Remington Defense showed their new version of the ACR which they plan to submit as part of the Army’s Individual Carbine solicitation.
They’ve trimmed 1.8 lbs from the ACR. They’ve improved the hand guard and removed the large fork used to change barrels. Instead, a barrel spanner is supplied. Additionally, the stock no longer folds but still collapses. Finally, it will accept any mil-spec AR pistol grip.
The one secret we kept during and after Modern Day Marine was the new series of Weapon Tools from Ontario Knife. We saw them sitting there in Ontario’s display case and asked what they were. They resembled breaker bars or entry tools more than traditional Ontario products. Over the years we’ve seen various armorer’s tools, but there are meant for use by the actual gunner and were designed specifically for the MK 19 Grenade Machine Gun, M2 .50 Heavy Machine Gun and M240 Machine Gun. They are parkarized and look to be very durable.
Ms Sue Green told us that the tools were, “Designed by Soldiers, for Soldiers, each tool serves to assist the operator in performing critical functions on the weapons.” She then discussed what each of the tools was designed to do. We agreed that we would present the new products here on SSD for AUSA so that they wouldn’t get lost in the crowd of MDM. As you can remember, there was a lot going on. Here is a run down of what each tool is capable of:
The MK 19 Grenade Machine Gun operator maintenance tool facilitates the daily operator functions of operating, maintaining and safely clearing the weapon. This tool provides an operator, armorer and weapons repairman an effective, time saving multi-tool that facilitates the rapid break down and clearing of the weapon. This tool’s effectiveness is compounded by the fact that use of this tool minimizes the wear and tear of the actual weapon and provides the Soldier a specifically designed multi-tool to complete the operator functions on the weapon.
The M2 tool is designed to assist the operator in setting the head space and timing and disassembling and assembling the weapon. It also significantly reduces the time it takes to set the head-space and timing and facilitates the rapid disassembly and assembly of the weapon for daily preventative maintenance and critical operator functions.
Finally, the M240 tool was designed at the request of Soldiers who’ve experience the frequent problem of hard to remove spring pins. This tool allows the operator to quickly remove a bent or defective spring pin from the weapon. It will also prevents spring pins from being bent by efficiently extracting the pin, thus eliminating undue wear and tear on the pin.
Look for our photos beginning later today. These tools will be available for your inspection at AUSA in booth #643, Ontario Knife Company.
We heard rumors of a new, upgraded Remington ACR in August and that it would be debuted at Modern Day Marine. When we stopped by the Remington Military Products booth and inquired about this new, improved Adaptive Combat Rifle we were told to look for it at AUSA.
So, has anybody else heard anything about this mystery weapon?
If you’re going to be at next week’s AUSA Annual Meeting in Washington, DC be sure to stop by the SureFire booth and check out the BHI SOPMOD AK. We’re told that ff you’re a fan of the AK, you’re going to love what Blackheart International and the folks at SureFire have cooked up for this weapon platform.
In addition to a new name, the XM25 is going to get a facelift, according to BG Camille Nichols, PEO Soldier. During today’s media roundtable she amplified comments by PM Soldier Weapons, COL Scott Armstrong stating that an additional 36 XM25 Punishers would be produced and eventually make their way to Afghanistan.
COL Armstrong mentioned that the 36 new launchers would receive slight upgrades based on Soldier feedback. According to comments by BG Nichols, these include buttstock and pistol grip modifications. The Army should receive the new weapons by late 2012 and have them ready for combat six months later.
Here are some of the latest products from SureFire courtesy of Warrior Expo 2011. They’ve begun to refer to themselves as a “Tactical Technology Company” and we couldn’t agree more. Watch the video to see why.
According to COL Scott Armstrong, PM Soldier Weapons the Army has renamed the XM25. During today’s PEO Soldier media roundtable he relayed that although originally called the Counter Defilade Target Engagement (CDTE) System the XM25 is now known as the Individual Semi-automatic Airburst System to more accurately describe what it actually does.
I still prefer “Punisher.”
