Kit Up! sourced some excellent marketing footage of the ATK/HK XM25 Counter Defilade Engagement System in action. As we posted earlier this month, a small number of XM25s are headed downrange to spank some Taliban ass. Go check out the video and see why the Taliban should just give up now while there’s still hope.
FNH USA has released the Heat Adaptive Modular Rifle (HAMR) at AUSA. Based on the FN SCAR 16 platform, the system was a contender for the USMC’s Infantry Automatic Rifle but lost out to the HK M27 which is based on the 416. FN claims that the HAMR is accurate to 1 MOA but did not differentiate if this was from an open or closed bolt. Additionally, FNH has announced that the HAMR boasts a controllable 650 rpm rate of fire.
So exactly what makes the HAMR unique? The capability presented is best described by FN’s own press release, “FN HAMR initially fires from the closed bolt in either semi-automatic or full-automatic modes. For added safety during sustained fire situations, the FN HAMR automatically transitions into open-bolt operation in both semi-automatic and full-automatic modes before reaching the cook-off temperature of the chambered cartridge. Once the chamber temperature has dropped to a safe level, the FN HAMR automatically transitions back to closed-bolt mode. These transitions between closed-bolt and open-bolt modes are thermally regulated by the FN HAMR and occur without any manual intervention by the operator.”
Ambitious, but it seems as though there is a certain amount of technical risk here. Whether the mechanism that transitions the weapon’s operating system from Closed to Open bolt is electrical or mechanical like the thermostat in your car’s cooling system, it is just one more thing to go wrong. However, the SCAR itself is the most tested rifle in the US military’s history and it is doubtful that FN would have brought the HAMR to market if it wasn’t ready for prime time. We will be interested to see how they went about managing the operating system.
We understand that the IAR candidate had a heat sink built into the design so the HAMR’s stated weight of 11.2 lbs is also of interest but this includes a Grip Pod. On a final note, as it is being offered as a full-auto weapon for military and LE use, the average shooter will never have access to the HAMR. However, we are glad to see that the technology is being commercialized in one form or another.
Previously only available on their BHI-15 rifles, the Handguards are now offered in Carbine, Mid, and Rifle lengths. Blackheart brings up a pretty valid point. The average Picatinny rail has up to 40″ of rail space. Do you really need that much? BHI is betting that you don’t and has developed a handguard that allows you to incorporate small section of 1913 rail where you need it.
Their lightweight handguard is manufactured from MIL-SPEC Hard Anodized Aluminum and features mounting slots at the 45°, 90°, 135° and 180° positions as well as four sling swivel attachment points. Additionally, the handguard is knurled in order to maintain your grip.
The Spanish Army adopted the Eberlestock Phantom for their Airborne Brigade and so can you. For a slight upcharge you can purchase the Phantom in the new Spanish Desert pattern.
This mid-sized pack features removable shoulder straps and bag from the patented Backscabbardâ„¢, which can then be combined with the top-cover to make a drag bag. The Phantom is a front-loader, with two rings of various-sized tuck-pockets lining its interior, MOLLE racks inside and out, and a fold-down shelf that can be used to divide the main compartment into upper and lower chambers. It will carry two 3-liter hydration kits, mounted in side pockets, and/or two 2-liter bladders in sleeves between the side pockets and the main pack. Includes the pack and scabbard combination, removable butt-cover, and pull-out G1RC rain cover.
Bob’s Gun Counter recently ran an article on the Broadsword (Templar Custom Multi-Caliber System) from Bob Reynolds of Templar Custom. The idea is that the shooter can reconfigure his Stoner-style rifle from 5.56 NATO to 6.5 Grendel to .50 Beouwulf in under 60 seconds using a spanner and Allen wrench. Go check out the entire article.
Centurion Arms LLC recently introduced their new C4 Free-floating Railed Hand Guard System. Available in 7, 9, 10, and 12-inch lengths, each C4 System provides an uninterrupted 12 o’clock mounting rail, featuring limited-rotation quick-detach sling swivel mounting cups on both sides, full Mil-Std-1913 compliance, and is compatible with many brands and types of protective covers. The C4 can be installed onto a standard AR-15/M4 barrel nut without modification, and for added rigidity an optional extended barrel nut is provided with 10 and 12-inch versions. Built-in tabs aid in assembly and prevent twisting of the hand guard under rough handling. The C4 System can be ordered directly from www.centurionarms.com.
If you own a Bushmaster ACR you may have a full auto weapon and not even have realized it. Unfortunately, some of the rifles have developed this “defect” so they would like to have all owners contact them for a no cost recall. We know the cool guy factor here is pretty high and your first impulse is to keep it, but please remember that if you own an ACR and it does go full auto on you, you are in violation of federal law. It would be in your best interest to go ahead and contact them.
Please review the official recall notice here.
