Back in November, we introduced you to the Ohio Ordnance Works HCAR – Heavy Counter Assault Rifle. At the time, we believed that the weapon was called the Heavy Combat Assault Rifle, but this has since been corrected for us. Since November, OOW in conjunction with Osprey Armament has been hard at work making improvements to the design. Remember, the HCAR is based on the .30-06, M1918 Browning Automatic Rifle which weighed in at almost 20 lbs. This modern version has shaved the weight down to 12 lbs.
The Heavy Counter Assault Rifle manufactured by Ohio Ordnance Works is a modernized rifle based on the Browning Automatic Rifle. Chambered for .30-06, the HCAR allows the operator to consistently and effectively engage targets out to 900 meters, lending to its naming as a ‘Heavy Counter’ rifle. It utilizes proprietary 30-round magazines manufactured by OOW.
The updated model featured at the Osprey Range Day had a new, adjustable trigger system between 3.5 and 7 lbs. It also featured a new bolt hold open system. The button magazine release on the older model has been replaced with a lever release, similar to an AK or FAL. The HCAR also features an ambidextrous bolt close switch, located on either side of the magazine guide.
The HCAR that we fired in November retained the original WWI-era selector switch which in the modern age, is less than ideal. I was pleased to see that it now features a modern safety selector with a short 45 degree throw.
The 16″ barrel is “dimpled” with ovals to help reduce weight and improve cooling by offering additional surface area. This model also had an AAC flash suppressor and could accept the AAC suppressor. Like on the original BAR design, the HCAR has an adjustable gas port. You can also see the integrated Mil Std 1913 rails for sights and accessories.
The model featured at the Range Day did not feature the new folding charging handle, although it will be available when full-scale production starts.
It will be available later this year through Osprey Armament.
Looks f**king sweet; certainly a person stopper with .30-06 to!
Here I thought the M14 EBR Mod 1, in 7.62 x 51 mm was cool! This is what our Special Ops teams need across the pond! I would buy one for myself! Very impressive! Especially in .30-06 great range and distance in the mountains. I love it!
Wouldn’t it be better to use .338 Lapua Magnum for such purpose? British have it, right?
I doubt a 16″ barrel can burn off the full charge of a ’30-06 much less a .338 Lapua. Id like to see the flash it has now at night. It looks cool though.
Matt, with .30’06, this thing is a car stopper.
Will this only take proprietary 30 rounders or is there a way to make USGI 20 rounders fit?
The USGI 20-round BAR mags will feed into the HCAR no problem.
Also, the proprietary 30-round mags will fit into a BAR – the mags are interchangeable.
These are only proprietary in that they fit a BAR and they are made by OOW.
Since you took the effort to put a large action on this rather than use 308 Win for weight optimization – when 300 Win Mag and 338 Win Mag are available?
16″ barrel…….
Thanks for keeping us up to date on this. Why did they change the name? Did FN threaten to sue?
When the North Koreans jump over the 38th parallel, the AMERICAN MILITARY will crave such a weapon, but will only have the m4 to fight the hordes of zombies, these should be immediately mass produce……
When the North Koreans jump over the 38th parallel and they will very soon, the AMERICAN MILITARY will crave such a weapon, but will only have the m4 to fight the hordes of zombies with, these should be immediately mass produced-Like Today……:)
When the North Koreans jump over the 38th parallel, the AMERICAN MILITARY will crave such a weapon, but will only have the m4 to fight the hordes of zombies with, these should be immediately mass produced……
How irritating. Someone put a MICROPHONE on that man or tell your neighbor to STOP firing when he’s talking, or do what professionals do, have someone do a voice over in editing. It’s totally amateurish to be struggling to hear what he’s saying while some guy is firing full auto bursts nearby.
Can it handle 30-06 AP with that dimpled barrel? If it can, it will top the m1 garand in 30-06, because it has the larger mag and easily changeable barrel. Instead of buying an m1 and putting it in a stock/chasis kit.
Although it is still hard to beat the noreen bn36 for around $1600.
I love this rifle. I know it hasn’t even been released yet, but is there a possibility in a different caliber? It’s remarkable this thing was shaved down by 8 pounds but it’s still kinda heavy, in a different caliber with a smaller action maybe it would be considerably lighter? Even if not, if this thing is priced right it will definitely be on my radar.
Pretty? yes! It has gotten my interest. Several items to comment on.
1-How hard it would be to do a barrel change.
2-16″ barrel is a waste of the 30-06, personally would not want less that 20 inches. More pipe = free speed, less blast, less flash.
3-dimples? cool looking for sure but note that you are making a concave surface from a convex one, so even less is gained than going concave from flat. Surface area gain will be insignificant. Weight loss? Gentlemen it is better to take 1 pound off your belly than 1 pound off your rifle. Dimples to me are not worth the machine tool time.
I will be watching and checking what coin-age I have.