 7.92mm Kurz ammunition.

These trophies were carefully examined and proved to Soviet experts that it was entirely possible to improve both the range and accuracy of shoulder-fired automatic weapons while retaining the relative weight and size of the typical PPSh-41 submachine gun. The Red Army immediately requested the development of an intermediate cartridge in 7.62mm caliber, and designers B.V. Semin and N.M. Elizarov developed such ammunition by the end of 1943. It had a bottlenecked case 41mm long and fired a pointed, jacketed bullet weighting 8 grams (the case was shortened to 39mm in 1947 with the introduction of the steel-core, boat-tailed bullet).

Auto Development

With the new cartridge, Soviet designers began to work on automatic rifles. First was Alexey Sudayev, who developed his first assault rifle, known as the AS-44, by early 1944. This was a gas-operated, locked-breech design with a tilting bolt that was submitted for trials by mid-1944. The Red Army then ordered a small batch of AS-44 rifles with an appropriate amount of ammunition for extended field trials. It received them in 1945. Unfortunately, Sudayev’s severe illness and untimely death in mid-1946 (he was just 33 when he died) terminated the development of the AS-44.

RELATED STORY

4 Post-Soviet Pistols Used by Russian Military & Law Enforcement

By 1945, it was clear that an automatic rifle was necessary for the Red Army to replace its powerful but obsolete bolt-action rifles and underpowered submachine guns, and full-scale competitive trials were ordered. The first official trials for a new “avtomat” (automatic rifle) were conducted in 1945, followed by several more rounds in 1946 and 1947. Several designers, including Vasily Degtyarov, Fedor Tokarev, A. Bulkin, Dementiev, Georgy Shpagin, Mikhail Kalashnikov and G.A. Korobov, submitted their creations. None of the designs were found entirely satisfactory during testing, however, and further development and trials were ordered.

Rifle Refinement

After recovering from his wounds, Mikhail Kalashnikov was assigned to the Red Army’s small-arms proving ground in Schurovo, where he thoroughly re-designed his first avtomat, which was initially known as the AK-46. With the help of experienced small-arms designer Sasha Zaytsev, he changed the receiver design, replaced the separate short-stroke gas piston with the now-familiar long-stroke piston integral with the bolt carrier, and replaced the separate safety switch and fire selector with a single lever, inspired by the Browning-designed Remington Model 8 rifle.

It must be noted that some “new” features were borrowed from competing designs, like Bulkin’s TKB-415, or suggested by proving ground personnel. This was a common practice in the Soviet Union, where all intellectual property belonged to “the people,” or, actually, to the state, rather than to an individual or organization, and was free to use by everyone as long as it was put to the benefit of the state.

During the trials, none of contestants performed entirely up to the military’s requirements, with the Bulkin design being the most accurate and Kalashnikov’s being the most rugged and reliable. After lengthy discussions, the trial commission decided that a reliable weapon with “passable” accuracy, available right now, was better than a reliable and accurate rifle available next year, or in the next decade, and decided to recommend the AK-47 for adoption, with suggestions for further improvements.

Army Adoption

The Soviet Army ordered significant numbers of AK rifles for final troop trials, which were conducted in extreme secrecy. During the following two years, the Avtomat Kalashnikova incorporated more than 100 various modifications and changes. Finally, in 1949, the improved rifle was officially adopted as the “7.62mm Avtomat Kalashnikova,” or simply “AK” (with a fixed buttstock) and “AKS” (with an under-folding buttstock). It should be noted the “AK-47” designation was officially used only for the prototype rifles submitted for trials in 1947 and never appeared in any Soviet official documents regarding Army-issued rifles.

The year 1947 marked a start of a whole Kalashnikov era. Made in huge numbers (most sources state that more than 70 million AK-pattern rifles have been made in the world to date), this became one of the most famous and widespread small arms in modern history. Most of its descendants, made in the USSR and Russia during the following 50 years as well as in many other countries, with very few changes. The platform was improved with the introduction of the stamped-receiver AKM rifles in 1959, and the caliber was reduced from 7.62x39mm to 5.45x39mm in 1974. But internally, the AK-74M, manufactured since the early 1990s, is mostly still the same AK of 1949 vintage.

Stalwart Design

Some experts dare to say that the domination of Kalashnikov and his rifle was not good for the Russian arms industry. Indeed, there were many very interesting designs submitted for trials against the Kalashnikov between 1957 and 1959 and again between 1971 and 1974, but each time the Army preferred the already familiar and proven AK derivatives over the more effective or less expensive but entirely new designs. The AK was designed with the high probability of a Third World War in mind. It was extremely simple to learn and maintain, and can survive tremendous amounts of abuse, which can be expected in a large-scale war fought by large masses of poorly educated and trained conscripts. Fortunately, this never happened, but these properties of the AK made it extremely popular among revolutionary movements, freedom-fighting groups and all other non-professional warriors who needed crude, simple yet effective weapons.

Evolving AK Designs

The first major step in the evolution of the AK was made after the trials of 1957 and 1959, which included the modified AK, the Simonov assault rifle (loosely based on his famous SKS carbine), the Korobov TKB-517 and several other weapons. This resulted in the adoption of the slightly modified Kalashnikov AKM. It is almost unknown to the general public that the AKM prototype was outperformed by the Korobov TKB-517, which also was lighter, about 30-percent less expensive and more stable in full-auto fire thanks to its Kiraly-type delayed blowback system. The exact reasons for the rejection of the Korobov system were not published, but it is believed that the Soviet Army decided that the “best is the enemy of the good,” and stuck to the familiar weapon, which was made lighter and noticeably less expensive to make thanks to the stamped-steel receiver that replaced earlier machined units.

AK-74

The switch to a smaller caliber, which occurred in the Soviet Army in 1974, did not help a lot. This changeover was caused by American M16 rifles captured in Vietnam during the early 1960s and supplied by the North Vietnamese government to the USSR in exchange for military support. The small-caliber M16 greatly impressed the Soviet experts with its accuracy and lightweight ammunition, and in the mid-1960s work was started on creating Soviet small-caliber cartridges.

Of course, the smaller and lighter 5.45x39mm cartridge generates much less recoil and has a flatter trajectory, so it is easier to control the rifle in full-auto fire, or to fire single shots accurately in rapid fire. There is also a huge logistical gain, because even a typical one-man combat load of eight magazines (240 cartridges) resulted in weight savings of about 1.4 kilograms (roughly 3 pounds). Given the size of the Soviet Army, this provides an extremely impressive gain in weight savings alone, as well as in the amount of raw materials needed to produce new ammo.

After the trials conducted in 1970 and 1971, the Soviet Army again selected the famous and familiar AKM, rebarreled for the smaller-caliber round and designated as the A3, over the noticeably more effective SA-006 Konstantinov assault rifle developed in Kovrov. Designated in service as the AK-74, it was basically still the same old AKM of 1959, with the same properties, handling, extreme simplicity and reliability (after some teething problems with insufficient receiver strength and barrel bulging). Interestingly, Mikhail Kalashnikov himself initially resisted this changeover, feeling that existing 7.62x39mm rifles were entirely satisfactory, and he was literally forced to produce a smaller-caliber version of the AKM.

Abakan Trials

During the mid-1970s, several designers developed and offered to the Soviet Army new compact assault rifles intended as personal-defense weapons for tank and helicopter crews and other non-infantry personnel. This resulted in a research program and subsequent trials codenamed “Modern.” Several designs were tested, including the short-recoil-operated TKB-0116, developed in Tula by Stechkin, as well as the gas-operated AG-043 by Simonov (the creator of the famous SKS carbine) and the AO-46 by Tkachev (this was the most unusual design, with a proprietary box magazine serving as a pistol grip), developed in Klimovsk. Not surprisingly, the military preferred the slightly modified but still familiar Kalashnikov design from Izhevsk, adopted as the AKS-74U in 1979.

Requirements

RELATED STORY

Soviet R&D: The Many Experimental Weapons of the USSR

But soon it was discovered that even the newest AK-74 left a lot to be desired so, in 1979, the Soviet Army ordered a new research program, codenamed “Abakan” after a small city in Russia. This program was intended to develop a new 5.45x39mm rifle that had to be at least 150 percent as effective (in terms of target hit probability under “near real-life” circumstances) as the AK-74. Initial requirements of the Abakan program were based on the experimental results, achieved during the late 1960s and early 1970s by several prototype assault rifles, developed in Tula by Gennadij Korobov and in Klimovsk by Pavel Tkachev.

These rifles introduced Soviet experts to such concepts as a dual high/low rate of fire, with the low rate intended for long bursts and a high rate for limited-length bursts of two or three rounds, as well as balanced and soft-recoil systems. The high rate of fire for three-round bursts significantly increased the accuracy and effectiveness, and this was one of the basic requirements included into the Abakan program from the start.

AN-94 To AK-74M

The Abakan trials continued until the summer of 1986, when they were suddenly stopped before recommencing in late 1986. At that point, the Soviet Army announced the Nikonov ASM as the favorite; it had achieved a 130-percent increase in effectiveness over the AK-74. The second contender was the Kalashnikov AKB with a 70-percent increase in effectiveness, and the third was the Korobov TKB-0111 with a 50-percent increase. The trials were completed in 1987, and the Nikonov ASM was recommended for adoption. But it was not until 1994, when the modified Nikonov design had been officially adopted by the Russian government as the “5.45mm Avtomat Nikonova obraztsa 1994,” or simply the “AN-94.”

Severe economic problems encountered after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991 resulted in the failure of the AN-94 program on the grounds of high manufacturing costs. As a result, an improved AK-74M was developed for the Russian Army during the early 1990s that was more or less a standard AK-74 fitted with a side-folding polymer shoulder stock and a side-mounted rail for the installation of night or day optics.

Ever-Evolving

It must be noted that while the 5.45x39mm rifles were standardized in the Soviet Army in 1974, the earlier 7.62x39mm AKM rifles were not declared obsolete and can still be encountered among some non-infantry units, such as the Air Force. Special police and Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD) troops, especially those operating against the separatists in Chechnya, also sometimes prefer the hard-hitting 7.62x39mm rifles to the more modern 5.45x39mm weapons. This steady popularity of the 7.62x39mm ammunition, as well as export prospects, resulted in the appearance during the early 1990s of the so-called “hundred series” Kalashnikov rifles (based on the AK-74M), chambered for 7.62x39mm as well as 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition. The latest product in the long line of AK assault rifles is the AK-12, which, apparently, is still the same inside but features some modern exterior upgrades, including a better stock, controls and integral Picatinny rails all around.

Still Fighting

As of this writing, the AK-74M is still a primary infantry weapon of the Russian Army. It is also widely issued to law enforcement units across Russia. However, it is generally considered inadequate and outdated (which was proven more than 20 years ago during the Abakan trials). It is believed that a replacement for the AK-74M could be found during the ongoing “Ratnik” trials, which include three major contenders: the aforementioned AK-12 from Izhevsk, the A-91M bullpup from Tula and the balanced-action AEK-971 from Kovrov. It is yet to be seen if any of these contenders will fulfill the requirements of the Russian military.

In any case, due to huge stocks of various AK-type rifles made to date, Kalashnikov rifles will serve throughout the world for decades to come, despite the passing of its designer and namesake, Mikhail Kalashnikov, who died at the age of 94 on Dec. 23, 2013.

This article was originally published in ‘AK-47 & Soviet Weapons’ 2017. To subscribe, visit outdoorgroupstore.com.

The post AK Dominance: A History of the World’s Most Popular Rifle Platform appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

The Dutch Ministry of Defence announced it has signed a contract with Heckler & Koch for delivery of its HK416 A5 rifles.

RELATED STORY

MP5K Reborn: Testing Heckler & Koch’s SP5K Pistol

According to Jane’s 360, the contract is a single-source procurement worth $17.3 million. It’s a seven-year deal with an option to extend an additional three years. Included in the package are rifle parts, equipment and accessories. The contract was signed with Condor Arnhem, a Dutch company that supplies arms and related products to local authorities.

These HK416 A5 rifles will be going to the three primary Dutch special forces units: the Dutch Army’s Korps Commandotroepen, the Marines’ Netherlands Maritime Special Operations Forces (NLMARSOF) and the Brigade Speciale Beveiligingsopdrachten (BSB) of the Royal Marechaussee gendarmerie force.

The HK 416 A5 is chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO and is available in 11-inch, 14.5-inch, 16.5-inch and 20-inch barrel lengths. See below for a rundown of features, via the listing on HK’s website.

HK416 A5 Features

The post Heckler & Koch to Deliver HK416 A5 Rifles to Dutch Special Forces appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

Since 2010, many experts have considered the Steyr SSG 08 in .338 Lapua Magnum to be one of the top sniper rifles available. This quality comes with a price, but if you have the budget, the Steyr SSG 08 family is one of the best options for a no-limits sniper rifle.

Steyr Mannlicher is based in Austria, but the United States affiliate, Steyr Arms, is located in in Bessemer, Alabama. The company’s top-quality, American-made AUG is taking the market by storm. In my opinion, it is even superior to its Austrian brother, with a U.S.-made precision trigger. But Steyr’s hunting, varmint and sniper rifles are a different story; they are all built in the same Austrian factory that manufactured the mythical SSG 69 and Colonel Jeff Cooper’s renowned Scout rifle.

In 2004, Steyr moved its factory from the village of Steyr, Austria, to a state-of-the-art facility in Kleinraming, just a few miles away, which added new machinery and workers to the engineering department. This added some fresh ideas to the company’s centuries of experience in precision rifle building. One of the first developments at the new factory was the SSG 08 in, you guessed it, 2008.

Top-Notch Barrel

Steyr is one of the few manufacturers (along with FN) that offer sniper rifles with cold-hammer-forged barrels. Cold-hammer forging is a process in which the barrel is forged over a mandrel that has the lands and grooves imprinted into it. This forms the barrel with incredible precision and increased hardness compared to traditional rifling methods. SSG barrels are known for their superb accuracy, ease of cleaning and long life due to this ultra-fine interior barrel finish.

RELATED STORY

CQB Machine: A Look at the Steyr AUG A3 M1 Bullpup

I recently got my hands on the .338 Lapua Magnum SSG 08-A1, which comes standard with a 27.2-inch barrel. However, the factory also offers .308 Winchester and .300 Winchester Magnum versions with 20-, 23.6- or 27.2-inch barrels.

Having a folding stock makes the transport of a long-barreled gun a little easier, so I would have even gone for a barrel 2 inches longer on the .338 Lapua Magnum rifle, up to 29 inches, but it seems that the market does not follow my advice, as most manufacturers are offering shorter barrels instead of longer ones.

Long-Range Precision

It is clear that for most users, shooting beyond 1,500 meters is rare, and the .338 Lapua Magnum really shines at those ranges. For 1,000 meters, I would just use my trusty .308 Winchester, which is lighter, cheaper to feed and just as accurate as any .338 Lapua Magnum can be. Of course, you’ll see more energy and less wind drift with a 20-inch-barreled .338 Lapua Magnum rifle even at 1,000 meters, but it will not be a huge improvement over a long-barreled .308. I know I am a rare bird by being against the short-barreled tide, but for me, a .338 is designed to shoot far. And shooting far requires high muzzle velocities and long barrels.

With this particular rifle, Steyr chose a medium-heavy, non-fluted barrel with a 1-in-10-inch twist rate. The muzzle comes with M18x1 threading, the same as many other European rifles. The included muzzle brake is super efficient and compatible with STANAG suppressors, such the B&T Rotex or Ase Utra. Actually, I like it so much that I use the same muzzle brake on my custom rifles, too.

One feature that I love about Steyr rifles is that their barrels have the iconic hammer-forging spiral marks on the outside, which are accented even further by the black Mannox finish. Those marks, a Steyr trademark since the SSG 69, may not be a feature that improves accuracy, but they surely add a unique touch.

World-Class Action

The barrel is threaded to the Safe Bolt System (SBS) action at the rear. This is a quick barrel change system, meaning you can swap barrels with a barrel vise, but without having to headspace the new barrel, as all of the barrels are indexed the same. Steyr believes that, with current barrel attachment systems, until a better solution is found, any tool-less barrel change will degrade its rifles’ mythical accuracy. Something the company will never compromise.

The SBS bolt has four front locking lugs in two rows of opposed sets. In case of a blown casing or shooting with an obstruction in the barrel, the shooter is always protected from injuries by the SBS insert, and the rifle will survive the shot and be capable of shooting again. It has some additional features, like the ice, mud, and residue grooves machined into the bolt that guarantee the SSG 08-A1 will operate reliably under the most extreme weather conditions.

Advanced System

To my knowledge, the SBS action is one of the most advanced systems out there, allowing the shooter to select various modes of safety and trigger operation. In the “safe” position, the weapon can be loaded and unloaded, but the trigger is locked to prevent accidental discharges. When the shooter is ready to engage the target, just roll the noiseless safety wheel forward, to “fire,” and the rifle will be ready to shoot. If the shooter decides not to engage, then a lock button on the safety wheel prevents the unintended rolling of the safety into any other position from this one. The trigger and bolt are now locked.

One lesser-known SBS feature that is particularly convenient for snipers is what I call the low-crawl bolt. While in “safe,” you can depress the bolt lever into a position closer to the stock so that the handle protrudes less. In addition, this locks the firing pin.

New Furniture

The SSG 08-A1 stock comes in a distinctive tan anodized finish and is completely new. The chassis sports a fully adjustable buttstock and an 18-inch-long, one-piece, 20-MOA STANAG 4694 rail. Another unique feature on the SSG 08-A1 is the ejection port cover, which will keep sand and other debris out in the most adverse conditions.

The old stock was 6 pounds, and this new one, fully CNC-machined from 7075-T6 aluminum with its longer rail, maintains the weight. Both sides of the forend are slotted for more rails, and there is a rail on the bottom nearly 10 inches long. All of the side rails are held in position with slots, not just screws. This adds stiffness for any accessory mounted to the sides and contributes to the low overall weight.

A CNC-machined bipod was also added. Similar to the beautifully machined unit mounted on the HS50-M1 but with shorter legs, it is attached to the stock with a Versapod arbor. This allows the pivot point of the bipod legs to be very close to the bore, a feature I find critical for recoil management. It is fully machined from 7075-T6 aluminum, and at 19 ounces, it is nearly as light as a Harris bipod while being impressively sturdy.

More Details

At the rear, the standard SSG 08 monopod is included. This was a wise decision because it is the quickest- adjusting unit on the market. The rear rubber buttpad is fully adjustable for both height and length of pull without tools. The pistol grip is AK-47 compatible, so there are myriad options out there to change the grip angle.

The trigger is the best unit I have tested on an out-of-the-box rifle. You can adjust the trigger’s engagement, travel and pull weight. It leaves the factory at 3.5 pounds, but it can be adjusted to a lighter pull weight if so desired. I adjusted it down to 2 pounds, which is as light as I go with a sniper rifle.

The six-round magazine can accommodate .338 Lapua Magnum rounds up to 3.75 inches in overall length. It is made of PA 6.6 GF30, a synthetic much more durable than old composites and requiring zero maintenance. The rifle also has a unique two-position latch that allows you to load specialized rounds through the ejection port while having the magazine on the rifle and ready. I find this feature very practical and one that is lacking on many competitors.

Laser Accurate

The barrel’s 1-in-10-inch twist rate makes it perfect for 250- to 300-grain rounds, even solids like Cutting Edge’s 250-grain Lazer HPs. With commercial loads, I could create three-shot groups between 0.45 and 0.6 MOA at 300 meters with the old SSG 08. The new SSG 08-A1 shoots just as well or even better.

RELATED STORY

Steyr MP34: The Top Dog of German WWII Submachine Guns

Just two days after receiving the SSG 08-A1 for testing, I had to travel for work as a guest instructor at the NATO ISTC special operations school. Therefore, I didn’t have any time to zero the rifle beforehand. At the school, I tested some of the loads with various sniper teams hailing from different countries. And the Italian spec-ops snipers’ Fiocchi 250-grain Perfecta load made the Steyr SSG 08-A1 shoot like it was on a benchrest. This ammunition is nothing new, as it uses the 250-grain Sierra MatchKing BTHP, but the performance was awesome. I could shoot 0.2-MOA, three-shot groups at 500 meters fairly easily, with the average group measuring an impressive 0.46 MOA.

I can’t guess what the SSG 08-A1’s accuracy potential would be with reloads, but I have shot nearly 500 rounds of factory ammo through the gun over three months, including Nosler 300-grain Custom Competition rounds, RUAG 262-grain Swiss-P target rounds, Lapua 250-grain Scenars and my standard round, the RUAG 252-grain AP, and they all created groups measuring 0.5 MOA or less. After many years of military sniping and competitive shooting I don’t feel you can do any better with commercial loads.

Fully Improved

The 2017 SSG 08-A1 is not just a 2010 model with a long Picatinny rail. It is a refinement on an already superb rifle to make it ready for inline optics, and it add lots of tool-less adjustability for better ergonomics. The updates add top-notch accessories and leave the barreled action nearly untouched. Why change what was already the best?

I commented back in 2010 that the only flaw on the previous model SSG 08 was the price. In 2017, there are many rifles out there built around inferior two-lug designs costing just as much. This has made Steyr more affordable by comparison. With the SSG 08-A1’s extremely precise barrel, superb SBS action and upgraded chassis, you are getting what may be the best sniper rifle ever for a competitive price.

Steyr SSG 08 A1 Specs

• Caliber: .338 Lapua Magnum
• Barrel: 27.2 inches
• OA Length: 49.6 inches
• Weight: 16.19 pounds (empty)
• Stock: Adjustable, folding
• Sights: None
• Action: Bolt
• Finish: Matte black, tan
• Capacity: 6+1
• MSRP: $8,495

Steyr SSG 08 A1 Performance

*Bullet weight measured in grains, velocity in fps by chronograph and accuracy in MOA for three 3-shot groups at 300 yards.

For more information, visit steyrarms.com.

This article was originally published in the February/March 2018 issue of “Tactical Weapons.” To order a copy and subscribe, visit outdoorgroupstore.com.

The post Steyr SSG 08-A1 Review: The SSG 08 Returns Almost a Decade Later appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

MasterPiece Arms has announced its new MPA MUT (Micro Urban Tactical) rifle, an ultra-compact model with sub 1/2 MOA accuracy.

RELATED STORY

First Look: MasterPiece Arms’ New MPA 22BA Bolt-Action Rifle

The MPA MUT is chambered in .308 Win.—other calibers are available—and features a precision gun drilled, reamed and honed 416RQ stainless steel barrel. If you want an SBR, the barrel is 12.75 inches. The barrel length can also be 16 inches or longer if you’re looking for a standard rifle. The hand-lapped barrel is bore and land-inspected on a video borescope. The chamber is indicated within 0.0001″ or less to the rifle bore. Additionally, the DLC-coated spiral fluted one piece bolt is hand lapped and fitted to each action, the presser says.

Meanwhile, the gun has a Compact Suppressor Ready buttstock with an adjustable length of pull. The buttstock is capable of storing a suppressor measuring up to 1.5 inches in diameter and 8.5 inches in length. This, the company says, takes a suppressed rifle that measures up to 48 inches and reduces the OAL to 23.5 inches with the suppressor stored in the buttstock and folded/locked in an SBR configuration.

The MPA MUT comes in black, burnt bronze, flat dark earth, gunmetal, marine red, NRA blue, sniper green and tungsten. The MPA light weight chassis is CNC machined from 6061 aluminum and Cerakoted in a number of colors. Solid colors are included. Custom Cerakote colors have a $135 uncharge for the chassis body and $65 for the barreled action.

MasterPiece Arms’ MPA MUT rifle is available at a starting MSRP of $3,025. See below for specs and a video. For more information, visit masterpiecearms.com.

MasterPiece Arms MPA MUT Rifle

• Caliber: 308 Winchester (other calibers available)
• Action: Curtis Custom Axiom Action
• Action / Bolt Design: Remington 700 Type
• Bolt: Spiral Fluted One-Piece Bolt with DLC Coating
• Chassis: MPA BA Lite Chassis with CSR Buttstock
• Chassis Weight: 3.2 lbs.
• Rifle Weight: Varies, 8.6 lbs.
• Barrel: 416RQ Stainless Steel Spencer / MPA hand lapped barrel
• Twist: 1:10 or 1:8
• Barrel Length: 12.75”, 16” or customer supplied
• Muzzle Thread: 5/8-24 TPI
• Barrel Profile: #5
• Coating: Cerakote
• Length of Pull: 13.5 – 15”
• Trigger: Trigger Tech
• Trigger Pull: 1 – 3 lbs. (customer choice)
• Magazine: AICS Mag Compatible (Five round Accurate/AICS Type magazine included)
• MSRP: $3,025

The post New From MasterPiece Arms: MPA MUT (Micro Urban Tactical) Rifle appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

The venerable Wilson Combat has announced a new AR rifle series dubbed the Ranger.

RELATED STORY

Gun Review: Wilson Combat AR9B Pistol-Caliber Carbine

Designed for tactical, defensive and hunting applications that place a premium on light weight, the Wilson Combat Ranger combines the company’s lightweight billet receiver set with its Ranger profile match-grade, tapered barrel. The rifle is available in 5.56 NATO, 6.8 SPC, .300 Blackout, .243 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 WIN, .358 WIN, 7.62×40 WT. The barrel length is either 14.7 inches or 16 inches depending on the caliber you go choose.

There are two Ranger models: the standard version and the Ultralight version. Both feature a SLR Rifleworks adjustable gas block; Wilson’s Tactical Trigger Unit; 10-inch M-LOK rail; threaded muzzle with Wilson’s Q-Comp muzzle brake; and Mil-Spec, MP-inspected, NP3-coated bolt and bolt carrier.

The standard Wilson Combat Ranger features a Rogers/Wilson Super-Stoc buttstock, along with a Wilson/BCM Starburst Gunfighter grip. It weighs in at eight pounds. The OAL is 33.5 inches collapsed and 36.5 inches extended. The Ultralight Ranger features a Smoke Composite carbon fiber closed shoulder buttstock and a Mission First Tactical pistol grip. It weighs seven pounds, six ounces overall, with an OAL of 37 inches.

See the specs and MSRPs below. For more, visit wilsoncombat.com.

Wilson Combat Ranger

• Caliber: 5.56 NATO, 6.8 SPC, .300 Blackout, .243 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 WIN, .358 WIN, 7.62×40 WT
• Barrel Length: 14.7” (.308 WIN) 16” (5.56 NATO, 6.8 SPC, .300 Blackout, 7.62×40 WT, .243 WIN, .358 WIN), 16” Fluted (6.5 Creedmoor, .308 WIN)
• Overall Length: 33.5” Collapsed, 36.5” Extended
• Weight Empty: 8 lbs (AR-10 Platform)
• Lightweight Billet Upper (Flat Top) and Billet Lower Receiver
• Wilson Combat Ranger Match Grade Barrel
• SLR Rifleworks Adjustable Gas Block
• Threaded Muzzle with Q-Comp
• Wilson Combat 10” M-LOK Rail with Three Falcon/Ergo Rail Covers
• Rogers/Wilson Super-Stoc
• Wilson Combat TTU (Tactical Trigger Unit) M2, 4#
• Premium Mil-Spec Bolt and Bolt Carrier, MP Inspected, NP3
• Wilson Combat/BCM Starburst Gunfighter Grip, Black
• Armor-Tuff Finish applied over Mil-Spec Hard Anodized Upper/Lower Receivers (Green/Black Standard – Other Colors and Camo Optional)
• Base Price: $2,350 (5.56 NATO, AR-15), $3,095 (AR-10 Platform)

Wilson Combat Ultralight Ranger

• Caliber: 5.56 NATO, 6.8 SPC, .300 Blackout, .243 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, .308 WIN, .358 WIN, 7.62×40 WT
• Barrel Length: 14.7” (.308 WIN) 16” (5.56 NATO, 6.8 SPC, .300 Blackout, 7.62×40 WT, .243 WIN, .358 WIN), 16” Fluted (6.5 Creedmoor, .308 WIN)
• Overall Length: 37”
• Weight Empty: 7 lbs 6 oz (AR-10 Platform)
• Lightweight Billet Upper (Flat Top) and Billet Lower Receiver
• Wilson Combat Ranger Match Grade Barrel
• SLR Rifleworks Adjustable Gas Block
• Threaded Muzzle with Q-Comp
• Smoke Composite Carbon Fiber Closed Shoulder Buttstock
• Wilson Combat 10” M-LOK Rail with Three Falcon/Ergo Rail Covers
• Premium Mil-Spec Bolt and Bolt Carrier, MP Inspected, NP3
• Mission First Tactical Pistol Grip, Black
• Wilson Combat TTU (Tactical Trigger Unit) M2, 4#
• Armor-Tuff Finish applied over Mil-Spec Hard Anodized Upper/Lower Receivers (Green/Black Standard – Other Colors and Camo Optional)
• Base Price: $2,450 (AR-15, 5.56), $3,195 (AR-10)

The post NEW GUN: The Wilson Combat Ranger AR Series appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

India’s Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)—the group in charge of procurement within the country’s Ministry of Defence—has approved a plan to manufacture new assault rifles to replace its 5.56×45mm INSAS. The plan also calls for the procurement of new sniper rifles and light machine guns.

RELATED STORY

Viet Cong Weaponry: 14 Small Arms From the Vietnam War

INSAS Replacement

According to a statement from the Indian MoD, the terms of the deal specify that 7.40 lakh, or 740,000 assault rifles, be acquired at a cost of Rs 12,280 crore, or $1.9 billion. The rifles are to be manufactured in India by the state-run Ordnance Factory Board and private industry. All three services—the  Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force—will be getting the rifles. The INSAS, or Indian New Small Arms System, was first introduced back in the ’90s.

New Sniper Rifles & LMGs

Additionally, the DAC also gave the thumbs up to new sniper rifles. There will be 5,719 of these made for the Indian Army and Indian Air Force at a cost of Rs 982 crore, or $153 million. DefenseNews says India is therefore looking at foreign companies to offer off-the-shelf options here, including Colt, Beretta, CZ, Russia’s Rosoboronexport and IWI. According to MoD, the ammunition for these rifles will be initially procured and subsequently manufactured in India.

The DAC has fast-tracked the procurement of LMGs for the three services at a cost of Rs 1,819 crore. This translates to $280 million. Though the exact number of LMGs isn’t mentioned in the presser, the Times of India puts it at 16,500.

“This procurement will meet the operational requirement of the troops deployed on the borders,” the MoD statement reads. “A concurrent proposal is being processed for the balance quantity to be procured under the ‘Buy and Make (Indian)’ categorisation.”

The total value of the procurement, which also includes new torpedo decoy systems for the Navy—is Rs 15,935 crore, or $2.5 billion.

Last month, the DAC approved the procurement of 72,400 assault rifles and 93,895 close-quarter battle (CQB) carbines at a cost of Rs 3,547 crore, the Times of India reported.

The post Indian MoD Procuring New Assault Rifles to Replace Aging INSAS appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

We’re seeing more and more integrally suppressed firearms hitting the marketplace. Colorado-based Phoenix Weaponry is the latest company to join the party with its integrally suppressed rifle.

RELATED STORY

Maxim 50: SilencerCo’s 50-State Legal, Integrally Suppressed Muzzleloader Is Here

The rifle features the Remington 700 action in addition to a PTG fluted bolt and tactical bolt knob. At the core of the integrally suppressed assembly is an air-gauged 24-inch Douglas barrel with a titanium suppressor core and sleeve. This results in a durable, functional hunting rifle that weighs just under eight pounds without optics.

Since this rifle was designed for long-range shots, it features a Warne 20 MOA rail. In addition, it includes an inlet, glass-bedded Bell and Carlson stock. The rifle consistently shoots sub MOA, the company claims.

“This is your opportunity to shoot the heavy loads and high velocities in the field without paying the price with your hearing. None of us like spending the next three days wondering if there is a phone ringing somewhere,” Phoenix Weaponry says in the press release.

Phoenix Weaponry Customization

While the standard rifle comes chambered in .338-06, other calibers are available upon request. Additionally, Phoenix Weaponry is offering a complete custom trigger, along with single and multi-color paint and graphics at an additional charge. Furthermore, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Maryland, California and Colorado compliant versions are available. You also have the option of converting your current rifle to this integrally suppressed platform.

Phoenix Weaponry’s integrally suppressed .338-06 rifle is available for $4,600.

For more, go to phoenixweaponry.com.

The post Phoenix Weaponry Unleashes Integrally Suppressed .338-06 Rifle appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

Jack spent more than 20 years in the Queen’s service, much of it with the SAS. As a private military contractor (PMC) in Iraq, he made $500 a day pulling security for journalists, transient diplomats and civilian contractors making up the enormous logistical tail demanded of modern war. The work was grueling and dangerous.

On this particular day, it was journalists. Their armored Land Rover made poor time through the typically insane Iraqi traffic, but Jack could read the terrain, the roads and the people. His first inkling that something was wrong was when he noticed a taxi swerving madly and approaching rapidly from the rear. The windows were down, and a pair of AK barrels peeked tepidly out of the right side.

RELATED STORY

AK Dominance: A History of the World’s Most Popular Rifle Platform

Announcing his suspicions to his mates, Jack pushed his principals to the floor, turned backward in his seat and oriented his own Kalashnikov through the window. At this stage, contractors were using what they could find. This soon after the invasion, ComBloc guns were cheap and everywhere. M4s and M249s would come later. For now, PMCs made do with whatever they could scrounge.

The taxi got close enough for Jack to see the two insurgents behind the rifles as they craned to get a clear shot. Satisfied that this was real, he shifted slightly, centered his front sight on the driver’s side of the taxi’s windshield and stroked the trigger three times. The taxi slid sideways as the two insurgents fired long automatic bursts that tracked up and over the armored SUV. Jack’s driver stomped on the accelerator, and the heavy vehicle pulled away. The taxi spent itself against a light pole. The journalists had been in-country two hours, and they had their first story.

ComBloc Classic

Few enlightened gunmen would contest that Comrade Kalashnikov’s eponymous Russian assault rifle is the most reliable shoulder-fired infantry arm on the planet. Birthed some 70-odd years ago when space travel was the sole purview of Saturday afternoon movie serials and computers were as big as office buildings, the AK rifle represents the very pinnacle of mid-century technology. But while an AK will indeed shoot every single time you squeeze the trigger despite the most egregious mechanical abuse, its ergonomics are quite frankly hideous.

Ergonomics is the study of how machines interface with the human form, and the AK sucks at it. Label me a heretic if you must, but no human who ever lived fit the AK rifle well. The rigid reciprocating charging handle is tough to manage with the weak hand when firing right-handed, and the sights harken back to the days of fetid trench warfare in World War I. The rifle becomes an area weapon system as soon as the sun goes down, and the safety selector is just plain wrong.

Because of its near-universal distribution, many a professional soldier still employs the AK as a primary weapon. If more modern iron is not available, if the logistics tail is inadequate to support more advanced systems, or if an AK is simply the only tool in the toolbox, there remains a massive market for cool-guy stuff to optimize this 70-year-old rifle into something a bit more elegant. Additionally, on this side of the pond, the AK remains one of the most popular modern sporting rifles on the American market. When an AK becomes your heater of choice, it makes sense to add some tactical bling to drag the old girl into the 21st century.

Chaos Inc. AK Upgrades

In addition to having one of the most awesome company names in the industry, Chaos Inc. has been making forearm rails, optics mounts and muzzle attachments for a variety of weapon systems since 2008. Its products are exquisitely well engineered, superbly executed and unflinchingly effective. Available for both M-LOK and KeyMod mounting systems, the company’s accessories optimize legacy Kalashnikov guns into something that remains competitive today.

The Chaos Inc. AK scope rail attaches via the gas tube retention pin in the front and the top cover retention catch in the back. You will have to grind the flange off of your existing gas tube attachment pin with a hand grinder and tap it out with a punch. The new Chaos component slides right in place. I had to thin the pin a bit with my Dremel tool to snap the gas tube assembly in place, but none of this was particularly challenging. The length of the mount is easily adjustable to accommodate variations among guns.

The scope mount is rigid and reliable. With a Leupold 1.25-4x20mm VX-R riflescope mounted, a Kalashnikov rifle so equipped is light-years ahead of its competition. This state-of-the-art, variable- power combat optic is lightweight, robust and versatile. And it’s worth noting that Leupold glass is made in America and remains a world leader in combat optics.

More Goodies

The Chaos Inc. Apollo forearm rail is made from hardcoat anodized aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum and is long enough to mount any imaginable accessory. There are notoriously wide tolerances among AK manufacturers, and the Apollo rail system is designed to accommodate most mechanical variations. Some high-end AKs exhibit Old World craftsmanship and impeccable quality. By contrast, guns birthed in my workshop from shot-out surplus kits would embarrass the most irresponsible gunsmith. Chaos accommodates most all of them.

The rear portion of the rig mounts to the receiver in the manner of a conventional handguard. The forward portion clamps rigidly around the barrel and combines with a pair of setscrews for a tight, no-wiggle fit. You will have to carve the existing forward sling attachment point off with a Dremel grinder to accommodate the forearm, which has its own new sling point, but that took me less than five minutes. The fit and finish were impeccable. The lightweight aluminum construction ensures that the platform remains both rigid and svelte.

I slipped an Archangel OPFOR collapsible stock and pistol grip in place to complete the transformation. Archangel is a leader in the busy market of aftermarket stocks and accessories for good reason. Its products are well reasoned, effective, reasonably priced and nigh indestructible.

Practical & Tactical

As a baseline, I engaged targets from contact ranges out to 100 meters with our otherwise unmolested Romanian AKM. The sliding tangent rear sight was state of the art half a century ago, and it is optimistically adjustable out to 800 meters. When fired from a rest, the iron sights allow decent precision.

At close ranges, it is generally preferable to align the weapon grossly over the sights and remain satisfied with being close enough. The unadorned rifle is actually a bit light for its serious .30-caliber cartridge and bounces around considerably, particularly on full-auto. I could keep most of my rounds on a standard silhouette out to maybe 30 meters but had to concentrate to keep my hits on target much farther than that. After dark, the unmodified AKM is about as precise as a claymore mine.

RELATED STORY

Romanian Fighter: The Short-Barreled PM md 90 AK Variant

Once Chaos Inc., Leupold, Archangel and SureFire came into play, the rifle is an entirely new beast. The nice Leupold tactical glass is spin-adjustable from 1.25X up to 4X. The reticle incorporates a fiber-optic component that projects a red dot into its center. Activation and intensity are both managed through the same simple push button. Using the red dot at the lowest power allows for both-eyes-open, close-range target engagements that are fast and effective. Double-taps out to 50 meters were fairly easy. Zipping the scope up to 4X makes all the difference in the world at around a football field or farther.

SureFire Solution

The SureFire X400 combination light and laser turns the otherwise pedestrian AKM into a night-capable, all-weather tactical machine. Both the laser and the light are activated via the same thumb switch. A separate pivoting switch selects the light, laser or both. The green laser is no more powerful than a comparable red version, but the human eye is better stimulated by the green hue. As a result, the laser is spot on—pun intended—in dim light out to 100 meters or more.

All serious shooting took place on semi-auto. The same drills with the selector set on the hallelujah position provided a pleasant surprise. Full-auto fire in a rifle-caliber platform looks cool in the movies but is typically fairly worthless out here in the real world. Personally, I’d much sooner be chased by some goober with a full-auto MAC-10 than the same miscreant with a properly zeroed bolt-action deer rifle. However, with all the cool-guy stuff in place and a 75-round drum on board, the resulting package offers some truly mad capabilities. Where the stripped rifle is unpleasant and tough to control, our new rugged amalgamation tames all that power splendidly.

Ready To Roll

Kalashnikov rifles are ubiquitous in the sorts of places that attract terrorists and journalists with a death wish. Additionally, entire armies still run these rifles and will continue to do so long after my grandchildren have begun collecting Social Security. AKs are also ubiquitous in American gun shops wherever men still remain free. If you find yourself in possession of a serviceable AK rifle and an Internet connection, a little well-reasoned tactical bling will substantially improve its performance.

The AK in its original .30-caliber chambering has plenty of power and remains the gold standard for firearms reliability the world over. At reasonable ranges, the argument could be made that little is more effective. By injecting a little Chaos into your favorite AK, you can remain competitive against the most advanced tactical firearms on the planet. You also get a high-tech heater that would look right at home on the set of your favorite science-fiction movie.

For More Information

Archangel Manufacturing
archangelmanufacturing.com

Chaos Inc.
chaosus.com

Leupold
leupold.com

SureFire
surefire.com

This article was originally published in the February/March 2018 issue of “Tactical Weapons.” To order a copy and subscribe, visit outdoorgroupstore.com.

The post AK Upgrades: Why & How to Bring Your AK Into the 21st Century appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

Most shooters know that the AR platform is modular. What Windham Weaponry has done with its new RMCS-4 is offer an AR that not only kicks modularity up a few notches but also creates a highly versatile and flexible rifle that can easily switch between four different chamberings. The 5.56mm NATO, 300 Blackout, 7.62x39mm and 9mm are some of the most popular chamberings in use today, and the RMCS-4 feeds off all of them reliably.

In fact, the RMCS-4—part of Windham’s new Multi-Caliber System series—can swap calibers in about the time it takes to load one 30-round magazine by hand. This versatility means the same AR-platform rifle can be used to hunt, defend and train using whatever ammunition is available.

RELATED STORY

Windham Warriors: 5 Tank-Tough Windham Weaponry ARs for Any Task

Windham Weaponry was wise to offer the RMCS-4 as a cased set. Once you open the Plano hard case, you’ll find a foam insert holding an assembled rifle, three additional barrels, two additional bolt carrier groups, two additional magazine wells, three magazines, a sling and a conversion tool. If I had to pick centerfire chamberings to have on hand, I’d easily choose the 5.56mm, 7.62x39mm and 9mm. The 300 Blackout is more specialized, meaning it’s less common. But with a sound suppressor, the 300 BLK allows you to hunt in relative silence. You won’t alert neighbors or nearby predators. If there is anything missing from the RMCS-4 case, it’s an optic and ammo. You’re on your own for those.

Windham’s Multi-Caliber System is well thought out, practical and reliable. My biggest concern was whether or not the rifle would hold its zero between caliber swaps, but I found that removing/replacing the barrel assemblies barely affected the point of impact. Whatever small changes occurred were negligible. A competitive shooter might argue that point, but the RMCS-4 was not designed for shooting small groups at distance. It was designed to feed on all sorts of ammo to defend your homestead and pull double duty as a hunting rifle.

The caliber-change design is smart because, as you switch barrel assemblies, you can also swap out magazine wells to use standard AR, AK and Colt-style magazines as needed. So not only can you scrounge ammo, but you can also utilize scrounged magazines.

How It Works

Make certain you’ve fully cleared the weapon. The barrel assemblies are removed and attached to the upper receiver via a bail clasp on the underside of the handguard that, when flipped outward, allows a retaining block to slide toward the muzzle, exposing two barrel-retaining arms. The barrel-retaining arms are rotated 90 degrees outward, allowing the barrel/gas tube assembly to be pulled out from the handguard. When you switch between 5.56mm and 300 BLK barrel assemblies, you can look through the well-ventilated handguard to see that the gas tube is properly aligned. The handguard also has a notch inside to aid in alignment. Of course, switching from 5.56mm to 300 BLK and vice versa is the easiest caliber swap, since these chamberings share the same magazines and bolt carrier group. Switching to the 7.62x39mm and 9mm requires a few more parts and steps.

To switch to the 7.62x39mm, you need to separate the upper receiver from the lower receiver. You then need to compress a small retaining pin at the front of the triggerguard—Windham supplies an orange-colored tool for this purpose that also acts as a chamber flag—and pivot the triggerguard away from the magazine well. Press the magazine release button and the magazine well slides up and off of the lower. You then attach the magazine well that is compatible with AK-style magazines. AK magazines are inserted in the same roll- and-lock method used on an AK-platform rifle.

Next Steps

The next component to swap is the bolt carrier group. Windham makes it easy to identify the three bolt carrier groups in the system. The 7.62x39mm version is marked “AK” on the side. The bolt head also has three rings milled into it to separate it from the other two bolt carrier groups. Like an AK rifle, the bolt does not lock back after the last round is fired.

Switching to 9mm follows a similar process of changing out the barrel, magazine well and bolt carrier group. The dedicated 9mm magazine well is flared so inserting the skinny Colt-style magazines was fast and sure during testing. The 9mm conversion uses a blowback operating system, so there is no gas tube and its bolt carrier group is noticeably heavier.

Other than the caliber-conversion aspect of the rifle, the RMCS-4 is similar to Windham’s other AR carbines and uses forged 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum upper and lower receivers. The lower features standard AR furniture, including a collapsible M4-style stock and an A2-style pistol grip. The safety, magazine release, bolt release and trigger are all mil-spec. The handguard is proprietary due to the bale clasp and retaining arms, but it offers four Picatinny rails for mounting accessories. And while the handguard and other Multi-Caliber System-specific parts are not compatible with aftermarket models, almost every other component is.

Four-Gun Testing

To test the RMCS-4, I mounted a TruGlo 1-4x24mm Tru-Brite 30 Hunter scope with a mil-dot reticle since I thought this optic would work well with the range of calibers. The scope is equipped with a capped windage turret while the elevation turret is left un-capped so you can quickly dial in elevation changes—something you’ll need when firing a rifle that shoots a variety of bullet types and weights at different velocities. A cheat sheet taped to the scope or stock would help you save some time and ammunition.

I experienced no issues swapping calibers. The process is simple and straightforward. As mentioned, the small point-of-impact shifts were negligible and totally expected of such a multi-caliber rifle. During the range test I’d shoot, swap barrels, shoot and swap barrels again, and I found that the rifle was able to keep its zero with each barrel. At 100 yards, all of the rifle calibers—5.56mm, 300 Blackout and 7.62x39mm—exhibited about 1-MOA accuracy on average with three-shot groups, with many “best” groups under an inch wide.

RELATED STORY

Gun Test: Windham Weaponry’s R16SFST-308 Rifle

I was surprised by this level of accuracy since I was constantly swapping barrels. Plus, the RMCS-4’s mil-spec-style trigger had a 7.6-pound pull weight, which doesn’t exactly endear it to accurate shooting at distance. Also, it’s important to note that you should use gloves when it comes to changing out hot barrel assemblies.

5.56mm & 9mm

In 5.56mm NATO, the best groups came with Aguila and HPR ammo—both measuring just 0.24 inches. In 300 Blackout, I was able to get a 0.28-inch three-shot group at 100 yards using Sig Sauer’s supersonic 125-grain SMK ammo. The smallest group with the 7.62x39mm ammo at 100 yards was 0.51 inches—which is pretty damn good for economy ammo. In 9mm, the rifle operated differently since it uses the blowback system rather than direct-impingement system. At 25 yards, I had no problems shooting tight groups, and the recoil was negligible. The Colt-style 9mm magazine included with the RMCS-4 worked fine. I had no issues with any of the caliber conversions, and the accuracy was quite exceptional for a rifle you can break down into pieces in a matter of seconds. The rifle also ran flawlessly with all of the test ammo.

I like the versatility and portability of the Windham Weaponry RMCS-4. It proved it can feed off a variety of ammo with no perceptible point-of-impact shifts. I also found that cleaning the rifle was a lot simpler and faster because of its unique design.

This might be the ultimate go-to AR, especially if you need to switch chamberings in the field. It’ll work well for self-defense, hunting and training. And if you’re a frugal buyer, think about all you’re getting for under $3,000. The math works out to less than $750 per gun. That’s a lot of practicality and versatility wrapped into one slick package.

Windham Weaponry RMCS-4 Specs

• Caliber: 5.56mm, 300 BLK, 7.62x39mm, 9mm
• Barrel: 16 inches
• OA Length: 32-36 inches
• Weight: 6.4 pounds (empty)
• Stock: Collapsible
• Sights: None
• Action: Direct impingement semi-auto (blowback for 9mm)
• Finish: Matte black
• Capacity: 30+1 (20+1 for 9mm)
• MSRP: $2,971

Windham Weaponry RMCS-4 Performance

*Bullet weight measured in grains, velocity in fps by chronograph and accuracy in inches for best three-shot groups at 100 yards (25 yards for 9mm).

For more information, visit windhamweaponry.com.

This Windham Weaponry RMCS-4 Review was originally published in “Black Guns” 2017. To order a copy, visit outdoorgroupstore.com.

The post RMCS-4 Review: Windham Weaponry’s Multi-Caliber RMCS-4 Rifle appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

Most Americans still think of shotguns as “scatterguns,” but shotgun tactics and technology have evolved rapidly over the past several decades. So, while most people realize that shotguns are extremely effective, they don’t understand how to set their gun up for personal defense or how to use it to maximum effect.

This year, the annual Rangemaster Tactical Conference included a three-hour block of instruction called Defensive Shotgun that was taught by Tom Givens. In over 40 years of combined law enforcement, security and firearms training experience, Tom has learned to separate fact from fiction when it comes to the defensive use of a shotgun.

Facing The Facts

One belief that isn’t fiction is that shotguns are very powerful firearms. Because of this, Tom provides some very specific instructions for handling shotguns that go beyond the four basic rules of firearms safety. First, he makes it very clear that there are almost no minor shotgun injuries. As Tom puts it, “You rarely see someone with two shotgun wounds.” Therefore, he uses a three-part checklist for confirming that a shotgun is unloaded: check the chamber, shell lifter and magazine tube. In addition, he strongly recommends not owning both 12- and 20-gauge guns, and being very careful to segregate 12- and 20-gauge ammo if you do have both.

RELATED STORY

Tactical-Life’s 10 Best Shotguns & Similar Firearms of 2017

A 20-gauge shell will load into a 12-gauge gun, and fall into the barrel rather than stay in the chamber. When the gun fails to fire, a 12-gauge shell can be chambered behind the 20-gauge one, and the gun will explode when the trigger is pulled. This isn’t hypothetical. A friend of mine did this with a Winchester Model 12 about 40 years ago. Lastly, Tom always carries the shotgun muzzle up with the chamber open unless he’s expecting that he may have to shoot quickly.

Scattergun Myth

Then there’s the “scattergun” myth. Shotguns just don’t spray pellets; they must be aimed. With modern ammo, the normal shotgun pattern at 5 yards is about 1 to 2 inches. At longer distances, the size of the pattern will largely be determined by the choke on the barrel and the design of the shotshell being used. The old rule of thumb stating that shotgun patterns increase an inch for every yard the pellets travel is just not true. Instead of relying on a false belief, go out and pattern your gun with your chosen ammunition to determine the maximum distance at which your gun/load combination can keep all of its pellets well within the target’s torso.

When the pattern gets wider than that, pellets start missing and a shotgun rapidly loses its stopping power. The maximum range that most shotguns will keep all pellets patterning in the center torso is usually under 25 yards. In addition, be aware that shotgun pellets that miss can be a real threat to bystanders. I’ve seen large deer killed by a single pellet of 00 buckshot at over 70 yards.

Ammunition

Speaking of ammunition, Tom stated that defensive shotguns are buckshot guns. This runs counter to the old thinking that implied you should load buckshot and slugs alternately in the magazine. The only load Tom recommends for defensive shotguns is a 12-gauge, eight-pellet load of 00 buckshot. He strongly believes that shells loaded with birdshot and smaller buckshot don’t offer as good a combination of pattern density and penetration. In addition, he’s frequently seen 12-gauge, nine-pellet 00 loads throw one pellet out of the main pattern due to the way the pellets are stacked in the shotshell. It seems that one pellet usually develops an excessive number of flat spots due to shot compression during ignition. The overly flattened pellet has more aerodynamic drag, so it becomes a flyer.

With respect to slugs, Tom stated that hardened lead Brenneke slugs would be his choice if any situation required the use of a slug instead of 00 buckshot. The Brennekes retain their shape when they strike the target and penetrate very deeply. Lastly, Tom believes that the 20 gauge has no role in self-defense. The 20 is not loaded with large enough buckshot for adequate penetration. This flies in the face of the popular myth that the 20 gauge is the ideal “lady’s gun.” From Tom’s perspective, a better gun for smaller-statured shooters would be a 12-gauge pump gun with a shortened stock loaded with reduced-velocity tactical 00 buckshot.

More Tips

Tom also pointed out that shotgun magazine springs are not as strong as some might believe. So keeping a fully loaded magazine is also a myth, because shotgun magazine springs quickly weaken when the magazine is loaded to full capacity with heavy shotgun shells. Therefore, Tom recommends that the magazine be loaded one shell under capacity when stored in patrol-ready condition. The heft of shotgun shells also requires that pump-action guns be firmly cycled and that semi-autos be loaded with full-power rather than tactical buckshot if they are to function reliably.

Shotgun Modifications

Factory-issued, full-house defensive shotguns like Remington’s 870 Police, Mossberg 590s, and Benelli M4s are configured very differently from shotguns designed to hunt fowl and big game. Tom discussed the modifications that should be made to a shotgun that is to be dedicated to defense.

First and foremost, he prefers them to have short buttstocks because the standard stock on most shotguns has a length of pull (LOP) designed for shooting running and flying game. As such, they’re too long to be quickly mounted on the shoulder when a close-range threat suddenly appears. For most short-statuted people, he suggests that the LOP be shortened to 12 inches. For larger people it should be no more than 13 inches. Tom especially likes the Magpul SGA stock, which is already quite short.

More Tweaks

Tom also favors short barrels. He likes fast-pointing 14-inch barrels because they make gun grabs difficult. Barrels this short are Class 3 items that require special permits from the BATFE; however, their advantages make permit costs and wait times worth it. In addition, Tom likes replacement forends, especially if the gun’s owner wants to mount a tactical light. Magazine extensions are also on his list of approved modifications. One accessory he doesn’t like is a sling, unless the owner is going to carry the gun for an extended period of time. Inside the home, a sling can become just another handle for an assailant to grab.

Lastly, Tom thinks it’s very important to have spare rounds mounted on the gun. In a real fight you’re probably going to be limited to the ammo in or on your shotgun. He likes butt cuffs as long as they are secured in place (I’ve sewn mine to the rear sling stud). Shells in butt cuffs should be placed brass downward. This is so that they can easily be transferred to the magazine during reloads. On the other hand, Tom has seen side saddles break action pins, so he doesn’t use them. Instead he prefers stack-on cards for the receiver. He places shells brass up in loops he attaches to the cards. That’s because he uses one of those shells to dump into the ejection port in the event the gun is completely empty. Then he loads the magazine from the butt cuff.

Tactical Shotgun Handling Tips

A defensive shotgunning course would not be complete without a discussion of shooting techniques. Tom’s preferred shooting stance places both feet shoulder-width apart with the weak-side foot slightly ahead of the strong-side foot. The shoulders are rolled forward, and the shotgun is held firmly in both hands. Tom uses a strong-hand grip that I’ve never seen anyone else use. Instead of wrapping the strong-hand thumb over the top of the pistol grip, he places it on the receiver flat over the trigger finger to avoid the thumb coming back and hitting his nose. He adopted this grip because his thumb would otherwise rest on his nose when using a short stock.

It takes a pretty strong person to hang onto the stock when using this grip, so it’s a good idea for some people and not others. The same goes with his use of the weak hand to operate the action and load the gun. Tom does this so his shooting hand is always in position to pull the trigger. It works great for me when using a pump shotgun. But when I use my Remington 1100 semi-automatic, I find it’s much easier to operate the bolt and loading gate if I use my strong hand. As with everything else, you have to build your defensive shotgun technique around your capabilities with your specific gun.

RELATED STORY

Revamping the Beretta 1301 Tactical Shotgun with a Few DIY Upgrades

Mounting

When mounting the gun, Tom brings it up to eye level to line up his sights. He does not drop his head down as he raises his gun, as many pistol and revolver shooters do. I tried keeping my head up and found it helps prevent my thumb from hitting my nose and makes recoil from full-power loads easier to absorb. But when raising the gun to eye level, you must remember to keep your elbows tucked down. This is a fighting stance. It does no good to stick your elbows out beyond cover and make them targets.

Live Fire

The last two hours of the Defensive Shotgun block were devoted to live fire. This gave the trainees the opportunity to use their own shotguns to practice what they’d learned. As for guns, the trainees brought a variety of personal guns to the class, including just about everything from pump-action field guns with 26-inch barrels to short-barreled tactical semi-autos.

Under Tom’s direction, the course of fire progressed from taking the proper stance and firing single rounds to firing multiple rounds and reloading. The trainees quickly demonstrated proficiency in implementing Tom’s instructions. By the end of the event, they split into two groups and had a shoot-off in which they demonstrated their abilities to shoot fast, make good hits and keep their guns running.

Any shotgun, even a single-shot, can be pressed into service in an emergency. But personal defense with a shotgun shouldn’t be an afterthought based on outdated myths. An individual should plan ahead and acquire guns and ammo that are either designed or modified for the task and then learn how to use them to their greatest effect.

For more information about defensive shotgun training or the Tactical Conference, visit rangemaster.com.

This article was originally published in the February/March 2018 issue of “Tactical Weapons.” To order a copy and subscribe, visit outdoorgroupstore.com.

The post 12-Gauge Gunfight: How to Win With Your Favorite Tactical Shotgun appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

Heckler & Koch has announced that it intends to manufacture MR762A1 rifles at its new factory in Columbus, Ga.

RELATED STORY

MP5K Reborn: Testing Heckler & Koch’s SP5K Pistol

The company confirmed the news in an Instagram post with a picture of the rifle. The caption reads, “If you didn’t know, we have some MR762a1 rifles queued up for production in Georgia.”

HK opened up its new 50,000 square-foot facility last summer. The move was a multimillion dollar investment and is expected to create 84 new jobs in the Columbus area over the next two years.

Chambered in 7.62x51mm, the MR762A1 features a 16.50-inch cold hammer forged barrel. It tips the scales at 9.84 pounds with an empty 20-round magazine. The overall length with the stock extended is 39.10 inches. With the stock retracted, the length is reduced to 35.94 inches.

The MR762A1 is a direct descendent of the HK416/417. As such, it features an adjustable buttstock; ergonomic pistol grip; mechanical sights; and either the HK modular rail system or the HK free-floating four-quadrant rail system/handguard.

Additionally, the MR762A1 uses a short-stroke gas piston system.

Initially introduced back in January 2012, the MSRP on the MR762A1 is $3,995. For more, check out the specs and video below, and go to hk-usa.com.

HK MR762A1 Specs

• Caliber: 7.62x51mm
• Stock Extended Length: 39.10 in.
• Stock Retracted Length: 35.94 in.
• Width: 3.23 in.
• Height: 8.39 in.
• Barrel Length: 16.50 in.
• Rifle Weight (with empty 20-round magazine): 9.84 lb.
• Magazine (empty 20 round magazine): .34 lb
• Magazine Capacity: 10 or 20 rounds
• Trigger Pull: 4.5–5.6 lbf /20–25 N (two stage trigger)
• Barrel Profile: 4 lands & grooves, right-hand twist, 1 in 12 in.
• Sight Radius: 16.14 in.
• Sights: variety of optional sights available
• Stock: adjustable 5 positions

The post HK to Build MR762A1 Rifles in New Georgia Factory appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

I first laid eyes on a Seekins Precision SP10 rifle almost three years ago. It was on display during the company’s grand opening in 2014. After talking to company founder Glen Seekins, I examined the rifle closely. The design seemed perfect for a precision AR in .308 Winchester/7.62mm NATO. The barrel was mounted deeper in the receiver, meaning the handguard is attached to the receiver, not a barrel nut. This promotes enhanced accuracy.

Testing the first production SP10 some months later proved these notions to be true. To this day, the SP10 remains one of the most accurate ARs chambered in .308 Winchester that I’ve ever used. After testing it again recently, I found that it still clusters Hornady 168-grain A-MAX rounds into 0.5 inches or less with boring regularity. This kind of precision brought me to a popular long-range caliber, the 6.5 Creedmoor.

RELATED STORY

Gun Test: Seekins Precision’s SP15 Forged NOXs Rifle

When I talked to Glen Seekins some time ago, he told me that the company intended to release a factory 6.5 Creedmoor version of the SP10, but only after the .308 Winchester model had proven itself in the market. While gaining popularity in bolt actions, the 6.5 Creedmoor was only starting to see use in precision semi-automatics at the time.

I anxiously waited for the factory rifle to arrive. I was near certain it would be excellent. But Seekins Precision is known for taking the time to get things right before releasing a product, and the new SP10 in 6.5 Creedmoor did not disappoint.

The 6.5 Creedmoor SP10 starts with upper and lower receivers that are CNC-machined from a billet of 7075-T6 aluminum. The flattop upper is Seekins’ iRMT-3, so it is super-strong yet lightweight. It features a 22-inch, match-grade, stainless steel barrel with a 1-in-8-inch twist rate. The barrel is fluted to reduce weight and help dissipate barrel heat, and the muzzle features 5/8z24-tpi threading for suppressors. The barrel comes capped with Seekins’ ATC muzzle brake.

The rifle uses an adjustable gas block, which makes it easy to tune the rifle for your ammunition, a suppressor or the conditions you’re operating in. Surrounding the barrel and gas system is Seekins’ 15-inch, free-floating SP3R handguard, which features a flat bottom that makes it easy to support the rifle on barricades, bags and other supports. Along with the full-length top rail, the handguard’s sides and bottom are lined with KeyMod slots for accessories. The upper also sports a BCM charging handle with an extended latch.

The lower receiver includes ambidextrous magazine and bolt releases. Redesigned for the .308 cartridge, the bolt release has a unique paddle on the right side that is slim and easy to operate. The ambidextrous safety selector has a 60-degree throw and looks nice while operating crisply. The safety’s levers are nicely machined.

A precision CMC trigger is also in-stalled, providing a reliable and crisp single-stage trigger. Totally self-contained with nothing to come loose, these triggers are built for tough duty applications. An Ergo grip provides excellent control and comfort. Finally, Magpul’s excellent PRS stock is installed on the rifle-length buffer tube. All told, the rifle weighs 10.5 pounds unloaded. It’s a tack driver that can still maneuver well.

First Hits

For testing, I mounted a Steiner 5-25x56mm M5Xi scope in a U.S. Optics UMQDS mount with 20 MOA of built-in elevation. This scope uses 0.10-mil adjustments for both wind and elevation, and the adjustment knobs feature easy-to-read numbers. Made in Germany, the scope is built to very tight tolerances. Its one-piece tube measures 34mm, providing plenty of usable elevation. The crystal-clear glass provides an excellent sight picture, even in falling- and low-light conditions. The scope also uses Horus’ H59 reticle, which is illuminated via a single CR2450 battery.

Seekins Precision uses Rock Creek barrels, which are some of the most accurate on the market today. This 22-inch barrel was no exception, as the SP10 created some impressive groups at 100 yards, especially with Prime Ammunition’s 130-grain Match+ load. Prime uses top-quality brass and projectiles as well as temperature-stable powder. The company told me to expect handload-grade accuracy and consistency, and this test delivered on that promise.

The Prime load produced the tightest fight-shot group at 100 yards, measuring 0.55 inches, but the SP10 also performed well with the Hornady and Nosler loads, with the widest group measuring just 0.7 inches. At 300 yards, the Prime ammunition shined again, producing a 0.8-inch group on a rather windy day. My widest 300-yard group that day was just over 1.25 inches. While some of my bolt-action rifles will perform better, this is impressive performance for a semi-auto.

Going Long

Next, I ran the SP10 through a number of shooting positions while tagging steel out to 400 yards. Despite its weight, the rifle was very handy on barricades and other obstacles. This is where the flat-bottomed handguard really pays off; I could hold the rifle steady on railroad ties, the shooting bench and even a chair. It was even handier with an Atlas bipod installed. I could set the handguard on a barricade, then reach over and grab the bipod for a truly steady position.

Rotating the rifle in position never seemed to adversely affect its operation in any meaningful way. It just spit out brass with every trigger press. The uniquely shaped lower allows you to really drive the magazine well into fences or other obstacles with authority. And I’ve always been a fan of the Magpul PRS stock. It may be a tad heavy for some competitors, but if you rely heavily on prone shooting, it is pretty hard to beat.

Pushing out to 700, 850 and 1,200 yards, the SP10 performed well. Out to 850 yards, it still liked the 130-grain loads, whether it was the Prime load or my handloaded Berger AR hybrids. Getting hits on a 16-inch target at 1,200 yards was just a tad easier with the Hornady 140-grain A-MAX ammo. Wind can be tricky on my range, especially in the winter, but the SP10 was very consistent. I would not hesitate to take this rifle to a local match, and I probably will in the future. At 850 yards and in, the SP10 was as accurate as many bolt-action rifles.

Tactical Test

My primary focus is typically tactical, so muzzle brakes are not generally something I use. Unless it’s a magnum and unsuppressed, my preference is a flash suppressor or just a bare muzzle. As muzzle brakes go, however, the ATC is a good one. It tames recoil and muzzle rise, and keeps most of the blast away from the shooter or a partner. The resulting dust signature was minimal.

I wanted to test the rifle with a few suppressors, so I mounted the Delta P Design Brevis II Ultra, SilencerCo Omega and Gemtech “The One” suppressors, and they all worked very well. I had to adjust the gas block for each one, but that’s why the SP10 has one in the first place. If you intend to keep it suppressed, you will need to tune the rifle to work properly with your suppressor. Very little adjustment was needed with my chosen suppressors.

Accessorized

The Brevis II Ultra is in its own league because it weighs 7.3 ounces and is only 5.5 inches long. It amazes me each time I use it since it looks like it should not work. It’s plenty quiet with a moderate push. All of the suppressors were ear safe while shooting outdoors. Both the SilencerCo and Gemtech can be set up as thread-on suppressors, and they worked the best that way. The shot-to-shot consistency when removed and reattached was better using direct threads. They can also be set up for use with a flash suppressor, which is my preference for duty applications.

RELATED STORY

Can Test: Liberty Leonidas Integral Upper on Seekins, Colt Lowers

I was able to complete five true cold-bore shots using the Seekins ATC muzzle brake and the Omega suppressor. Setting up the same target each time, the widest groups I created were between 0.75 inches and an inch centered on the target. Once again, that’s pretty impressive for a semi-auto.

The Takeaway

It was nice to be able to pull this rifle out of the box and start shooting using the ATC muzzle brake. No tuning was necessary—just load, press and enjoy. Seekins Precision really did its homework for this rifle, as it worked well with all of the factory ammunition I used and my somewhat hotter handloads. It uses a standard rifle buffer and one of David Tubb’s flat springs—nothing exotic—meaning it should stay just as reliable for a long time.

I have run my SP10 in .308 Winchester incredibly hard over the past year. It’s seen snow, mud and high round counts. I’ve run it with several types of ammunition at significant ranges, and it has maintained superb accuracy. I have little doubt that this SP10 in 6.5 Creedmoor will perform just as well, and it costs much less than several similar custom rifles. If you are looking for a solid performer built to custom standards, the Seekins Precision SP10 in 6.5 Creedmoor should be at the top of your list.

Seekins Precision SP10 Specs

• Caliber: 6.5 Creedmoor
• Barrel: 22 inches
• OA Length: 43 inches
• Weight: 10.5 pounds (empty)
• Stock: Magpul PRS
• Sights: None
• Action: Direct impingement semi-auto
• Finish: Matte black
• Capacity: 20+1
• MSRP: $2,650

Seekins Precision SP10 Performance

*Bullet weight measured in grains, velocity in fps by chronograph and accuracy in inches for best five-shot groups at 100 yards.

For more information, visit seekinsprecision.com or call 208-743-3400.

This article was originally published in “Black Guns” 2017. To order a copy, visit outdoorgroupstore.com.

The post Seekins Precision’s SP10 in 6.5 Creedmoor Hits Out to 1,200 Yards appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

SHOT Show media coverage usually consists of one person interviewing a PR specialist about the new products they have coming out that year. For SHOT Show 2018 and SHOT Industry Day at the Range, we wanted to get away from that.

We’re rolling out a four-part series of our favorite moments from SHOT Show 2018.

Highlights from Part One:

• Range time with Kris “Tanto” Paronto and Maxim Defense
• Other SHOT Industry Day goodies from Hudson Manufacturing, Glock, Smith & Wesson, and Springfield Armory
• A quick chat with Frank DeSomma of Patriot Ordnance Factory
• Force-on-force training with Doug Marcaida and Fred Mastro

Watch the video above and stay tuned for Part Two!

For more information on SHOT Show, please visit SHOTshow.org.

The post SHOT Show 2018, Part 1: SHOT Industry Day, Force-on-Force Training appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

Arsenal Inc. has introduced three new SBR AK variants to its product line: the SAM7SFK SBR, SLR-104UR SBR and SLR-107UR SBR.

RELATED STORY

Gun Review: The Bulgarian-Made Arsenal SAM7R 7.62x39mm AK

The SAM7SFK SBR is chambered in 7.62x39mm. It boasts a Bulgarian hot-die hammer forged receiver, bolt, bolt carrier and double-hook trigger. Also included in this feature-rich SBR is a chrome lined hammer forged 8.5-inch barrel; short gas system; front sight/gas block combo with 24×1.5mm right-hand muzzle threads; removable cone flash hider; right-side folding tubular buttstock; black polymer furniture; ribbed polymer handguards; stainless steel heat shield; ambidextrous safety; peep rear sight; and scope rail. It ships out with a 30-round magazine, in addition to a sling, oil bottle and a cleaning kit. The MSRP is $2,499.99.

Arsenal’s SLR-104UR SBR, meanwhile, is chambered in 5.45×39.5mm. Similar to the SAM7SFK, the chrome lined hammer forged barrel here measures 8.5 inches in length. Also included is a stamped receiver; short gas system; front sight block / gas block combination; left-side folding black polymer buttstock; 2 stage trigger; cleaning rod; and a scope rail. This model sports Arsenal’s PR-03 Picatinny quad rail handguard system for attaching accessories. MSRP: $2,049.99.

Rounding out the new options from Arsenal is the SLR-107UR SBR. Offered in 7.62x39mm, it features the same chrome lined hammer forged barrel as the other models. It also comes with a short gas system; front sight block / gas block combination; and 24×1.5mm right-hand threads. In addition, it ships with a Bulgarian 4-piece or cone flash hider. Meanwhile, a left-side folding black polymer buttstock; 2-stage trigger; cleaning rod; and scope rail is also included. This one also comes with Arsenal’s PR-03 Picatinny quad rail handguard system. The suggested retail is $2,049.99.

See the specs for all three models below. For more, visit arsenalinc.com.

Arsenal SAM7SFK SBR Specs

Arsenal SLR-104UR SBR Specs

Arsenal SLR-107UR SBR Specs

The post New SBRs From Arsenal Inc: SAM7SFK, SLR-104UR, SLR-107UR appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

Missouri-based CMMG has updated its Mk47 Mutant platform with its new Mk47 AKR and Mk47 AKR2 rifles. These models feature an ambidextrous safety selector; new RML15 M-LOK handguard; and a new ambidextrous charging handle.

RELATED STORY

Gun Review: CMMG MkW-15 XFT2 Rifle in 6.5 Grendel

As the CMMG presser notes, the Mutant is a mid-sized AR that runs the 7.62x39mm round using a bigger and more durable AR10-sized bolt. It does this while offering AR-15-style ergonomics. In addition, it’s constructed from an AR10-style platform which is shortened by ¾ of an inch. Meanwhile, the lower receiver accepts AK magazines and drums.

The Mutant works with most aftermarket AR parts, except charging handles. That’s because the Mutant is a shortened, mid-size platform AR. Slapping on the new ambi charging handle makes the Mk47 AKR and Mk47 AKR2 easier to run, CMMG says. Furthermore, you get a fully ambidextrous rifle thanks to the mag release and safety selector. CMMG is also selling the ambi charging handle as a standalone accessory.

The CMMG Mk47 Mutant AKR is available for $1,699.95. MSRP on the Mk47 AKR2 is $1,899.95. CMMG is also selling the ambi charging handle as a standalone accessory for $99.95. For more, visit cmmginc.com.

Mk47 Mutant AKR & AKR2

• Barrel: 16.1″ 1:10 Medium Taper 4140 SBN Barrel
• Muzzle: SV Muzzle Brake, Threaded 5/8-24
• Handguard: CMMG RML15
• Furniture: Magul MOE Pistol Grip, Magpul CTR Buttstock, Ambidextorus Safety, Ambidextrous Charging Handle
• Receivers: Billet 7075-T6 AL
• Trigger: CMMG MIL-Spec (AKR), Geissele Automatics SSA (AKR2)
• Weight: 7.2 LBS (Unloaded)
• Length: 33.5″ (Stock Collapsed)
• Gas Port Location: Carbine
• MSRP: $1,699.95 (AKR), $1,899.95 (AKR2)

The post CMMG Upgrades Mk47 Mutant Platform With AKR, AKR2 Rifles appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

The U.S. Army is developing a new system dubbed the Next Generation Squad Weapon (NGSW). A key step in that development process is to replace its M249 SAW with a Next Generation Squad Automatic Rifle (NGSAR). To do so, the Army needs to look at prototypes. Consequently, Army Contracting Command has issued what’s called a draft Prototype Opportunity Notice (PON). Basically, the service wants comments from industry before it rolls out the final PON. Here’s an overview of the NGSAR, via the draft PON synopsis:

RELATED STORY

Army Won’t Adopt M27 IAR, Opts for Next Generation Squad Weapon

The NGSAR is the first variant of the Next Generation Squad Weapons. NGSAR will address operational needs identified in various capability based assessments and numerous after action reports. The NGSAR is the planned replacement for the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) in Brigade Combat Teams (BCT). It will combine the firepower and range of a machine gun with the precision and ergonomics of a rifle, yielding capability improvements in accuracy, range, and lethality. The weapon will be lightweight and fire lightweight ammunition, improving Soldier mobility, survivability, and firing accuracy. Soldiers will employ the NGSAR against close and extended range targets in all terrains and conditions. The NGSAR support concept will be consistent and comparable to the M249 SAW involving the Army two-level field and sustainment maintenance system.

The Army wants industry’s comments to the draft PON before March 8. Those comments will then be reviewed and considered for inclusion in the final PON for the NGSAR, which is due out on or near March 9. Proposals are due March 26. Furthermore, the Army is planning on awarding up to five contracts for prototypes that feature a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 and Manufacturing Readiness Level (MRL) 6.

All prototypes must include the functional weapon; 2,000 rounds of ammunition; fire control (day and night); bipod; suppressor; spare parts required for firing 2,000 rounds; special tools; and operator manuals.

In the draft PON itself, the Army lays out some more specifics as to what it’s looking for in NGSAR prototypes. Here they are:

Next Generation Squad Automatic Rifle Requirements

• Weapon Weight Only (weapon, sling, bipod, suppressor, no magazine/pouch): 12 pounds or less

• Ammunition Weight (no magazine, belt, belt components, box, or feed systems): 20 percent less than an equal brass case weight volume

• Dispersion: Semi-Automatic 7 inch Average Mean Radius 400 meters, Automatic 14 inch Average Mean Radius 400 meters

• Weapon Length (buttstock extended): 35 inches or less

• Fire Control (includes day/night optics): 3 pounds or less

• Lethality Requirements: Unavailable

• Rate of Fire: 60 rounds per minute with 3 round burst for 15 minutes without a barrel change or cook-off

• Suppressor: Flash 80 percent less than unsuppressed M249, Acoustic 140 decibels or less

• Weapon Controllability: Soldier firing standing with optic at a 50 meter E-Type silhouette given 3 to 5 round burst must be able to engage in 2-4 seconds placing two rounds 70 percent of the time on target

Read the full draft PON at fbo.gov.

The post US Army Wants Prototypes For Next Generation Squad Automatic Rifle appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

Century Arms has expanded its line of AK pistols with the new C39v2 Blade pistol, so-named because it combines the C39v2 with a Shockwave Blade stabilizing brace.

RELATED STORY

VIDEO: Torture Testing the AK-47-Style Century Arms C39v2 Pistol

The Shockwave Blade brace boasts a high-strength glass reinforced polymer construction. It mounts to the C39v2 pistol using a buffer tube mounting adapter. The adapter, made by Century, mounts directly to the rear of the receiver. It’ll be available as a separate accessory in the second quarter of 2018.

“The addition of the Shockwave Blade offers a very handy and accurate pistol with the reliability and durability you would expect from an AK,” Jason Karvois, Century’s Director of Sales, said in a press release.

Chambered in 7.62x39mm, the C39v2 Blade features a 10.6-inch chrome moly 4150 nitride-treated barrel. The barrel has a 1:10 twist and is threaded for attachments. In addition, this model includes a milled receiver; Century’s RAK-1 enhanced trigger group; T shaped mag catch; ambidextrous QD attachment points for attaching a sling; Magpul’s MOE AK pistol grip and handguard; and standard AKM sights. Furthermore, the pistol has an overall length of 28.75 inches collapsed and 31.25 inches extended.

“The C39v2 Blade Pistol is the perfect combination for a truck gun, the modern prepper, or anyone looking for a compact package that delivers power and reliability,” the presser says.

Shipping out with one 30-round magazine and the Shockwave Blade, the C39v2 Blade has a suggested retail price of $949.99. See a rundown of features below. For more, go to centuryarms.com.

C39v2 Blade Features

• 100% American made
• Barrel 1:10 twist, concentric LH 14×1 metric thread and ready for a variety of muzzle attachments
• Chrome moly 4150 nitride treated barrel
• Milled 4140 ordnance quality steel receiver
• 1st AK side scope rail mount to offer a return to zero capability, also offers four times clamping improvement over traditional side scope rail mounts and improves sight acquisition for follow-up shots
• RAK-1 Enhanced Trigger Group
• Larger T shaped magazine catch
• Compatibility with AKM furniture
• Standard AKM sights
• Retaining plate
• Bolt hold-open notch on the safety selector
• Front sight gas block and bird cage style flash hider
• Bolt carrier tail heat treated to ensure maximum performance and life
• Accepts all standard AK magazines
• Ambidextrous QD attachment points for attaching a tactical sling
• Comes with one 30 rd. magazine and Shockwave Blade
• MOE AK pistol grip and MOE AK handguard

The post New From Century Arms: The C39v2 Blade AK Pistol appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

Blending into an urban environment isn’t all that hard—until you need to bring a carbine or precision rifle along, too. Even these days, with all the movies, video games and media coverage, a person carrying a rifle draws a lot of attention, even if you use a hard case or some camouflaged or drab-colored bag. But I’ve come up with a better solution that allows you to carry a compact carbine and a more precision-oriented rifle at the same time in one simple, discreet bag.

I jokingly refer to this concept as “the primitive switch-barrel.” Switch-barrel rifles have been very popular lately. They allow you to use different barrel lengths and calibers as needed. But you’ll also need a different sighting system every time you transition from close- to long-range engagements, and removing/reinstalling optics makes it very easy for them to lose their zero. Thankfully, with the AR platform you can just switch out your upper receivers. Leave the optic on the long-barreled upper and keep a red dot on the shorter upper. Switching uppers takes less time than switching barrels, and it ensures you’ll still be on target afterward.

You can do this with a number of AR-platform rifles, but so far Primary Weapons Systems (PWS) has offered the best options for my “two guns, one bag” concept.

PWS Combo

One of the most reliable short-barreled ARs I’ve ever tested is the PWS MK107. It typically runs a wide variety of ammunition and will also work reliably with a sound suppressor—not something every 7- to 8-inch-barreled AR can do. Of course, PWS recently unveiled its MOD 2 design upgrade, and this seemed like a great opportunity to try it out.

RELATED STORY

MK109: Primary Weapons Systems’ 300 Blackout Silent Knight

The MK107 MOD 2 is a piston-driven AR with a short 7.75-inch barrel. The gas piston operating system can be adjusted to three different positions to compensate for sound suppressors, various ammunition, heavy fouling, environmental conditions, etc. The chrome-moly barrel has a QPQ coating for corrosion resistance, and it comes fitted with PWS’ CQB compensator, which helps mitigate muzzle blast in close quarters.

Surrounding the barrel and piston system is a new handguard with PicMod technology. KeyMod slots run the entire lengths of the sides and bottom, but Picatinny slots are machined near the front so you can quickly add whatever accessories you might need. You won’t have to worry about rails coming loose.

Upper & Lower

Strong yet lightweight, the MOD 2 upper and lower receivers are forged from 7075-T6 aluminum. The upper features a hardened bolt carrier group made from tool steel. The lower comes with ambidextrous controls, including the safety selector, magazine release and bolt release. The enhanced trigger is factory set for a crisp 5.5-pound pull.

The lower also features a redesigned buffer tube made from extruded 7075-T6 aluminum with PWS’ new Rachet-Lock design, which eliminates the need for a staked castle nut. The buffer tube is fitted with a collapsible polymer BCM Gunfighter stock that complements the BCM Gunfighter pistol grip.

For long-range engagements, I also tested an MK116 MOD 2 upper with a 16.1-inch barrel and a correspondingly longer PicMod handguard. This upper is similar to the MK107’s, with lightening cuts along the sides of the receiver. Three synthetic rail covers were included with the upper to provide a solid support-hand grip, and the barrel came capped with PWS’ FSC (Flash Suppressing Compensation) muzzle device.

Optics & Accessories

For short-barreled rifles (SBRs), I prefer to use a red-dot sight along with fixed front and rear backup sights and a flashlight mounted at 12 o’clock. The Trijicon SRS remains one of my favorites for this setup because it provides a wide field of view with no tunneling effect. Fixed sights are necessary because you might not have time to flip up sights if your red dot is occluded or inoperable. That’s why I turn to Daniel Defense’s fixed rail-mounted sights, which only show in the lower third of the Trijicon SRS’ sight picture. For the flashlight I chose my trusted SureFire X200. My final additions included a BCM KeyMod foregrip and a Law Tactical Gen3
Folding Stock Adaptor.

Thanks to some top-notch training with Follow Through Consulting, I’ve become hooked on scopes with TReMoR 3 (T3) reticles for fast targeting out to 500 meters. So I added a Leupold 3-18x44mm Mark 6 scope with an illuminated T3 reticle to the MK116 MOD 2 upper’s top rail along with Griffin Armaments’ Fail Safe Angle sights.

Now to hold it all together. With the MK107 MOD 2’s stock folded, it’ll fit in a bag that’s only 18 inches long, like a standard hydration pack. Of course the goal here is to carry the SBR and upper together. This requires a larger bag like the Elite Survival Systems Stealth. Designed for law enforcement use as a covert pack, the Stealth accommodated the folded MK107 and MK116 upper with all of their accessories, including a bipod. It also held spare magazines, a first-aid kit, a sling, water and snacks—pretty much all you would need for a deployment or bug-out situation lasting a few hours.

Zeroing In

As mentioned, the goal of this system is to provide two rifle setups without having to switch sights around and lose your zero. Field testing proved this concept; removing and reinstalling the upper receivers did not cause their sights/optics to shift or lose their zero. I zeroed both uppers with Black Hills’ 69-grain Tipped MatchKing (TMK) ammunition. It’s designed to expand at velocities slower than 2,000 fps, making it perfect for short barrels. This allowed me to use one round for both uppers.

While switching back and forth over 10 separate cold-bore shots, there was little if any shift in the point of impact. At 100 yards, the MK116 MOD 2 put everything inside an inch. Using my truck as an impromptu rest, 10-shot groups with the Black Hills 69-grain TMKs were all smaller than 2 inches. In short, after seeing just how accurate and reliable this setup was, I would not hesitate a second to deploy with it.

The MK107 MOD 2 performed similarly at 50 yards. Using my truck bumper as a rest, my groups all measured less than an inch at 50 yards. At 25 yards, it created one big hole. Again, switching the uppers did not cause a shift in the point of impact. I was very pleased with the Trijicon and Leupold optics used for both rifles.

After Action Report

The MK116 MOD 2’s FSC muzzle device did a pretty good job of keeping me on target with less muzzle blast coming back my way. I also tested this rifle with SureFire’s WarComp 556 flash suppressor/adapter and the SOCOM556-RC2 sound suppressor. The WarComp performed like the FSC—it wasn’t much louder, and the blast was similar. The MK116 ran well with the SOCOM556-RC2 with no change in accuracy and only a vertical point-of-impact shift of about an inch.

RELATED STORY

Gun Test: Primary Weapons Systems’ MK212SD 7.62mm

PWS’ CQB is an excellent brake for sending muzzle blast forward. Firing at a moderate pace, you’ll barely notice any flash with most ammunition. Rapid-fire strings result in a small fireball every few rounds. But it made the MK107 MOD 2 very pleasant to be behind or beside when firing.

The enhanced two-stage trigger was crisp with no creep or overtravel, and the reset was both audible and tactile. At 5.5 pounds, it’s just about right for most duty applications. It’ll meet the minimum for many law enforcement agencies. Also, I found the ambidextrous controls worked well and were positioned properly. The controls were intuitive and easy to activate.

Final Shots

I had been looking forward to testing PWS’ new MOD 2 rifles since the 2016 SHOT Show. They certainly did not disappoint here. Both of the uppers were accurate and reliable, with the soft shooting impulse that long-stroke gas piston systems offer. Their fit and finish were excellent, with tighter lines and better ergonomics than their predecessors. These uppers were also lighter, stronger and sleeker. The PicMod system is extremely practical and efficient, too, keeping both of these handguards slim and lightweight.

Ever since my first range trip, I’ve kept the PWS MK107 and MK116 handy inside the Elite Survival Systems Stealth. This setup is very slick. You really can’t beat this kind of convenience—just grab the bag and everything is ready to go. My preference these days is to leave the MK107 intact given where I live, but you can pack it either way. It’s a tighter fit with the lower on the MK116, but it works. If you’re considering replicating this setup, you’ll probably need to start with the MK107 because it has to be registered with the BAFTE, then add the MK116 upper. All in all, this is a very handy setup that will help you tackle threats up close and 800 yards away.

PWS MK107 Mod 2 Specs

PWS MK107 Mod 2 Performance

*Bullet weight measured in grains, velocity in fps by chronograph and accuracy in inches for best five-shot groups at 50 yards.

For more information, visit primaryweapons.com.

This article was originally published in “Black Guns” 2017. To order a copy, visit outdoorgroupstore.com.

The post 2 Guns, 1 Bag: Test Firing a PWS MK107 Mod 2 & MK116 Upper appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

We’re mixing it up for SHOT Show 2018. Rather than posting the same old boring gun reviews, we at Athlon Outdoors decided to launch a four-part series highlighting our favorites moments. We’ll also be posting tons of other content we shot, including a more in-depth look at what you see in Part Two.

Watch the video above and stay tuned for Part Three!

Highlights from Part Two:

• A special edition knife in collaboration with … wait for it … Gemtech
• Speed shooting with JJ Racaza
• Battleline Tactical training with Kris “Tanto” Paronto
• The Masters Series with Charly Mann, Tu Lam, Doug Marcaida and the one and only, Marty Daniel

For more information on SHOT Show, please visit SHOTshow.org.

The post SHOT Show 2018, Part 2: The Master Series with Marty Daniel appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

Last year, Dark Storm Industries introduced a limited edition “Signature Series” rifle called the Wildfire. This year, the New York-based company is once again doing a Signature Series rifle. This one takes on a patriotic theme. It’s called the DS-15 Signature Series Freedom Flag Rifle in 5.56.

RELATED STORY

EXCLUSIVE: Dark Storm’s Custom Shop DS-10 Rifle Hits at 1,300 Yards

At the heart of the Dark Storm Signature Series DS-15 Freedom Flag is a DS-15 7075 billet aluminum lower and DSI 7075 forged upper with a forward assist and ejection port cover. The rifle features a charging handle with an extended tactical latch; billet ambidextrous 90-degree safety selector; and a NiB bolt carrier group. The 16-inch 5.56 threaded (1:9) stainless steel barrel and spiked CQB compensator both sport a Signature Series brush stainless finish.

This Dark Storm DS-15 Signature Series rifle also has a drop-in trigger with a crisp four-pound pull and short reset; and a 15-inch extended M-LOK forearm and full-length Picatinny top rail for accessories. In addition, a Magpul CTR adjustable stock is included, as is an ambidextrous sling plate and a Hogue rubberized pistol grip. It ships out with an Amend2 MOD-2 30-round magazine.

The rifle sports a custom “battle-worn” Cerakoted American flag that is definitely eye-catching.

“The DS-15 Signature Freedom Flag rifle proved to be quite popular at our booth this past SHOT Show,” Dark Storm founder and co-owner Ed Newman said in a press release. “No matter what state you live in or do business in, Dark Storm is the one company you can go to for the largest choice of rifles available to California and other restricted states, including our new Signature Series.”

The Darm Storm DS-15 Signature Series Freedom Flag 5.56 rifle is available in standard, fixed magazine (with a 10-round PMAG magazine) and featureless (for New York and California) configurations. MSRP is, fittingly, $1,776.

See the specs for the standard rifle below. For more, visit dark-storm.com.

Dark Storm DS-15 Signature Series Freedom Flag Rifle (Standard)

• Signature Series Battle Worn American Flag Cerakote Finish
• DSI Signature Series Brush Finish on Barrel and Compensator
• Signature Series 15″ Extended Length M-Lok Forearm
• Signature Series Drop-In 4lb Trigger
• DS-15 Billet 7075 Aluminum Lower Receiver
• DSI Forged Upper Receiver w/ Forward Assit and Ejection Port Cover
• Dark Storm Spec Ops Gen 2 Charging Handle
• DSI Billet Ambidextrous 90 Degree Safety Selector
• Dark Storm NiB Bolt Carrier Group
• DSI Steel Micro Gas Block
• Carbine Gas System
• DSI 16″ 5.56 Threaded 1:9 Stainless Steel Barrel
• DSI CQB Compensator
• Amend 2 Magazine 30 Round
• Magpul CTR Adjustible Stock
• Ambidextrous Sling Plate
• Hogue Pistol Grip
• Optic Ready (sights not included)
• Trigger Lock
• Weight TBD

The post Dark Storm Officially Unveils DS-15 Signature Series Freedom Flag Rifle appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.