The AR-15 sized, 6.5 Creedmoor rifle that is built to out reach, out last and out perform

ROCKLEDGE, FLORIDA — [January 9, 2026] — Dark Storm Industries (DSI) today announced the new DS-25 Modern Fighting Rifle (MFR).  Initially available in a 14.5” 6.5 Creedmoor, this small-frame, AR-15-size, sub 7lb, semi-auto rifle has been engineered from the ground up to deliver extended reach, improved reliability and durability, as well as fast handling. Built for an intermediate cartridge (.308 Win / 6.5 Creedmoor) on a true small-frame platform, the DS-25 MFR combines a match-grade 14.5” barrel with a reduced-mass operating system, advanced thermal management, and true ambidextrous controls. Finished in Cerakote H-265 Flat Dark Earth over hard-coat anodizing it is backed by DSI’s fully transferable lifetime warranty.

“Until now, shooters have been forced to choose between a compact rifle and true mid-range performance,” said Kevin Elder, Director of Business Development at Dark Storm Industries. “The DS-25 MFR 14.5″ 6.5 Creedmoor was developed to erase that compromise — delivering fast handling with the stability, consistency, and durability serious users demand.”

Built for Reach — Designed for Durability

Starting at the muzzle, the DS-25 MFR features a 14.5″ medium taper profile, 416R stainless barrel, button-rifled and hand-lapped to achieve sub-MOA performance and an effective range of over 1000 yards. The barrel is electropolished and hard chrome lined for long-term durability and uses a mid-length gas system for a smooth, soft recoil impulse. The gas block is pinned to the barrel for rock-solid reliability.  The rifle is available with traditional 1:8 twist or a 1:7, providing improved stability when firing heavier 140–150gr 6.5 Creedmoor loads, from the short barrel. The rifle comes standard with a Huxwrx 762-QD flash hider which can be pinned and welded for users seeking a non-NFA rifle setup.  Alternate suppressor adapters and muzzle devices are available as well.

Free-Float Accuracy, Real Thermal Gains

The DS-25 MFR’s new 13″ M-Lok handguard mates to the upper receiver via DSI’s Multi-Lithic™ and Chainlink™ attachment systems, creating a true free-float system with no contact with the barrel nut, improving accuracy when shooting off bipods, barricades, or with forward grips. Like the DS-15 MFR, the handguard is indexed to the upper receiver with twin internal dowel pins for a clean, uninterrupted top rail.  This allows more flexibility for mounting optics, illuminators and other accessories. A new aerospace-alloy heat sink barrel nut provides significantly improved thermal dissipation over standard steel barrel nuts.  This helps maintain accuracy and reduces thermal-shift effects during rapid or extended firing cycles.

Ambidextrous Control, Reliable Cycling, Low-Lube Performance

The new billet receiver set is purpose-built for hard use.  It features true, full, ambidextrous controls (mag release, bolt catch/release, safety selector and charging handle) and a 3.5lb flat faced two-stage trigger with DLC coating.  The upper receiver and buffer tube feature a dry film solid lubricant for smoother cycling and reduced wear.  The DSI ATACH™ ambidextrous charging handle with Duo-Lock™ provides a secure, repeatable grip. The levers are large enough to easily grab but small enough to not catch on clothing or kit.  It latches onto serviceable steel lock pins on both sides of the upper providing redundancy against failure.  A wrap-around rear cap significantly reduces gas to the shooter’s face — a detail suppressor-minded users will appreciate.

At the heart of the DS-25 MFR is its enhanced bolt carrier group. Machined from premium aircraft-quality steels and finished in an advanced tri-layer chrome/nickel/DLC system, it is designed for an extended service life and to provide reliable functioning with little to no lubrication.  The bolt features enhanced geometry to mitigate the two most common bolt failure points and dual ejectors for consistent clearing of the larger brass.

Fighting-Rifle Ergonomics, Duty-Ready Details

The DS-25 MFR is outfitted with a Magpul DT carbine stock on a 7 position, extended buffer tube that features SOCOM style drain holes and triple rear vent holes for expelling gas and water. A matching Magpul K2+ rubber over-molded grip completes the control interface for fast, confident handling.

About Dark Storm Industries

Dark Storm Industries designs and manufactures American-made firearms and components in Rockledge, Florida, with a focus on durability, performance, and modern engineering. Each firearm is hand-assembled and individually tested then backed by a fully transferable lifetime warranty.

www.mfg.dark-storm.com

Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR) proudly announces the launch of Ruger® Harrier™ rifles, a completely re-engineered line of modern sporting rifles (MSRs) that represents the latest evolution in AR-pattern firearms. Manufactured at Ruger’s recently acquired Hebron, Kentucky factory, Harrier rifles are designed to deliver superior fit, function and aftermarket compatibility.

Initial Harrier rifle offerings include two rifles chambered in 5.56 NATO (.223 Remington compatible). Both models feature a rigid, free-floated 15-inch handguard with M-LOK® accessory slots, but differ in configuration to meet varying shooter preferences. Model 28600 features a mid-length gas system, Magpul® MOE-K2® grip, Magpul DT Carbine stock, and a handguard with a full-length STANAG-spec top rail. Model 28601 is equipped with a carbine-length gas system, classic black A2 grip, M4 collapsible stock, and a lighter profile handguard without a full-length top rail.

Each Harrier rifle features forged 7075 aluminum upper and lower receivers that meet mil-spec standards and are finished with Type III hard-coat anodizing for exceptional durability. The lower receiver is equipped with a GI single-stage trigger, safety selector, and trigger guard, along with an integrated tension screw that allows users to fine-tune upper-to-lower fitment. A mil-spec diameter carbine buffer tube with a staked castle nut, standard recoil spring and carbine-weight buffer complete the lower assembly.

Each flat-top upper receiver includes Picatinny rail slots, a forward assist, dust cover, brass deflector and mil-spec charging handle. The 16.1″ barrels are black-nitride coated for corrosion resistance and longevity, and incorporates 1:8″ twist button rifling, a 5.56 NATO chamber and 1/2″-28 muzzle threads capped with a classic A2 flash hider.

The bolt carrier group is engineered for reliability, with the bolt, carrier, and gas key finished in black nitride, the firing pin chrome plated, and the gas key staked for secure attachment. These enhancements ensure smooth operation and long-term performance in even the most adverse conditions.

“Introducing Harrier rifles marks an important step in advancing the quality and performance of our modern sporting rifle line,” said Todd Seyfert, Ruger President and CEO. “Ruger Harrier rifles combine the rugged reliability Ruger is known for with modern adaptability, making them an ideal choice for shooters seeking precision, durability and customization – and we are excited that this is only the beginning.”

For more information on Ruger Harrier rifles or to learn more about the extensive line of award-winning Ruger firearms, visit Ruger.com, Facebook.com/Ruger or Instagram.com/Rugersofficial.