Colt Defense Modular Multi-Caliber LE901-16S Rifle

Colt Defense

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. --(Ammoland.com)- Colt Defense LLC, one of the world’s leading designers, developers, and manufacturers of rifles and carbines, will bring to market the highly anticipated LE901-16S modular, multi-caliber rifle.

The Colt LE901-16S was built with both the tactical professional and modern sportsman in mind.

This rifle will be offered in black, with other finishes available later in the year, and has superior accuracy. This modular rifle can be easily changed from .308 Winchester (7.62×51 NATO) chambering to .223 Remington (5.56×45 NATO).

“This is an exceptional rifle for a wide variety of shooters due to the interchangeability in caliber,” said David Ridley, Vice President of Colt Defense, LLC, “With a simple swap of the upper receiver shooters can switch to the caliber they need for the shot they want to achieve.”

In the classic .308 Winchester (7.62×51 NATO), the LE901-16S is chambered perfectly for a tactical professional’s sniper shot, civilian shooters’ target practice or a hunter’s big-game shot. With a simple swap of the upper receiver and buffer system, this versatile rifle’s chambering can be changed to .223 Remington (5.56×45 NATO) and transition into a law enforcement officer’s tactical weapon of choice or a small game hunter’s standard carry.

The Colt LE901-16S rifle weighs only 9.4 pounds and measures 37.5 inches with the stock extended. It has an effective range distance of 700 meters and a rate of fire between 700 and 950 rounds per minute when configured for .308. Exceptional accuracy comes by way of the free floated, 16-inch, chrome-lined barrel and one-piece monolithic upper receiver.

All operating controls on the LE901-16S are ambidextrous, including the magazine release, bolt catch and fire control selector. The monolithic rail covers the fore end and is suitable for mounting the shooter’s choice accessory in addition to the back up iron sight (BUIS) offered standard on the rifle. The LE901-16S features a black Vltor buttstock and comes with two black 20-round Magpul PMAGs.

Colt Defense Modular Multi-Caliber LE901-16S Rifle

With its simplicity of use and versatile chambering, Colt Defense’s LE901-16S is a prime weapon choice for tactical operations, big-game hunting, and small-game shots.

About Colt Defense LLC
Colt Defense LLC is one of the world’s leading designers, developers and manufacturers of small arms weapons systems. The Company has supplied rifles and carbines to military, law enforcement and individual customers throughout the world for 175 years. Our subsidiary, Colt Canada Corporation, is the Canadian government’s Center of Excellence for small arms and is the Canadian military’s sole supplier of the C7 rifle and C8 carbine. The Company maintains manufacturing facilities in West Hartford, Connecticut and Kitchener, Ontario. For more information on Colt Defense LLC and its subsidiaries please visit www.colt.com.

Colt Defense

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. --(Ammoland.com)- Colt Defense LLC, one of the world’s leading designers, developers, and manufacturers of rifles and carbines, is pleased to offer five rifles that are compliant with California’s bullet button laws.

Colt’s LE6920CA, three of Colt’s Magpul-accessorized 6920s (the LE6920CMP-B, LE6920CMP-FDE and the LE6920CMP-O) and the LE6940CA will all be made available in California for 2012.

“We are pleased to offer such a varied assortment of rifles for California,” said David Ridley, Vice President, Colt Defense LLC, “This selection of guns, complete with the necessary bullet button, give sportsmen numerous options when choosing a quality Colt rifle that meets the state’s compliance requirements.”

With its lightweight design and potent firepower capability, the Colt 6920 Law Enforcement carbine is a popular choice for tactical deployment and traditional patrol. Weighing 6.95 pounds and measuring 35.5 inches with the stock extended, the 6920 is effectively mobile. The LE6920CA has a 16-inch barrel with a safe-semi rate of fire and an effective range distance of 600 meters.

The Colt LE6940CA is another popular option for tactical operators. This M4 rifle weighs slightly less than the 6920 and offers a one-piece monolithic rail that extends from the rear of the upper receiver to the front sight. Built for long-range acquisition capability, the 6940 offers unmatched advantages in situations where accuracy is key. Other features of the LE6940CA include the A2 pistol grip, DCH rear sight, Colt flash suppressor and a nine-round magazine.

Colt’s LE6920CMP-B, LE6920CMP-FDE and LE6920CMP-O are the bullet button versions of Colt’s newest rifle offering, the LE6920MP. Complimenting the black 6920 Colt M4 carbine are some of Magpul’s most popular firearm accessories in either black, flat dark earth or olive drab. Magpul parts that come standard on these rifles include the MOE Vertical Grip (MVG), MOE Hand Guard, Generation 2 Rear Back-Up Sight (MBUS), MOE-K Hand Grip, MOE Trigger Guard, MOE Carbine Stock.

About Colt Defense LLC
Colt Defense LLC is one of the world’s leading designers, developers and manufacturers of small arms weapons systems. The Company has supplied military, law enforcement and individual customers throughout the world for 175 years. Our subsidiary, Colt Canada Corporation, is the Canadian government’s Center of Excellence for small arms and is the Canadian military’s sole supplier of the C7 rifle and C8 carbine. The Company maintains manufacturing facilities in West Hartford, Connecticut and Kitchener, Ontario. For more information on Colt Defense LLC and its subsidiaries please visit www.colt.com.

Colt And Magpul Partner To Offer Fully-Accessorized Rifle - Colt Magpull LE6920MP Rifle

Colt Defense

WEST HARTFORD, Conn. --(Ammoland.com)- Colt Defense LLC, one of the world’s leading designers, developers, and manufacturers of rifles and carbines, will bring to market the LE6920MP, a rifle standard equipped with many of Magpul’s most popular firearm accessories.

Available this month, this version of Colt’s top selling LE6920 will be available in a variety of color combinations complete with multiple Magpul accessories.

This rifle is the first product Colt Defense and Magpul have developed together.

“By combining Colt’s quality firearm with Magpul’s popular accessories and offering them together in one standard product we are giving customers an option to save time and money,” said David Ridley, Vice President, Colt Defense LLC. “Magpul has earned its reputation for developing and manufacturing some of the most innovative firearm accessories available, and by making those accessories available as standard equipment on the new Colt LE6920MP we feel confident this firearm will be one of the highest quality products available.”

At the base of this new AR platform rifle is Colt’s popular 6920 Law Enforcement Carbine, proven to be effectively mobile during tactical deployment and traditional patrol. With a fully retracted buttstock, the carbine measures only 30.5 inches and weighs in at only 6.8 pounds. Tried and true, this carbine boasts proven advantages like a safe, semi-automatic rate of fire for potent firepower capability and speed of target acquisition.

The advantage of the LE6920MP is the addition of Magpul’s American-made accessories as standard equipment. The Magpul Original Equipment (MOE) additions are cost effective products engineered to enhance weapon performance and usability.

“The Colt name has been synonymous with quality, reliability and pride in craftsmanship for decades,” says Drake Clark Senior Director of OEM sales, Magpul Inds. Corp, “The integration of Magpul’s industry leading designs into Colt’s top quality AR-15s brings tremendous value to the customer.”

Magpul accessories on the new Colt LE6920MP platform include the MOE Vertical Grip (MVG), MOE Hand Guard, Generation 2 Rear Back-Up Sight (MBUS), MOE-K Hand Grip, MOE Trigger Guard, MOE Carbine Stock and two durable 30-round Magpul Polymer Magazines (PMAG).

The Magpul MOE Vertical Grip (MVG), which is attached to the mid-length MOE Hand Guard and features an ergonomic design, is optimized for use with the thumb break shooting method. The LE6920MP is the only rifle on the market that offers the MVG as standard equipment.

The Generation 2 Magpul Rear Back-Up Sight (MBUS) is a spring-loaded flip-up sight that stows to just .51 inches above the rail and can be folded with either aperture in position. The MOE-K Hand Grip, with a compact design and a steeper, more vertical grip angle allows for improved comfort and control. Paired with the MOE-K grip is the polymer MOE Trigger Guard that has rounded edges and features a shallow “V” shape, beneficial for shooters wearing gloves in tactical or cold weather operations.

Also issued on the rifle is the MOE Carbine Stock, which has a streamlined A-frame profile. An extra-power lock mechanism with premium chrome-silicon springs helps to prevent auto-collapse failure and resists spring relaxation to deter auto-collapse failure. The rubber butt-pad offers prevention from shoulder slippage, even while wearing modular gear or body armor.

All models also come with two durable 30-round Magpul Polymer Magazines (PMAG) which have become the industry standard for reliable, impact resistant and resilient rifle-compatible magazines.

In addition to the black model, LE6920MP-B, other models being offered are the LE6920MP-FDE rifle, which features Magpul parts in flat dark earth; the LE6920MP-O including Magpul parts in olive drab; and the LE6920MPG-B with green anodized receivers and Magpul parts in black. Excluding the LE6920MPG-B, these rifles are also available with a bullet button for California compliance.

Both companies are excited to announce this partnership and bring these superior firearms to market.

“Combining our products and giving shooters a quality rifle complete with accessories straight out of the box is something we’re excited to offer shooters,” said Ridley, “It is likely that this will not be the last product to come from this partnership.”

About Colt Defense LLC
Colt Defense LLC is one of the world’s leading designers, developers and manufacturers of small arms weapons systems. The Company has supplied military, law enforcement and individual customers throughout the world for 175 years. Our subsidiary, Colt Canada Corporation, is the Canadian government’s Center of Excellence for small arms and is the Canadian military’s sole supplier of the C7 rifle and C8 carbine. The Company maintains manufacturing facilities in West Hartford, Connecticut and Kitchener, Ontario. For more information on Colt Defense LLC and its subsidiaries please visit www.colt.com.

JP Enterprises Launches Its On-Demand Ready Rifle Program

JP Rifles

Hugo, MN --(Ammoland.com)- After years of building their reputation for premium custom rifles, JP Enterprises is announcing the launch of their new Ready Rifle program of stock JP-15 and CTR-02 configurations ready to ship at a moment’s notice.

Selected from several of their best-selling builds, each Ready Rifle is identical to a custom one-off JP rifle, but instead of a 4-6 week lead time, these Ready Rifles are built and ready to ship in as little as 2-3 days.

“Long lead times don’t make our rifles or any other product prestigious,” said JP president John Paul.

“It all comes down to hands-on impact and proven results. We want to get a rifle into the customer’s hands now because we’re not impressing him one bit for the weeks he’s waiting.”

By having new rifles available to customers in less than a week, JP expects a rousing response from shooters looking forward to an upcoming match or a hunting trip that’s right around the corner.

The program is structured around individual models tailored to the full gamut of uses from duty to competition to hunting to bench shooting.

By casting such a wide net, JP aims to win over shooters from every persuasion and already has plans for more configurations to add to the Ready Rifle offerings as the program grows.

For more information on JP Enterprises and their new Ready Rifle program, visit their website at www.jprifles.com and keep up to date on the newest JP developments at www.facebook.com/JPRifles and http://twitter.com/#!/JPRifles.

Armalite AR-10 DMC Rifle

ArmaLite Inc

Geneseo, IL – -(Ammoland.com)- Few firearm manufacturers have captured the imagination of American Shooters as thoroughly as ArmaLite.

ArmaLite first rose to prominence during the late 1950s, with a series of innovative rifles that looked unlike any produced before.

Although ArmaLite itself was unable to reap the full benefit of its work, the ArmaLite design team created innovative designs that still are setting the standard by which new models are evaluated.

There is great interest in the history of ArmaLite. This document is a team effort that summarizes ArmaLite’s origin in 1954, its corporate shifts and changes over the years, and the developments that have taken place over that period. It ends with the current status of the new company today, 56 years later. It is the official corporate history of ArmaLite.

This document was established in an ArmaLite letter dated March 1974, and subsequently updated in 1998, 1999, 2004, and 2010. It includes information taken from ArmaLite documents whenever possible. It remains a work in process, with information, updates, and corrections continuing to arrive from ex-ArmaLite personnel.

This document is the copyrighted property of ArmaLite, Inc. It is released for private, individual use. All rights are reserved.

Like Colt and most other firearm manufacturers, ArmaLite has passed through a number of management and ownership phases. Each will be discussed, with the participation of company officials of the time used where available.

Armalite Division, Fairchild Engine And Airplane Corp

ARMALITE DIVISION, FAIRCHILD ENGINE AND AIRPLANE CORP.
ArmaLite was first established as a Division of Fairchild Engine and Airplane Corporation on October 1, 1954. At least two years of privately funded development preceded the Fairchild supported program. The ArmaLite Division of Fairchild is the first phase of the company’s history.

There had been very little fundamental development in the small arms industry for over fifty years. Increasing military use of the machine gun and production of semiautomatic rifles were the main significant changes. No fundamental change in military riflery doctrine had been made since the latter half of the nineteenth century, and production materials and techniques were also largely unchanged.

ArmaLite believed that a ready market existed for firearms of advanced design featuring lightweight, modern alloys and plastics, and economical production procedures.

The initial plan was to produce fine sporting firearms for the commercial market. It was considered likely that in due time, some of the concepts used in the commercial firearms would have acceptance by the military.

Shortly after Fairchild established the ArmaLite Division, ArmaLite was invited to submit a rifle to the U.S. Air Force as a replacement for the then-standard survival rifle. A few weeks after receiving information as to this requirement, ArmaLite submitted the AR-5, .22 Hornet Survival Rifle for Air Force evaluation. The AR-5 was adopted and designated the MA-1 Survival Rifle.

The initial success with the AR-5 led Fairchild to reverse the strategy of focusing on the commercial market first, then entering the military market. With the adoption of the AR- 5 and with a quantity purchase seemingly assured, ArmaLite decided to defer entry into the commercial field until such time as their reputation and financial position were established as a result of military sales. For the next five years, almost all ArmaLite activity was directed to the development of military firearms.

The concept of using the latest technical advances in plastics and alloys was the idea of George Sullivan, Chief Patent Counsel for Lockheed Aircraft Corporation. Sullivan had started work in his own garage shop after WWII. This work came to the attention of Fairchild in 1953 when Sullivan and Paul S. Cleveland, Fairchild’s Corporate Secretary, discussed the principles at a meeting of an aircraft industry committee. Cleveland called attention of this work to Richard S. Boutelle, Fairchild’s president and a long-time gun enthusiast.

In 1954, Eugene Stoner, who served in the Marines during World War II and who was something of an ordnance expert, became Chief Engineer for ArmaLite. Stoner had been working on small arms independently since WWII. Stoner’s patents form the basis of much of ArmaLite’s work.

From the beginning, Charles Dorchester directed and coordinated all development programs, first as General Manager of the ArmaLite Division of Fairchild, later as President of ArmaLite, Inc., and still later as Chairman of the Board. The combined efforts of these three individuals from this point on resulted in revolutionary changes in combat weapon concepts.

ArmaLite’s initial project, begun even before Sullivan brought ArmaLite to Fairchild’s attention, was the AR-1 Parasniper, a lightweight bolt action rifle started in 1952. The 1956 success of the later AR-5 caused ArmaLite to shift its attention to military designs. The AR-10 became the main focus of attention beginning in 1955. At that time the Army was considering the Springfield Armory T-44 (an updated Garand) and the T-48 (a version of the FN FAL) as replacements for the M1 Garand. ArmaLite hoped to present a rifle capable of displacing both models.

The AR-10 was stunningly different than any previous design. It was produced with aircraft grade aluminum receivers, and therefore weighed less than seven pounds. The lightweight material was possible because the bolt locked into a steel extension on the barrel, not into the receiver itself. The stock and other furniture were plastic, while those of the T-44 and T-48 were of wood. The configuration of the rifle itself, with its integral carrying handle and charging handle distinctively mounted within it, sparked intense curiosity.

In the end, the AR-10 wasn’t able to catch up; the T-44 was adopted as the M-14 rifle in 1959. The AR-10 fell victim to both its own weaknesses, (normal in early models of any product) prejudice within the Army Ordnance Corps, and the head start of the other rifles. Based on what they saw in the AR-10, however, other Army officials asked ArmaLite to develop a smaller version of the AR-10 in 1956.

The ensuing rifle was called the AR-15.

Like the AR-10, it was a developmental model. Not only was it too late to be considered against the T-44 and T- 48, it didn’t match the long-range marksmanship doctrine of the day.

Armalite Dutch Arsenal Ar10

The AR-10 was licensed to the Dutch Arsenal, Artillerie Inrichtingen, for sale on the international market. ArmaLite and its agents and assignees demonstrated the rifle around the world, but sales were limited. Even the Dutch failed to adopt the rifle built in their own arsenal. Despite the background Army interest in a smaller caliber rifle, ArmaLite licensed the designs and trademarks of the AR-10 and AR- 15 to Colt’s in January 1959.

Early Colt AR-15s, their magazines, and their operator’s manuals were marked with ArmaLite’s name. Colt’s retained the AR-15 designation on commercial rifles. To this day Colt’s has a model designation with the letters AR, which stands for “ArmaLite”. The mid-to-late 1950s was a period of intense development at ArmaLite. The engineering staff was especially strong, with Eugene Stoner, James Sullivan, and Robert Fremont present at the same time. Development of the AR-17 12 Gauge Shotgun was started in themid-1950s. In 1959 ArmaLite developed the AR-7 .22 caliber survival rifle, which exploited some of the features of AR-5.

The rifle entered production for the commercial market. Small numbers were sold to various military forces for use as survival rifles. In 1959 ArmaLite began developing the AR-16, a sheet metal version of the AR-10. Three specimens were produced. The adoption of the M-14 by the Army and ArmaLite’s focus on the AR-10 caused the AR-16 to be dropped.

The engineering team started to split up at the end of the decade. Fremont left for Colt in 1959. Sullivan left in 1960, and Stoner left in 1961 to serve as a consultant to Colt. ArmaLite was late with the AR-10 and, in a way, early with the AR-15. With both models gone ArmaLite was in trouble. It’s only rifle in production was the .22 caliber AR-7.

It wasn’t enough. The second phase of ArmaLite’s history therefore began in early 1961.

ARMALITE INCORPORATED
In 1961 Fairchild was undergoing financial troubles, and the original principals of ArmaLite acquired ArmaLite from Fairchild, including rights and title to all ArmaLite designs except the AR-10 and AR-15, which had previously been licensed to Colt’s.

The organization continued from this time on as ArmaLite, Inc., with substantially the same nucleus of key personnel. From the latter part of 1962 until near the end of 1971 the major portion of the ArmaLite development programs were funded by Capital Southwest Corporation of Dallas, Texas. In November of 1971 Charles Dorchester, Chairman, and Richard Klotzly, President, acquired the majority common stock position in ArmaLite held by Capital Southwest Corporation.

It was obvious from Army purchases of the AR-15 that Fairchild had erred in selling the AR-15 in 1959. To recover from that error, ArmaLite set about to develop a new rifle that wouldn’t violate the Stoner gas system patents, which now belonged to Colt’s. The result was the AR-18, which began development in 1963. The combat effectiveness of the .223 caliber cartridge was now well proven. ArmaLite hoped to build a new rifle capable of displacing the AR-15 in the hands of the Army. The AR-18 combined the lessons of the AR-15 and the AR-16 in a rifle capable of competing for the many expected contracts for new rifles.

The AR-18 is best described as a sheet metal AR-15, with a different gas system. It was to prove the main focus of ArmaLite’s efforts for the next two decades. ArmaLite arranged exhaustive tests by the H.P. White laboratory of Belair, Maryland, to verify their claims for the AR-18 with the hope of attaining DOD and State Department endorsement of the rifle toward filling the void existing for a modern combat rifle for friends and allies around the world.

The Army conducted tests of ten prototype rifles at Aberdeen Proving Grounds, Maryland, and at Ft. Benning, Georgia, during 1964. The rifle was considered as “having military potential.” The Army requested an additional 29 rifles in1964 for further testing. These 29 rifles, with a detailed operator’s manual, were produced on a tool room basis in a four-month period in compliance with the government contract. The tests were conducted as part of the Army’s Small Arms Weapons System (SAWS) tests. Not surprisingly, the early rifles needed further development.

With the military market going nowhere fast, sales were shifted to the commercial market. A commercial, semiautomatic-only version of the AR-18 was produced as the AR-180.

In 1967 production of the AR-18 was started at the Howa Machinery Company of Nagoya, Japan. For Japanese political reasons the Howa rifles were allowed to be sold only to non-combatant nations, and even then only to non- Asian nations. During the Vietnam War, the AR-18 could not even be exported to the United States.

As a result of continued ArmaLite effort, the Army was directed to re-evaluate the AR-18 during at the end of 1969. It was too late. By the end of 1969 the Army had already standardized the M-16, and the AR-18 was unable to displace it. Further efforts focused on overseas and commercial domestic sales.

The AR-18 suffered similar results in the United Kingdom a well. The Ministry of Defense first evaluated the AR-18 in March 1966. It was found to be attractive in terms of its light weight and ease of manufacture. It suffered, in the eyes of the British, from lack of gas adjustment and the lack of a buffer system. Automatic accuracy was considered somewhat inferior, and it was considered unsatisfactory in mud and “drag sand” conditions. The rifle was modified with reinforcement of the hinge area of the lower receiver, addition of an ejection port cover and an improved muzzle brake/flash suppressor and re-tested in August of 1966. The strengthening was appreciated, but the sand and mud test results were largely unchanged, and the lack of a buffer continued to be criticized.

A Howa version was evaluated by MOD in January 1969. While it again failed the mud test, most criticism concerned minor physical characteristics that could be readily resolved.

In fairness to the AR-18, the MOD evaluations are somewhat suspect. The Royal Small Arms Factory could hardly be considered objective evaluators. The relationship between Sterling and RSAF was rocky at best, with RSAF benefiting from government preference and a willingness to appropriate the work of others. It’s especially interesting to note that the RSAF’s later 5.56mm rifle, the SA-80, (later adopted as the L85) was nothing more than a bullpup version of the AR-180. That rifle is now regarded as probably the worst of the recent military rifles. Lessons learned during evaluations of the AR-180 were ignored in the development of the L85, and ArmaLite’s knowledge of the mechanism wasn’t available.

Nonetheless, it was apparent that the AR-18 had not benefited from the intense field use, criticism, and rework that had been lavished on the AR-15. Major elements of its design have reappeared in several other rifles, but the AR-18 itself remains an unfinished work. The Irish Republican Army illegally acquired a number of Howa AR-180s in the early 1970s, and in 1973 the Japanese government halted all exports of AR-18 and AR-180 rifles. Howa produced 3,927 AR-180s between October 1970 and February 1974. In mid-1968 ArmaLite set up pilot production in its Costa Mesa plant. ArmaLite produced 1,171 AR-18s and 4,018 AR-180s at its Costa Mesa plant between July 1969 and June 1972. The Japanese government subsequently eased it restrictions and allowed the commercial, semi-automatic AR-180 to be exported to the U.S., and by the late 1970s U.S. production halted.

In order to concentrate full effort on the military sales program, ArmaLite elected to discontinue its other commercial firearm activities. In mid-1973 ArmaLite sold the AR-7 rifle to Charter Arms.

The Japanese restrictions on export of the AR-18 and AR 180 forced ArmaLite to move the production machinery to a new licensed producer. In 1974 Sterling Armament Company of Dagenham, England, was licensed to produce ArmaLite’s rifles. It took 15 months to complete setup and begin production. ArmaLite imported the Sterling rifles into the U.S., and Sterling and ArmaLite both tried to market the rifles around the world. Sterling manufactured 12,362 AR-180s between the 1975 and 1983, when ArmaLite and Sterling were both sold. 10,946 AR-180s were exported to the United States.

The AR-18 was highly regarded, but didn’t find the favor that it could have. Even as ArmaLite marketed the new small caliber rifle, FN and HK were selling more traditional 7.62mm rifles around the world. Colt was selling AR-15s. The AR-18 remained somewhat prone to breakage, and never enjoyed the success ArmaLite expected.

The AR-18, however, has proven to be another seminal weapon from ArmaLite. A number of later rifles, including the problem-plagued L85 (UK), the more reputable SA- 80 (Singapore) and the new G-35 (Germany) were derived from the AR-18.

With the floundering of the AR-18, ArmaLite’s owners elected to sell the company. In 1983 ArmaLite was sold to Elisco Tool Manufacturing Company, of the Philippines. ArmaLite Division of Elisco Tool.

ARMALITE DIVISION OF ELISCO TOOL

The short-lived third phase of ArmaLite’s history began with Elisco Tool Manufacturing’s 1983 purchase of ArmaLite. The new ArmaLite operation was headed by an Englishman hired to serve as interim President, Mr. Bruce Swain. Mr. John Ugarte later replaced Swain. ArmaLite continued to market existing rifles and parts manufactured by Sterling under the leadership of the new vice-president of Marketing, Mr. Joe Armstrong. Elisco Tool had successfully produced the M16A1 for the Philippine armed forces and police. Difficulties with Colt over M16 licensing prompted Elisco to seek another 5.56mm rifle, and the AR-18 was the only real contender.

Inventory, tooling, and machinery were therefore dispatched from Sterling’s plant to the Philippines. The process fell apart not in the U.S. market, but due to political events in the Philippines themselves. In short, Ferdinand Marcos was overturned and went into exile. The political and economic links of the government were dramatically shifted, and Elisco was unable to carry out the AR-18 production. The U.S. arm of the operation was closed in 1987.

ARMALITE INCORPORATED II

Independent of ArmaLite, Karl Lewis and Jim Glazier formed a company named Eagle Arms in Coal Valley Illinois in 1986.

Lewis had manufactured a wide variety of both commercial and military parts for M-16 rifles, and Eagle Arms assumed the increasingly distracting retail business from Lewis’ company, Lewis Machine and Tool (LMT). Eagle Arms initially marketed M16 and AR- 15 type rifle parts. The early Stoner patents had expired, and Eagle was able to build both parts and complete rifles. In 1989 Eagle commenced production of complete rifles, with LMT serving as the major supplier.

In January 1994, Mr. Mark Westrom purchased the company. Westrom was a former Army Ordnance Officer and a civilian employee of the Weapons Systems Management Directorate of the Army’s Armament Materiel and Chemical Command (AMCCOM) at nearby Rock Island Arsenal. After the purchase, he continued producing Eagle Arms EA- 15 rifles. Plans were made to add a line of telescopic sights to the product line. Westrom’s background in military Service Rifle competition produced a focus on high grade target rifles even before the AR-15/M-16 rifles came to dominate American Service Rifle competition in the mid-90s. In November 1994 Westrom decided to initiate the design of a .308 caliber AR-10 type rifle, to be called the “M-10” in line with Eagle’s production of .223 caliber “M-15” rifles. Work on the project began in November 1994. The bulk of the engineering work was contracted out to LMT, with an experienced Quality Assurance expert, Mr. David Dorbeck, doing the bulk of the work.

By coincidence, the president of the company manufacturing telescopic sights for Eagle, Dr. John Williams, had worked for ArmaLite in his youth. He introduced Westrom to the former Production Manager for ArmaLite, Mr. John McGerty. McGerty led Westrom to John Ugarte, the most recent President of ArmaLite.

Ugarte had retained rights to the ArmaLite trademark. In early 1995, Westrom purchased those rights, and production of ArmaLite rifles resumed in Illinois. The corporation was reorganized as ArmaLite, with Eagle Arms converted to a division of ArmaLite. First shipments of new ArmaLite rifles began in 1995.

With the reorganization as ArmaLite, the M-10 rifle was renamed. ArmaLite/Fairchild had already used the AR-10 designation with its 1950s era .308, and had developed the AR-10A as an improvement on it. The planned M-10 rifle series was designated the AR- 10B series, and deliveries commenced in January 1996.

The AR-10B rifle was developed using unusual reliance on computer design and simulation. In fact, the rifle was never prototyped. Individual sub-components were tested on a special lower receiver made of two slabs of aluminum fitted to an SR-25 upper receiver assembly. The full prototype AR-10B was the first rifle off the production line.

This approach was risky, but required by the limitations on cash at that time. It proved stunningly successful. Results from the prototype and the first production rifles disclosed that the only error was in not installing a firing pin retarding spring. The spring was planned early in the development, but left out of the final design because there seemed to be no need for it. Subsequent problems with the surplus ammunition used by some customers required manufacture of the spring. Fortunately, space for the spring was built into the bolt carrier, and it was quickly dispatched to the field and the production line.

In late 1997, ArmaLite began development of a new rifle, the AR-50 .50 caliber rifle.

Chambered for the Browning M2 Machine Gun cartridge, this innovative single-shot rifle was designed strictly for the commercial market. It was introduced to the industry at the 1999 SHOT Show, and is in production at the time of this writing. The AR-50 is an innovative single shot rifle conceived by Mark Westrom and the design team of George and Paul Reynolds at Knox Engineering Company of Altona, Illinois.

The success of the AR-50 prompted ArmaLite to consider the viability of a smaller version. George and Paul Reynolds were again enlisted to scale down the AR-50. They did so brilliantly, and the AR-30 is now offered in 7.62, 300 Win Mag, and 338 Lapua.

George Reynolds also brought two new projects of his own to ArmaLite in 1997: a Blank Firing System and Sub- Caliber Device for the Mk 19 Mod 4 Grenade Machine Gun. These projects have been designated the AR-22 and AR- 23.

ArmaLite continues to produce firearms and design new ones. It has shipped far more .223 caliber rifles than ArmaLite did during its first through third phases. It has shipped more AR-10s than ArmaLite/Fairchild and Artillerie Inrichtingen combined. There are more active development projects in process today than any time since 1961. Throughout the past 56 years, ArmaLite’s durability has been based on one core theme: the innovation present in its firearms. That theme continues to serve both as the basis of ArmaLite’s corporate strategy, and as a challenging image to maintain.

ARMALITE’S FIREARMS

The following firearms were developed and/or produced by ArmaLite. Other AR family firearms were designed by Eugene Stoner but not developed by ArmaLite, and aren’t listed.

AR-1 (1954 and before)
“Parasniper” rifle, using either military or sporting calibers, including 7.62 NATO. The Parasniper is a very high quality, lightweight bolt action rifle designed as a fine sporting rifle or for special military sniping operations.

The AR-1 began life at ArmaLite’s first location in Hollywood, California. It broke new ground by using foam filled fiberglass stock (in brown) and an anodized aluminum barrel with a thin steel liner. A variety of receivers were to be used, with a Remington action common. The rifle with scope weighs a modest 6 pounds. Very few AR-1s were made.

Armalite AR-5 .22 Hornet Survival Rifle

AR-5 (1954 – 55)
A bolt action, four shot magazine, .22 Hornet survival rifle adopted by the Air Force in 1956. It weighed a mere 2 ¾ pounds.

Its distinguishing characteristic was the ability to detach the barrel from the action, and the action from the stock, and place both within the stock. With the buttcap replaced, the 10 rifle would float. The government specification for the MA- 1 called for a second, .22 long rifle barrel to be attached outside the stock.

After adopting the AR-5 as the MA-1, the Air Force failed to follow through with a purchase. The main effect of the AR-5 was to whet ArmaLite’s appetite for government business. It led to development of the AR-7.

AR-7 (1959 – 60)
The AR-7 Explorer was the first commercial item to be put into production by the ArmaLite Division of Fairchild.

This rifle is the civilian version of the Air Force adopted AR-5 Survival Rifle. The AR-7 fires the popular .22 long rifle rimfire cartridge. The rifle disassembles without the use of tools and stows inside its plastic butt stock. The AR-7 weighs as little as 2 ¾ pounds and will float in water, either assembled or in the stowed configuration. The action is semiautomatic and is fed from an eight-round magazine. It has been in intermittent production since.

Armalite Ar-10 Rifles

AR-10 (1955 – 56)
Basic infantry rifle, caliber 7.62mm NATO. The AR-10 was conceived by Eugene Stoner, and was tested by US Ordnance at Springfield Armory as early as 1956. It was licensed to Artillerie Inrichtingen in Holland in 1957, and with the AR-15 was licensed to Colt’s Patent Firearms Company in 1959. The AR-10 combined a number of previous features with a new gas system patented by Stoner. In the Stoner system, gas ported off the barrel travels down a tube back into the upper receiver, and into the bolt carrier. It enters an expansion chamber, where it expands and drives the carrier to the rear.

The rearward movement of the carrier transferred by a cam pin riding in a curved path and engaging the bolt, forces the bolt to rotate to unlock. (Common reports that the Stoner system is copied from the Swedish Ljungman system are incorrect: the Ljungman System has a tube carrying gas ported off the barrel, but the tube simply directs the gas into a cavity in the top of the carrier to blow the carrier to the rear.)

The AR-10 was later improved with lessons learned from the early AR-15s. The new model was designated the AR- 10A. It was produced in prototype form only. The AR-10 was intended to compete with Springfield’s M-14 rifle and FN’s FAL. It was, unfortunately, a bit too late. Although it showed great promise during tests, it required a bit of further development. It was too late.

The major effect of the AR-10 was to lead to Army interest in a similar rifle of smaller caliber. That rifle became the AR-15.

AR-10B (1994 – 96)
An update of the AR-10 placed in production in 1996. The AR-10 was fielded in very small numbers: less than 6,000. Despite the small numbers, the fame of the rifle grew to cult status. It was, after all, the more powerful and rare precursor to the AR-15. Civilian shooters took great pains to recover used AR-10s from the surplus market and convert them to civilian rifles by means of new, semi-automatic only receivers.

The popularity of the AR-10 rifle led Knight’s Manufacturing and, later, ArmaLite to return it to production. Knight entered the market first with an AR-10 derivative called the SR-25.

The SR-25 combined features of the AR-10 with as many parts of the AR-15 as could be used. The ArmaLite AR-10B was then patterned on the SR-25 rifle. To improve function, the ArmaLite AR-10B employs far fewer parts from the M-15/M-16 rifles than the SR- 25, and uses a modified version of the proven M-14 rifle magazine. By 2000, ArmaLite AR-10B production surpassed Dutch and ArmaLite/Fairchild AR-10 and AR-10A production.

Within the last few years, ArmaLite has drastically expanded the AR-10 product line with both new-featured rifles and carbines, to include the AR-10SuperSASS™ introduced at Shot Show in 2006. This product’s development stemmed from a 2004 US Military requirement for a Semi Automatic Sniper System (SASS) and includes a adjustable gas system to accommodate suppressed and unsuppressed fire.

AR-15 (1956 – 59)
Basic infantry rifle using ArmaLite developed .223 caliber ammunition. The AR-15 was licensed to the Colt’s Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company in January 1959. The U.S. Air Force completed tests of the AR-15 in January 1961. The Air Force procured 8,500 rifles in 1961 and standardized the AR-15 in 1963. 85,000 rifles were purchased in that year. The military designation of the AR-15 is M- 16. The Army also ordered 85,000 rifles in 1963. An additional 35,000 were ordered in 1964, 100,000 in 1965, and 100,000 in 1966. These rifles were initially issued primarily to combat troops in the Dominican Republic and to Special Forces, Airborne, helicopter crews, Air Commando and other special category troops in Vietnam. The M-16 was type classified standard A in 1965 and became the military’s basic service rifle.

AR-16 (1959 – 60)
The folding stock equipped AR-16 is a basic infantry rifle of 7.62mm NATO caliber and capable of launching rifle grenades “without modifications or attachments” to the rifle. The primary reason for the development of the AR-16 was to produce a weapon with the performance capabilities of the AR-10/AR-15 series, but at a greatly reduced production cost. Another consideration was to make a rifle less difficult to produce in countries without advanced technological resources. Although the AR-16 didn’t enter production, elements of its design influenced the 1995 design of the AR-10B.

Armalite AR-17 Semi-automatic Shotgun

AR-17 (1956 – 62)
The AR-17 is an innovative semi-automatic shotgun featuring a hard-anodized aluminum receiver and barrel and a brown wood grain plastic stock. The barrel was equipped with replaceable chokes. The AR-17 was called the “Golden Gun” due to the color of the aluminum components.

Two thousand sets of parts for the AR-17 were produced, but only 1,200 guns were sold.

The AR-17 never met commercial success; it was semi-automatic, but held only two shots. It was lightweight, but was marketed to trap and skeet shooters, who normally fire many shots per day.

AR-18 (1963 – 65)
Just as the AR-16 is basically a sheet metal version of the AR-10, the AR-18 is a sheet metal version of the AR-15.

The AR-18 was an effort to correct the 1959 mistake of selling the AR-15 to Colt’s. As the AR-15 became successful, ArmaLite needed a rifle that could compete in the same market. The AR-18 is a .223 caliber, gas operated, 6.9 pound rifle equipped with a folding stock. It is capable of both full and semi-automatic fire. The AR-18 uses steel stampings instead of alloy forgings, this simplifying manufacture and greatly reducing production costs. The main functional differences include the use of a Tokarev style sliding gas cylinder under the handguards that avoided violating the Stoner gas system patent that was sold to Colt’s Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company. The new system had the advantage of keeping powder residue out of the action. The second difference was the use of dual operating springs on rods in the upper receiver, which allowed the stock to fold to the side.

AR-20 (1998 – 1999)
The AR-20 was the initial designation of ArmaLite’s .50 caliber rifle (see AR-50 below). The designation was changed to the AR-50 to emphasize the caliber of the rifle.

AR-22 (1998 – Present)

The AR-22 is a Blank Firing Device for the Mk 19 Mod 4 40mm Grenade Machine-gun, and is designed for training or testing the Mk 19. It employs the standard 7.62mm NATO Blank.

The AR-22 was conceived by CW4 John Miller, and designed by George Reynolds, President of Knox Engineering Company of Altona, Illinois. Reynolds brought it to ArmaLite when he began work on the ArmaLite AR-50 rifle.

AR-23 (1998 – Present)
The AR-23 is a Sub-Caliber Training Device for the Mk 19 Mod 4 Grenade Machinegun. It will employ a special tracer cartridge designed to follow the same ballistic arc of the 40mm grenade. The AR-23 was conceived by CW4 John Miller, and designed by George Reynolds. Like the AR-22, Reynolds brought it to ArmaLite when he began work on the ArmaLite AR-50 rifle (see below).

AR-24 (2006 – Present)
Over the years, ArmaLite had developed and produced a wide variety of firearms. However, the ArmaLite brand had never been applied to a pistol. In 2005, Mr. Westrom met with representatives of Sarsilmaz, one of the premier firearms manufacturing companies in Turkey. Starting with their basic CZ 75 pistol, Mr. Westrom made changes that he felt would appeal to the American consumer. The result, in 2006, was a set of four 9mm pistols that bear the ArmaLite name.

Armalite AR-30 Rifle

AR-30 (1999 – Present)
The AR-30 is a unique rifle sharing many of the technical features of the ArmaLite AR- 50 .50 caliber rifle. The rifles are based on an aluminum stock that merges a machine rest with a rifle stock for stunning stability. It is intended for high-accuracy use such as varmint hunting, advanced target shooting, and law enforcement. The machine rest elements consist of an octagonal receiver, a matching V-shaped channel in the stock, and a recoil wedge. Conventional action screws draw the action down into the stock, and the recoil wedge forces the recoil lug into intimate contact with the stock. No hand fitting or bedding compounds are required, and the action can be removed and re-installed without significant loss of zero. It is immune to changes in temperature or humidity. The receivers are equipped with special mounting slots in addition to conventional threaded holes. The slots mate with ArmaLite’s special sight bases in a way that removes all recoil loads from the scope mount screws. The AR-30 will be available with optional integral bases. The AR-30 is built to handle calibers up to .338 Lapua.

AR-50 (1998 – Present)
ArmaLite’s normal pattern of sequential designation of models was altered for the AR- 50. The model reflects the rifle’s caliber. It is chambered for the .50 caliber Browning Machine Gun cartridge, and is capable of being built to accept the more powerful Russian 12.7mm cartridge. It features a unique stock made largely of aluminum. The forend, in particular, is interesting. It is extruded with a V cross section that mates with an octagonal receiver. This allows precise, repeatable bedding with no hand labor. The buttstock includes a vertically adjustable butt pad and adjustable cheek rest. The initial AR-50 departs from ArmaLite’s normal trend towards lightweight rifles: it weighs 41 pounds. It is intended for the commercial market, where the weight adds comfort when firing the powerful cartridge. Shorter and lighter versions are in development. AR-180 (1963 – 65) The AR-180 was the semiauomatic-only version of the AR-18.

AR-180B (2001 – Present)
The lower on ArmaLite’s new AR-180B is made of a high strength polymer, and features the trigger group and magazine well of the AR15, so it uses standard AR15 type magazines and repair parts are readily available. The upper is formed sheet metal like the 1st Gen AR-180 and features the AR-180 gas system to keep operating gasses outside the receiver. The 19.8″ chrome moly barrel features an integral muzzle brake and ArmaLite’s exclusive adjustable front sight base. The AR-180B is a .223 caliber, gas operated, 6 pound rifle equipped with a fixed stock and is semi-automatic. The new AR-180B’s upper and lower receiver groups are interchangeable with those of the 1st Gen AR-180, so earlier models may now be repaired by replacing the upper or lower half.

M-15 (1994 – Present)
In order to avoid a conflict with Colt’s trademark of “AR-15”, ArmaLite has designated our version the “M-15”.

OTHER PROJECTS

ArmaLite has a number of models in development or under consideration. They will be announced as soon as practical. The following is a list of our current patents and trademarks.

PATENTS & TRADEMARKS

• “ArmaLite®, “AR-10®”, and “SPR®”, are registered trademarks of ArmaLite, Inc. “M-15™”, “AR-30™”, “AR-50™”, and other model variants are trademarks of ArmaLite, Inc.
• The AR-10® Series Rifles and Carbines (including the SuperSASS™) are protected by U.S. Patents 5,638, 626 and 5,911,173 and 6,044,748. The M-15™ Series Rifles and Carbines are protected by U.S. Patents 5,911, 173 and 6,044,748.
• The AR-30™ and AR-50™ Series Rifles are protected by U.S. Patents 6,487,805 and 6,637,142.
• The AR-23 Subcaliber Device for the Mk-19 Grenade Machine Gun is protected by U.S. Patents 5,983,772 and 6,202,533.
• The Blank Firing Adapter for the Mk-19 Grenade Machine Gun is protected by U.S. Patent 5,438,907.

Other patents granted or assigned to ArmaLite include:

• Weapons Operating System, U.S. Patent 6,591,535
• Cartridge for a Firearm, U.S. Patents 6,367,389 and 6,959,647 and 6,976,431 and 7,458,332
• Light Weight Weapon Operating System and Cartridge Feed, U.S. Patent 6,591,535

About:
ArmaLite has one of the broadest product lines in the firearms industry. We manufacture and sell semiautomatic rifles in a variety of calibers including 5.56mm and 7.62mm, long range super-accurate bolt action rifles in calibers including .308 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum, .338 Lapua, and 50 BMG, and classic 9mm pistols.Visit: www.armalite.com

Del-Ton TRX Rifle

American Tactical Imports

ROCHESTER, NY --(Ammoland.com)- American Tactical Imports is proud to introduce the brand new Del-Ton TRX16 rifle. Del-Ton fans have long awaited the release of a new product from the family owned, North Carolina-based AR manufacturer.

This new rifle from Del-Ton, Inc. is a 16” semi-automatic rifle already fully dressed with the latest Troy Industries accessories.

Chambered in 5.56×45 mm, the TRX features forged 7075 T6 Aluminum hard coat anodized mil-spec upper and lower receivers.

The 1×9 twist chrome moly vanadium barrel has a threaded muzzle, mid-length gas system, Troy Industries Low Profile gas block and A2 flash hider.

The TRX also features a reinforced fiber Troy Battle Ax butt stock and a Troy 13” TRX Extreme Hand Guard. It weighs 6.8 lbs. empty and has a fully extended length of 36.75” and a collapsed length of 33”. The sights are Troy DOA/STD Rear folding and Troy M4/HK Front folding. The TRX has an HPT/MPI tested bolt.

MSRP for the Del-Ton TRX16 rifle is $1250 and comes with a hard case, 30-round Troy magazine and a cleaning kit. Available in Black and Flat Dark Earth.

Del-Ton TRX Rifle

For more information please visit www.americantactical.us, www.del-ton.com or contact Monica Arnold, Public Relations Director – Blue August LLC at monica@blueaugust.com.

MGI HYDRA RIFLE

AcuSport to distribute MGI’s Hydra Modular black rifle M16/AR-15 platform to a nationwide base of retailers.

MGI Industries

Old Town, ME -(Ammoland.com)- MGI, the manufacturers of the highly versatile Hydra Modular weapon system, proudly announce a partnership with AcuSport Corporation, a leading distributor of outdoor and shooting sports products in the U.S. A.

AcuSport will carry MGI’s Hydra Modular Rifle system and accessories throughout their distribution centers to retailers nationwide. MGI, the original inventors of the Bushmaster, developed the Hydra Modular Rifle system.

The MGI MARCK 15, known as the Hydra, is the base system, ready to fire out-of-the-box that includes the Modular Lower Receiver, QCB Upper Receiver and a 16-inch barrel. The MGI Hydra system includes various magazine wells and caliber conversions that allow barrel changes in seconds and utilizes the correct magazine for the desired caliber.

In this ever growing system, many calibers are now available including .22 rimfire, 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, .223 or 5.56, 6.5 Grendel, 7.62×39, 6.8 SPC, .450 Thumper, .458 SOCOM, .50 Beowulf and over two dozen configurations with additional magwells. The Hydra Modular Rifle system is the most versatile black rifle platform on the market today. The much anticipated MGI 9mm and .40 S&W conversion kits for use with Glock magazines will soon be available and also distributed through AcuSport.

“AcuSport has an excellent reputation in the firearms industry as providing superior service to retailers,” Mack Gwinn, President of MG Industries stated. “We are very proud to partner with this industry giant and look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship.”

AcuSport has been providing retailers with the quality products from the shooting sports industry since 1947. Based in Bellefontaine, Ohio, AcuSport has regional sales offices in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Minnesota, Texas, Montana and California all providing excellent customer service to firearms businesses nationwide.

Independent retailers, who would like to place an order, please contact an AcuSport Sales Professional by calling 800-543-3150 or visit www.AcuSport.com for additional information.

About MGI:
As a Maine based company, MGI is committed to providing the United States military and the American law enforcement community a weapons platform of endurance, reliability and lethality to face the mission and tactical challenges of a post 9/11 World. MGI products are MADE IN THE U.S.A. and available commercially through AcuSport Corporation (sales@acusport.com 937-593-7010), Camfour (413-564-2300) or Zanders (800-851-4373) or visit www.mgi-military.com.

Mossberg MMR Tactical Rifle

Eric at the Gunmart Blog

United States --(Ammoland.com)- There has been somewhat of a shift recently by a few of the major firearms manufacturers with regard to ARs.

We are now starting to see ARs with MSRPs that are considerably lower than ever before.

It seems that the industry is quietly moving towards producing more affordable or entry level ARs. These are guns with MSRPs in the $700 – $800 range and a real world retail price in the $500 – $700 range. These guns are being brought to the market place in an effort to focus on a consumer who would never be anything more then a casual AR owner…

Its a gun for the hobbyist and at a hobbyist price.

These guns are not your standard Mil-Spec rifles. Many of these models are lacking standard features that can run up manufacturing costs. Features like the dust cover, forward assist, shell deflector, chrome lined barrel, carry handle/rear sight/front sight, and they often have light contour barrels. For the casual gun owner that just wants something to pull out of the closet a couple of times a year to go punch holes in paper, this might be an excellent way to get into the AR game. There are at least half a dozen models on the market right now from DPMS, Smith & Wesson, Bushmaster, and now Mossberg that all fall into this category. With a little searching, I have found these online for as little as $575 and some have even been seen in big box retailers being sold on promo for as low as $500.

So what’s my opinion on this new class of ARs?

Well, I honestly think that this is a great thing. I really like the idea of an entry level AR that comes at a much lower price point. While cutting corners to reduce manufacturing costs doesn’t sound too good on the surface to most gun buyers, we have yet to really see it result in inferior guns or major performance problems. These guns run, and despite the lack of some familiar features that can be found on Mil-Spec ARs many of these budget models get good overall reviews from those who have run them extensively.

So why is a cheaper AR good?
Well, first and foremost it makes AR ownership more appealing to the casual and/or new gun owner. A gun owner who is only going to go to the shooting range maybe once a year is not going to even consider plunking down $1,000 for some play thing that they might rarely use. Change that price tag to $600 and now you have their attention. Now they are starting to think about getting into the game. With a $500 price tag, you might just see them impulse buy one of these rifles on a whim… or maybe just because all of their shooting buddies have one.

This is great for our culture (read country). More guns in the hands of more Americans means more people on our side of the political debate. This would result in more people having a stake in the “evil assault rifle” and “high capacity 30 round clips” debates. It will also just bring more gun owners into the fold. Lowering the cost to play always, repeat always, results in increasing the number of players. Even if these guns just sit in the back of closets, it shifts the overall culture of this country. The other big possibility is that this might get the casual gun owner out shooting more. It might convert more casual owners into enthusiasts… and in turn might just shift us back to once again being a nation of riflemen.

Another reason I like seeing this push towards affordable ARs is because its good for us hardcore gun nuts. Why is a budget AR good for the most serious of us gun owners… someone who may already own one or more ARs? Because it lets you buy an AR for between $500 – $700, that’s why. Are you someone who has been looking for a decent truck gun or a gun to keep on your boat or at your cabin? How about an extra 5.56 upper or just an extra complete AR to have “just in case”? Well, I’m thinking most of us who meet that criteria would jump at the chance to buy a $500 AR. Not to mention what these guns are gonna go for once they start showing up on the shelves of gun shops as used guns. It gets me excited just to think about it.

Finally, this is going to be very good for the gun and ammo industry… both in the short term and in the long term. In the short term this will produce instant revenue streams and even more profit. Make no mistake about it, these guns are going to sell very well. In the long term this new class of ARs will potentially increase their target market (number of gun owners).

The more people that are brought into the fold, the bigger the industry numbers get, and the more people there will be that the gun and ammo manufacturers have to potentially buy their products. This will have a significant impact on the long term success of individual companies as well as the industry as a whole.

This could very well be the biggest game changer with regard to long guns that we have seen in a very long time. I like that.

About:
Eric at the Gunmart Blog – Eric is a gun blogger, firearms enthusiast, and sorry excuse for a hunter. He is also an AmmoLand Shoting Sports News Columnist. Leave him some comments on this article before you go. You can also follow Eric on Facebook, Twitter and at his blog, Gunmart. Visit: gunmart.blogspot.com

10 Reasons To Buy An ARMALITE Rifle

ArmaLite Inc

Geneseo, IL – -(Ammoland.com)- There are many reasons to buy a firearm.

During the year 2011, we will share 101 of OUR reasons to buy the best: ArmaLite.

101 Reasons To Buy An ArmaLite:

• ArmaLite’s AR-10 steel barrel chambers and bores are chrome lined per Mil-C-23422D.
• ArmaLite’s M-15A4 SPR® (Special Purpose Rifle) accepts detachable front and rear sights, carry handle or a host of scope mounts or devices conforming to the MIL STD 1913 rail.
• ArmaLite’s M-15™ Carbine is available in alternate caliber 6.8 II for shooters who prefer bullets heavier than 5.56MM.
• The ArmaLite AR-50A1’s™ aluminum stock reinforces the receiver like a bench-rest sleeve.
  With the ArmaLite-invented mid-length gas system, gas pressure is lower when the gun starts to unlock, so extraction is easier.
• ArmaLite’s AR-10(T) in .260 Remington has an accuracy of 1 MOA.
• ArmaLite’s AR-10(T) in .338 Federal has an accuracy of 1 MOA.
• ArmaLite’s AR-10(T) in 7.62MM NATO has an accuracy of 1 MOA.
• ArmaLite’s AR-10 SuperSASS™ has an accuracy of 1 MOA.
• All of ArmaLite’s owners manuals are available in downloadable form at: http://tiny.cc/pxf15

AR Stands For ArmaLite: Accept No Substitutes.

About:
ArmaLite has one of the broadest product lines in the firearms industry. We manufacture and sell semiautomatic rifles in a variety of calibers including 5.56mm and 7.62mm, long range super-accurate bolt action rifles in calibers including .308 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum, .338 Lapua, and 50 BMG, and classic 9mm pistols.Visit: www.armalite.com

Armalite Ar-24 Pistol 9mm 15 Round Magazine

ArmaLite Inc

Geneseo, IL – -(Ammoland.com)- The latest addition to the ArmaLite line of gun products!

Incorporating traditional lines, innovative designs and state-of-the-art factory production, the ArmaLite AR-24 pistol simply outshines similar models made by other manufacturers.

The ArmaLite AR-24 pistols are CNC machined to the finest manufacturing standards using the highest quality materials.

Slide, frame and barrel are fully machined from all steel forgings resulting in the best possible slide to frame fit of this design on the market today.

The AR-24 Full size pistol features serrations on the forestrap and backstrap, and dovetail front sight, fixed rear sight 3 dot luminous sights. Safeties include external thumb safety and internal firing pin box, half cock.

Included with Pistol: Two 15 round magazines, pistol case, pistol lock, manual and cleaning brushes.
10 round magazines available.

• Model: AR-24 Full Size Pistol with serrations on front & rear strap, fixed sights
• Caliber: 9mm
• Barrel: 4.671″ Machined from Alloy Steel Forging
• Rifling Twist: 6 Groove, RH 1:16″ Cut Rifling
• Rear Sight: Fixed, 3 Dot Luminous
• Trigger: 12 lbs Double Action, 5.5 lbs Single Action
• Overall Length: 8.27″
• Weight: 34.9 oz
• Finish: Manganese Phosphate, Heat-Cured Epoxy

Your Price: $550.00 EA

About:
ArmaLite has one of the broadest product lines in the firearms industry. We manufacture and sell semiautomatic rifles in a variety of calibers including 5.56mm and 7.62mm, long range super-accurate bolt action rifles in calibers including .308 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum, .338 Lapua, and 50 BMG, and classic 9mm pistols.Visit: www.armalite.com

10 Reasons To Buy An ARMALITE Rifle

ArmaLite Inc

Geneseo, IL – -(Ammoland.com)- There are many reasons to buy a firearm.

During the year 2011, we will share 101 of OUR reasons to buy the best: ArmaLite.

101 Reasons To Buy An ArmaLite:

• ArmaLite receivers are made of aircraft grade forgings instead of aluminum slabs.
• Armalite’s patented Balanced Bolt ™ shifts firing loads more evenly over the bolt lugs.
• ArmaLite’s AR-10’s have phosphated steel bolt carriers per military spec.
• ArmaLite’s web site features a page dedicated to newly in stock items: http://tiny.cc/n4tsj
• ArmaLite’s AR-24™ Combat Custom pistols have a single/double action trigger.
• ArmaLite has its own You Tube channel featuring videos of our firearms in action.
• Armalite Tech Note 54 compares the merits of internal and external piston drive systems.
• ArmaLite’s AR-30™ has an accuracy of 1 MOA.
• ArmaLite’s M-15(T)™ comes standard with a 20” triple lapped stainless steel Match barrel.
• ArmaLite’s AR-50A1™ comes standard with a package of Tylenol™ in case you forget your ear plugs.

AR Stands For ArmaLite: Accept No Substitutes.

About:
ArmaLite has one of the broadest product lines in the firearms industry. We manufacture and sell semiautomatic rifles in a variety of calibers including 5.56mm and 7.62mm, long range super-accurate bolt action rifles in calibers including .308 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum, .338 Lapua, and 50 BMG, and classic 9mm pistols.Visit: www.armalite.com

Free ArmaLite Toasters - The Perfect Addition To Any Kitchen

ArmaLite Inc

Geneseo, IL – -(Ammoland.com)- ArmaLite, Inc. is now offering its customers a one of a kind special.

Buy any ArmaLite rifle and get a FREE ArmaLite toaster! http://tiny.cc/4cpif

This is a limited time offer with limited quantities, so ArmaLite urges you to order now so you don’t miss out.

To claim this sleek two-slice beauty, purchasers of a new ArmaLite rifle must mail in their warranty card. The toaster will then be shipped to the customer. For further details, contact your local ArmaLite representative or call ArmaLite toll free at 800-336-0184.

About:
ArmaLite has one of the broadest product lines in the firearms industry. We manufacture and sell semiautomatic rifles in a variety of calibers including 5.56mm and 7.62mm, long range super-accurate bolt action rifles in calibers including .308 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum, .338 Lapua, and 50 BMG, and classic 9mm pistols.Visit: www.armalite.com

10 Reasons To Buy An ARMALITE Rifle

ArmaLite Inc

Geneseo, IL – -(Ammoland.com)- There are many reasons to buy a firearm.

During the year 2011, we will share 101 of OUR reasons to buy the best: ArmaLite.

101 Reasons To Buy An ArmaLite:

• All four models of ArmaLite’s AR-24 Pistol are available in AWB Configuration.
• ArmaLite’s AR-10(T) comes in 7.62MM NATO.
• ArmaLite’s AR-10(T) comes in .338 Federal.
• ArmaLite’s AR-10(T) comes in .260 Remington.
• ArmaLite’s AR-10 in .243 Winchester has an MOA of 1-1.5.
• The ArmaLite AR-30 weighs 12 powerful pounds.
• Page 24 of ArmaLite’s 2011 catalog features an exploded view of an M-15 complete lower assembly with each part clearly labeled.
• ArmaLite’s factory boasts a 50 yard indoor firing range for test firing our rifles and complete uppers.
• The ArmaLite M-15 comes in a 7.62 X 39 version that gives you heavy bullet advantages in a compact package.
• ArmaLite has its own Facebook page.

AR Stands For ArmaLite: Accept No Substitutes.

About:
ArmaLite has one of the broadest product lines in the firearms industry. We manufacture and sell semiautomatic rifles in a variety of calibers including 5.56mm and 7.62mm, long range super-accurate bolt action rifles in calibers including .308 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum, .338 Lapua, and 50 BMG, and classic 9mm pistols.Visit: www.armalite.com

Gundigest.com

Cincinnati, Ohio --(Ammoland.com)- The Master Blaster is back in the Gun Digest Book of the Tactical Rifle!

Written by Patrick Sweeney, an acknowledged expert in the field, Gun Digest Book of the Tactical Rifle contains everything you need to know about customizing and enjoying precision tactical rifles.

This book teaches you how to choose, shoot and maintain the tactical rifle, whether it is a semi-auto or a bolt-action rifle.

Tactical rifles include any precision rifles, especially those used for law enforcement or recreational use. Readers will learn about the wide range of accessories available—from optics to bipods and slings to compensators and magazines. Sweeney teaches you how to buy them wisely, install them, and use them to maximum effect.

Gun Digest Book of the Tactical Rifle is a fun and fact-filled exploration of high-volume shooting at its finest. Inside, you will find hundreds of photographs with real-world advice on tactical rifles from around the world. Sweeney does the dirty work for you, giving you the scoop on all the drawbacks and positives on each rifle before you buy.

This is a great go-to book for shooters, collectors, hobbyists and anyone with an interest in tactical rifles. No other book covers as many different styles of tactical rifles, and is written by a more qualified author.

You can find Sweeney’s book and all other great Gun Digest titles at www.GunDigestStore.com.

To purchase the Book of the Tactical Rifle, click here: http://tiny.cc/z81jw

Gun Digest® Book of the Tactical Rifle

About the Author
Patrick Sweeney is a renowned competition shooter, master gunsmith, film consultant and certified Armorer Instructor for police departments nationwide. He has written many of Gun Digest® Books’ best-selling titles, including 1911: The First Hundred Years, Gun Digest® Book of the 1911, Vols. I and II; Gun Digest® Big Fat Book of the .45 ACP, Gun Digest® Book of the AR-15, Gun Digest® Book of the AK and SKS, Gun Digest® Book of the Glock and Gunsmithing: Pistols and Revolvers, among other titles.

US $26.99 (CAN $30.99) | 978-1-4402-1432-5 | (Y0046) 224 pages
Gun Digest Books, a division of F+W Media, Inc.

10 Reasons To Buy An ARMALITE Rifle

ArmaLite Inc

Geneseo, IL – -(Ammoland.com)- There are many reasons to buy a firearm.

During the year 2011, we will share 101 of OUR reasons to buy the best: ArmaLite.

101 Reasons To Buy An ArmaLite:

• Armalite’s M-15 lower receivers are forged 7075-T6 aluminum, not weaker billet aluminum.
• The ArmaLite AR-50A1’s accuracy is 7-8 inches at 1,000 yards.
• ArmaLite’s stainless steel barrels are button cut.
• ArmaLite’s web site library includes the most comprehensive technical notes in the industry.
• The ArmaLite AR-30 comes in .338 Lapua.
• The ArmaLite AR-30 comes in .300 Win Mag.
• The ArmaLite AR-30 comes in .308 Winchester.
• ArmaLite’s M-15 barrels are chrome moly vanadium steel. (MIL-B-11595-E)
• ArmaLite’s AR-10 SuperSASS comes standard with a fully adjustable sniper stock.
• ArmaLite’s AR-10(T) Carbine is perfect for hunting hogs and big game.

AR Stands For ArmaLite: Accept No Substitutes.

About:
ArmaLite has one of the broadest product lines in the firearms industry. We manufacture and sell semiautomatic rifles in a variety of calibers including 5.56mm and 7.62mm, long range super-accurate bolt action rifles in calibers including .308 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum, .338 Lapua, and 50 BMG, and classic 9mm pistols.Visit: www.armalite.com

10 Reasons To Buy An ARMALITE Rifle

ArmaLite Inc

Geneseo, IL – -(Ammoland.com)- There are many reasons to buy a firearm.

During the year 2011, we will share 101 of OUR reasons to buy the best: ArmaLite.

Chapter 2
21. ArmaLite rifles come with two stage triggers as standard equipment.
22. The Army Marksmanship Unit helped develop and test ArmaLite’s AR-10 National Match rifle.
23. ArmaLite’s High Capacity A2 buttstock has more storage room than GI buttstocks.
24. Armalite’s M-15 upper receivers are forged 7075-T6 aluminum, not weaker billet aluminum.
25. ArmaLite’s AR-50A1 muzzle break is the most effective and MOST COPIED.
26. ArmaLite’s bolt carriers are chrome lined on the inside.
27. ArmaLite’s Law Enforcement Carbines combine A2 and A4 sighting options for flexibility.
28. ArmaLite is a manufacturer, not an assembler.
29. All ArmaLite rifles and complete uppers are test fired before shipping.
30. ArmaLite’s president can actually SHOOT.

AR Stands For ArmaLite: Accept No Substitutes. www.ArmaLite.com

About:
ArmaLite has one of the broadest product lines in the firearms industry. We manufacture and sell semiautomatic rifles in a variety of calibers including 5.56mm and 7.62mm, long range super-accurate bolt action rifles in calibers including .308 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum, .338 Lapua, and 50 BMG, and classic 9mm pistols.Visit: www.armalite.com

AR-15 Rifle Cleaning

AmmoLand Gun News

Manasquan, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- As a gunsmith I clean a lot of rifles.

I also fix a lot of rifles caused by improper cleaning; most of which are not permanently detrimental to the rifles or their accuracy, but each year I get a few rifles that are reduced to wall decorations.

If you ask 10 different shooters how they clean their AR rifle chances are you will get 10 different answers. Of course, the mechanics will be the same, but the details are different and we all know the devil is in the detail.

I interviewed two different groups of shooters to find out how they cleaned their rifles. Group one consisted of shooters who shoot much more than the average Joe including; competition shooters and shooters who are employed by firearm companies to do nothing but shoot firearms all day…Can that really be a job?

These shooters were adamant about their cleaning procedures – almost ritual like. A certain amount of patches wetted with a solvent or other concoction guaranteed to remove all the copper fouling and liberal amounts of elbow grease followed by dry patches and then neutralized so the solvent doesn’t pit the barrel followed by a patch lubed with oil to protect the bore.

Group two consisted mostly of gunsmiths who described horror stories of over-cleaning or improper cleaning procedures and whom spend little time cleaning their rifles, especially the barrel.

Somewhere in between is a happy medium.

The operation of the AR and its dirty little secret.
When the AR is fired; the gases from the ignited powder propels the bullet down the barrel. As the bullet passes over the gas orifice drilled in the barrel a small amount of gas, carbon and other crud travels down the small gas tube to the carrier key which actuates the bolt driving it rearward. Not all this gas, carbon and crud stay in the carrier key of the bolt. A lot of it gets deposited inside the rifle’s action.

I’m not sure who first coined the phrase, “The AR pukes on itself” but I can think of no better way to describe it. With as much crud that builds up inside the rifle it is a surprise it works as well as it does.

Cleaning the AR Style rifle – A method to the madness
The military teaches the newest of recruits to disassemble and reassemble a rifle using a systematic method. It is a good idea to employ this tactic in your cleaning.

Disassembling the rifle, I keep the groups together and as I disassemble these groups further, I place the parts on the bench from left to the right in the order they are removed from the rifle. When reassembling; the reverse order is used. This ensures no part is missed while cleaning or reassembling and is a good time to look for worn or broken parts.

I’m not going to go into the actual cleaning procedure as this is well documented on several video series like the ones from Brownells.

How To Clean the Ar15 Rifle

How much to clean
This question always resonates with me. I feel the amount the rifle is used and how it is used should dictate how much to clean your rifle.

If you are set up on a prairie dog town and shooting hundreds of rounds per day, detail cleaning the rifle, daily, to include a thorough barrel scrubbing should be considered SOP, the same with match shooting where precision bullet placement is crucial.

However, if you are going through a 5 day training class or casual plinking, I would punch the bore with a dry patch after each day afield removing any obvious build up from the inside as well as wiping down the exterior of the rifle.

If hunting with a black rifle, I would not punch the bore or use any petroleum product on the rifle until I was finished hunting for the season unless moisture became an issue.

Long term storage, anything more than a month, demands thorough cleaning of the rifle followed by an application of a protective coating like RIG or Cosmolene. Just remember to remove any thick preservative before the next shooting session.

Tools for cleaning
The simple design of the Modern Sporting Rifle makes cleaning and the tools needed fairly straight forward.

The cleaning rod – The cleaning rod should be a one piece rod coated with nylon or plastic sheath or made of brass. Stick with one manufacturer when choosing your cleaning rod. There is nothing more frustrating than digging through a drawer full of brushes, jags and eyelets that don’t fit the cleaning rod when you are trying to clean your rifle. Avoid the military sectional rods if possible; the sections bend easily and the steel on steel does a rifle bore no good.

Many shooters like a long shafted cleaning rod and a shorter coated rod with a “T” handle for cleaning the chamber and locking lug area.

The Bore guide – A bore guide as the name implies keeps the cleaning rod centered in the action and bore of the barrel. This eliminates the chance of scratching the rifle’s chamber or bore. If you are not using a bore guide, start!

Brushes - To clean the AR two types of brushes are advised. The chamber brush and the bore brush. The brushes should be made of phosphor bronze and the body of the brush of brass as should be the couplers. The chamber brush is used to clean the barrel extension which can pack full of crud and unburned powder which can prevent the bolt to close causing misfires.

The bore brush should match the bore diameter of the barrel. It is certainly a good idea to change bore brushes every six months, more if you tend to clean your rifle habitually. Check the Ar-15 Brush Pak

Standard issue AP (all purpose) brush – There’s nothing better to get into hard to reach places.

Patches – I’ve used some unlikely items for cleaning patches but to keep a rifles barrel in tip top shape I like uniformity in my patches, Too thick and they get stuck in the barrel, too thin and they won’t do a thorough job. As I write this, Brownell patches sit on my bench. They are sized properly both in size and thickness without trimming and only rarely do I stick one.

Solvents – So many solvents so little time.
I prefer a solvent designed for a specific purpose; copper solvents to remove copper build up and a powder solvent for general cleaning. I’ve used many different kinds and can’t say one is better than another. I have seen some copper solvents pit the bore so now I dry the bore and neutralize it with several patches wetted with denatured alcohol followed by several drying patches and finally a patch wetted with a light coat of oil like Hoppes.

Powder solvents are much the same; they all perform equally, but I do like the idea of a more green friendly approach as much for my well being and wear and tear on my hands as for the environment.

The new spray cleaners are very handy especially for a quick clean. Just spray the solvent, let it loosen the crud and then spray it out again.

One word of caution! When using any solvent on painted firearms especially the wildly popular camo finishes, either factory or after market, always test the solvent in an inconspicuous place like under the handguard. Some of these solvents can unknowingly double as a paint remover, I’ve seen firsthand these “Safe for all Finishes” solvents strip paint and coatings.

AR-15 Rail Vise

Other tools that make cleaning less of a pain
The Rail Vise (www.railvise.com) is a modular holding fixture designed to hold black rifles. It features extruded aluminum bases and molded polymer clamping adapters.

I like the Sinclair AR-15 lug recess cleaning tool to clean out the stubborn locking lug area. This tool, made of Delrin puts a cotton patch deep into the recess of the lug and cleans out the crud you cannot reach with a standard AP brush.

Holding fixtures like the Brownells Lower Receiver Holding Fixture Block is placed in a vice while allowing the rifle owner to use both hands to clean the rifle, however, the upper gets a little wobbly while in the holding fixture. To prevent this, the Sinclair AR-15 Rod Guide and Link Kit keeps the two halves locked together all the while allowing access to the barrel and the inside of the rifle.

The Brownells Handguard Tool is also handy if your AR style rifle is equipped with a delta ring. Simply insert the tool around the delta ring, place the lever point in the magazine well and press down on the delta ring. Brownells feature a video of how to use this and many other tools on their website.

Ar15 Handguard Removal Tool Video

Cleaning a rifle will never be as much fun as shooting it, but with a little common sense and the same amount of elbow grease on a regular basis your shooter will remain that way.

About Steve Felgenhauer:
Steve Felgenhauer is an up and coming freelance writer that focuses on writing about all things firearms – from product reviews to hunting and everything in between. Steve is a frequent contributor to AmmoLand Shooting Sports News.  You can read more about gun writer Steve Felgenhauer on the following page.

10 Reasons To Buy An ARMALITE Rifle

ArmaLite Inc

Geneseo, IL – -(Ammoland.com)- There are many reasons to buy a firearm.

During the year 2011, we will share 101 of OUR reasons to buy the best: ArmaLite.

Chapter 2

11. Armalite invented the ultra reliable 8” mid-length gas system.
12. Armalite’s AR-10 upper receivers are forged 7175-T74 aluminum, not weaker billet aluminum.
13. ArmaLite’s SPR Mod 1 has the most innovative continuous optics platform in the industry with multiple rail options as standard equipment.
14. ArmaLite’s armorer’s courses for customers.
15. All ArmaLite receiver extension tubes are mil-spec.
16. ArmaLite rifles come standard with forward assist.
17. ArmaLite’s stainless barrels are triple lapped.
18. ArmaLite’s bipod adapter and swing swivel come installed on (T) models.
19. ArmaLite’s bolt carriers are chrome lined on the inside.
20. ArmaLite’s Free Stuff Friday on Twitter.

AR Stands For ArmaLite: Accept No Substitutes. www.ArmaLite.com

About:
ArmaLite has one of the broadest product lines in the firearms industry. We manufacture and sell semiautomatic rifles in a variety of calibers including 5.56mm and 7.62mm, long range super-accurate bolt action rifles in calibers including .308 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum, .338 Lapua, and 50 BMG, and classic 9mm pistols.Visit: www.armalite.com

Wilson Combat UT-15 Tactical Carbine - Guaranteed 1 MOA at 100 yards.

AmmoLand Gun News

Manasquan, NJ --(Ammoland.com)- Think your AR can’t be as accurate as the high end custom AR above? Think again.

The AR or AR15 rifle is plenty accurate. Oh, yours isn’t? Maybe it’s time to look at some options to make your rifle the envy of the rifle range.

Like all rifles the AR is made up of components; each playing a role in its accuracy.

Though shooting style may differ from shooter to shooter, for example, those who participate in service rifle matches have different requirements from an AR used for long range hunting. However, high quality components are crucial for both top scores or long range hunting success.

Whether you are building a black rifle from parts or customizing your existing AR rifle to better suit your shooting style, here’s a rundown of what works for me and a suggestion where to spend your hard earned dollars to maximize black rifle accuracy.

The barrel: the heart of an accurate rifle.
The accuracy of any rifle begins and ends with its barrel. This should be the greatest single expenditure when looking to wring the most from your AR. Many rifle manufacturers use decent barrels capable of good accuracy. If your rifle isn’t accurate enough for your liking, replace the barrel first and choose a reputable barrel maker. Shilen Rifles makes one of the finest. Their drop-in barrel is available complete with matching bolt chambered, headspaced and ready for installation. Their barrels are available in many contours. Don’t skimp on a barrel.

The process of installing an aftermarket barrel is usually combined with installation of free float tubes. If you are utilizing a drop-in barrel, the barrel simply fits into the receiver and is held in place by the barrel nut. The nut must be aligned so that the gas tube clears the holes in the nut. Most free float tubes then screw onto the barrel nut.

If you would like to see this and other procedures, go to Brownell’s website. It has one of the most comprehensive video collections available on building an AR Rifle. www.brownells.com

Changing An AR-15 Barrel Video

Free Float Tubes
Any kind of pressure put on a rifle barrel will cause the impact of the bullet to shift. For this reason, I like free float tubes on my AR. If building an AR with some sort of attachment for a bipod, mount it on the free float tube so it makes no contact with the barrel whatsoever to include the gas block.

Free float tubes can be installed on CMP rifles by removing the heat shields from the issued hand guards then reinstalling the hand guards over them. Most shooters use a second set dedicated to this use as the original hand guards do need to be modified.

Free Float Tubes come in an array of styles and materials and are a personal preference AR accessory.

Upper and Lower Receiver
The upper and lower receivers for the AR- 15 are Mil- Spec. In theory, the parts are interchangeable. The AR- Style .308 is not, but I foresee one or two designs taking the lead and becoming the “standard”.

The upper and lower receivers are simply nothing more than housings to keep the guts of the rifle from flying apart. The upper holds the barrel in place and houses the bolt carrier. The lower houses the hammer and trigger while holding the buttstock and pistol grip in place.

J P Enterprises AR-15 Tensioning Pin

Though many shooters feel the slop between the upper and lower receiver robs accuracy, I have yet to experience this. But, the slop rattle can be quite aggravating and distracting. If the rattling halves bother you, an Accu-wedge or JP Tension Pin can remove this slop. I prefer glassing the two halves. To do this, a minimum of tools will be needed:

• Bedding Compound – I like Brownell’s Acraglas Gel, 4 ounce kit – This will provide more than enough bedding compound to glass an AR and still have plenty to bed a bolt action rifle or two. This kit comes with everything you will need to do a professional-looking job. One word of caution, the release agent included in the kit prevents the two pieces from sticking together. It is imperative to use this release agent according to the directions.
• Degreasing Agent – I use denatured alcohol.
• Shim stock – The thickness of the shim depends on the desired tightness. I prefer a .005 of an inch thick shim stock (the thickness of two sheets of typing paper) though many match gun builders use a shim up to .012 of an inch thick.

Degrease the lower receiver where the lug from the upper fits into it. Apply the release agent to the upper receiver and the rear takedown pin. I also put a small piece of clay in the hole in the lug. The pin will not be pushed all the way through but will fill up with the Acraglas; the clay prevents this.

Apply a small amount of glass in the pocket of the lower receiver where the lug will sit. To get good adherence, I will occasionally rough up the receiver with a Dremel tool and a small bur and degrease it again. Once the glass is applied in the pocket, put the shim on the top of the lower receiver. Slowly close the two halves. I put the shim just behind the ejection port; the two halves should not close. Apply pressure to the upper receiver; enough so you can start the takedown pin in the lug. Do not push the pin all the way through.

The deed is now done. All that is left to do is clean up any glass that runs out and set aside, preferably in a horizontal position until the glass sets up. Once the glass is set up, remove pins and clean up all residue. The rifle is then ready to reassemble and shoot and viola, no more rattle.

The only specialized feature on an upper receiver other than the cool factor is matching it to your shooting style. If you are a Civilian Marksman Program (CMP) shooter, you will need to choose an upper that will accept rear sights, like the A2 upper. For a long range shooter or hunter who plans on mounting optics, a flat top or optic-friendly high rise upper is in order. I prefer the high rise to a standard flat top. I want to keep my optics as close to the receiver and bore as possible instead of using ultra high scope rings.

Don’t get too worked up over the upper and lower receivers and don’t overspend here.

JP EZ Trigger

The Trigger
The standard issue trigger isn’t conducive to accuracy unless you are familiar with a two stage trigger. I like a crisp, single stage trigger that breaks at 3- 3½ pounds. The JP EZ trigger is one of my favorites and as its name implies is rather easy to install. For service rifle shooters who are restricted to a 4 ½ pound trigger pull, a CMP set up is available. This is achieved by springs rather than sear and trigger engagements. This is one area in which I would not cut corners.

The installation is better watched than explained. JP Rifles has a wonderful video of the trigger installation and set up on their website. Go to www.jprifles.com/1.4.8.1_ezt.php to watch the video of the complete installation. Trigger control is important, but again it is a luxury and will be priced accordingly.

Stock
Often looked upon as an oversight, a stock is important to long range shooting. A consistent stock weld is imperative to consistent success when shooting long range. The Magpul Precision Rifle/Sniper stock is the choice for serious shooters. It is fully adjustable both for length and height and facilitates optic mounted ARs. These are premium made stocks and priced as such. A less expensive option is the standard A2 style buttstock and an aftermarket cheek piece to attach to it. While not high speed, it performs the same task and is a couple hundred dollars cheaper.

Magpul Precision Sniper Rifle Stock

Optics
Optics is a matter of opinion. Red dots are fine for the new 3 gun shoots and the sort, but once the shot ranges over 400 yards, a traditional scope complete with a range-finding type reticle is the choice of long range shooters. Many shooters like the Mil – Dot reticle, however, I find the distance between the dots too extreme for shots over 500 yards. Nikon’s Bullet Drop Compensator (BDC) used in tandem with their Spot On software program makes shooting long range child’s play. Purchase the best optics you can afford and learn how to use them.

Getting the most out of an AR isn’t difficult, but does take some planning. Determining your intention and expectations for the rifle is important. Can an AR keep up with a bench rest target rifle? Probably not, but it was never designed to do so. The bolt action rifle as we know it has a big head start on the relative newcomer, the Modern Sporting Rifle.

AR variations have already taken the rifle to heights even Stoner could have not imagined and the best is yet to come.

About Steve Felgenhauer:
Steve Felgenhauer is an up and coming freelance writer that focuses on writing about all things firearms – from product reviews to hunting and everything in between. Steve is a frequent contributor to AmmoLand Shooting Sports News.  You can read more about gun writer Steve Felgenhauer on the following page.

Safariland.com

JACKSONVILLE, Florida --(Ammoland.com)- Safariland, a BAE Systems line of business, announced the debut of its new AR15 Scope Mount line.

The new Safariland AR 15 mounts are designed specifically for flat top receivers with Picatinny rails. Three models are available to meet the needs of military, law enforcement and sport shooters.

Machined from 6061-T6 aluminum, Safariland AR 15 mounts have skeletonized top caps and bases that reduce weight. Each top cap is secured by four screws to prevent movement of the scope or red dot sight. The corners are rounded to remove sharp edges and lessen the chance of snagging on other gear and webbing. The mounts are secured to the receiver with mil-spec thumb knobs with integral washers that can be tightened by hand or with a regular screwdriver.

All three models are the proper height to Co witness with iron sights. All three models are available in either matte black or Flat Dark Earth:

* The SAF-S30C is a single ring mount cantilevered forward to enable the use of night vision or magnifiers as needed. The receiver mounting base is wider than the mounting ring, providing maximum stability and strength for attaching to the receiver.

* The SAF-D30 is designed for use with telescopic sights, and has two rings integral with the mounting base. A single clamp is secured by two mil-spec thumb knobs to maximize strength and rigidity. The forward ring is cantilevered to allow the scope to be positioned forward enough for proper eye relief.

* The SAF-S30 is designed for 30mm red dot sights requiring single ring mounting, the SAF-S30 is wider at the base than the mounting ring, providing maximum stability and strength for attaching to the receiver.

About Safariland
Safariland, LLC is a premier provider of law enforcement and security products and services, delivering a full-range of customer-specific solutions. Offering many of the world’s most recognizable branded products in the public safety market, Safariland is committed to saving lives. For more information about Safariland and its body armor products, as well as information on the new NIJ-06 standard, please visit www.safariland.com.

About BAE Systems
BAE Systems is a global defense, security and aerospace company with approximately 107,000 employees worldwide. The Company delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. In 2009 BAE Systems reported sales of £22.4 billion (US$ 36.2 billion).

Barrett REC7 PDW Rifle

Barrett Firearms

Murfreesboro, TN - -(Ammoland.com)- Barrett announces the newest configuration of the REC7 piston-operated rifle line; the 8-inch REC7 PDW (Personal Defense Weapon) is now available.

Our REC7 PDW was developed to meet the needs of military and law enforcement customers, and it has caught their attention by offering rifle-cartridge power and precision in a submachine gun-sized package. The REC7 PDW comes in 5.56 NATO or the 6.8 SPC cartridge, and it is available with either a mil-spec single-stage trigger or select-fire trigger group (agency/export only).

Barrett REC7 PDW Rifle

The REC7 PDW offers all the refinements of its full-size counterpart, such as the 9310 steel Barrett Enhanced Piston Bolt, which is proofed and magnetic-particle tested to ensure reliable performance. The anti-tilt bolt carrier with integral piston strike face is machined from 8620 steel. The gas block is chrome–lined, forward venting and has a fluted gas piston cylinder. This increases reliability by eliminating carbon buildup. Forward venting also keeps the operator’s hands clear of hot gasses.

REC7’s piston is made of 17-4 stainless steel and is the strongest on the market. The piston is easily accessed for cleaning without needing to remove the rail system. This enables optical sights or laser devices to maintain their zero after routine maintenance. The Barrett PDW piston system eliminates issues experienced by ultra-short rifles, increasing reliability with or without a suppressor. Designed for suppressed operations, the PDW has a two-position (suppressed/unsuppressed) nitride finished gas plug, which is easily manipulated with gloves. The REC7 PDW’s upper supports a free-floated, hammer-forged, chrome-lined barrel that is proofed and magnetic particle tested for quality assurance.

Barrett is a family-owned and operated company specializing in high performance rifle systems and accessories. Barrett manufactures rifles, ammunition and optic accessories in addition to training for civilian sport shooters, law enforcement agencies, the US military and over 63 foreign allied militaries worldwide.

12 Days Of Armalite Firearms Sale

ArmaLite Inc

Geneseo, IL – -(Ammoland.com)- ArmaLite, Inc has begun its biggest sale of the year: The 12 Days of ArmaLite.

From December 9th through December 24th, selected items will be available at big savings. Each day, new items will be added to the sale.

Just like in the popular holiday song, every item put on sale will remain in place until the entire sale is over.

Please click here for more details: http://tiny.cc/wahub.

About:
ArmaLite has one of the broadest product lines in the firearms industry. We manufacture and sell semiautomatic rifles in a variety of calibers including 5.56mm and 7.62mm, long range super-accurate bolt action rifles in calibers including .308 Winchester, .300 Winchester Magnum, .338 Lapua, and 50 BMG, and classic 9mm pistols. Visit: www.armalite.com

ArmaLite Inc

Geneseo, IL – -(Ammoland.com)- ArmaLite, Inc. is pleased to announce that its new 2011 catalog is now available on line: http://tiny.cc/gae1r.

The new catalog features the latest in ArmaLite’s fine quality firearms and accessories… including many new third party items from top level manufacturers like MAGPUL and TRIJICON.

You may also order a hard copy of the ArmaLite catalog by calling 800-336-0184 or by visiting http://tiny.cc/hulnv and following the instructions.

2011 Armalite Firearms Catalog

About:
ArmaLite has one of the broadest product lines in the firearms industry. We manufacture and sell semiautomatic rifles in a variety of calibers including 5.56mm and 7.62mm, long range super-accurate bolt action rifles in calibers including .308 Winchester, 300 Winchester, 338 Lapua, and 50 BMG, and classic 9mm pistols. Visit: www.armalite.com

MidwayUSA Geissele AR Trigger

Midway USA

Columbia, MO --(Ammoland.com)-MidwayUSA, a catalog and Internet retailer offering JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING for Shooting, Reloading, Gunsmithing and Hunting, is pleased to announce the release of the Geissele Super-Dynamic line of AR-15 triggers, available exclusively at MidwayUSA.

“We listened to our Customers and partnered with Geissele Automatics to create a series of triggers that met our Customers’ requirements,” says Gunsmithing Product Line Manager Peter Eiberger.

“These triggers feature a flat trigger bow that many shooters prefer and slightly increased trigger reach for proper finger placement. We are very excited to offer these triggers to our Customers.”

The Geissele Super-Dynamic trigger is available in three versions: Combat, Enhanced, and 3- Gun.

• The Combat trigger features a 2.5-3 pound first stage and a 2 pound second stage. The Combat trigger retails for $209.99.
• The Enhanced trigger has a 2.2 pound first stage, a 1.2 pound second stage and crisper break. The Enhanced trigger retails for $224.99.
• The 3-Gun trigger was designed with input from competitive multi-gun shooters and features a “hybrid” 3.5 pound pull and shorter reset for rapid engagement of multiple targets. The 3-Gun trigger retails for $234.99.

The Geissele Super-Dynamic triggers are available exclusively at MidwayUSA.

For more information about the Geissele Super-Dynamic Triggers visit www.midwayusa.com or call 1-800-243-3220.

Armalite AR-10 A2 Rifle

ArmaLite Inc

Geneseo, IL – -(Ammoland.com)-  ArmaLite, Inc. is pleased to announce its first-ever AR-10 A2 with forward assist is now available!

The premiere rifles came off the line and were test-fired on November 30th.

The Era of AR Innovation Dawned with the emergence of the ArmaLite AR-10 Service Rifle and continuing design development resulted in the new 7.62mm ArmaLite AR-10A2. An outstanding tactical rifle design coupled with the advantages of a heavier caliber yields a hard hitting firepower combination.

No other tactical rifle in this caliber surpasses the ArmaLite AR-10.

• The first of the new A2’s with forward assist are rifles: http://tiny.cc/v8cud
• They are also being built as carbines: http://tiny.cc/s7ppr

Both the rifle and the carbine are available with black or green furniture.

The introduction of the new AR-10A2’s with forward assist is just the first shot in ArmaLite’s December To Remember. Watch for more exciting news in the weeks to come!

Armalite AR-10 A2 Rifle

About:
ArmaLite has one of the broadest product lines in the firearms industry. We manufacture and sell semiautomatic rifles in a variety of calibers including 5.56mm and 7.62mm, long range super-accurate bolt action rifles in calibers including .308 Winchester, 300 Winchester, 338 Lapua, and 50 BMG, and classic 9mm pistols. Visit: www.armalite.com

Frank Brownell - Brownells.com

Des Moines, Iowa – -(Ammoland.com)- Sounds awesome, right?

Immediately makes you think of all the fun things you can do at the range or on hunts with your “Black Rifles”.

All the dreaming you can do to improve your shooting of these great guns. Or more importantly, all the fun you’ve been having with your buddies this past year and hopefully you will again next year. With your “Black Rifles” - which we have singled out to feature on the Black Friday Sale.

The whole point of making this the lead to this month’s WebBench is to call attention to the Big Black Friday Sale we’re putting on from 12 AM on the famous “Black Friday” major sale day to 12 Midnight on Monday night, the now famous “Cyber Monday” major sale day on the web.

Our event runs from the beginning of one to the end of the other – better than you’re going to find anywhere else out there!

What we’ve put together for you is a special sale page you can get to by following this link: brownells.com/blackriflefriday or by going to our home page, brownells.com, and clicking on the main banner featuring the sale.

Our team has put together a mix of brand-new products that just came in, to some great, popular accessories for the whole range/family of black guns – the AR-15, the AK, the .50 cal, Remington 700, the Saiga, and even some .22 cals. Didn’t mess around with the “usual” stuff – just things to let you trick out or up-grade or accessorize the black guns in your collection.

In addition to some special pricing on individual items, we’ve given you 10% off your entire order when you break the $150 dollar threshold. When you click on the item that interests you, you’ll go to it on the regular catalog page, and can add to your order’s shopping cart from there. Then click on the “Sale Banner” on the item page to get back to the Black Rifle Friday Sale page. To get the special pricing and all, you’ll need to add the discount code that shows up on the sale’s landing page in the “Promotional Code” box on the order page as a part of your final checkout.

So - jump to the Sale Site – click here - and have some fun shopping!!

True Meaning Of Thanksgiving & Christmas
However, let’s never forget the true meaning of Thanksgiving and the Christmas season. It is our annual reminder to take a hard look at our priorities. We all have many, many things to be thankful for in our personal and business lives. We strongly encourage you to grab those people who are most important to you and tell them, “Thanks for being a part of my life”. Drop that note in the mail, make that phone call. Let folks know you’re thinking about them and the connection you have to them, and that you just wanted to let them know you wanted to touch base with them. Or do a small act of kindness for someone. It goes an exceptionally long way in helping you be the best of who you are – and it will make a difference in everyone’s life you touch.

This time of year is the time for family and the time for friends and the time to continue to connect - or reconnect - with your personal faith. This is something we all need to do. And each major faith has important holidays along about now in which you can participate. Take part; you’ll feel personally much better for it.

Here is our personal “Thanks” to all of you.

We thank you for your continued commitment to the Second Amendment and the individual rights our Constitution and Bill of Rights grant to all of us. We thank you for your undying faith in America and what this great country and it’s free people hold near and dear. We thank you for you unlimited support of our Armed Forces, our Troops at home and those in harms way. We thank you for being our friends and customers – for telling us when we are wrong or have failed your expectations - and for the “atta-boys” when we get it right and have met your needs.

Many, Many Thanks from the Gang at Brownells.

Brownells.com

About:
At Brownells Everything is Guaranteed period! Forever, 100%, with no restocking fees. Brownells is the world’s largest supplier of firearm parts, gunsmithing tools, reloading equipment and accessories. Stocking more than 30,000 items, the company supplies armorers, gunsmiths, and shooters worldwide. All of their products are backed by a 100% satisfaction, unconditional, lifetime guarantee. For more information, or to place an order, call 800-741-0015 or visit Brownells.com

Wilson Combat 6.8 SPC Ar15 M4 Variant

Action Target

Provo, Utah --(Ammoland.com)- 12 gauge pump shotguns have been part of the Law Enforcement arsenal for a long time, and patrol rifles are becoming more commonplace, with the AR-15, M4 or some variant being the most common.

It is no secret that I am a proponent of the patrol rifle, as anything a handgun can do, a rifle can do better, and from a longer distance.

As more and more of America’s LE Officers are being confronted with rifles (the semiauto AK-47, SKS and variants being the most common), it’s time to rethink operational priorities.

Early in my LE career, when the 12 gauge pump was the standard LE long gun, you could always tell the rookies (myself included) from the veterans. The rookies would go dashing off to the scene of a shots fired or man with a gun call, where the veterans would always take the few seconds to get to the trunk, take out the 12 gauge pump, and maybe grab a pocketful of extra buckshot or slugs.

Therein lies a lesson:

Don’t take a handgun to a long gun fight.
Now, I can hear the cyber moaning and wailing already as I type this. “My department will never allow… My Chief will never go for…. The community will be in an uproar….”, etc., etc. All I can say is, I never thought I’d see the day when fully geared up NYPD ESU Officers would be visibly present at major infrastructure locations in Manhattan, wearing M4’s, full raid vests including a Kevlar lid, but that day is here. If you don’t ask, you don’t get. I’m not making light of any department’s struggles with getting a patrol rifle program accepted and funded, as I have assisted many departments with getting their programs off the ground and know how difficult it is. My point is, more and more of America’s finest are being gunned down with a rifle chambered in 7.62 X 39 COMBLOC. When facing a rifle with a 30 round box magazine attached, even your favorite high capacity 9mm / .357 SIG / .40 S&W / .45 ACP is not “enough gun”. You need a long gun.

Maximizing Patrol Rifle Reliability:
The AR-15 / M4 (or some variant) is the most common patrol rifle, so let’s focus on it first. First, the direct gas impingement system invented by Eugene Stoner is an inherently high maintenance system. Anyone who has spent the better part of an evening attempting to scrape the last bit of carbon fouling off the bolt tail or the corresponding recesses in the bolt carrier knows what I am talking about.

Which brings up an operational question: How often & who will perform routine preventative maintenance on the issued rifles? The Stoner system also requires a fair amount of lubrication, particularly once you start firing it, as the gas blowing back onto the bolt has a tendency to burn off any lubrication on the bolt’s gas rings quickly. Here in the Southwest, where the air temperatures have been above 100 degrees F all week, the temperature inside a police cruiser’s trunk is hot enough to bake a pizza. Almost every patrol rifle that I have seen taken directly out of a cruiser’s trunk has been bone dry and badly in need of lubrication. Routine maintenance is critical if the rifle is going to function reliably.

Another area to look at closely is the patrol rifle’s magazines. I covered magazine function checks in a previous article, but suffice it to say that just previous to the last national high capacity magazine ban, anybody with aluminum sheet metal and a spot welder was cranking out AR-15 magazines. Even the original mil-spec magazines were intended to be used just a few times, then discarded. I personally run only stainless steel mags with a military phosphate or nitride finish. If a rifle magazine is not feeding properly due to a split back seam (common) or bent feed lips, take it out of inventory and destroy it.

Patrol Rifle Function Test:
Make certain that there is no live ammunition in the rifle or associated magazines. Again, I find a physical chamber check going up through the mag well faster and more accurate than a visual check.

1. Let the bolt go forward.
2. Insert a mag and lock it into the mag well.
3. Pull back smartly on the charging handle. The bolt should lock to the rear. If it does not, check the orientation of the magazine springs. Unlike most pistol magazines, the spring in most AR-15 mil-spec mags is attached to the follower and is difficult to orient backward. But, if it is humanly possible…
4. Push the charging handle forward into the locked position.
5. Push the magazine release button. The magazine should fall free under its own weight. If it does not, it could be due to either a bent magazine tube OR the magazine release catch has been screwed too far into the mag well. If you have the same problem with all of your mags, try backing off the catch arm one full turn and repeat the test.
6. Slap the bolt release. The bolt should fly forward sharply and lock up into the rear of the barrel.
7. Point the muzzle in a safe direction and put the safety on “Safe”. Pull the trigger, hard. Nothing should happen.
8. Put the safety on “Fire”. Press the trigger. You should have a normal trigger press and hammer fall. Keep the trigger depressed.
9. Rack the charging handle.
10. Let the trigger go forward slowly until you hear and feel the very loud disconnector reset.
11. Press the trigger again.
12. Attempt to put the safety on “Safe”. With the hammer down on an AR-15 and variants, the safety cannot be put on safe.
13. Repeat for all remaining magazines.

*This is the first entry in a 2-part series. Click here for the second installment.

About Action Targets:
Action Target is a privately owned business headquartered about 40 miles south of Salt Lake City in Provo, Utah. For the last 20 plus years, Action Target has been the dominant force in shooting range equipment design and manufacturing for law enforcement, military, and commercial ranges around the world. We are proud of our commitment to deliver advanced firearms training products that help prepare our men and women in uniform for the heroic job of defending our safety and our freedom. Visit: www.actiontarget.com

Armalite AR-10(T) Rifle

ArmaLite Inc

Geneseo, IL – -(Ammoland.com)- ArmaLite announced the return of its popular Hog Gun, the AR-10(T) Carbine. Within 10 days every one of them was gone. Now, nine months later, IT’S BACK, it’s in stock, and you can have one for this year’s hunting season.

But if you want one, don’t wait. This finely crafted weapon has been produced once again in a small batch. Quantities are limited and will not last long.

“This AR-10(T) Carbine combines the light weight and compact size of the carbine with the accuracy of the Target Model to give you a rifle that outperforms all other carbines. You will be ready on your next hunt with the easy carry and weather resistant stainless steel barrel chambered in 7.62 NATO.” says Tacticle-Life.com.

Specs:

• Model: AR-10(T) Carbine with Free Float Handguard in Black
• Caliber: .308/7.62mm NATO
• Barrel: 16″ Stainless Steel Barrel
• Rifling Twist: RH 1:11.25″
• Muzzle Device: Flash Suppressor
• Front Sight Base: Gas Block with Picatinny Rail
• Upper Receiver: Forged Flat Top Receiver with Picatinny Rail and Forward
• Assist
• Trigger: Two Stage National Match
• Overall Length: 37.5″
• Weight: 8.6 lbs
• Accuracy: 1 MOA

Included with Rifle: One 10 Round Magazine, One 20 Round Magazine, Black Case, Limited Lifetime Warranty.

Your Price: $1,892.00 ea.

Armalite AR-10T Hog Gun

About:
ArmaLite has one of the broadest product lines in the firearms industry. We manufacture and sell semiautomatic rifles in a variety of calibers including 5.56mm and 7.62mm, long range super-accurate bolt action rifles in calibers including .308 Winchester, 300 Winchester, 338 Lapua, and 50 BMG, and classic 9mm pistols. Visit: www.armalite.com

Shop Black Rifle Friday at Brownells.com

Brownells.com

Des Moines, Iowa – -(Ammoland.com)- Save on your gun related Christmas shopping starting at 12:00 AM, Friday, November 26! Go to Brownells Black Rifle Friday page at 12:00 AM to get the special coupon code, or be a friend on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/BrownellsInc, and get early access to the coupon code, and a head start on savings.

Entering the coupon code will save you 10% off any order over $150!

The exclusive savings run through midnight, on “Cyber-Monday”, November 29, so make out your wish list for Santa and get ready to save!

And, selected items have special, reduced prices, available all weekend; AND, the 10% offer is good there, too!

About:
At Brownells Everything is Guaranteed period! Forever, 100%, with no restocking fees. Brownells is the world’s largest supplier of firearm parts, gunsmithing tools, reloading equipment and accessories. Stocking more than 30,000 items, the company supplies armorers, gunsmiths, and shooters worldwide. All of their products are backed by a 100% satisfaction, unconditional, lifetime guarantee. For more information, or to place an order, call 800-741-0015 or visit Brownells.com

Valkyrie Armament

North Ridgeville, OH --(Ammoland.com)- In a continually shifting world of firearms gadgetry, today’s discriminating second amendment protector is finally offered an AR-15 style rifle that utilizes time proven technology of Colt in a belt-fed configuration.

The Belt-fed, Semi-Automatic rifle (BSR – Mod 1) borrows from the original Stoner/Colt belt-fed design and utilizes modern technology to precisely machine the removable belt box and feed tray mechanism that converts a standard AR-15 style rifle into a belt-fed, semi-automatic support weapons platform.

Coupled with the proven design concepts from the original Colt system , Valkyrie Armament LLC can now provide all riflemen and women with a weapons platform that can utilize a virtually unlimited ammunition supply.

Maintaining 85% parts compatibility, modifications to the upper receiver and lower receiver in the form of cut outs and a bolt carrier drive system are the only design changes.

Complete BSR – Mod 1 weapon systems are available in addition to customer supplied conversions. Msrp $3300.00 for supplied rifle conversions

Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness…
For those that are looking for that tactical, belt fed, 5.56mm weapons platform…Valkryie Armament is your answer. Born from an idea that Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness starts with a warm, belt-fed rifle, Valkryie Armament has reinvented the time-tested model of Eugene Stoner’s belt fed conversion into a modern day phoenix.

In the shooting sports, there are many options for you to consider when looking to buy a semi-automatic firearm. Rifles, pistols, shotguns…there all out there for you to consider. When looking for a belt fed, weapons platform, however, your options are far more limited. Cost, function, and caliber are three areas of concern that Valkryie Armament considered when improving the Stoner design. There just isn’t a more affordable belt fed, 5.56mm rifle on the market today.

Why a belt fed AR15 style rifle? Because you can.
We’ve all heard it before…why do you own an “assault rifle”…why do you need a “scary, black rifle”…why, why, why?

Simply put, because you can. In this great land of ours, the liberties that we all enjoy were born in the barrels and breeches of our forefather’s flintlocks. This truth is undeniable; however, it is continually under siege from the violent storm of opposition.

Valkyrie Armament is your conduit to politely tell those that ask you why…to go pound sand.

Credentials

• 39 years of machining experience
• 18 years experience USMC officer combat veteran
• 10 years full time Leo
• Colt certified armoror
• glock certified armorer
• Certified firearms instructor
• Valkyrie armament llc Class 2 SOT
• www.beltfedar.com

Valkyrie Armament Belt-Fed AR-15 Rifle

Valkyrie Armament Belt-Fed AR-15 Rifle

About:
Valkyrie armament llc, it was formed in 2009 after a lifetime of being firearms enthusiasts we decided it was time to put our expertise in manufacturing to work in the firearms industry so we decided on a historic project to resurrect the stoner convertible belt fed design and so we present the new BSR-mod 1. Visit: www.valkyriearmament.com

R.A.R. Guns - Black Rifles from the Best Brands

RAR Guns

Castle Rock, CO --(Ammoland.com)- R.A.R. Guns is pleased to announce our association with several different black rifle and accessories vendors.

We worked hard in the last year and have added the following premium brands to our RAR Line up. LMT, Adams Arms, Spikes Tactical, Del-Ton, Yankee Hill Machine, Timney Triggers and Black Hole Weaponry to our RAR Line up.

At R.A.R. Guns, we want to be able to offer as many top quality choices and options as we can.

Lewis Machine & Tool
LMT is an industry leader in the AR platform world. LMT provides weaponry to US Special Ops Command, US Army, US Navy, US Air Force, US Marine Corps and other government agencies and bureaus. They build their rifles with unsurpassed quality and we are proud to be able to offer their products.

Adams Arms
We added Adams Arms to our lineup because of their reputation with gas piston systems. Their conversion systems are easy to install and work flawlessly. Their monolithic uppers make for a great build for those who want a great, ready to go, reliable gas piston gun.

Spikes Tactical
When we started selling our guns, we chose Spikes Tactical for our lower receivers. We did not make this choice lightly. Spikes Tactical does a great job on all of their products. After using many of their lowers and never having a single problem, we decided to take on their entire line. We feel that the Spikes Tactical product line adds and affordable, quality rifle and parts selection to our lineup.

Del-Ton
We’ve had many, many customers ask if we carried Del-Ton products. We knew who they were and we also knew they made a good product at a good price. So we looked more deeply into their products and decided to add them as a vendor. They offer an amazing amount of configurations and choices for the customer to choose from. Now we can offer the public those choices as well.

Yankee Hill Machine
Yankee Hill Machine is another company we have been dealing with for a long time. We are particularly fond of their free float hand guards and sights. They make a very high quality product at a very affordable price. It wasn’t a tough decision to start carrying all of their products.

Timney Triggers & Black Hole Weaponry
Timney Triggers the leader in drop in trigger assemblies. We felt we had to add them to our product line. They offer triggers for all types of guns and now even for archery. A rifle is only as good as it’s barrel. So we now offer the superior quality of Black Hole Weaponry barrels. They offer polygonal rifling, custom fluting and more.

R.A.R. Guns offers military and LE discounts on everything we sell. We also offer discounts to the general public under certain conditions. We are very competitively priced. Not all products are available on our web-site. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, please call us. 303-495-5406

About:
RAR Guns. Home of the best AR 15s in the world. We don’t just assemble parts. We measure and test each part before it is installed. Then each part is function tested to insure proper operation. We have several AR15 models to choose from and we also build to your custom specifications. We warranty our AR15 rifles for workmanship for a full year no questions asked. Our AR15 rifles will even perform with most Russian, steel cased and polymer coated ammo. If it breaks or has a malfunction within one year of purchase, we will correct the problem for free. Visit: www.rarguns.com

Armalite M15A4 LEC Complete Carbine Upper

ArmaLite Inc

Geneseo, IL – -(Ammoland.com)- You asked for it, you got it. Due to the unprecedented customer response to the “ Buy An AR10 On 10-10-10 Sale,” ArmaLite is pleased to announce a special encore of that deal. And, ArmaLite is sweetening the deal this time.

Buy any in- stock AR-10 complete upper OR ANY IN-STOCK M-15 COMPLETE UPPER on www.armalite.com and get 10% off your purchase. This offer is in effect ONLY on October 23 and 24, 2010. Some of these uppers are already in ArmaLite’ s Fall Hunter’ s Sale at reduced prices.

You can take the 10-10-10 AGAIN Sale’ s 10% off of the Hunter’ s Sale prices for an EXTRA savings!

There are 14 different kinds of AR-10 uppers for you to choose from. Savings are as high as $109 on the AR-10(T) in .338 Federal. There are 25 different kinds of M-15 uppers available. You can buy an M-15A4 carbine complete upper for just over $350!

The 10-10-10 AGAIN Sale also includes ArmaLite’ s limited run of AR-10 complete uppers chambered in .243 Winchester. This rare and super accurate configuration is the perfect varmint hunter. It fits the AR-10 platform with no alterations yet has much less recoil than the standard 7.62mm. Go to http://tiny.cc/8bcrl for details on the .243 upper.

Don’ t miss out. The 10-10-10 AGAIN Sale is in effect ONLY on Saturday and Sunday, October 23 and 24, 2010.

About:
ArmaLite has one of the broadest product lines in the firearms industry. We manufacture and sell semiautomatic rifles in a variety of calibers including 5.56mm and 7.62mm, long range super-accurate bolt action rifles in calibers including .308 Winchester, 300 Winchester, 338 Lapua, and 50 BMG, and classic 9mm pistols. Visit: www.armalite.com

Mossberg Tactical .22 Autoloading Rimfire Rifle

Mossberg

North Haven, CT --(Ammoland.com)- Mossberg International introduces the Tactical .22–an alternative firearm for those shooters and enthusiasts who want the look and feel of an AR-style .22 rimfire with an affordable price.

With the rising costs of centerfire ammunition, the new Tactical .22 rimfires are a great choice for recreational shooters, as well as those searching for a cost-effective training platform.

The lightweight and fast-handling Tactical .22 parallels the look and feel of today’s AR-style rifle while being built around Mossberg International’s reliable .22 autoloader.

Taking cues from their proven 702 autoloader, the Tactical .22 matches an 18” barrel to a quad rail forend allowing the operator to fit the rifle with lights, lasers or other tactical accessories.

Two stock configurations will be offered in this series: a six-position adjustable and fixed stock. The six-position polymer stock adjusts the length of pull from 10-3/4” – 14.5” accommodating youth and smaller framed shooters up to adults. The fixed position stock has a standard 13” LOP. The Tactical .22 is integrated with an A2-style carry handle and an adjustable rear sight aligned with a front post sight.

The Picatinny handle mount is included, allowing versatility in scopes and other optics while providing the clearance necessary to utilize the AR-style sights. Other features included with the Tactical .22 are sling mounts and a ten round magazine.

MSRP:  $276

Details:

Mossberg International was founded in 2002 as a subsidiary of Mossberg Corporation and offers a lineup of semi-automatic and bolt action rimfire rifles, as well as over-under, side-by-side and semi-auto shotguns. To learn more about Mossberg Corporation family of companies, including Mossberg International, O.F. Mossberg & Sons, and Maverick Arms, please visit www.mossberg.com.

Takedown Briefcase AR15 Rifle : Update

AR15.com

Honeoye Falls, NY -(Ammoland.com)- As we continue work on this Briefcase AR15 Rifle project , it’s improving more and more each week.

We’ve installed and tested a custom built Osprey Defense piston conversion and we’ve switched to a DD CHF 14.5″ barrel with a permanently affixed PWS FSC556 compensator.

With these two changes, we took the rifle to the machine gun shoot in Tampa a few weeks ago and put a few hundred rounds through it and it is shooting like a dream; smooth and with no muzzle rise whatsoever, plus the shorter barrel balances the rifle much better and fits in the case easily. The complete package as it sits today in the case looks like this:

Components Shown Above:

• Lower Reciever with Magpul CTR, MIAD, DD QD mount, Spikes buffer and BAD Ambi Safety Selector
• Spikes Tactical internals with NickelBoron coated FCG, KNS pins, and extended takedown/pivot pins
• MGI QCB-D upper with custom Osprey Defense Gas Piston Kit and FailZero BCG, POF roller cam pim
• DD 14.5″ CHF 1/7 barrel with FSB and PWS FSC556 compensator
• SpecterDR 1-4x Optic and Troy rear BUIS
• Surefire X300 weapon light
• Tactical Link Stealth Single Point Bungee Sling
• 4x 30rd Magpul Pmags
• All in a Pelican 1490 case (with no need for foam cutting as everything currently fits tightly with no metal-metal contact and no movement when carrying it)

So as it stands, we have a tricked-out non-SBR AR-15 carbine complete with railed fore end, magpul furniture, large optics, BUIS, sling, light, and 120rds of ammo in magazines all packed into a laptop-sized case for carry or storage anywhere that space is at a premium, and discretion is required.

We will continue to test and tune this rifle as we still have a few tweaks we are exploring, and a small list of changes for the folks at MGI to incorporate into the upper. That will all be followed by another round of functional and accuracy testing including maintaining zero through various barrels. In addition, we are working on a few different layouts for the case, as well as exploring custom cases and options later this week.

If you have any input or would like to make any suggestions for this kit, feel free to post in the forum listed under the Project AR title above.

I’ll leave you with a couple of pics of a simpler and much classier setup for this rifle:

Briefcase AR15 : Update

About:
AR15.Com originated in 1996 as a mailing list for firearm enthusiasts. As the years passed and interest grew, a website came into existence to present those same enthusiasts with a means to collect, share, and explore information. Shortly afterwards, a bulletin board was added to create a more interactive experience for the growing list of users. The site was still in it’s infancy, but was growing in popularity. Visit: www.ar15.com

Briefcase AR15 Rilfe

Armalite 10Th Anniversary AR-50A1 Rifle

ArmaLite Inc

Geneseo, IL – -(Ammoland.com)- ArmaLite, Inc. proudly celebrates the 10th anniversary of its legendary AR-50A1 with a special offering. We have made just FIFTY 50’s in a one-of-a-kind color and as part of a special package.

The anniversary rifle includes a custom powder coating color process in silver-black crackle finish. The anniversary dates are laser etched on the upper receiver.

Each Anniversary AR-50 is part of a special package including an ArmaLite 30mm scope mount; Armalite 15, 30, and 50 minute scope rails; a bipod, a monopod; 100 rounds of spent GI brass; and a certificate of authenticity. See your ArmaLite dealer for details.

The anniversary AR-50 isn’t just a pretty rifle… it’s one of the finest high-powered rifles in the world. The heart of the AR-50A1 is its metallic stock to action interface. The patented V-block stock and bedding wedge assure absolute strength and repeatability for superb accuracy. The aluminum stock reinforces the receiver almost like a bench-rest sleeve.

Accuracy? It’s not just in the bedding. Independent testing has proven the AR-50A1 muzzle brake to be the best in the industry for both recoil control and accuracy. It scrapes away turbulent muzzle gasses and lets the bullet break into clean air for amazing accuracy.

Strength, accuracy, and stability make the AR-50A1 stunningly durable and accurate for decades of hard use. You’ll be proud to hand it down to the next generation.

Armalite 10th Anniversary Ar-50a1 Rifle

About:
ArmaLite has one of the broadest product lines in the firearms industry. We manufacture and sell semiautomatic rifles in a variety of calibers including 5.56mm and 7.62mm, long range super-accurate bolt action rifles in calibers including .308 Winchester, 300 Winchester, 338 Lapua, and 50 BMG, and classic 9mm pistols. Visit: www.armalite.com

AR-10(T) UPPER HALF, ALUMINUM HANDGUARD, 20" BARREL, GREEN

ArmaLite Inc

Geneseo, IL – -(Ammoland.com)- ArmaLite, Inc. is pleased to announce the most unusual sale in company history.

This year’s Labor Day Sale is made COMPLETELY OF UPPERS, many of them uncommon, including FOUR that have never been made before!

Those first-time uppers are designated by the letter X and feature low-profile Picatinny gas blocks.

This sale is underway for a limited time, and when supplies are gone… they’re gone!

Please go to www.armalite.com for more details AND to take advantage of the best prices of the year!

About:
ArmaLite has one of the broadest product lines in the firearms industry. We manufacture and sell semiautomatic rifles in a variety of calibers including 5.56mm and 7.62mm, long range super-accurate bolt action rifles in calibers including .308 Winchester, 300 Winchester, 338 Lapua, and 50 BMG, and classic 9mm

Wilson Combat 6.8 Spc Ar15 M4 Variant

National Association for Gun Rights

San Antonio, Texas -–(Ammoland.com)- The hunting world has long looked down their nose at “black” military-style rifles.

Thanks to cutting edge innovation from firearm and cartridge manufacturers, the M-16 style AR-15 platform has become an excellent choice for hunters who like me; enjoy sport shooting and military arms as well.

In anticipation of a spring hog hunt in Texas, I started to build an AR-15 style rifle chambered in the potent 6.8mm Special Purpose Cartridge (SPC).

While I’m no gunsmith, the modular nature of the AR platform makes it easy for average Joes like me to build and customize their rifles.

On a Stag Arms AR-15 lower, I added a Stag Arms 6.8mm upper with an M4 profile 16” barrel, complete with a Magpul UBR (Universal Battle Rifle) stock and VLTOR CASV-EL free floating rail system.

After much deliberation I finally settled on a Nikon Monarch 2-14X scope with Nikon’s excellent bullet drop compensator (BDC) reticule, which I zeroed at 100 yards.

NAGR's Luke O’Dell - Success 6.8 SPC AR15 Rifle for Hog Hunting

I’d done a lot of research in advance of building my “hog slayer” rifle, and decided that the intermediate power of the 6.8mm SPC had exactly the right kind of terminal ballistics for hog or deer hunting and self-defense. I chose to use Hornady’s polymertipped 110grn V-Max bullet as my hunting load.

After several days of unsuccessful hunting I was wondering if I was ever going to try out my new rifle and test Hornady’s ammunition in a real life situation.

Finally on the evening of the last day of hunting, a 185lbs boar walked out into my field and started eating corn not 60 yards from my tree stand.

It took me a few moments to quell the initial rush of “buck fever” that sent my heart racing before I took aim and fired a text book shoulder shot. My boar ran 20 yards into the twilight of the Texas brush and dropped dead.

The 6.8mm bullet penetrated the hog’s shield of cartilage perfectly and left little of his heart and lung intact. Thanks to my 6.8mm AR-15 I have a freezer full of wild boar sausage and a new multi-purpose rifle in my gun safe.

About:
The National Association for Gun Rights was founded in 2001 to serve as a grassroots gun rights group focusing on building state-level gun rights groups and lobbying for pro-gun federal legislation. Brown has been a gun lobbyist for more than 17 years. Visit: www.nationalgunrights.org

Columbia, MO --(Ammoland.com)- FYI if you have never had the chance check out SCRIBD.com . With a litlle searching you can find great, unique and original reading material, like articles, manuals, books and manuscripts, much of it on the subject of guns, military, hunting and ammunition.  You can also find daily tabbloids from AmmoLand.com for anyone who likes to read AmmoLand Shooting Sports News in more of newsletter style.

Here is a great short “AR15 How To” we found from our friends at Midway USA:

AR-15

About:
Midway USA – We distribute shooting, hunting and outdoor products to our Customers, relying on high-performing Employees, cutting-edge technologies and modern leadership and management principles. For more information about MidwayUSA or the new self defense product line, please visit midwayusa.com/self_defense or call 1-800-243-3220.

Kwikguard Piccatiny Rail Covers

Kwikguard

Lexington, KY - -(Ammoland.com)- Tactical Intent Group has introduced the first in a a line of products for the AR15, to enhance the gripping surface and allow for easy installation anywhere along the rail area without the use of unreliable clips.

Tactical users have found the diamond knurl surface to be comfortable and secure, with or without gloves.

According to a Special Ops trainer that used Kwikguard, “The grip is great, very firm and controlling.”

A tactical police officer in Alabama said, “The Kwikguards provided a solid purchase both with and without gloves. The combination of knurling and raised grooves kept my hand in place through every drill.”

These US-made rail covers snap into place, so they can be placed virtually anywhere on the rail without removing most accessories. They pop on with an audible snap and remain on the rail until removed. Reviewing the Kwikguard rail cover, a police officer in Ohio said, “I placed the covers on my rifle before I instructed a 3-day basic patrol rifle course. I ran my rifle fairly hard in those 3 days. On more than one occasion, my rifle bounced off of the deck or a piece of cover. The covers stayed attached and never broke.”

The KwikGuard rail covers are designed to fit any MIL-STD-1913, Picatinny, accessory rail to provide a good gripping surface and protect unused rail space. The covers have a low profile in order to add the least possible bulk to the gripping area.

The Kwikguard rail covers are currently available in 3 different lengths, 6 1/8”, 5 5/8” and 1 7/8”. In addition, the rail covers are manufactured in 4 different colors: black, flat dark earth, foliage green and olive drab.

The Kwikguard rail covers are manufactured by Tactical Intent Group in Lexington, KY, a division of the current contract holder for the military M4/M5 rail adapter systems. They also manufacture the standard issue rail covers for the US Army. The Kwikguard rail covers are made from the same tough, heat-resistant nylon as the product for the US Army.

Additional information about the product can be found at www.kwikguard.com.

Head Down Rifles & LUCID Optics Team Up

Lucid Optics

RIVERTON, WY - -(Ammoland.com)- LUCID, LLC., and Head Down Products have joined forces to offer a special promotional deal on the LUCID HD7 and the Head Down Products, XPR-15 rifle.

For a limited time, Head Down Products is offering a Free LUCID HD7 red dot sight (a value of $229) with the purchase of the XPR-15 rifle.

The promotion can be found here, (http://tiny.cc/cardy)

The XPR-15 is a new series of AR-15 rifles from Head Down products proudly manufactured in the U.S.A. These rifles are top quality rifles customized with many after market upgrades and ready to meet the serious operators needs.

Head Down Products

The LUCID HD7 Red dot sight is a quality optic that is gaining favor with many law enforcement and recreational shooters alike. Made extremely durable, reliable and packed full of well thought out user friendly features, the HD7 from LUCID is always on target.

This special offer is for a limited time, Don’t miss out!

Find us on line at:

• LUCID – www.mylucidgear.com.
• Head Down Products – www.headdownproducts.com

Thank you & Best Regards,