Blog Posts, News
ARMY Announces Carbine Competition Details
The Army has outlined the competition that will select the best new carbine — and one that ultimately will face off against the improved M4A1 in a battle to become your next weapon.
The overall schedule of competition, testing, production and fielding is approximately three years to first unit equipped.
A draft solicitation to industry released Monday morning said the down-select will occur in three phases covering two years. The Army will host an industry day in March or April to solicit feedback and answer specific industry questions. The final solicitation will go out in May, and competitors typically have a couple of months to present their submissions.
The weapons will then square off in what officials have described as “extreme and extensive” tests expected to last 12 to 18 months. The Army will fire more than 2 million rounds to produce piles of data. Weapons will be tested to their destruction point and to determine whether they maintain accuracy throughout their life cycle — something the military has not tested before. A weapon typically loses accuracy as it ages.
No caliber restriction has been placed on a new design. It will be at least a 500-meter weapon and have a higher incapacitation percentage. It can have a gas or piston system. Interchangeable barrel sizes and calibers are not required, but many early contenders such as the FNH SCAR and Colt CM901 already incorporate this capability.
As the $30 million carbine competition is conducted, the Army also will move forward with the second half of its “dual path” strategy — an overhaul of the M4. The first phase essentially distributes an improved M4A1, which is notable for its heavier barrel and automatic fire. The heavier barrel reduces warping and erosion, resulting in better performance and longer life. It also allows for a higher sustained rate of fire. The Army also is adding ambidextrous controls.
The second phase will focus on increasing the M4’s effectiveness and accuracy, with emphasis on the bolt, bolt carrier assembly and the forward rail assembly.
The third phase, focusing on the operating system, will begin in about 18 months. The goal is to improve the gas system by allowing less gas and dirt in, or replacing it with a conversion kit.
Once the carbine competition’s winner is determined, the Army chief of staff will determine whether the service should go with the top carbine or the improved M4 as it recapitalizes the force. In an era of diminishing budgets, the winning carbine must hit financial goals as well as it hits targets.
This reality is not lost on the manufacturers. Remington, for example, had four carbines on display at the 2011 SHOT Show in Las Vegas last month. On one side there was an M4A1 and another M4A1 with a few more improvements. On the other side was the Adaptive Combat Rifle and the Modular Gas Piston.
While the ACR is Remington’s prized carbine, the MGP presents an improvement over the M4A1 at a lower cost than the ACR and its fellow competitors, said Jason Schauble, vice president of Remington’s Defense Division. The ACR will cost less than the M4, and the MGP will coss “far less,” he said.
An M4 runs about $1,300 per copy.
Schauble said he feels the carbine competition will be “a fair and honest” endeavor, but he is not convinced the winner will become the Army’s weapon of choice. With an eye on diminishing defense dollars, he has shown Remington’s ability to produce the M4A1.
AR-15 Red Dot Scopes, AR-15 Scope Mounts, Blog Posts
Aimpoint Comp M2 in a Larue LT-129 Mount
Several months ago I purchased a 4 MOA Aimpoint Comp M2 from SKD Tactical. It’s been sitting by just waiting for a mount. Well for Christmas the little woman was sweet and bought me a Larue Tactical LT-129 QD Mount (from SKD Tactical) designed specifically for the Aimpoint Comp M2. I think the combination is tough to beat. Right now my plan is to mount the unit on my FS2000.
Aimpoint Comp M2 in a Larue LT-129 Mount
Aimpoint Comp M2 in a Larue LT-129 Mount
Ill post some follow up pictures once mounted on the weapon.
Camo courtesy of A-TACS
AR-15 Scope Mounts, Blog Posts
Noveske Rifleworks FDE Quick Detach Scope Mount
Here’s something you dont see every day. An off the shelf Flat Dark Earth QD Scope Mount. The Noveske Rifleworks FDE Quick Detach Extended cantilever mount provides plenty of eye relief to mount a 30mm scope, or position a magnifier, night vision device, or other sighting accessory behind the main optic. Two quick-release levers clamp to a flattop receiver rail with unique cam action for a tight hold during recoil. Depress the locking tabs, swing both levers open, and the mount easily lifts off the rifle. Cross bars can be adjusted to fit almost any Picatinny or Weaver-style rail, including over- or under-sized commercial rails. Levers may be positioned to open to the front or the rear to suit the operator’s preference. Five, heavy duty steel hex head screws (three on top, two on bottom) clamp the 30mm vertically split ring halves together.
AR-15 Charging Handle, Blog Posts
AR-15/M16 PARA-TROOPER CHARGING HANDLE
AR-15/M16 PARA-TROOPER CHARGING HANDLE
Folds Against Receiver For Storage, Operates As Quickly A Standard Handle
Tactical charging handle has folding lever on the left side that hugs the receiver and presents a slim, non-snag silhouette during carry or storage. Opens instantly to cycle the action as quickly as a standard-issue handle. Deeply serrated front face ensures non-slip hand contact for positive operation on the first attempt in all weather conditions. Lever angles down slightly when retracted, so it won’t interfere with a scope or sight mounted on the receiver rail. Drop in ready for standard, mil-spec AR-15/M16 upper receiver; no fitting or gunsmithing required. Precision machined from billet 7075 T6 aluminum—the same material USGI receivers are made from—for superb strength and reliability. Hardcoat anodized to resist corrosion and surface wear; matte black finish matches most factory receiver finishes.
AR-15 Muzzle Brake, Blog Posts
AR15 Muzzle Brakes and Flash Suppressors:
Puts an end to muzzle flip and felt recoil for more comfortable shooting and faster follow-up shots. No machining, cutting, or fitting required to install on most guns. Fits .223 caliber, AR-15 rifles with threaded muzzles. Just remove the factory brake and screw this one on.
Here is a pretty interesting muzzle brake/flash supressor. If any visitors have experience with them please send me a message with some feedback.
In response to rule changes regarding compensators on rifles for tactical match use, JP Enterprises developed an all-new recoil eliminator design. Rifle compensators used for tactical matches such as the SOF, WC 3-Gun and USPSA Limited Class must meet the new 1” by 3” size. In addition, some people prefer a slimmer, more compact configuration in their rifle compensator but didn’t have a worthy alternative until now.
Low-profile steel compensator redirects and harnesses combustion gas energy to reduce felt recoil by as much as 70% compared to an uncompensated barrel. Helps the shooter stay on target for accurate follow-up shots and fast transition to the next target. Built to the exacting requirements of noted professional weapons instructor and tactical competition shooter Bennie Cooley to combine the recoil reduction of J.P.’s popular Recoil Eliminator muzzle brake in a slim, streamlined compensator that meets the 1″ x 3″ size requirements of SOF, WC 3-Gun, USPSA Limited, and other tactical rifle competitions. Large, flat interior baffle surfaces allow the bullet to pass through while redirecting the rapidly expanding gas to the sides and slightly forward through the square-cut side vents to create forward thrust that counteracts bullet recoil. The higher the pressure, the more counteracting force the comp actually provides. In addition, four tuned ports on top minimize muzzle rise, further helping the shooter keep the sights on target. Solid bottom prevents kicking up a dust signature when shooting prone. Precision-machined from high-grade carbon steel, with a tough matte black oxide finish, or stainless steel with a brightly polished surface. All models fit rifles chambered in .223/5.56mm; can be bored out for larger calibers. Standard Profile available for barrels with .750″ or .875″ O.D. at muzzle. Large Profile is a beefed-up version of Standard model for .875″ O.D. bull barrels and has extra baffle surface area for maximum reduction of felt recoil while retaining the cosmetics of the Standard series. Not legal for Limited Tactical Division competition.
“Radical performance” sums up the JP Recoil Eliminator, which allows for the fastest possible sight recovery and the highest level of recoil reduction possible.
Dual, curved restrictor plates with a tremendous amount of surface area stop exiting barrel gases and pull the barrel forward to counteract recoil and muzzle flip. The front sight or scope stays right on target for a faster second shot, plus less felt recoil and shooter fatigue. AR-15 model threads onto standard 1/2″-28 tpi barrels; Tapered Nut model can be fitted to barrels from .600″ to .650″ diameter, threaded 1/2″-28, in calibers up to .358.
Three large expansion chambers, asymmetric baffles along with four unique top ports redirect muzzle gases to reduce muzzle rise and allow you to stay on target. CNC machined from 416-series stainless steel and black oxide coated for durability. Fits 5.56 NATO (.223) caliber, 1/2″-28 tpi threaded barrels only.
Inspired by E-Tac”s own Talon Breacher Brake for Shotgun, this is one of the coolest looking best functioning rifle brakes on the Planet. Besides looking great it works incredibly well with virtually no recoil and a very satisfying deep yet relatively quiet report without concussion. It is the beefiest brake we know of and was designed to take incredible abuse. Like the Talon Breacher brake, the Talon Tips will persuade yet not unintentionally cut skin.
- Precision CNC machined from pre-hardened billet chrome moly steel.
- Pre-threaded for easy installation.
- Parkerized finish.
Machined from bar stock with an integral, solid baffle that won’t shoot out. Top and side ports counter recoil and muzzle rise. Solid bottom controls dust printing. A-2-style looks correct on pre- and post-ban rifles. Includes roll pin for permanent installation. Simplifies conversion of pre-ban barrels to post-ban configuration.
Machined steel compensator employs a simple, open-topped design that directs combustion gases upward to virtually eliminate muzzle rise and felt recoil. Allows fast, accurate follow-up shots in semi-auto mode and superb control in full auto. Based on an original design by Greg Carlson, a dedicated Class 3 shooter, for use on machine pistols, the Flash .223 is exceptionally effective on carbines and short-barreled AR-15/M16 rifles. Two large, longitudinal ports vent gas upward at roughly 45 degree angles to counteract upward force on the muzzle without directing concussion and noise back at the shooter, so a rifle equipped with the Flash .223 is no louder than one with a standard A2 flash hider. Solid bottom prevents kicking up dust signature when shooting prone.
Highly-efficient internal helical design uses ten precisely contoured longitudinal ports combined with a unique, cloverleaf-shaped exit port to trap unburned powder particles long enough for full burn and dissipation of hot combustion gasses. Muzzle flash cancels itself out to minimize shooter exposure during daytime and low-light situations. Also serves as a compensator by directing venting gasses to help reduce muzzle jump and improve shooter control for better shot placement. Precision machined from 4140 steel to stand up to rough tactical operations. 2-1/8″ overall length brings a 14 1/2″ barrel up to legal length for civilian use when flash suppressor is permanently pinned or welded in place. Accepts most sound suppressors and Blank Firing Attachments designed to fit a M16/M4 flash hider. VC-1 fits .223/5.56mm AR-15/M16/M4 rifles; VC-301 fits .308/7.62mm AR-style rifles.
Unique, patent-pending design redirects concussion forward to provide better flash suppression than standard A2 suppressor on short-barreled AR-15/M16/M4 rifles and other centerfire gas-operated weapons. Virtually eliminates side blast to protect nearby personnel during CQB, building entries, and when shooting from inside vehicles. Lessens felt recoil and reduces muzzle rise to help keep sights on the target for fast follow up shots and superior recoil management on full-auto assault rifles, especially with barrels 13″ or shorter. High-carbon steel with matte black manganese phosphate finish stands up to the heat and pressure of thousands of rounds. Convenient, 3/4″ wrench flats allow easy installation with the same wrench used to remove factory flash suppressor. Crush washer included. Each unit individually serial numbered for quality control. 
Flat, non-serrated muzzle face helps prevent catching or snagging muzzle tip during storage or deployment. Five, longitudinal vents help hide flash while dispersing gases up and outward; tames muzzle rise and keeps your front sights on target. Outward facing ports and solid panel on bottom help eliminate dust signature when shooting in the prone position. For threaded barrels only, includes crush washer. .223 model has grooved, base rings that accept training attachments and sound suppression devices for LE and military personnel.
Five, straight, longitudinal vents hide flash while dispersing gases up and outward to tame muzzle rise. No downward facing port helps eliminate dust signature when shooting in the prone position. For threaded barrels only, includes crush washer. .223 model has grooved base rings that accept training attachments and sound suppression devices for LE and military personnel. Chisel-shaped front notches keep muzzle planted on your attacker during CQB situations.
Longitudinal ports help minimize the blinding effects of muzzle flash in low light for improved target acquisition during night operations. Screw-on design for threaded barrels only. Includes crush washer for proper timing of vents. .223 model has four ports and aggressive, serrated notches at the tip that provide extra insurance in hand-to-hand combat. Integral rings at the base accept military sound suppressors and allow mounting of Blank Firing Attachments (BFAs) for training exercises. .308 has five ports and smooth, non-serrated muzzle tip; no BFA ring at base.
The Wilson Combat Accu-Tac AR flash hider sports a three-pronged external profile and Wilson’s exclusive external accurizing flutes, improving muzzle harmonics over other blast dispersing brakes. These extensively tested features effectively dissipate flash and minimize muzzle signature, but unlike many competitive AR muzzle devices, the Accu-Tac has no negative impact on accuracy. Hardened 4140 steel, fits standard, GI threaded AR barrels.
Brownells Flash Hiders
This is the complete video from the VLTOR section above.
