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Archive for the ‘weapons’ Category

Barrett Firearms Secures MRAD Contract with Colombian National Army

Thursday, February 13th, 2025

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Barrett Firearms Manufacturing, Inc., is proud to announce that the Colombian National Army has awarded the company its largest international military contract for the acquisition of the MRAD (Multi-Role Adaptive Design) sniper rifle and AM338suppressors. Deliveries of the systems are scheduled to begin in the summer of 2025. 


The Colombia Contract MRAD rifle in OD Green paired with a Leupold Mark 5HD optic. 

The contract includes MRAD rifles chambered in 7.62x51mm and .338 Lapua Magnum, paired with the AM338Suppressor and Leupold Mark 5HD optics. This adoption marks a pivotal step in the Colombian military’s efforts to standardize its precision rifle systems with a modular, multi-caliber, modern solution. Barrett’s MRAD rifles were selected following their proven success in special forces and army deployments worldwide, having earned a reputation for unparalleled performance and adaptability. 

“We are deeply honored to have secured this new contract with our professional customers in Colombia,” said Cooper Thompson, Barrett’s Director of International Sales. “This collaboration is a monumental moment for us, as this contract sets our record for the largest single acquisition of MRAD systems from any international military end user to date. We look forward to reinforcing our already successful relationship with the Colombian military, and we anticipate overwhelming success and growth together.” 

This milestone reflects Barrett’s ongoing commitment to supporting international defense forces and expanding its presence internationally. The adoption of the MRAD platform will enhance the Colombian National Army’s capabilities, providing state-of-the-art precision and modularity to meet the demands of modern military operations. 

For more information, please visit www.barrett.net.

SIG SAUER Global Defense Range Demo Day – New Rifles

Thursday, February 13th, 2025

During the recent Global Defense Demo Day in Las Vegas SIG SAUER showcased their latest rifles.

First off, SIG SAUER has entered the rack carbine market with a new rifle to compete for international Stoner pattern procurements. Let’s face it, throughout the latter half of the 20th century, the communist bloc’s AK pattern weapons dominated battlefields around the world. But since the advent of the war on terror, everyone has switched to Stoner pattern weapons, particularly the US M4 carbine. Even our enemies are carrying them now. Consequently, there are regular opportunities to supply carbines, particularly DI guns, to friendly foreign governments.

Here is a pboto with the contract carbine along with a sneak peek of the updated SIG 516 which is a short-stroke piston gun.

Here are photos of each side of the 516’s new receiver set. You’ll note some DNA from the Spear family like the upper receiver reinforcement and side charging handle.

This video was provided by SIG SAUER and features the MCX Rattler in .300 BLK and the all-new M400 PRO V2 as well as the US Army’s new XM7 Spear and SIG Designated Marksman Rifle. The DMR is set up with a 20″ barrel in 6.5 CM.

There were a few other surprises as well but I suspect we will see those more formally unveiled during this year’s SIG NEXT event.

VKTR Industries LLC Announces Delivery of New Rifles to the Blount County, TN Sheriff’s Department

Monday, February 10th, 2025

VKTR Industries, a manufacturer of premier piston driven AR-15 rifles and accessories, is proud to announce the selection and subsequent delivery of new VK-1 rifles to the Blount County, Tennessee Sheriff’s Department SWAT Team.

VKTR Industries VK-1 11.5 inch rifles, kitted with the VKTR Combat Match Bolt and HUXWRX Flow 556K suppressors were chosen to outfit the SWAT Team.  

“We are extremely excited to support this customer.” said Eric Luley, the National Sales Manager for VKTR.  “We have built out a great package for the crew and are proud to support them over the life of the program.”

Some of the benefits of the suppressed VK-1 system are:

Greatly reduced toxic blowback to the face, because of the patented piston system and HUXWRX suppressor.  This will result in a safer overall product for officers.

Combat Match Bolt- tested for extreme durability and reduces wear rates overall.

Truly ambidextrous controls, allowing the officers to manipulate the rifle from either hand.

22.5 degree long advanced bolt carrier cam path which reduces muzzle rise and provides for easier follow up shots.

A cleaner, cooler system that is easier for the end user to clean and maintain.

Law Enforcement agencies and commercial customers are quickly learning the overall benefits of the VK-1 piston system and recognizing VK-1 difference.

Information on VKTR Industries rifles, dealer programs, or law enforcement sales can be found at www.VKTRind.com or email Eric Luley at eluley@vktrind.com.

Caracal USA Introduces the CSR 308 Bolt Action Precision Rifle

Friday, January 31st, 2025

Precision-engineered for military and law enforcement operations, avid sportsmen, and competition shooters; the CSR 308 delivers unwavering accuracy at extended ranges.

Nampa, Idaho (February 2025) – Caracal USA, a leading US-based manufacturer of small arms for the law enforcement and defense markets, proudly introduces the CSR 308 Bolt Action Precision Rifle chambered in .308 Winchester. Precision-engineered for military and law enforcement, as well as avid sportsmen and competition shooters alike, the CSR 308 delivers unwavering accuracy at extended range and over extended round counts.

Built to exceed NATO and U.S. testing protocols for light arms and shoulder-fired weapon systems, the CSR 308 is engineered with a lightweight 7075-T6 aluminum chassis, ensuring durability and maneuverability. The enlarged trigger guard and familiar ergonomics make it accessible to modern rifle shooters. The machined 7075-T6 forend, key-locked to the receiver, provides secure alignment and incorporates a KeyMod accessory mounting system and a 1913 Picatinny rail, offering seamless customization for various mission and sporting requirements.

The CSR 308’s patented folding and fully adjustable buttstock enhances versatility, allowing all adjustments to be made with the support hand while in the firing position—no knobs, screws, or tools required. The stock features an integrated monopod and bag slider for additional stability. Additionally, the rifle boasts a proprietary, fully adjustable two-stage trigger system, allowing for modifications to the first-stage length, trigger shoe position, and second-stage weight—all without disassembly. The CSR 308 is designed to accept standard SR-25 (AR-10) magazines, ensuring reliable compatibility.

At the heart of the rifle is a proprietary bolt design with three locking lugs, a 60-degree rotation, dual ejectors, and a tool-steel extractor, housed in a tool-less bolt body for simplified maintenance. The precision-machined 4340 steel receiver features a 1913 Picatinny rail, vertically oriented bolt stop, and an integrated 32CrMoV feeding ring, while the ambidextrous magazine release and safety selector offer an intuitive user experience for both right- and left-handed shooters.

“The CSR 308 is a true testament to Caracal USA’s commitment to precision and performance. We built this rifle to exceed the demands of military and law enforcement professionals, while also offering civilian shooters the accuracy and reliability they expect in a high-performance bolt gun,” said Jeffrey Spalding, President and CEO of Caracal USA. “Whether you’re on the range, in the field, or deployed in a tactical environment, the CSR 308 delivers unmatched consistency and durability.”

CSR308 Bolt Action Precision Rifle Specifications:

Caliber: .308win

Operation: Bolt Action

Safety Selector: Ambi (Safe/Fire)

Effective Range: 1000m

Barrel Length: 24” (610mm)

Overall Length: 45.6” (1160mm)

Folded Length: 35” (890mm)

Weight: 11.2lbs. (5.07kg)

Barrel Contour: Mod. Light Palma

Rifling Twist Rate: 1:11

Muzzle Device: E Port Brake

Magazine Type: SR-25 (AR-10)

Magazine Capacity: 10 / 20 Rnds.

Ammunition: 155gr / 168gr / 175gr

Accuracy (MOA): 1.0 / 0.5 / .25

caracalusa.com

SureFire ICAR 6ARC Preproduction Carbine

Saturday, January 25th, 2025

This is the SureFire Intermediate Combat Assault Rifle in 6 ARC we previewed before SHOT Show. It was displayed in the Magpul booth at the show to showcase the new PMAG 25 ICAR GEN M3 Window. There are quite a few little changes from the prototype gun I fired in late November.

What I really like about this is that SureFire color matched the Magpul OD accessories for the finish.

Development of this firearm has led to quite a few new capabilities which will begin to influence the SureFire line, like this new muzzle device.

Barrett Expands MRAD and MRADELR Offerings with New Barrel Conversion Kits and Caliber Options

Monday, January 20th, 2025

MURFREESBORO,TN — Barrett® Firearms Manufacturing Inc. is excited to announce two new innovative additions to its MRAD® and MRADELR™ product lines. These products further enhance versatility and performance for long-range shooting enthusiasts and professionals alike.  

The 7mm PRC caliber for the MRAD platform caters to long-range shooters seeking the modern, high-performance 7mm magnum cartridge. Available in a complete rifle configuration or as a Barrel Conversion Kit, the 26” barrel maintains the standard length of existing magnum calibers in the MRAD platform. Each barrel is equipped with the Barrett AM/AML suppressor-ready muzzle brake, offering superior recoil reduction and adaptability for suppressor use. This product extends choices for both new and existing MRAD customers, affirming Barrett’s commitment to innovation and user-driven solutions.  

In response to customer demand, Barrett has also unveiled a new 30” Barrel Conversion Kit for the MRADELR rifle chambered in 416 Barrett. This barrel, six inches shorter than the standard 36” configuration, is paired with a Barrett QDL Muzzle Brake optimizing its compatibility with a QDL® Suppressor. The shorter barrel improves maneuverability and slightly increases bullet velocity while maintaining the exceptional accuracy expected of the MRADELR.  

These new products represent Barrett’s commitment to push the boundaries of innovation, offering customers the versatility and performance they demand. For more information about these products and other offerings, visit www.barrett.net or stop by booth #10344 at SHOT Show 2025.  

Coming Soon: The Folding Defensive Platform from Magpul x ZEV

Friday, January 17th, 2025

I know, I know, you’ve heard it before, but they really mean it this time guys. Magpul partnered with ZEV Technologies (now owned by SilencerCo) to bring the Folding Defensive Platform or FDP over the finish line.

First unveiled as the FMG-9 during SHOT Show 2008, it eventually became two separate firearms based on the same technology, the FDP (pistol) and FDC with the C for Carbine or SBR variant (requires ATF approval) after Magpul teamed with ZEV in 2021. Since then, we’ve had an annual update on the status around SHOT Show. However, I’m told the firearms are ready and sales should begin this quarter.


(FDP above and FDC below)

Although these are based on the Magpul design, they will only be available for sale from ZEV Technologies which shows a current price of $1699.

I must say, the images and video look like they’ve got it together. Hopefully, it’s really happening. I really want one.

Learn more at magpul.com/fdp-fdc and www.zevtechnologies.com/shop/fdp.

FN Creates the Perfect Blend of Concealment and Confidence with the All-New FN Reflex XL

Tuesday, January 14th, 2025

(McLean, VA — January 14, 2025) FN America, LLC is expanding its highly popular FN Reflex® micro-compact, semiautomatic pistol line by launching a class-leading, concealed-carry option: the FN Reflex® XL MRD. Featuring a slightly longer barrel, an extended grip and compatibility with preferred red dot optics, the FN Reflex XL lets users maximize accuracy while still providing deep concealment. 

The FN Reflex XL joins the FN Reflex family, which set a new standard in the world of 9mm everyday carry when it was released in 2023, combining best-in-class trigger feel and pull weight with reliable performance, great ergonomics and accuracy. The FN Reflex XL comes with 15-round standard capacity, plus an 18-round extended magazine, and is available in both black and flat dark earth (FDE) finishes. 

“The challenge in the concealed-carry 9mm category is to create a pistol that is easy to conceal while still being accurate and comfortable for users to shoot and carry,” said Chris Johnson, Senior Product Manager for Pistols at FN America, LLC. “With the Reflex XL, FN has created the perfect blend of concealability and shootability. The standard 15-round grip helps manage recoil and makes the pistol easier to shoot, while still maintaining overall dimensions that make the pistol concealable at just 1.1 inches wide.”  

An enhanced user experience is delivered by the pistol’s internal hammer-fired operation, which yields a smooth, 5-pound trigger pull and an easy-to-rack slide. The FN Reflex XLalso heightens the overall shooting experience. Features include two interchangeable grip backstraps for optimized comfort and length-of-reach adjustability, new palm swell, enhanced trigger guard undercut and an extended beavertail. Deeply concealable at only 6.75 inches and 20 ounces, the FN Reflex XL sports a 3.8-inch cold hammer-forged barrel for long-term durability. 

The FN Reflex XL comes standard with a high-visibility tritium front night sight paired with an all-black, U-notch rear sight. It is designed to be compatible with the most popular concealed-carry red dot optics, including all micro red dots that share the Shield® RMSc or Holosun® 507K footprints. The pistol’s accessory rail is compatible with accessories, including lights and lasers, designed to fit the Glock® 43X® MOS[1] accessory rail. 

“The Reflex has been overwhelmingly positive for FN. Customers appreciate the crisp trigger and compact size, which combine to make the pistol very easy to conceal and operate,” said John Ryan, Director, Product Management for FN America, LLC. “But never being satisfied, we pushed ourselves to continue the evolution of Reflex. The result is the Reflex XL, giving a perfect solution for those looking for the confidence of a concealed-carry option that is more comfortable to shoot, while offering up to 18+1 capacity.” 

Now with both Standard and XL models, the Reflex series is one of the most innovative and easy-to-shoot, concealed-carry options available, featuring a light and crisp, single-action-only (SAO) trigger, optics-ready capabilities and a cold hammer-forged barrel for a lifetime of shooting. In addition, multiple parts, magazines and accessories are compatible across the line.  

The FN Reflex models are also easy to manipulate and safe to maintain. The internal hammer design allows pistol disassembly without pulling the trigger. Plus, multiple internal passive safeties—including firing pin block, trigger safety and fire control safety—make the FN Reflex XL an extremely safe and reliable concealed-carry pistol. 

The new FN Reflex XL will debut in the FN Booth (Booth 12805) at the 2025 NSSF SHOT Show, January 21–24 in Las Vegas. To discover more about the FN Reflex XL, please visit fnamerica.com/pistols/reflex-series. To purchase any FN firearms, find an FN dealer near you at fnamerica.com/find-a-dealer