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Ask SSD – “How Mature Is The SIG Machine Gun Design?”

Friday, February 1st, 2019

After our articles on the new SIG Lightweight Machine Gun or SL MAG, we were asked how mature the design is.

Well, they’re obviously very serious about it. They’ve already written a -10.

The SL MAG in 338 NM ran fine during the demonstration I witnessed at SIG Range Day. However, I heard there were a few stoppages during the ISOF Range. Considering this is its first public outing, we think the design is very mature. In fact, a similar model is SIG’s entry for the US Army’s Next Generation Squad Automatic Rifle Other Transaction Authority Production Opportunity. We look forward to seeing how these guns fare throughout further testing.

Posted in Advertiser, Ask SSD, weapons | 44 Comments »

US Army Issues Prototype Project Opportunity Notice (PPON) for Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW)

Thursday, January 31st, 2019

Late last night, the U.S. Army Contracting Command – New Jersey (ACC-NJ), on behalf of Project Manager Soldier Weapons, released a much anticipated solicitation seeking proposals in regards to a Prototype Project Opportunity Notice (PPON) for Next Generation Squad Weapons (NGSW).

The NGSW PPON details how the Government intends to award up to three prototype Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) under the authority of 10 U.S.C. § 2371b, with each vendor developing two weapon variants under the NGSW program and 6.8 millimeter ammunition common to both weapons (this is NOT the 6.8 SPC cartridge evaluated by USSOCOM in the early 00s).

The weapons include the Next Generation Squad Weapon-Rifle (NGSW-R) and the Next Generation Squad Weapon-Automatic Rifle (NGSW-AR). The NGSW-R is the planned replacement for the M4/M4A1 Carbine and the NGSW-AR is the planned replacement for the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) in the Automatic Rifleman Role in the Close Combat Force.

Unlike the current PON for the Next Generation Squad Automatic Rifle currently underway, this PPON seems to be for all the marbles.

The companies currently involved in the NGSAR PON include:
W15QKN-18-9-1017 – AAI Corporation Textron Systems
W15QKN-18-9-1018 – FN America LLC. (Design 1)
W15QKN-18-9-1019 – FN America LLC. (Design 2)
W15QKN-18-9-1020 – General Dynamics-OTS Inc.
W15QKN-18-9-1021 – PCP Tactical, LLC W15QKN-18-9-1022 – Sig Sauer Inc.

We would suspect that they all stand a good chance of competing for this latest bid.

Curiously, the NGSAR PON currently underway was intended to inform this new solicitation, but none of these companies has even delivered a weapon, let alone ammunition yet. However, we have seen glimpses of what these weapons might look like.

SIG famously unveiled their Next Generation candidate and hybrid ammunition at AUSA and then demonstrated an upscaled 338 Norma Mag variant at SHOT Show.

Likewise, GD has shown their 338 NM machine gun design for years giving us some insight into their capabilities.

Although FN has held their cards close to the chest, we understand they have both belt fed and box fed designs and demonstrated a derivative of the SCAR HAMR for PEO Soldier, BG Potts during a visit to their facility last year.

But the weapon we’ve all seen the most of is Textron’s Lightweight Small Arms Technology demonstrator with its radical Case Telescoping ammunition.

Over the years, they’ve shown a great deal of adaptability in configuring the technology as carbine as well as Belt Fed Machine Gun in several calibers.

According to the solicitation, the duration for each prototype OTA is estimated to be up to eight years. The first 27 months will be for prototyping the NGSW-R, NGSW-AR, and ammunition. Following this prototyping effort, there may be additional iterative prototyping efforts for the NGSW-R, NGSW-AR, and ammunition. These iterative prototyping efforts will each have separate durations and will occur within the eight year duration.

Furthermore, in accordance with 10 U.S.C. 2371b(f), and upon a determination that the prototype project (or any subsequent iterative prototyping efforts) was successfully completed under the competitively awarded OTA(s), a follow-on production contract(s) or OTA(s) may be awarded without the use of competitive procedures.

Because of the duration of the OTA, and that prototype OTA will undergo two prototype test events including Soldier Touch Points, they are asking for a lot more weapons and ammunition than in the current NGSAR PON. Deliverables for each prototype OTA include 53 NGSW-R weapons, 43 NGSW-AR weapons, 845,000 rounds of ammunition, spare parts, test barrels, tools/gauges/accessories, engineering support, and iterative prototyping efforts as defined in the Statement of Work.

The follow-on production award(s) is planned to be an Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) based contract with Firm Fixed Price Delivery Orders up to ten years or a fixed amount OTA up to ten years. The production award(s) may include 250,000 total weapons system(s) (NGSW-R, NGSW-AR, or both), 150,000,000 rounds of ammunition, spare parts, tools/gauges/accessories, and engineering support. The value of this follow-on production award(s) is estimated to be $10M in the first year and estimated $150M per year at the higher production rates. While the Government intends to make one production award for the NGSW-R, NGSW- AR, and Ammunition, it reserves the right to: 1) make one award for NGSW-R with Ammunition; or 2) make one award for NGSW-AR with Ammunition; or 3) make one award for NGSW-R with Ammunition to one Offeror and one award for NGSW-AR with Ammunition to a different Offeror.

Even considering those numbers, that still isn’t enough weapons to replace the current inventory of small arms. Currently, the US Army alone owns almost 1,000,000 M4/M16s meaning that the Next Generation Weapons will at least initially be fielded to close combat forces and that M4 and the 5.56mm ammunition it fires will continue to soldier on for decades. This means that the Army has to seriously consider what ammunition technology it will adopt for the new next generation 6.8 round, lest it find itself manufacturing two radically different types of small arms ammunition.

The prototypes must have these characteristics:

a. allow for ambidextrous operation and controls;

b. include a flash hider, removable suppressor (with or without flash hider installed), and a tool for suppressor removal after firing or for maintenance;

c. include a tactical carrying sling with quick release attachments;

d. include selection positions for Safe, Semi-Automatic Firing, and Automatic Firing modes;

e. be resistant to corrosion, abrasion, impact and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) defense contaminants, decontaminants, battlefield-chemicals, electromagnetic pulse and cyber-attacks;

f. reduce visual detection via a neutral non-reflective, non-black color not lighter than Light Coyote 481 and not darker than Coyote 499;

g. function in all environments and weather conditions, including ambient, cold, hot, marine, high humidity, rain, and desert conditions;

h. be compatible with combat clothing (including body armor and Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment), CBRN defense, wet weather, and cold weather gear;

i. provide interchangeable magazines between both weapons if NGSW-AR utilizes a magazine; and

j. include, at a minimum, a 12 o-clock position rail(s) that is compliant to Attachment 2- Picatinny Smart Rail Interface Control Documents. Weapon configurations include a non-battery and a battery configuration:

• A non-battery configuration: battery removed. This is the primary configuration for all weapon deliveries and is included in the overall weapon weight.

• Replaceable battery configurations: rechargeable battery assembly and non- rechargeable battery assembly that are fully contained within the envelope of the NGSW-R and NGSW-AR and common to both. The battery assembly shall operate at 6-32 volts. The rechargeable battery assembly shall interface with the Universal Battery Charger (NSN: 6130-01-659-7090). The weight of the battery assembly will not be included in the overall weapon weight.

Both the rechargeable battery assembly and the non-rechargeable battery assembly shall meet the requirements for safety and transportation per the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulation.

The Government will conduct the following tests on the NGSW-R, NGSW-AR, and the Ammunition:

Prototype Test #1 (PT#1)

This Government test will inform the COMPANY of current design compliance to select performance requirements. The test has an estimated duration of 3 months.

Soldier Touch Point A: Mobility & User Acceptance

This Government test will provide the COMPANY with Soldier feedback on areas related to mobility and maneuverability on Army relevant obstacles, and user acceptance scenario testing. Reference Attachment 6 – STP Mobility and Attachment 7 – STP User Acceptance.

Prototype Test #2 (PT#2)

This Government test will be used to assess compliance to the COMPANY proposed performance requirements and utilized in follow-on award decisions. The test has an estimated duration of six months.

Soldier Touch Point B: Mobility, User Acceptance, Controllability

This test is a Government conducted evaluation on areas related to mobility, maneuverability on Army relevant obstacles, user acceptance scenario testing, and controllability. Reference Attachment 6 – STP Mobility, Attachment 7 – STP User Acceptance, and Attachment 8 – STP Controllability

Soldier Touch Point C: Limited User Test

This test is a Government conducted limited evaluation with Soldiers in the loop to assess the suitability and effectiveness for combat operations. These evaluations may be conducted with multiple squads.

Live Fire Test and Evaluation (LFT&E)

This is a test and analysis effort required to support the ballistic lethality evaluation, focusing on the terminal ballistics of the system.

Written proposals are due on 24 April 2019 at 11:00AM EST and bid samples are due on 30 May 2019.

Posted in Ammo, Contracts, Disruptive Tech, PEO-Soldier, weapons | 6 Comments »

Century Arms Bringing New AES10B and PSL Rifles Back to the U.S. Market

Wednesday, January 30th, 2019

DELRAY BEACH, Florida – (January 29, 2019) – Century Arms, North America’s premier AK manufacturer, is excited to announce availability of newly manufactured models of the highly sought after AES10B 7.62x39mm and PSL 7.62x54R rifles from Romania.

The AES10B is modeled after the Romanian version of the RPK, features a heavy barrel profile, RPK bipod, clubfoot stock, and will ship with a 30-round magazine. The PSL is also modeled after the RPK rifle, but in the 7.62x54R cartridge and paired with a new Russian PO4x24 optic.

“We haven’t brought in the AES10B or PSL rifles in many years. AES10B availability has dried up due to a lack of the parts kits used to build them and surplus PSL rifles are being sent to other parts of the world before we are able to acquire them,” said William Sucher, the company’s Vice President of Business Development. “We have continued to look for a solution for the American market due to the high demand for these models even though the days of low-priced surplus options are long gone. After reviewing all options and working with the manufacturer, we were able to acquire and bring in small quantities of these as newly manufactured rifles, albeit at a higher price, but still uniquely rare and desirable.”

Century Arms will have a limited quantity of these newly manufactured rifles and have sold out of the initial shipments. If you are a dealer please contact your local distributor to acquire an AES10B or PSL rifle while supplies last.

To learn more about the AES10B, PSL and Century’s other models, please visit CenturyArms.com.

Posted in Press Release, weapons | 1 Comment »

SHOT Show 19 – SureFire MGX

Wednesday, January 30th, 2019

Back in 2012, small arms innovator Jim Sullivan filed for a patent for the MGX, a 5.56mm box-fed Machine Gun designed as an improvement over the Ultimax, which he also designed.

Below is a drawing from the patent, depicting the MGX from various points of view. It seems to have a bit of a Stoner 63 flair to it. Considering Sullivan contributed to that weapon system as well, it comes as no surprise.

The MGX, along with its associated 60 and 100 round High Capacity Magazines, was later purchased by SureFire from ArmsWest, LLC. The MGX is designed to operate from the closed bolt during semi-automatic fire and from the open bolt on full-auto.

The weapon weighs 9 lbs and is just 17″ with the barrel removed and stock folded. Recoil is managed so well, that like the Ultimax, it can be fired continuously on full-auto with just one hand. Barrels are 11.5″, 16″ and 20″ and the gun is convertible from 5.56mm to 6.8 SPC in seconds with a barrel change. You have to consider when the gun was designed to appreciate the 6.8 SPC option. The rate of fire is 550-650 RPM with an increase of 100 rpm when used with the SureFire SOCOM556-MG Suppressor.

Here you can see the folding stock and foregrip as well as its intended use with the 100 rd HCM.

During last week’s SHOT Show, the MGX showed up in SureFire’s massive booth, celebrating their 40th Anniversary. You’ll notice something interesting. Although the receiver is marked MG 10, it goes by the name MGX. Although the controls are similar to the AR-15, and a Stoner 63 pistol grip, it features a side charging handle and a quick change barrel.

Image by Ho-Tac Tactical

Considering SureFire has kept the design under wraps for years, it was not only amazing to see it there, but to see it with a 2019 placard. Naturally, we wanted to know if that meant the MGX was finally going into production.

Unfortunately, we found out that SureFire is not getting into the Machine Gun business. Instead, they wanted to showcase a relatively unknown bit of history and hopefully raise interest in licensing the technology.

Hopefully, the MGX will find its way into production.

www.surefire.com

Posted in Advertiser, SHOT Show, weapons | 14 Comments »

Soldiers Test Squad Designated Marksman Rifle At Fort Bliss

Wednesday, January 30th, 2019

Manufacturer of the new Squad Designated Marksman Rifle, Heckler & Koch began delivering weapons last fall. This rifle is based on the HK 417 (German Army designation G28) which was selected by the US Army in 2016 as the M110A1 Compact Semi Auto Sniper System. It fires the 7.62mm NATO cartridge.

Last week, 16 Soldiers assigned to Alpha Company, 4-17 Infantry Battalion, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, took to the ranges on Fort Bliss, Texas to provide feedback to Program Executive Office Soldier (PEO Soldier). This information will be analyzed and used to make any changes to the SDM-R, accessories and ammunition before full fielding commences.

While the maximum effective distance of the new optic (SIG Optics TANGO6T) hasn’t been fully verified yet, Soldiers were able to positively engage targets at a distance of 800 meters. Other than the optic, both CSASS and SDM-R are the same configuration. The SDM-R also includes a Suppressor by OSS and an Image Intensifier Night Vision Sight (AN/PVS-3) and bipod. The rail is MLOK compatible.

Eventually, over 6000 SDM-Rs are expected to be fielded as part of the Directed Requirement, validated last year. This is a separate purchase than the M110A1 CSASS buy and this is an important distinction as this version is sometimes referred to as the M110A1 DMR.

Photos by US Army SSG Kimberly Jenkins and SGT Brian Micheliche, 1st Stryker Brigade, 1st Armored Division, Public Affairs.

Posted in Optics, PEO-Soldier, weapons | 13 Comments »

Battle Arms Development – OIP Gen 2

Friday, January 25th, 2019

Battle Arms Development’s OIP Gen 2 is on display at their booth, featuring some noticeable changes since its appearance at last year’s Industry Day at the Range. The OIP Gen 2 comes in at 3.8 lbs bare and unloaded, and features a 14.5″, 1:7 twist barrel with a 5.56 NATO chamber, midlength gas system, and a pin and welded Battle Arms Ti THUMPER compensator, bringing the barrel to 16″ in length. Both the pistol grip and forend are constructed of carbon fiber, with weight-reducing lightening cuts, and the later also features M-LOK compatible accessory mounting slots. The receiver set is also aggressively skeletonized, and a majority of the components are made of titanium, including the bolt catch, gas block, bolt carrier, and takedown pins; a fixed aluminum, minimalist receiver extension/stock completes the rifle.

www.battlearmsdevelopment.com

Tags: Battle Arms Development, SHOT Show
Posted in SHOT Show, weapons | Comments Off on Battle Arms Development – OIP Gen 2

SHOT Show 19 – More Details On SIG’s New 338 Norma Mag Machine Gun

Wednesday, January 23rd, 2019

The SIG SL MAG in 338 NM continues to impress. We got a few minutes to check a few of the features we mentioned in our initial article as well as some others. For example, it was designed specifically for use with a direct thread Suppressor. Additionally, SIG has developed an optic specifically for use with this and other weapons.

If you’re a machine gunner, you’re going to appreciate the adaptability of the feed mechanism and cover.

There are both top open and side open feed tray covers. This means the optic stays put.

Additionally, feed can be converted from left to right.

The SL MAG also does not require the gunner to open the feed tray to add a new belt. Simply insert the belt into the feed tray cover.

You’ll also notice an optic, mounted to the Picatinny Rail along the top of the receiver.

It’s based on the same technology developed for SIG Optics’ Ballistic Data Xchange or BDX family of optics for hunting.

However, rather than a separate, stand-alone Laser Range Finder, this optic features an integrated LRF in addition to Applied Ballistics software to offer a disturbed reticle as well as distance and azimuth to target on the screen.

This optic will also be featured on the SIG Next Generation Squad Automatic Rifle PON currently underway and could be used with any existing crew served or individual weapon. Additionally, it can be used in conjunction with a magnifier for long distance shots. SIG even mentioned offering a variable power magnifier for use with this smart optic.

Posted in Advertiser, SHOT Show, weapons | 3 Comments »

Announcing Black Collar Arms

Wednesday, January 23rd, 2019

New company launches Pork Sword and Scorpitrol®

Austin, TX (January 22, 2019) — Whether you’re blue collar or white collar, if you’re pro-Second Amendment you’re black collar.

We’re Black Collar Arms and we’re here to bring innovative and functional firearms products to market at a fair price. Black Collar’s founders have backgrounds in product design and development and extensive firearm experience. Our engineers are former and current competitive shooters in various disciplines with engineering degrees from MIT and other snooty, prestigious places they’d love to tell you all about.

As you may have noticed from some of our product names and our marketing, we like to have fun and we don’t take ourselves too seriously. What we do take extremely seriously is our customers and the quality and functionality of our products.

Black Collar Arms is located in Central Texas and is committed to manufacturing our components in the U.S. from U.S.-made raw materials and components.

Contact us any time at manservant@blackcollararms.com, visit us at www.BlackCollarArms.com, and find us on Instagram at @blackcollararms.

Announcing the Pork Sword Chassis

Weighing in at a scant 14.7 ounces, the Black Collar Arms Pork Sword is a minimalist, modular chassis compatible with left- or right-handed Remington 700 footprint short actions.

With a rear Picatinny rail, build yourself a pistol with a brace like the SB Tactical FS1913 or dust off that old R700 rifle and start a new, shoulder stock-equipped project today!

Ideal for hog hunting, general truck gun use, or just finding some fun on the shooting range, a Pork Sword Pistol suppresses wonderfully and puts rifle accuracy and capability in an extremely compact package.

Whether it’s the handy size, the additional handgun hunting seasons in some states, the ability to keep it loaded in a vehicle (hunting-related restrictions on loaded rifles don’t apply), the simplified ownership in some states as compared to a semi-auto pistol or rifle, how great of a suppressor host it is, or simply the cool and fun factor, a bolt-action pistol makes all sorts of sense.

The Black Collar Arms Pork Sword:

• 7075 Aluminum
• Type III Hard Coat Anodized as standard (Cerakote options available)
• Accepts most AR-15 pistol grips
• Accepts any M1913 Picatinny rail-compatible pistol stabilizing brace or shoulder stock
• Accepts AICS pattern, single-stack magazines
• Ambidextrous QD sling sockets front and rear
• Two front Picatinny rails for barrier stop, bipod, angled or vertical forward grip, and/or Black Collar Arms FARend or handguard adapter (2nd front Pic rail not seen on these prototypes)
• Uses standard, 1-inch AR-15 grip screws for the front and rear action screws and the grip (duh)
• 100% designed and manufactured in Texas from domestic aluminum
• MSRP: $299.99

Coming soon from Black Collar Arms for the Pork Sword:

• FARend — The Pork Sword Chassis’ integral front Pic rail is a bit close for a bipod. Mount it out farther with our FARend. That’s Forward Accessory Rod. Then the word “end” so it sounds like forend. Anyway, the FARend’s M-LOK® slots allow you to mount a bipod, angled or vertical forward grip, and/or barrier stop(s) out in front of the Pork Sword Chassis, all nice and close to the bore. A lightweight, minimalist, and simple solution for extending accessories up to a foot farther out front. The production version will be quick detach. (ETA late Q1, early Q2)
• Handguards — yes, yes, we’re finalizing the design on those, too. (ETA Q2)
• Stock Options — lightweight, M1913 Picatinny rail-compatible, folding stocks from Black Collar Arms are coming! These will have a typical length of pull for a rifle. Our Preferred Stock Option will have an adjustable cheek rest and butt pad. (ETA late Q1, early Q2)
• Black Collar Arms’ own custom pistol action (ETA mid-late Q2, maybe early Q3). Once ready, we will be submitting this to California’s Roster of Handguns Certified for Sale so it’s an easy purchase for our customers who aren’t lucky enough to live in the U.S. of A.
• Chassis for other firearms, from Ruger 10/22 to…well…we aren’t spilling the beans quite yet but other fits are coming very soon! Sign up for our email notifications to be…well…notified.
Please visit www.BlackCollarArms.com for more photos and lots more information, including ballistic data from our 10-inch .308 Winchester example builds.

Announcing Scorpitrol®

Do you suffer from a heavy, gritty sensation in your trigger finger while shooting your CZ Scorpion EVO? If so, ask your doctor about Scorpitrol®! It’s the cure for that squeaky 9-lb factory pull and will have you enjoying a truly excellent 4.5-lb, 2-stage pull with a crisp, clean break and a short reset in only one application.

Realistically Scorpitrol® is a much better trigger than a little PDW like the Scorpion needs, but man oh man is it enjoyable to shoot!

Drop-In Scorpitrol® contains the same internal components as our Component Scorpitrol® (coming soon), but our staff of highly-trained rhesus monkeys has gone ahead and installed everything inside of a factory CZ trigger housing. It’s ready to drop straight into your Scorpion EVO!

• Maintains full-power hammer spring for reliability even with NATO-spec or cheap ammo
• Wire EDM cut hardened S7 tool steel hammer
• Wire EDM cut hardened A2 tool steel sear and disconnector
• Hammer, sear, and disconnector are polished and nickel boron treated
• aluminum inner chassis
• 2-stage trigger pull
• clean break with short, crisp reset
• 4.5-lb pull
• MSRP: $199.99

Please visit www.BlackCollarArms.com to sign up for our email notifications when new products are released — there’s a lot in the works! — and existing products are in stock.

Oh! Please go to Urban Dictionary and “thumbs up” our definition for black collar. It’s currently #8 — relegated to the second page of results. Let’s fix that!

Tags: Black Collar Arms
Posted in Press Release, weapons | 4 Comments »