F&D Defense’s XAR Folding Rifle is the most remarkable thing I saw at this year’s NRA Annual Meeting. I’ve seen other folding designs but the invariably feature a folding stock.
The XAR hinges just in front of the upper receiver. The barrel folds to the side.
The secret is the taper around the barrel extension which allows it to pivot right into position in the tapered upper receiver. Then, the barrel is locked into place via a latch, similar to many suitcases.
This short video shows you how it works.
F&D Defense will be releasing the XAR Invicta (5.56/AR15 platform) in summer of 2017.
Tags: F&D Defense, NRAAM
I know I posted this on another article, but I just love all the innovation.
Then put a folding stock on it, and you have an impressive carbine.
A folding stock would only be practical if a shorter barrel is used, maybe 10.5
Then a folding pistol grip and top rail… now that’s innovative
Sure, it looks cool – but how’s the return to zero folding and unfolding it? How’s accuracy?
Does it hold zero is the million dollar question
my 10-22 takedown holds zero with no issue, and its a simuler concept with the removable barrel
The difference is though that there is only tension applied to this barrel on one side with this gun rather than all around like on most takedowns. Also, the fact that it has a hinge that works means that there will be by definition a certain amount of play in it, and I imagine that over time this hinge will become looser leading to a sloppier lockup of the barrel into the receiver. Lastly, the way the catch works means that it is relying on the fact that metal stretches to apply the tension, so over time I imagine that this catch could permanently stretch and hence reduce the tension changing how securely and consistently the barrel locks in, or just break altogether.
I wonder if it could be redesigned to have a tensioning system like the 10/22 Takedown that could be tightened after it is clamped? You could simply use the current clamping/latch if it needs to be deployed quickly. If you have the time, you could tighten the tensioning nut in addition to the clamp/latch to ensure return to zero.
Finally we have found a way to allow soldiers to easily clean the star chambers of their rifles. Welcome to the future.
Right?! Inspection ready…
Still not getting accepted by arms room NCO.
Don’t you kill our dreams with your icky logic!
It is rather amazing to think of how small a bag this would fit in for those that operate our of a backpack. I too, would be interested to see the return to zero and what (if any) accuracy problems arise through repeated use of the folding mechanism.
Now that is some real innovation!
But can you shoot it when folded?
You can, and should.
Actually there is no way of firing this with the barrel folded. The barrel and receiver group are separated from each other.
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sarcasm
Now that would be one hell of an upgrade for the Gen II model if the engineers could pull it off.
Now is Law Tactical made a model that folded the stock opposite it would be a tiny package on a SBR/AR pistol.
Check out Dead Foot Arms. It folds on the opposite side and can be fired when folded. However, I have some questions regarding reliability of the Dead Foot Arms system. It might be awesome but only time will tell.
I’m hypothesizing that if you mounted the optic to the front rail, it would be more likely to hold zero?
I can see a Red Dot up front with a FOLD TO SIDE 3x magnifier being a nice combo.
Haven’t heard the price yet.
This would be awesome with the Dead Foot Arms system.
Especially with a 8.5″ 300 Blackout barrel