Otis Technology is pleased to announce that it has acquired the popular Shooter’s Choice brand. The deal took effect January 16, 2018.

Shooter’s Choice is a leading provider of gun care chemicals and lubricants. With a complete product offering in a variety of liquids and aerosols, Shooter’s Choice products are in use by hunters, shooters, law enforcement and military professionals.

“We are very excited for this opportunity. The Shooter’s Choice and Otis Technology brands complement each other well. Where Otis has excelled in gun cleaning kits and accessories, Shooter’s Choice has done the same in gun care cleaners, lubricants and protectants,” states Leonard Puzzuoli, CEO at Otis Technology. He continues, “We look forward to building upon the Shooter’s Choice brand and product assortment.”

“We practically grew up together. We started our companies around the same time. We attended the same trade shows, often having booths right next to each other. We became friends over the years despite technically being competitors,” remarks Larry Williams, Advisory Board member for Otis Technology.

Joe Ventimiglia, Shooter’s Choice President states, “My brother and I have built a company and brand that we are proud of. We have reached the next chapter in our lives–retirement–and we couldn’t think of a better company to carry on the Shooter’s Choice name than Otis Technology.”

The combined strengths and resources of the two industry leading brands will benefit customers of Otis Technology and Shooter’s Choice.

For more information on Otis products, please visit www.otistec.com. Please visit www.shooters-choice.com to learn more about Shooter’s Choice.

Otis Technology is known for manufacturing the most advanced gun cleaning systems and accessories available. The superior Breech-to-Muzzle® design combined with unmatched quality has positioned Otis as the gun care system of choice with the US Military. Otis Technology is smart gun care.

Aimpoint® Micro T-2

Finnish Defence Forces Order Aimpoint® Micro T-2

Aimpoint AB, the leading manufacturer and innovator in red dot sighting technology, has been ordered by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) to supply Aimpoint® Micro T-2 red dot sights including transportation bags for an amount of up to EUR 5.5 million. The red dot sights are supplied by NSPA to the Finnish Defence Forces and will be delivered by the end of 2018.

“We are proud that the Finnish Defence Forces have chosen the Aimpoint® Micro T-2 as a part of their national defence development program Taistelija (Combatant),” says Lennart Ljungfelt, President of Aimpoint AB and continues; “The Micro T-2 is an extremely reliable sight, and we know that the operators currently using that sight are very pleased. Therefore, we know that the Finnish Defence Forces will be satisfied with their choice.”

The Aimpoint® Micro T-2 sight has been in operation with several military organizations worldwide for several years. It is a user-friendly, soldier-tested and combat proven sight that increases the effectiveness of the individual soldier. The attractiveness of the Micro T-2 sight relies on its weight by just over 100 grams combined with extreme ruggedness and an operational life on a single battery of up to 50,000 hours or 5 years, on continuous use.

Currently, more than 1,500,000 Aimpoint® sights are already in use by military forces around the world. The Finnish Defence Forces chose the Aimpoint products because they will increase the speed and precision of the combatants’ use of weapons as well as the assault rifle’s usability in poor light conditions.

For more information on Aimpoint and Aimpoint products, visit the company’s website at: www.aimpoint.com

The transfer of technology is critical to innovation, development and future commercialization of new technologies. Innovations in computer infrastructure and mobile cellular technology I the Unites States, South Korea, and Taiwan have allowed much of the world to become connected via the internet, allowing greater communication and the dissemination of knowledge. But, what happens when parties wish to transfer arms-related technology between nations?

Currently, the transfer of arms related technology is subject to U.S arms export controls. “Export” of arms-related technical data can occur via the transfer of technology to a foreign national, inside or outside of the United States, as well as the transfer of technology to an entity outside of the United States. Depending upon the commodity, the U.S. Commerce Department or the U.S. State Department will take jurisdiction over licensing the export of arms related technology to a foreign national or a foreign entity. The application process is (relatively) straight forward–requests for export approval are reviewed by U.S. Government personnel that understand the technology and take policy considerations into account. Potential stakeholders in the process could involve the U.S. Department of Defense, the Defense Technology Security Administration, and the U.S. intelligence community.

The Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act (FIRRMA)

On November 8, 2017, Senator John Cornyn introduced Senate Bill No. 2098, the Foreign Investment Risk Review Modernization Act of 2017. The bill seeks to reform the review of foreign acquisitions of U.S. businesses, and seeks to give additional power to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). The proposed legislation would grant CFIUS authority over the transfer of technology from a U.S. business to foreign organization and/or a U.S. based organization controlled by a foreign national.

Does that sound similar to the process above, involving the U.S. Commerce and State Departments? Under the proposed legislation, CFIUS would establish a duplicate government approval process to mirror a process that is already well established. In addition, under the proposed legislation, CFIUS would require review of technology that the existing export control agencies have determined to not require an export license.

To make matters worse, CFIUS is an interagency body. Often, technical reviews are carried out by its member agencies–such as the Department of Commerce. As a result, a CFIUS review of technology transfer under FIRRMA would likely be handled by the same export control agency that would handle it outside of the CFIUS process. Alternatively, CFIUS could have other member agencies handle the review of a technology transfer. If this were to occur, the outcome would result in inefficiencies (due to two agencies reviewing the same transaction) and inconsistent results in the event that the agencies come to differing conclusions. Creating an additional review process for technology transfers involving CFIUS results in either a duplicative process, or an inefficient process with an inconsistent outcome.

Definition of “Foreign Person”

As expected, the definition of a foreign national, and what triggers review of a technology transfer differs between the ITAR and CFIUS regulations. This is significant because the determination of foreign status dictates whether review is needed. Currently, the ITAR defines a “Foreign National” as anyone who is not a U.S. Citizen. Control of a U.S. company is based upon majority ownership; a minority owner in the U.S. Company would legally be allowed to access arms-related technology, but no review of a contemplated technology transfer would be required under the ITAR.

CFIUS determines “Foreign National” in the same manner as the ITAR, but adds an additional regulatory component to determine who controls the company. CFIUS looks to whether a foreign national, foreign government or foreign entity exercises control over a U.S. Company. Any voting interest exceeding 10% has historically been considered “controlling” under CFIUS standards. In cases where there are indicia of control, less than 10% ownership could also trigger a “controlling” interest under CFIUS standards. In the event that FIRRMA is enacted into law, U.S. Companies will be forced to conduct additional due diligence before conducting domestic technology transfers to determine whether CFIUS “foreign control” issues are present.

The proposed FIRRMA regulation and resulting expansion of CFIUS authority over U.S. technology transfers is redundant and unnecessary. Enacting additional regulations on the Defense community runs counter to the current and on-going export control reform process, which seeks to deregulate and simplify the export of arms from the United States. Further, the current CFIUS definition of foreign control will add additional levels of compliance and bureaucratic oversight that is redundant and unnecessary. Thankfully, Senate Bill 2098 is only a proposal – there is still time for the bill to be killed or amended into a more favorable and sensible piece of legislation.

Additional information on U.S. Senate Bill S.2098 can be found on the U.S. Senate website at: www.congress.gov/bill/115th-congress/senate-bill/2098/

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mr. Wong is a Washington licensed attorney. He regularly provides legal counsel to the firearm and defense industry via his law firm, The Firearms Law Group. Mr. Wong also manages Hurricane Butterfly, an import/export company that assists firearm manufacturers, resellers, and collectors from around the world wade through the regulatory quagmire of U.S. import/export regulations.

ISOF Arms & Equipment Part 2, Precision Rifles
By Miles Vining

While the threat to Iraqi forces from suicide vehicle borne improvised explosive devices (SVBIEDs) remains at an all-time high, the marksmen of the so-called Islamic State are another leading cause of casualties. These marksmen are carrying out deadly attacks against Iraqi Special Operations Forces (ISOF) within the dense urban centers that have characterized much of the fighting. To both combat this threat and to provide a longer-range small arms support capability, ISOF has been integrating various precision rifles and appropriate tactics into their overall force structure. This has primarily taken place at the platoon or company level of operations. Due to the nature of the engagements in Ramadi, Fallujah and Mosul, ISOF routinely find themselves conducting military operations in urban terrain (sometimes known as MOUT) or fighting in a built-up area (FIBUA). Unlike more traditional military sniper operations that exploit relatively open or mountainous terrain with very long target engagement ranges, ISOF snipers or marksmen are working in limited-range urban environments, quickly moving with the flow of battle in support of infantry operations.

The organization and training of snipers in ISOF comprises a series of formal sniper courses that certain experienced ISOF soldiers attend, some of which have been taught by U.S. Army Special Operations personnel (U.S. Army SF Groups have been instrumental in the development of ISOF Tactics, Techniques and Procedures since the CTS creation in the mid-2000s). Courses focus on precision shooting ability, mainly using U.S. surplus Remington M24 and Russian Orsis T-5000 bolt-action sniper rifles that are currently in service. After a shooting package, it appears that there is some instruction on concealment and camouflage, including classes on producing and customizing ghillie suits and the practical application of these. When actually used in combat, ISOF snipers tend to forgo the ghillie suit to maintain tactical agility. Several ISOF ‘snipers’ on the battlefield may not have undertaken these courses, however. This may include personnel replacing wounded or killed snipers under operational conditions.

ISOF snipers receive training from U.S. Special Forces advisors before going into combat in Iraq. Much of the force’s specialized training, such as precision marksmanship and the employment of forward observers, has been designed and delivered by U.S. Special Forces.

While on operations, ISOF snipers either support their platoons as organic assets (considered a role for ‘sharpshooters’ or ‘designated marksmen’ in many western militaries) or operate in shooter-spotter teams as per traditional sniper teams in many other armed forces. These teams employ a spotting scope, with the spotter in close proximity to the shooter with the long gun, most of the time concealing themselves in a room or behind a wall. Often existing damage to walls is utilized or modified to serve as shooting ports, or ‘loopholes.’ Some 25–50 percent of precision rifles currently in inventory appear to be painted to blend in with their urban surroundings. Another popular technique among ISOF snipers is to wrap the front portion of their rifles with a tan-colored fabric or twine that helps the handguard and barrel to blend in with the outside of a building or wall that is being used for cover. Although many of the precision rifles in use by ISOF were designed for the accurate engagement of point targets out to 800 meters and beyond, the MOUT fight that ISOF is entrenched in is commonly presenting targets of opportunity no further than 400–500 meters distant.

The secondary mission set of ISOF snipers and spotters is that of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) for the total ISOF force. The vast majority of snipers are equipped with commercial hand-held radios as well as U.S.-supplied AN/PRC-152A (Harris Falcon III) hand-held radios. Communication systems facilitate the coordination of movements and orders between supported units. When these devices are coupled with the rifle scopes, spotting scopes and issued binoculars, they enable ISOF snipers to conduct ISR missions whilst monitoring the enemy.

In addition to a precision rifle, ISOF snipers are usually armed with a secondary weapon system. Sometimes this is the standard-issue Rock River Arms LAR-15 or Sig Sauer M400, both chambered for the 5.56x45mm cartridge. This weapon is frequently slung on a sniper’s body when engaging or otherwise operating the precision rifle. If the primary shooter doesn’t have a carbine on hand, usually his spotter will be armed with one. The shooter may also be armed with a Croatian 9x19mm HS Produkt HS2000 handgun, either in a hip-mounted or thigh-mounted BLACKHAWK! SERPA holster or a counterfeit copy thereof. In addition, long rifle ‘drag bags’ have been worn by snipers on their backs like a backpack or carry bag. These have been important in keeping the snipers inconspicuous while on operations and allowing them a greater opportunity to ‘blend in’ with a typical ISOF platoon.

This ISOF sniper has spray painted his M24 rifle to better blend in with his surroundings. Note the ATN 4-12x80 DNS-CGT day/night optic. In addition, his uniform is not a standard-issue black or digital Chinese PLA Type 07 “arid” pattern, but rather a commercially produced uniform produced in a Kryptek pattern. Notice his secondary weapon, likely a SIG SAUER M400 self-loading rifle, leaning against the wall next to him.

The ISOF precision rifle inventory consists primarily of the Remington Arms 7.62x51mm NATO M24 Sniper Weapon System, as adopted by the U.S. Army. The U.S. Army had over 15,000 such rifles in use from 1988 to 2010. The M24 SWS underwent a major upgrade in 2010, being replaced by the M2010 Enhanced Sniper Rifle. Surplus M24 SWS models have since been sold or gifted through Foreign Military Sales and similar programs to U.S. allies such as Iraq and Afghanistan. The current M24 SWS in use by ISOF snipers is U.S. Army surplus. Most of the examples seen in Iraq appear to originate with the original M24 SWS contract issued in the 1980s and not the upgraded M24A2 or M24A3 versions that were later acquired by the U.S. Army. The majority of the important M24 SWS accessories and parts are still intact. This includes the folding 1A2-BRM Harris bipods, M1907 leather sling and what appears to be the 3.5-10x40mm Leupold Mark 4 scope with a Mil-Dot reticle. Limited numbers of rifles are instead fitted with fixed-power 10x40mm Leupold Mark 4 models, as the original 1988 U.S. Army contract stipulated. Although many of the Harris bipods are still in working and operational order, some of the M1907 leather slings have been replaced by locally-imported tactical slings from China. Within ISOF, the M24 SWS is colloquially known as the “Remington” and is very well liked.

Two other scopes have been seen in use on the ISOF M24 SWS rifles. The first and more prevalent one is the VARCO, INC (later Litton) AN/PVS-10 8.5x magnification day/night sight. This is 1990s-era, third-generation infrared technology, no longer in U.S. military service. The AN/PVS-10 can be configured to be used during daylight settings or with the infrared option configured using a simple switch, allowing ISOF snipers to use a single scope during both the day and the night. It is powered by two AA batteries, which are plentiful in Iraq. The AN/PVS-10 is readily identifiable by its bulbous main tube, battery pack and adjustment turrets, with a short ocular lens.

Notice the AN/PRC-152 radio on this ISOF sniper’s back, which supports his role as an ISR asset by enabling him to ‘call in’ targets and monitor enemy activity. He is armed with an M24 SWS fitted with an ATN 4-12x80 DNS-CGT optic, also spray painted for camouflage.

The other scope in use with the M24 SWS is the ATN 4-12×80 DNS-CGT day/night optic. Made by American Technologies Network Corp. (ATN), the product was an unsuccessful attempt to combine infrared technology with a traditional rifle scope by way of an ocular assembly that can be easily switched out. It was sold commercially and on military markets in the early 2000s but has since been discontinued from the current ATN catalogue. It appears that ISOF snipers either did not receive or have lost/not used the infrared eyepiece, as the author has not seen a single unit in use on ISOF precision rifles. The infrared attachment uses a single CR123 battery, but it must be perused with the scope to function as intended. This scope is easily identified by the substantial size of the 80mm objective lens, a bulbous ocular lens and a 40mm main tube body with corresponding scope rings.

After the M24 SWS, the M14 EBR is the second most common precision rifle used by ISOF snipers. The Enhanced Battle Rifle was a product improvement program based on existing select-fire 7.62x51mm NATO M14 rifles held in stores by the U.S. military. By switching out the wooden stock for a ‘chassis’ system with a telescoping stock with an adjustable cheek piece, as well as making the body from aluminum and fitting MIL-STD-1913 (Picatinny) rail capabilities, the M14 EBR was repurposed as a designated marksman rifle (DMR). It was adopted by the U.S. Navy as the Mk 14, the U.S. Army as the M14 EBR and the U.S. Marine Corps as the M39 EMR (Enhanced Marksman Rifle). Over 6,000 M14 EBRs were produced at Rock Island Arsenal for Army infantry troops in Afghanistan and Iraq in the early 2000s. Current ISOF M14 EBRs most likely come from this production lot of 6,000 Rock Island Arsenal reconfigurations, designated the ‘M14 EBR-RI.’ Although reliable, some ISOF soldiers have observed that these are less accurate than either the M24 SWS or the Russian Orsis T-5000. This is no doubt true, however, the semi-automatic M14 EBR was designed to fill a different tactical role (DMR versus sniper role). Additionally, it seems that most ISOF snipers are using standard 7.62x51mm ball cartridges instead of M118LR match-grade ammunition. These M14 EBR rifles are mostly issued with the variable power Leupold optics that are also seen on the M24 SWS, in addition to some ATN 4-12×80 DNS-CGT day/night scopes. It is also issued with a standard forward grip mounted on the Picatinny rail and uses a variety of slings. The M14 EBR is currently the only semi-automatic precision rifle system that is in use by ISOF forces.

ISOF snipers are also armed with the Russian Orsis T-5000. Manufactured in Moscow at Promtechnologies group’s ORSIS1 rifle factory, the T-5000 is produced in three different calibers: 7.62x51mm (.308 Winchester), .300 Winchester Magnum and .338 Lapua Magnum. All examples of the rifle seen in ISOF service are chambered for the 7.62x51mm cartridge. The T-5000 is a bolt-action, magazine-fed precision rifle featuring a skeletonized chassis with an adjustable folding stock. The rifle takes a 5- or 10-round magazine and is equipped with a Harris bipod or an imitation of one. The T-5000 initially started appearing in Iraq around March 2014 after a sizeable arms deal between the Iraqi and Russian governments took place. According to unconfirmed reports, there were 1,000 or more T-5000 rifles in the initial order, among numerous other Russian small arms.

With his sniper rifle in a drag bag carried on his back, this sniper holds what appears to be a SIG SAUER M400 self-loading rifle fitted with an ATPIAL AN/PEQ-2A, an EOTech 552 holographic sight and a rail-mounted flashlight as his secondary weapon system.

Although the Orsis T-5000 can be fitted with a sound suppressor, there are scant photographs that show an ISOF sniper with a suppressor mounted. From the photos that do exist, it appears that the suppressors in use are not those typically associated with Orsis rifles; some details suggest that they may have been produced in Iraq. Scopes currently fitted to the ISOF T-5000 rifles are Dedal-Night Vision DH 5-20×56 models with a monolithic Picatinny mounting system. These scopes have 34mm main body tubes and have the illuminated TMR reticle in the second focal plane. Traditionally, the second focal plane has been favored by hunters, because the range estimation capabilities of first focal plane scopes are not deemed so necessary in the civilian hunting world. Dedal-NV appears to focus more on the civilian hunting night vision market and produces their products accordingly.

The largest problem that ISOF snipers face appears to be logistical in nature. Many of the rifles that snipers are using are surplus weapons, and many may be worn beyond their original specifications, impeding accuracy and reliability. Parts that should be easily replaceable, such as trigger mechanism components, scopes, barrels or bipods, are difficult—if not impossible—to replace, because the force lacks an efficient supply chain management system. Complicating these issues, other items such as spotting scopes, tripods, laser range finders and spare magazines are in short supply.

It also appears that the ammunition in use by ISOF snipers is almost entirely 7.62x51mm ball rounds that are primarily intended for use in M240 GPMGs rather than precision rifles. Access to precision ammunition, such as the U.S. Army’s M118LR cartridge, would greatly aid accuracy and effectiveness. The M118LR is a 175-grain hollow point ‘boat tail’ bullet, specifically selected by the U.S. Military for use with issue precision rifles and made to much higher tolerances than standard ball ammunition.

Originally published by Armament Reseach Services April 22, 2017

Although the M14 EBR offers semi-automatic capability, some ISOF members have a stated preference for the bolt-action M24 SWS or Orsis T-5000, largely due to their superior accuracy and lightness. However, it does offer a good squad-level designated marksman capability and has a collapsible stock for increased maneuverability in urban terrain.

This ISOF sniper carries an M24 SWS fitted with an AN/PVS-10 optic. This optic, whilst heavy, can be used under day and night (NV) conditions while maintaining the same zero. Note the 101st Airborne Division insignia on the sniper’s right shoulder.

This ISOF sniper is armed with a Russian Orsis T-5000 bolt-action rifle, fitted with what appears to be a Russian Dedal-Night Vision DH 5-20x56 optic. Note his headset and radio, allowing him to serve as “eyes and ears” for his chain of command.

This still, taken from a VICE news video report, shows an ISOF soldier unlinking 7.62x51mm ball ammunition to be loaded into M14 EBR magazines. Although this won’t cause the weapon to malfunction, this ball ammunition is primarily intended for use in machine guns and not precision rifles.

Technical Specifications

‘Ak-22’ Submachine Guns Used in Dhaka Attack
By ImproGuns

On July 1, 2016, five gunmen attacked Holey Artisan Bakery in Gulshan Thana, Bangladesh, resulting in 29 deaths (20 patrons, two staff members, two police officers and all five of the attackers). Alongside clubs, knives and crude improvised hand grenades, the five gunmen were armed with local, craft-produced submachine guns (SMGs) known to both criminal groups and security agencies as ‘AK-22’ SMGs. This designation is typically stamped on the upper receivers of these guns. In recent months, these types of weapons have been more frequently seized; the earliest examples are believed to have been recovered in Chittagong in 2008. On February 21, 2016, RAB-7 (Rapid Action Battalion, Chittagong unit) seized three AK-22 SMGs from a militant training camp in the remote Banshkhali hills during an anti-terror operation. On April 23, RAB-7 seized five AK-22 rifles after raiding another training camp run by the militant outfit Shaheed Hamja Brigade. According to security officials, the weapons are becoming increasingly popular with criminals and militant groups alike due to their low cost (around Tk300,000 and Tk400,000) and the .22 LR ammunition it uses being cheap and widely available for civilian uses, such as hunting and target shooting.

Rapid Action Battalion, Chittagong Unit

India’s National Investigation Agency have reportedly learned through police interviews with a suspected operative of Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) that Pakistani gunsmiths had visited the district of Malda to train local gunsmiths in the production of AK-22 submachine guns. The gunsmiths who received assistance were from Munger in Bihar, a region notorious for the widespread production of locally made single-shot ‘katta’ pistols, supplemented by relatively sophisticated self-loading handguns in more recent years. Officials suspect that the Pakistani gunsmiths who visited were from Darra Adam Khel in the Northwest Frontier Province, famed for its production of high-quality copies of military small arms.

During the attack on Holey Artisan Bakery and O’ Kitchen restaurant, two police officials were killed by improvised grenades. Twenty hostages, including 18 foreigners, were found dead in the cafe after Special Forces finally entered. A video released following the attack shows the perpetrators in front of an Islamic State flag, each armed with an AK-22.

This article is reproduced courtesy of Armament Research Services (ARES). See www.armamentresearch.com for further original content.

One of the more famous episodes in the history of the USMC occurred with the various Machine Gun Battalions that were deployed to the Great War. They had trained with 1917 Lewis Machine Guns in 30-06 caliber; for example, the 6th Machine Gun Battalion had 16 Lewis guns and 33 machine guns carts. However, as soon as they deployed, they were given the French-made 1914 Hotchkiss Machine Gun in 8mm Lebel caliber, feeding from strips. This is not the first or the last time the Marines showed up for a fight and were given alternative weapons they hadn’t trained on. In Vietnam, many Marines and US Army soldiers who had been trained on the M14 rifle showed up and were handed the new M16.

Whenever I see recent photos of Israeli soldiers, they are almost always equipped with an optic on their M4 or Tavor series of rifles. This is Meprolight’s MEPRO M21 Reflex Sight that was designed in collaboration with the Israeli Special Forces. The company is also known for their Tru-Dot tritium night sights that come standard on many popular pistols in the market. What many are not aware of is they are an innovative optics manufacturer that also specializes in night vision and thermal optics.

Meprolight was founded in 1990, and they are based in Or Akiva, Israel. The town is about an hour north of Tel-Aviv, the largest city in Israel. They are part of SK Group, which consists of Israeli Weapons Industries (IWI), a world-renowned small arms manufacturer, and Camero, manufacturer of the innovative see-through-wall solutions based on advanced radar technology and many other subsidiaries such as shipyard, property development, etc.

Tritium is used on these night sights, and optics are supplied by MB-Microtec in Bern, Switzerland. These are the same tritium tubes used by various night sight manufacturers so they all perform identically as there is a legal limit on the amount of tritium that can be contained in the glass cylinders.

Tritium, of course, is radioactive, but the amounts used are completely safe. The chance of radioactive poisoning is slim even if you were to break the glass tube and consume the tritium. In fact, due to German government regulation, the night sights destined for Germany have to have a reduced amount of tritium compared to night sights made for other countries.

There’s a common misconception that you have to charge tritium by facing it to the sun or shining a flashlight against it to absorb the energy. In fact, from the time of manufacture, tritium has a half-life of 10-12 years which means they retain 50 percent of their brightness from new. Meprolight provides a 10-year warranty from the date of manufacture which meets the industry standard.

Calibration and testing area for the M5 / RDS Pro red dot sights to ensure full windage and elevation travel across the enlarged flat screen display.

Their latest product officially introduced at SHOT Show 2018 is the MicroRDS red dot sight with quick detach mount for pistols. It features a 3 minute of angle (MOA) red dot which is a great balance between quick sight acquisition and accuracy. What makes it unique is it mounts on top of a set of special Meprolight night sights that are included as a package. The rear night sight contains an extension rail with a cut for the optic. The optic can then be installed and removed in seconds, offering return-to-zero capability. This is great for those who prefer not to modify their factory pistol slides by milling or who don’t wish to purchase an extra dedicated slide for optics. It will be a very popular item due to the rising popularity of a carry optic both in real life as well as competition such as the new USPSA Carry Optic and IPSC Production Optics divisions.

They have also introduced green color for their M5 / RDS Pro LED powered sight with a bullseye reticle which is essentially a circle with a 2 MOA dot in the center for quicker sight acquisition in close-quarter combat. In this latest version, the brightness levels have been increased from 4 to total of 16. The brightness adjustment knob remains identical with 4 notches (OFF, 1, 2, 3 and 4), but a side button has been added onto the knob so each brightness level has 4 additional levels of micro adjustments. This is a clever design as the sight can be switched on quickly without having to scroll through the many levels of brightness to find the most suitable setting.

The MOR which is an LED, fiber optic and tritium powered sight integrated with dual lasers is also available now with a green laser for better daylight visibility. Our human eyes are more receptive to the color green than red and in certain lighting conditions, green lasers are six times easier to pick up than red. In addition to the bullseye and 4.3 MOA reticle, Meprolight now offers a 2.2 MOA dot for users who prefer more precision especially when used in conjunction with a magnifier. The MOR is powered by 2 AA alkaline or lithium batteries but will still function with a single battery inserted in either compartment. One unique feature of the MOR is once the sight is zeroed, so are the dual visible and IR lasers saving the user’s time and ammunition.

All these changes and additions are due to user feedback the company has received after being used in the field.

The latest thermal/night vision product announced at MilPol 2017 in Paris was the MEPRO NYX-200 multi-spectral sight. It is available in two configurations: thermal channel with digital night camera or thermal channel with digital day camera. This combination provides flexibility for the end user as thermals cannot be seen through windows and glass as they block the heat signature. With a press of a top button, the sight quickly switches between thermal and the digital camera modes. The sight also features an IR pointer and photo and video recording, which makes this an all-in-one package instead of carrying additional equipment in the field. Both the thermal and night vision images through the viewfinder are bright and crystal clear.

MX3-T vs MX3-F 3x magnifiers; notice the much shorter throw on the MX3-T.

Production

We started on the main floor in an area that showed part of the night sights’ assembly process. On the table there’s a machine with a needle that is inserted in the holes where the tritium vials are inserted into the sight. The process is designed to blow out any moisture, dirt or debris inside the holes after machining. The technician has to manually insert and remove each night sight from the machine which is time consuming. Following this process, there’s a secured assembly area where the tritium vials are carefully inserted into the sights, and the rear sight will have the TRU DOT brand printed in signature green color. Meprolight is an OEM provider of tritium night sights to many handgun manufacturers such as Heckler & Koch, SIG SAUER, Glock and Kimber, etc. Night sights destined for OEM are packaged in bulk to save space, and the rest are packaged in larger retail packaging.

All the assembly areas are sealed with positive air pressure to ensure a dust-free environment. There are also air ducts coming from the ceiling down to the work area sucking any specks of dust nearby. All the areas are very clean, and I felt like I was in a science lab rather than a production facility.

Moving onto the upper floor, we entered the assembly area for their optics such as the M21, M5 / RDS Pro and MOR. On one table there’s a stack of bright orange fibers with one end taped for the reticle. The fibers are inserted into the inner housing followed by the lens, external housing and other components. For the M5 red dot sight, they are more complex due to the electronic board and battery housing. The MOR is the most complex due to the use of fiber, the LED as well as the 2 lasers that have to be installed.

In one area there is a tray full of used M21 reflex sights as well as M5 / RDS Pro red dot sights. These are sights returned by the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) as Meprolight provides in-house servicing for their optics issued to the IDF. Meprolight will examine, repair or replace any worn out or defective components, test and return them back to the infantry soldier who will depend on them for many years to come.

NYX-200 night vision image captured from the viewfinder.

In the testing area, the sights are put onto a machine where there’s a flat screen display that shows the projection of the reticle, and the technician will test the full range of windage and elevation adjustments. Once that’s completed, the sight is zeroed to the center of the grid display projected on the flat screen.

With the exception of their RDS civilian version red dot sight, all other Meprolight sights, which are all mil-spec-rated, get individually tested with extreme hot and cold temperatures, water pressure tests and shock tests to ensure they work perfectly before reaching the end user in the field.

Additionally, Meprolight staff visit the range regularly at least once or twice a week to fire pistols, rifles and belt-fed machine guns with their sights mounted. Often times they work with Israeli special units to get their feedback on prototype sights that in turn help the engineers design a better product. All the Meprolight staff are IDF veterans, and one of them whom I met is a shooting instructor in the IDF reserve unit; he conceal carries a pistol at all times. This close relationship with the end users is what makes Meprolight unique from most other optic companies in the world.

Unfortunately, there were restricted areas such as the night vision and thermal devices assembly from which I was barred access. Any information of their assembly process is highly classified.

Main entrance of the Meprolight building.

Range Day

On the 2nd day of the tour, I was getting picked up by a Meprolight employee, and we took a 45-minute drive south to the IWI shooting facility which is approximately 2000 meters from the Gaza Strip. We stopped briefly on an overlook that views Gaza city. It seemed far from the naked eye, but we were within rocket range. Once we arrived, there were IDF Merkava MK IV tanks parked nearby as well as IDF soldiers carrying their Micro Tavor X95s with Meprolight RDS Pro practicing at the range.

Before we began, I was informed where the bomb shelters are which I would immediately proceed to if I heard the siren going off. Both IWI and Meprolight staff were present, and I was able to try out the new MEPRO 4x and 6x magnified optic on the IWI Tavor 7 prototype.

The MEPRO 6x sight was originally designed for the Negev belt-fed light machine gun, but it suits perfectly well to the Tavor 7 in 7.62x51mm which can act as a Designated Marksman Rifle (DMR). The 6x optic can easily allow the operator to identify targets, and the reticle offers bullet drop compensation (BDC) for both 5.56mm and 7.62x51mm NATO rounds. With a bipod and the MEPRO 6x attached to the Tavor 7, it can easily be fired from prone position at human-sized targets out to 400-500 meters with precision.

The MEPRO 4x has shorter reach compared to the 6x; however, it is lighter and offers better situational awareness as it offers a wider field of view which fits this rifle perfectly for an all-around role for engagements from 50 to 200 meters.

NYX-200 thermal image captured from the viewfinder.

Unlike the Trijicon ACOG, however, the MEPRO 4x and 6x do not offer daytime illumination by LED or fiber optic as Meprolight found it is not necessary; perhaps it also adds unnecessary complexity which can weaken the optic’s durability. They do feature illumination powered by red LED for low-light shooting.

All the optics on range day had quick detach mounts so we quickly took off the 4x and 6x sights and popped in the M5 / RDS Pro red dot sight with the new MX3-T 3x magnifier. The MX3-T magnifier was designed based on request from an Israeli special unit that wanted a shorter throw compared to the MX3-F with a flip mount. Instead of pressing a button to flip the mount, the MX3-T can be flipped to the right after pulling back just a few millimeters. The new mount is more compact and intuitive, but due to its manufacturing complexity of the new mount, the retail cost will be slightly higher.

Next I shot the IWI Masada 9mm striker-fired polymer prototype pistol with the Micro RDS prototype sight installed. I was informed the lens on this unit is different to the final production unit, as they had to make final revisions to improve clarity. I had no issue hitting the target at 10 meters away, although the red dot does take few minutes to get used to for someone like myself who does not have red dot sights on my pistols. After a few magazine changes, we removed the Micro RDS by flipping the QD lever and shot the exact same pistol with only the night sights. The Masada cycled every round and hit the target every time with or without the red dot sight installed.

MEPRO 4x and 6x magnified optics.

Conclusion

It’s a treat to be able to visit one of the world’s best optics manufacturers with a diverse range of products. I would like to thank Amir Karo, director of Sales & Marketing at Meprolight for his hospitality. Israel is a beautiful country, but it is constantly under threat from the region which means it has to constantly create better equipment to maintain its advantage. With many new products arriving in 2018, Meprolight will certainly increase their market share in the highly competitive optics market.

In an age where new ideas, products and concepts seem a dime a dozen, true innovation is difficult to come by. Luckily for commercial customers and military, law enforcement and defense professionals everywhere, Inceptor has completely revolutionized the projectile manufacturing process. What does this mean for you? Better performing, more affordable, military-grade ammunition.

Inceptor is relatively new to the ammunition scene, but they bring a whole lot to the table. The company boasts over 60 years of combined experience in injection-molding and more than 25 years of ballistics engineering know-how. They get bonus points for manufacturing their products in the USA.

Inceptor Ammunition’s metal-polymer ARX weighs approximately 70% less than lead-core projectiles with similar profiles.

Non-Lead, Fully Frangible Rifle Ammunition for Training—Specialized for Duty

Inceptor ammunition recently introduced two new additions to its rifle ammunition lineup featuring the Short-Range Rifle (SRR) bullet. The SRR combines a patented injection-molding process and bullet design with copper-polymer materials. These new loads expand this one-of-a kind ammunition to the proven 223 platform and the non-standard 7.62x39mm caliber.

Inceptor SRR projectiles are lead-free and loaded to tight specifications in high-quality brass cases. They perform very well in the semi-automatic platform and open up options not available with traditional ammunition. For duty purposes, they offer non-sparking, low-ricochet and limited penetration rounds with unparalleled stopping power.

For training and the range, these new offerings give AK and AR customers a lead-free, range-compliant load. The unmatched frangibility of the SRR bullets allows users to shoot hardened steel at distances much closer than with standard ball and/or hollow point rounds. And users can train with rifles on pistol ranges.

“We’re excited to now offer three cartridges—300 AAC Blackout, 223 Remington and 7.62x39mm—in the SRR Sport Utility Ammo line,” said Inceptor Ammunition CEO Ron Embree. “We’re continuing to listen to customers, deliver high-performance ammunition and revolutionize the projectile manufacturing process. Real-world feedback allowed us to confirm SRR is being used on duty—and not just to train. The unique features of our projectile give users something on the battlefield or in security and tactical situations that no other manufacturer can replicate.”

“The training and range applications also make us very popular. Indoor facilities are now able to allow multiple calibers of semi-auto rifles to be fired in their lanes. Also, competitions, drills and shooting exercises can be set up in ways that allow for true CQB training or other short-range situations. And adding the 7.62×39 gives us a viable non-standard solution.”

Inceptor Ammunition is lead-free, fully frangible and specialized for duty.

The ARX® Advantage—Non-Expanding, High-Penetration and Low Ricochet

The Inceptor ARX is a revolutionary bullet in every sense of the word—from the way it’s manufactured, to its shape, to the way it transfers energy to the target—to the way it limits possible collateral damage. The non-expanding ARX is injection-molded from Inceptor’s patented metal-polymer matrix that is designed to be tough enough to penetrate soft targets and tissue—but break up on hardened steel.

The ARX penetrates straight until it encounters soft tissue. Upon entering soft tissue, the specially designed grooves in the nose harness the soft tissue and constrict, pressurize and eject it at 1.5 to 2 times the directional speed of the bullet. This is the well-known Venturi Effect. As the bullet penetrates, it tumbles in a controlled, predictable fashion that delivers consistent terminal performance that equals or exceeds conventional hollow-point designs. When it encounters tougher barriers, it breaks apart to reduce the risk of collateral damage due to over penetration. It also greatly reduces the safety/danger zone.

Furthermore, it provides greater training flexibility, decreases damage to range/targets infrastructure and reduces range set-up/maintenance costs. It is also allows for easier training indoors.

The ARX projectile is a vital component of the Inceptor Preferred Defense™ product line. These cartridges are designed to function in all weapons, including large-frame handguns, carbines, fully automatic and suppressed weapons. Due to the uniqueness of the ARX bullet, it has a low-recoil signature for increased follow-up accuracy in critical defense situations. Inceptor Preferred Defense ammo is currently available in the following calibers: 380 Auto, 9mm Luger, 9mm Luger +P, 40 S&W, 10mm Auto, 45 Auto, 38 Special and 357 Magnum.

Inceptor ARX Preferred Defense is available in several calibers, including 380 Auto, 9mm Luger, 45 Auto and more.

ARX Benefits

It’s lead-free. Inceptor uses copper as the primary metal in ARX projectiles because it’s easier to work with in injection molding than lead. As an incidental benefit, the bullet is non-toxic, fully range-compliant and eliminates environmental concerns for outdoor ranges. What’s more, lead-free equals less wear on firearms over time. Lead-free projectiles that fire clean result in reduced barrel wear, less damage to bullet traps or backstops and extended life of firearms. This is great news all around.

It weighs less. The metal-polymer ARX weighs approximately 70% less than lead-core projectiles with similar profiles. That means higher velocities, resulting in less bullet drop, recoil and muzzle rise, and allows for quicker, more accurate follow-up shots and a better shooting experience overall. The ARX weight also means it will penetrate through fewer walls and barriers than conventional lead-core projectiles—a huge benefit for close-quarter combat and defense situations.

It outperforms hollow-points. Inceptor ARX projectiles transfer force more effectively than traditional expanding hollow-point rounds. Since the ARX doesn’t rely on expansion to transfer energy, it won’t fail to expand like some hollow-points, nor will it get hung up on feed ramps. Furthermore, the ARX has less felt-recoil and muzzle flip, allowing for quicker follow-up and higher accuracy over multiple shots.

The RNP™ Breakdown

The Inceptor Sport Utility Ammo™ product line features lead-free, copper-polymer projectiles loaded to tight specifications in high-quality brass cases. This revolutionary ammunition is available with a Round Nose Precision (RNP) profile in handgun cartridges. They perform very well in the semi-automatic platform and open up options not available with traditional ammunition. For duty purposes, they offer non-sparking, low-ricochet and limited penetration rounds with unparalleled stopping power.

RNP bullets are injection molded, like their ARX counterparts, and are loaded to SAAMI specifications. Inceptor Sport Utility Ammo is currently available in the following calibers: 380 Auto, 9mm Luger, 9mm Luger +P, 40 S&W, 45 Auto and 38 Special.

Inceptor Ammunition is extremely accurate, every feature of SRR and RNP projectiles is designed and tested for pinpoint accuracy.

RNP Benefits

It’s ballistically matched. Inceptor Sport Utility Ammo is ballistically matched to achieve similar recoil and point of aim as the Preferred Defense cartridges. This means shooters will have the exact shooting experience while training with Sport Utility Ammo as they will when using Preferred Defense rounds (ARX projectiles).

It’s fully frangible. RNP projectiles feature SteelSafe™ construction for unparalleled frangibility and the safest, most realistic close-quarter training scenarios. There is no pre-fragmenting or breaking in the barrel which could result in stray projectiles traveling in unintended directions. On hardened targets like steel plates, Inceptor projectiles simply turn back into very small particles that equal 5% or less of the total original weight of the projectile—resulting in a drastically reduced chance of ricochet.

On soft targets, like 10% ballistic ordnance gelatin or soft tissue, the RNP projectiles stay together, penetrate reliably and retain their weight. Unlike other frangible ammunition that requires standoff distances measured in yards or meters, Inceptor Sport Utility Ammo can be fired against hardened steel targets at distances measured in feet—ideal for drills and CQB training.

It’s extremely accurate. Engineered to perform, every feature of SRR and RNP projectiles is designed and tested for pinpoint accuracy. High velocity means flatter trajectories with less recoil. Inceptor Sport Utility Ammo provides up to a 35% reduction in recoil, allowing for quicker, more accurate follow-up shots.

How It’s Made

For over a century, most projectiles have been mass-produced with a process called cold forming. During this process, lead and copper are shaped with brute force in punches and dies to create projectiles. While this is still an effective way to produce projectiles, other, more efficient manufacturing methods have emerged. And that’s where Inceptor comes in.

Harnessing the power of good old-fashioned scientific research and fundamental physics, Inceptor has developed a propriety injection-molded manufacturing process that results in precise, consistent, accurate, low-ricochet, range-compliant projectiles with advanced terminal performance—everything quality ammunition should be.

Inceptor cartridges set the standard for use in legacy and increasingly advanced weapons systems. Developed using industry accepted performance standards, this polymer-based ammunition line is lighter, more accurate, generates lower recoil and shoots flatter than conventional ammunition with comparable loads. Incorporating innovative design, readily available and widely used materials and produced using a patented, efficient manufacturing process—with no waste water or heavy metal waste streams—Inceptor offers a game-changing alternative to traditional ammunition.

21st Century Ammunition Ready for Military, Law Enforcement and More

Decades of combined experience paired with a thirst for innovation most certainly categorize this manufacturer as “one to watch.” Inceptor is anything but traditional—and they have truly revolutionized the ammunition manufacturing process.

This is just a glimpse of the capabilities of Inceptor ammunition, and everything in the lineup is tried and proven. Inceptor also offers component bullets for handloaders. All the high-tech features you’ve read about can now be used to the advantage of reloaders for special missions. Whatever your needs, whether it be for training, defense, law enforcement or military applications, Inceptor delivers.

Colonel George M. Chinn Award
Richard D. Jones

The Chinn Award is perhaps the most prominent award ever presented in the small arms community. It is an honor the Small Arms Steering Committee weighs carefully. We are US-centric, of course, but on occasion a citizen of another country who is deemed to have contributed so much to our collective knowledge base and defense, they qualify. Richard D. Jones is just such an Awardee.

Mr. Richard D. Jones:
Curator Emeritus of the National Firearms Centre Collection, Leeds, UK (The former MOD Pattern Room).
Editor-in-Chief, Janes Infantry Weapons (recently retired)
Over half a century’s service to the warfighter.

While not a requirement of the award, it certainly gives a window into a candidate’s life if he or she has been in active military service, and continued after to serve the end users in some capacity regarding small arms. Richard Jones’ long and distinguished career in the British Army began in 1961, and he ETS’d in 2007 with 45 years and 14 days in service. He served in “The Indonesia Confrontation” in Singapore and Sarawak; Intelligence cells in Germany and Malaya working with small arms; and during The Troubles in Northern Ireland, Jones performed numerous services not to be discussed, and adapted new technologies and was in charge of weapon and ballistic tracing in Northern Ireland. That was an 8 year post, and he met “Herself” there, his beloved wife Eleanor. Jones’ work on the “Improvised Weapons of the Irish Underground” is still the classic study. During the 1980s, Jones’ posting into Bulgaria led to him becoming expert on many variations of the AK/PKM systems. In the early 1990s, Jones was tasked with forming a group of de-briefers, to gather political, economic, and military information of use to Her Britannic Majesty’s government from refugees in the Balkan region of fighting. This led to massive amounts of small arms intelligence shared with the US and NATO groups. Starting in 1994, Jones was the military liaison when he became Assistant Custodian of the MOD Pattern room (this was the period where this author had the distinct pleasure of meeting Mr. Jones).

Richard was the man who helped thousands of UK, US and NATO military personnel in training and analysis of foreign weapon systems. Around 2003, Jones was made Custodian of the MOD Pattern Room, then of the National Firearms Centre, maintaining the services to all MOD and friendly military/intelligence personnel. He always ensured that there was a lifeline to researchers and authors who needed access to the collection to continue their work, thus ensuring that generations of students of small arms had access to the knowledge pool there.

Richard D. Jones was a personal friend of General Kalashnikov and has been involved in small arms for over half a century; he’s been a mentor, instructor, teacher, custodian, researcher and a guide to many thousands in the small arms world. He’s been in numerous combat zones around performing military intelligence duties with small arms, and has written thousands of scholarly works for the end users and students of arms. Thus, in the tradition of Colonel Chinn himself, he was chosen as 2018’s Chinn Awardee.

ABOUT THE AWARD

The George M. Chinn Award is presented annually to honor a government or industry individual who, in the opinion of the Small Arms Division Executive Board, has made significant contributions to the field of small arms and/or infantry weapons systems. A significant contribution is considered to be a creative invention, new design or innovative concept in small arms weapons, ammunition or ancillary equipment that provides an advancement in the state-of-the-art or capability enhancement that clearly benefits the warfighting or general military capability of the United States. The Chinn Award may also be conferred as recognition to an individual who has performed sustained superior service in a career field of science, engineering, test & evaluation, manufacturing, program management, academic study & research, publishing or maintenance relating to military small arms or infantry weapons.

The Chinn Award is named in honor of Lt. Colonel George M. Chinn, a career Marine Corps officer who dedicated his life to the study, development and refinement of machine gun mechanisms. Lt. Colonel Chinn is remembered for his work as a gun designer and for having compiled a five volume reference work entitled, The Machine Gun.

Past Recipients of the Chinn Award
1988 Thomas E. Cosgrove
1989 James Ackley
1990 John S. Wood, Jr.
1991 Roderic A. Spies
1992 not awarded
1993 Edward C. Ezell
1994 Richard E. Brown
1995 Joseph Unterkofler
1996 C. Reed Knight, Jr.
1997 Robert A. Trifiletti
1998 George E. Kontis
1999 Vernon E. Shisler
2000 Salvatore A. Fanelli
2001 L. James Sullivan
2002 Ernst Mauch
2003 Phil Baker & Georges Chauveheid
2004 Ronnie Barrett
2005 Rich Audette
2006 Richard Swan
2007 Bill Dittrich
2008 Troy Smith
2009 Joel M. Goldman
2010 Frank Puzycki
2011 Chuck Buxton
2012 Dan Haywood
2013 Rudy Nedelka
2014 George Niewenhous
2015 Jim Schatz
2016 Philip H. Dater
2017 E. Daniel Shea

Gunnery Sgt Carlos N. Hathcock Award Recipient Stephen Toboz, Jr.

Gunnery Sgt Carlos N. Hathcock Award
Stephen Toboz, Jr.

It’s never been enough for the Hathcock Awardee to have been a sniper; it’s about the service to the sniper community, the impact a prospective awardee has had, the contributions made. Stephen Toboz, Jr was chosen to be the 2018 Gunnery Sergeant Carlos B. Hathcock Awardee because of the sacrifices and continuing contributions he has made to his brothers in the craft. Many of us knew Gunny Hathcock, and we hold his memory dear, and keeping the flame alive is important to us.

Stephen Toboz, Jr is a medically retired Petty Officer/Navy SEAL, who served as a SEAL sniper. He has been the Sniper Training Manager for Naval Special Warfare Command. He lost a leg as a result of a combat injury, persevered and returned to full duty with prosthesis. His awards include a Silver Star with Valor, and a Purple Heart.

The continued service is what highlights a Hathcock Awardee, and Stephen Toboz, Jr has actively worked with both foreign and domestic snipers around the world to ensure their knowledge, skills and abilities were at the highest level possible. He created the annual Sniper Summit for the SF community, and recognized the need for liaison with foreign allies as well as state and local police. He expanded the summit to include assets outside SF while maintaining the necessary security. He invited SME (Subject Matter Experts) like Todd Hodnett, SGM Pete Gould, W. Hays Parks, Jeff Hoffman, and Buford Boone to speak at the summit and coordinated breakout sessions to promote candid dialog and sharing of technology. At this time, the attendance has grown from around 35 to over 300 attendees. This summit has become a must attend for the sniping community.

Stephen Toboz, Jr’s continued service to the sniper community has resulted in a sharing of technical information and coordination between the SF and LE communities, and select foreign partners, as well as spreading the cutting edge of technology to those who need it, and for those reasons, the Small Arms Steering Committee is pleased to present the 2018 Hathcock Award to him.

It’s never been enough for the Hathcock Awardee to have been a sniper; it’s about the service to the sniper community, the impact a prospective awardee has had, the contributions made. Stephen Toboz, Jr was chosen to be the 2018 Gunnery Sergeant Carlos B. Hathcock Awardee because of the sacrifices and continuing contributions he has made to his brothers in the craft. Many of us knew Gunny Hathcock, and we hold his memory dear, and keeping the flame alive is important to us.

Stephen Toboz, Jr is a medically retired Petty Officer/Navy SEAL, who served as a SEAL sniper. He has been the Sniper Training Manager for Naval Special Warfare Command. He lost a leg as a result of a combat injury, persevered and returned to full duty with prosthesis. His awards include a Silver Star with Valor, and a Purple Heart.

The continued service is what highlights a Hathcock Awardee, and Stephen Toboz, Jr has actively worked with both foreign and domestic snipers around the world to ensure their knowledge, skills and abilities were at the highest level possible. He created the annual Sniper Summit for the SF community, and recognized the need for liaison with foreign allies as well as state and local police. He expanded the summit to include assets outside SF while maintaining the necessary security. He invited SME (Subject Matter Experts) like Todd Hodnett, SGM Pete Gould, W. Hays Parks, Jeff Hoffman, and Buford Boone to speak at the summit and coordinated breakout sessions to promote candid dialog and sharing of technology. At this time, the attendance has grown from around 35 to over 300 attendees. This summit has become a must attend for the sniping community.

Stephen Toboz, Jr’s continued service to the sniper community has resulted in a sharing of technical information and coordination between the SF and LE communities, and select foreign partners, as well as spreading the cutting edge of technology to those who need it, and for those reasons, the Small Arms Steering Committee is pleased to present the 2018 Hathcock Award to him.

ABOUT THE AWARD

The Gunnery Sgt Carlos N. Hathcock Award is presented to recognize an individual who, in the opinion of the Small Arms Division Executive Board, has made significant contributions in operational employment and tactics of small arms weapons systems which have impacted the readiness and capabilities of the U.S. military or law enforcement. A significant contribution is considered to be a superior performance of duties in an operational environment or the development of tactics or training. The Hathcock Award is named in honor of Gunnery Sergeant Carlos N. Hathcock, II, USMC, a career Marine who dedicated his life to the service of this country in both the military and law enforcement communities. He was honest, tactful, considerate, courageous, quietly proud and determined in all things and all places from the range to the battlefield. “The Gunny” not only distinguished himself in combat as a scout-sniper but also as a competitive marksman and trainer. In his capacity as a trainer, he not only significantly impacted the current United States Marine Corps Scout-Sniper Program but also influenced the sniper programs of the other military services and similar law enforcement programs nationwide.

Past Recipients of the Hathcock Award
1999 Carlos Hathcock
2000 Charles B. Mawhinney
2001 Bart Bartholomew
2002 Jim Owens
2003 Larry Vickers
2004 Steve Holland
2005 Pat Mitternight
2006 Allen Boothby
2007 American Snipers.org
2008 J. Buford Boone
2009 Lt. Commander Robert J. Thomas
2010 Jeff Hoffman
2011 SGM Jason Beighley
2012 MSgt Craig R. LaMudge, USAF (Ret)
2013 MSG Jim Smith
2014 not awarded
2015 SGM Pete Gould, USA (Ret)
2016 W. Hays Parks
2017 Todd Hodnett

James R. Ambrose Award Recipient Wilcox Industries Corporation

James R. Ambrose Award
Wilcox Industries Corporation

NDIA’s Small Arms Steering Committee chooses our awardees with care; in the case of the Ambrose Award, we really want to ensure that a company is more than a vendor. They must have a long track record of responsiveness to the needs of the end users, and products to match.

Wilcox Industries Corporation in Newington, NH is deserving of the Ambrose Award. This 215 employee ISO 9001-2015 company has been agile and quick to take up the needs of the end users and provide solutions, and has done so for many years. They have a long history of partnering with other companies in the small arms industry to enhance the products that the end users utilize. Some examples:

• HK- Wilcox has an 11-year history of manufacturing HK products for the US market, with zero delivery defects.
• Colt- Wilcox has a 30-year history of interfacing and development with Colt.
• SIG SAUER- Wilcox prototyped the first lot of SIG P229 handguns.
• Barrett/Remington- Wilcox built the first weapon mounted laser rangefinder with a ballistic computer.
• Ruger/Pinetree- Utilized the first cast stainless steel slide to manufacture the HK45F and HK45C handguns.
• Nammo Talley- Under contracting authority of US Navy/Crane developed a LAW M72 shoulder launched Fire Control System.
• Nammo Talley- Developed the first disposable trajectory mount for SMAW-D Rocket Launcher with unique attach/detach laser module.

These are all industry cooperation- it’s behind the scenes where the real reason we wanted them to have the Ambrose Award. Wilcox personnel look closely at the needs of those in harm’s way, and try to work through the answers needed; NAVSPECWARCOM, USASOC, SOCOM and many other groups are constant customers. Whether it’s stabilizing soldier based Night Vision, working for 40x53mm Fire Control Systems, or the Wilcox Hybrid Life Support System, Wilcox is at the forefront in serving our end users in the military. For that, we chose them for the 2018 Ambrose Award.

ABOUT THE AWARD

The James R. Ambrose Award is established and presented periodically to recognize an Industrial Firm which, in the opinion of the Small Arms Committee Executive Board, has made outstanding contributions to the field of small arms systems. An outstanding contribution is characterized by exemplary commitment and contribution to the Armed Forces by delivering superior materiel that meets required operational capabilities and supports a high level of force readiness in the conduct of warfighting activities or homeland defense. Such contributions may be shown through a record of continual demonstration of emerging technologies, development of products and systems, establishment of enhanced production capabilities and integration of innovative weapons systems and supporting products and services required by the DoD and Allied countries.

The Ambrose Industry Award is named in honor of former Under Secretary of the Army, James R. Ambrose because of his recognition of the value and contribution of industry in meeting the needs of our National Defense. This was made unmistakably clear during his tenure from 1981-1988 as Under Secretary of the Army during the Presidency of Ronald Reagan. He was a major force in the post-Vietnam modernization of all small arms weaponry where new and improved versions of the M16, M249 and M9 were purchased in large quantities as a result of industry competitions.

Past Ambrose Award Winners
2008 St. Marks Powder
2009 Otis Technologies
2012 Winchester Ammunition
2013 Surefire
2017 Oehler Research Inc.

New Standard for Long-Range AR Performance

What comes to mind when someone mentions that they are looking for a specialized long-range precision rifle? By “long-range,” we are talking about 800 yards plus. No offense intended to the .308Win, but 800 yards and beyond is a realm best served by cartridges that push high ballistic coefficient bullets downrange. A decision will need to be made in terms of the role/mission this rifle will satisfy. The benefits of calibers other than .50BMG are immediately obvious: both the weapon and ammunition become more portable, thanks to their reduced size and weight. The type of rifle will also have to be decided—bolt-action or semi-automatic?

Frankly, the accuracy potential of a quality AR-10-type weapon often matches or exceeds that of a bolt-action. Over the last few years, the AR-10-type rifle has evolved to escape the limitations of the .308Win cartridge (its most popular chambering). This is all thanks to cartridges that have been developed to fit into the footprint of the .308Win while offering vast improvements in ballistic performance.

The Savage MSR 10 LR is not your standard AR-10. Savage has done a good job of designing it with features that distinguish it from its peers. Photo Credit: Savage Arms

Identifying the “perfect” rifle and cartridge combination is the impetus of many gun designers and manufacturers. The basis of this search is often adapting military-pattern weapons and calibers. In so doing, industry takes advantage of the time and effort expended by various nations’ armed forces, which have done the initial legwork to discover what works in terms of reliability and effectiveness. This is not to say that military weapons are to be blindly followed as the optimum development of a rifle, just that millions of dollars and countless hours of research and development should not be ignored as a starting place. For example, the AR platform has expanded beyond Stoner’s expectations in terms of adaptability and flexibility. The modular nature of the design and advances in CNC machine technology allow for rails and other enhancements beyond what could have been imagined 50+ years ago.

It is no secret that the AR is the best-selling civilian and law enforcement rifle in the U.S. This has caused many manufacturers to jump on the AR bandwagon in recent years by offering their versions. Savage did not enter into the AR market without serious forethought and conscious efforts to separate their MSR (Modern Savage Rifle) AR from other offerings in a cluttered market. When Savage Arms introduced its lineup of AR-style rifles early in 2017, AR-15 and AR-10 style models were included. The MSR 10 Hunter and MSR 10 Long Range’s initial chamberings were .308Win (a given) and—more excitingly—the 6.5 Creedmoor. Savage ARs are direct-impingement-operated semi-automatics.

Not so long ago, most sought to “improve” the AR platform by developing piston-driven ARs as successors to Stoner’s original gas-impingement design. Whether or not piston-driven ARs are superior to their gas impingement brethren often generates heated discussion. However, the market has spoken, and direct-impingement-operated ARs have reasserted their place as the dominant method. Savage decided to up the ante with the AR by taking the alternative route of cartridge enhancement in the form of the 6.5 Creedmoor.

A quality optic is as important in the accuracy triumvirate as the ammunition and rifle. The Bushnell XRS II is up to the challenge of wringing out the full potential of 6.5 Creedmoor premium loads and the well-made Savage MSR 10 LR rifle.

The 6.5 Creedmoor was created by Hornady in 2007 for long-range target shooting. Hornady designers exploited the compact, efficient cartridge concept by using the .30TC case as its basis. The .30TC evolved from the .308Win. The 6.5 Creedmoor typifies the short and efficient cartridge principle. The reputation of the 6.5mm cartridge for a high ballistic coefficient (BC) rating as well as sectional density (SD) while firing 120–140-grain bullets has always also attracted hunters and tactical/target shooters. It is hard to beat 130-grain bullets moving at 3,000 feet per second. SD is the ratio of a bullet’s mass to its cross-section. All things being equal, a cartridge with a high SD penetrates better than one with a low SD. BC is a measurement of how well a bullet moves through the air. Higher BC ratings mean that velocity loss and the impact of wind drift are minimized as the round travels downrange. The final sweetener is having to deal with only moderate recoil. Why deal with the retina-detaching recoil associated with heavier rounds fired at similar speeds if you don’t have to?

Savage has two MSR 10 models currently in the lineup: the Hunter and Long Range. Each are offered in .308Win or 6.5 Creedmoor chambering. The Long Range is the focus of this review. A quick tale of the tape leaves no doubt that the Savage MSR 10 LR is not a walk-around-and-stalk type of weapon. The MSR 10 Hunter would be your candidate for this, weighing less than 8 pounds. When empty, the Savage MSR 10 LR rifle weighs 10 pounds and measures 43 5/8 inches with a 22-inch barrel.

The barrel features 1:8RH 5R button rifling. 5R rifling was developed by Barrett “Boots” Obermeyer. 5R differs from conventional rifling by changing the shape and configuration of the lands and grooves; it uses five lands and grooves versus the more common four or six land/groove profile. This puts lands opposite to grooves. Another tweak is that the transition from the top of the land to the groove is sloped. 5R reduces the deformation of the projectile as it passes through the bore during the firing sequence. A more uniform projectile means better accuracy. 5R rifling is easier to clean and less prone to accuracy-robbing fouling. All of this is more than just theoretical; 5R rifling has developed a dedicated following among target shooters who swear by it.

The MSR 10 LR bolt is coated for better resistance to carbon buildup.

Savage, a Vista Outdoor company, utilizes sister company BLACKHAWK!’s AR Blaze two-stage target trigger and Knoxx AR pistol grip. A Magpul PRS Gen3 stock and free-float M-LOK handguard serve as furniture. The wonderful Magpul PMAG 20 LR/SR GEN M3 magazine feeds 6.5 Creedmoor as well as .308Win thanks to similar case dimensions. The Magpul PMAG 20 has become the industry standard for AR-10-type rifles. Further Savage tweaks with the MSR 10 LR include an adjustable rifle-length direct-impingement gas system accessible from the forend. The MSR 10 LR is distinguished by custom-forged upper/lower receivers with a non-reciprocating side charging handle to augment the traditional charging handle above the receiver. Exposed metal is coated with a matte black hard coat after anodizing the aluminum receivers and forend. The barrel interior receives a Melonite QPQ finish. This is a thermochemical nitrocarburizing process that produces a finish harder than chrome and a lower coefficient of friction that provides both long-lasting wear and corrosion resistance.

The third part of the accuracy triumvirate is a quality optic to go along with the cartridge and rifle. Another Vista Outdoor company was turned to for a suitable optic. A Bushnell Elite Tactical XRS II 4.5-30×50 optic was mated to the upper receiver rail with 34mm rings. The XRS II features a G3 illuminated reticle, with other patterns available based on user preference. The XRS II is Bushnell’s flagship optic. The 4.5-30x zoom is impressive, and the 50mm objective lens aids in acquiring and identifying targets at extreme distances. The XRS II is not your grandpa’s Bushnell; it is comparable to other world class optics. The Bushnell XRS II can be fitted to the biggest magnum boomers, due to the constant 3.74-inch eye relief at all magnifications. The Bushnell’s tough construction deals perfectly with the inertial forces experienced during recoil. Making adjustments is a simple and accurate process, with a lockable windage turret and an elevation turret featuring a RevLimiter Zero Stop that will not turn past zero. Meanwhile, 10 milliradians per revolution for the elevation and windage turrets allows for exact and quick adjustments. All of this lends itself well to long-range shooting adjustments.

The Bushnell XRS II features multi-coated Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass. Based on research for this article, ED glass prevents or lessens chromatic aberration, because it concentrates and directs the wavelengths of light more effectively. Generally speaking, the better the aberrations are controlled the cleaner and brighter the image will appear. This is especially important for long-range, high-magnification observation. ED glass is usually reserved for premium optics due to its cost. Other notable Bushnell characteristics incorporated into the XRS II optic are its first focal plane reticle, its locking diopter that ensures the scope’s focus, its Throwhammer removable lever that enables quick magnification changes and its EXO Barrier coating, which is molecularly bonded to the glass and repels water, oil, fog, dust and debris. The point is that the Bushnell XRS II is a good fit for the long-range 6.5 Creedmoor Savage MSR 10 LR.

Though prone or other well-supported positions are naturally preferable when operating the Savage MSR 10 LR, field expedient positions are still possible.

The Savage MSR 10 LR was initially sighted in at Echo Valley Training Center’s (EVTC’s) Range #2 with a 100-yard zero. Different 6.5 Creedmoor loads were fired from the bench to determine a base accuracy level. Various loads from Hornady and Federal consisted of a mix of hunting and match loads to illustrate the ballistic flexibility inherent in the 6.5 Creedmoor. These specific loads were Federal 120-grain Trophy Copper, Gold Medal Berger 130-grain Hybrid Match and Gold Medal 140-grain Sierra MatchKing. Hornady offerings were represented by 129-grain SST, 140-grain ELD Match and 120-grain GMX. This is just a small splattering of the 6.5 Creedmoor loads available from each company, with other companies offering even more. Overall, the accuracy was impressive, with no load producing groups over 1MOA at 100 yards and some bordering on ½ inch. The BLACKHAWK! two-stage trigger was superior to any MIL-SPEC trigger. The only thing that sat badly with me was the pistol grip. Nothing was fundamentally wrong with it. It just did not fit my hand in the way I preferred. Not a big deal, as this part is easily switched out by an end user.

Witnessing the accuracy achieved from the bench caused a break in the typical protocol; the 300-yard stepped berm range was skipped, and I moved directly to the EVTC 600-yard Known Distance Range. EVTC is properly set up to handle extensive test firing of a precision tactical rifle like the Savage MSR 10 LR. As expected, recoil was minimal with the MSR 10 LR, due to its weight of over 14 pounds with ammunition and an optic. It was possible to spot your own trace and bullet strike on steel. It proved very feasible to place multiple rounds on man-sized steel rapidly at a distance of 500 yards. At times, it seemed that a round was still in the air, with the previous shot making the steel target ring out on impact.

Another interesting observation was just how easy the Bushnell XRS II G3 reticle made hitting targets at a distance. The benefit of holding directly on target after dialing in the correct adjustment is obvious. However, the ability to place an appropriate hash mark on the target is invaluable if in a hurry or in a target-rich environment with opportunities presenting themselves at various distances. The XRS II G3 reticle is also a great tool for estimating range to a target. A favorite reactive target has always been the dastardly 4 ½-inch-diameter clay pigeon. A 100-yard zero easily translated into holding the correct hash mark below the main horizontal wire directly on target, causing easy hits at 300 and 500 yards. While the rifle certainly cannot be considered svelte when married with an optic and loaded 20-round magazine, the Savage MSR 10 LR was more than manageable while carrying and when engaging targets from the standing or kneeling position. After all, it is an AR, which is renowned for basic ergonomics.

Many contend that the 6.5 Creedmoor chambered in an accurate semi-automatic like the MSR 10 LR is clearly superior to the .308Win for long-range personnel interdiction because of better ballistics, reduced recoil and power delivered downrange. In the same vein, the semi-automatic MSR 10 LR offers other advantages relative to a bolt-action rifle. A powerful accurate rifle like the MSR 10 LR capable of fast follow-up shots from its 20-shot magazine is invaluable. Yes, first round hits are paramount. However, do not underestimate the importance of fast follow-up shots after observing initial impact or if more targets are available. A trained marksman will definitely be able to put to good use the ballistic advantages offered by the 6.5 Creedmoor MSR 10 LR thanks to its precision long-range semi-automatic firepower.

Sites of Interest

Savage Arms
www.savagearms.com

Bushnell
www.bushnell.com

Federal Premium
www.federalpremium.com

Echo Valley Training Center
www.echovalleytraining.com

HornadyMfg.Inc
www.hornady.com

[Editor’s Note: This article is the first in a series on grenade launchers.]

Dismounted infantry units have a variety of weapons. These are assault rifles, add-on grenade launchers, light and medium machine guns and various shoulder-fired rocket launchers. However, none is an ideal solution against enemy infantry out in the open at long range, in defilade, or in entrenched fighting positions. But the soldiers have an ace up in their sleeve–support from a long-range Automatic Grenade Launcher (AGL) firing 40x53mm High Velocity (HV) rounds.

AGLs are extremely effective weapons against lightly protected opponents, offering an overmatch with fast firepower against superior opponent numbers. This has made them an increasingly popular choice on the front lines. AGLs are usually mounted on a tripod as an infantry weapon for engaging ground targets or installed on a mount for use on land vehicles, patrol boats, integrated on a remote-operated weapon station on a vehicle or onboard a helicopter. This article will describe the following Automatic Grenade Launchers,

Fire Control System and ammunition:

• MK19 Mod 3
• MK47 MOD 0 STRIKER40
• Heckler & Koch’s GMG
• Heckler & Koch’s GMG with Rheinmetall’s Fire Control System
• Nammo’s 40x53mm HV grenades

The MK19 was originally developed to provide the U.S. Navy with an effective riverine patrol weapon in Vietnam War.

MK19

The MK19 was originally developed to provide the U.S. Navy with an effective riverine patrol weapon in Vietnam. A Product Improvement Program was initiated in the late 1970s resulting in the MK19 Mod 3.

The U.S. Army adopted the MK19 Mod 3 in 1983 and has used the MK19 in the harsh environments encountered during world-wide operations. The MK19 Mod 3 is used within the tactical environment for defense, retrograde, patrolling, rear area security, urban warfare and special operations. It’s also used by the U.S. Navy and adopted by the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Air Force for a variety of ground applications.

General Dynamics’ and U.S. Ordnance’s reliable MK19s are still in production and are likely to remain so for some time to come.

MK19 Mod 3 mounted on a Humvee.

MK19 Mod 3

U.S. Ordnance, Inc. produces the 40x53mm MK19 Mod 3 GMG for foreign sales. The automatic fire, blow-back operated, belt-fed weapon is air cooled. It has an angle of fire between 70o elevation and 70o depression. The MK19 Mod 3 is designed to not cook off because it fires from an open bolt which enhances cooling and low barrel temperature between shot bursts and during rapid fire engagements and sustained automatic firing. The chrome bore barrel is removable. No headspace or timing adjustments are required. It is capable of firing all HV 40mm (NATO-qualified) various rounds (rds), such as the M430A1 High Explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP) 40mm grenades, at a cyclic rate of 325 to 375 rds/min. The belt pull of 28 rds gives no reduction to rate of fire. The dual spade grips give stable control. The MK19 Mod 3 can, when employed on the battlefield, engage targets at short- and long-range distances with continuous lethal firepower against a variety of targets, including lightly armored vehicles and dismounted infantry out in the open, in defilade, or in entrenched fighting positions.

The Muzzle Velocity is ~241 m/s. Maximum effective range against point targets is 1,500m and against area targets 2,000m. HEDP grenades will penetrate 75mm rolled homogenous armor (RHA) at a maximum range of 2,212m which means they can penetrate most infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers. Dismounted personnel within a radius of 15m from impact will be immobilized by blast and fragmentation. The MK19 Mod 3 is especially effective when used against enemy infantry formations. Due to its low recoil and comparatively light weight, 35kg, the MK19 Mod 3 has been adapted for use on many different platforms, including small attack boats and fast attack vehicles, such as the Humvee, Stryker, AAV, military jeeps and a large variety of naval mounts. It is crew-transportable over short distances with limited amounts of ammunition. The weapon’s high lethality and broad versatility make it the prime choice of U.S. warfighters as an essential weapon in both offensive and defensive operations. The simple design makes general maintenance easy. Mean rounds between failures exceed 20,000 rds. Weapon life is 50,000 rds. (Optional: Tripod and mounts and mounting rail for optics and accessories.) At the company’s booth at SHOT Show 2018, and at the firing range ProGun, U.S. ORDNANCE’s MK19 Mod 3 top rail mounted an IntelliOptix’s Machine Gun Sight (MGS+) and a 3x flip over magnifier sight. The IntelliOptix MGS is designed as “One Sight for all Crew Served Weapons.” With an extra wide field of view for heads-up-display, the MGS offers both-eyes-open shooting. Night fighting capability is possible using NVG. The MGS+ provides faster target acquisition and increased first burst hit probability. The MGS significantly improves weapon accuracy and increases the speed and ease of target acquisition. The MGS+ offers one-shot-one-hit capability. The MGS+ comes with a removable LED module with various Mil Dot Reticles for the actual weapon in use.

MK47 MOD O.

MK47 MOD 0 40mm Advanced Grenade Launcher

General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems is the system integrator of the MK47 MOD 0 lightweight 40mm Advanced Grenade Launcher. MK47 is integrated with the latest sensing, targeting and computer-programming technology. The MK47 marks the first major advancement in crew-served GMG weapon systems. The MK47 is a reliable, portable 40mm grenade launcher suited for light infantry vehicles and tripod applications. The MK47 provides the warfighter with a decisive technological advantage over enemy forces equipped with older crew-served weapons. To assist the soldiers to detect, recognize and get a first-round engagement of target threats in all weather, the MK47 has a sophisticated Lightweight Video Sight (LVS) with built-in, third-generation image intensifier with a magnification of 9x. The LVS is day/night switchable. The fire control system utilizes an eye-safe laser rangefinder with a range of 40m to 2,000m with an accuracy of 1m, a ballistic computer, azimuth reading, ammunition mode and electronic elevation mechanism.

The MK47 is ~17.2kg lighter than the MK19 Mod 3 at 18kg versus 35kg. The significant reduction in weight is achieved by an innovative design coupled with the extensive use of new lightweight materials and composites. In addition, there are the weights of the MK47’s sophisticated fire control system and the tripod. The flip side is an increase in the purchase cost of each weapon and in the associated maintenance burdens. The weapon features a quick detach barrel for ease of transport.

It has fixed headspace and timing. The MK47 is recoil-operated and fires from the closed-bolt position which is claimed to lower dispersion. It has low-peak recoil and a trigger mechanism with unique asymmetric safe and fire positions, and the weapon does not fire if the barrel or buffer is not correctly installed. The back plate cannot be removed while there is a round in the chamber. Other features include single-charge loading and last round ejects. The firing pin does not release unless the bolt is in the closed position. Ammunition is fed from the left, and the empty 40mm cartridge cases are ejected downwards; when the top cover is opened the belt stays in place. Total charge pull is 55% of the MK19, and a round counter is fitted as standard. The MK47 fires all NATO standard high velocity 40mm rounds, providing devastating firepower against soft and light armored targets (muzzle velocity 240 m/s). It has a maximum effective range of 1,500m. Maximum effectiveness is obtained when the system uses 40x53mm High Explosive Dual Purpose/High Explosive Dual Purpose-Self-Destruct fuzes (HEDP/HEDP-SD) against a variety of targets (Light Armor/Materiel/Dismounted Infantry) or 40mmx53 HE/HE/SD HV High Explosive grenades for anti-personnel/anti-materiel. The ammunition can be programmed for either air burst or point detonation. The Computing Devices Canada electronic fire-control system is mounted on the right side of the weapon and allows for rapid target acquisition and provides a head-up display on a flat screen. The display is adjustable and can be detached. Power is from the vehicle or internal NATO standard battery which has sufficient power for 8 hours. Once the operator has ranged onto the target the fire-control system automatically computes a target solution and programmes the chambered 40mm round before it is fired. There is also a back-up sight. Rate of fire is 250/300 rds/min. The MK47 fires from an advanced lightweight tripod or universal vehicle mount. MK47 achieves a 90% hit rate on the first round.

HK GMG with Rheinmetall’s Fire Control System, on the right mounting: Fire Control Unit with thermal sight.

Heckler & Koch’s GMG

H&K calls their AGL for Grenade Machine Gun (GMG). HK GMG is recoil-operated, inertia bolt and fires from the open bolt, and uses all types of available 40x53mm grenades in either semi- or fully automatic firing modes. The barrel is cold hammer forged. GMG’s muzzle velocity is 241m/s. Maximum effective range is ~1,500m with a maximum range of 2,200m. Rate of fire is ~350 rds/min. Belt feed direction is operator convertible. Barrel is removable without tools. A special barrel lock prevents firing if it’s not properly installed. In order to reduce weight and manufacturing costs, the receiver is made of aluminum. Other features include a fluted chamber for equal pressure on cartridge case and positive extraction and ejection. The primer ignition is advanced. The bolt reciprocates on a massive guide rod and is stabilized by two steel rails that are bolted to the receiver. The HK GMG upper mount (gun cradle) readily mounts to standard U.S. tripods, various vehicle mounts or the lightweight adjustable HK aluminum tripod. The tripod provides low-to-high height position settings as well as provisions (retainer hooks) for the use of a ballast sack to reduce tripod movement during firing from the high standing position. The upper mount with control grips has ambidextrous firing levers and an adjustable shoulder support. This enables the shooter to quickly and accurately engage multiple and/or moving targets during free gun firing. Clearing the gun simply consists of lifting the feed tray cover and removing the belt. The position of the ambidextrous charging handle allows the shooter to cock and clear the gun without reaching near the ammunition belt and feed way. Weapon and tripod can be transported in “backpack” by a two-man team. The weapon’s weight is approximate 29kg. The other parts: upper mount 12.6kg, ammunition box holder 4.3kg, ammunition box (fully charged 32 rounds) 20.2kg, tripod 15.0kg and precision aiming device 2.5 kg. HK’s GMG is adopted by military forces of several NATO and allied countries, as well as select U.S. special operations units. HK’s GMG has been used in combat operations throughout Southwest Asia. H&K boasts that their GMG has outperformed competing models in overall durability, ease of use, precision targeting and safety, and as a series production unit it’s available below the purchase cost of competing systems.

Operator’s Keypad Control Unit for controlling all functionality. The keypad includes a laser button, a four-way toggle switch with a push to enter function.

Vingmate FCS–Advanced Sight and Fire Control System

Vingmate is a superior sight and fire control system for crew-served weapons such as 40mm automatic grenade launchers, .50 cal. machineguns and anti-tank weapons. The Vingmate FCS is mounted on soft-mount cradles, assuring top performance. The weapon system can either be mounted on a vehicle or placed on a tripod for dismounted operations. It is deployable in all types of climatic and weather conditions, including snow, desert, mountain and jungle environments, and is also suitable for operations in urban terrain. The Vingmate FCS has been used with a variety of 40mm GMGs, .50 cal. and other heavy machine guns with impressive accuracy and functionality. The FCS gives day/night operations capabilities for direct fire for point targets and improved area suppression and indirect fire. Target acquisition is out to 4500m (detection >7,000m, recognition >2000m, identification >1200). As soon as the operator has ranged onto the target, the fire-control system automatically computes a ballistic solution to the target/Airburst programming for 40mm AGLs. FCS has Battle Management (BMS) interface. The operational benefits are:

• Increased first hit probability eliminates “walk-fire” method of engagement
• Reduced ammo consumption
• Increased mission endurance
• Reduced collateral damage
• Fast target identification and engagement
• Rapid engagement of multiple targets
• Maintain element of surprise
• Utilize air burst ammunition to defeat targets in defilade

Vingmate FCS includes day camera, thermal camera (optional), digital magnetic compass, GPS, laser range finder and laser pointer (optional).

The Vingmate FCS has a built-in NATO standard battery which has sufficient power for 8 hours and an optional power pack of 20 hours. The FCS can take vehicle power from 12 to 36 volts.

40x53mm High Explosive High Velocity ammunition for AGLs against a variety of targets.

Nammo 40x53mm High Velocity

Nammo has the following 40mmx53 HV Airburst programmable grenades that are designed to take out targets in defilade, with a fragment distribution sideways and rearwards.

MK285 PPHE Programmable Pre-fragmented High Explosive Airburst ammunition is specially designed for the MK47 ALGL.

The MK285 round gives excellent fragmentation and provides airburst with pinpoint accuracy.

C171 PPHE-RF Programmable Pre-fragmented Airburst–Radio Frequency ammunition is designed for use in any 40mm AGL weapons. The wireless programming unit is easily adaptable to any fire control system. The C171 round gives excellent fragmentation and provides airburst with pinpoint accuracy. The ammunition is qualified for H&K GMG weapon in service.

MK314 HEDP-AB High Explosive Dual Purpose Airburst is specially designed for the MK47 ALGL. The MK314 round provides airburst with pinpoints accuracy. The HEDP warhead provides fragmentation, penetration and is electronic self-destruct. Qualification tests for the U.S. Navy were completed in June 2012.

HEDP-RF (NM 264) High Explosive Dual Purpose Airburst–Radio Frequency is designed for use in any 40mm AGL weapon. The wireless programming unit is easily adaptable to any fire control system. The HEDP-RF round provides airburst with pinpoints accuracy, fragmentation and penetration with high reliability.

HEDP/HEDP-SD Dual Purpose HV grenade for use on AGLs against a variety of targets [Light Armor/Materiel/Dismounted Infantry]. Available with standard PD or self-destruct fuzes. It’s qualified for use in MK19 and LAG 40 (Spanish GMG). Tested in MK47 and H&K GMG. HEDP round homologated by Spanish MoD.

HE/HE/SD HV High Explosive grenade for anti-personnel/anti-materiel use on AGLs. Available with standard PD or self-destruct fuze. Tested in MK47 and H&K GMG. HE round approved by Spanish MoD.

In addition there are two training ammunitions with tracers and one with tracer and marker function and drill cartridge.

In front, protruding on the right side: the RF transmitter for wireless setting of the variable fuze.

Nammo’s MPU

Manual Programming Unit 40mm RF Airburst ammunition is a low-cost solution that will eliminate the use of expensive fire control systems to program Nammo’s 40mm RF airburst ammunition. The MPU can be mounted on almost any grenade machine gun without significant changes to the weapon and its functionality. By using the MPU, 40mm airburst solutions are within reach without costly investments in complicated and sensitive fire control systems. The battery life lasts 72 hours of normal use. Its weight is 1,195g including battery pack. Operational temperature: -40oC to +63oC.

Programmable–Pre-fragmented Ammunition’s function

Nammo High Explosive Dual Purpose Airburst-Radio Frequency high performance programmable pre-fragmented ammunition has inside the head, an electronic variable time fuze. Airbursting fuze technology ensures that each round detonates at the intended range–even in urban combat environments onto the intended target. The concealed target here is one man inside the van, one outside and one inside the hut. Nammo’s MPU (on the rail) measures the distance, and the fire control system calculates when the detonation is to take place. Immediately when the projectile leaves the muzzle, the fuze is set wirelessly by radio signal and it starts countdown. The accuracy is 1 millisecond resolution, and over target, detonating scattering lethal fragments downward in a 360 ° cone and the size of the cone can be predicted. That knowledge reduces collateral damage.

MK19 Mod 3 [U.S. ORDNANCE] with IntelliOptix’s MGS+ and a 3x flip over magnifier sight.

MK19 Mod 3 [U.S. ORDNANCE].

MK47 MOD 0 (STRIKER40)

Technical characteristics Nammo 40x53mm HV

Technical characteristics Nammo 40x53mm HV

Israel is a small country with an interesting history. Since their declaration of independence in May 1948, the Israelis have fought numerous wars and anti-terror operations to defend their land and thus created their own weapons industry based on necessity. They manufacture their own naval ships for the Israeli Navy and produce Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) for the Israeli Air Force. They also produce their own main battle tank, called the Merkava, which is now on its fourth variant. They are famous for the Iron Dome missile defense system, the first of its kind, developed to counter artillery rockets from the neighboring Gaza Strip. Israel is one of only eight countries in the world capable of launching satellites into space, and they boast a set of reconnaissance satellites.

Israel Weapon Industries (IWI) is the small arms division of IMI Systems (formerly known as Israel Military Industries), which is privately owned by a conglomerate called SK Group. Israel Military Industries was founded after World War II in an underground facility that protected them from being attacked or bombed. They have an extensive portfolio of products, ranging from the infamous UZI submachine gun to the Galil rifle, which is based on an improved design of the Finnish Valmet AK variant, to the JERICHO series of pistols, which are based on an improved design of the Czech Republic’s CZ 75/85. The Galil was originally developed as a general infantry weapon, while the UZI was designed to be used by IDF special forces due to its compact size relative to a rifle.

X95 Micro TAVORs all assembled and ready to be packed and shipped to the Israeli Defense Forces.

The standard UZI was introduced in 1954, and it was originally fitted with wooden furniture, which was soon changed to plastic with a metal folding buttstock. It had a 10-inch barrel with an automatic rate of fire of 600 rounds per minute when chambered in 9mm. The .45ACP variant was a bit slower at 500 rounds per minute. In 1980, the MINI UZI was introduced, which measured only 14.2 inches with the stock folded and had a 7.8-inch barrel. Weighing in at 6 pounds, it has a higher rate of fire of 950 rounds per minute. The MICRO UZI is an even smaller version introduced in 1986. It is 11 inches long with the stock folded, and it has a 4.6-inch barrel. The most recent variant, the UZI PRO, was introduced in 2010 with polymer components to make it even lighter. It fires from a closed bolt only and has Picatinny rails on top and at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions for accessories such as optics, lasers and flashlights. The charging handle was moved to the left side instead of the top.

It was in early November that I sat in front of my computer and watched the showcase YouTube video of a new bullpup rifle from IWI: the TAVOR 7. On the same day, they released another video about their all-new polymer striker-fired pistol called the MASADA. I heard rumors of the company working on a polymer pistol over a year ago, but there was very little information on the new rifle. I immediately contacted IWI in Israel and made my travel arrangements. Ten hours after stepping on the plane, I found myself for the first time in the Middle East.

Galil Ace in 5.56mm with a 40mm grenade launcher attached.

IWI is located in Ramat HaSharon, a city about 25 minutes north of Tel Aviv. Going into IWI is not easy, as the facility is housed within IMI Systems, where they also produce parts for the Merkava main battle tank and other munitions. The whole site is fenced in, and there are cameras everywhere. I was strongly advised not to take any photographs of the site. The front gate has four automatic rising bollards the size of big tree stumps. They certainly will block most vehicles, including large tanks. I had to check in at the security building and provide my passport. I also had to be escorted by an IWI employee at all times once on site.

Production Floor

The tour begins in the CNC machines section, which contains over 50 large CNC machines that fill the entire section of the building and appeared to run continuously for several hours. Some of the machines were cutting the receivers for the NEGEV light machine gun. After machining, the parts were checked against a jig to ensure the dimensions are correct.

X95 Micro TAVOR with the 40mm grenade launcher attached. Notice also the Meprolight RDS (Red Dot Sight) and GLS (Grenade Launcher Sight).

Every IWI firearm features their cold-hammer-forged barrels. The factory has a total of five cold hammer forge machines made by GFM of Austria, with one dedicated machine specifically set up to produce 40mm barrels for their grenade launcher. The main benefits of this process are added strength and extended barrel life. The barrel blanks are several feet in length and cut according to the barrel length required. First, a hole is drilled in the center. Then, the barrel is fed into the hammer forging machine, which has four hammers that apply thousands of pounds of pressure to the workpiece while pushing and turning it slowly to create the signature swirling pattern. This process only takes a few minutes, and the finished barrels are elongated to double their length due to the realignment of the steel’s molecular structure. Fresh from the machine, the barrels are warm to the touch. After that, the rifling and chamber will be cut, polished and chrome-lined. The profile of the barrels will be further machined down, hence the finished product does not exhibit the swirling pattern.

The assembly is done manually. Each assembler has his or her own station, with gun parts neatly organized in small blue bins and a parts breakdown diagram on the wall for reference. One person puts together the bolt carrier assembly, while another might be installing the Picatinny rail and ejection door on the polymer furniture. After assembly, each firearm is test fired at their test range nearby. Quality control will randomly pick a few guns from a batch and shoot one or two full magazines to ensure reliability. For the Galil Sniper, however, they will take each rifle to the shooting range and do a 10-shot group at 100 meters to ensure sub-MOA accuracy with match ammunition.

TAVOR 7 with a Meprolight 4x optic.

TAVOR 7

The TAVOR 7 is more similar to the original TAVOR than the newer X95 in appearance. One would assume that their mechanisms of operation are similar, and that the newer rifle has simply been upsized to accept the larger 7.62x51mm NATO ammunition. Nothing could be further from the truth. While they are all bullpup in design, the TAVOR 7 uses a short-stroke gas piston system instead of the long-stroke mechanism of both the original TAVOR and X95.

As an improvement over the X95, it features Magpul M-LOK attachment slots for accessories at 3 and 9 o’clock. This saves weight over the Picatinny rail, as M-LOK accessories can be attached directly. A Picatinny rail is retained at 12 o’clock for optics and is hidden by a hand stop cover at 6 o’clock for their 40mm grenade launchers, vertical grips and bipods.

Close-up shot of IWI’s 40mm grenade launcher.

One of the major complaints about the TAVOR/X95 platform is how difficult it is to lock the bolt back when making the rifle safe. The user has to pull the charging handle to the rear and pull the bolt lock tab behind the magazine with the other hand to lock the bolt back. While this function is retained in the TAVOR 7, it features a bolt lock design similar to that of the MP5, which requires the charging handle to be rocked all the way to the rear and flipped upward 45 degrees. It can be released simply by lightly hitting it downward, but some people like to slap it for a more dramatic effect.

The cold-hammer-forged barrel comes in 17-inch or 20-inch variants, with four gas settings that can easily be changed with a bullet. Position one is normal, position two is for harsh conditions, position three is the suppressor setting and the last position shuts down the gas completely, which will cause the rifle not to cycle. The 5/8-inch-24 muzzle thread means that the rifle is compatible with muzzle devices designed for AR-10 rifles.

Close-up of the left-hand-side sliding ejection door.

The TAVOR 7 can quickly be reconfigured from right- to left-handed setup (and vice versa) using only the tip of a bullet as a tool. The complete process takes less than a minute with some practice. The process starts with switching the charging handle, which is held by a detent that is pushed out by a bullet. Next, the ejection ports are essentially sliding doors. Pull the right-hand-side deflector out and slide it toward the muzzle. Rotate it 180 degrees and you will feel it locking into position and seating in place. Once the bolt carrier group is removed by popping out the rear takedown pin and dropping the buttpad, the retaining pin for the firing pin assembly can be popped out with the tip of a bullet and the firing pin will fall out with a simple shake. By removing the cam pin, the bolt can be rotated 180 degrees to the opposite direction. The cam pin is then reinstalled in the proper orientation, as it has the letters “L” and “R” engraved on top, with the correct letter facing you (“L” in this instance), so that it can only be installed correctly. Reassemble the rifle in reverse order of the above and voila.

With all of this said, it was when I got to the range that the TAVOR 7 really shone. It is extremely easy to control, due to its weight being balanced more toward the rear. It is not heavy compared to other 7.62x51mm rifles due to the heavy use of polymer including the handguard. With the right stance, one can place full-auto three-round bursts on target within 50 meters off hand. The compensator is very effective at taming the heavy recoil of the 7.62x51mm cartridge. Within minutes, the user can attach a bipod and a scope. In so doing, the rifle becomes a Dedicated Marksman Rifle (DMR) that can reach out to 800 meters, the round’s maximum effective range.

MASADA pistol with medium rear backstrap attached and Meprolight Micro RDS mounted.

Sadly, I was unable to test the TAVOR 7’s accuracy. IWI only had a limited number of prototype rifles available, and this particular example had sent over 10,000 rounds through its barrel as part of its torture testing. IWI claims it is 1MOA capable with match ammunition. When this model hits the store shelves and it is in customers’ hands, there will certainly be more reports on this.

Despite the number of rounds fired, the rifle showed little wear externally and internally. This is certainly a testament to its engineering and its creator’s 80 years of knowledge about small arms manufacturing. I cannot wait to get my hands on the production rifle and add it to my own collection.

MASADA

Simply put, the IWI MASADA is modeled after the tried and true design of the most popular striker-fired polymer pistol on earth: the Glock 17. The G17 is currently used by the IDF, Israeli police and many other law enforcement and special units. It’s also not surprising that the G17 is the most popular pistol owned by Israeli civilians. The MASADA improves upon it by having an enlarged trigger guard for use with gloves, aggressive and deep slide serrations for improved grip—with the addition of front serrations that have become the new industry standard. It has interchangeable back straps that come in three sizes, and both the width and length of the grip can be changed.

MASADA 9mm 17-round magazine made by Mec-Gar.

Its steel magazines hold 17 rounds and are manufactured by Mec-Gar in Italy. They have slots along the magazine body to channel water, dirt and dust. The polymer base pads feature raised tabs for grabbing with your fingers, in case the magazine does not drop free due to a malfunction.

The slide and magazine releases are on both sides, making the pistol completely ambidextrous out of the box. The trigger weight is between 5.5 and 7 pounds; it felt nearer to 5.5 pounds on the example I tested. The prototype pistol had already had a few hundred rounds through it, which might explain this. The reset feels positive, I would rate it between those of the Glock 17 and Smith & Wesson M&P.

To begin with, I was shown an early prototype at the factory that had a very long reset, like that of a Beretta 92FS. The newer prototype at the range does not have this long trigger reset issue, and I was told it is more representative of the trigger in the production units. Rapid firing was very easy once I got comfortable with the trigger reset, which did not take very long, as I am a long-time user of the Glock 17 myself. I found that, with my medium-sized hands, I can either use the medium- or small-sized back strap. The small size gave me a bit more purchase around the grip, but I am sure this will be even more noticeable if the shooter has smaller hands.

The ambidextrous magazine release is in a good position, and it protrudes slightly from the frame. The button on the opposite side did not get in the way, which is a plus.

Production of the MASADA has yet to begin at the time of writing. It is expected to be available sometime in 2018, and it has already generated interest from Israeli special forces.

TAVOR 7 in full-auto controlled bursts. Photo Credit: IWI

Working closely with the Israeli Defense Forces, IWI can quickly test and get end user feedback on its weapons. This formula to success is unique to this company and to the small arms industry as a whole. There is no doubt that IWI will continue to thrive, with plans already in place to open a brand-new facility in India to expand its manufacturing capability. The Indian factory will be set up to produce the X95, Galil Sniper, TAVOR and NEGEV light machine gun. The components made there will also be exported back to Israel then exported worldwide. There are also rumors of the company going public by doing an initial public offering (IPO), with the total sum of its shares estimated to be around US$565 million. The additional funds from the IPO can be reinvested into further research and development and production improvements. I would love to revisit them in the near future to see the new products they will have for us.