This, the fifth in the series of ISDEF shows in Tel Aviv, shows tremendous growth.  The show has almost doubled from last year.  What started out as a show sponsored by large contractor, TAR Ideal Concepts Ltd., to gather their associates and customers together has turned into a small but increasingly world class event.  We booked SADJ in for next year’s show, of course.

ISDEF is the type of show that all attendees anticipate will continue to grow and attract serious customers.  While the younger IDF attendees might not be decision makers, yet, most long term defense contractors understand the “Yet” and work to educate them as to what products are available to solve future military problems.  This is not to say that the show wasn’t attracting higher level decision makers because they were certainly there in quantity.  There were many nationalities there as well and we noted representatives of the military from many European and South American nations, as well as Asian and Congolese, Ghanaians, and some Egyptians looking to coordinate more closely with the Israeli defense groups.

Scuttlebut was that the IDF is really dropping the .50 BMG (12.7×99) caliber rifle in favor of a .338 Lapua Magnum sniper rifle; the H-S Precision .338LM 2000 series Heavy Tactical Rifle (HTR).  This has been reported before as “fact” and was said to be a done deal, but this is the first time that all knowledgeable people we spoke with said it was a full-tilt change-out dropping the big fifties and that the .338s have been seen in action.  Apparently the IDF is keeping some old 7.62×51 rifles running as well: that would be the Knight SR25 and the M24.  IDF soldiers said to us that it “Just makes sense.  The .338 LM rifles don’t weigh too much more than 7.62 rifles and extend anti-personnel range out to a solid 1,200-1,400 meters with a good shooter.”

Silver Shadow
Gilboa rifles are from the Israeli company Silver Shadow.  This is the same group making the “Corner Shot” round-the-corner platform for handguns, short carbines and 40mm launchers.  The Corner Shot is now pretty well known.  Perhaps the most interesting information was that IMI’s weapons designer Efraim Yaari is now with the Firearms Laboratory Development group at Silver Shadow.  The two most important things in this writer’s opinion are their 7.62x39mm piston operated M16 clone with AK magazines, and the “APR.”

The APR is called the Assault Pistol Rifle, in 5.56x45mm using standard M16 mags.  It has a rail top, and the charging handle is moved to the left side of the upper and is easy to get to.  (Yes, the handle travels with the bolt carrier.)  The bolt carrier has been changed to a Negev or UltiMax type and the recoil assembly is behind the bolt carrier with a long spring and rod reaching to the front for a modified constant recoil performance.  Efraim insists it is smooth and they are getting zero carrier tilt even though the piston is above centerline by necessity.  There is a rail on the rear that allows for a quick attachment of side-folding buttstock, but the system can also be fired as a machine pistol.

On the 7.62x39mm M16 variant, this is a piston operated weapon, and a very natural design.  (www.silver-shadow.com)

Zev Kaptowsky had a new product made from surplus Uzi SMGs. He called it the ‘Micro-Special’ and it was very, very popular with show attendees. Essentially, it is a micro-Uzi machine pistol with stock and top and front rails, with a front grip Zev says is very controllable. The new side cocking feature on the left side is a big plus. Other surplus items offered by Contact include the Galil SAR rifle in 5.56x45mm, Galil ARM rifle in 5.56x45mm, North Korean Type 68 AKM that Zev teases knowledgeable attendees with, U.S. M2 Carbine in .30 Carbine, an RPG-7 by Fateh in 1970, essentially a PLO RPG-7, Egyptian SAKR RPG-7 variant with Bulgarian furniture, and an M2 84mm Carl Gustav. (contct@netvision.net.il)

Steve Helzer and Curtis Debord from US Ordnance were at ISDEF and presented the US Ordnance QCB .50 BMG M2 they manufacture. In the picture, Curtis is holding the Lewis Machine Tool 7.62x51mm sniper rifle that has been adopted by the UK as the L129A1, and the US MK43 Mod 1 is on the table (M60E4). (www.usord.com)

Netline Communications Technologies is an Israeli company that specializes in counter terror electronic warfare. There are two main lines they work with, Military, and Homeland Security. The basic solutions offered are RF Communications Jammers aimed at stopping IED RF communication/triggers. Applications of these units have also been made in prisons to jam cell phone communications, in countries where this is legal. Center on the pedestal: C-Guard VHP ECM which is vehicle mounted and can have up to ten plug-in packs to select jamming channels; lower right: C-Guard TXP ECM is a multi-channel portable (on wheels) unit that provides up to 100W TX power; center left: EWG- Electronic Warfare Grenade which can be tossed into a room to jam any RF trigger instruction while personnel are entering: Center right; JET Jamming Effectiveness Tester to be used to see coverage area; in photo; C-Guard ManPack that allows for multiple channels of jamming on backpack frame. (www.netline.co.il)

Koray Seyithanoglu from FLIR demonstrates the Thermosight ACTS (Advanced Combat Thermal Sight) on the M4 Carbine. ACTS will interface with an ACOG or other optic on the rail system. (www.flir.com)

This well-known manufacturer of accessories and platforms for modern rifles is featuring the RONI Pistol-Carbine conversion unit shown in the photo with the Bul Carmel pistol converted to the PDW configuration. Their booth was constantly mobbed by IDF and Police personnel that were very pleased with the products. (www.caatactical.com)

PROENGIN is a French company that makes a well respected line of products in nuclear, biological and chemical detection areas. The AP4C shown in the photo is the handheld chemical weapons detector in use in many parts of the world, including Israel. AP4C uses flame spectrophotometry to analyze the light spectrum emitted by any agents in the air that are burned by a hydrogen flame in its internal chamber. All known nerve agents, blister agents, and blood agents can be readily detected. (www.proengin.com)

Troy Industries presented their EM203 Forward Assist forend for the M203 40x46mm grenade launcher. This is a very popular addition for grenadiers. They also announced a new chassis for the Ruger 10/22 rifle that uses a one-piece handguard. Shown is the Troy Dioptic (diamond shaped) rear sight that leads many shooters to a faster, cleaner sight acquisition. (troyind.com)

AUSA 2010 proved to be a great success, with attendance by exhibitors and show attendees exceeding prior records.  Held from 25-27 October 2010, the show attracted attendees from more than a dozen countries.  The AUSA trade show continues to be one of the premier military hardware trade shows within the United States, with displays of rotary aircraft, artillery, and solider systems.  Small Arms Defense Journal took note of several land warfare systems of note.

Colt
Colt revealed the CM901, a modular carbine that incorporates aspects and features of the M16/M4 and the AR10 into a single rifle system.  Expanding upon the ever popularity to the modular M16/M4 system where an upper receiver can be changed out for longer (or shorter) barrel, the CM901 takes modularity to a new level by also making the lower receiver modular.

By switching out the magazine well section of the lower receiver, the weapon system is able to be converted from 5.56mm to nearly any other caliber, including 7.62×51, 6.8 SPC, or 6.5 Grendel.  In addition, the lower is reportedly backwards compatible to all other existing 5.56 upper receivers, allowing the user to maintain existing inventories of 5.56 upper receivers.

Colt CM901 weapons system. Capable of being configured as a 5.56, 7.62x51, or 6.8 SPC rifle, the system allows increased modularity to an already crowded field of options to the existing M4, SR25, and AR10 systems.

The modularity aspects of the system are staggering.  Considering that the recoil system – whether gas piston or direct impingement – is within the upper receiver, the new CM901 can be configured into any platform the user desires.  More importantly, the system offers full ambidextrous controls, with a selector switch, bolt release, and magazine release controls on both sides of the lower receiver.

When configured in 7.62×51, the system reportedly utilizes Magpul magazines and Knight’s Armament SR25/M110 magazines.

Fabrique Nationale
FN revealed the FCU-850N, a fire control unit designed for the FN Mk13 40mm enhanced grenade launcher.  Incorporating both a laser range finder and fire control unit, the FCU-850N provides greater first round hit probability by first measuring the distance between the shooter and target, then providing an aiming solution via electronic reticle.  Interestingly enough, the unit also incorporates a clinometer that measures the angle of launch.  While the FN representatives were unable to provide additional detail, presumably, the firing solution changes as the weapon’s vertical angle of fire is adjusted and changed.  The system reportedly is capable of recording the ballistic solutions for more than 50 different types of 40mm rounds.

When used alone, the laser range finder is capable of assisting shooters with range confirmation, while also being utilized as visible or IR laser pointer.  The unit is compatible with any 40mm grenade launcher system that features a top (12 o’clock) Mil-Std 1913 Picatinny rail.

Barrett Firearms M240LW, a light weight M240 GPMG.

Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin unveiled the HULC, a hydraulically powered exo-skeleton capable of assisting soldiers carry loads exceeding 200 pounds for extended periods, over all types of terrain.  Weighing 53 pounds without batteries, the system utilizes a low flow, high pressure hydraulic system to assist the soldier.  Powered by lithium polymer batteries and standard hydraulic fluid, the system is reportedly capable of running for upwards of 72 hours.  In standard mode, the system has a range of 12.5 miles, at a speed of .66 miles per hour.  Maximum sustained speeds of 7 miles per hour, and a burst speed of 10 miles per hour are reported.  As battery power falls, the system reportedly continues to support the loads, without restricting mobility.

Barrett
Long known for its .50 caliber rifles, Barrett showcased its lightweight M240 GPMG.  All major components, (including the trigger group, bolt assembly and barrel) are compatible with the new Barrett system.  Major weight savings appear to be achieved via redesign of the weapon’s receiver and forend/heat shield.

Barrett also displayed the M107A1, the latest variant in the M82/M107 series.  Weighing 4 pounds less than the M107, the M107A1 is designed to be used with a sound suppressor.  Utilizing a four-point titanium muzzle brake, the rifle/suppressor combination features a quick attach feature.

The Lockheed Martin HULC allows soldiers to mount heavy objects to the front or rear of the exoskeleton.

The lightweight aluminum upper receiver features an integrated, rigid 27 MOA optics rail.  Inside the upper receiver, the bolt carrier rides on a hardened steel, anti-wear strip for added durability.  A thermal-guard cheek piece protects the user’s face from extreme heat or cold.  A titanium barrel key and fully chrome-lined bore and chamber add to the rifle’s durability.  Finally, the M107A1 rifle’s lower receiver includes a new aluminum recoil buffer system that’s optimized for use with a suppressor.  The bolt carrier’s components are protected with a mix of ultra-hard PVD coatings and advanced nickel Teflon plating that increases lubricity, is corrosion-resistant and greatly eases cleaning.

The AUSA show is a great opportunity to witness developments in the small arms industry, talk to the engineers involved in the R&D process, and discuss innovations with others within the small arms community.   The 2011 meeting will be held in Washington, DC, from 10–12 October, 2011.

Designing “Future Soldiers” space-age suits of armor with TV and other creature comforts has been a popular fad since 1950s, but only in the last decade have such projects significantly moved from concept into the mainstream.  Latest advances in microelectronics, mechanics and ergonomics, coupled with shifting the emphasize from the tanks and missiles back towards individual soldier as a result of the end of the Cold War and in accordance with the ‘asymmetric warfare’ doctrine, brought about Future Soldier projects popping up everywhere.

Historically, the first of the New Breed space-age-soldier-coming-to-a-forest-near-you programs to lead the pack was the U.S. Land Warrior, originating in the early 1990s, only to die and then restarted from scratch as the Future Force Warrior in 2007.  The basic elements and requirements didn’t changed much since then: the resulting suit of electronics was deemed to integrate the individual small arms with high-tech equipment, provide the infantry soldier with advanced “communications, command and control” (C3) or even “communications, command, control, computers & intelligence” (C4I) systems at grass-root level – all that within the effort to look at the individual infantry soldier as a complete unit rather than just as a tiny cogwheel of a larger force.  Since the 1990s one more element was added: armor, both soft and hard plates, protecting the soldier from enemy fire, integrated into load bearing vests.

By 2008, when the Future Soldier Fairs began in Prague, Czech Republic, everybody had an FS project of their own.  The list is already overwhelming and seems to swell with every Google search.  Today there are at least 19 such programs going on, on four continents.  In Europe there are German IdZ, French Féline, Spanish COMFUT, Italian Soldato Futuro, British FIST, Swedish MARKUS, Swiss IMESS, Norwegian NORMANS, Czech V21, and Polish Tytan/Uhlan 21.  In the Americas, aside from U.S. FFW, there are Canadian ISSP, Mexican Xiuhcoatl, Chilean Aguila and Brazilian COBRA.  Australia has Land 125, and in Asia, there are Indian F-INSAS, Japanese V-Operation, ACMS of Singapore and who-only-knows-what in China – for the upstart regional superpower sure has something of their own.  And the counter keeps ticking…

Uhlan 21 up close (Michal Sitarski): 1. NV or NV/thermal fusion goggles or monocular (both by PCO) worn on helmet. 2. New ballistic helmet (Maskpol) with enhanced goggle-mount and earphone/hearing protector space. 3. PCO’s day-and-night NV or NV/thermal fusion rifle sight (PCO). 4. Velociraptor (Maskpol) – a new, integrated low profile plate carrier vest with modular pouches. 5. New field uniform (Maskpol) with breathable, fire retardant (Polartec Power Dry shell, cotton ripstop sleeves) combat shirt and pants, fitted with integral protective knee and elbow pads. 6. Radon 5.56mm rifle in Battle Rifle classic configuration (WAT/Fabryka Broni Lucznik-Radom). 7. The Integrator wrist control panel (WB Electronics).

Uhlan 21 up close (Michal Sitarski): 8. Personal radio (Radmor, WB-Electronics). 9. The Integrator computer – main unit (WB-Electronics).

Bumar’s Lancer
Polish Future Soldier project started first in 2006, with CNPEP Radwar of Warsaw, called the Uhlan 21, and generally based upon know-how of the French electronics giant SAGEM, partnering with Radwar, which was a big name but rather in air defense radar business – not particularly a ‘B3’ (beans, boots and bullets) specialist, catering to the individual warrior.  The first generation Uhlan was first presented at the aforementioned Prague Future Soldier Fair in 2008, and since then has significantly advanced.  This was possible when Radwar’s initiative was taken over and expanded by the Bumar Group, which took the issue very seriously – to the extent of creating a whole new core business division around it.  In 2009, a Uhlan 21 consortium was created for developing the Future Soldier system for the Polish Army, which meanwhile became official, and christened with a cover name ISW Tytan.  ISW stands for Indywidualny System Walki, or Individual Combat System.  According to a tradition dating from late 1970s, all Polish soldier-level projects have their cryptonyms derived from elements of the Mendeleyev periodic table.  Tytan means titanium, Ti, a metal with atomic number of 22.  The Uhlan 21 consortium consists of the originator, Radwar, as well as small arms (Fabryka Broni Lucznik-Radom and OBR SM Tarnow), optoelectronics (PCO SA), grenade-launcher and 40mm ammunition (ZM Dezamet SA), and small arms ammunition manufacturers (ZM Mesko SA), ballistic protection and combat clothing provider (PSO Maskpol SA), as well as non-Bumar entities, like Polish communication systems leaders Radmor SA and WB Electronics, Military Technical University, Military Aviation Medicine Institute, and Military Hygiene and Epidemiology Institute.

The name Uhlan comes from traditional Polish cavalry – the lancers – patterned after the Tartars, whom Polish forces fought in the 16 and 17th Centuries on the Polish-Turkish frontier lands, deep into today’s Ukraine.  In their language ‘ughuan’ meant ‘the Brave’ and so were their daredevil deeds on the battlefield.  The uhlans, light cavalry fighting with sabre, lance, pistol and swift maneuver, revolutionized the 17th Century European military doctrine, administering a coup de grace to the concept of heavy cavalry tracing its heritage all the way back to medieval knights in shining armor.  Father of the U.S. Cavalry, Casimir Pulaski, was an uhlan, and his tactics written for his American trainees had a typical daring and dash to it.  Yet their real moment of glory came during the Napoleonic Wars, when ‘los infernos picadores de Polonia’ decided the outcome of many encounters in l’Empereur’s favor, especially in the Peninsular War.  Soon copycats sprang out throughout Europe, and Polish-inspired uniform parts like “ulanka” (cavalry jacket) or “czapka” (square-topped cap) were en vogue, becoming de rigueur parts of the colorful 19th Century military fashion.  This is a deeply meaningful name, then, for a Polish project meant to revolutionize the country’s military.

The shortest and the longest: 2nd Gen Battle Rifle classic configuration length compared to the Automatic Carbine in bullpup trim. (Leszek Erenfeicht)

The Future Soldier program is an interdisciplinary effort, touching on all aspects of soldiers’ life and fighting.  It entails a thorough modernization of hardware, careful selection of professional soldiers, upturning the heretofore organization and training, as well as command and logistics.  The Tytan is only a part of it, but an important, if not a crucial one.  It calls for a wholly renewed outlook on the soldier, the ability to assist his mental and physical abilities with modern hard- and software, by placing him as a part of the net-centric battlefield.  This is an attempt at the ‘soldier-centric’ approach to the combat.

The Future Soldier’s equipment is meant to be a coherent ergonomic system, meant to assist the warrior and his mission.  The modern equipment is not only a new set of flashy gadgets slapped-on to a half a century old rifle – it is rather a whole new approach to the well-being and efficiency of a soldier.  This means also soldier-friendly clothes, ballistic and NBC protection, novel small arms with intelligent munitions, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, and the whole new suit of command and control gear complete with a hand-held computer to integrate it all.  The real challenge is to make it perform to do all of that – and then to make it as much as possible locally-manufactured and decently priced, while still cutting a profit.

The Phase 1 of the Uhlan 21/ISW Tytan development came to conclusion on November 31, 2010.  More than 100 scientists, technicians and experts, military and civilian, from various government institutions and private industry, as well as academic circles, have already took part in the Phase 1.  Their expertise and practical knowledge ranged from medicine, to ordnance, munitions, uniform, protective suits, communications, reconnaissance and command, all entwined with the new technologies, IT – the ‘nerd stuff.’  The results are already going beyond what was planned at the beginning.

Greg Felton of Law Enforcement International (LEI) in the UK, was trying to meet the requirements of a friendly Government to supply a 7.62x51mm “Designated Marksman Rifle.”  No product on the market met the client’s particular specifications.  Greg brought in Karl Lewis of Lewis Machine & Tool (LMT) from the U.S.  After much brainstorming about the needs to be filled by this new rifle, Karl and Greg started in on the project.  The client wanted select-fire capability, but the first designs were kept to semiautomatic only, with a 16-inch barrel.  By good fortune, as final development and trials on the semiautomatic were completed, the British MOD published an “Urgent Operational Requirement” (UOR) solicitation for such a rifle for immediate deployment in Afghanistan.  The rifle was submitted for trials and the design won the competition, was contracted for and designated as the L129A1 rifle, with the vernacular name as the “Sharpshooter Rifle;” comparable to the U.S. DMR (Designated Marksman Rifle).  LMT and LEI have now finished development of the select-fire version, as well as some rifles with shorter (13.5-inch) barrels and other options – but that’s another story…

In essence, LMT’s semiautomatic rifle, the LM308MWS, has been selected by British MOD as the new Sharpshooter rifle.  The version of this rifle was in competition with the FNH SCAR-17 (Mk17 Mod 0), the HK model 417, Sabre Defence’s XR-10 and offerings from Knights and Oberland Arms.  When the competition was over, LMT’s rifle was designated as the L129A1.  It has been several decades since MOD has changed rifles for the longer range duties, and the new L129A1 is geared towards the 800 meter ranges being encountered in today’s combat environment.  The AI .338 bolt action replaced and upgraded the AI L96 7.62mm several years ago.  “Sharpshooter” is a completely new role for the British Army.  Quick reaction, rapid follow up shots, long range, harder hitting than 5.56mm is the idea for the L129A1, but the sniper rifle is still a bolt action.

Greg Felton (LEI) explained the ammo requirement to SADJ:  “The ammunition criteria stated by the MOD was that the rifle was to be able to use both RG 155-grain sniper ammunition, plus M80 ball and tracer, including de-linked machine gun belts.  In the end during their trials with the various competitors, they found that the 155-grain fired so much better than the standard ball that it was made the official issue ammunition for the weapon.  As to what it is “matched to,” we (Karl & I) designed the rifle to use both standard ball and 168-grain Match.  With a 1:11.25 inch twist it works well with these weights, however, the heavier 175-grain projectiles need a faster twist for best results at longer ranges.”

The LMT Monolithic Rail Platform is a one piece milled upper receiver that includes four rails to the front, providing a stable platform for returning devices to zero on installation.  It also allows for a free floating barrel that is interchangeable for different lengths, although not in this particular issue.

The initial order of 440 L129A1 Sharpshooter rifles has been added to several times now.  The L129A1 has been in combat in Afghanistan since April 2010, and has received excellent field reports from the troops.

Royal Marines from 40 Commando observe the area surrounding Sangin of Afghanistan with the newly introduced L129A1 or Sharpshooter 7.62mm rifle. Both Marines are wearing newly issued Mk7 helmets and Mk8 Osprey body armour and are dressed in Multi Terrain Pattern (MTP) camouflage. (©UK MOD Crown Copyright 2011)

A Royal Marine (foreground) from 40 Commando is pictured using an L129A1 Sharpshooter rifle on operations in Afghanistan. His colleague in the background is using a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG). (©UK MOD Crown Copyright 2011)

British L129A1 ‘Sharpshooter’ right hand side.

Left side of L129A1 receiver sections.

Royal Marines from 40 Commando on patrol in the Sangin area of Afghanistan are pictured (left) with a General Purpose Machine Gun or GPMG and (right) the newly introduced L129A1 or Sharpshooter 7.62mm rifle. Both Marines are wearing newly issued Mk7 helmets and Mk8 Osprey body armour and are dressed in Multi Terrain Pattern (MTP) camouflage. (©UK MOD Crown Copyright 2011)

L129A1 “Sharpshooter” Specs

Caliber:
7.62x51mm NATO

Operation:
Gas Impingement, rotary locked Stoner-style multi-lug bolt

Weight, empty w/ ACOG:
14 lbs/6.4 kg

Length, overall: 
with SOPMOD collapsed: 36.5” (927 mm)
with SOPMOD extended: 39.0” (990 mm)

Barrel: 
stainless steel barrel w/ Tactical Flat black matte finish – 1:11.25-inch right hand twist

Barrel length: 
16 inches (406 mm)

Magazine: 
20-round PMAG

Sights: 
Tactical Iron Sights and Trijicon TA648-RMR-UKS (NSN: 1005-99-305-9104)

Status: 
In service with British Armed Forces

Manufacturer:  
Lewis Machine & Tool Company
1305 11th Street
West Milan, IL 61264   USA
www.lewismachine.net

Importer: 
Law Enforcement International
www.L129A1.com

The SHOT (Shooting, Hunting and Outdoor Trade) show was once again held this year in Las Vegas, Nevada at the Sands Expo and Convention Center.  It is the largest and most comprehensive trade show for all professionals involved with the shooting sports and hunting industries.  It is the world’s premier exposition of combined firearms, ammunition, archery, cutlery, outdoor apparel, optics, camping and related products and services.  The SHOT Show attracts buyers from all 50 states and more than 100 countries.  The show grows every year and this year was no exception with record setting numbers of exhibitors as well as media professionals and attendees.  The show was held January 19-22.

The SHOT Show is the premier venue where manufacturers roll out their exciting new products for the upcoming year.  As well as new products, industry professionals are offered informative seminars on topics of interest on everything from the latest retailer trends and issues to law enforcement topics and training and even seminars put on by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Explosives and Firearms that covers rules and regulations pertaining to firearms.  SHOT Show is the place to be to keep up with everything new in firearms, outdoor items and accessories.  This year once again produced some exciting new products for the coming months.  Although space restrictions don’t allow us to cover everything at the show, SADJ was there to provide you, our readers, a first look at just some of what’s new.

One of the most talked about firearms this year had to be a new shotgun from Kel-Tec CNC Industries (www.keltecweapons.com).  The shotgun, designated the KSG, is a bull-pup design and is their first entry into the shotgun market.  The size, shape and design are similar to the currently available Kel-Tec RFB rifle, but the KSG ejects downward, instead of forward.  The KSG weighs 6.9 pounds and is as compact as legally possible with a 26.1 inch overall length and an 18.5 inch cylinder bore barrel.  Even with this compact size, the internal dual tube magazines hold an impressive 14 rounds of 12 gauge 2-3/4 inch rounds (7 per tube).  The simple and reliable pump action feeds from either the left or right tube.  The feed side is manually selected by a lever located behind the trigger guard.  The lever can be positioned in the center detent in order to easily clear the chamber without feeding another round from either magazine.  A cross bolt style safety blocks the sear, and the pump release lever is located in front of the trigger guard.  The pump has an under Picatinny rail for the mounting of a forward grip, or a light or laser.  The included top Picatinny sight rail will accept many types of optics or iron sights.  Forward and rear sling loops are built in, and a basic sling is included.  The soft rubber butt pad helps to tame recoil.   Watch for a full test and evaluation in an upcoming issue of SADJ.

The TNVC booth drew quite a crowd with their new WASP night vision scope. This 8 power monster is said to allow users to see the veins in leaves at 50 yards.

Another interesting shotgun was debuted at SHOT Show.  One can hardly think of shotguns without thinking of Mossberg (www.mossberg.com).  This company has been building shotguns since the early 1960s.  This year they introduced a new shotgun called the “Chainsaw.”  This gun is a variation of their time proven Model 500.  It is designed as a breeching shotgun and features a pistol grip, 18.5 inch barrel and a white dot front sight.  The Chainsaw also features a stand-off compensator on the barrel and a tri-rail forearm with an integral full-length bottom rail and two removable side rails for maximum flexibility when mounting tactical lights, lasers and accessories.  It also has a unique ‘chainsaw’ forend grip that provides the shooter with added muzzle control.  It is easily removable for rapid conversion to a standard forend.  This year Mossberg also has a line of “Blackwater” branded shotguns.  These guns are based on their Models 590A1, 500 Cruiser and their model 930 SPX.

Heckler & Koch (www.hk-usa.com) has this year brought to market a semiautomatic version of their select-fire Model 416.  This piston-driven AR-style 5.56mm rifle is called the model MR556A1.  The piston-driven method of operation eliminates malfunctions that are common to direct impingement gas systems since hot carbon fouling and waste gases do not enter the receiver area.  The rifle features a quad rail free-floating handguard that has four Mil-Std-1913 Picatinny rails that allow the user to fit optics, lights and lasers.  The gun uses a German made barrel that is cold hammer forged producing a barrel that provides superior accuracy as well as a long service life.  The MR556A1 will accept all AR-15 style magazines.  Said to be released later this year will be HK’s MR762A1.  This hard hitting rifle is chambered in caliber 7.62x51mm and has many of the same features as the 5.56 mm rifle.  Like its 5.56mm counterpart, the MR762A1 is a direct descendent of the HK416/417 series, only in a semiautomatic rifle configuration developed for civilian users.  The MR762A1 uses many of the assemblies and accessories originally developed for the HK416/417 series including adjustable buttstocks, ergonomic pistol grips, mechanical sights, and the HK free-floating four-quadrant rail system/handguard.  The HK rail system can be removed without special tools by the user and ensures 100% return to zero when reinstalled.  Ambidextrous operating controls are standard on the MR762A1, including the charging handle and an ambidextrous selector lever.  The MR762A1 also uses the same 10- and 20-round translucent polymer box magazines made for the HK417.  Both the MR556A1 and the MR762A1 will be produced at Heckler & Koch’s American manufacturing facilities from both American and German-made components.

MG Industries will be marketing the new belt-fed conversion for the AR-15/M16 series of rifles that is being manufactured by Valkyrie Armament LLC.

Colt (www.coltdefense.com) has finally confirmed the existence of their civilian modular carbine, the new rifle called the SP901.  The SP901 has a patent-pending AR-10/AR-15 format universal multi-caliber lower receiver.  This receiver will accept both their 5.56 (.223) as well as their 7.62 (.308) caliber upper receivers making this a truly a multi-caliber battle rifle.  Because the lower is multi-caliber it will actually accept any caliber upper between 7.62 and 5.56 including 6.8 SPC and 6.5 Grendel.  The rifle also features a monolithic upper/rail system and is completely ambidextrous with all fire controls mirrored on both sides of the gun.  The basic rifle is piston driven and sports a 16 inch barrel although 13, 18 and 20 inch barrels will be available.  In 7.62 caliber it will be offered with the excellent MagPul 20LR magazine and in caliber 5.56 will accept any magazine that will fit the AR-15/M16 rifles.  With the rifle accepting any Mil-Spec upper, different uppers can be equipped with sights or optics and remain zeroed when changed.

Extreme caliber rifles still account for a large percentage of rifles that are sold every year (and also displayed at the SHOT Show).  One of the most, if not “the” most, extreme rifle is the Barrett .50 caliber rifle (www.barrett.net).  Available in several models and styles, this behemoth is the rifle brought to bear when the need to reach out and touch someone or something arises.  This year Barrett introduced a new model of their battle proven semi-auto gun called the M107A1.  Designed to be used with a suppressor, this one-of-a-kind rifle allows the user to combine signature reduction capabilities with the reliability of the original Barrett M107.  An all-new bolt carrier group has been designed to make the rifle suppressor ready.  Its titanium four-port muzzle brake is engineered to work seamlessly with the supplied quick-attach Barrett .50 BMG suppressor.  The rifle’s lower receiver includes a new recoil buffer system that is optimized to also work with a suppressor.  Other features include a thermal cheek guard, back-up iron sights, a lightweight quick-detach bipod, monopod and a flat dark earth finish.

Sig Arms now has a version of their Sig556 in 7.62x39. They also now have a version of this rifle in 7.62x51 (.308).

There are always hordes of new handguns introduced at SHOT and this year was no exception.  With centerfire ammunition prices reaching an all time high there seemed to be an emphasis on new .22 Long Rifle handguns.  Of special interest to readers, there were several “tactical” type guns introduced this year.  Suppressed or “silenced” guns are now more accepted than ever before.  They are leaving behind their reputations as “assassination devices” as more shooters see them for what they really are; another way to save the users hearing.  There were new guns available from both new as well as established companies.  American Tactical Imports (www.americantactical.us) was at the show introducing their new line of .22 caliber pistols called the GSG 1911.  Made by German Sports Guns there are three models.  The standard GSG 1911 with walnut grips, the GSG 1911 with black plastic grips and the GSG 1911 AD-OPS which has black grips, a dust cover rail and comes with a fake suppressor.  All of the guns are copies of the Colt 1911 .45 that is known throughout the world but these guns are designed strictly for .22 Long Rifle ammunition.  All, fortunately, have barrels that are threaded but unfortunately it is a metric M9x.75 thread.  Most .22 caliber suppressors are threaded 1/2×28.  Now several U.S. companies are making adapter bushings that allow the guns to be fitted with a U.S. suppressor.  The guns have a 10-round magazine and have the same weight and specifications as a .45 1911.  They are even compatible with some 1911 parts which allows them to be further customized to the shooters specifications.  Other features include beaver-tail grip safety and skeletonized trigger and hammer.

Another interesting handgun made its debut at the show.  Taurus (www.taurususa.com) was showing their new 28 gauge revolver called the Raging Bull XXVIII.  This single action/double action five-shot revolver is advertised as the ultimate handgun for personal protection and home defense as it fires the powerful 28 gauge shotshell.  It features high visibility fiber optic sights and recoil absorbing grips.  It was scheduled to be released right after SHOT Show but word has it that The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives said that the gun could not be marketed as is because it was basically a short barreled shotgun.  The reason seems to be that there is not a compatible centerfire caliber that the gun can fire as is the case with the Taurus Judge.  More on this issue later.

Please don’t call SureFire’s latest “muzzle devices” a sound suppressor.  Cans they are not, even though they do reduce the decibels of a gunshot.  Elementary suppressor science— that pertaining to a cartridge’s gas volume and a suppressor’s internal volume— is violated by the California-based manufacturer of high-performance tactical illumination tools with their new Mini and Micro models, but the designs are an intentional compromise of sound reduction in exchange for size and weight.

SureFire has always manufactured products based on operator input, and the Mini and Micro models are classic examples of this philosophy.  An elite unit within the Special Operations community approached SureFire’s Barry Dueck, director of the Suppressor Division, and requested a muzzle device that would cut muzzle flash on a 10.5-inch Mk 18 while maintaining about the same noise reduction of SureFire’s trademark K-can (part number FA556-212).

Of course these operators aren’t running 14.5-inch M4s.  They employ either 10.5 inch Mk 18 SBRs or something even shorter.  Black ops being what they are, you never know for sure what the intended application of a short-length suppressor might be— but the Micro would definitely not ride on an M4.

What we do know is that the weapon’s overall length was the main driver in the development of the Mini and Micro models, coupled with flash elimination for night operations.  Reduced weight would be a very much foreseen consequence, resulting in faster target-to-target tracking and improved handling in an MRAP.

SureFire’s latest Mini and Micro models join the company’s previous lightweight champ, the model FA556SA, cutting substantial weight and overall length: (L to R) FA556SA tips the scales at 10 ozs. while the Mini comes in at 14 ozs. made of Inconel and 8.0 ozs. in titanium, lighter than even the Micro model, 12 ozs. and made of Inconel.

But at what price?  The OSHA “safe” level for short-duration noise is 140 dB.  It turns out that the Micro at barely over 4-inches overall nips the sound wave of M855 ammunition from a 10.5-inch barrel to 148 dB while the Mini gets it down to 141 dB, just a hair over the 140 dB “safety ceiling.”

Does it matter?  Not really.  At least not to the guys who specified they want to barter noise for size.  An unsuppressed round of M855 measures about 170 of Mr. Bell’s eponymous units.  If a fully suppressed M4 clips the sound down to the low 130s, a gunshot from an SBR with a Mini or a Micro in the low to high 140s is not much worse than the cymbal clap at the end of the Star Spangled Banner.

The Mini comes in two materials, Inconel alloy or titanium alloy.  Inconel is a highly durable steel that’s popular with many suppressor manufacturers.  Inconel is a brand name of Special Metals Corp. and comes in a variety of formulations, all of which are oxidation and corrosion resistant in extreme environments.  The best attribute of Inconel is that when it’s heated, it forms a thick, stable, passivating oxide layer that protects the material.  Inconel maintains its integrity at extremely high temperatures – and suppressors get sizzling hot in a hurry.

Titanium is an element (atomic number 22) that is known for its strength-to-weight ratio.  It comes in more than two dozen commercial alloys and is a prime component in the aerospace industry.  The best thing is that it’s light as a feather yet strong as an anvil, so the SureFire Mini made of Inconel weighs 14 ounces while the same exact model made of titanium barely tips the scales at 8 ounces.

The tradeoff?  Titanium is expensive, it’s hard to machine and it’s not as long-lasting as Inconel.  The payoff?  A muzzle-heavy rifle is hard to swing dynamically from target to target but a Mini or Micro equipped AR swings like a dream.

The Mini and Micro feature the latest SureFire improvement to its lock-ring system of attachment to a mated muzzle brake adapter.  One could call this the Gen 3 lock ring as it’s the third distinctive method used since SureFire first manufactured a suppressor in 2002.

The first lock ring utilized a system similar to a Walker liner lock on a folding knife.  A metal tab “snapped” into place to prevent the locking ring from unloosening from the threads on the rear of the suppressor.  Gen 2 eliminated the spring tab and replaced it with a press-to-unlock tab.  The latest version that I call Gen 3 features an improved release latch with a lower profile.  This lower profile also decreases the chances of the latch accidentally releasing, should it be bumped hard, dropped or knocked around.  The new lock rings also feature user-replaceable parts so, should a repair ever be necessary, it can be made directly by the operator or armorer rather than requiring the entire unit to be sent back to SureFire.

“These (lock rings) are also all backwards-compatible,” says Dueck.  “So you can have an old adapter and a new suppressor, same model, and it still fits.”

This is particularly good news for armorers in military and law enforcement where SureFire suppressors have been making impressive inroads.  One example: every Marine Corps M40A5 sniper rifle now comes standard with a SureFire MB762SF adapter and a SureFire FA762SF suppressor.  Not that SureFire makes a .308 caliber Mini or Micro, but the point is that their cans are gaining kudos wide and far in the U.S. military.

In fact, sources within the industry tell this author that SureFire product will soon be replacing AAC product as the issue-suppressor for FN’s SCAR system.  The competition has led to some contentions that will be played out in the end-user community and final contracts.  When the smoke clears, SADJ will bring you the report.

SureFire has been issued patents for its repeatable barrel attachment method of a muzzle brake/adapter interfacing with the suppressor via an eccentric locking ring that sucks the two together with in-line tension.  Threaded-on attachment methods are useless for securing two parts; threads serve only to align, not fasten.

The primary benefit of the SureFire attachment method is that a repeatable point-of-aim/point-of-impact is achieved.  Most suppressor brands cannot hold a repeatable zero from suppressed to unsuppressed, or even from attachment to removal to attachment again.  Not SureFire.  The engineers that developed high-intensity WeaponLights have also worked out how to make a rifle hold its zero – with or without a can.

SureFire suppressors are not inexpensive;  a SureFire can’s street price is around $1,300, not including a muzzle brake/adapter.

Surefire Blank Safety Device
How many times have tragedies occurred that seemingly “can’t” happen? The U.S. military adheres to strict safety protocols when training with real weapons and blank ammunition, yet someone is killed when a live round sneaks into a blue-on-red training exercise.

SureFire has addressed the problem of live ammunition in a blank-firing environment with a “safety suppressor” that looks just like the company’s real sound suppressors, but comes with a special “bullet capture” chamber to prevent a live round from launching a bullet in training environments.

Dubbed the BSD or Blank Safety Device, the bright yellow tube is made of solid aluminum with a steel “blow-out valve” to vent high pressure gases as the unit captures up to three projectiles. If you fire three live rounds into the BSD and still haven’t figured out that something is very wrong, the next one will damage your rifle and render it inoperable.

It works like this: the bottom of the BSD features an exhaust port sealed with a membrane. Should a live round enter the BSD, the gas pressure blows out the membrane and the shot is substantially louder than a normal blank. This provides an audio clue to the shooter that something is very wrong, coupled with a jet of flame from the bottom of the BSD to alert others that a live round has been triggered.

The BSD fits on any SureFire muzzle brake/adapter and can be fitted with a replaceable orifice to fit a standard GI birdcage.

Captain Herbert W. McBride of the 21st Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, wrote in his excellent book A Rifleman Went to War the following concerning the use of the Colt Automatic Gun Model 1895.  “We Canadians of the Second Division were originally equipped with Colt guns… I imagine I can hear some sniffles and horse-laughs.  You think that the Colt is a poor weapon, eh?  Well, just let me tell you something for your information and instruction… Never have I seen any machine gun that is as safe for shooting over the heads of advancing infantry as the Colt.  In other words, it has less dispersion, vertically, than any gun I have seen… That old Colt sure would hold elevations.  I have often shot and see fired by other bursts of as many as ten shots at the thousand-yard target, where not a single bullet struck outside the limits of the bull’s eye… Often we used our Colts for firing single shots – sniping – and that is practically impossible with any of the other and faster kinds.”

“And, by the way,” continues McBride, “lest we forget, there is another good argument for the Colt gun, and that is that it is air cooled.  Say what you want to, the business of getting water where there ain’t any and keeping that old condenser and its hoses and everything right with you and ready to hook up, when you are crawling through all the litter of a battlefield, is not so easy.  And how that water does boil away!  In spite of the most careful use of the condenser, it evaporates at a rapid rate and then the problem is how to replenish it.  Even though the action may be literally on the bank of a river it may be an impossible task to go the few feet and back; and, often, on the soggy, rain-drenched fields of Flanders, where everything was simply soaked, not enough real water could be procured to fill the jacket.  More than a few times, the members of the gun crew have been called upon to ‘make water,’ and there is a sort of grim humor in the fact that on such occasions few, if any, could produce the goods: no, not a drop.”

Such was the praise for the Colt Automatic Gun Model 1895 as written by Captain McBride.  Truly, he was an original “Emma Gee” as they called all machine gunners in the British service during World War I.

U.S. Army in training at Fort Dix, New Jersey behind a makeshift barricade learning how to repel an assault with machine guns using the Colt Automatic Gun in 1917.

History
The Colt Automatic Gun Model 1895 was the world’s first practical gas-actuated machine gun invented and designed by the firearms genius John Moses Browning.  Being an avid shooter and hunter as well as a great inventor, Browning, in the fall of 1889, went on a hunt in the marshes near Great Salt Lake.  Lore has it that while shooting in the bulrushes he was intrigued by the reaction of the marsh grass to the muzzle blast of his gun.  Recognizing this blast as a viable energy source, he set about to harness this energy as an alternate yet efficient means of operating a firearm.  (Hiram Maxim had invented the short-recoil system four years earlier.)

Initially testing his concept on a rifle and then moving forward to a fully automatic gun, by March, 1890, Browning had improved his concept gun to the point where he offered a prototype to the Colt’s Patent Fire Arms Company.  The gas-impingement system that he invented was created by drilling a small gas port on the underside of the barrel about seven inches from the muzzle.  As the bullet travels down the barrel past the gas port, but before exiting the muzzle, a small portion of the expanding powder gas is bled through the gas port and impinges against the head of the gas lever located under the barrel and held against the gas port.  This causes the gas lever, hinged at the rear, to rotate downward and backward in a 170 degree arc underneath the gun.  This lever actuates the working parts of the gun by unlocking and pushing back the bolt, withdrawing and ejecting the spent cartridge case and cocking the hammer while simultaneously the shell extractor draws a new round out of the belt and places it on the carrier.  As the gas propelled lever expends its rearward energy, retracting springs return the gas lever forward and upward through its return arc to its original position.

As the gas lever returns to its forward position, it causes the front end of the carrier to rise and place a new cartridge on the carrier in front of the bolt.  The bolt then travels forward, places a new round in the chamber and locks in place.  At the same time the feed wheel rotates and advances the belt with a fresh cartridge to be engaged by the extractor, which is also traveling forward.

Left side of the Colt Automatic Gun Model 1914 showing the position of the ammunition box affixed to the saddle mount. The are no clamps to the tripod legs and they swing freely from transport to set-up position.

This cycle of extraction, ejection, loading, locking, cocking and firing will continue as long as the trigger remains pressed.  It was this gas lever, which traveled fore and aft in an arc under the gun, that gave this weapon the nickname of “Potato Digger” because if the weapon was mounted too close to the ground, a small pit had to be dug to accommodate the swinging gas lever or else the lever would strike the ground and cause a stoppage.  As “inconvenient” as this may be (tactical machine gun battlefield use had not been conceived of at this time), when mounted on its tripod or on the Light Landing Carriage, the mechanical operation of the movements resulted in a very smooth, precise and dependable operation.

The United States Navy tested the gun as early as 1893.  By 1895 it had been refined to where it would handle the 6mm Lee (Navy) and the caliber .30-40 Krag (Army) cartridges and was officially named by Colt as the Colt Automatic Gun Model 1895.  The nomenclature of “Model of” was normally reserved for use by the military upon official acceptance of the type by the Army.  However, Colt was confident that the gun would be ultimately accepted by the Army and named it Model 1895 (without the “of”) in anticipation of that approval.  Ironically, though the gun was used in due course by the Navy and the Army, it was never officially adopted by the Army.

The Navy ordered 50 of the Colt guns, which were delivered in 1897.  This was the first time the United States Government purchased an automatic machine gun.  In 1898, the Navy purchased another 150 of the Colts.  These guns were used as secondary armament on ships and, with wheeled Light Landing Carriages and tripod mounts, by Naval landing parties and the U.S. Marines.

The U.S. Navy used the Colt with some degree of success during the Spanish-American War in 1898 when the Colt first saw combat.  In the battle of Santiago de Cuba, Navy landing parties went into action alongside Lt. John H. “Gatling Gun” Parker and his Army Gatling gun under the command of Colonel Teddy Roosevelt.  Two privately purchased 1895s chambered in 7.57mm Mauser (the same cartridge used by the Spanish in their Modelo 1893 Mauser rifles) were used by the 1st Volunteer Cavalry (Rough Riders) at Kettle Hill and San Juan Hill.  However, due to the great success of the Gatling guns at the battle of San Juan Hill, the Army delayed for another decade its decision to replace the older manually operated Gatling guns with the newer automatic guns.

By the time you read this, the XM25 Counter Defilade Target Engagement System with its uncannily accurate airburst ammo will undoubtedly have drawn its first blood in Afghanistan.  This sci-fi looking individual armament, initially the “grenade gun” upper half of the ill-fated Objective Individual Combat Weapon, has been in combat operational test mode for several months now with selected elements of US Special Operations Command.

It‘s the hottest new man portable grenade launcher anywhere, boasting indirect fire capabilities with “smart” ammo that can kill enemies smugly squatting behind walls and boulders, until now unreachable by squad level weapons.

At their recent press briefing and live fire event at historic Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, top officials of PM Soldier Weapons told Small Arms Defense Journal and reporters for other military and defense industry publications how the XM25’s unique capabilities would have been of particular value to defenders in the now-famous “Keating” firefight.

Among many lessons learned in the near-annihilation of this small, fortified camp in what’s formally known as the Battle of Kamdesh, Afghanistan, they said, is the need for unit level indirect fire capability that is highly flexible and immediately available.

Combat Outpost Keating
More than 300 Taliban fighters launched a surprise attack on Keating in the predawn darkness of October 3, 2009, saturating the small base with mortar rounds, RPGs and heavy small arms fire.

They quickly breached the perimeter, routed the panicked Afghan Army detachment and nearly overran the American soldiers of Bravo Troop, 3rd Squadron, 61st Cavalry Regiment.

The AN/PSQ-20 Enhanced Night Vision Goggle, seen helmet-mounted in this posed publicity photo, provides significantly improved capability by combining traditional image intensification and long-wave infrared sensors. The resulting output is electronically presented to the wearer in color, giving a much higher recognition probability for man-sized targets out to 300 meters or better. The Multifunction Aiming Light on this soldier’s M4 carbine works with the ENVG, showing a bright aim point even in total darkness. (PEO Soldier)

Bad weather and slow response from artillery and air support assets combined to give the enemy special advantages in their initial assault from the high ground “bowl” around the camp, leaving the defenders below with little more than basic individual and crew-served weapons to fight back with.

Their direct fire arms and single shot M203 grenade launchers were of limited value against battle-seasoned attackers who skillfully used abundant cover from boulders and depressions in the surrounding rough terrain and defensive positions inside the wire.

Relief came slowly but soon built to a decisive level as artillery, helicopter gunships, jet fighters and bombers combined to rout the enemy.

When the smoke cleared an estimated 150 Taliban were dead at the cost of 30 U.S. troopers killed or wounded.

Cost/Benefit Ratio
Richard Audette, Deputy PMSW, responding during the press conference at Aberdeen, to implied criticism in a reporter’s question noting the projected $25,000 cost per XM25, called it a bargain compared to far more expensive weaponry wielded by external support elements like those that turned the tide at Keating.

“They were hitting the attackers with Apache gunships, Hellfire missiles and Excaliber artillery rounds,” he said, “far more costly, cumbersome, and slow to arrive.”

5 May 2010, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. Iron-jawed Master Sergeant Paul Wilcock, Senior NCO for PMSW, stands ready to demonstrate the door-busting capabilities of the 12 gauge M26 Modular Accessory Shotgun System in stand alone configuration. MASS is a straight-pull bolt action, magazine fed shotgun that can also be fitted underneath the barrel of M16/M4 series assault weapons. (Robert Bruce)

“The XM25,” he emphasized, “is an immediately available, squad level weapon that pays for itself, but more importantly it saves solders’ lives because it can take out those defilade (behind cover) targets.”

Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Lehner, Product Manager Individual Weapons, underscored the XM25‘s remarkably fast target engagement capability against fleetingly-glimpsed targets.

“In under five seconds I can lase for range, get my adjusted reticle on target and pull the trigger,” he said.  “At four hundred meters it takes another two seconds to get there and explode.  Seven hundred meters another second or so.  It really doesn’t give the Taliban a lot of time to reposition himself.”

Then, adding his perspective on the XM25‘s $25,000 price tag, Lehner invited a comparison to the total cost of the current, less capable combination of weapon and accessories.

“Add up the cost of an M4 carbine with M203 grenade launcher, STORM laser rangefinder, plus night vision and aiming modules,” he said, noting that the XM25 fully integrates these components with the added benefit of a ballistic computer and airbursting ammunition.

SADJ has been closely following the sixteen year saga of this 100 million dollar engineering marvel and we are pleased to know that it has finally made its way into the hands of the snake-eating fraternity.  If all goes well, we’re told, it will be available in limited quantities for muddy-boots grunts in the 2013-14 time frame.

Lehner explained that the plan for fielding this exotic grenade launcher was under development but not to expect it to become a standard squad weapon.  “It’s potentially an arms room weapon,” he said, “like a shotgun or other specialized weapon that you’d draw for certain missions where you need the (XM25’s) unique capability.”

While the wizardry embodied in the XM25 is spectacular, there are several other developments from the dedicated team at Program Manager Soldier Weapons that also deserve special recognition.

Mulberry Point Range
PM Soldier Weapons had wisely set aside several consecutive days for hands-on demos for congressional and military VIPs, efficiently utilizing the considerable time and expense required for such things.  These focused opportunities gave a wide variety of purse-keepers and decision-makers the chance to see for themselves what was in the weapons development pipeline.

Press day was a continuation of the process, with PMSW hoping that knowledgeable reporters would convey to the public how America’s defenders were armed.  More than a dozen reps turned up, from outlets ranging in credibility and seriousness from USA Today to Army Times, with Small Arms Defense Journal in there on the right side of the scale.

5 May 2010, Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD. Engineers Emmanuel Marasigan (left) and Brian Forsberg of Product Manager Crew Served Weapons, demonstrate the highly realistic computer simulator for low-cost, remarkably effective training on the XM25. Cleverly, it draws on the growing popularity of the ‘America’s Army’ interactive video game that anyone can play online: www.americasarmy.com. (Robert Bruce)

After the obligatory meet, greet and ground rules briefing, Aberdeen Test Center’s Mulberry Point Small Arms Range went hot with a HE (high explosive) demo shot from the XM25.  Safety concerns kept us inside the ballistic glass windowed observation building.  (continued on page 69) 

We could see the gunner just outside the thick glass window and his actions were explained in real time by Lieutenant Colonel Lehner.  Using the weapon’s highly sophisticated fire control system with on-board laser rangefinder, he said, the shooter gets exact distance to the front wall of a simulated building with an open window.

With the simple push of a button he adds a meter to the range and the chambered “smart” round is electronically programmed with the precise distance from launch to detonation point.  In this case right through the window and inside the room.

The fire control’s ballistic computer calculates angle of elevation based on range and displays a red dot in the electro-optical sight with the correct aiming point.  Windage can be programmed as well.

When the round was fired, a computer chip in the 40mm HE warhead counted revolutions in flight and initiated detonation at approximately the center of the “room,” showering it with lethal fragments.  A remote video camera linked to a large screen in the observation building provided dramatic evidence of the effectiveness of this programmable airburst weapon’s precision lethality.

Then, we were herded outside to observe a series of live fire demonstrations of selected current weaponry, starting with the lock-busting 12 gauge M26 Modular Accessory Shotgun System and moving down the firing line to see grenade launchers, machine guns, sniper rifles and the new “dazzling” laser on a hulking armored vehicle.

M240 Light
While highly reliable and very accurate, a standard 7.62mm M240B medium machine gun weighs a hefty 27 pounds, making it a burden for dismounted troops on the move.

PM Crew Served Weapons has responded with the M240L (Light), incorporating a titanium receiver and other refinements to drop 5.7 pounds without sacrificing combat performance.

28 July 2008, Fort Hood, Texas. John Moses Browning’s 80 year old “Ma Deuce” M2HB machine gun might eventually be able to enjoy retirement when this new .50 caliber XM806 is fielded in the not-too-distant future. Derived from the convertible .50 caliber XM312 – 25mm XM307 Advanced Crew Served Weapon, it’s about half the weight of the M2 and boasts reduced recoil that facilitates mounting optical sights for superior accuracy. This new weapon is of particular interest to U.S. Special Operations Command as well as the Army‘s light infantry formations. (PEO Soldier)

Further weight reduction is realized when pairing it with the new M192 Lightweight Ground Mount tripod, boasting better stability and an improved traversing and elevating mechanism at a weight saving of six pounds.

Old Warhorse Returns
Soldiers and Marines of a certain age (including a few of us at SADJ) should take special pleasure in seeing the honored return of the post-WW2 generation’s venerable M14 rifles.

This hard-hitting, long reaching 7.62x51mm NATO caliber battle rifle was pushed aside by the pipsqueak 5.56mm M16 in the Vietnam War when it was deemed that an “assault rifle,” characterized by light weight and high volume of fire, was better for jungle fighting.

But now that the battlefields are in Iraq and Afghanistan – mostly treeless, arid plains and mountains – the M16 and its little brother M4 are noticeably lacking in necessary range (maximum approximately 500 meters) and knockdown power.

Spurred by urgent Operational Need Statements from combat units, the Army started pulling mothballed M14s out of storage, adding day scopes, and rushing them off to CENTCOM’s AO for use by “Squad Designated Marksmen.”

This eminently practical solution has since been kicked up a notch at PM Soldier Weapons by creation of the Enhanced Battle Rifle, a classic M14 retro-fitted at the Army’s Rock Island Arsenal with a modern chassis stock and capable of mounting a full range of day and night sights.  More than 5,000 have been fielded so far and 1,700 more are in the pipeline.

LTC Lehner says that the EBR’s dramatically increased effective range, as much as 800 meters in capable hands, has forced the Taliban to “change its tactics,” backing way off when initiating an attack.

More Sniper Stuff
The 7.62mm M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System (SASS) from Knight’s Armament – apparently just about everything it needs to be already – will be outfitted with a collapsible buttstock, deemed better for close quarter engagements.

The awesomely powerful .50 caliber Barrett M107 Semi-Automatic Long Range Sniper Rifle is going to lose a little weight, get a specially designed suppressor and a new protective exterior coating.

19 February, 2011.  A small group of firearms community writers from the United States had been invited to the Caracal facility in the United Arab Emirates.  (David Fortier, Bryce Towsley, Tim Ford, and Mike Seeklander joined this author).  We gathered at our hotels in the morning, and were taken to the facility where we were greeted by Saeed Ali Al Shamsi from Caracal and given the grand tour of the manufacturing facility.  Speculation abounded as to whether or not the UAE company was actually doing the manufacturing in-country or simply assembling parts.  We were pleasantly surprised.

The Caracal program is sign of a sea-change in Emerati thinking regarding their future.  The UAE is an oil-based economy, and having one cash product is always risky and the possibilities of undermining their own success are constantly there.  With the location of the seaport and the geographic locations in regard to customers in the EU, Africa, and the Mideast, raising the gross national product a few notches and diversifying income streams is a bit more readily done, with the proper choices.  The Emiratis have opted for developing a tourism base in the economy, but a strong faction also wants to build a solid, respected manufacturing base.  They’re off to a good start.

At the Tawazun Industrial Park, there is an ammunition manufacturing facility; formerly the Adcon plant, now Caracal Ammunition.  Emirates Precision Industries (EPI) is in the park adjacent to the Caracal facility.  While Caracal is assembling the pistols and now sniper systems, the work is not reliant on importation of all subassemblies: only some springs and pins are imported at this point.  The balance of the actual main assemblies are all made right on site at EPI.  The injection molding is done for grip-frames, and the ranks of 5-axis CNC milling machines, lathes, and one-off production pieces were impressive.  We saw vacuum hardening, cryo-treatment, gas atmosphere finish application, standard heat treatment, bluing, and a variety of other machines which were available to work on anything up to aircraft frame parts (smaller), drill heads for the oil fields, as well as the firearms projects.  Both a Carl Zeiss and a DEA measurement table setup ensured up to 3 micron accuracy.

This was an impressive manufacturing facility, designed to be the bedrock to build more manufacturing programs.

Caracal itself is dedicated to bringing their new pistol to the market in as professional a manner as possible.  To reach the U.S. market, they selected a Tennessee company called Sturmgewehr, and Troy Sellars is the Director of Operations at the Caracal USA company.  (caracalusa.com)  Caracal USA is beginning the serious marketing program immediately, and these pistols can be expected to be making a splash in the law enforcement and civilian shooting markets.  Regarding Caracal in the UAE, and its parent company Tawazun, we’ll be watching for the new sniper rifles to test, and to see what other interesting products their new, modern facilities will produce.

Saeed Ali Al Shamsi (left) the Commercial Director of Caracal, and Khamis Ateeq Al Muwaljei (right) Assistant Manager in Sales & Customer Service for Caracal, greet the group and explain the company history in front of their new facility at the Tawazun Industrial Park in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Mike Seeklander, Director of Training at the U.S. Shooting Academy, and author of four books on shooting performance, fires a Caracal F at the indoor range. Mike was quickly proficient with the Caracal, and showed a lot of enthusiasm for the system. (www.shooting-performance.com)

Racks of Caracal F 9x19mm pistols ready for test firing.

Troy Sellars of Caracal USA examines a Caracal F slide casting that has just come off of the 5-axis CNC milling machines, as Vincent Mohni, a Swiss engineer from Emirates Precision Industries (www.epi-uae.ae) explains the process.