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.
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.”
My experience with Desert Tech goes back to the company’s beginnings, or earlier if you include my time shooting .338 Lapua Magnum rifles with the owner, Nick Young. So the Desert Tech MDR was a natural fit in my progression. But a little history first.
The Stealth Recon Scout (SRS) started as a discussion between us in the early 2000s. Now it’s one of the only bullpup precision rifles with any serious reach and credibility. It’s also extremely innovative and provides one of the fastest, easiest switch-barrel systems I’ve seen so far. Next came the Covert version of the rifle. After that was the Hard Target Interdiction (HTI), which is still the most consistently precise .50 BMG bullpup I’ve ever tested. The Desert Tech HTI in .375 CheyTac is also a treat.
Desert Tech MDR Details
Then Desert Tech unveiled its first carbine, the Micro Dynamic Rifle (MDR), back in 2014. Solely a select-fire .308 Winchester/7.62mm NATO design at the time, it suffered some growing pains as the company tried to make it accept different barrels and calibers. That said, it was still quite innovative from the beginning thanks to its forward ejection and ambidextrous controls. It just needed a little tuning, and Nick Young set out to prove the doubters wrong.
In 2017, Desert Tech officially launched the production .308 version, as well as .223 Wylde conversion kits. The rifles worked well, and it seemed that most of the issues had subsided, though the MDR could still be picky with certain types of ammunition. That’s what I experienced when I used the rifle for a Follow Through Consulting course in Texas. The MDR ran flawlessly with Hornady’s 155- and 168-grain Black A-MAX ammunition. However, it sometimes failed to eject 175- to 178-grain rounds.
When the MDR was outfitted with a late prototype 5.56mm barrel and a 3D-printed ejection chute, it ran reliably with all kinds of ammunition as I completed a number of training courses over the next year. And when I was chosen to rank 17 different semi-auto rifles for Ballistic’s Best, the MDR finished in the top 10.
Desert Tech wasn’t done tinkering, however. It made changes to the bolt, extractor and ejector. Also, Desert Tech added a six-position gas valve for both .223 and .308 variants. Current production rifles and barrel conversions include all of these changes. However, older rifles can also be sent in for the appropriate upgrades. That’s what I did with my MDR, and after I got it back, it was time to see if the rifle was really ready for prime time.
.308 Testing
I have both .223 and .308 conversion kits for my MDR, and my first task at the range was starting with a “What’s in the ammo can?” test. After installing a Leupold VX-6HD scope, I loaded three 20-round .308 magazines with a variety of rounds ranging from CorBon’s 125-grain TMKs to Black Hills’ 178-grain ELD-Xs. Putting the gas valve on the fourth setting for shooting in adverse conditions, the MDR digested all 60 rounds and didn’t stop or slow down until I needed to reload. Empty cases spit forward to slightly different distances, but they all ejected nicely, even the steel cases. I then set the gas valve on the third setting (normal) and ran the rifle with a .30-caliber OSS Helix suppressor. The rifle just kept chugging along.
When I tested more conventional suppressors, I switched to the second gas valve setting, and everything but the 125-grain TMKs ran well. Yes, a lot of gas kicked out of the rifle, but it was still reliable. Then I switched the gas valve back to the third setting and installed an OSS BPR, and the rifle digested several hundred rounds of Hornady 155-grain American Gunner ammo without missing a beat, even in bad weather—pouring rain, hail and some snow—at Buck Doyle’s Follow Through Consulting range in Torrey, Utah.
.223 Setup
Next, I switched the MDR over to the .223 Wylde and replaced the Leupold VX-6HD with my favorite sighting system for this rifle: The Leupold LCO red-dot sight and D-EVO fixed 6X optic. This unique setup provides fast transitions from dot to optic without ever moving the rifle—you just shift your focus. Offset sights work on the MDR, too, but most mounts are designed for an AR, so lining the dot up with the bore axis requires some work. The LCO/D-EVO setup eliminates this.
.223 Testing
I used Ammo Inc.’s 60-grain V-MAX rounds to zero the LCO at 50 yards and the D-EVO at 200 yards. I then tested the rifle from 50 to 610 yards using the 60-grain V-MAXs as well as Hornady’s 62-grain Frontier FMJs. Out to 381 yards, the 62-grain rounds were spot on when I held the reticle’s 400-yard mark at the bottom of the 12-inch steel target. I placed the reticle at the top of target for the remaining distances. The 60-grain V-MAXs shot even flatter and were just as accurate.
Back home, I subjected the .223 Wylde version to the same test as the .308 with varying types of ammunition. To be fair, the MDR had yet to miss a beat, but the new parts should ensure proper operation. Here my ammunition consisted of some pretty slow 68- and 69-grain match rounds, 50- and 55-grain Black Hills TSXs and some very fast Superformance 75-grainers from Hornady. There were also some 55- to 62-grain FMJ rounds of unknown origin. Again, the MDR ran everything on the fourth gas valve setting, and almost everything on the third setting with an NG2 Defense MZLMAX installed.
When I switched to a 3D-printed Thermal Defense Bantam suppressor, the rifle was reliable with nearly everything on the second gas setting. This suppressor weighs only 8 ounces and is just 3.8 inches long, with backpressure similar to that of most conventional designs. Printed from 100-percent Iconel 718, it is about as tough as it gets, especially for its weight and length, and it keeps the bullpup quite handy.
Ambidextrous & Switching Barrels
The Desert Tech MDR offers the easiest switch-barrel capabilities I’ve encountered while being completely ambidextrous. Every control is ambidextrous right out of the box, including the charging handle, bolt, safety and magazine release. Both sides feature charging handles that can lock the action open as well as ejection ports.
You determine what side the rifle ejects from by placing a solid cover on one side and the ejection chute on the opposite side. Remove the ejection chute entirely and the rifle will kick casings out like a typical rifle. There’s also a magazine release positioned forward of the triggerguard, and another is centered on the magazine well. All of this is good for lefties, but more importantly, you can operate the MDR from almost any conceivable position, no matter your strong side.
Swapping barrels is simple and easy, requiring nothing more than a couple of Torx wrenches. I’ve accomplished this in the field several times; considering the rest of the MDR’s features, no competitor out there really comes close. Switching from the .308 to the .223 resulted in a 3-inch change in the point of impact (POI) using the Leupold VX-6HD. Removing and reinstalling the same barrel resulted in little to no change. You can carry everything you’d need to switch calibers in the field in one little pack.
Raging Bullpup
Other bullpups are out there, but none has proven as accurate as the MDR. I regularly stack 60- to 69-grain rounds at 100 yards with groups in the 0.6-inch range. This is one of the few carbines that shoots Black Hills 69-grain TMKs into groups tighter than an inch at 100 yards. At 300 yards, my groups are in the 2- to 2.5-inch range. The flat two-stage trigger helps. Designed for hard use, it’s no precision trigger. However, it is better out of the box than most standard “mil-spec” AR triggers. It’s also light-years ahead of its bullpup competition.
Configured in .308 using a flash suppressor, the MDR weighs just over 8 pounds; that’s about the same as most AR-10 rifles. It’s obviously a little heavier than most .223/5.56mm rifles, but you are getting a 16-inch barrel in a rifle that is about the same length as a 10-inch-barreled AR-15. The MDR’s weight is centered, with less over the barrel, so it carries lighter, but it’s all a tradeoff.
The .308 recoil is stout with a flash suppressor. Adding a brake helps, but that muzzle blast is closer to the shooter than with most rifles, so it isn’t particularly comfortable to shoot. Adding the OSS BPR does not change the length and eliminates blast with some recoil mitigation. The OSS HX-QD works really well, too, but then you add to the overall length. The perfect configuration for me is with the MDR set up in .223 Wylde with the MZLMAX. The gun is short, handy and incredibly accurate while being light on recoil.
The New and Improved Desert Tech MDR
Bullpups offer some real advantages. You get a compact rifle without the tax stamp, excess blast or gas, or the loss of ballistic efficiency that comes with short-barreled rifles. Being able to switch calibers is a bonus; and no other system lets you move from the .308 to the .223, and back again, on the same base platform. The MDR’s accuracy is excellent. This latest production version has proven to be just as reliable—or more so—than anything else out there. The changes made, mostly to the bolt and associated parts, seem to have created a truly dependable carbine capable of doing almost anything you would ever need it to do. You can order it in either .308 or .223. Conversion kits consist of the barrel, bolt, mag conversion (where needed) and magazine catch. For even more info, visit deserttech.com.
Desert Tech MDR Specs
Caliber: .223 Wylde, .308 Winchester
Barrel: 16.13 inches
OA Length: 26.2 inches
Weight: 8.3 pounds (empty)
Stock: Synthetic
Sights: None
Action: Piston-operated semi-auto
Finish: Flat Dark Earth
Capacity: 30+1, 20+1
MSRP: $2,274
This article is from the October/November 2019 issue of Ballistic Magazine. Physical and digital copies are available at OutdoorGroupStore.com.
‘Tis the season to feel patriotic. We’re pulling out our GI Joe toys, cranking the national anthem to 11, and saluting our nation any way we can. With the Fourth of July upon us, it’s also a good time to highlight some patriotism as far as firearms go, and the RISE Armament Legacy Rifle jumps to the top of the list.
Before we get to the build itself, we should call out why this rifle stands out from the rest of the patriotic pack: Folds of Honor. A portion of each rifle purchase goes to Folds of Honor. In case you’re unfamiliar, the organization provides educational scholarships to children and spouses of those killed or disabled in combat. It’s a cause that should get everyone’s support. But let’s get to the rifle itself.
RISE Armament Legacy Rifle Details
The first thing that obviously stands out with the Legacy Rifle is the Cerakote pattern. There are several American flag-themed ARs on the market, but the color scheme on this one is the cleanest; it’s slightly faded, but still sleek.
RISE chambered the rifle in .223 Wylde. It features a boatload of RISE features. Let’s start with the barrel. RISE included its 416R stainless steel CB-160 barrel. The 16-inch barrel is popular among competitive shooters with its light weight leading the way. Then there’s the RISE Armament RA-902 Stinger Slimline handguard. It measures 15 inches and features M-LOK slots for attachments. It also has a short Picatinny rail system. Also included is the RISE Armament RA-701 Compensator. It reduces recoil by 67 percent, according to the company.
That’s all great — and it really is — but RISE is known for its triggers. RISE won Ballistic’s “Best AR Trigger” for 2019, so that should say enough. For the Legacy Rifle, RISE [appropriately] included its Patriot Trigger. It fits the build with its red, white, and blue American flag theme. It also features a crisp, 3.5-pound pull and a straight trigger blade.
Beyond that, the rifle also has some Magpul hardware, specifically the CTR Carbine Stock. For more information, please visit RISEArmament.com.
So, who doesn’t love a fire-breathing demon at your fingertips, really? Especially when it’s a demon that you can grab by the horns, and take for a ride. Primary Weapons Systems calls its PWS MK107 MOD 2-M Pistol the “Diablo” for a reason. More on that in just a bit.
PWS is the American Dream. It started in a garage by owner and designer Dean Sylvester. At the time, Sylvester designed and made brakes and other related AK-47 parts. Then he had a revolutionary idea: Adapt the gas piston system of the ultra-reliable, battle proven AKM (AK-47) so it works on the AR-15. Thus, we now have an AR-15 with a three-position long-stroke gas piston operated system.
If you get lazy, you can even clean it about as often as you clean an AK … seriously. I’ve heard of a PWS MK116 with just more than 5,000 rounds down range with no cleaning, for endurance testing. Sounds about right, as I personally know of an AK with a higher round count and no cleaning, and it’s still going strong. I really don’t suggest it, but it is doable. The Paratrooper in me won’t allow any weapon I own to stay dirty for long. Proper weapons maintenance was beaten into us early on.
The Demonically Wonderful PWS MK107 Diablo
PWS originally designed the MK107 MOD 2-M “Diablo” AR Pistol as an alternative to the 9mm H&K MP5. The Diablo offers 5.56mm solutions out of a 7.75-inch nitrided barrel, while producing unquestionable reliability. One cannot ask for much more than that.
Taming the demon is the CQB Compensator, also designed and made by PWS. It literally makes follow-up shots that easy, even from a barrel this short. To help with accuracy, PWS uses a .223 Wylde barrel with a 1:8 twist; this allows the user to shoot both 5.56 and .223 Rem. with greater accuracy potential.
Both the upper and lower receivers are T6 7075 Forged aluminum. The MOD 2-M lowers are fully ambidextrous as well, which is great for us southpaws. Having an ambi lower for this project was a must. You can shoot strong and weak handed, as well as if you are wounded and only have one hand in the fight.
PWS chose a 6.9-inch handguard for the MK107 MOD 2-M. A very cool feature unique to PWS is the way it attach accessories. PWS came up with its own system called PicLok. It incorporates MLOK with a Picatinny rail, so one can utilize both.
Also, factory is the Radian Raptor ambidextrous charging handle. It’s my personal favorite charging handle, as it works great, doesn’t snag on equipment, and is easy to manipulate with either hand.
Other Additions
While the MK107 comes with a nice enough mil-spec trigger, I like to make things truly “mine.” Plus, I have come to really like some of the triggers offered from RISE Armament. This Diablo got the newer RISE “Blitz” single-stage drop-in trigger. It comes with anti-walk pins and a 3- to 3.5-pound pull. When RISE Armament says that it’s got an “icicle like” break, it isn’t kidding. It’s got a very crisp break.
The other addition to the MK107 was the Law Tactical Folding Brace Adapter. By adding a folder, the storage options just increased. One can stow it under a seat, in-between seats, or in some cases, even behind the seat. Think about it though, now you have the perfect “truck gun” that is your own personal fire-breathing pet demon. I’ve used Law’s folders on several builds and haven’t had an issue yet. They are the best thing going for a folding brace/stock option in my opinion.
SB Tactical sure needs no introduction, as they are the leaders in pistol braces that actually work as advertised. No modifications needed—imagine that! The SBA3 Pistol Brace is right at home on this little beast.
Optic Upgrade
While ordering another scope mount from American Defense Manufacturing, I noticed that it got into the red dot business. ADM now offers its very own dot called the SPEK. It has 10 daytime settings and three night vision settings. It also uses a commonly available AAA battery for power. I’ve been playing with it for a few months now and really like it. The battery is rated at five years, which is really nice. The SPEK comes with an ADM Titanium QD Mount that will grip a rail like a vice.
Interestingly enough, ADM also offers a 3X and 5X magnifiers called the FLIK. It pairs right up with the SPEK, but just wasn’t applicable for a build like this. If you can’t hit your target within 50 yards with a 7.75-inch barrel and a 1x power red dot, then you just might want to make peace with God, because you’re probably about to be sent on your way to meet him.
Range Time With the PWS MK107 Diablo
Good times! The PWS MK107 MOD 2-M is so much fun! Thanks to the soft-shooting PWS long stroke gas piston system, and its CQB Compensator, follow-up shots were easy enough to obtain. It’s a very accurate AR Pistol as well. At 50 yards I netted a 0.9-inch group using Hornady Critical Defense .223 Rem. 73gr. FTX. It also came screaming out of the business end of the barrel at 2,137 FPS.
I used a variety of magazines to check fit and function. There are no issues to report; everything worked exactly as intended. Out of approximately 500 rounds fired, I also had zero stoppages. Another surprising tidbit: The chamber wasn’t even that dirty. That’s hard to imagine for a barrel this short, so chalk it up to the long-stroke gas piston system that is the heart of every PWS AR.
It’s hard to find fault in a PWS AR. Then again, I was blessed to be given a tour of Primary Weapons Systems and saw firsthand how it designs and manufactures its products. If I had to say something negative, I’d say that it should have incorporated a sling swivel socket on each side of the Diablo’s handguard. That’s about all the negative I can find with this AR Pistol, if you could even call it a negative.
Final Thoughts
The PWS MK107 Mod 2-M is an exceptional truck gun, or personal defense gun in general. For home defense though, I’d invest in a sound suppressor so the whole family isn’t learning sign language after a burglary “attempt.”
Overall, it’s a great little AR Pistol. If you had one placed into your hands, you would probably want to take it home. Every trigger pull brought a smile, as the recoil impulse is very minimal. Couple that with the legendary reliability of Primary Weapons Systems, and you have a winner for sure. For even more info, please visit PrimaryWeapons.com.
PWS MK107 MOD 2-M “Diablo” Specs
Caliber: .223 Wylde
Barrel Length: 7.75 inches
Barrel Twist 1:8
Weight: 7.2 pounds (as equipped in article)
Optic and Mount: American Defense Machining SPEK with Aluminum QD mount ($369.99)
Bullet weight measured in grains, velocity in FPS by Caldwell G2 Ballistic Precision Chronograph at 5 feet, and accuracy in inches for best five-shot groupings at 36 and 75 yards from standing modified support, using a Kopfjager K800 CF with Reaper Grip .
For more than 60 years the AR platform’s very construction limited it accuracy potential. Better barrels, better ammunition, and the correct twist rates have been developed, but the rifle’s construction has remained the same. Forged and billet receivers have been developed and tweaked, but the basic methods of holding it all together haven’t been improved until now. The new Springfield Armory SAINT Edge ATC delivers a sub-MOA accuracy guarantee. Springfield achieved this by changing the way it builds the AR platform.
Springfield Armory SAINT Edge ATC
The Achilles heel of AR accuracy has been the inability to truly free float the barrel. The problem rests not within the operating system, but the handguard. As long as the handguard is attached to the barrel nut any force applied to the handguard is transferred to the barrel nut. The longer the handguard and further out on the handguard that force is applied the worse it gets. If you don’t believe it there are plenty of simple drills you can experiment with that demonstrate how applying a load to your handguard impacts the point of impact even on heavily-built rifles.
Springfield challenged the classic build style and solved the load issue by creating a truly free-floated system. Rather than a conventional upper with handguard pinned to a conventional lower, Springfield created a chassis (Accurized Tactical Chassis, or ATC). Much like the chassis rifles you’ve seen in precision bolt gun competitions, the action is secured by a piece that extends out under the barrel to effectively serve as a lower handguard. The “upper handguard” then attaches to that chassis. Any force, such as a bipod or human hand, applied to that chassis may be applied to the action, but does not apply to the barrel. The barrel is finally, truly, free floated. Finally, we can truly find the accuracy potential of a barrel and load combination.
Modular Compatibility Retained
If you’re like me and immediately thought of some favorite barrel makers fear not, as long as the handguard is removed, and the barrel nut fits the chassis, you can run the barrel of your choice in the Springfield SAINT Edge ATC. We’ll have one in hand soon for a further review in an upcoming issue of Tactical Life Magazine. You can expect a thorough test in that article, including some hopefully new accuracy records with various loads, and possibly some results of other upper and barrel combinations tested as a conventional AR, then again in the SAINT Edge ATC.
Primary Weapons Systems is known and loved for its evolution of the AR platform. Externally PWS rifles look similar to an AR, providing familiar controls, handling, and modularity. But inside is where the magic happens. The PWS lightweight, long-stroke piston system brings cooler, cleaner, and more suppressor-friendly handling to the AR operator. Primary Weapons Systems exemplifies this in its MK1 MOD 2-M.
The Primary Weapons Systems MK1 MOD 2-M
An evolution of design that enhances reliability and user experience beyond standard fair. Primary Weapons Systems has also made a name for itself with its Enhanced Buffer Tube and Ratcheting Castle Nut. With the PWS operating system and other parts well-established it was time for the rest of the rifle to evolve. It was time for a lower receiver of PWS’s design.
The MK1 MOD 2-M lower features truly ambidextrous controls, an integrated trigger guard, and a nicely-flared magazine well. Overall, it has a stripped weight (ambidextrous magazine and bolt controls pre-installed) of just 7.6 ounces. It’s a challenge to add functionality without adding weight, and yet Primary Weapons Systems has done it.
The included trigger guard has a total weight below that of a standard AR-15 receiver (8.5oz without a trigger guard, magazine, or bolt catch). PWS accomplished this with some clever engineering and a reminder that it’s not the 1960s anymore. AR manufacturers can do better, and Primary Weapons Systems Did.
Weight savings are accomplished by relieving thickness in non-critical areas. Just how much has been removed from each side is apparent when looking at the trigger and hammer pin areas, which are standard length. A glance at the pivot pin detent housing also shows how, despite having added features and material for the trigger guard, this is a lightweight lower.
Unlike other “ambi” lowers, the Mk1 MOD 2-M features magazine, bolt, and safety controls on both sides of the gun. In my experience, the value of this goes beyond serving Southpaws. It also extends to the ability to control the bolt with the firing hand without needing to dismount the rifle.
Pair the MK1 MOD 2-M with PWS Uppers for the Full Experience
While the MK1 Mod 2-M lower can be used with any AR-15 platform, it truly makes sense when paired with a PWS upper as an example of what the platform can and should be. Most of us don’t drive carbureted cars with manual steering to the range (unless, for nostalgia’s sake). So, why should we limit ourselves to rifles from that era?
Just when you thought you’d seen it all, an AR-15 comes along that literally lets you see it all. Specifically, the Omni Hybrid Maxx RIA Amber Translucent AR-15 from American Tactical. The new rifle features translucent upper and lower receivers that allow the user to watch the action in action.
The American Tactical Omni Hybrid Maxx RIA Amber Translucent AR-15
Featuring an amber translucent polymer construction, the upper and lower receivers provide an insider look at your rifle’s components. As a result, you get a live view of the action—in action. Not to mention, this gives the Omni Hybrid Maxx RIA a unique and distinctive look that goes beyond the range.
Featuring a 16-inch ½ x 28 threaded barrel, with 1:8 twist, the translucent AR-15 provides optimized bullet stabilization. Correspondingly, chambered in .223 WYLDE, with a mid-length gas system, the rifle provides the added versatility of .223 Remington and 5.56 NATO accommodation. As a result, shooters enjoy greater accuracy, versatility, and reliability from both rounds.
Surrounding the barrel is a 15-inch M-LOK free-float handguard. The handguard has a full-length Picatinny rail that meets up with the rail on the upper receiver. Likewise, M-LOK slots surround its entire circumference. As a result, you can attach a full complement of optics, lights, grips, and other accessories.
The Omni Hybrid Maxx RIA Translucent AR-15 is shouldered via the Mission First Tactical Battlelink Utility low-profile stock. Designed for comfort and adaptability, the stock also includes a water-resistant storage compartment for storing critical gear.
Finally, the rifle ships with an American Tactical S60 556 60-round magazine with side window. So, the rifles components aren’t the only thing you get to see.
“The ATI Omni Hybrid Maxx RIA Amber Translucent represents the culmination of our relentless pursuit of firearm excellence,” said Tony DiChario, President of ATI.
“This rifle combines cutting-edge design, premium materials, and superb craftsmanship to deliver an extraordinary shooting experience. We are confident that firearm enthusiasts of all levels will appreciate the exceptional performance and stunning aesthetics of the OMNI HYBRID MAXX RIA Amber Translucent. Not only is it a top-performing rifle, it is a showpiece,” concluded DiChario.
Availability
The American Tactical Omni Hybrid Maxx RIA Amber Translucent AR-15 is available now with an MSRP of $599.99. For more info, please visit AmericanTactical.us.
(Photo by American Tactical)
American Tactical Omni Hybrid Maxx RIA Amber Translucent AR-15 Specs
New to the game, Watchtower Firearms is making some serious waves in the industry. After the acquisition of F-1 Firearms, the veteran-owned company is focusing on the existing consumer market as well as military and law enforcement markets. A perfect example of what to expect from Watchtower is the Type 15M AR-15.
The Watchtower Type 15M
The Type 15M lays the groundwork for an “All American Made” premium forged line with its 7075-T651 forged aluminum receivers. Manufactured with enhanced tolerances, the rifle meets all military specifications. Likewise, the Type 15M features a 5.56 NATO Durabolt BCG (Bolt Carrier Group) with a black nitride finish.
A 13.7-inch S7M free-floating handguard houses the 16-inch barrel in your choice of .223 Wylde in stainless steel or 5.56 NATO cold hammer forged. The barrel features match-grade 1:8 rifling and 1/2×28 threading for attaching a suppressor or other muzzle device. However, a Mil-Spec A2 birdcage flash hider comes installed.
The handguard includes M-LOK slots down both sides and the bottom, with three slots at 11 and 1 o’clock. Likewise, a full-length Picatinny rail runs the top of the handguard and upper receiver. As a result, you can attach your choice of optics or other accessories.
The 15M features a Mil-Spec trigger, as well as a Mil-Spec charging handle and safety selector. Additionally, B5 Systems provides the furniture with the reinforced polymer Type 23 P-Grip and Bravo Stock. The 15M is available with Black Type III Anodized, Wolf Grey Cerakote, FDE Cerakote, or OD Green Cerakote finishes.
Availability
The Watchtower Type 15M is available now with MSRPs of $999.00 (.223 Wylde barrel) and $1,249.00 (5.56 NATO barrel). For more info, please visit WatchtowerFirearms.com.
Watchtower Type 15M Specs
(Photo by Watchtower Firearms)
Receiver: TYPE 15M 7075-T651 forged aluminum Handguard: 13.7-inch S7M free-floating handguard Barrel: 16-inch .223 Wylde match grade 1:8 rifling, black nitride finish Muzzle Device: Mil-spec A2 birdcage flash hider Bolt Carrier Group: 5.56 NATO Durabolt, black nitride finish Trigger: Mil-spec Safety Selector: Mil-spec Charging Handle: Mil-spec Grip: B5 Systems Type 23 P-grip Stock: B5 Systems Bravo stock Weight: 7 lbs. Finishes: Black type III anodized or select from three cerakote colors: FDE, OD Green and Wolf Grey MSRP: $999.00 (.223 Wylde barrel), $1,249.00 (5.56 NATO barrel)
Like some U.S. states, Australia has rather restrictive laws when it comes to its firearms. However, to overcome these laws, Citadel introduced its Taipan X pump action rifle in .223 Wylde. Fortunately, the platform also helps overcome restrictive laws regarding semi-autos here in the States as well. Available through Legacy Sports International, the platform delivers AR-15 compatibility and pump-action operation with a straight pull bolt backup.
The Citadel Taipan X SCSA Pump Action .223 Rifle
Made in Australia, the Taipan X overcomes many restrictive laws on the AR-style platform. Specifically, by replacing the semi-auto components with a manually cycled action, the platform can maintain the AR-style features. This ensures that it conforms to Australian law, which is also compatible with the laws in certain U.S. states.
The rifle features a standard replaceable A2 compatible grip, so users can use the grip they like best. However, since it is a manual action and not gas piston or direct impingement, it doesn’t include a buffer tube. So, it utilizes a TSP X buttstock that is not compatible with typical AR-style stocks.
Running the entire top of the rifle is a full-length Picatinny rail for attaching optics, a scope, or other accessories. Likewise, the sides of the forearm include M-LOK slots for further accessory compatibility. In addition, a removable case deflector protects the dark grey Cerakote finish and the shooter alike.
Chambered in .223 Wylde, the 16-inch barrel, with 1:8 twist, is ready to deliver enhanced accuracy from standard .223 Rem and 5.56 rounds as well. Correspondingly, the barrel features a threaded muzzle for running a suppressor or other muzzle device.
Rounds are manually cycled via a spring-assist pump handle on the forearm like any pump action firearm. However, the rifle includes a bolt handle for the straight pull bolt on the left side. As a result, the action can be cycled when shooting off the bench, a bipod, or mounted to a tripod. Correspondingly, the bolt is non-reciprocating, so you can maintain a handle on it for fast follow-up shots.
The Taipan X features an AR-15 compatible magazine well and AR-15-style magazine release. Likewise, it ships with one 10-round Magpul magazine. Finally, a redesigned hammer provides lighter, smoother cycling, reduced lock-up time, and an improved trigger feel.
Availability
The Citadel Taipan X SCSA pump action rifle is available now with an MSRP of $1,299.00. For more info, please visit LegacySports.com.
(Photo by Legacy Sports International)
Citadel Taipan X Specs
Type
Pump Action
Barrel
16.5″ Stainless Steel Threaded, 1:8 Twist
Colors Available
Gray
Hand
Right Only
Threaded
Yes
Caliber
available in .223 Wylde (.223 REM & 5.56×45 Compatible)
MSRP
$1,299.00
Features
Straight Pull Bolt
Spring Assist Pump
Case Deflector
Enhanced Trigger
Enclosed Handguard with full length Picatinny Rail
WATCHTOWER’s Spec-ops series supersedes mil-spec qualifications, which combines billet precision and military heritage. The Type 15 rifle from Watchtower Firearms is manufactured from high-grade billet aluminum for tight tolerances to secure a wobble-free fitment and to prevent dust and debris.
The Watchtower Type 15 AR-15 Rifle
The platform features an ambidextrous charging handle and safety selector for more dexterity on the mechanics of the firearm. The fire control group is Hiperfire’s EDT2 Heavy Gunner trigger. Additionally, we install a bolt carrier group with a PVD coating that is corrosion-resistant and robust in the harshest conditions.
This firearm is equipped with a 16-inch .223 Wylde barrel or has an option for a cold hammer forged barrel. Lastly, the all-purpose 13.7-inch S7M handguard with M-LOK attachment slots at five positions, 4 QD points, and a full-length 1913 Picatinny rail. This rifle also comes with B5 Systems reinforced polymer pistol grip and buttstock.
15.0” Handguard (1.7” width, 2.25” height)
