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Land Forces 22 – Thales 6.8 x 51mm Prototypes

Tuesday, October 4th, 2022

Thales provides the EF88 bullpup rifle in 5.56 NATO to the Australian Defence Force. In preparation for LAND 159 Tranche 2 which will look for a new rifle and machine gun capability, Thales has developed a new cartridge in 6.8x51mm along with weapon prototypes to perform similarly to the US Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapons program.

Although they didn’t have an example of the cartridge on hand, I’m told it’s a conventional case design, producing high chamber pressures in order to achieve similar terminal effects to NGSW’s goals.

They produced two different rifle designs, a Bullpup and a Stoner pattern weapon. It also appears that they’ve developed a common magazine between the two variants.

Posted in Ammo, Tradeshow, weapons | 5 Comments »

Faxon Overwatch Tactical 8.6 BLK Bolt Action Rifles

Friday, September 23rd, 2022

Not content with merely making barrels for the new 8.6 Blackout, Faxon Firearms has recently released the Overwatch rifle series, looking to combine top-quality bolt-action rifle building with the 8.6 Blackout caliber. Today we’re breaking down the two versions of the Overwatch Tactical.

The Overwatch is available in a more traditional style with the Overwatch Hunter, as well as two flavors of chassis builds in the Overwatch Tactical, in a 16″ barreled rifle and a 12″ barreled/braced pistol.

The Overwatch Tactical 16″

The 16″ Faxon Overwatch Tactical Bolt Action in 8.6 BLK provides modern modularity and attachment capabilities while retaining the classic bolt action experience.

Features and Specs

• Faxon 16″ 1:3 Twist 8.6 BLK Barrel w/ Thread Protector, Taper Adapter, and Remage-Style Nut

• Muzzle threaded M18x1.5mm for use with any AI standard muzzle device or suppressor mount

• MDT LSS XL Gen 2 Chassis

• Faxon TAC 30 Action & Bolt by Stiller

• AICS Mag Compatible

• Timney Elite Hunter 510-V2 Trigger

• B5 Precision Collapsible Stock

• B5 Pistol Grip

Weights & Dimensions

• Weight: 7.61 lbs

• Length: 35.375″

• Depth: 8″

• Width: 1.5″

The Overwatch Tactical 12″

The 12″ Faxon Overwatch Tactical Bolt Action in 8.6 BLK provides modern modularity and attachment capabilities while retaining the classic bolt action experience but in a smaller package, of course.

Features and Specs

• Faxon 12″ 1:3 Twist 8.6 BLK Barrel w/ Thread Protector, Taper Adapter, and Remage-Style Nut

• Muzzle threaded M18x1.5mm for use with any AI standard muzzle device or suppressor mount

• MDT LSS Gen 2 Chassis

• Faxon TAC 30 Action & Bolt by Stiller

• AICS Mag Compatible

• Timney Elite Hunter 510-V2 Trigger

• SBA3 Pistol Brace

• B5 Pistol Grip

Weights & Dimensions

• Weight: 7.87 lbs

• Length: 29″

• Depth: 8″

• Width: 1.5″

Features of the Overwatch Tactical

Let’s go over the commonalities then the differences; here are the Overwatch 16″ Rifle and 12″ Pistol share these commonalities.

Faxon TAC30 Action by Stiller

Stiller Actions has been making premium quality rifle action based on the Remington 700 for years. With customers hunting in the woods, competing at the range, and chasing down enemies of America, Stiller Actions is well known to those who demand quality.

Tac30 Action

• Designed for Tactical and Long Range Hunting applications

• Bead Blasted 416 Stainless

• 90-degree bolt throw

• Modified M16 extractor, Remington 700 pin-style ejector

• It fits any Remington 700 short-action inlet stock

• Accepts AICS pattern mags

The first thing you’ll notice with the Tac 30 action is how amazingly smooth the bolt rides when you run it back and forth. But, of course, you can thank Stiller’s proprietary, double-layer coating for that.

Timney 510 Elite Hunter 510-V2

The Timney Elite Hunter 510-V2 is one of the best triggers on this earth. Zero creep, sharp break; it’s perfection in tangible form.

The Differences Between The Overwatch Tactical Rifles

There are two primary differences between the Overwatch Tactical 12″ and 16″. First, besides the barrel length, the rifle has a buttstock, while the pistol has a stabilizing brace.

First, let’s talk barrel length. Next, here’s a look at the preliminary load data for 8.6 Blackout, as provided by Faxon and Q.

The difference between 12″ and 16″ with Barnes supersonic 160gr is only 150 fps. With Sierra’s 300gr subsonic round, the difference is about 40 fps. With 8.6 Blackout optimized for performance in short barrels, there’s little difference.

Instead, the barrel length (and corresponding brace/stock) is more about personal preference and legality. For example, in some states hunting with pistols is outlawed, regardless of caliber.

There’s also the matter of comfort and terrain. If you’re on the shorter end, you’ll probably opt for the 12″ barrel. This is also true if you spend more time hunting in densely wooded areas.

But if you’re more of an ent who likes hunting in wide open spaces, that modest performance gain in the 16″ barrel combined with the more adjustable B5 stock makes a better platform for most.

Regardless of which barrel length you prefer, it’s clear that Faxon Firearms is swinging for the 8.6 Blackout fences with the Overwatch Tactical and Overwatch Hunter.

Like 8.6 Blackout, but prefer a semi-auto to bolt-action rifles? Read more on Faxon’s Sentinel AR-10 platform rifle.

Posted in Ammo, Firearms, Press Release | 1 Comment »

Marines Want To Add New Caliber Option to Mk22 Advanced Sniper Rifle

Thursday, September 22nd, 2022

In remarks this week during the Future Force Capabilities Conference presented by the National Defense Industrial Association in Austin, Texas, Marine Corps civilian Mr Chris Woodburn, Deputy, Maneuver Branch, Marine Corps Capabilities Development Directorate, mentioned that the Marines desired to add the capability to fire .300 Win Mag to the new Mk22 Advanced Sniper Rifle.

Currently beginning fielding, the Mk22 is manufactured by Barrett Firearms and offers the capability to fire 7.62 NATO and long with the new cartridges: XM1162 .338 Norma Magnum (NM) Armor Piercing (AP) (DODIC: AC32) and XM1163 .300 Norma Magnum (NM) Ball (DODIC: AC33). It is a joint service project being adopted by the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and USSOCOM.

The Marine Corps is seeing great success with their current Mk13 Mod7 chambered in .300 WM. Since they have a reliable supply of .300 WM ammunition and their snipers are familiar with the round’s performance characteristics, they want to to add the capability to the Mk22.

Posted in Ammo, USMC, weapons | 4 Comments »

Sauer 100 6.5×55 SE Caliber Recall

Tuesday, September 20th, 2022

San Antonio, Texas (September 16, 2022) – A specific barrel batch in caliber 6.5×55 SE, which is used in the SAUER 100 model, is being recalled as a precautionary measure. The rifles in question, that we have identified based on their serial numbers, must not be used any longer and should be returned to SAUER USA in exchange for a new rifle. This batch of barrels in caliber 6.5×55 SE has shown that a progressive premature weakening of the barrel material may occur after a high volume of shots, which could lead to severe damage of the rifle and personal injury. The exchange is, of course, free of charge for the customer.

You can check which rifles are affected by the recall by plugging in the serial number of your rifle at the following link:

SAUER Recall

Please reach out to Sauer USA at recall@blaser-group.us or (210) 377-2527 ext. 243 if you have any questions. For Canada residents, please contact The Gravel Agency Inc. at csr@gravelagency.com.

Posted in Ammo, Press Release | Comments Off on Sauer 100 6.5×55 SE Caliber Recall

Federal Ammunition Awarded 5-Year, $114M U.S. Army Contract

Thursday, September 15th, 2022

ANOKA, Minnesota – September 14, 2022 – Federal Ammunition has been awarded a 5-year contract to produce the United States Army’s 5.56mm training ammunition valued at $114 million dollars. AA40 5.56mm frangible ammunition is used by the U.S. military branches in rifles and carbines chambered for this caliber for training.

“This contract is historic,” said Jason Vanderbrink, President of Federal Ammunition. “It is the largest government contract awarded to Federal in its 100-years of operation and speaks volumes to the trust the United States military has in our American workforce assembling the best products for our servicemen and servicewomen.”

“Successfully executing on the AA40 contract requires large scale production capabilities combined with stringent quality control measures,” said Erik Carlson, Senior Director of Operations at Federal’s headquarters located in Anoka, MN. “Awards of this magnitude are validation of Federal’s committed workforce to meet these demands and provide the best ammunition possible for our U.S. Armed Forces time and time again.”

“Federal’s frangible training ammunition has been recognized as the best in the business by the United States military and this latest U.S. Army awarded contract continues that recognition,” said Vice President of Government Sales David Leis. “The ammunition is designed to disintegrate into small fragments on impact, minimizing over-penetrating and ricochet hazards, making it ideal for training purposes.”

Federal ammunition can be found at dealers nationwide or purchased online direct. For more on Federal ammunition, visit www.federalpremium.com.

Posted in Ammo, Army, Contracts, Press Release | Comments Off on Federal Ammunition Awarded 5-Year, $114M U.S. Army Contract

Saab Receives Order for Carl-Gustaf Ammunition and AT4 from U.S. Armed Forces

Thursday, September 8th, 2022

Saab has received an order for Carl-Gustaf® ammunition and AT4CS RS systems for U.S. Armed Forces. The order value is USD 81.8 million (SEK 812.7 million) and deliveries will take place during 2024.

The delivery order is signed within an Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) framework agreement signed in 2019 between Saab and the U.S. Army that allows the customer to place orders for Carl-Gustaf ammunition and the single-shot AT4 shoulder-fired weapon systems during a five-year period.

The Carl-Gustaf ammunition and AT4 systems within this order will be used by the U.S. Army, U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) and U.S. Marine Corps.

“We are proud to provide the U.S. Army, U.S. SOCOM and U.S. Marine Corps with a world-class, battlefield proven and effective multi-purpose shoulder fired capability (anti-armor, anti-structure, anti-personnel and illumination). Most importantly, Saab’s Carl-Gustaf and AT4 weapon systems will continue to provide warfighters with a significant lethal overmatch capability when engaging armored and dismounted threat forces on current and future battlefields,” said Erik Smith, President and CEO of Saab in the U.S.

Saab’s Carl-Gustaf system (designated MAAWS in the U.S.) has a long and proven record with the U.S. military. The reloadable, multi-purpose system has been in service in the U.S. since 1990 and a program of record for the U.S. Army since 2013. In 2018, the U.S. Army announced it would acquire the latest version of the weapon, the Carl-Gustaf M4 (designated M3A1 in the U.S.).

Posted in Ammo, Contracts, Press Release | Comments Off on Saab Receives Order for Carl-Gustaf Ammunition and AT4 from U.S. Armed Forces

See Norma Precision MLE at NTOA in Milwaukee

Tuesday, August 30th, 2022

Norma Precision MLE (Military/ Law Enforcement) is pleased to announce that for the first time they will be displaying at the National Tactical Officers Association Conference (NTOA) in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Norma Precision Inc. based out of Savannah, GA and supplies Precision Swiss P specialty Sniper Ammunition to law enforcement agencies throughout the United States. It offers the following variants:

.223, .308, and .338 LM Styx Action- Designed as an open air sniper round for maximum effect on target while reducing over-penetration.

.223, .308, and .338 LM Armor Piercing- Designed for use against hard targets.

.308 And .338 LM Tactical – A SFBT bullet designed for use against heavy/angled glass and intermediate barriers.

The Norma Precision MLE program also offers a full line of duty, training, and precision ammunition for testing and field use.

For questions, please contact the MLE Ammunition Sales Manager, Eric Luley at eric.luley@ruag.com.

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New Content Added to Federal’s 100-Year Celebration Website: New Ammo on Old Machines, and Federal’s Families

Monday, August 29th, 2022

ANOKA, Minnesota – As part of the 100-year anniversary celebration, Federal Ammunition is featuring monthly online content celebrating Federal’s rich history. The month of August highlights Federal refurbishing old loading machines to increase production and the legacy family of Federal Ammunition. Content can be found on the 100-year anniversary website: A Century Of Authority (federalpremium.com).

The article entitled “New Ammo from Old Machines” showcases the ingenuity and resourcefulness of Federal employees. To meet the growing demand for ammunition, Federal was able to refurbish and re-tool several retired loading machines. Bringing these machines back to life was no easy task but shows the talent and abilities of the employees.

“Demand for ammunition is high and Federal is doing everything we can to meet demand,” said Erik Carlson, Federal Ammunition Senior Director of Operations. “The fact that Federal employees were able to fix up old loading machines, make replacement parts for them and get them up and running again is truly incredible.”

The article entitled “Federal’s Families” shares the stories of the legacy families within Federal Ammunition. Being based in Anoka, Minnesota for decades has allowed Federal Ammunition to be a major part of the community. The generations of residents to the area that have been Federal employees has made a big impact on the success of the company.

“A special thing about Federal Ammunition is the people that have worked here for decades and the families who have generations that have been a proud part of the Federal family,” continued Carlson. “Generations of employees show how much working for Federal means to these families and how much we appreciate all of our employees.”

Each month through the end of 2022, Federal Ammunition will be uploading additional content focused on the rich history of this American ammunition company. In addition to the monthly online content, Federal Ammunition has released a 244-page book preserving the company’s history: Buy Federal The First 100 Years for USD 59.99 | Federal Ammunition (federalpremium.com).

For more information on all products and online services from Federal or to shop online, visit www.federalpremium.com.

Posted in Ammo, Industry, Press Release | Comments Off on New Content Added to Federal’s 100-Year Celebration Website: New Ammo on Old Machines, and Federal’s Families