A couple of years back, Ruger released the PC (Pistol Caliber) Carbine, an evolution of a concept initially realized with the discontinued Ruger Police Carbine. Featuring a takedown receiver, ~16″ barrel, and 9x19mm chambering, The PC Carbine was designed to allow shooters to utilize a common caliber and magazines between their sidearm and long gun, lowering a shooter’s logistical burden while providing an improvement in controllability, accuracy, and effective range as required. Lending to the functionality of the PC Carbine is its interchangeable magwells, since it comes out of the box compatible with Ruger’s Security 9 magazines, but can be quickly converted using an included magwell to feed from ubiquitous Glock pattern 9mm magazines instead; a Ruger American compatible magwell was also made available for purchase.
The warm reception and popularity of the PC Carbine led Ruger to expand the product line with various models, including some with a modular, more ‘tactical/modern’ chassis, and others chambered for .40 S&W. However, earlier this week Ruger revealed the most unique addition to the PC line yet, with the introduction of the PC Charger. Like Ruger’s .22 Charger to the 10/22, the PC Charger is a pistol variant of the PC Carbine that utilizes the same receiver – you can think of it as a PDW to the PC Carbine’s, well, carbine:
– 16.5″ overall length vs the PCC’s 34.37″
– 6.5″ barrel length vs the PCC’s 16.12″
– 5 lbs vs the PCC’s 7 lbs
Simply put, it’s a lighter, more compact weapon compared to the PCC while retaining parts commonality and many of the same features, such as the 12 o’clock Picatinny optics rail, reversible charging handle and magazine catch, threaded barrel, and exchangeable magazine well.
What’s unique to the PC Charger, at least compared to the standard PC Carbine, is the features of its polymer chassis. It includes rearward QD cups for installing QD-compatible slings, the ability to install any AR-compatible pistol grips, and the integrated rear 7075-T6 Picatinny rail, for attaching a rail-mounted brace or stock mount. Rounding out the PC Charger is an M-LOK compatible forend which allows for the attachment of M-LOK accessories or rails at the 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions.
The US Army is currently well into an ambitious program to replace the 5.56mm NATO M4 Carbine and M249 Squad Automatic Weapon with new weapons in a 6.8mm cartridge which will offer performance similar to 270 WSM.
We are fortunate to share some great background from Desert Tech on their participation in this developmental weapon system program.
Nick Young, Desert Tech CEO, seen above with Tony Padgett of PCP Ammo, provides us with this narrative:
In the Spring of 2018 PCP was selected as a NGSAR finalist and approached Desert Tech to develop modifications to their MDR to meet the requirements of Next Generation Squad Automatic Rifle (NGSAR) program. NGSAR was a development program that called for advancements in ammunition, rifle capability, and technology integration. The program’s goals were to increase soldier engagement capabilities, maximize lethality, and maximize mobility.
Desert Tech’s MDR rifle was an attractive candidate for the program due to its lightweight bullpup design that allowed for significantly more barrel length than a similar length AR style weapon, as well as several features that set the MDR apart from other bullpups.
Desert Tech partnered with PCP for the NGSAR program, and the US Army awarded a development contract to the team to create the DT NGSAR rifle and the 6.8 PCP lightweight ammunition.
The 6.8 PCP cartridge incorporates a 136 Grain projectile which boasts up to 3187 FPS from a 22″ barrel prototype.
The 6.8 PCP cartridge is similar in size and proportion to the .270 WSM, but with more case capacity. The new cartridge utilizes PCP’s proprietary polymer case technology, making the ammunition 28% lighter overall than its brass equivalent, which made the soldiers’ 210 round ammo loadout weight just 9.96 LBS. DT’s NGSAR rifles muzzle easily achieved velocities of 2930 fps and 3187 fps without exceeding standard chamber pressures when firing 136 grain projectiles through the long 20” and 22” barrels respectively.
Although the DT NGSAR rifles’ lower receiver and cheekpiece look similar to the MDR rifle, the NGSAR is an entirely new beast. To accommodate the large 6.8 PCP cartridge, intelligent rail requirements, and fully automatic needs, a new design was needed, including: creating a longer receiver, bolt carrier, barrel, barrel extension, charging handle, forward ejection mechanisms, barrel mounting system, and a proprietary 6.8 20 round magazine. DT’s NGSAR rifle had numerous advanced and standard features including;
-DT’s proprietary forward ejection mechanism
-Multi-caliber capability between 6.8 PCP, 7.62 NATO, and 5.56 NATO
-On-board round-counter and other electronic sensors
-T-Worx Battery Powered integrated data rails at 12, 3, 6, and 9 O’clock positions
-DT custom flow-through technology reflex suppressor
-CNOD day/night optic with LRF fire control
-Magpul 45 deg offset flip up sights
-Magpul Bipod
-Sling
The base rifle weight with 20” barrel weighs 9.94 lbs with a length of 31.75” (for comparison, the M4 rifle is 33” with stock extended). DT’s titanium reflex silencer suppressed to 148 decibels at the shooters ear. The rifle is definitely state of the art and designed for future combat in mind.
As part of the NGSW program, the team submitted two weapons, a Carbine and Automatic Rifle.
During the development of the NGSAR rifle, PCP and Desert Tech went on to compete together for the NGSW development effort, but unfortunately were not selected due to the proposal timing that did not allow for adequate prototype testing prior submission. Had the original Army schedule been followed which allowed for the completion of NGSAR prior to the NGSW proposal submission, the system would likely have been selected. The revolutionary weapon and ammunition system was a leading performer and provided a glimpse at the future of modern warfare.
DT NGSAR Rifle System Specifications:
Caliber: 6.8 PCP
Action: Short stroke piston
Fire Modes: 0, 1, Full Auto
Rate of Fire: 650 rpm
Capacity: 20 rounds
Barrel Length: 20”
Muzzle Velocity: 2933 fps
Rifle Length: 31.75”
Rifle Length with silencer: 35.125”
Rifle weight: 9.94 lbs
Suppressed sound: 148 DB
Sight Magnification: 2x, 4x, 6x
Total System Weight: 12.65 lbs
Ammo Loadout Weight (210 rds): 9.96
Here is a demonstration of the DT Next Gen weapon.
This video is a record of the chonograph readings taken of the 6.8 PCP round beibg fired from the DT weapon.
Loitering time and radius of target hit met the customer’s stringent criteria
February 18, 2020 UVision Air Ltd. – a global leader in Loitering Munitions Systems of all sizes for a variety of missions- announces a successful demo of its Hero-120 system for a strategic NATO customer. All of the strict criteria demanded by the Customer were met, including loitering time, accuracy and radius. This is the first time the new Hero-120 platform has been demonstrated, following its recent public release at the Paris Airshow and AUSA.
Maj. Gen. (ret.) Avi Mizrachi, CEO of UVision, commented, “We are very pleased with the results of the recent Demo and the strong and positive reaction from the customer ? for whom the new Hero-120 proved to be an ideal solution for their needs. As pioneers in the field, our globally-recognized loitering system house provides the global defense market with precision, cost-effective Loitering Munitions Systems. Through state-of-the-art development, production and implementation processes, the company quickly responds to evolving needs from the field, and rapidly optimizes its solutions, delivering today’s most advanced capabilities to suit the realities of the complex missions required by modern warfare for a wide range of platforms, applications and scenarios. These systems with their unique characteristics are becoming a core required capability of leading armies worldwide.”
The New Hero-120
This portable, modular, customizable loitering weapon system can be fitted with a range of powerful multi-purpose warheads and variety of payloads. The versatile, precision, multi-operational system with a unique aerodynamic structure can carry out pinpoint lethal strikes against mid-range hard targets ? vehicles, tanks, concrete fortifications and personnel ? in populated urban areas or remote locations with minimal collateral damage. Its high-speed transit flight and low-speed loitering, BLOS capability, and rapid reaction in response to time-sensitive targets deliver a critical advantage in confined and populated battlefields.
The lightweight, compact, highly maneuverable man-pack configuration, with extended endurance of over an hour and a loitering range of40 km and more, can be independently operated by frontline forces, precisely striking time-sensitive targets from a wide variety of angles. Featuring low acoustic and low visual and thermal signatures and fully gimbaled, stabilized day/night tracking, the Hero-120 delivers critical situational awareness with its advanced data link and real-time intelligence. Providing cutting-edge abort and target re-engagement capabilities, it provides a whole new range of operational possibilities. Despite being a highly sophisticated weapon system, the Hero-120 is affordable and cost-effective due to its recoverable option, using a parachute, while securing the warhead.
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NEWINGTON, N.H., (February 21, 2020) – SIG SAUER, Inc. is proud to announce the Nevada Highway Patrol has transitioned to the SIG SAUER P320 9mm pistol as their official duty pistol. The Nevada Highway Patrol is a division of the Nevada Department of Public Safety responsible for law enforcement across the entire state of Nevada with over 480 sworn Troopers.
“Our initial transition to the SIG SAUER P320 has been seamless, and our Troopers are impressed with the accuracy and superior performance of the pistol,” said Colonel Daniel Solow, Nevada Highway Patrol. “Our diverse group of Troopers is going to appreciate the custom fit of their P320, and having the ability to choose a grip size based on their personal preference due to the unique modularity that the P320 is known for.”
The P320 pistol is a modular, striker-fired pistol, available in full-size, carry, compact, and subcompact sizing. The serialized trigger group makes the P320 adjustable to multiple calibers, size, and grip options. The P320 is available in 9mm, .357SIG, 40S&W, .45ACP, with a choice of contrast, or SIGLITE Night Sights, and is also available in XSERIES and RXP models that include upgraded features including an optics-cut slide. The intuitive 3-point takedown requires no trigger pull for disassembly, and safety features include a striker safety, disconnect safety, and optional manual safety.
“SIG SAUER is honored to continue our long-standing relationship with the Troopers of the Nevada Highway Patrol through their selection of the P320 as their official duty pistol,” began Tom Jankiewicz, Executive Vice president, Law Enforcement Sales, SIG SAUER, Inc. “We are proud of the positive feedback we have received during their transition to the P320, and with the inclusion of the optics-cut on their slides they have the ability to easily expand the pistols capabilities in the future with the addition of a red dot optic.”
FN America LLC, Columbia, South Carolina, was awarded a $119,216,309 firm-fixed-price contract for M4/M4A1 carbine. Bids were solicited via the internet with six received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Jan. 30, 2025. U.S. Army Contracting Command, New Jersey, is the contracting activity (W15QKN-20-D-0006).
On that flew under the radar at SHOT Show is the ATHENA Precision Chassis Rifle by Drake Associates.
Currently offered in a 5.56 platform and coming soon to 7.62, the ATHENA is monolithic design with the lower receiver and handguard machined from a single piece of aluminum, leaving a freefloated, 18″ Satern Button Drake Heavy Profile Contour Barrel (16″ and 20″ also available). However, there is a top section of the handguard incorporating Picatinny rail which can be removed. The 6 O’clock position also features partial Pic rail for a bipod.
This results in average accuracy of .6 – .7 MOA at 100 yds, with the best group at .366 MOA, using 77 gr Federal OTM ammunition. Now get this, it’s at a muzzle velocity of 2,737 fps.
A great thing about GAOS is that manufacturers display their wares and answer the buying public’s’ questions.
In this case, FN USA is showing off the new FN 509 Compact MRD.
Like it’s full and mid sized counterparts, it’s a 9mm, striker fired pistol with a flat faced trigger. The barrel is 3.7-inch barrel and comes with 12+1 capacity, but will accept other, larger 509 magazines. The pistol includes two different back straps to accommodate different fits.
The big thing going on is that this is an optics ready pistols, incorporating FN’s Low-Profile Optics Mounting System which accepts nearly all commercially available miniature red dot optics and features blackout iron sights that co-witness.
Not only does the new .22LR Rebel AR from Patriot Ordnance Factory accept Ruger 10/22 magazines, it’s also the first firearm offered with the Mission First Tactical Blade Stabilizer.
Featuring a one-piece upper, the Rebel incorporates a POF-USA designed semi-auto blowback operating system. The lower receiver is injection molded and fitted with the MFT Engage V2 Pistol Grip. With its 8″ barrel, it measures 21.5” (55 cm) overall and weighs just 3.25 lbs.
