If you have been shopping for an AR-15, the task should have gotten a little easier. A year ago, you might’ve sucked it up and learned to appreciate whatever you could get, but now is the time to relax and consider your next firearms purchase wisely. You might be a competitor hot and heavy into 3-Gun matches, or you may be seriously concerned about home defense. You may want to do a little mid-range varmint hunting or even prepare to join the next generation of Minute Men. Then again, some of us may want to do it all.

One-Gun Solution

The problem with this scenario? In recent years, buying even one AR-15 could be expensive. Fulfilling all of these roles might require purchasing several rifles, with each having a different mission-specific configuration. But I recently discovered a rifle that may be capable of handling all of these chores, thus leaving you with only having to buy a single AR-15. It really isn’t farfetched to think one rifle can be more than capable of handling each of these roles as long as it is reliable and accurate.

The drawback to this is that we often have to sacrifice a bit of one trait to get the other. Tighten things up for accuracy and you may lose some reliability. If we loosen our tolerances for reliability, accuracy may suffer. Still, at times you come across a manufacturer, such as Patriot Weaponry, that is just too stubborn to accept either condition.

• RELATED STORY: WeltARweights – 9 Lightweight AR Rifles

For the past several months I have been testing the P-51 Carbon, which is Patriot Weaponry’s premier AR-15, and during that time I have had several conversations with the company’s owner, Kody Karch. I don’t know if it is due to the fact that Kody is an Army veteran, or if it is a trait born from living in the harsh winters of Wisconsin, but stubborn is just a good way of describing him. To say that he is persistent may be a more polite way of phrasing it, but the first year of Patriot Weaponry’s existence was spent doing nothing but studying every aspect of the AR-15. Sorry, but we Southern boys just call that stubborn.

Before the introduction of the P-51, Kody not only studied every part of the AR, but he also considered how each part interacts with the other parts of the rifle. Then, part by part, he searched out what he considered to be the best on the market. If he could improve on it, he did. If not, he incorporated it into his new rifle. Patriot Weaponry wanted to produce a rifle that was not only 100-percent reliable, but also attained a level of accuracy that would make any company proud.

Rifle Specs

The P-51 Carbon starts with a set of upper and lower receivers crafted from a billet of 7075-T6 aluminum. These receivers tie all of the rifle’s parts together, and this is where its inherent precision begins. The dimensional tolerances of the receivers dictate how each part is located and interacts with the other parts of the rifle.

The upper sports a 16-inch, carbon-fiber-wrapped Proof Research barrel with a 1-in-7-inch twist rate and a .223 Wylde chamber. The .223 Wylde chamber improves the rifle’s accuracy due to tighter dimensions for handling both .223 Remington and 5.56mm NATO rounds. Proof Research claims superior performance, extreme accuracy and durability in its carbon-fiber process, and few in the industry would disagree. The only drawback I’ve ever noticed with Proof Research barrels is their cost. However, Patriot Weaponry was going for the best, not the cheapest.

The barrel uses a mid-length gas system and is fitted with an adjustable gas block and VG6 Precision’s Epsilon muzzle brake. Surrounding the barrel and gas system is a 12.63-inch, free-floating Midwest Industries G3 M-Series handguard with a long Picatinny top rail and M-LOK slots along the sides and bottom. The upper is also fitted with a lightweight forward assist, ejection port cover and rod. A Griffin Armament charging handle is also included as well as a titanium bolt carrier. An enhanced JP Enterprises bolt with an improved extractor, ejector and gas rings is installed for increased durability and reliability.

The upper receiver is a flattop design, which most would consider standard in the AR world, and mounting optics is a breeze. However, Patriot Weaponry also includes a set of Magpul MBUS Pro flip-up sights.

The lower receiver’s takedown and pivot pins, magazine release and ambidextrous safety selector all made from titanium. The mil-spec carbine buffer tube, attached to the lower with a titanium castle nut, houses a JP Enterprises Silent Captured Spring System. The buffer retainer and end plate are also made of titanium.

For anyone who loves a good trigger pull, the lower features a single-stage CMC trigger with a 3.5-pound pull weight. For furniture, Patriot Weaponry chose Magpul’s K2 pistol grip and adjustable CTR buttstock. A 30-round Magpul PMAG is included with the rifle.

As soon as I unpacked my test rifle, I noticed something that was always supposed to be a trait of the AR-15 but had been lost over time: This rifle is light! Unloaded and without any optics, the P-51 weighs 5.88 pounds. With its collapsible stock and 16-inch barrel, the rifle is already relatively compact, but when you add in its light weight, you’ve got a handy little rifle.

The overall finish blends well from one part to the next, and the bright unfinished titanium magazine release and safety provide a stylish contrast. The “We the People” engraving on the dust cover will have any good patriot smirking. Yet, no matter the quality of the parts used, it is their fitting and assembly that brings it all together. The parts have been optimized for their function, but it is the fitting that allows them to operate smoothly. Just handling the P-51 Carbon and working the action gave me the feeling that Kody and his staff knows what they are doing. At that point, the only question I had was how all of this would work on the range.

Let Freedom Ring

Patriot Weaponry guarantees that the P-51 Carbon will maintain 1-MOA accuracy with match-grade ammunition, but Kody boasted much better groups in our conversations. I don’t blame any man for being proud of his product, but I wanted to see if this rifle would live up to his claims. Plus, this would be my first experience with a Proof Research barrel, so I was eager to get this rifle to the range.

My normal optic for testing a 16-inch-barreled AR is the U.S. Optics 1.5-6X SR6, and I halfway considered switching to a scope with more magnification because of Kody’s claims about the rifle. But a 16-inch-barreled carbine normally isn’t the choice of a long-range marksman, so I decided to stay with my normal game plan. Since this scope had been used on several 5.56mm rifles, it only took a few moments to dial it in to where I was hitting within an inch or two of dead-center.

• RELATED STORY: AR Rifles & Pistols – 20 New Models On The Block

My test ammunition consisted of Winchester 55-grain FMJs, Federal 69-grain Gold Medal Match BTHPs and Creedmoor 77-grain Tipped MatchKings (TMKs). The Winchester load was never intended to be match-quality ammunition, but it got the scope sighted-in and served as a good test load for general reliability. However, even these rounds created five-shot groups averaging 1.5 inches, and many AR owners would be happy with those results.

The real accuracy began to show itself once I switched over to the Federal ammo. Kody had mentioned 0.25- to 0.38-MOA results in our conversations, but I’ve also heard of unicorns, and they are just about as common. The average group size for the Federal load was 0.75 inches, and the smallest group I managed that day was 0.69 inches.

But Kody wasn’t exaggerating. Given a more powerful scope and another shooter, I could see this rifle achieving 0.25 MOA. I wish I had gotten the chance to spend more time with this rifle, since I can count the number of 0.25-inch groups I’ve fired on two fingers. Any time I can hit near 0.5 inches, I tend to brag for days.

The 69-grain bullets must have been the sweet spot for this barrel, since the 77-grain Creedmoor TMKs opened the groups up slightly. It should be noted that Patriot Weaponry’s 1-MOA accuracy guarantee would be safe with either of these match loads.

After the shooting rest and chronograph were put away, I fired another 120 rounds of the Winchester FMJ load on 6-inch-diameter metal plates at 100 yards just to get a good feel for this rifle. The trigger was very easy to work with, but I did have to adjust slightly to the change in balance between this rifle and my personal rifles. The Proof Research barrel might look like a bull barrel, but it doesn’t weigh anything close to one. Any misses on the plates were directly related to my skill as a shooter. As to reliability, the rifle ran flawlessly, and you can’t improve on 100 percent.

Ready To Shop?

You may still want to take some time to consider your purchase, since Patriot Weaponry’s P-51 Carbon is priced a little higher than the average AR-15. Yet, once you consider the cost of the various parts combined to make this rifle, you will understand the pricing. It may not be the rifle for everyone, but I assure you that it will keep its new owner happy. There is a deep satisfaction in owning a tool that works the way it should day in and day out.

During my review process, I went online to see what others were saying about this new rifle. I read where a few people were making references to this being the Ferrari or Lamborghini of AR-15s. But I’ve got news for them: This rifle is all American, and it’s the Cadillac of weapons.

For more information, visit patriotweaponry.us or call 715-467-1461.

Caliber: .223 Wylde
Barrel: 16 inches
OA Length: 33.25-36 inches
Weight: 5.88 pounds (empty)
Stock: Magpul CTR
Sights: Magpul MBUS
Action: Direct impingement semi-auto
Finish: Matte black
Capacity: 30+1
MSRP: $3,985

This article was originally published in ‘Guns & Weapons for Law Enforcement’ February/March 2017. For information on how to subscribe, visit outdoorgroupstore.com.

The post Elite Patriot: The All-American P-51 Carbon from Patriot Weaponry appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

Many people in the industry sat up and took notice when Christensen Arms debuted its CA-15 and CA-10 Gen 2 rifles at SHOT Show back in January, and now the Utah-based gun maker has announced their official release.

• RELATED STORY: Gun Review – Christensen Arms’ CA-15 Recon

Available with either stainless steel or carbon fiber barrels, the CA-15 and CA-10 Gen 2 both feature newly designed, billet 7075 receiver sets along with a slim profile, aerograde carbon fiber handguard. In addition, both of these rifles feature a free-floating barrel and come with a sub-MOA guarantee.

The CA-15 G2 weighs just under six pounds — making it one of the lightest and most accurate AR-15 platforms out there — and is offered in Black Anodize, Tungsten Cerakote, or Burnt Bronze Cerakote. It’s chambered in .223 Wylde. MSRP for the stainless steel barrel variant is $1,749, while the carbon fiber version retails for $2,295.

With a combination of aerospace alloys and ultra-lightweight carbon fiber, the CA-10 G2 weighs just 7.2 pounds, resulting in an insanely lightweight AR-10. It’s available in either .308 Win or 6.5 Creedmoor and comes in three different color offerings. MSRP for the stainless barrel version is $2,595 and $2,995 for the carbon fiber.

• RELATED STORY: Christensen Arms CA-15

Check out the teaser videos below for a closer look at these two rifles.

For more information about the CA-15 G2 and CA-10 G2, visit https://christensenarms.com.

The post VIDEO: Christensen Arms Releases CA-15, CA-10 G2 MSRs appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

There are a lot of ARs on the market right now, but they are far from equal, and it is always a pleasure to find one done right. Black Dawn‘s new BDR-556-3GLW, a lightweight AR built for 3-Gun matches, certainly qualifies as a high-quality, purpose-built rifle that delivers the goods without breaking the bank.

When it comes to 3-Gun rifles, weight and reliability are two major considerations. Of course, having a rifle that allows one to move quickly, accurately engage multiple targets and avoid fatigue is of great value to any shooter, especially competitors and tactical operators.

This was the challenge Black Dawn decided to take on in building the BDR-556-3GLW rifle—to provide shooters with a lightweight, high-quality gun at a reasonable price. The company is not simply another AR assembler but rather a full-service manufacturer that produces many of its own parts. Black Dawn is known for making top-notch parts when it couldn’t find parts that met its needs.

Breaking Dawn

The BDR-556-3GLW is a semi-automatic, direct-impingement AR. The rifle’s 16-inch barrel is manufactured by Black Hole Weaponry using 416R stainless steel with a 1-in-8-inch twist rate, and it has a .223 Wylde chamber. The .223 Wylde splits the difference between .223 Remington and 5.56mm NATO dimensions to offer the reliability of the 5.56mm and the accuracy of the tighter .223 chambering. The barrel’s 1-in-8-inch twist rate is also a good compromise, allowing for a wider variety of bullet weights while keeping them properly stabilized.

• RELATED STORY: Competition Shooting – The Ultimate Guide To 3-Gun Matches

The rifling on this barrel is also extremely distinct, as Black Hole Weaponry uses three-land polygonal rifling. With traditional rifling, the bullet does not make contact with the bottom of the grooves and leaves a gap as it travels down the barrel. This can allow some gas to escape unevenly ahead of the bullet and increase barrel fouling. Polygonal rifling uses a hexagonal pattern that appears very smooth. And since there are no grooves, the barrel’s thickness is more consistent all around, resulting in a stronger barrel that lasts longer. This smooth design also allows the bullet to make full contact with the barrel, improving accuracy by reducing bullet deformation and increasing bullet velocity.

The barrel is topped off with a Lantac Dragon muzzle brake with a nitride finish. This aggressive-looking brake is specially designed with a “Short Energy Pulse” system to dramatically reduce felt recoil and muzzle rise. This makes it easier to stay on target in rapid fire, an important consideration in both competition and tactical situations. The design also redirects the muzzle blast to reduce the flash signature as well.

Another accuracy enhancement is Black Dawn’s 15-inch, free-floating MMR handguard, which is CNC-machined from 6061-T6 aluminum before being mil-spec hardcoat anodized. It features a full-length Picatinny top rail with laser-engraved T-markings, and it will also accept Magpul MOE rail sections as needed for added versatility.

The handguard’s top rail mates up perfectly with the flattop upper’s for over 20 inches of Picatinny rail space for mounting sights and optics. Interestingly, the forged aluminum upper uses a teardrop-shaped forward assist instead of the more traditional round forward assist. This shape certainly seems to make the forward assist easier to use.

Internally, the BDR-556-3GLW uses an IonBonded M16 bolt carrier group. IonBond is a surface treatment that provides the metal part with a tough, self-lubricating coating for added durability and corrosion resistance. This keeps the bolt carrier group a lot cleaner and makes it easier to clean as well. The gas key is also properly staked with sufficient metal forced into the carrier key screws. If these screws are not properly staked, they could become loose under fire.

Forged Lower

The mil-spec forged aluminum lower receiver features all of the traditional controls for a right-handed shooter. On the right side of the safety selector, there is a raised notch as well as the selector markings so the status of the rifle is easy to see and feel. Black Dawn has also added its enhanced triggerguard with a large, oversized circular design for shooting with gloves. CNC-machined from 6061-T6 aluminum, this component can easily be added to other lower receivers, and it eliminates the annoying rear triggerguard gap found on standard units.

• RELATED STORY: 15 Shotguns Designed For 3-Gun Competitions

The lower is fitted with an XTech ATG (Adjustable Tactical Grip), which is made from polymer with a comfortable and ergonomic design featuring slight finger grooves at the front and grip-enhancing texturing at the rear. It also features a large beavertail design for comfort and to better keep the index finger aligned with the trigger. Most interestingly, however, is the fact that the user can easily adjust the grip angle from 17 to 25 or 33 degrees. You just loosen the grip screw and make the desired adjustment.

Triggers are probably the single most important upgrades for any AR, and the BDR-556-3GLW sports a single-stage CMC trigger with a flat face and an outstandingly crisp 3.5-pound pull weight, which made accurate shooting a breeze.

At the rear of the lower receiver, Black Dawn has added a receiver plate with single-point sling-attachment points on both sides. In keeping with the principle of building a lightweight rifle, Black Dawn also opted for the Mission First Tactical (MFT) Battlelink Minimalist stock, which is the lightest six-position stock you can buy at only 5.8 ounces. This tough polymer stock has a simple L-shape, but users can also add a tactical 550 cord adapter that keeps the stock from snagging on anything and provides emergency paracord when needed. A rubber buttpad keeps the rifle on your shoulder, and the single QD sling-attachment point is fully ambidextrous. The MFT stock is very snug on the BDR-556-3GLW’s mil-spec buffer tube, exhibiting no wobble or play at all.

All told, Black Dawn’s BDR-556-3GLW comes in at 6.2 pounds unloaded, and less than 6 pounds if you install one of Black Dawn’s shorter handguards. Of course, there is always the problem of feature creep with multiple accessories pushing the weight of your rifle back up quickly, but at least you are starting out with a truly lightweight gun.

Match Ready

On the range, the BDR-556-3GLW handled beautifully, with its light weight and short length making the rifle easy to use during extended shooting sessions. The Lantac muzzle brake did indeed reduce recoil (making it almost negligible) and helped keep the rifle on target. I also experienced zero failures with this gun right out of the box with no maintenance or cleaning. The fit and finish were also above par.

This rifle normally ships without sights, but Black Dawn included a Burris Fullfield TAC30 1-4x24mm scope with my test rifle. This optic is ideal for 3-Gun and tactical uses with a large, 10-position, illuminated center-dot reticle. The reticle’s holdover dots allow the user to adjust for bullet drop at distances out to 600 yards, and the waterproof, nitrogen-purged tube keeps the scope from fogging up in inclement weather. At 1X magnification, it is easy to quickly engage targets with both eyes open, and 4X is suitable for longer distances.

• RELATED STORY: 10 Experts – Can Competitive Shooting Help Real-World Defensive Shooting?

To measure the rifle’s accuracy, I used three different types and weights of ammunition at 100 yards, shooting from a stable benchrest. The gun’s accuracy was impressive, and I believe it could have been better with a more powerful optic. Still, my best five-shot group was only 0.76 inches wide—well below 1 MOA and impressive on its own. The rifle certainly seemed to have a preference for lighter-weight bullets.

According to Black Dawn CEO Tim Padgett, his company is committed to building each rifle one at a time and thoroughly function and accuracy testing it before it goes to a customer. The company is committed to providing ARs with the absolute best reliability and accuracy, and if the BDR-556-3GLW is any indication, Black Dawn certainly seems to have succeeded. Black Dawn also stands behind its products with a lifetime warranty as well. This is truly an impressive rifle that includes many advanced features seldom seen on competing rifles, all delivered at well below a custom race gun price.

For more information, visit blackdawnguns.com or call 660-851-0907.

This article was originally published in ‘Guns & Weapons for Law Enforcement’ February/March 2017. To subscribe, visit outdoorgroupstore.com.

The post Dawn of a 3-Gun King: Black Dawn’s BDR-556-3GLW appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

After a few decades of shooting, writing and teaching, I am quite jaded when it comes to new gear. To pique my interest, new products need to not just be new or different, they also have to be useful and practical. It takes a lot to catch my attention and stir a reaction, but that’s exactly what happened when I perused the Cobalt Kinetics booth at the 2016 SHOT Show. What first caught my eye were the bright and bold colors of its rifles, then their sharp, angular designs. I was so involved in their visual appeal that it took me a minute or so to recognize their most unique feature: dual forward assists.

Of course, you probably already know that a forward assist is designed to push the bolt forward to help chamber a stubborn round. But with today’s highly reliable rifles, the forward assist is rarely needed—so much so that some AR designs have removed them completely. If the feature is so rarely used, why would the folks at Cobalt Kinetics choose to put two forward assists on their rifles? Well, they have another sly trick up their sleeve: both forward assists perform double duty. They also act as bolt releases. Darn, why didn’t I think of that?

A Closer Look

If the bolt is locked back, both forward assists perform as normal: Hit them with the heel of your hand to manually push the bolt forward. However, when the bolt is forward, Cobalt’s two forward assists unlock the bolt with just a press of the thumb. This can be accomplished with the forward assists on either side of the rifle.

Completing the reload is sped up by releasing the bolt by way of the forward assist because the shooter’s thumb can be pre-staged on the forward assist and pressed the instant the magazine is seated. With a forward assist on both sides, the feature is fully ambidextrous. Since the assist is large and easy to find with the thumb, pressing it is a simple gross-motor skill that is easy to perform, even with gloves. Whether for military use, police duty, self-defense or sport, the added speed is valuable in any situation that requires quick reloading. Saving even a second can be a lifesaver when lead is flying in your direction.

• RELATED STORY: Mean Green Fighting Machine – The .223 Wylde EraThr3 Grunt

While looking at the pictures of these colorful guns and their elaborate designs, you may first mistake them as nothing more than fancy race guns made for competition. But that’s not the case. Their quality, reliability and unique features are well suited for the hard use seen by military and police weaponry. Cobalt Kinetics tested these guns to 40,000 rounds without any of the parts (beyond gas tubes and gas rings) failing. The company’s engineers shot and cooled them in 10,000-round increments. The testing also included dirt testing with the rifles buried then shot. With no major malfunctions, they stopped testing when the 40,000-
round mark was reached.

Anything that speeds up magazine changes during a firefight and simplifies the process is a welcome addition. And if these colors are not your fancy, Cobalt Kinetics will shortly introduce its rifles in black.

Gaining The Edge

Having just started business in April of 2014, Cobalt Kinetics did not take the customary path to the market, making traditional products and then innovating later. Rather, the company burst out of the gate at 100 miles per hour with a very striking design and some of the most unique features on the market.

While the rifle company is new, the owners are not new to manufacturing. They have been in the business for more than 30 years. They started Cobalt Kinetics because they saw the current market was stagnant, and they wanted to breathe new life into it with innovative products. The owners noticed that there was a large emphasis in training for quick pistol-magazine changes, and they wanted to accelerate that task on the AR platform.

It only took four months for the founders to create a working prototype using the initial concept of the dual forward assists. Now fully operational, Cobalt Kinetics has 18 employees working in manufacturing, assembly and sales.

The company’s first two products are the BAMF (Billet Aluminum Modern Firearm) and BAMF Edge, which I was recently sent for testing. Both feature dual forward assists, distinctive designs and come in a choice of vibrant color combinations. The differences between the two models are subtle. The BAMF includes a Hogue collapsible stock and a linear compensator that is designed to push the muzzle blast forward. This model is available with either a 14.5- or 16-inch barrel.

The BAMF Edge includes Cobalt Kinetics’ fixed, billet-crafted buttstock as well as the Edge compensator, which spreads the muzzle blast to the sides. BAMF Edge carbines are available with 14.5-, 16- or 18-inch barrels.

Unusual for a startup, Cobalt Kinetics makes most of the major components in-house, including both the upper and lower receivers, which are machined from a billet of 7075-T6 aluminum. According to the company, the receivers are “custom mated pairs,” meaning they’re fitted by hand.

The BAMF and BAMF Edge also feature unique handguards machined in-house from a billet of 7075-T6 aluminum. These free-floating handguards feature 2-inch rails on the top and bottom, near the muzzle, for mounting sights, lights or a bipod. With these rails, the front of the handguard has four aggressive points that could be used to secure the rifle against a corner. The sides of the handguards feature M-LOK slots for accessories and numerous lightening cuts.

The fixed, billet-crafted stock on the BAMF Edge is as rock solid as it is distinctive. The stock is built around the buffer tube, which is partially left exposed as part of the design. It looks great and works well.

More BAMF Features

Niceties are jam-packed into these rifles. They both use nickel-boron-coated bolt carrier groups from WMD Guns that have been shot peened and magnetic-particle (MP) inspected. The chrome-lined, 1-in-8-inch-twist barrels are made by Faxon Firearms. They also have .223 Wylde chambers, thus allowing a higher degree of accuracy with a wide range of .223 Remington and 5.56mm NATO ammunition. The rifles use mid-length gas systems and adjustable, low-profile gas blocks.

For controls, both guns feature ambidextrous, 45-degree safety selectors from KE Arms as well as Raptor ambidextrous charging handles from AXTS Weapons Systems. The ambidextrous magazine release is an extended design from Odin Works, and even the traditional thin, stamped ejection port cover has been replaced with a thickened model for another distinctive touch.

• RELATED STORY: AR Rifles & Pistols – 20 New Models On The Block

The triggerguard and bolt catch use threaded pins instead of roll pins, which makes removal and installation much easier. Even the detents for the pivot and takedown pins are held in place with threaded pins so you can remove the components without losing the detent. It’s a genius touch.

Both rifles use DMR triggers from KE Arms. These are single-stage, one-piece, drop-in units with 4.5-pound pull weights and adjustable resets. The triggers are precisely crafted from A2 tool steel that is then titanium-nitride coated.

Numerous colors and combinations are available—four different options for the BAMF and six for the BAMF Edge. Customers can even choose if they’d prefer hardcoat anodizing or Cerakote for the receivers. The BAMF I tested featured green Cerakote receivers and black furniture, while the BAMF Edge had “brazed” (gold) hardcoat anodized receivers and black accents.

Taking them out of the box, I was just as awestruck by the colors and design as when I first saw them. As expected, the finishes were flawless on both guns. The fit was equally good, with no wiggle between the receivers, yet the pivot and takedown pins were easy to remove. The KE Arms triggers were crisp and clean.

After photographing the rifles, I ran every type of ammunition that I had on hand through them to test their functioning, including rounds from Hornady, Black Hills and HPR as well as some PMC, Federal, Hunting Shack, Guatemalan surplus and Prvi Partizan loads. Not surprisingly, the rifles ran every load well. Their actions were very smooth, and the rifles handled as expected.

The dual forward assists/bolt releases worked perfectly every time. It only took a little practice using the forward assist to release the bolt for it to become intuitive and easy.

Next came the 100-yard accuracy testing. The barrels are rated for sub-MOA accuracy, and I wanted to see how “sub” I could get. Shooting the BAMF from prone with a bipod and a bag rest, I received the best group with Black Hills’ remanufactured 75-grain match HP ammo, which measured 0.75 inches at 100 yards. Hornady’s 75-grain BTHPs clustered into an inch. Third place went to HPR Ammunition’s 62-grain Black Ops OTF ammo, with a 1.87-inch group.

Since I could envision the BAMF Edge version, with its longer barrel and fixed stock, being used for sniper or designated marksman duty, I was interested to see how the unique stock design would perform while shooting prone. Despite the stock’s unconventional design, I had no problem steadying it with a shooting bag. Of course, since the stock isn’t collapsible, it can’t be adjusted to fit a wide range of shooters or optics. If the rifle will be used in varying roles with different shooters, the collapsible-stocked BAMF might be a better choice.

While Cobalt Kinetics didn’t go into great detail with me about future innovations, the company did share that it plans on offering 300 Blackout rifles soon and was considering a .308 option as well. In the near term, expect black rifles for military and law enforcement personnel, an option for full rails on the top of the handguard for night-vision accessories, short-barreled versions for entry work, and a model designed for 3-Gun competition right out of the box.

As much as I hate to use the expression, everything about the test rifles, from the fit, finish and function, oozes quality. These BAMF rifles are made with top-quality components and offer several unique improvements. If anyone says that there in no real innovation in ARs anymore, they obviously have not seen Cobalt Kinetics.

For more information, visit cobaltkinetics.com or call 435-656-0599.

This article was originally published in ‘Black Guns’ 2017. For information on how to subscribe, visit outdoorgroupstore.com.

The post Serious BAMFs: Testing Two BAMF Rifles from Cobalt Kinetics appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

Cobalt Kinetics has announced that its “Glory” rifle—the first offering in its Chris Kyle “The Legend” tribute collection—is now shipping.

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Chambered in .223 Wylde, the Chris Kyle “Glory” rifle sports a custom hand-painted battleworn dark earth and armor black American flag cerakote finish. The rifle is called “Glory” because it represents Chris Kyle’s willingness to fight for the glory of the United States, the press release says. Each rifle is individually numbered and production is limited to a run of 250 units, so you better hurry if you want one.

The “Glory” rifle includes all the same features seen on Cobalt’s Edge rifle, including a 14.5 inch or 16-inch 4150 CMV steel barrel with a 1:8 twist; enhanced single stage trigger; 7075 aluminum receivers, handguard and stock; ambidextrous magazine release, selector controls and charge handle; dual drop bolt release; nickel boron bolt carrier group; and a rubber over-molded pistol grip.

Proceeds from the sale of the “Glory” will benefit the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation, a non-profit that provides experiences which strengthen military and first responder marriages and families.

“The ‘Glory’ is pretty badass, in fact, each one of the four in The Legend series are cool,” said Taya Kyle, Kyle’s wife and the foundation’s executive director. “I love the fact that Cobalt Kinetics in association with Allegiant Rifleworks worked hard to capture Chris’s spirit in each of these collectibles. They are all so different, yet each have a meaning. For any rifle enthusiast or American Patriot, they will be a great addition to their collection.Best of all, each sale brings with it a benefit the Chris Kyle Frog Foundation that allows us to continue fighting for the military, veteran and first responder families and marriages that fight for us on a daily basis.”

• RELATED STORY: Special Report — American Sniper Steel

The Chris Kyle “Glory” rifle can be bought for $3,997. To order one, visit thelegendtribute.com.

The post Cobalt Kinetics is Now Shipping the Chris Kyle ‘Glory’ Tribute Rifle appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

Nov. 8, 2016, was a huge victory for gun owners and the firearms industry. Our new president, strongly endorsed and supported by the NRA, has promised to protect the Second amendment from encroachment. National concealed-carry reciprocity and the Hearing Protection Act actually look like they’ll have a chance of passing Congress and we, the firearms community, can finally breathe a sigh of relief. We are not so embattled, and for the moment life is good. But there were other consequences as a result of the election, and I guess it depends on which seat you are sitting in as to whether they are good or bad.

After The Boom

The AR-15, or modern sporting rifle (MSR) as we have come to know it, has never been more popular. In recent years, many shops with CNC machinery have become manufacturers and some sold to even smaller shops with variances. A lot of these small manufacturers gambled on Hillary Clinton winning the presidential election and tapped out their lines of credit to build inventory in time for the post-election panic buying. With diminished post-Trump-victory demand and an oversupplied market, prices for ARs have never been cheaper. As a result, we can expect to see a number of these smaller manufacturers disappear.

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Is the Savage MSR 15 Recon a Serviceable Combat Rifle?

But one company sure to weather the storm is Savage Arms. In January of 2017, Savage introduced its new line of MSRs. The line includes two rifles with .223 Wylde chamberings so they can fire both 5.56mm NATO and .223 Remington cartridges reliably and accurately without pressure issues. The MSR 15 Patrol carbine is an enhanced civilian-legal version of the military’s M4 Carbine while the MSR 15 Recon possesses a BlackHawk AR Blaze trigger, a free-floating handguard and a collapsible BlackHawk buttstock and pistol grip. I received the latter for testing.

Family Resemblance

My initial examination of the carbine didn’t reveal any surprises. If you’re expecting anything dramatically different than what we’ve become accustom to in AR-15 rifles, you will be disappointed. But what I discovered is the Savage MSR 15 Recon is a well-built gun using some great components and assembled with a good degree of attention to detail. The Savage gun uses a direct gas impingement system just like the original AR-15. However, it uses a mid-length gas system, which reduces the port pressure, helps reduce wear by lowering the bolt carrier velocity and makes the gun softer on recoil. Savage calls the mid-length system appropriate for the 16.13-inch barrel length, and I wholeheartedly agree.

Savage uses a 1-in-8-inch-twist barrel on the MSR 15 Recon. Here we see a number of innovations that help set the rifle apart from competitors. The barrel’s 5R rifling has five lands and grooves arranged so there is no land or groove directly opposite (180 degrees) of each other, which might cause an uneven constriction on the projectile. The lands are slightly slanted and less likely to collect bullet jacket material, which should aid in accuracy and makes the barrel easier to clean. Savage claims the 5R rifling cradles the bullet just enough to impart spin without unnecessary constriction.

To protect the barrel, Savage gives it a surface hardening treatment called Melonite QPQ. Besides making the barrel harder, it also has a lower friction coefficient than chrome and should ensure a long life. As mentioned, the gun has a .223 Wylde chamber.

Savage goes the extra length and laser-engraves the rifle’s serial number on the bolt. I could see where this would be especially helpful when guns are involved in group cleaning sessions such as with a department or agency. The bolt carrier’s gas key is correctly staked and should provide a lifetime of trouble-free use.

Extra Touches

A 13.5-inch, free-floating M-LOK handguard is used on the Savage MSR 15 Recon. It’s a rock-solid unit, and I like its small diameter. It covers the gun’s gas block to give the carbine clean and uncluttered lines and provides plenty of rail space on top for different sighting options. BlackHawk’s folding backup sights are also included.

Savage uses its own forgings to machine the upper and lower receivers. The stylized lines give the lower a decidedly “billet” look, though it is not. There are grooves on the front of the magazine well for those who like to shoot with their support hand in this location instead of on the handguard. There are also indexing cuts on the rear of the magazine well, bilaterally, to give shooters a place for their trigger fingers to rest when they are not on the trigger. The lower has an integral winter triggerguard.

One interesting feature of the Savage MSR lower receiver is that it is drilled and tapped for a setscrew that, when tightened, eliminates all of the play and movement between the upper and lower receivers. The tip of the screw bears against the bottom of the rear lug of the upper receiver for rigidity.

As mentioned, the Savage MSR 15 Recon is outfitted with a BlackHawk AR Blaze trigger, a single-stage unit designed for duty use. It features a full-mass hammer, and all of the components are given a boron treatment to eliminate the need for lubrication. My test sample had a smooth and crisp trigger pull, breaking at 5.25 pounds with a firm reset. This is a sensible trigger pull for those who will use this gun for tactical applications, but those interested in target work and 3-Gun competition will likely want to switch to a lighter pull.

The pistol grip used on the Savage MSR 15 Recon is also a BlackHawk part. Ergonomically, it is one of the best grips I have used. It has a “bottle taper,” meaning it’s slim at the top and fatter at its bottom, and it’s heavily textured. The Recon also uses a BlackHawk six-position collapsible stock. It features a wedge-shaped cheekweld and a 1-inch recoil pad. Though the recoil from .223/5.56mm rounds isn’t punishing, the pad gives the stock extra length, and its tacky rubber composition prevents it from sliding off of a ballistic vest.

Range Workout

I tested the MSR 15 Recon’s accuracy at the range on a blustery Tucson winter day. Winds gusted to 15 mph, and I tried to time my shots during windless lulls. If I thought the wind affected a group, I reshot it. For optics, I used a Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm scope with a 30mm tube. It has .223/5.56 BDC reticle for mid-range accuracy and target turrets. I mounted it in a Weaver Tactical SPR mount. This combo proved to be a perfect match for the Recon for short- to mid-range work. I didn’t feel handicapped at all using the 4X scope to shoot groups at 100 yards.

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The scope’s clear and bright optics made it easy to hold the crosshairs on the little 2-inch Shoot-N-C targets. While the trigger was a little heavier and had a little more creep than I would prefer for target work, I was able to shoot some very nice groups. All of the groups were fired from a warm barrel with no effort made to allow it to cool. Savage doesn’t claim the MSR 15 Recon to be a target gun, but it did produce sub-MOA groups—not just once, but with three of the five different loads used!

Shooting the Recon on steel, I dialed the Bushnell’s magnification down and shot with both eyes open. I liked the long handguard and the ability to grip it far forward, with its slim diameter permitting me to hook my thumb over the top rail.

The Takeaway

Admittedly, I am many years removed from active 3-Gun competition, but the Savage MSR 15 Recon impressed me as a gun whose only limitation would be the shooter. The rifle worked and worked well, with absolutely no stoppages during the 300-round test. It possesses all the accuracy needed for competition, law enforcement or security work.

For those wanting to test the waters in 3-Gun competition, the Savage MSR 15 Recon makes a lot of sense. It provides a solid platform that can be added to as the competitor’s skill level increases. Savage Arms lists the MSRP of the Recon at $999 but, like most other guns—especially AR-style rifles—you’ll find the real-world price to be substantially less.

Savage MSR 15 Recon Specs

Savage MSR 15 Recon Performance

*Bullet weight measured in grains, velocity in fps by chronograph and accuracy in inches for three 5-shot groups at 100 yards.

For more information, visit savagearms.com.

This article was originally published in “AR Rifleman” 2018. To order a copy, visit outdoorgroupstore.com.

The post Gun Review: The Savage MSR 15 Recon Rifle in .223 Wylde 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.

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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.

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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.

Back in 2015, Primary Weapons Systems (PWS) launched a sister company called Bootleg that focuses on direct-impingement ARs and accessories. To help launch the new product line, PWS contacted Agency Arms.

When it came to building its own AR-15, Mike Parks, the co-owner of Agency Arms, said, “We normally don’t stray outside of our lane. There’s just too much of a learning curve. But working in collaboration with another company shortens that curve.”

Starting with a Bootleg forged receiver set, Agency Arms set about giving the rifle its own unique styling with dramatic lightening cuts. From there, the gun was outfitted with high-quality parts to produce what would become known as the Agency Arms Classified Rifle.

Built for Speed

Sporting a 14.5-inch, 1-in-8-inch-twist barrel with a pinned and welded Dead Air flash suppressor and Pyro brake to redirect and minimize flash and concussion, the Classified is a short, fast-handling carbine.

The barrel is covered with Bootleg’s 15-inch, free-floating PicMod handguard with a full-length Picatinny top rail and shorter rails along the sides and bottom that turn into KeyMod interfaces. I like this setup, and it provides rock-solid mounting for lights and other accessories.

One unique Bootleg part is the Classified’s bolt carrier group, which can be adjusted with two settings for suppressed and unsuppressed use. Adjustments are made through the ejection port with a flat-head screwdriver, so the bolt carrier group doesn’t have to be removed first.

The gun also boasts ambidextrous controls, including the magazine release, bolt release, short-throw Radian Talon safety selector and Raptor charging handle. The lower also features a Magpul MOE SL collapsible stock and K2 pistol grip. Another neat feature of the Classified rifle is that its PWS castle nut ratchets with a locking detent, which makes staking the part unnecessary.

CQB Ready

We used the Classified at Gunsite’s shoothouse and found the gun to be 100-percent reliable. Its short length made negotiating doorways, hatches and tight hallways bearable without reducing our effectiveness. Our gun had a very clean 3.75-pound trigger pull with an awesome reset. This made the gun devastatingly fast on the close-range targets inside the shoothouse.

There’s only one bad thing about the Agency Arms Classified Rifle: Only 300 of these guns were produced last year, and if you didn’t get one, you’ll have to find someone who is willing to part with their gun. Based on our experience with the Classified Rifle, that will be unlikely!

For more information, visit AgencyArms.com.

Agency Arms Classified Rifle Specifications

• Caliber: .223 Wylde
• Barrel: 14.5 inches
• OA Length: 32-36 inches
• Weight: 7 pounds (empty)
• Grips: Magpul MOE SL
• Sights: Magpul MBUS Pro
• Action: Direct impingement semi-auto
• Finish: Gray Cerakote
• Capacity: 30+1
• MSRP: N/A

This article is from the summer 2018 issue of Ballistic Magazine. Grab your copy at OutdoorGroupStore.com.

The post Gun Review: Hands on the Hard-to-Find Agency Arms Classified Rifle appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

Rise Armament has teamed up with Folds of Honor for a run of special edition Patriot Rifles, which will be auctioned to help raise scholarship funds for the children and spouses of fallen or disabled service members.

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Rise Armament Patriot Rifle

This eye-catching Patriot rifle boasts a custom Cerakote flag design. It includes the emblems of the five military branches, in addition to the Folds of Honor logo and tagline, “Honoring Their Sacrifice. Educating Their Legacy.”

Chambered in .223 Wylde, this rifle features a 16-inch 416R stainless steel Rise Armament CB-160 barrel with a RA-701 compensator. It also sports a 15-inch RA-902 M-LOK handguard; Patriot High-Performance trigger; RA-212 charging handle; 7075 billet aluminum billet Ripper upper and lower receiver; AIM ambidextrous safety; and a TACMOD stock. The rifle also weighs in at six pounds and 12 ounces. It has an overall length of 32.25 inches.

Folds of Honor

Folds of Honor will auction 13 of these rifles—one for each time the flag is folded before giving it to a family member at the funeral of a fallen service member. Each rifle includes a custom display case and a Rise Armament and Folds of Honor commemorative challenge coin.

In addition to the rifle, the company is selling a Patriot High Performance-Trigger individually for $219. The rifles are not available for purchase; they’re only being auctioned off by Folds of Honor.

Folds of Honor provides educational scholarships to children and spouses killed or disabled while serving this country.

“To say we’re proud to help out and donate to Folds of Honor is an understatement,” Rise Armament president Matt Torres said. “Veterans’ families are often overlooked, which is really a shame. Our troops and their families have tremendous courage and have made so many sacrifices. It’s our duty as Americans, as patriots, to take care of them and honor what they’ve done for us all.”

For more on Rise Armament, go to risearmament.com. To learn more about Folds of Honor, visit foldsofhonor.org. See more about the partnership between the two below.

The post Rise Armament Creates Special Edition ‘Patriot Rifle’ for Folds of Honor appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

Idaho-based Caracal USA has announced the availability of its Versus rifle.

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Designed for competitive shooters, the Caracal Versus is chambered in .223 Wylde and sports an 18-inch Proof Research carbon fiber wrapped barrel. It also comes with a 15-inch free float M-LOK handguard for accessories; minimalist buttstock; and Geissele Automatics Super 3 Gun trigger for competition.

Rounding out the Versus is an XMR extended magazine release which is four times larger than the standard button; and an overall weight of 6.2 pounds.

“By focusing on the essential aspects of dependability, accuracy, reduced weight, and superior ergonomics, the Versus Competition Rifle gives you the perfect foundation for your podium finish,” the presser states. “This rifle provides a true ‘out-of-the-box’ solution for any competitor ranging from novice shooter to world class athlete, at a price point that allows everyone to run with the pack.”

The Caracal Versus, which comes with a limited lifetime warranty, is priced at $1,799. See a rundown of the rifle’s specs, in addition to a video, below.

For more on Caracal USA, visit caracalusa.com.

Caracal Versus Specs

• Caliber: .223 Wylde
• Operating Principle: Gas operated, Direct impingement
• Modes of Fire: Safe and Semi
• Overall Length (stock extended): 38″ (965mm)
• Overall Length (stock collapsed): 34.7″ (881mm)
• Barrel Length: 18″ (457mm)
• Barrel Contour: Medium / .750″
• Rifling Twist: 1 :8″ Cl :203mm)
• Muzzle Device: 2-Port, Self-timing muzzle brake
• Weight w/o Magazine: 6.2lbs (2.8kg)
• Trigger Type: Geissele S3G Single Stage
• Trigger Pull: 4lbs (1.8kg)
• Magazine Type: Lancer Systems L5 AWM
• Magazine Capacity: 30 rounds / 10 rounds
• Hand Guard: 15″ Free Float with M-LOK
• Buttstock: Minimalist, 6- Position
• Grip: Caracal

I recently attended a training course at Altair Training Solutions’ Regional Training Facility in Florida, which used to be a high-security state prison. We ran simulations in this environment with white lights, night-vision gear and short-barreled rifles (SBRs).

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Ballistics are always a concern with really short barrels (8 inches or less), but SBRs can be incredibly effective when engagement distances are close. Of course, there are some detractors, but you’ll never find someone willing to “take one for science.” There are always compromises in the tactical world, but in close, tight spaces, shorter ARs are noticeably easier to run. They’re just a lot handier than rifles with full-length barrels.

It wasn’t that easy maneuvering around with a suppressed, 10.5-inch-barreled rifle during the Altair course, especially considering my short arms and the IR and night-vision equipment involved. So when I got home, I decided to take one of my shortest ARs from Primary Weapons Systems (PWS) and install a new stock from Maxim Defense to see if I could make an ultra-compact SBR for extreme close-quarters operations.

Meet The MK107

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. When PWS recently unveiled its upgraded MOD 2 rifles, I jumped at the chance to add one to my arsenal.

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.

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, and 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.

A Closer Look

The lower also features a redesigned buffer tube made from extruded 7075-T6 aluminum with PWS’ new Ratchet-Lock design, which eliminates the need for a staked castle nut. The buffer tube comes fitted with a collapsible polymer BCM Gunfighter stock that complements the MK107’s BCM Gunfighter pistol grip.

Now, for this specific test, I swapped out the BCM stock for a Maxim Defense CQB unit. This stock is reminiscent of the kind used on the HK MP5A3, as it rides on two rails that run alongside the receiver. The CQB stock is made of machined 7075-T6 aluminum, and it mounted easily to my registered lower. Fully extended, the stock adds 10 inches to the rifle’s overall length, or just 5.38 inches collapsed. There are also two intermediate length-of-pull positions. The CQB comes with a few different buffer options, including those set up for JP Enterprises’ Silent Captured Springs, but my test model came with a standard spring and light buffer.

Because of the MK107’s intended uses, I decided to add a Trijicon SRS red-dot sight to the flattop upper. The SRS provides a wide field of view and incredibly clear glass. You also won’t notice much “tunneling” with this sight. Backup sights are also mandatory for entry weapons, so I added a set of fixed iron sights from Daniel Defense. I mounted my SureFire X300 in front of the Daniel Defense front sight, and I included my Blue Force Gear sling. Finally, I stored everything—including various magazines—in a Vertx EDC Gamut Plus backpack to discreetly transport the weapon system.

Range Test

My initial testing involved clearing rooms in a shoothouse, and this is where the MK107 MOD 2 really shined. It’s handy and easy to maneuver. Loaded with DoubleTap 55-grain TSX ammo, this SBR is plenty lethal. I was also able to keep the Maxim Defense CQB stock centered against my plate carrier for solid support in close quarters. This keeps the SBR in close so you can easily work around corners. You pretty much just drive the gun where you need to go and you’re already on target. During about an hour or so of room-clearing practice, the stock never shifted or came loose.

Shooting on a square range is easy, but working inside and around a vehicle is a different story. Thankfully, this weapon system was perfect for these situations. The PWS CQB muzzle brake sends all of the blast forward. As long as the muzzle is outside a window, for example, no muzzle blast or debris comes back your way. The recoil was also minimal, so it’d be easy to shoot this SBR with just one hand if needed. The MOD 2 lower receiver is lightweight, and the controls are excellent. In short, moving in and out of nooks and crannies, behind the wheels, over the hood—it was all very easy with the MK107. It would definitely be a solid choice for professionals who work in executive-protection details, and it’s also very well suited to home and or vehicle defense.

Flawless Performance

Thanks to PWS’ long-stroke gas piston operating system, the MK107 MOD 2 ran flawlessly on the range. In fact, this is one of the few 100-percent-reliable SBRs in 5.56mm NATO that I’ve tested. With three different gas settings. it runs with just about anything you can put in it, including steel-cased practice ammunition. And it does all of this while remaining lightweight, comfortable to shoot and accurate.

Though the rifle is really designed for close-range engagements, I tested it out to 100 yards just to see what kind of groups I’d get. My best five-shot group, produced with Barnes’ 70-grain TSX ammo, measured just 0.9 inches. This proves that the PWS MK107 MOD 2 can get the job done if you need to take long-distance shots in the real world. With the SBR rested on a barricade and shooting out to 100 yards as fast as I could center the Trijicon SRS’ reticle, I was able to keep 20 DoubleTap rounds within 2 inches. Careful aiming from an unsupported prone position at 50 yards with the same ammunition created a 1.5-inch cluster. What more could you want from a rifle like this? It’s very versatile; there isn’t much it can’t do.

Born To Fight

Make no mistake: The MK107 is still loud—just not to the shooter. The CQB brake sends all of the blast forward, which shouldn’t affect even close teammates. But you’ll still notice it in a shoothouse, for example. Under normal rates of fire, the CQB does a good job of reducing flash, but rapid fire will occasionally produce a fireball. Of course, this is ammunition dependent, but physics still applies, and a 7.75-inch .223 barrel will leave plenty of unburned powder. You can also run the MK107 with a sound suppressor, but more gas will be blown back into your face. It’s certainly viable, but I’d prefer to just keep the CQB in place because it’s such a pleasure to shoot with on its own.

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2 Guns, 1 Bag: Test Firing a PWS MK107 Mod 2 & MK116 Upper

With the Maxim Defense stock installed, the MK107 fit in my Vertx pack, but it took a little finagling to manage it. If you want an even more compact setup, you could always install a Law Tactical Folding Stock Adapter.

To be honest, I’ve never been a huge fan of short-barreled ARs, mostly because they never seem to run well, and they are just plain loud and obnoxious to shoot. But this tame rifle has made me rethink SBRs in general, and I’ll definitely be keeping this one around as a truck/self-defense rifle. It’s incredibly handy working around my truck, it’s easy to carry and it’s about as good as it gets when it comes to clearing rooms. Primary Weapons Systems’ new MOD 2 upgrades have only made a strong, proven design even better. If you are in the market for a super-short AR, consider pairing the MK107 MOD 2 with a Maxim Defense CQB stock. I know I wasn’t disappointed.

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 100 yards.

For More Information

Primary Weapons Systems
primaryweapons.com

Maxim Defense
maximdefense.com

A trip to the gun store or a quick look through any gun magazine will leave you almost overwhelmed with the number of AR-style rifles available. And as numerous as the offerings are, the prices range widely from as low as “Are you kidding me?” to as high as “Are you kidding me?” Much of that is based on a market into which a massive number of builders entered during the previous presidential administration. The current challenge of that rush is a flooded market, with many people racing to the lowest price point possible to sell guns.

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A few companies, however, have gone the other direction and worked to raise the quality of every aspect of their rifles, knowing the price would have to reflect that. Enter Radian Weapons and its custom-grade Model 1.

Mission Statement

Formerly known as AXTS Weapon Systems, Radian Weapons has taken a path toward perfecting the AR-15. Radian’s mission is clearly stated on the company’s website: “The design philosophy behind the Radian Model 1 is simple: Use the highest-quality raw materials, the most precise CNC machining equipment and the best components available to create a weapon that seamlessly blends form and function. Beyond quality and aesthetics, the Model 1 features fully ambidextrous controls, adding much-needed utility for left- and right-handed shooters. Every Model 1 is assembled by hand, one at a time, by a trained gunsmith who inspects, test-fires and cleans the weapon to personally guarantee it meets the most rigid quality standards. No detail has gone overlooked, which is why the Model 1, like every Radian product, is guaranteed for life.”

Next Level

Now it’s important to mention that you can customize the Model 1 on the Radian website, as it’s available with a number of different barrel lengths, chamberings and furniture. My test sample sported a match-grade, 16-inch barrel with a .223 Wylde chambering. The barrel is made of 416R stainless steel with a polished crown and feed ramps, and you’ll find 1/2×28-tpi threading up front so you can add various brakes and suppressors. A SilencerCo ASR flash suppressor/adapter was included as well as a special heat sync.

Surrounding the barrel and gas system is a proprietary M-LOK handguard that is mated to a billet-crafted 7075-T6 aluminum upper receiver. Stainless anti-rotation pins keep the handguard in place. The upper itself features a titanium forward assist with a black DLC coating as well as an enhanced M16 bolt carrier group with a properly staked gas key. The bolt is made from casehardened 9310 steel that has been shot-peened, high-pressure (HP) and magnetic-particle (MP) tested, and finished in a self-lubricating black nitride. The bolt lugs are also CNC ground after being heat-treated for exceptional accuracy.

Additional Details

Rounding out the upper is an ambidextrous Raptor-SD charging handle that has been optimized for suppressor use. But this isn’t the only ambidextrous feature.

On the left side of the billet-crafted lower receiver you’ll find bolt and magazine release levers. On the right side, along with another bolt release lever, the magazine release also doubles as a bolt catch so you can lock the bolt to the rear much more quickly and easily. Then we have the ambidextrous Talon safety selector, which can be customized with either 90- or 45-degree levers. The significance of this design cannot be overstated, as it minimizes the motions required to operate the rifle while making it easier to run from either side.

The trigger used in the Radian Model 1 is another great upgrade. Radian has included a match-grade AR Gold trigger from the American Trigger Corporation (ATC). This is a self-contained unit that delivers a light, smooth trigger pull free of grittiness, with an ultra-crisp let-off and a short reset. Its unique engagement geometry produces a light 3-pound pull and a crisp release without compromising reliability or safety.

As you can see, Radian gave every detail on this rifle special attention. Consider the takedown pins. Instead of just grabbing a random pin and throwing it in, Radian chose a dimpled pin so you can use a cartridge to drive the pin out. That’s ingenious. Finally, Radian finished the lower with Magpul furniture, which looks good and functions well.

Ready To Rock

This is the part of the review where I normally talk about things I’d change or add. But there is honestly nothing I would replace on this gun as I received it. Unlike other guns that quickly get a new trigger or charging handle, the Radian Model 1 was already complete. That’s because the principals at Radian believe your rifle should be world class when you pull it out of the box.

In fact, the work put into the Model 1 is a reminder of the two classes of rifles that seem to exist: those built for the large “prosumer” audience and those built for serious professional end-users. Everything about this rifle screams professional.

Hitting The Range

Of course, this is all talk until you get to the range. The proof is in the performance, and Radian claims that various shooters regularly produce sub-0.5-MOA groups using the Model 1 with 55-, 62- and 77-grain ammunition. So it was time for me to find out for myself.

Cracking open the case, the rifle’s good looks immediately struck me. It’s obvious that a lot of work went into the design. No sharp edges, tight tolerances and a great overall feel—I already liked the gun before I loaded the first magazine. My only addition was a Leupold 1.1-8x24mm Mark 8 CQBSS M5B1 scope to wring out the best possible performance.

At the range, the weather was perfect, as the late Arizona winter provided clear, comfortable conditions. To prove a point that serious weapons need serious ammo, I brought a unique mixture of ammo to test, including rounds from 62 to 77 grains. As I started the zeroing process, I began to get a feel for the rifle. The first thing I noticed was the trigger. It’s one of the best I have ever run—equal travel backward and forward with a crisp 3-pound break. A good trigger can make or break a gun, and this one is a winner.

It took a moment for me to get used to the rifle’s true ambidextrous nature. But it’s worth noting that when you experience the benefits of this design, your other rifles won’t seem as great. All of my operations were smooth and efficient.

Ammo

First up was Remington’s 62-grain Premier Match ammo. Always a reliable load, this ammunition is designed to shoot well in any gun. With that being the case, my groups were better than with most AR-platform rifles, but not close to what this blaster is capable of. The average group size with this load came in at an inch.

Next up was Federal’s 69-grain Gold Medal Match ammunition, which is deal for serious shooting, and it performed well here. Its best group as 0.75 inches, and the average group size was 0.85 inches, which is fantastic. However, I had visited with Radian and knew the gun was capable of more.

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So I broke out the suggested 77-grain CorBon MPR rounds. The gun seemed to prefer these heavier rounds, and I quickly punched a group measuring just 0.45 inches at 100 yards. The next group wasn’t much different, providing an average of 0.5 inches.

Where It Fits In

The question then arises: Just who is this gun built for? The applications of a rifle with this capacity are endless. My first thought goes to police designated marksmen. Police tactical teams have been in search of an exceptionally accurate 5.56mm carbine for years, and the Model 1 fits the bill. It allows for sub-MOA accuracy with the ability to send fast follow-up shots. This platform also lets shooters more quickly adjust to precision shooting, as most people are familiar with the manual of arms. The addition of a well-made variable-power scope allows any shooter to engage in close quarters as well as at extreme distances. People facing real fights would be well served to take a long, hard look at the Radian Model 1.

The general civilian market will welcome this rifle, too. Many shooters who have entered the gun world in the past few years have wisely trained with some of the best instructors in the world. This results in a civilian shooter who can appreciate the quality and accuracy of the Radian Model 1 and actually run the gun to its true capacity. The Radian Model 1 is a gun for any shooter who demands a rifle worthy of their skills.

Radian Model 1 Specs

Radian Model 1 Performance

*Bullet weight measured in grains, velocity in fps by chronograph and accuracy in inches for three 5-shot groups at 100 yards.

For more information, visit radianweapons.com.

This article is from the May/June 2018 issue of “Tactical Life” magazine. To order a copy and subscribe, visit outdoorgroupstore.com.

The post Why the Radian Model 1 Rifle Is a Cut Above Its Competition appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

Everyone has that one friend in their life. The friend who is always there when you need them. The one you’re always getting into trouble with when you have a night out. For me, that friend was Tom Dodge.

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Instant Friendship

I met Tom at a gun range through some mutual friends. It was my first time shooting clays, and I borrowed his shotgun. I outshot him with his own gun, and I think that’s what got us talking.I was about to start teaching CPL classes, and Tom wanted to help. The rest is history.

We eventually put 787 people through our CPL class and gained a reputation for running one of the best courses in the area.

My passion for teaching and firearms and Tom’s background as a U.S. Navy veteran, law enforcement officer and fireman made for the perfect pairing.

The Diagnosis

Tom was diagnosed with ocular melanoma in 2008. After treatment, he was cancer free for five years until a spot was discovered on his liver in 2016. Tom handled the news like he did everything in life—with a big smile and some jokes. Tom was known for his sense of humor; he was actually a standup comedian on the side. He began treatment for his liver cancer, but it didn’t go very well. Unfortunately, Tom passed away on June 9, 2017, at the age of 39. He was survived by his daughters, Eliza and Raylin.

For me, losing my best friend was devastating. I stopped running CPL classes for almost a year. I had a hard time even going to the range because I would just think of all the great times Tom and I had while shooting and teaching. That’s when I decided to put together a custom AR-15 build in Tom Dodge’s honor.

You see, the AR-15 was one of Tom’s favorite platforms, and I thought it would be very fitting to build a custom rifle in his honor. So, I went to Motor City Gun Works in Keego Harbor, Michigan, and told the owner, Heath Williams, about Tom’s story. Being a veteran himself and obviously a gun guy, Williams was more than happy to help design the gun and have his staff get to work on it. At that moment, the Tommy Gun was born—a rifle as awesome as the guy it was named after.

Custom AR-15 Build

The Tommy Gun started with a Motor City Gun Works upper receiver and a Sharps Bros. Hellbreaker lower. The Hellbreaker had the exact look I was going for—aggressive and mean.

We also decided on a 16-inch, .223 Wylde, stainless steel Premium Series SPR barrel from Ballistic Advantage set up for a mid-length gas system. The barrel is capped with a SilencerCo ASR muzzle brake to keep recoil down to a minimum, and Motor City Gun Works installed its own adjustable gas block and a Melonited gas tube along with its smooth and reliable bolt carrier group.

Of course, I also needed something to hold onto when shooting. We installed a 12-inch Midwest Industries KeyMod handguard because it works well and looks great.

The lower was fitted with a Magpul STR stock because it’s easy to adjust yet locks up solidly. The recoil pad is also comfortable for most shooters.

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Other Goodies

For the grip, we went with one of Magpul’s MOE+ units. I personally like the feel of the MOE+ grip. It fits my hands very well, isn’t sticky and cleans up easily. Magpul MBUS sights were also installed on the upper. And because Motor City Gun Works wanted to create a competition-grade rifle, they installed a Hiperfire EDT Sharp Shooter trigger, which has an incredible reset and a nice, smooth pull.

To top it all off, Alex from Motor City Gun Works laid out the best custom Cerakote job I have ever seen. The gray, green and black camo pattern, combined with the highlighted Hellbreaker face, came together perfectly. Tom would have loved the rifle’s excellent blend of aesthetics and toughness.

To finish off the look, I had a custom-engraved dust cover made to honor Tom with the phrases “Tommy Gun” on the outside and “Dodge This” on the inside. All together, this rifle honors Tom with its looks, ergonomics and functionality.

First Shots

I fired my first shots through the rifle on what would have been Tom’s 40th birthday out in the woods with some friends. And I couldn’t believe how smoothly and flawlessly the rifle functioned.

Dumping 30 rounds through the rifle as fast as I could with just the Magpul MBUS flip-up sights, all of my shots were on an 8-inch paper plate at around 70 yards, proving just how well this system functioned. There was hardly any recoil or muzzle rise, but I added a Seekins Precision K20 KeyMod angled foregrip up front for a better hold.

Sight Beyond Sight

My friends and I wanted to really see what the Tommy Gun could do, so I mounted an EOTech EXPS2 on top as well as an EOTech G33.STS magnifier. The EXPS2 offers both-eyes-open shooting and provides an incredible targeting experience.

I choose this sight because of its easy-to-adjust side buttons, quick-detach lever and EOTech’s reputation for making tough optics. The EXPS2 is powered by a lithium CR123 battery, and paired with the G33.STS magnifier, I could quickly switch from 1X to 3X magnification in a fraction of a second thanks to the magnifier’s flip mount.

At 75 yards, it took me eight shots to zero the EXPS2, and it ended up being the perfect choice for the Tommy Gun.

AR-15 Build Range Results

After zeroing in, we decided to give the entire package a workout. For the Tommy Gun’s test, I picked eight .223 and 5.56mm factory loads and one reload from A-1 Premium, Aguila, Federal Premium, Hornady, HSM, Sig Sauer and Wilson Combat with bullets ranging in weight from 52 to 80 grains.

Overall, the Tommy Gun averaged 2-inch five-shot groups from a standing unsupported position at 100 yards with the magnifier. I achieved these results with everything I put through the gun. I saw very little difference between various weights, and the rifle ate everything I could throw at it.

Again, using the magnifier, I ran the same tests from a semi-supported position at the same distance. I say “semi-supported” because I utilized the front of a four-wheeler and my 5.11 Tactical range bag. Not the most stable support, but it did eliminate some movement, and I was still able to achieve an average group size of 1.53 inches with pretty much anything I fed it.

Boom Time With Our AR-15 Build

Then it was time to have some good old-fashioned AR-15 fun to really honor Tom on his birthday—because, you know, burning through about 1,000 rounds of ammunition in the woods wasn’t enough.

Sonic Boom stepped in for this part of the evaluation by providing us with some half-pound exploring targets, which we used to help split some firewood for that night. Then we decided to see how high we could blow a plastic 55-gallon drum with a 2-pound Sonic Boom target. We were back about 200 yards, and I was posted up on the four-wheeler for some support.

“This is for you, Tom.” I pulled the trigger and missed. I thought, “Okay, Tom, now that you managed to get everyone laughing at me like you did best, let’s see how high this damn barrel will go.”

The second shot resulted in a massive blast that sent the barrel hurling straight up into the air about 150 feet. It also folded the barrel in half. Pretty impressive, but Tom would have wanted that barrel in pieces. So we loaded it with 2 more pounds of Sonic Boom. One shot right to the center of the target and another epic explosion resulted in total destruction of the barrel and one of the best smoke rings I have ever seen.

In the end, we had created the perfect AR-15 build and tested it in such a way to honor a great U.S. Navy veteran and my best friend, Tom Dodge, on his birthday. All told, the gun came to about $1,700 while the EOTech setup had an MSRP of $1,135.

For more information:

• Ballistic Advantage: ballisticadvantage.com
• EOTech: eotechinc.com
• Hiperfire: hiperfire.com
• Magpul: magpul.com
• Mother City Gun Works: motorcitygunworks.net
• Sharps Bros: sharpsbros.com

Custom AR-15 Build Specs

• Caliber: .223 Wylde
• Barrel: 16 inches
• OA Length: 33-36.5 inches
• Weight: 7 pounds (empty)
• Stock: Magpul STR
• Sights: Magpul MBUS
• Action: Direct impingement semi-auto
• Finish: Custom Cerakote
• Capacity: 30+1
• MSRP: $1,700

This article is from “Black Guns” 2019. To order a copy, visit outdoorgroupstore.com.

The post A One-of-a-Kind AR-15 Build for a Fallen Veteran, Friend appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

RISE Armament is a weapons manufacturer that began as RISE Manufacturing, a manufacturer of aerospace, oil and gas, and defense industry-related parts. In 2013, RISE Armament was born and began making triggers for the AR family of rifles. Complete rifle production began in 2014. Recently, I was able to shoot a sampling of its rifles — including the all-new RISE Armament 300LE — at the 2018 Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous.

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More on the Rendezvous in just a bit.

Arming Some of America’s Finest

The 300LE really caught my eye. It promises to deliver on a noble idea. RISE designed the 300LE with one main purpose in mind: to arm our nation’s hometown protectors.

In 2016, immediately after five Dallas Police officers were murdered, with another seven injured, RISE Armament set out on a mission of sorts. The manufacturer wanted to appropriately arm America’s police officers.

Most reading this may not know, but a great many number of our nation’s police officers are forced to supply their own rifles for “official” patrol use. We all know that law enforcement, in general, isn’t the best paying of careers. So, a large monetary purchase of anything for police officers usually requires an OT shift or two.

My wife was forced to live the life of a cop’s wife, so we knew how to pinch a penny. Buying my own patrol rifle to use on duty was a major investment, but every bit as necessary.

RISE Armament is doing everything it can to arm our nation’s law enforcement with the best quality rifle possible, and for an affordable price.

A Rifle of a Different Breed

Enter RISE Armament with the new 300LE.

Don’t let the name fool you; RISE chambered the rifle in .223 Wylde. Wait, what? Why not chamber it in 5.56mm?

Created by Bill Wylde, the .223 Wylde takes advantage of the accuracy potentials of the .223 chambering, while still being able to contain the higher pressures of the 5.56 chambering. For those that may not know, the .223 Wylde is actually an optimum chambering for greater accuracy results, in layman’s terms anyways.

The RISE Armament 300LE utilizes 7075-forged aluminum upper and lower receivers. It includes a 16.1-inch 416R stainless steel match grade, button rifled barrel with a 1/7 twist. It’s also Nitrided and partially fluted for added lubricity and increased wear resistance.

RISE Armament uses its own 13.5-inch 6061 billet aluminum M-LOK-compatible, free-floated handguard with a mid-length gas system.

Topping off the barrel is RISE Armament’s own proprietary four-prong flash hider.

RISE equipped its 300LE with its own LE145 single-stage trigger, featuring a 4.5-pound pull. It also comes wearing RISE’s ambi-safety and Magpul furniture.

Range Time With the RISE Armament 300LE

I got in a little trigger time with the RISE Armament 300LE at the aforementioned Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous in Montana.

It handled nicely and put the rounds exactly where I wanted them to go. RISE’s triggers are something special; it pulled smoothly and broke nicely.

I was only able to send a few magazines down range with the 300LE. However, based on my limited time with it, this rifle is a real contender.

After speaking at length with the representatives from RISE Armament, they are sending this grizzly old retired copper a new rifle to play with for a complete comprehensive test and evaluation process. It is my intention to really put the RISE Armament 300LE through its paces. So, please stay tuned for the complete review in an upcoming issue of Tactical Life Magazine.

For more information, please visit RISEarmament.com.

RISE Armament 300LE Specs

• Barrel Length: 16.1 inches
• Barrel Type: 416R stainless steel match grade, button rifled barrel; 1/7 twist
• Overall Length: 33 inches (closed stock); 36 inches (open)
• Mid-length Direct Impingement Gas System
• Weight: 6.44 lbs
• Trigger: RISE Armament LE145; 4.5 pounds pull weight
• Capacity: 30+1
• BUIS: Available as an upgrade
• MSRP: $1,099 (general public); For agency and officer direct prices, please contact RISE Armament

The post FIRST LOOK: The LEO-Ready RISE Armament 300LE Rifle appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

RISE Armament recently announced it had reached an agreement to provide its Watchman law enforcement rifles to the Broken Arrow Police Department in Oklahoma. Moreover, the Watchman, chambered in .223 Wylde, will outfit the department’s Special Operations Team.

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“We’re proud to provide our officers with RISE Armament rifles,” said Sergeant Brad Klingenberg, Broken Arrow Police Department Special Operations Team Commander. “We are impressed with the rifles’ quality and the engineering behind them. They’re real tack drivers, and the price makes them an incredible value.”

RISE Armament built the Watchman exclusively for law enforcement use. Additionally, the company wanted to supply officers with a “supremely accurate, highly dependable rifle.”

Moreover, it also had to be “affordable on a law enforcement budget.”  As such, RISE sought input from special units, officers, military, competitive shooters and firearm instructors.

RISE Armament Watchman Features

Two different models are available, in .223 Wylde or 300 BLK. Also, each rifle utilizes a RISE advanced flash hider, a four-pronged unit designed to minimize flash in low light. Moreover, the Watchman features forged upper and lower receivers, an LE145 Tactical Trigger, ambidextrous safety and RISE LE M-LOK handguard. Also, the rifle includes a 416R stainless steel barrel and black nitride-coated bolt carrier group. Finally, a Magpul pistol grip and CTR stock round out the package.

“RISE Armament’s number-one mission is to make a lasting difference,” said Chris Stratton, Sales Director at RISE Armament. “We launched our law enforcement division to make sure officers and citizens are better protected, so we’re honored we’re able to make that impact so quickly in Broken Arrow, our own community.”

The Watchman rifle kicks off a new initiative from the company: RISE LE. Further, the new division “focuses on designing, engineering, and manufacturing firearms and other products that meet the specific demands of law enforcement units across the country,” according to a RISE Armament release.

For more information, visit risearmament.com.

The post Oklahoma Police Department Chooses RISE Armament Watchman appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

Oklahoma’s Cherokee National Marshal Service recently selected the RISE Armament Watchman for its officers. Moreover, the Cherokee Nation ultimately picked Rise Armament’s rifle and pistol configurations, both chambered in .223 Wylde.

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The Tahlequah, Oklahoma-based Cherokee Nation Marshal Service requested that RISE demo the law-enforcement platform. So RISE spent a day on the range with the marshals, running the rifles through multiple drills showcasing the Watchman’s accuracy, dependability and durability, according to RISE Armament.

The marshal service tested multiple high-end manufacturers’ rifles, ultimately determining the RISE Watchman to be the best performing rifle. Further, the rifle excelled by providing the most value as well, according to RISE.

“RISE is honored to have the Watchman rifle and pistol selected for field use by the Cherokee Marshals,” stated Matt Torres, president of RISE Armament. “The Watchman was designed specifically for law enforcement purposes, and it’s exciting to see it meeting the high standards we set for it.”

The Cherokee Nation Marshal Service ordered 30 patrol rifles with 16-inch barrels. The marshals also ordered several pistol variants with 11.5-inch barrels.

RISE Watchman Features

RISE Armament developed the Watchman with input from SWAT/SOT/SRT officers. Additionally, patrol officers, military snipers, professional firearms instructors, and competitive shooters gave input. Above all, that collaboration ensures the platform combines the best in functionality, accuracy, dependability, and affordability, according to RISE.

Both the patrol and pistol versions feature a free-floating, match-grade 416R stainless steel barrel with proprietary fluting for weight reduction. Additionally, the platform utilizes Rise Armament’s LE145 Tactical Trigger, which has a crisp, balanced break and 4.5-pound pull, according to RISE.

Further, it has a precision-machined aluminum handguard with a continuous 12 o’clock top rail, M-LOK slots for attachments, and a skeletonized design for weight reduction. The rifle is sub-MOA accurate with duty ammo, according to RISE.

For more information, visit RISEarmament.com.

Expanded Tactical-Life RISE Armament Watchman Coverage

Want more on this great law enforcement rifle? Then check out the upcoming May/June 2019 issue of Tactical-Life magazine. In it, Mitch Hardin breaks down RISE Armament’s latest duty rifle, the Watchman. Grab your copy at OutdoorGroupStore.com. For digital editions, visit Amazon.

The post Cherokee National Marshal Service Picks RISE Armament Watchman appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

Hailing from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, Rise Armament began in 2014 by designing and manufacturing components for the AR platform. After creating top-of-the-line triggers, the company began building its own rifles. I got my first hands-on look at some of Rise’s weapons at the Athlon Outdoors Rendezvous last October in beautiful Montana, and its Watchman rifles—designed specifically for law enforcement—immediately piqued my interest. The cop in me wanted to see if one was up to snuff for a patrolman. So, I figured a bare minimum of 1,000 rounds of ammunition would suffice for an impromptu endurance test.

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You can really tell a lot about a manufacturer in how it handles potential problems and issues. Not only does Rise Armament offer a lifetime warranty on each Watchman rifle, but also what the company refers to as its “Blue Line Backup.” This is for those cops who find themselves in officer-involved shootings and have their Watchman rifles held for evidentiary reasons. As long as such an officer is cleared for duty, Rise Armament will provide a free loaner Watchman until the officer receives his or her original rifle back, after the case is adjudicated. This alone proves that Rise Armament truly “gets it.”

Built For Heroes

The past few years have been especially rough for American law enforcement officers. After five police officers were killed and nine others injured during a heinous ambush in Dallas, Texas, on July 7, 2016, the folks at Rise Armament had an idea.

“We set out on a mission to do whatever we could reasonably do to ensure officers aren’t on the streets being outgunned by bad guys,” said Rise’s Garrett Grover, a veteran Army sniper, police officer and gun guru. “We spoke to officers from coast to coast, talked to firearms instructors, competitive shooters and military snipers, and then created a database of the most desired features for duty use. Then (we) combined them all to make this gun, with the goal of making it fit into a law enforcement officer’s budget.”

The result? Two rifles: The Watchman 300LE in 300 Blackout and the Watchman 223LE with a .223 Wylde chamber, allowing it to fire both .223 Remington and 5.56mm NATO ammunition more accurately. I got my hands on the 223LE variant for testing.

Wylde Style

It’s obvious that Rise Armament chose the components for the Watchman 223LE very carefully. It comes from the factory with a 16.1-inch, 416R stainless steel, nitride-coated barrel with proprietary fluting and a 1-in-7-inch twist. Topping off the barrel is Rise’s proprietary four-prong flash suppressor. Tested at dusk, it does an exceptional job of mitigating flash, and it doesn’t produce that annoying ringing sound common to other prong-style flash suppressors.

Rise also chose a mid-length gas system, as it provides a more appropriate dwell time for gas management and recoil reduction. Surrounding the barrel and gas system is a free-floating, 13.5-inch, M-LOK-compatible handguard. Rise states that this helps enhance the rifle’s accuracy and modularity while further reducing weight. The handguard has a full-length Picatinny top rail as well as six total QD sling sockets at the front and rear along the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock axes.

Watchman 223LE Components

The bolt and bolt carrier are both given a premium nitride coating, and the upper sports a Rise charging handle with an extended latch. The lower receiver is equipped with an oversized triggerguard, anti-walk trigger pins and an ambidextrous safety. You’ll also find a Magpul CTR stock and MOE+ pistol grip. My only real gripe is that the Watchman 223LE doesn’t come with an ambidextrous bolt release. Otherwise, it’s a great rifle as is and can be further customized by the purchaser.

Finally, we have the star of the show: Rise Armament’s single-stage LE145trigger. Rise is known for its triggers, and the LE145 was designed specifically for duty use. My Wheeler trigger pull gauge agreed with the manufacturer specs and put the break right at 4.5 pounds. The LE145 has minimal overtravel, virtually no creep and a short, fast reset for quicker follow-up shots. It has what I consider a very crisp, icicle-like break. Interestingly enough, most police agencies that I know of require a 4- to 4.5-pound trigger pull at a bare minimum. So, Rise Armament set the trigger right at the sweet spot. 

Duty Upgrades

Now it was time to make the Watchman 223LE “duty ready.” As a retired law enforcement officer, I chose what I thought was a proper balance for patrol use. Remember, a cop is going to have a bunch of gear on them already, and factoring in running and other physical activities, it’s best to follow the KISS principle here.

Backup sights are mandatory for most law enforcement agencies. Every shooter should know how to master their irons before moving on to an optic. For the Watchman, I chose a set of Diamondhead “Hole Shot” sights that deploy quickly, and if you need a fast, accurate shot up close, just level the apertures and utilize the round upper and horizontal bars for sighting. The more I use these sights, the more I really like them.

You can go several routes in terms of optics: a red dot, a prism sight or a variable-power scope. However, some agencies won’t allow their patrol officers to equip their rifles with a variable-power scopes. This is a shame, as scopes can be an invaluable tool in quickly discerning good guy from bad, etc. Now, I’m not talking about mounting a telescope on one’s rifle, but a simple 1-4X, 1-6X or at most a 1-8X scope. A police officer isn’t going to go playing “sniper.” It’s simply about proper target identification.

Time to Accessorize

My usual one-stop shop is Primary Arms, as it has pretty much everything under the sun anyway. Plus, the company has tremendously stepped up its optics game in recent years. I’ve had the opportunity to torture-test a few Primary Arms models that I’d trust my life with.

I’ve personally put Primary Arms’ 1-8x24mm PLx4 FFP scope through about as much abuse as a variable-power scope can take, and it’s still working. Besides, it’s got a lifetime warranty. As far as red dots go, I opted to utilize the Primary Arms SLx1 Compact 1-20 Prism Scope for this endurance test. It uses an etched ACSS Cyclops reticle. Personally, I’d feel comfortable running either optic on my patrol rifle.

To finish off how to make this rifle really shine, I added the Crimson Trace LiNQ system, which consists of rail-mounted light/laser module that is activated and controlled wirelessly by a dedicated pistol grip. The module houses a green laser and a 300-lumen light. And let me just say that this system is pretty robust and should be capable of handling the rigors of patrol work. I’m very confident in the LiNQ system’s capabilities, especially after seeing how well it held up to being used on my short-barreled AK after firing several cases of ammunition.

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Born To Run

The Watchman 223LE handled very well on the range. Aesthetically, it’s an impressive-looking rifle, so I had high hopes for its performance. And it didn’t let me down. If any demons need to be exercised from a new rifle, they usually rear their ugly heads well before the 1,000-round count. For this Watchman 223LE, no exorcism was needed—just a good beating.

The mid-length gas system made for a much softer-shooting rifle, versus a carbine-length gas system. It was easy to shoot steel targets at distances from 300 to 400 yards, and I also achieved sub-MOA results with two different loads at 100 yards. To make things more complicated, I collected my accuracy results while semi-hunched over and leaning against my ATV—how a cop might shoot while utilizing their patrol vehicle for cover. IN other words, this rifle has the accuracy potential in the right hands.

The testing was conducted in single-digit temperatures. I took the rifle into my house and back out again to make it sweat. It rode in the front rifle rack of my ATV for “coyote duty,” and I never cleaned it throughout the evaluation. The Watchman 223LE didn’t stutter; it just took the abuse and kept on running.

The Watchman 223LE is sure to be a hit within the law enforcement community as well as for the rest of us commoners. For a smaller company to come out of the gates swinging like this, I’ve got high hopes for Rise Armament and its future offerings. Whether you use it on patrol, for home defense or competition, the Watchman 223LE is sure to impress.

For more information, visit risearmament.com.

Rise Armament Watchman 223LE Specifications

• Overall Barrel Length: 16.1 inches
• Caliber: .223 Wylde
• Overall Length: 33-36 inches
• Overall Weight: 6.44 pounds (empty)
• Stock: Magpul CTR
• Sights: None
• Action: Direct impingement semi-auto
• Finish: Matte black
• Overall Capacity: 30+1
• MSRP: $1,099

Performance: RISE ARMAMENT WATCHMAN 223LE

Load                                                   Velocity         Accuracy

• Black Hills 69 TMK                            2,837              1.20
• Federal American Eagle 75 TMJ      2,419              0.90
• Hornady 55 Frontier Match HP        3,818              1.80
• Hornady 75 Black BTHP                   2,498              0.90
• HSM 64 Power-Point                        3,540              1.10
• Hornady 75 Training BTHP               2,573              1.80
• Magtech 62 FMJ                               2,918              1.70
• Prvi Partizan 62 M855                      2,944              1.90
• Speer 75 Gold Dot                             2,483              1.50
• Wilson Combat 69 BTHP                  2,755              1.00

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

This article is from the April-May 2019 issue of Tactical Life magazine. Grab your copy at OutdoorGroupStore.com. For digital editions, visit Amazon.

The post Gun Review: The RISE Armament Watchman 223LE for Police, Civilians appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

Christensen Arms recently announced it won a contract from the South Carolina LE Division. The company will produce and deliver 410 variants of model CA-15 G2 rifles chambered in .223 Wylde.

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Christensen Arms Awarded South Carolina LE Division Contract

“After a thorough evaluation and testing of many AR platform rifles, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has chosen the Christensen Arms CA due to its accuracy, reliability, and overall weight,” said SLED Chief Mark Keel. “This innovative equipment will update and standardize the agency’s rifle inventory for SLED’s law enforcement personnel.”

The Christensen Arms CA-15 G2, a custom built AR-style rifle, optimizes weight and accuracy by utilizing aerospace-grade composites in production, according to Christensen Arms. It features a matched receiver set with a contour-matching carbon-fiber handguard. It includes a Black Nitride finished bolt carrier group and a single-state match-grade trigger assembly. The retail model also comes with stainless steel or carbon-fiber barrel options.

“We’re looking forward to an excellent partnership,” said Jason Christensen, President of Christensen Arms. “The CA-15 G2 is a remarkable firearm and we’re very pleased that the men and women of the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division have chosen to carry it.”

For more information, visit christensenarms.com.

Christensen Arms CA-15 G2 Specifications

• Receiver: Billet 7075 Aluminum
• Bolt Carrier Group: Black Nitride Finish
• Overall Barrel Length: 16 inches
• Overall Weight: 5.8-5.9 pounds
• Twist Rate: 1:8
• Gas System: Direct Impingement
• MSRP: Starting at $1,749

The post Christensen Arms Awarded South Carolina LE Division Contract appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

Almost without fail, as rifles and other weapon systems reach a point of consistent operation, the next step is lowering their weight. Soldiers are always concerned about their “combat load.” Weight slows you down, causes injuries and makes it difficult to move quickly under stress.

• RELATED STORY: Gun Test: Seekins Precision’s SP10 Rifle

Those engineering equipment for this task try to shave every ounce possible from their products, including rifles, and it’s the same in the law enforcement environment. Twenty years of carrying necessary equipment as a police officer takes its toll, something I can attest to personally. Many of my aches, pains and injuries today stem from wearing body armor and a duty belt for over two decades. Officers tasked with tactical operations add plate carries, rifles, helmets and an array of other equipment to that load. But, much like a patrol officer, you spend most of that time carrying and training with that equipment. In many cases, you spend hours standing or kneeling in place in preparation for movement. After the enthusiasm wears off and operations stack up, you quickly realize that every ounce matters. Your rifle may not be the heaviest piece of gear you carry, but it weighs more heavily on your body. After a couple years, you start shedding anything not absolutely necessary, no matter your assignment.

Less Is More

Over the past several years, the 5.56mm NATO AR platform has reached its zenith of engineering. Today, well-built rifles are accurate, reliable and rugged. Many of the differences between models are more cosmetic than pragmatic. Improvements in machining and materials keeps them strong, and many companies are now trying to make their rifles as light as possible.

Lessons learned in the competition world have produced slim and trim handguards increasingly devoid of Picatinny rails and the weight they bring. Military users may stack all kinds of stuff on their rifles, but police officers seldom do. At most, you might see an optic or reflex sight, a light, some backup sights and maybe a bipod. In many cases, you’ll only add a light and iron sights. Here the “less is more” philosophy prevails—rails are added only where needed to keep a rifle as lightweight and streamlined as possible.

One company making strides in this area is Seekins Precision. Starting with a simple set of scope rings, the company has blossomed into one of the most sought-after AR manufacturers on the market. Along with unique and innovative receivers, Seekins Precision manufactures some of the strongest, lightest and most useful handguards. Looking to build a handguard that meets the latest trends while maintaining its well-known attention to detail, Seekins introduced the free-floating NOXs (“No Excess”) handguard. Strong yet lightweight, it features an ultra-thin profile, integral anti-rotation QD swivels, and either M-LOK or KeyMod slots along the sides and bottom for adding accessories. And it was only a matter of time before Seekins Precision decided to put its new handguards to use on complete rifles.

Seekins Precision is currently offering SP15 NOXs rifles with either billet or forged receivers in .223 Wylde or 300 Blackout, and I got my hands on a forged model in .223 Wylde for testing. These rifles were built to be high-performance tactical carbines exceeding the all but antiquated “mil-spec” standard.

As its name implies, the SP15 Forged NOXs starts with upper and lower receivers that are CNC-machined to precise tolerances from 7075-T6 aluminum forgings before being hardcoat anodized black. The upper receiver features a 16-inch, stainless steel barrel that comes equipped with Seekins’ Melonite-coated, three-pronged flash suppressor. Each barrel is also inspected four times to ensure match-grade tolerances, and M4 feed ramps are included. The gas tube, gas block and M16 bolt carrier group are all coated in Melonite to resist corrosion and increase lubricity, and a Bravo Company Gunfighter Mod 3 charging handle is another enhancement.

Of course, surrounding the barrel and gas system is a 15-inch NOXs handguard. Precision machined from 6061-T6 aluminum, it features a seamless top Picatinny rail and M-LOK slots at the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions for mounting accessories where needed. Dozens of lightening cuts help the NOXs handguard achieve such a light weight.

The lower receiver features ALG Defense’s proven QMS trigger along with a Seekins ambidextrous safety and a machined mag release. As for furniture, my test rifle came with Magpul’s MOE pistol grip and STR buttstock, providing solid control. Finally, the rifle came in a very nice nylon case with a 30-round Magpul PMAG.

Sticking with the lightweight theme, I didn’t add much to my rifle. I installed a Trijicon SRS red dot along with a SureFire Scout light in a LaRue Tactical mount. I also used my Blue Force Gear sling when necessary.

Defining Precision

The NOXs rifle’s accuracy was commensurate with every Seekins Precision rifle I’ve tested—excellent. These are easily some of the most consistently accurate rifles I’ve used. With the NOXs, everything grouped under an inch, but the rifle really liked the Black Hills 69-grain TMK load. Black Hills’ 77-grain TMK load has become my go-to 5.56mm round, but it wasn’t as accurate in testing given the rifle’s chamber and twist rate. The 69-grain TMK load should work across a broader range of rifles with similar terminal ballistics, and the NOXs sure liked it, with groups consistently in the 0.6-inch range at 100 yards and best group clustering four rounds inside 0.5 inches.

Along with the typical accuracy testing, I spent a great deal of time using the NOXs around my vehicle, an FJ Cruiser. While it may not always be the best place to fight from, it is often all an officer has. Learning what works well (and doesn’t) when deploying from a vehicle is critical for anyone, especially patrol officers. So, to test the rifle’s practical accuracy, I fired it from the hood of my truck using a pad. At 50 yards—a more likely police distance—the rifle created a five-round cluster just under 0.5 inches. My guess is that bench testing may provide even tighter groups, but for police work, this kind of accuracy is superb.

Several magazines were used during testing, including those from Brownells, Lancer, Magpul and a few stray magazines sitting in my shop. Magpul’s PMAGs were the most reliable along with both 20- and 30-round Lancer AWMs. At first, all of the aluminum magazines experienced an occasional failure to go into battery after reloading, but it was cold—12 degrees at most—so things dried up quickly. Keeping the rifle wet eliminated most issues, but it definitely liked PMAGs the most.

Extraction and ejection was consistent, with no failures to fire, extract or eject. Working from underneath the FJ Cruiser, I fired the NOXs with the ejection port in numerous positions, including towards the ground, and it never failed to eject.

• RELATED STORY: LEO Ready: Seekins Precision’s 300 Blackout SBR

Overall, the NOXs handguard should be perfect for most shooters these days. It offers plenty of hand space for various positions. Working on the square range, transitions between targets were fast, especially when I kept my support hand forward on the handguard. The rail accommodates pretty much any preferred shooting position. It even worked well against barricades and fences, in close quarters, and inside and out of my vehicle.

Top Marks

Seekins Precision designed the SP15 Forged NOXs as a tactical rifle, and it’s just about perfect for the patrol rifle task. You get top-notch parts with an attention to detail most run-of-the-mill manufacturers just don’t have. The rifle’s accuracy and reliability were excellent. With a retail price of $1,275, it is competitive with most higher-end duty rifles that lack many of the same features. In other words, if you’re looking for a high-quality patrol rifle, make sure you add the NOXs to your list. It may just be the best of the bunch.

For more information on the SP15 Forged NOXs, visit seekinsprecision.com or call 208-743-3400.

Specifications Seekins Precision SP15 Forged NOXs

• Caliber: .223 Wylde
• Barrel: 16 inches
• OA Length: 33.25 inches
• Weight: 6.5 pounds (empty)
• Stock: Magpul STR
• Sights: None
• Action: Direct impingement semi-auto
• Finish: Matte black
• Capacity: 30+1
• MSRP: $1,275

Keep Reading

The post Gun Test: Seekins Precision’s SP15 Forged NOXs Rifle appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.

Custom firearms have always been very popular. Many of the most useful features found on production firearms today came from small shops before they were picked up by larger, more mainstream manufacturers. Were it not for custom gunsmiths’ willingness to think outside of the box, we would probably still be using flintlocks.

Custom shops drive innovation, and they can cater to what many consider “atypical” buyers who don’t exactly want cookie-cutter rifles designed solely for personal or home defense. Because the firearms market is currently saturated with AR-platform rifles, a new niche has sprung up—shooters who want something different. And one new company, EraThr3, was created specifically for those not satisfied with the status quo.

EraThr3 is not some large corporate manufacturer building firearms in the thousands. Sheri Johnson and Sterling Becklin started EraThr3 in 2013, and it remains a small operation. But don’t let the company’s young age fool you. Sheri previously served as the general manager of Noveske Rifleworks and had been working there since 2004. Looking to get back to the excitement of her previous company’s “garage days,” she teamed up with Sterling, a former Noveske president, to reach a new market—one less interested in a tactical edge yet still in need of high-quality products. I recently attended a media event for gun writers in Utah with Sheri, Sterling and EraThr3’s editorial director, Ken Hutchison, which gave me a great opportunity to get to know the company and its products a little better.

When I drove up to the range, I immediately noticed rifles Cerakoted bright orange, green, yellow, blue, pink and purple. The guns had arrived in custom-made wooden crates engraved with our names and filled with various goodies and assorted clothing. My gun was a lime green AR in 5.56mm NATO nicknamed “The Grunt,” which came with several features I’d never used before this event. The goal was to make something different, and EraThr3 certainly accomplished that task very well.

Meeting Sheri and Sterling marked the beginning of some of the most fun I’ve had on a range in a long time. Both are engaging, friendly, enthusiastic and great to be around. They don’t take themselves too seriously, which made for a fun visit. When I asked Sheri about the bright colors on the rifles, she simply said that they were fun and different. And that may sum up the whole event.

Meet The Grunt

The EraThr3 Grunt rifle started with EraThr3’s E3 upper and lower receivers, which are machined from a billet of 7075-T6 aluminum and fitted by hand for enhanced accuracy. The receivers also feature several cutouts to reduce weight, and a smooth Cerakote finish gives the rifle its bright lime green color.

• RELATED STORY: AR Accessories – 16 Optics, Triggers, Handguards & Barrels For Your Rifle

The upper houses a 16-inch, carbon-fiber-wrapped barrel from Proof Research. The barrel has a .223 Wylde chamber, a 1-in-7-inch twist rate and a SilencerCo Saker flash suppressor. Surrounding the barrel and mid-length gas system is a 15-inch handguard with several lightening cuts, M-LOK slots for mounting accessories along the sides and bottom, and a full-length Picatinny rail on top for sights and optics. The upper also sports an AXTS Raptor ambidextrous charging handle and a titanium bolt carrier that holds an enhanced bolt from JP Enterprises. Another small touch is the dust cover, which is held in place with a recessed rod.

The E3 lower receiver is a truly unique design that is secured to the upper with enlarged titanium takedown pins. The first thing you’ll probably notice is the magazine well, which has cutouts on both sides as well as the front to help reduce weight. The integral triggerguard houses an AR Gold trigger from American Trigger. The magazine release and AXTS Talon ambidextrous safety are also made of titanium.

The rear of the lower receiver features a Primary Weapons Systems enhanced buffer tube with an H2 buffer. A Flat Dark Earth Magpul STR stock is installed on the buffer tube, and the pistol grip is a matching Magpul MIAD unit.

For targeting, the test rifle came equipped with a Leupold 3-18x44mm Mark 6 scope mounted in a Leupold IMS mount as well as Dueck Defense’s offset RTS sights. The EraThr3 Grunt also came with three 20-round Magpul Gen 3 PMAGs and an Atlas bipod.

Range Performance

The first day of the media event, we took shots out to 1,100 meters but mostly focused on targets at 600 meters and in. Hornady provided its 75-grain Superformance Match BTHP ammunition, which proved very accurate in the Grunt. This 5.56mm NATO ammo has a higher velocity than most of Hornady’s .223 Remington ammo. Factory rated at 2,910 fps from a 20-inch barrel, this load came closer to 2,800 fps through the Grunt’s 16-inch barrel.

I was able to get hits on steel targets at 600 meters with just one or two shots. Winds ranging from 10 to 20 mph made it harder to get hits at 800 and 1,000 meters, but I hit both of those targets. It was almost too easy; as long as I correctly accounted for the wind, I’d get a hit. Timed for right-handed shooters, the Saker flash suppressor held the muzzle in place with no rise. The EraThr3 Grunt was soft to shoot. It mostly stayed in place, even during rapid-fire strings.

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Next, we ran a short course of fire where each writer had to take shooting positions behind barricades and hay bales to engage ISPC-sized steel targets and LaRue knockdown targets from 50 to 500 meters. My first run, I didn’t miss a single target. I knocked them all down in turn, even the steel set at 508 meters. One thing became very obvious during this portion of the testing: The Grunt is truly light, and I had no problem running with it. It’s easy to maneuver with, carries well and recoils slightly, which makes it easier to get back on target for quick follow-up shots.

Each rifle was zeroed to hit close to the middle of a 6-inch steel target. My test rifle held dead on to my Kestrel readings and provided for consistent hits at extended ranges. It did so with the Hornady ammo as well as Black Hills’ 69-grain TMKs and Barnes’ 70-grain TSXs with no perceivable shift in holds. And it did all of this without cleaning the bore, only wiping down the bolt carrier group once in a while and occasionally adding oil.

After the event, I took the EraThr3 Grunt back to my home range, where I tested it for 100-yard groups and ran some of my own range drills. The results were similar—the rifle was very accurate, producing groups with all three types of ammunition within 0.6 inches. Hornady’s 75-grain Superformance Match ammo created the smallest group, which measured 0.5 inches exactly.

The Grunt Works

Between the media event and the trip to my home range, the EraThr3 Grunt never suffered a single malfunction, even when it was caked in sand and dust. Without extensive cleaning, the gun continued to run. Using ammo from Barnes, Black Hills and Hornady as well as a couple different 55-grain loads, the Grunt functioned without issue. I also ran the rifle with a SureFire SOCOM556-RC2 suppressor at my home range and didn’t experience a single hiccup. The ejection pattern shifted, as is typical with suppressor use, but the rifle never failed to eject a round.

I also want to note that, at 4.7 pounds unloaded, this is the lightest AR I’ve ever tested. The older I get, the less a rifle weighs, the better, and it’d be hard to beat the Grunt in this regard. Once the shooting started, I never noticed an increase in recoil or second-shot accuracy. My back and shoulders were very pleased with the lack of weight in my arms.

Each of these media event rifles was later listed on EraThr3’s website as a package with all of the test equipment included for a deeply discounted price. And despite their $6,750 price tags, the rifle packages quickly sold out, with $1,000 from each sale going to veterans’ charities. These were custom rifles built by hand with custom touches that are both useful and cosmetic, hence their custom prices.But EraThr3 treats every rifle like a personal creation—not a slab of aluminum and other parts slapped together. The attention to detail on my EraThr3 Grunt rifle alone was absolutely impressive. So if you’re looking for a cheap, get-it-done kind of rifle, you’ll need to look elsewhere. But if you are in the market for an unusual-looking rifle that performs well while standing out from the crowd, make sure you check out EraThr3.

For more information, visit http://www.erathr3.com.

This article was published in ‘Black Guns’ #190. For information on how to subscribe, please email subscriptions@outdoorgroupmags.com or call 1-800-284-5668. Keep Reading

The post Mean Green Fighting Machine: The .223 Wylde EraThr3 Grunt appeared first on Tactical Life Gun Magazine: Gun News and Gun Reviews.