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Archive for the ‘Black Rifle’ Category

Sons of Liberty Gun Works Awarded USSOCOM Contract for MK1 Rifle

Thursday, November 20th, 2025

San Antonio, TX – Sons of Liberty Gun Works (SOLGW) is proud to announce it has been awarded a contract by U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) for the Combat Assault Rifle (CAR) program. Following a rigorous competitive evaluation, a select-fire variant of the SOLGW MK1 rifle with an 11.5-inch barrel was chosen to equip America’s most elite warfighters.

SOCOM’s evaluation demanded the highest standards of small arms performance, including extensive trials for durability, precision, reliability, and environmental resilience. The SOLGW rifle endured extreme conditions—heat, cold, dust, mud, and salt exposure—while maintaining consistent function and accuracy.

The MK1 selected by SOCOM is the result of a multi-year development effort, building upon SOLGW’s extensive experience producing ultra-reliable rifles trusted by law enforcement and civilian shooters. Every component was analyzed and refined to maximize reliability, shootability, and durability, ensuring the platform can perform anywhere in the world.

“This is an incredible honor for Sons of Liberty Gun Works and something I dreamed about when I was building my first rifles in my garage,” said Mike Mihalski, Founder of SOLGW. “Our mission has always been to build the world’s finest fighting rifles for those who go into harm’s way. To have SOCOM select our rifle after such demanding trials is the ultimate validation of that mission.”

CEO Nate Horvath added: “I am incredibly proud of our team for their effort on this project, and excited to officially share the news. The MK1 has already seen strong adoption in the commercial and law enforcement markets, where its performance advantages are immediately clear. While this milestone is significant, our team remains focused on delivering reliable, high-quality, performance-driven fighting rifles to all ofour customers. The future of the MK1 family is bright, and there is more to come.”

See why agencies like San Antonio PD, Utah Highway Patrol, Alabama Department of Law Enforcement, St. John’s Parish Sheriff’s Office and USMS Fugitive Task Forces are picking SOLGW by visiting www.sonsoflibertygw.com

SIG SAUER Launches SIG516 G3

Wednesday, November 12th, 2025

NEWINGTON, N.H., (November 12, 2025) – SIG SAUER, industry leading manufacturer of cutting-edge firearms, optics, and ammunition is proud to introduce the SIG516 G3.

Designed as the ultimate battle rifle, the SIG516 G3 extends the legacy of the 516 series, bringing new technology to the venerable weapons system. Tested around the world and perfected in New Hampshire, the SIG516 G3 brings a decade of internal engineering know-how on similar rifle projects to create the most rugged, durable platform in its class.

Capable of performing under the harshest conditions, the SIG516 G3 utilizes premium components and an innovative feature set to deliver uncompromising reliability. Inside the rifle, a short-stroke piston with an adjustable gas system, keeps the SIG516 G3 in flawless operation with the ability to tune settings to meet the mission at hand.

Chambered in 5.56 NATO, the SIG516 G3 is standard with a 16-inch cold hammer forged barrel with a 1:7-inch twist rate. The intuitive design of the 516 G3’s unique rear and side non-reciprocating charging handle allows the rifle to be easily operated in any manner, in any condition.

To support long-term operational use and extended reliability, the rifle features steel reinforced components for high wear areas. The SIG516 G3 is standard with fully ambidextrous controls and premium features including a SIG Matchlite DUO curved trigger, SIG flash hider compensator, and a free-floating M-LOK handguard.

With its proven performance capabilities, upgraded features and history of durability in the field, the SIG516 G3 continues to raise expectations for an AR-15 piston system.

To learn more about SIG SAUER, please visit sigsauer.com

Icon Defense – Ambidextrous Billet Uppers & Lowers

Thursday, September 18th, 2025

Icon Defense launches new 5.56 ambidextrous billet uppers and lowers – CNC-machined from 7075 billet aluminum for strength and tight tolerances. Barrel extensions are thermally fit to the receiver for improved accuracy.

Receivers are finished in black Type III hard coat anodized. All billet flared uppers and billet lower ships with ambidextrous controls and threaded pivot pins. 

Product Specifications

Icon Defense AR-15 Ambidextrous Billet Upper / Lower

Material – 7075-T6 billet aluminum

Finish – Mil-Spec Type III hard coat anodize — Black

Upper Weight (Flared Billet) – 7.8 oz

Lower Weight (Billet) – 8.1 oz 

Included (Upper) – AR-15 door rod

Included (Lower) – Ambi button, threaded pivot pins, springs, ambi bolt-catch rod

Availability

Sold through Killer Innovations Icon Defense shop, Rainier Arms, and JSE Surplus.

Bushmaster – Bravo Zulu Pistol Series

Friday, August 29th, 2025

Building on the heritage and legacy of the Bushmaster® family of firearms, Bushmaster® is excited to announce the release of the new Bushmaster® Bravo Zulu™ pistol series, chambered in .300 Blackout and 5.56 NATO/.223 REM.

The Bushmaster® Bravo Zulu™ Pistol is inspired by the design, quality and build profile of our original Bravo Zulu™ Line, The Bushmaster® Bravo Zulu™ Pistol boasts several impressive features, including a free float rail, Bushmaster® DM2S® 2-stage trigger, Magpul® furniture, and a Snake Charmer®II muzzle brake that reduces felt recoil.

The Bushmaster® Bravo Zulu™ Pistol is chambered in 5.56 NATO/.223 REM or .300 Blackout, with a 11.5″ barrel made from 4150 CMV material and finished with a salt bath nitride coating.

The Bushmaster® 300 Blackout Bravo Zulu™ features a twist rate of 1:7, a barrel thread pitch of 5/8” x 24, and features a pistol length gas system. The Bushmaster® 5.56 NATO/.223 REM Bravo Zulu™ Pistol features a twist rate of 1:7, a barrel thread pitch of 1/2” x 28, and features a carbine length gas system. The Bushmaster® Bravo Zulu™ 300 Blackout Pistol weighs in at 6.1 lbs without a magazine and has an overall length of 28.5” – 31.25”. The Bushmaster® 5.56 NATO/.223 REM Pistol weighs in at 5.89 lbs without a magazine and has an overall length of 28.5” – 31.25”.

Built with a 7075 forged XM15®-E2S lower receiver, and a 7075 forged A4 flat top upper receiver, the Bravo Zulu™ is built to last. The salt bath nitride bolt carrier group and MPI tested bolt ensure reliable performance, while the 10” BFI® M-LOK handguard, Magpul® MOE® grip, and Magpul® MOE® enhanced trigger guard provide comfort and customization options. The pistols also come equipped with the SB Tactical SBA5 Pistol Brace with 5 positions of adjustability.

The DM2S® 2-Stage trigger and Snake Charmer®II muzzle brake add to the pistols exceptional performance, and both come with a Magpul® PMAG® 30 GEN M2 MOE® magazine. Proudly made in the U.S.A., the Bravo Zulu™ is a pistol that truly lives up to its name.

This firearm is classified as a pistol and not a short barreled rifle (NFA regulated items require ATF approval and a tax stamp).

Bravo Zulu™ Pistol Series is available in two calibers:

Bravo Zulu™ 5.56 NATO / .223 Remington

Bravo Zulu™ .300 Blackout

For more information, including product specifications and purchasing options, visit www.bushmaster.com.

Colt Canada Awarded Major Danish Contract

Thursday, August 21st, 2025

Colt Canada has been awarded a major IDIQ type contract by the Forsvarsministeriets Materiel- og Indkøbsstyrelse (FMI) / Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation to supply 26,000 (plus an undisclosed number of future options) of the new GV M/25 variants of their C8 MRR rifle to the Danish Armed Forces and Home Guard.  The official signing ceremony for this contract was conducted during the 2025 edition of the DALO Industry Days exhibition with the Head of the Land Division of FMI, Colonel Thomas Øgendahl Knudsen, CEO of COLT Canada, Sean Congdon, and Canada’s Ambassador to Denmark, Carolyn Bennett.

Since 1994, Colt Canada’s C7 rifle and C8 carbine have formed the foundation of Denmark’s small arms capability.  This latest contract win reinforces their position as a leading supplier of small arms to customers who demand exceptional performance, accuracy, durability, and lifecycle support.

Sons of Liberty Gun Works Announces Midwest Shooting Center as New Platinum Dealer

Friday, July 11th, 2025

Launch Day Scheduled for July 12 at multiple locations across Midwest.

San Antonio, TX — July 10, 2025 – Sons of Liberty Gun Works (SOLGW), makers of the World’s Finest Fighting Rifles, is proud to announce the appointment of Midwest Shooting Centers as its newest Platinum Dealer.

Located across multiple mid-western states, Midwest Shooting Centers have earned a reputation for its knowledgeable staff, exceptional service, and commitment to equipping responsible citizens, law enforcement, and professionals with mission-ready equipment. This new partnership solidifies Midwest Shooting Centers’ position as a flagship retail location for the full lineup of SOLGW rifles and components. To celebrate this new partnership, a brand launch will be held across multiple locations on July 12, 2025. Locations to stock SOLGW products include Beavercreek, OH; Cridersville, OH; Fort Wayne, IN; Liberty Township, OH; Pittsburg, PA; Sylvania, OH; and Taylor, MI. Reps from SOLGW will be on-hand at the Cridersville and Ft. Wayne stores.

“Midwest Shooting Centers are terrific stores with knowledgeable staff and shooting ranges that offer a premium customer experience, reflecting everything we look for in a Platinum Dealer,” said Sean Murphy, VP of Sales & Marketing of Sons of Liberty Gun Works. “We’re excited for this launch for our customers and fans across the mid-west.”

As a Platinum Dealer, Midwest Shooting Centers will have inventory of SOLGW rifles, parts, and accessories, as well as provide hands-on support for customers looking to build or upgrade their fighting rifles.

www.sonsoflibertygw.com

Sons of Liberty Gun Works Announces Major Growth in 2025: New Hires, Dealer Expansion, Law Enforcement Milestones, and the Launch of the MK1

Wednesday, July 9th, 2025

San Antonio, TX – July 8, 2025 – Sons of Liberty Gun Works (SOLGW), maker of the World’s Finest Fighting Rifles, is proud to announce several key developments from Q2 2025 that mark a period of unprecedented growth and expansion across military, law enforcement, and commercial markets.

To support the company’s continued upward trajectory, SOLGW has made two strategic hires: Sean Murphy has joined as Vice President of Sales and Marketing, bringing a decade and a half of industry experience in sales, marketing, training and business development roles. Scott Petersen also joins the team at Director of Special Projects, having recently retired from the prestigious U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit, and has been working on a range of initiatives from increasing production capacity to pushing the edge of performance on new product development projects.

The company has also seen ever growing presence with law enforcement agencies, with over 60 new agencies adopting SOLGW rifles in the first half of 2025 alone. Among the major successes is the delivery of more than 375 EXO3 rifles for patrol use with a major southeastern US agency, representing one of the largest single-agency deployments in the company’s history.

As demand for Sons of Liberty rifles grows, so too does the reach of our Platinum Dealer Network. In June, we proudly welcomed several elite retailers to the fold, including:

Real Street Tactical (FL)

Midwest Shooting Centers (7-locations across Midwest)

Ray’s Sporting Goods (TX)

Texas Gun Experience (TX)

XCal Shooting Sports (VA)

Shark Coast Tactical (FL)

…and more to be announced.

These partners represent the best in service, training, and community presence—and reflect the same standards of excellence SOLGW demands in our products.

Adding to this momentum is the launch of the MK1 Rifle, SOLGW’s next generation fighting rifle platform, engineered for unmatched reliability and shooting performance, with a multitude of refinements that make the MK1 a premiere option for both professional and civilian applications.

“We’re scaling without compromise,” said Nate Horvath, CEO of Sons of Liberty Gun Works. “Everything we do—from dealer partnerships to law enforcement support to military programs—is driven by a commitment to mission-first performance. Our growth is a direct result of that focus, and we’re proud to be earning the trust of professionals across the country.”

“This is a pivotal moment for Sons of Liberty,” said Mike Mihalski, founder and Chief Product Officer. “We’ve always said we build rifles for people who rely on them when it matters most. That mission is resonating across agencies, units, and responsible citizens alike. We’re grateful—and we’re just getting started.”

For more information on SOLGW products, dealers, or law enforcement programs, visit solgw.com.

Magpul Presents: The Hodge Rifle Build, Ep 2 Heart of the Gun

Thursday, May 22nd, 2025

Magpul has released episode 2 of their video series The Hodge Rifle Build. This time, Jim Hodge discusses “The Heart of the Gun” the upper receiver and barrel. You’ll hear his view on how the right barrel leads to the consistency, reliability, accuracy, and velocity you’ll need for a great AR15.