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Rheinmetall presses ahead with laser weapon technology: new weapon station successfully tested

Friday, March 1st, 2019

Rheinmetall continues to make steady headway in the world of laser weapons, having recently completed a successful serious of comprehensive trials with a weapon station. In combination with a laser, the weapon station demonstrated its speed and precision in tests conducted in December 2018. The weapon station can be armed with lasers in the 100 kW output power range.

During the tests, which were conducted in Switzerland at the company’s Ochsenboden test centre near Zürich, drones and mortar rounds were successfully engaged at operationally relevant ranges.

The laser weapon station is the latest stage and logical continuation of the process in which Rheinmetall has transformed laser weapon technology into a fully functional weapon system. It consists of four main components: the laser source, beam director with the telescope, and coarse tracker (weapon station).

The mobile weapon station performs the task of mechanically aiming the laser toward the target. Now that a weapon station specially designed to meet the requirements of a laser weapon station has been successfully realized, Rheinmetall has all of the principal assemblies for a future laser weapon system at its own disposal.

The laser weapon station was combined with a beam director – successfully employed in multiple tests – and high-performance Rheinmetall lasers. It is also designed to be combined with a soon-to-be-available 20 kW laser source, likewise made by Rheinmetall.

Equally suitable for ground, air and naval operations, the assemblies are modular and scalable in design, and can be deployed regardless of the threat situation on military platforms of all types.

Among the laser weapon station’s outstanding performance parameters are its extremely accurate mechanical aiming function, coupled with an unlimited, 360° traversing zone and an elevation range in excess of 270°. The system architecture (EN DIN 61508) is closely oriented to the MANTIS air defence system now in service with the Bundeswehr, and thus also offers interfaces for connecting it to higher-echelon air defence systems

Posted in Advertiser, International, Press Release, weapons | 6 Comments »

M231 Firing Port Weapon

Wednesday, February 27th, 2019

The M231 Firing Port Weapon is a rather obscure footnote in US Small Arms history. Thanks to Marty Bordson, owner of Badger Ordnance, I recently got the chance to fire one.

Designed to be shot from the firing ports of the M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle (the M2 was the Infantry variant), the M231 was based on the M16A1. As you can see, it featured a short, threaded handguard which was screwed into place in the firing port. Initially, the M231 featured a wire stock, reminiscent of the M3 “Grease Gun” but it was later removed as it was prone to rattle off and become a nuisance in the vehicle. Although, the real reason was probably to dissuade the rifle’s use in place of the standard M16 by dismounted Infantry.

Below, you can see the modified selector lever, peculiar to the M231. It is either SAFE or AUTO and the SOP was to fire Tracer ammo, aimed through a vision block. The M231 was meant to deal with enemy dismounts who might try to engage from the sides and rear of the Bradley.

Marty made a couple of mods to the rifle in order to use it while hunting hogs. He changed out the flash hider so it would accept a Mack Brothers suppressor and fitted a mount and PEQ-15 to the carrying handle. Obviously, that didn’t do me any good during the day. I sighted over the top of the receiver and aimed at the berm.

Perhaps the most interesting feature of the M231 is that it fires from the open bolt to help keep it cool. With a cyclic rate of around 1200 rpm, the added suppressor just sped it up, and also exacerbated the gas issues. I also had access to a Magpul D60 PMAG, while those using the M231 in its heyday would have only had USGI 30 rd magazines. My firing hand was covered in carbon when the magazine was finished and I had to stop halfway through, due to the back gas. The video below shows me firing the second half of the magazine. I can only imagine what it was like in the vehicle when there were six firing at once. For a period, there was supposed to be a vent hose for the gas, but the few accounts I’ve heard of these actually being fired from within the vehicle, it didn’t work.

Eventually, the M2 Bradley was upgraded with slab sides designed to accept reactive armor panels which eliminated the side firing ports. However, the M231 is said to soldier on, at least in arms rooms, as the M2 has retained the two firing ports on the rear hatch. As late as the invasion of Iraq, armored troops were spotted using the M231.

Posted in Black Rifle, History, Suppressors, weapons | 15 Comments »

SIG SAUER MCX Rattler Canebrake Now Shipping

Tuesday, February 26th, 2019

NEWINGTON, N.H., (February 26, 2019) – SIG SAUER, Inc. is pleased to announce the newest addition to the MCX family, the MCX Rattler Canebrake is now shipping and available in retail stores.

The MCX Rattler Canebrake comes as a suppressor ready platform with an SD handguard and inert training device that mimics the size and weight of the SIGSRD762 suppressor, and assures all muzzle flash is past the shooter’s hand when reaching out on the handguard during operation without a functional suppressor installed. With the MCX Rattler Canebrake there’s no need for the purchase of a shorter barrel kit and SD Handguard to have a suppressed MCX system, simply unthread the inert training device, install your suppressor, and select the appropriate gas setting for your ammunition.

Additional features of the MCX Rattler Canebrake include a 2-stage flat-blade match trigger, Cerakote E190 finished upper and lower, a folding coyote-tan PCB, and comes with one 30-round polymer 300blk Magpul™ magazine.

MCX Rattler Canebrake

To learn more about the MCX Rattler Canebrake or locate your local SIG SAUER dealer visit sigsauer.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Press Release, weapons | 1 Comment »

See the B&T USW-G17 at Enforce Tac & IWA

Monday, February 25th, 2019

B&T will exhibit their USW-G17 along with other new products at next week’s Enforce Tac and IWA Classics In Nürnberg, Germany.

With the introduction of the B&T USW-G17 chassis, one can convert any Gen 3, 4 or 5 Glock into a true pistol carbine, meaning one can still carry and use it like a pistol, but thanks to the integrated folding stock, one can use it as a carbine with enhanced accuracy.

See them in booth 12-532 at Enforce Tac or in booth 9-204 at IWA.

www.bt-ag.ch

Posted in IWA, weapons | 14 Comments »

Orlando Police Department Selects SIG Virtus Rifles for Officers

Tuesday, February 19th, 2019

NEWINGTON, N.H., (February 18, 2019) – SIG SAUER, Inc. is pleased to announce the Orlando Police Department has adopted the SIG Virtus Rifle as part of their standard issue equipment for the departments uniformed officers, detectives, watch commanders, and sergeants. The Orlando Police Department is comprised of over 700 sworn officers protecting over 275,000 citizens in the City of Orlando.

Tom Jankiewicz, Executive Vice President, Law Enforcement Sales, SIG SAUER, Inc. began, “SIG has a strong partnership with the Orlando Police Department that began with their adoption of the SIG P226 and has now extended to the SIG Virtus rifle. The Virtus is a significant upgrade to their existing platform, bringing the latest in rifle technology that will enhance their capabilities, improve accuracy, and allow them to become more effective and expeditious in their response.”

The SIG Virtus is a modular rifle engineered for the demands of special operations forces. The rifle features a free-float M-LOK™ handguard, ambidextrous AR-style controls, a telescoping or folding stock, and can be easily suppressed.

“We are honored that the Orlando Police Department has entrusted SIG SAUER equipment for the men and women of the Orlando Police Department, and we look forward to continuing our relationship with the department and supporting their mission,” concluded Jankiewicz.

For more information about the company and product line visit: sigsauer.com.

Posted in Advertiser, Contracts, LE, weapons | 2 Comments »

US Army Fields Modular Handgun System to the Military Police School

Tuesday, February 19th, 2019

In December of last year, the US Army commenced fielding the M17 and M18 variants of the Modular Handgun System manufactured by SIG the Military Police School At Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

According to Mark Farley, USAMPS deputy commandant, “The (Beretta M9s) we currently have are breaking more often, which causes readiness issues,” explaining that the school’s M9s have fired on average about 20,000 to 30,000 rounds. He stated that a typical handgun will last through only about 10,000 before they start to have significant issues.

USAMPS instructor Gary Homer stated that every MHS is test fired before leaving the factory with 13 rounds; three to break in the weapon and 10 to test accuracy. He said each one must hit 10 out of 10 at 25 meters in a 3-inch group. Additionally, he claimed that MHS barrels last for 25,000 rounds.

“The Military Police Corps, is about 16 percent female Soldiers, so this is a big deal when you’re talking about Soldier lethality and accuracy,” Farley said as he touted the Modular grips of the pistol. “For all Soldiers to be able to hold that weapon with a proper grip and use the right fundamentals of firing — it’s very important in order for them to be able to engage the target and thereafter. One size does not fit all.”

The instructors also like the consistent trigger pull with MHS. Rather than the M9’s initial trigger pull of about 14 pounds and then about five pounds as the pistol transitions to single action, MHS is the same no matter which round you are firing.

Scarborough believes the grip size and consistent trigger pull will really help when Soldiers qualify using the new firing table now hitting the field.

Although they’ve only been fielded 100 pistols so far, the MP School eventually expects to receive 1,400 MHS.

Posted in weapons | 12 Comments »

Century Arms Announces New Lifetime Warranty for VSKA AK Rifle

Monday, February 18th, 2019

DELRAY BEACH, Florida – (FEBRUARY 15, 2019) – Century Arms, North America’s premier AK manufacturer, is proud to announce their new heavy duty AK rifle, the VSKA, is now backed with a Lifetime Warranty.

Announced in October 2018, the 2019 VSKA (vis-kuh) from Century Arms represents the latest in an American-built AK rifle. Critical components are machined from S7 tool steel, including the bolt carrier, front trunnion and feed ramp, all heat-treated for maximum durability. S7, often referred to as a “Shock-Resisting Tool Steel,” is commonly used for tools like chisels and jackhammer tips as it has maximum shock resistance and high compression strength, while retaining toughness. The front trunnion and bolt are machined from billet and exceeded the durability goals for the project. Additionally, the VSKA features a nitro-carburized 4140 steel bolt, a chrome-moly 4150 barrel, and sports the RAK-1 Enhanced Trigger Group for an impressive trigger pull. Along with a magnesium-phosphate finish, Century adds a little style to the heavy-duty brute with an American Maple wood buttstock and forend.

Each VSKA ships with one 30-round standard-capacity magazine and has an MSRP of $735.95.

“We are extremely proud of this product and the value it delivers to AK enthusiasts”, says Jason Karvois, Director of Sales for Century Arms. “The addition of this new lifetime warranty to every VSKA backs our belief that this rifle, whose development included an unprecedented level of testing for the platform, will perform for years to come.”

In addition to new purchasers, the warranty will be available for all VSKA rifles purchased prior to this announcement. Owners should keep their receipts as they will be required for warranty service. Learn more about the VSKA at centuryarms.com.

Posted in Press Release, weapons | 4 Comments »

Announcing Brace Built Firearms – Lightweight Performance Machines

Thursday, February 14th, 2019

Brace Built combined the Modern Outfitters™ Modern Carbine™ line with new rifles created by master gunsmith Stephen Barrier, formerly of Surgeon Rifles™, to create a family of the best lightweight, accurate rifles for discerning customers under one brand. These rifles are field proven with over 3,000 units in the hands of private hunters and shooters and over 20 police departments around the country, and now they have a consistent look, feel, and branding to match their reputation for reliability, durability, accuracy, and light weight.

Our brand video walks through the value propositions of our firearms.

Offerings

Brace Built offers the billet MC6 AR15 in 5.56mm, the billet MC7 AR10 in 6.5mm Creedmoor and .308 Winchester, the Barrier Tactical rifle in 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5mm Creedmoor, and .308 Winchester, and the left folding billet Barrier Tactical chassis that is compatible with the Barrier action and Remington 700 actions. MC6s and MC7s come in the customers’ choice of black, tungsten, OD green, or burnt bronze Cerakote for the upper, lower, and slimline MLOK® handguard along with Brace Built’s signature orange highlights for the trigger and the ambidextrous controls. The Barrier Tactical rifles come with the same color choices for the barreled action and orange highlights for the trigger and controls.

Barrier created the signature Barrier action with a 3 lug bolt and 60 degree throw to solve three common precision bolt action rifle pain points – the primary extraction issue found in many bolt action rifles, the lack of durability of chassis systems, and the nightmare of assembly/disassembly. He combined this action with Bartlein™ cut-rifled barrels in 18”-24” lengths to create sub 1/2 MOA out of the box performance. He then focused on making the best tactical chassis system he could out of billet that was simple, durable, and affordable.

bracebuilt.com

Tags: Brace Built Firearms
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