Created at the request of Larry Vickers by Bravo Company, the BCM Standard 16″ C8 SFW (Special Forces Weapon) Upper Receiver Group was inspired by the Colt Canada C8 upper receiver used by several NATO SOF units.
You’re getting BCM quality here but in the same configuration as the Diemaco/Colt Canada C8 SFW. Additionally, the URG includes a removable Simon Sleeve (on front of barrel) used to mount a variety of accessories fielded by these units. That’s something you aren’t going to find in an off-the-shelf build.
European SOF began to field the Diemaco/Colt Canada C8 slightly behind the USSOCOM adoption of the M4A1 in the 1990s. Throughout the war on terror, its use expanded. Currently, it is fielded to Canadian SOF, various British Special Operations units, Norwegian Special Operations, Dutch Military, and others.
Ares Armor has been at odds with the BATFE for some time over the sale and manufacture of “80%” lower receivers for AR-style weapons. Most recently, they have contacted the The Honorable B. Todd Jones, Director Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives to request clarification of ATF Ruling 2015-1 regarding the use of gunsmithing services or machine shop support in the transformation of “80%” lower receivers into finished firearms. Considering the additional issues raised by this most recent ATF Ruling, Ares Armor’s letter requesting clarification was certainly warranted. Particularly considering the ruling may contain tidbits that exonerate Ares Armor from any alleged wrongdoing (by the same BATFE that issued the ruling) in selling “80% complete” lower receivers. What really makes this one over the top, is the attached set of crayon drawings.
This is but one example from the graphic. Read the rest here. If you have any interest at all in this ongoing issue, we suggest you visit for the full request for clarification letter.
While many will debate the need for a dust cover, I find it a necessity for a fighting rifle. Over the years I’ve asked several friends in the AR business why no one has done anything with the dust cover. The answer has basically been that it’s a commodity part and there’s no upside to changing it. Although rare, I’ve seen a few ideas come out over the years and this time, Leitner Wise has taken a stab at it.
Manufactured from a single billet of aluminum, this dust cover is machined with inset edges so that it will fully seal the ejection port.
I won’t steal anymore of their thunder. Head on over the Leitner Wise to find out the rest of the story.
This video by TTAG’s a Nick Leghorn is the only thing left of the Halix “No Stock Needed” which offered a chin stop to absorb the recoil of an AR-pistol. When we initially mentioned it in 2012 it was quite the spectacle. Somewhere between then and now, the NSN and its maker Halix were cast upon the trash heap of bad ideas.
Later, something much better came along. The SIG SAUER stabilizing Brace or SB15 was designed to allow the disabled to enjoy an AR Pistol and its associated recoil as much as any other Red Blooded American. I for one applaud SIG’s efforts on behalf of disabled gun owners.
I only mentioned the NSN, the most unfortunate of inventions, because another trainwreck has transpired in the form of an ATF Firearms Technology Industry Services Branch (FTISB) issued determination letter from November on the popular SB-15 stabilizing brace from SIG SAUER. Despite the fact that earlier this year the ATF issued a determination letter that stated that misusing an SB15 fitted to an AR Pistol by shouldering it akin to a rifle did not make the rifle an SBR, plenty of people have been sending in letters of their own regarding their particular pistol builds. Now, how silly is that? As a kid, I learned that if mom gave you the answer you wanted, don’t go asking dad the same question.
The question was asked again, for the umpteenth time. Of course, what do you think happened? This time, a determination letter came back that stated:
“if this device, un-modified or modified; is assembled to a pistol and used as a shoulder stock, thus designing or redesigning or making or remaking of a weapon design to be fired from the shoulder; this assembly would constitute the making of a “rifle” as defined in 18 U.S.C. Section 921(a)(7).”
Feel free to visit Prince Law for more info and a copy of the entire letter.
Although it’s most disconcerting that the ATF can arbitrarily change its opinion, an AR Pistol fitted with an SB15 has been the only option for those who cannot own SBRs. Unfortunately, some folks ignore the “Yes” and keep asking until they get a “No.” Now, that option has become a bit more restrictive and disabled gun owners may lose their ability to enjoy AR pistols.
Grey Ghost Precision, home of the Specter series of rifles has launched an independent website. GGP is an offshoot of Grey Ghost Gear which offers nylon gear and armor systems. Manufactured exclusively for GGP by Mega Arms, the Specter series of rifles include light and heavy models.
During a recent range trip to West Texas’s Spartan Tactical along with Leupold and Knight’s Armament, I got a chance to see a few new items demonstrated by KAC’s Jack Luba and Kevin Boland.
You may have already read about the new bipod, so this time I’ll mention the Improved 45 Degree 200-600m Offset Rear Sight mounted to the SR-25 above.
Notice it is called an “Improved” model. That’s because while the actual sight itself remains unchanged, they’ve improved the base. The two main changes are that it’s now ambidextrous, and attaches with 1/8 hex rather than the screw, previously used.
Make sure you stop by Knight’s booth at SHOT Show to get a first hand look at this sight.
