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Archive for the ‘Black Rifle’ Category

Bushnell Offers New Purpose-Built AR Optics

Sunday, July 16th, 2017

Four New Optics Fill Out the AR Optics Line

OVERLAND PARK, Kansas – July 14, 2017 – Bushnell, an industry leader in high-performance optical solutions for more than 65 years, has extended its popular AR Optics line with four additional sights that are each optimized for the modern sporting rifle.

Bushnell’s line of AR Optics is already the category leader for MSRs. New this year, the AR Optics line has grown with the release of two new purpose-built, caliber-specific riflescopes, the cutting-edge Accelerate 3x prism sight and the ambidextrous Transition 3x Magnifier.

The 6.5 Creedmoor has quickly become a favorite of long-distance shooters and hunters alike. Bushnell’s new AR Optics 4.5-18x 40mm scope with Drop Zone 6.5 Creedmoor reticle is designed to maximize the round’s performance by providing holdover points for shots out to 600 yards. Tactical-style target turrets allow lightning-fast adjustments, and the side parallax focus allows clear target images at any range. The fully multi-coated optics give a bright, crisp sight picture and are housed in a durable 1-inch aircraft-grade aluminum tube.

Bushnell has also added an optic for shooters favoring MSRs chambered in the popular .300 Blackout. The new Bushnell AR Optics 1-4x24mm illuminated scope is equipped with a specially-designed DropZone .300 Blackout Illuminated reticle. The reticle features holdover points calibrated to both subsonic and supersonic .300 Blackout ballistics. The scope’s first focal plane design performs like a high-performance red dot at low power. When turned up to 4x magnification, it offers holdover points out to 300 yards. Magnification changes are nearly instantaneous with Bushnell’s exclusive ThrowDown PCL (power charge lever).

Gas guns like MSRs are well-suited for compact optics. Yet red dots don’t offer the magnification sometimes needed to reach downrange. The gray area between these two options isn’t so gray with the new Bushnell AR Optics Accelerate 4X Prism Scope. It has the compact stature of a red dot with the 4x magnification of a riflescope. The new, illuminated BTR-3 reticle in the Accelerate offers five brightness settings in both red and green. The center circle and red dot work together for quick acquisition, with drop points for long range shots. The mil-based design works with any caliber firearm.

Rounding out the new additions is the AR Optics Transition 3X Magnifier. Simply mount it behind a red dot optic with the ambidextrous flip mount. Engage the 3X magnifier when you need it, and flip it out of the way when you don’t. The Transition 3x Magnifier pairs perfectly with Bushnell’s AR Optics TRS-25, but works with any red dot. It’s built with fully multi-coated optics that provide optimal light transmission and is waterproof, fog proof and shock proof.

Bushnell, a Vista Outdoor brand, is one of the most recognizable and trusted names in precision hunting, tactical and recreational optics and accessories. For more information, visit bushnell.com/aroptics.

Stag Arms New ‘Stag 10 6.5 Creedmoor’ Now Shipping

Tuesday, July 4th, 2017

New Britain, CT – Stag Arms announces that the new Stag 10 6.5 Creedmoor is now available, with the Stag 10 (6.5 Creedmoor/.308 Winchester) left-handed models available for pre-order. The Stag 6.5 Creedmoor was first introduced at the 2017 NRA Annual Meeting in Atlanta, GA.

The rifles feature a 22” 416R Stainless Steel barrel chambered in 6.5 Creedmoor with a 1/8 twist for long-range accuracy. The Stag 10 series features a Stag slant cut and includes uniquely designed parts for the lower to guarantee the best fit between receivers. The remainder of the rifle is designed to utilize the DPMS platform for maximum compatibility.

Stag Arms, known for being the first left-handed AR15 manufacturer, has also created their first left-handed AR10 platform. Available in both 6.5 Creedmoor and .308 Winchester, the Stag 10 series offers consumers the choice to shoot without compromising comfort, and enhancing the shooters natural position.

“Ever since we announced the Stag 10 series, we’ve received an overwhelming response as to when these would be available and whether they would be offered in our famous left-hand configurations. We are very excited to release the 6.5 Creedmoor to the market today, while simultaneously launching our Stag 10 .308 left-handed models,” said Stag Arms Marketing Manager Christopher Berlinski.

The Stag 10 6.5 Creedmoor can be purchased at www.stagarms.com. These models are currently on sale, while all of Stag Arms’ non-sale items receive 20% off for the Stag Arms Independence Day Sale. FFL dealers that are interested in Stag products may contact sales@stagarms.com to receive dealer information.

Nordic Components Shooter James Darst Posts Two Big Wins

Friday, June 23rd, 2017

Waconia, Minnesota – Nordic shooter James Darst took home two big wins recently. He won the Open Division and took High Overall at Babes with Bullets 3-Gun Challenge and Zombies in the Heartland.

“These are big matches with some really tough competition. It’s great when everything comes together and I can have back to back wins like this,” Darst said. “My rifle of choice is a Nordic Components NC-15 chambered in .223 Wylde. It offers incredible “right out of the box” accuracy and reliability.”

“Zombies in the Heartland is one of my favorite matches to shoot and Babes with Bullets is now on my must shoot list,” said Darst. Babes with Bullets 3-Gun Challenge was held May 20-21 in Princeton, LA. This was the second annual running of a great match hosted by Jerry and Kay Miculek. Zombies in the Heartland was held June 2-4 in Grand Island, Nebraska. Steve Hornady and the Hornady crew put on another great match.

Sneak Peek – New Proprietary Rail on the Modern Carbine MC6 PDW-SD from Modern Outfitters

Tuesday, June 13th, 2017

Here’s a look at some initial design work for Modern Outfitters’ new proprietary rail on the Modern Carbine MC6 PDW-SD. The new 6″ .300 Blackout weapon system will be available in pistol, SBR, and PDW. The version shown incorporates the Law Tactical folder to bring the OAL to just 15 inches in the folded position. Perfect for dignitary protection, CQB, and is quite possibly the perfect “backpack/truck” gun.

Available from Modern Outfitters and authorized retailers in a few weeks.

Source: @cheezequintanilla on IG

Stag Arms to Dramatically Increase Manufacturing and Distribution Footprint 

Friday, June 2nd, 2017

We are about to see some next-level manufacturing begin to enter the market from Connecticut gun maker Stag Arms – as the company has announced that it has been acquired by White Wolf Capital, LLC, a private investment firm that began operations in late 2011 and is focused on management buyouts, recapitalizations and investments in leading middle market companies in the Defense Industry and Manufacturing market segments.

With this acquisition, Stag will have access to a higher level of distribution and contracting vehicles through White Wolf, who have a strong history of building companies in the firearms, manufacturing and distribution lanes (to name a few).

Stag will also be able to expand their R&D capabilities through this new line of capital; developing new platforms and products with a higher degree of innovation and engineering for the end user.

Since its inception over a decade ago, Stag has remained at the forefront of innovation; first by offering 100% American made, left and right-handed MSR platforms, and then by designing new models and features based on customer recommendations.

Most recently, Stag’s team has been working overtime developing a new .308 and a new 9mm Carbine; further proving that the company maintains a forward thinking mindset to deliver the best possible products to their customers.

It’s thanks to their understanding and attention to their customers wants and needs, that they developed their left-handed platforms to use a mirror imaged upper receiver, and have the ejection port reversed for left-handed shooters. The safety selector control is also on the right side of the lower receiver, to ensure maximum capability.

Unlike many other “black gun” manufacturers, Stag truly stands behind their products and their customer service.

“One of the main reasons we were so excited about Stag, was largely in part because of their reputation with their customers,” stated Elie Azar, Managing Director of White Wolf. “We have always known Stag to maintain a foundation of reliable products and customer service, no matter what the situation.”

Stag Arms is known for its mil-spec quality. The products that come off the company’s assembly line are built to perform in virtually any given situation; from defensive to hunting, competitive and 3-Gun competitions. Further attesting they genuinely pay attention to each of their customer’s wants and needs.

The company quickly became a market leader and one of the largest MSR manufactures in the United States, with their model commonly known as the “Stag-15.” Their specialty models intended for 3-Gun competition and varmint rifles in .223 Rem., as well as chambering guns in .300 Blackout has kept them at the top of the market.

While the details of the transaction with White Wolf Capital have not been disclosed, Stag will now operate under a new FFL out of its New Britain, Conn., facility. And it’s with this new chapter that Stag will be able to manufacture newer and more innovative products to the industry, and dramatically expand their footprint with a fresh new Leadership and Management team.

White Wolf Capital is no stranger to the firearms industry, having previously acquired Aero Precision, Ballistic Advantage, VG6 Precision and Fall Machine, Co., to name a few.

Azar added, “We are very excited to add Stag to our portfolio of outstanding companies in the firearms industry. Stag is an iconic brand with a well-deserved reputation for product excellence and world-class customer service. We look forward to partnering with Stag’s strong management team and employees to grow the Company through new and innovative product offerings. In addition, we are delighted that Mark Malkowski, Stag’s founder, has agreed to remain engaged with the Company as a consultant. Mark’s deep knowledge of the industry will be invaluable as we build upon the excellent foundation that he put in place.”

Malkowski commented, “It is with great enthusiasm that I hand off ownership of Stag to the White Wolf team. I feel fortunate to be able to transition the business I started from scratch to a team that shares my philosophy and passion for the industry and who recognizes the exceptional capabilities of Stag’s dedicated employees.”

All of Stag’s rifles come with an industry leading lifetime transferable warranty and an infinite shot guarantee on the barrel.

This new opportunity with White Wolf Capital allows the company to continue providing their customers with the best products the industry has come to know and love. Over the last 13 years, Stag has offered high quality, low cost rifles, and this acquisition will only reinforce that dedication to providing extraordinary craftsmanship at a great price point. We can expect to see great things coming from Stag!

www.stagarms.com

Taurus USA Introduced The T4SA Rifle at NRAAM

Monday, May 8th, 2017

Taurus USA introduced its new AR-style rifle at NRAAM called the T4SA. It seems an odd time to release an AR, considering the current market glut.

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However, they’ve treated the weapon’s critical components with Melonite and displayed a rifle that had fired over 6,500 rounds with no lubricant.

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Additionally, they are offering variants featuring Jungle Green and Sand Cerakote.

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Below is their press release.

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Based on the iconic M4 platform, the Taurus T4SA is a lightweight, gas-impingement 5.56 mm semi-automatic carbine that was engineered and manufactured entirely in the United States.

Features include a forged upper receiver 1913 rail that includes “T” Mark reference points for convenient mounting and reattaching of accessories. It comes standard with a lightweight, low-profile KeyMod or M-LOK aluminum handguard.

Additionally, the Taurus T4SA utilizes an M16-style bolt carrier, which reduces the recoil pulse during firing. The barrel is chambered in 5.56 NATO and fires both 5.56 and .223 Rem. ammunition. The 1:7″ twist, chromoly barrel utilizes the Melonite process on all interior and exterior surface areas, rendering it corrosion resistant and easy to clean.

The T4SA has a dual pinned Melonite low-profile gas block that replaces standard fixed front sight post gas blocks—reducing overall weight and allowing handguards to extend unimpeded past the gas block.

The forged lower receiver is equipped with a Magpul grip with internal storage and a Magpul oversized trigger guard and all fire control parts are manufactured to MIL-SPEC standards. It also includes a MIL-SPEC buffer tube, recoil spring, H2 buffer and a staked castle nut.

The T4SA also features a lightweight, six-position Magpul CTR buttstock with a no-snag triangle shape. The buttstock comes standard with right and left side Quick Disconnect (QD) attachment points as well as slots for use with standard slings and/or sling cords. It will accommodate most major sling designs and features a shock-absorbing buttstock pad to reduce felt recoil and provide a non-slip surface for positive contact between the carbine and operator.

www.taurust4.com

USASOC Envisions Taking SOPMOD Into The 2020s With A New Upper Receiver Group For Its M4A1s

Monday, May 8th, 2017

During last week’s NDIA Armaments Conference, United States Army Special Operations Command’s Deputy Chief of Staff for Requirements (G8), COL Samuel Ashley briefed an upcoming program. The command is interested in fielding a new Upper Reciever Group for its M4A1 SOPMOD carbines.

This isn’t the same program as the current Suppressed UpperReceiver Group (SURG) intended to procure an integrally suppressed upper, which can be still held despite going through a brutal protocol of eight magazines.

The Special Operations Peculiar Modifications or SOPMOD program was begun in the early 1990s to offer specialized weapon modifications and accessories for SOF’s carbines. Paid for by Major Force Program-11 funds, M-4 carbines received rail systems and a toolkit of optics and weapon lights. MFP-11 is USOCOM’s budget authority, while Army SOF get their service common items like M9 pistols, M320 Grenade Launchers and Mk 19 AGLs from the Army via MFP-2.

But before anything else happens with this program, Naval Surface Warfare Center – Crane, which has responsibility for the development, procurement and life-cycle management of SOCOM’s small arms fleet, has to publish the results of a Mid-length vs Carbine-length gas study it’s finishing up. That study will inform this URG requirement. Officials won’t say what they expect to find during the study, but quite a bit of headway has been made in the commercial market with mid-length gas systems, particularly when paired with suppressors.

Naturally, this means that these will be direct impingement uppers, unlike the M27 IAR, piston-driven rifles the Marine Corps is considering for expanded fielding. Despite interest from the peanut gallery, there are no plans for SOCOM-wide fielding of the HK416.

Although exact details of the requirement have not been released, USASOC did not develop them in a vacuum.

An ongoing Soldier Enhancement Program initiative, launched in 2014, has been leveraged to inform the requirement. Initially, the Army purchased a small number of AU-MOD 2s from Hodge Defense Systems, Inc which were evaluated by Picatinny as well as USASOC. This was the first time a carbine had been evaluated under SEP. Later in 2016, the Army purchased rifles from other manufacturers which included LMT, Daniel Defense and SIG, amongst others.

COL Ashley said that they see two variants of the URG, a 14.5″ and 10.5″, denoting barrel lengths which replicate their current capability. Of course, the mid-length gas system would only apply to the 14.5″ and not the 10.5″ upper.

One thing we know, this URG program will include the M-LOK attachment system, which is backward compatible with MIL STD 1913 via adapters. Based on the briefing slide, it also looks like USASOC wants to go with the SureFire WarComp, in negative timing mode. The WarComp is compatible with SureFire suppressors and COL Ashley mentioned that the command is quite pleased with the performance of its current suppressors.

While USASOC has interest in several new calibers, none of them are for their carbine. The URG will be in 5.56mm NATO, intended to fire the M855A1 cartridge, which COL Ashley related, USASOC is very satisfied with.

However within SOCOM, there is a Naval Special Warfare driven requirement for a Personal Defense Weapon in .300 Blackout. Additionally, USASOC is conducting a 6.5mm caliber ammunition evaluation for a Intermediate Caliber Sniper Rifle/Carbine as well as Intermediate Caliber Assault Machine Gun. Finally, SOCOM plans to field an Advanced Sniper Rifle in .300 Norma Magnum to be accompanied by a .338NM cartridge which may also see service with a Lightweight Medium Machine Gun, combining the weight of an M240 with the reach of an M2 Machine Gun.

Programs like this not only help ensure that SOCOM’s M-4A1 platform benefits from upgrades from the latest technology, but the Army, and other services, can also adopt this URG, to improve the performance of their carbines. COL Ashley said to look for this requirement to hit the streets in FY18.

Sneak Peek – Vickers Guide To The AR-15 (Volume 2)

Sunday, May 7th, 2017

Snesk peek of the LMT L129A1 from the upcoming AR-15 (Volume 2) by Larry Vickers.

www.vickersguide.com/purchase/ar15-standard