SADJ has been in contact with IDEAS Media Manager Ehtesham Bari for many years, planning to attend the IDEAS show in Karachi. We missed the 2008 show due to some issues with travel restrictions and the 2010 show had been unfortunately canceled due to the flooding tragedy. It was exciting to finally be able to set up at the show, and LMO’s Chief Armorer Instructor Matt Babb, Jason M. Wong from Hurricane Butterfly and I set out for Karachi to man the booth, explore the show, and then travel north to Islamabad and the Pakistan Ordnance Factories at Wah Cannt, and the Khyber Pass region.

Pakistan Machine Tool Factory, Ltd. (PMTF) presented their new RPG-7V variant, along with ammunition & cutaways.

7-11 November, 2012
The seventh biennial IDEAS (International Defence Exhibition And Seminar) was held at the Expo Center in Karachi, Pakistan. IDEAS filled six buildings with exhibitors from around the world and the Defence Export Promotion Organization (DEPO), along with the Ministry of Defence Production (MoDP) of Pakistan, deserves credit for presenting a truly memorable show. Two strikes were against the show at the start; the first being the four year interval since the previous IDEAS in 2008 due to the tragedy of the flooding in 2010 and second was the fact that the 2012 edition of IDEAS was scheduled the same week as the very popular, influential, and well established IndoDefence show in Jakarta. DEPO has adjusted their scheduling for the 2014 show to ensure there are no conflicting dates again. Despite these two potential negatives, the IDEAS 2012 show was a tremendous success. Over 57 nations were represented at the show with 210 companies exhibiting, with 136 of them being foreign and 74 local companies. The mix presented for attendees was an excellent blend of weapons, vehicles, first responder equipment, and the basics that keep the land and naval forces of a country running. Modern communications gear & robotics were well-represented.

Pakistan Machine Tool Factory, Ltd. (PMTF) presented their new RPG-7V variant, along with ammunition & cutaways.

To give some idea of the success, there were over 80 official delegations from around the world, and top representatives from 50 countries were officially toured through the show. There were 24 “High Level” delegations that were headed by Defence Ministers, and Secretaries or Services Chiefs from their respective countries. We at SADJ were just about the only U.S. company exhibiting (along with LMO), and we had over 11 meetings with Defence Ministers or Secretaries of the Navy of countries, notably from Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Turkey, and Tanzania, and we were very pleased with the discussions.

This 60mm Commando mortar is very lightweight & uses a bipod as shown. This is from Pakistan Machine Tool Factory, Ltd. (PMTF)

Companies attend shows like this in order to make new contacts, and reinforce old relationships, and the IDEAS staff did an outstanding job of bringing real potential customers into the show. There were over 30,000 attendees over the five-day show, and that meant the pallets of magazines we had brought were gone quickly, into the hands of the right people. We couldn’t be happier with the results from attending IDEAS 2012. Five-day shows are tough on the exhibitors and attendees alike, and the last day was more of a “Public Day” where the general public that passes muster can come in. Most shows around the world have this event, & exhibitors have to change how & what they exhibit on that type of day.

Sarsilmaz from Turkey was in the Turkish pavilion. Firuz is in attendance at most of the shows that Sarsilmaz attends and she is knowledgeable and a real resource for information on their firearms. Here she has their latest pistol.

The general consensus we gathered from talking with exhibitors was that the IDEAS management had brought in the high-value attendees they wanted to meet with. In talking with the attendees, they seemed very pleased with the large amount of, and variety of, the exhibitors and their offerings. That’s a pretty good sign. Turkey and China had their own pavilions, which in fact were private buildings at the show, large enough to house all of their exhibitors. Pakistan manufacturers were spread through the complex, but the main defence manufacturers in Pakistan, including Pakistan Ordnance Factories, fit into one of the main halls.

As a sign of our pleasure with the success of IDEAS 2012, we immediately booked in for booths at the IDEAS 2014 this coming December, and hope to see more Westerners there as the opportunities for business were very positive.

Baktar Shikan Anti-Tank Ground Missile System. This is either vehicle mounted or as shown on tripod. From GIDS (Global Industrial & Defence Solutions) company in Pakistan. It is second generation, wire guided, and capable of being fired 2-3 times per minute. This is the Pakistan made version of the Chinese Red-Arrow 8.

IDEAS 2012 Report from the DEPO
“The Inauguration Ceremony of IDEAS – 2012 was conducted on the 7th of November 2012. The Prime Minister of Pakistan graced the occasion as our Chief Guest. The ceremony was attended by Official Delegates, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee, Services Chiefs, Senior Government Officials, Foreign Diplomats and a large number of Exhibitors.

The Seminar, conducted on 7 November, was titled “Security Outlook 2025 – Future Security Trends and Challenges for Defence Industry in Mounting Technological Response”. The panel of speakers included prominent international defence analysts and experts like Dr. Maleeha Lodhi (Ex-Ambassador, Pakistan), Mr. Steve Coll (President of New America Foundation, USA), Mr. Muharrem Dorktasli (President & CEO Turkish Aerospace Industries, Turkey) and Ye Hailin (Chief Editor of South Asia Studies, China). The Presiding Officer of the Seminar, General (Retd) Ehsan Ul Haq (Ex-Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee), in his concluding remarks stated that, “Given the fast pace of technological change, it would be perfectly natural to expect development of significantly new technologies, including those, which will alleviate our security and threat concerns.” IDEAS – 2012 was first of the IDEAS series to feature Sidelines Conferences. The learned local and international defence analysts candidly shared their views in these sideline conferences.

LMO’s Chief Armorer Instructor Matt Babb examines the Turkish MKEK offering of the MK19 Mod 3 40x53mm grenade machine gun. Pakistan recently began taking delivery of the first of approximately 900 of these from Turkey. LMO was negotiating the training package for Pakistan.

To boost Pakistan’s exports in the Defence Sector, some of the major indigenously developed products showcased during IDEAS – 2012, included Main Battle Tank “Al–Khalid,” Fighter Aircraft JF–17 “Thunder,” Jet Trainer Aircraft K – 8 and a variety of UAVs, etc. IDEAS – 2012 offered a unique opportunity to the international delegates / visitors in acquiring an insight into the entire defence manufacturing and training capabilities of Pakistan, exhibited under a single umbrella. Pakistan has a large defence manufacturing, training and support infrastructure in place, which not only meets the needs of Pakistani Armed Forces, but also has the capacity to fulfill demands of other countries with exceptionally high quality products at mutually acceptable terms.

On the diplomatic front, Foreign Delegates / Trade Visitors and Media endorsed the efficacy of IDEAS – 2012 as an extremely valuable and interactive forum for the defence trade. The signing of several MoUs between the governments and private companies has further enhanced the utility and success of this event.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister, Mr. Raja Pervez Ashraf (center w/ red tie) & Lt Gen Shamim Wynne NI(M) CJCSC (in uniform to the right of the exhibitor) talk with Turkish exhibitors at Sarsilmaz’s booth.

In his concluding remarks, Major General Tahir Ashraf Khan, DG DEPO stated that; “IDEAS – 2012 was focused on the projection of Pakistan as a modern, progressive and tolerant state, which is willing to co-exist peacefully with the international community and regional neighbours.” He further added that, “The large attendance by key personalities of international and national stature speaks of the milestones achieved by IDEAS – 2012.” He termed the event as an extraordinary success, due to highly encouraging and extremely positive feedback received from a large numbers of Foreign Delegates and Exhibitors. He congratulated M/S Badar Expo Solutions, the Event Manager of IDEAS – 2012 for managing the event in a highly professional and befitting manner, in line with the international standards.

TOP: German interwar period paperweight or desk ornament. 6-inch long silver German Maxim MG08 with Z.F. 12 optical sight mounted on a prone sled mount and affixed to a 7 x 3 3/4 inch black marble base. MIDDLE RIGHT: French Elite World War I era machine gunner’s badge. White metal badge of two crossed Hotchkiss M1914 machine guns with three-point connecting chain hanging below. This badge was sewn on the uniform. MIDDLE LEFT: English Toby mug of a World War II British Home Guard soldier with a Sten MkII submachine gun as the handle along with a Mills grenade. Manufactured in England by Royal Doulton. The bottom is marked, “Hand made and hand decorated. Royal Doulton Home Guard D6886 modeled by Stanley James Taylor. © 1990 Royal Doulton. A limited edition of 9500 this is No. 622.” BOTTOM: Australian hand painted and carved souvenir boomerang. Features “MGC” (Machine Gun Corps) and “ANZAC” (Australia New Zealand Army Corps) on each end with the center comprising the Australian Rising Sun badge and “Australian Commonwealth Military Forces.” Battle ribbons on each side list “Gallipoli, Crete, Egypt, Gazala, Mersa Matruh and El Alamein. Overall length is approximately 17 inches.

American criminal legal theory is based upon elements of Greek and British legal theories developed over hundreds of years. Some of the basic philosophies of Greek legal theory included economic, philosophical, and sociological ideals about justice, and what it meant to be “guilty” of a crime. Through case law and practice, certain precedents were set as basic building blocks for an effective system of law. Exported to the Colonies in the 1700s, early American legal theory followed the historical British legal theories developed over hundreds of years.

In order to be guilty of a crime, the accused must be guilty of two elements: Actus reus and Mens reus. Actus reas, or the “guilty act” is the act performed by the accused that has been deemed by society to be a crime. In contrast, Mens reus is Greek for the “guilty mind,” and translates to the intent of the accused. Where there is no criminal intent, the accused cannot be guilty of a crime. Examples where mens reus may not be present include cases of mistake, lack of mental capacity, or lack of knowledge that the act was illegal.

There are exceptions to the Actus reus and Mens reus requirements in criminal law, most notably in crimes that society has deemed to be so clearly obvious that no mental intent or knowledge is required. In cases of “strict” liability, the accused can be found guilty by virtue of a wrongful act alone, without any knowledge that the act is illegal. Said another way, under strict liability, a defendant will be convicted even though the defendant was genuinely ignorant of one or more factors that made the act criminal. The export of defense articles from the United States is generally governed under a strict liability standard, although court cases are at odds as to the actual meaning and requirement of the law.

Enter Brian Bishop, a financial management Foreign Service Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Amman, Jordan. Pursuant to a U.S. State Department policy of shipping employee’s personal effects overseas at government expense, Mr. Bishop sought to ship his personal effects from Alabama to Jordan. Included within the shipment were nearly 10,000 rounds of 9mm, .45 ACP, 12 gauge, and 7.62×39 caliber ammunition, weighing upwards of 366 pounds. Mr. Bishop listed the ammunition as “weights,” and did not tell the government shipping agent that he was shipping ammunition.

The moving company moved Mr. Bishop’s belongings to a warehouse in Virginia for consolidation. Once there, the movers determined that several parcels needed to be repacked. During the repacking process, the ammunition was discovered, and law enforcement notified.

In September 2012, a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment against Bishop relating to his attempted transportation of the ammunition. Count I of the indictment charged Bishop with a violation of the Arms Export Control Act (AECA). Specifically, the indictment alleged that Bishop “knowingly and willfully attempt[ed] to export from the United States to Jordan, without having first obtained from the Department of State a license for such export, or written authorization for such export, defense articles, to-wit: approximately 7,496 rounds of 9mm and 7.62x39mm ammunition, which are designated as defense articles on the United States Munitions List, Category III.” At the conclusion of the one-day trial, the district court convicted Bishop of violating the AECA by trying to export ammunition without a license.

On appeal, Mr. Bishop argued that he did not have specific intent to violate that law. Instead, for his conduct to have been willful, he needed to know that exporting the ammunition was unlawful, and that the ammunition was specifically covered by the AECA. The court disagreed and upheld the conviction. In making its ruling, the court noted that that “[t]he AECA does not include such highly technical requirements as might inadvertently criminalize good-faith attempts at compliance. [W]illfulness under the AECA requires only general knowledge of illegality.” Specific knowledge that ammunition was listed on the U.S. Munitions list and subject to export controls was not necessary to uphold the conviction. A full reading of U.S. v. Bishop can be found online at http://caselaw.findlaw.com/us-4th-circuit/1655907.html.

In light of the Bishop case, there’s another case worth mentioning – U.S. v. Pulungan, 569 F.3d 326 (2009). In Pulungan, the defendant attempted to export 100 Leupold Mark 4 CQ/T riflescopes. He was charged with violating the Arms Export Control Act (AECA), which makes it a crime to “willfully” violate export a defense article without an export license.

During the trial, the prosecution had to establish that the riflescopes were manufactured to “military specifications” as required by the USML. To prove this fact, the prosecution offered testimony from a Division Chief at DDTC who, without providing any details or explanation, merely testified that the riflescopes at issue were in fact manufactured to military specifications. The prosecution argued that the testimony from DDTC’s Division Chief makes the riflescope a munitions item as a matter of law under AECA § 2778(h). The trial court agreed and Pulungan was ultimately convicted.

On appeal, Pulungan argued that he did not act willfully, and did not know an export license was required. The Seventh Circuit agreed and reversed the conviction, saying “the evidence is insufficient to show, beyond a reasonable doubt, that Pulungan knew that these `scopes were “defense articles” that required export licenses. It is not enough for the Leupold Mark 4 CQ/T riflescope to be a “defense article.” Pulungan cannot be convicted unless he knew that it is one, and that licenses are necessary to export them. The United States concedes that the word “willfully” in § 2778(c) requires it to prove that the defendant knew not only the material facts but also the legal rules.”

Pulungan’s conviction of an AECA violation probably should have been upheld. Pulungan’s attempt to export ITAR controlled optics required an export license; he did not apply for one, and thus was in violation of the AECA. Under a strict liability standard, it doesn’t matter whether Pulungan knew that the export of the Leupold Mark 4 CQ/T riflescope was a defense article and required an export license. Under a strict liability standard, the only issue is whether Pulungan violated the AECA. Attempting an export without an export license is a violation, regardless of knowledge or willfulness.

Unfortunately, the Bishop court did not cite U.S. v. Pulungan, nor distinguish its opinion from the result achieved by Pulungan court. The term “willful” has been a highly contested element in AECA enforcement, resulting in very different outcomes in a number of cases. In addition, the Bishop case was decided by the 4th Circuit, while the Pulungan case was decided in the 7th Circuit. As independent arms of the Federal Court system, neither circuit has the ability to set precedence over the other. Until a single interpretation is issued for all courts to follow, expect to see more uncertainty in AECA enforcement cases.

The guidance provided within this article was correct and current at the time it was written. Policies and regulations change frequently. The preceding article is not intended as legal advice, and should not be taken as legal advice. If the reader has specific legal questions, seek competent legal counsel.

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 maintains Hurricane Butterfly, an import/export company that assists U.S. firearm manufacturers and foreign buyers wade through the regulatory morass of U.S. import/export regulations. He may be contacted via email at jmwong@FirearmsLawGroup.com.

Bullseye Camera System Announce Remote Targeting Viewing
The Bullseye Camera System is a unique patent-pending system that allows a shooter to view his downrange target right from the shooting location on his smartphone, tablet of laptop. The system features a special camera that sets up, down by the target and wirelessly transmits video back to the shooters position, via a wireless device, from locations up to 1 mile away. The shooter can instantly see each shot flashing on the screen no matter how many times the target has been shot. The system is completely wireless and does not require internet service or a cellular signal. The system works with rifle, pistol, archery, small bore, large bore and even patterning shotguns. Another great feature is that no special targets are required. You can use paper, cardboard, 3-D foam and even steel. The system includes a special weather-proof camera with night vision, a tripod, router, antenna, signal booster, 5-hour rechargeable Lithium-ion battery with charger and all required connector wire complete in a fitted secure carrying case. The unit also comes with a thumbdrive with Bullseye Target Manager software. The software is available for Android, iOS and Windows operating systems. The user also gets free software updates so as new features are made available you can simply download them. The camera also features a Laser Target Identifier to align the camera on the target when setting up the unit. The camera system comes in two models; the Standard Edition, which is good up to 500 yards and the Long Range Edition which has a range of 1 mile. Each model can also be ordered in an Elite Edition that adds a laptop. The two base models retail for just $449 and $549 complete. The company also offers an optional antenna that couples with the Long Range Edition to extend its range to well over 1 mile. For more information or to see demonstration videos you can go to www.bullseyecamera.com.

FLIR ThermoSight R-Series
Infrared technology leader FLIR announces the release of the ThermoSight R-Series, the world’s first line of thermal night vision scopes for non-game hunting starting under $3,500. The R-Series is also the first recreational scope within FLIR’s popular ThermoSight line of weapon sights, which includes models for law enforcement & the military. Compact and easy-to-use, the R-Series displays the body heat of humans as well as varmints and predators, regardless of the amount of visible light present. The scope has automatic image optimization and an advanced shock reduction system that is qualified for an MSR semiautomatic platform, up to .30 caliber. The R-Series also provides three inches of eye relief and multiple reticle options, with a repeatable & dependable zero. The R-Series is available in six different models, with a range of wide and narrow field of view lenses, and up to a 16x magnification. Each model includes a variety of video palettes, including FLIR’s exclusive “InstAlert” setting, which uses red colorization to display the hottest areas on screen. The R-Series attaches to any Mil-Std 1913 Picatinny rail, and its durable protective casing provides water resistance in up to three feet of water. Because of ITAR controls, the ThermoSight R-Series is only available for sale in the United States. For more detailed information, including specs, visit www.flir.com.

Mission First Tactical Torch Line
Mission First Tactical, LLC (MFT) is proud to introduce Torch; the new MFT series of lights and IR for home defense, law enforcement, security and as a primary light source backup. The Torch line includes three models: all are USA made by Princeton Tec. The Torch Backup Light White (TBLW) is a low profile, Picatinny mounted light with dual white LEDs. It has a recessed pressure pad for easy activation and a power button for simple ON/OFF functions. The illumination is low output for signature reduction during patrol, stealth structure search and approach to the target and breaching operations. The Torch Backup Light White has a 10-year storage lifespan, a 12-hour burn time with a 20-lumen bright white output. It weighs just 22 grams and has an IPX7 water resistant rating. MSRP is $59.99. The Torch Backup Light White/Red (TBLWR) illumination tool has many of the same features of the TBLW, except the dual LEDs are white and red; it has a 24-hour burn time and a 10-lumen output. Also, the power button features a one-click for low, a second click for high & a hold for 2-seconds brings on the primary light functionality. MSRP is $59.99. The third light in the Torch series is the Backup Light with Red/IR LEDs (TBLIR). It features all the same specifications of the TBLWR and includes the IR LED. MSRP is $59.99. For more information on the new Mission First Tactical Torch series of illumination tools, visit Mission First Tactical online at www.missionfirsttactical.com.

Ohio Ordnance Works HCAR
Ohio Ordnance Works, Inc. is proud to introduce the H.C.A.R. (Heavy Counter Assault Rifle), a rifle built on a similar cast receiver to the original Ohio Ordnance semiautomatic BAR but with significant improvements. The H.C.A.R. is 7 pounds lighter for faster, easier handling and more comfortable carrying and shooting. It fires the original .30-06 round and uses the same patented action as the original OOW semi-auto BAR (the 1918A3) and fires from the closed bolt. It also features a Picatinny rail to facilitate both a mounted optic and a back-up sight. The barrel has been dimpled using a patented design to reduce weight while maintaining rigidity and strength and to speed barrel cooling. The barrel is also threaded with the industry standard 5/8-24 thread that allows users to choose the flash suppressor, muzzle brake or sound suppressor their choice.

The H.C.A.R. comes with a newly designed handguard with four integrated Picatinny rails. These rails allow another optic device set-up (thermal with the main optic, etc.), as well as the attachment of the shooter’s choice of bipods, sling swivels, lights, etc. The trigger housing has been redesigned with an easier-to-engage safety with a shorter throw (45 degrees). There are new, quick-release push-pull pins that allow for a much simpler disassembly. It also has a new 6-pound trigger that is short and crisp, so the pull feels like a match trigger and the reset is just as short. The shooter can squeeze off controlled, accurate shots one after another. The ergonomic pistol grip allows for a more natural wrist alignment for shooting comfort and the easy-to-reach, intuitive magazine release paddle is quickly engaged so the time between mag changes is fast.

The H.C.A.R. has a bolt hold-open mechanism that locks the bolt to the rear when the mag is empty or whenever the bolt is manually pulled back without a magazine in the rifle. This allows single feeding, simple “one look” check for clear chamber, and easy field cleaning. The buffer system has been upgraded to a hydraulic buffer from the original cone buffering system, which slices the felt recoil of the rifle by at least half. The result is that the sight picture is easily maintained during firing with little to no effort. The internal threads of the buffer housing allow attachment of either Mil-Spec or aftermarket AR-15/M4 buttstock/buffer tubes, letting the shooter easily choose his or her own AR-15/M4 buttstock. For more information visit www.ohioordnanceworks.com.

Laser Devices DBAL-PL
The DBAL-PL is Laser Devices’ newest civilian legal product – available for everyone to purchase. This rugged, compact device makes your pistol an equal to the carbine in aiming and lighting capabilities and allows the pistol to be a usable tool in conjunction with night vision devices. The DBAL-PL features two operational modes – Visible mode: 400 lumen white light and choice of 5mW red or green laser; IR mode: Class 1 IR Laser with 600mW Eye-Safe LED Illuminator. Additional features include co-aligned visible and IR aiming lasers with fully adjustable windage and elevation. The DBAL-PL mounts to standard pistol rails or M1913 rail systems using a fully adjustable mounting interface for zero retention on any rail and a quick release battery compartment allows for battery changes on the fly while mounted. The DBAL-PL is powered by two (2) CR123A lithium batteries, activated by discrete push button switches located on the rear of the housing and machined from anodized aircraft aluminum then Type III hardcoat anodized for durability. See more at www.laserdevices.com.

Glock introduces the Glock 42
Glock, Inc. has announced the launch of its newest pistol – the Glock 42. The G42 is the smallest Glock pistol ever introduced, making it ideal for pocket carry and other deep concealment carry methods. Years of requests across all market groups for a super-concealable .380 Glock pistol prompted extensive development to bring the Glock customer the G42. The slim design of the G42 fits the hands of any shooter; specifically it gives women or those with smaller hands a comfortable option like they’ve never seen before. Glock’s smallest pistol uses the same Safe Action System found in all Glock pistols, is backed by more than 25 years of engineering excellence and comes with the Glock Limited Lifetime Warranty. The new Glock 42 is chambered in .380 ACP and hold 6 plus 1 rounds. The tiny gun is just 5.75 inches long and is less than 1 inch thick. The gun’s 3.25 inch barrel produces a velocity of 886 fps depending on ammunition. The gun is lightweight at just under 14 ounces with an empty magazine. More information can be found at www.glock.com.

TAC Shield Heavy Duty Bipods
TAC Shield is introducing their new line of precision engineered heavy duty bipods for active shooters. Strong high grade aluminum components are matched with a tough and durable matte finish ensuring a lifetime of shooting performance and protection. TAC Shield bipods offer fully adjustable and extendable legs. The precision leg lock offers secure variable length adjustment for each leg, accommodating terrain or surface variations. Each leg offers an additional fast extension that locks solidly in place supported with ribbed grip caps providing a secure and steady rest for the largest calibers. Legs retract quickly and positively with their spring return release buttons. Standard and pivoting models in various adjustable leg lengths offer a great selection for shooters to choose the right match for their rifle and accurate shooting needs. All bipods quickly and securely attach to swivel studs or rail adapters. All offer a time-proven spring leg deployment system providing strong and steady shooting, while folding for secure and out of the way storage. All products are backed with a Lifetime Warranty by people you can trust. Military Products, Inc. is proud to offer the TAC Shield brand of precision and quality products. Many of their products and designs are battle proven by our warfighters around the world. Please visit www.tacshield.com for more information about this and their other combat proven gear.

SIG Sauer SIG556xi
SIG Sauer has just introduced their new SIG556xi, rewriting the standard for modularity, reliability, and performance for the modern rifle platform. Based on the legendary SG550, the SIG556xi will change the way military, law enforcement, and responsible citizens look at adaptable rifles. Utilizing the time-tested rotating bolt and adjustable gas piston operating system, the SIG556xi allows operators a choice of caliber, barrel length, handguard/stock configurations and lower receivers. A removable barrel allows the operator to select the necessary length for a given mission. Adding the appropriate bolt, the SIG556xi can be changed to any of three calibers, 5.56x45mm NATO, 300 Blackout, and 7.62x39mm NATO. Users can also quickly change out the non-serialized lower receiver, allowing the use of either AR-style STANAG magazines or rock-and-lock AK-style magazines. The SIG556xi upper receiver is the serialized part, making the lower an easy to purchase part. Polymer handguards accept all Magpul light and rail kits, while the aluminum and carbon fiber handguards accept 2-, 4-, and 6-inch M1913 rails. Barrels are available in 10-, 14.5-, and 16-inches. Truly ambidextrous, the SIG556xi features an ambidextrous safety selector, magazine release and user swappable charging handle (right- or left-handed). Optional receiver end plates allow for the use of either AR receiver extension tubes and buttstocks or M1913 compatible stocks. Thanks to a redesigned trigger package, the military and law enforcement versions of the SIG556xi are capable of full-auto fire in every caliber, including 7.62x39mm. The Russian lower has been thoroughly function tested with many available AK magazines, including US P.A.L.M. www.sigsauer.com.

Trijicon VCOG 1-6X24MM
The new Trijicon VCOG (Variable Combat Optical Gunsight) 1-6x24mm meets the rigorous demands of duty or competition while giving shooters the flexibility to engage CQB targets & out to the maximum effective range of most service rifles. Designed and built in the USA, the Trijicon VCOG is machined from a 7075-T6 aluminum forging and given a Mil Spec, hard-coat anodized finish. There is a full 90 MOA of windage and elevation adjustment available in 1/2-inch click increments at 100 m to get almost any weapon system on target. Lenses are all fully multicoated with a broadband anti-reflective coating that maximizes light transmission while meeting and beating the military’s requirements for abrasion resistance. The scope maintains a constant four inches of eye relief throughout its magnification range and an oversized and knurled adjustment knob makes finding the perfect power setting easy and fast, even with gloved hands. The VCOG is waterproof to 66 feet and its illumination electronics are Mil-Spec tough. Initially, the VCOG will be offered with seven different reticle choices, all of which are located in the first focal plane allowing the ballistic reticle to be used at any magnification. The segmented circle reticle with a centered crosshair can be matched with 175-grain 7.62, 55- and 77-grain 5.56, or 115-grain supersonic 300 BLK loads. The popular horseshoe/dot reticle is available in each of the 5.56 and 7.62 offerings. The red illuminated reticle is powered by a common AA battery, accessible underneath the objective or, with a lithium battery, it can deliver 700 continuous hours of run time at setting 4 of 6. A rheostat is located on the main tube, opposite the windage turret, and has an off position between each of its six brightness settings. An integral mount securely pairs the optic with any M1913 Picatinny rail and its height is perfect for flattop M16, M4, AR-15 and SR-25/AR-10-style rifles. At just 10”, the VCOG leaves plenty of rail space ahead of the objective for night vision or thermal intensifiers. www.trijicon.com.

TAR Ideal Concepts TL5PRO
The TL5PRO was developed by TAR Ideal Concepts in collaboration with the Special Forces and an array of military experts, designed to fulfil specific requirements and challenges met on the battlefield in the promise of enhancing combat effectiveness and reducing fratricide.

Due to increased IR signatures in combat, effective IFF is limited. I.e., Reflective tape, which lacks a distinct signal gets lost in the background and soldiers are susceptible to friendly fire. In addition, today’s enemy has access to night vision and uses it to identify IR signatures as a common tactic for attacking soldiers. Further challenges include the weight, cost and size of effective IFF technology.

The TL5PRO signals the soldier by Infra-Red or Visual Illumination for IFF. Unlike other markers, the TL5PRO does not require the use of night vision as a means to maintain invisibility from the enemy. The marker is equipped with two main modes; IR and Visible (the Visible mode includes 3 illuminating color options), both of which have adjustable intensity levels. The Low Intensity Level allows the operator to be completely undetectable from a distance of above 50 meters; it is also untraceable and may be used when communications are unavailable or when operating under radio silence, maximizing the covertness of soldiers on the ground.

The TL5PRO is lightweight (only 90 gr), rugged, flexible, splash resistant and durable. Charged by one AA or CR123 battery, the Marker can last up to 72 hours in various modes.

Designed to detect and identify friendly forces in enemy territory. The TL5PRO is combat proven and can be used for multiple applications to include Landing Strip; K9 Tracking; Ground Forces and Special Operations; Police and SAR. www.tarideal.com

Leupold & Stevens, Inc. Names Bruce Pettet as New President and CEO
Leupold & Stevens announced that Bruce Pettet has been named chief executive officer and president of the U.S. sports optics manufacturer. “We’re excited by Bruce’s passion for growth, as well as his expertise in building global brands,” said Jim Clark, chairman of the Leupold & Stevens, Inc. board of directors. “As we continue to expand as a company, his vision and experience will be invaluable in helping build on Leupold’s reputation for best-in-class quality and service.”

As the President and CEO of Collective International, LLC, Pettet built a portfolio of successful brands that are sold in more than 100 countries worldwide. In addition to his success reenergizing and building Collective’s Airwalk brand, Pettet also created a company culture that was recognized as one of Denver’s top companies to work for. Prior to joining Airwalk, Pettet was the President and CEO of Brooks Sports, Inc., a premium running company located in Bothell, Wash. He has also served as chairman of the board of Famous Brands International (Mrs. Fields and TCBY yogurt brands).

“Leupold is a fantastic brand with an outstanding reputation in the market,” Pettet said. “I’m excited to help build on their recent success and ensure that Leupold & Stevens, Inc. remains the premier U.S. manufacturer of sporting optics.”

Nammo AND Eurenco Announce Merger
The Nammo Group and Eurenco Group announced the signature of the Share Purchase Agreement (SPA) of the Finnish company Eurenco Vihtavuori OY. The company Eurenco Vihtavuori OY is a well-known manufacturer of propellants for civilian and military use. The agreement is subject to approval by French authorities. Filing is now done and approval is expected to be granted within a short time.

With its headquarter in Raufoss, Norway, the Nammo Group is a technology driven aerospace and defense group specializing in technologically advanced products. Nammo’s core business is development, production and sales of military and sports ammunition, shoulder fired weapon systems, rocket motors for military and space applications, and global services for environmentally friendly demilitarization. Nammo has 21 manufacturing operations and 2,200 employees in 9 countries.

Drawing on centuries of know-how and expertise in chemical synthesis of energetic molecules, Eurenco develops, manufactures and provides a largely diversified and tailor-made range of products for both the Defense and commercial markets: high explosives and compositions (for main charges, boosters, primers, pyrotechnics.); innovative demolition explosives; advanced combustible items; single, spherical and multi-base propellants.

U.S. Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals Upholds ITAR Conviction Without Specific Intent
In United States v. Brian Bishop, No. 13-4356 (Jan. 28, 2014), the government prosecuted a Foreign Service Officer in the U.S. State Department for attempting to ship small arms ammunition from Alabama to Amman, Jordan. Allegedly, Mr. Bishop had no knowledge that the small arms ammunition required an export license. Nevertheless, the Fourth Circuit court affirmed a lower court’s conviction of Mr. Bishop. For a complete background and analysis of the case, please continue to the legal column within this issue.

JULY TWENTY-EIGHTH, NINETEEN HUNDRED AND FOURTEEN
marks the beginning of what would soon become known as The Great War and what historians would later label World War One. Combat on a heretofore unimagined scale of savagery, size and horrifying invention followed on killing fields, seas and skies across the globe.

From this point until the armistice on November 11, 1918, more than thirty million combatants were killed or wounded.

Science and technology advanced at a wildly accelerated rate, producing weapons with exponentially increasing lethality. These included artillery, flamethrowers, poison gas, aeroplanes and dirigibles, bombs, tanks, submarines, grenades, small arms, and ammunition.

The Bergmann MP18,1 Maschinen Pistole. Seen here in a historical re-creation set in October, 1918 on the Western Front, this elite German Stosstrupp (shock troop) appears like a ghost amid swirling clouds of poison gas to rout French enemies from their protective trench with bursts of 9mm rounds from his kugelspritz (bullet squirter). Hugo Schmeisser’s innovative submachine gun, fed by a Luger pistol’s distinctive “snail drum” magazine, fires 32 rounds at a cyclic rate 400 rounds per minute. (Robert Bruce)

As to the number of these guns available at the beginning of the war, it is said that besides those allocated to the fortresses, the German Army possessed in August, 1914, some 50,000 machine guns. It is not possible to verify the statement, but the lavish use made of the gun during the war, the numbers that have been brought into action in every engagement, make the statement highly probable.” From The Book of the Machine Gun by Major F.V. Longstaff and Captain A. Hilliard Atteridge. 1917

Having personally experienced the first two years of The Great War with its horrific daily casualty reports – often in the tens of thousands – British Army officers Longstaff and Atteridge “knew whereof they spoke,” in assessing the numbers and the grisly effectiveness of automatic machine guns serving in Kaiser Friedrich Wilhelm II’s Imperial German Army. “Kaiser Bill” had early on and eagerly embraced these horribly efficient killing machines in general and American inventor Hiram Stevens Maxim’s weapons in particular.

That is not to say the armies of Great Britain and France were without Maxims and similarly effective rifle caliber machine guns at the onset of hostilities in 1914. There had been quite satisfactory service and often spectacular success with these in numerous colonial campaigns as well as closely observed and widely reported use of Maxim and Hotchkiss guns on opposing sides of the Russo-Japanese War of 1904-05.

Uncle Sam’s machine guns on the training range. Camp Wheeler, Georgia, 4 Feb. 1918. Soldiers of the Army’s 31st Division live firing an obviously staged lineup of the most common machine guns in the inventory (l to r): .30-06 caliber U.S. Colt Vickers Model of 1915, .30-06 caliber U.S. Colt Automatic Gun Model 1914 (“Potato Digger”), .30-06 caliber U.S. Benet-Mercie Model of 1909, 8mm French Mle 1915 Chauchat, .30-06 caliber U.S. Lewis Gun. These men and their machine guns would soon find themselves in the trenches of France providing much-needed reinforcement to French and British allies fighting the Germans. (U.S. Army Signal Corps, National Archives)

Indeed, following the grudgingly slow introduction of the Gatling Gun of the American Civil War in the 1860’s, a parade of others moved out smartly to battle fronts. These were initially hand-cranked but inevitably self-powered by the very cartridges they ingested and spat out at the rate of hundreds per minute. Thus, it was often claimed by proponents that a single automatic machine gun could equal or surpass the firepower of as many as a hundred infantrymen with their bolt action rifles.

The Industrial Revolution on both sides of the turn of the century produced dizzying advances in machines of all types. And killing machines were prominent among them.

Widely quoted is a friend’s sage advice to Hiram Maxim, “If you want to make a pile of money, invent something that will enable these Europeans to cut each other’s throats with greater facility.”

A standard pairing of magazine-fed Vilar-Perosa machine guns mounted on a bicycle. Patented by Italian engineer Bethel A. Revelli in April 1914, this twin combination of woefully underpowered 9mm Glisenti pistol caliber machine guns was improbably intended for use by mountain troops and as aircraft armament. Instead, it’s primary claim to fame is apparently inspiring parallel development of the Italian Beretta 1918 and the German Bergmann MP18,1 machine pistols. (U.S. Army Ordnance Museum)

Carrying the names of their inventors or the often ruthless industrialists who acquired their patents, fast-firing guns from Nordenfeldt, Gardner, Lewis, Hotchkiss, and others were fielded by European armies and many elsewhere in the decades leading up to global conflagration.

But, unlike Germany’s canny Kaiser, hidebound traditionalists commanding armies and navies of the British Crown and French Republic relegated machine guns mostly to specialist roles such as use in forts and other fixed defenses, providing emergency firepower to horse cavalry units, and fighting off maritime boarding parties. Their numbers were far fewer at the outset of war, giving “The Hun” a distinct advantage.

The 1908 “Light Model” Vickers seen in 1911. By inverting the Maxim lock, thinning the receiver components and making extensive use of aluminum and steel alloy in place of brass, Vickers cut the previous gun’s weight to 32 lbs. The Vickers Adjustable Tripod seen here was also a lighter but still sufficiently sturdy and stable platform. (National Archives)

Trench Warfare
In addition to massed artillery employed by opposing armies in the slaughter that immediately followed, direct fire by automatic machine guns mowed down waves of bravely charging infantrymen and cavalrymen, forcing both sides to seek refuge in trenches. These somewhat parallel tactical ditch lines would eventually stretch over four hundred miles across France, from the North Sea to the Swiss border. They were taken and retaken over the next four years by savage skirmishes and human wave assaults of almost incomprehensible carnage.

Outside of Europe, armies and navies of the major combatants, most often reinforced by colonial troops, would usually clash in more fluid engagements. The contested terrain was vast in Africa and the Middle East, as well as naval engagements on far-flung oceans.

But even these relatively fleeting encounters sometimes produced genuine trench warfare. One such example is the infamous campaign at Gallipoli, fought between German-aligned Turks and British, Australian and New Zealand troops.

Hotchkiss Portatable Mk1 in service with the British Army’s Indian Sepoy troops. Photographed on the Somme battlefield of France, circa 1916. Designed at the French Hotchkiss works by American Laurence Benet and his French counterpart Henri Mercie, this light, portable rework of the Hotchkiss Mle 1909 was widely adopted. Its U.S. Army designation was Benet-Mercie Machine Rifle Model of 1909, manufactured at Springfield Armory and Colt. (National Archives)

Static, fluid and flying combat
As tactics evolved to deal with challenges posed by warfare in the trenches, attempts to break out of the stalemate, the need to operate over vast land masses far away from logistical support, and the brand new development of combat in the clouds, the machine gun necessarily evolved as well.

Heavy, crew-served examples like the Maxim MG08, Hotchkiss Mle 1914 and Vickers Mk 1 were most prominent in defensive actions. Remarkably reliable when properly cared for and sturdily affixed atop substantial mounts, they were capable of sustained, accurate fire at long ranges.

While we most often think of them shooting straight on against lines of attackers, they were more efficiently employed on the flanks with interlocking fields of fire. Also, they proved devilishly effective in “indirect fire barrages” – meticulously aimed using geometry with detailed maps and ballistic tables to rain bullets on unseen targets far in the enemy’s rear areas.

“A French Mitrailleuse in Action.” A month after the eruption of hostilities in Europe the cover shot for the 12 September 1914 issue of Scientific American magazine shows a French crew with the problematic St. Etienne Model 1907 atop an Omnibus mount with its distinctive elevating handwheel. Noting the blank adapter on the muzzle and the unusually short cartridges in the feed strips, the photo must have been taken on training maneuvers. (Robert Bruce collection)

Raiding parties needed lighter and more portable machine guns that could ideally be carried and fired by one man. Among the best of these was the Lewis Gun, an American air cooled light machine gun that was license-built in Belgium and in England and extensively used by the British. Additionally, the British Mk I Portable machine rifle, made under license in England from the French firm of Hotchkiss based upon their Mle 1909 Portative served the Crown in infantry, cavalry and light armoured vehicles.

The French, decidedly enamored with air cooling vs. heavy and troublesome water jackets, fielded the crudely configured but often surprisingly effective Chauchat Mle 1915. However, American “Doughboys,” assigned alongside French divisions and issued French weapons because of the critical need for ammunition compatibility, were understandably unhappy with having to swap their Lewis Guns for ugly Chauchats.

While the Germans adopted the easily carried, air cooled, magazine fed Danish Madsen Muskete machine rifle in limited numbers for elite mountain units and infantry shock troops, their primary assault machine gun was the heavy, unwieldy and long-belt-trailing MG08/15. This water cooled anvil of a gun was made a bit more bearable in its air cooled version, known as the MG08/18.

Firing the Italian FIAT-Rivelli Model 1914. Designed in 1908 by Bethel Abiel Revelli and built by automaker FIAT, this 38 pound, 6.5mm, water cooled, retarded blowback action weapon was the standard machine gun of the Italian Army in action with allied forces against the German-aligned Central Powers. Most notable is its odd “mouse trap” magazine, holding cartridges in ten lines of five rounds each, theoretically so nearby riflemen could replenish it if needed in the heat of battle. (National Archives)

Perhaps the most interesting cartridge weapon given to the Kaiser’s soldiers was the Bergmann MP18i machine pistol in 9mm parabellum caliber. Positioned somewhere between the little Luger and Mauser pistols and the very handy Madsen Muskete, it was well suited along with stick grenades and flamethrowers for the nasty, close range business of clearing trenches.

And, while the Italian Villar-Perosa is often cited as the first of a new breed of pistol caliber automatic weapons, Theodor Bergmann’s Maschinen Pistole deserves distinction as the first practical example of the breed that proliferates even today. His MP18i is the first practical shoulder arm in a new class eventually identified as the “submachine gun.”

Parabellum Aircraft Machine Gun Model 1914/17. Pictured here arming the observer for a German combat aircraft, this clever refinement/redesign of the MG08, designed at D.W.M. by Karl Heinemann, features a slim, air cooled barrel, telescopic sight and attached reel for the fast-firing gun’s belted 7.92mm ammunition. Note the handy rack of stick grenades for harassment “bombing” of enemy trenches. (National Archives)

Aeroplanes and airships
From the outbreak of war all major combatants flew observation aircraft. Unarmed at first, it wasn’t long before shots were being exchanged, setting in motion an aerial arms race. While early installations naturally featured machine guns for rear cockpit observers and other guns in awkward over-wing mounts to fire forward over the propeller, Dutchman Anthony Fokker’s brilliant synchronizing device changed the game fully and forever.

The Fokker system allowed the ever-clever Germans to mount a pair of lightly modified, belt-fed Maxim guns right in front of the pilot, who could point the nose of his fighter plane to aim and fire on enemy aircraft or to strafe the poor blighters in trenches. To keep from sawing off the plane’s two-bladed wooden propeller, an interrupter mechanism ensured that neither gun would fire when the prop crossed the bullet stream.

The Hun’s advantage was short lived, however, as his opponents learned the secret and applied it to their own crates. The British Vickers, itself a modified Maxim, was ideally suited.

While not having to shoot through propellers, air to air defensive machine guns on Germany’s rigid skinned, hydrogen lofted “dirigibles” used for the long range bombing missions over London were necessarily lightened versions of those mired in the mud of the trenches. The same lightened Maxims and newer Parabellums served well on both airships and airplanes.

Demonstrating the Browning Model of 1917 machine gun. Meuse, France, 5 October 1918. U.S. Army Lieutenant Val A. Browning adjusts the rear sight on his famous father’s new Model of 1917 at the start of another live fire demonstration for U.S. and allied observers. A development based on John M. Browning’s 1901 design, this short recoil, water cooled, belt fed .30-06 caliber weapon is widely considered superior to all others of its class, serving the U.S. military and many others well into the 1960s. (National Archives)

Late breaking developments
As previously noted, American machine gun designs were prominent in The Great War long before Uncle Sam’s troops declared to their French allies, “Lafayette, we are here,” and entered the trenches of the Western Front in late 1917. But the best were yet to come.

John Moses Browning was busily at work back in the United States on a lighter, simpler and more efficient alternative to the Maxim and Vickers guns. Officially adopted by the army of his homeland as the Model of 1917, his .30-06 caliber water cooled, recoil operated, belt fed gun was clearly superior to previous types.

Similarly, his Browning Automatic Rifle, Model of 1918, offered tremendous advantages in portability, simplicity and reliability, over its rivals.

Also, spurred on by German introduction of a massive and powerful new 12.7mm cartridge for a shoulder fired antitank rifle, Browning was well along in beefing up his .30 cal. Model of 1917 to fire a version of this when Germany capitulated in November 1918. This remarkable new weapon, still in first line service even today in the U.S. Armed Forces and many others, became the classic .50 caliber M2HB “Ma Deuce.”

Another American, retired Brigadier General John Taliaferro Thompson, had also neared fielding a unique automatic machine gun when the war ended. His “Trench Broom,” known to us as the .45 ACP caliber Thompson Submachine Gun, would have clearly outgunned its 9mm German rival.

In the smoldering, rubble-strewn aftermath of what was so naively termed “The War to End All Wars,” the major powers immediately began disarming and demobilizing. There was little official enthusiasm and no budget for building on new concepts.

Except for, as it would eventually be revealed, in only temporarily vanquished Germany. Stung by harsh terms of surrender imposed by Britain, France and America, seething Germans began rearming in secret. But that is another story.

SchleTek, a German chemical company operating throughout Europe, has recently offered a line of premium gun care products. Our evaluation of this product was taken on with a degree of enthusiasm – as most things German are expected to be outstanding – and we were not disappointed with the outcome. We only tested four of the nine products offered to get a feel for the performance of these chemicals. We were impressed with the four products we tested and assume that the others we did not test will be equally impressive.

Carbon Cleaner
The Carbon Cleaner is offered in aerosol and pump. It’s a clear liquid with a very faint methanol odor. It was tested first on a very dirty AR-15 bolt group & a heavily stained revolver. In order to only demonstrate the efficacy of the product, we used the product here with no heavy scrubbing or soaking – only a quick wipe down with a cotton patch though the manufacturer suggests a 15 minute exposure for heavily carbonized parts. We then gave it a harder task: suppressor baffles from a well used, fully automatic 5.7×28. The results are conclusive. It’s possibly the best carbon cleaner we’ve ever used. It’s fast, less toxic than the competitors’ products & works very, very well.

The “gold” bolt was used for visibility. This result was achieved with a spray and a quick wipe with a paper towel. The heavily “baked-on” carbon toward the head of the firing pin & tail of the bolt will require more effort.

2 in 1 Gun-Tuning
2 in 1 Gun-Tuning is lubricant and surface treatment that comes in aerosol or a dropper bottle. It has a very light consistency that creeps and wicks all over a mechanism by itself. It has better lubricating qualities than we expected… in fact better lubrication than most heavy grease. One test we performed was on an AR-15 fire control mechanism – a JP Original trigger – an exceptional trigger by any standard. The trigger was lubricated with various oils and greases, including SchleTek 2-1. The receiver was oriented vertically in a bench vise, and remained in that state throughout our tests. The trigger was checked for pull using a “dead weight” system. Each lubricant was tested for the average of 3 pulls and then cleaned thoroughly after each product. The result: trigger pull with SchleTek 2-1 was 3 oz less than the next best product (which was a high-load grease marketed specifically for triggers). It must be noted that the load on a trigger’s sear is very high and good performance here is indicative of good performance everywhere. As reported, 2-1 is a very thin oil, so when dispersed it leaves an unnoticeable film behind. This film will resist carbon buildup and copper & plastic wad fouling, corrosion and oxidation.

The SchleTek products we tested. Gun Polish, 2-1 Tuning, Carbon Cleaner and Optic Cleaner. They also offer a non-ammonia foaming bore cleaner, thread locking compounds, and even epoxy bedding compounds.

Optic Cleaner
The SchleTek Optic Cleaner was evaluated on eye glasses, an Aimpoint, and a large high powered riflescope. The foaming action is immediate, aggressive, & effectively lifted particulate and oil away from the lenses. We gave the lens a spray, a quick wipe around the glass, followed by a dry cloth to polish out the residual film. This left no streaks or spots behind. The product leaves a remnant film designed to reduce fogging, and dust attraction on lenses. This anti-fog and dust-repellant property was noted to last several days. The foaming action gave our evaluators extra confidence over the competitor’s liquid spray that leaves particulate on the lens when you’re wiping the glass off.

Rust-X and Gun Polish
The Gun Polish Box contains two jars of compound and two microfiber cloths. The Rust-X gel is noticeably abrasive and has a slight odor of Kerosene. The abrasive appears to be softer than steel, as it effectively removes surface oxides and tarnish without abrading the steel substrate. It seems ideal as a lapping compound, for rifle bores or a final step in fitting a pistol slide to a frame. This could be compared to JB paste; Rust-X is more fluid and uniform in consistency than JB paste, thus can flow and disperse better. The Gun Polish is milder than Rust-X and has no abrasive feel to the touch. It will polish gun and tool steel to a mirror surface, and was even used to great effect to remove scratches from plastic safety glasses. Gun Polish could be compared to Flitz or Gunbrite. Gun Polish remains in a working liquid state longer than the competitors and is easier to clean off. Both of these SchleTek products are excellent for general cleaning and fouling removal. The Rust-X is suited for stainless guns or internal surfaces. Gun Polish is ideal for blued or plated guns where a harsher compound could damage the finish.

SchleTek Deutschland is currently making a move to enter their products into the United States market, and are looking for distributors.

SchleTek Deutschland
Inh. Industriegebiet West
Boschstr. 4
47574 Goch, Germany
Tel: +49 2823 975 97 80
Fax: +49 2823 975 97 82
Web: www.schletek.de
Email: info@SchleTek.de

The fourth biannual BRIDEX (pronounced Brih-dex) exhibition was another marked success for this small South East Asian nation on the northern tip of the island of Borneo. While a relatively small regional show, it drew a solid representation of buyers and vendors in the region, reaching all the way to Africa and the Mideast. The U.S. and UK were well represented as were other European nations. In some ways this event was a bit smaller in scale than the last, but the floors were packed with VIPs who engaged with the vendors, and that’s what counts.

One note on the focus of the show: the last round of contract awards included a lot of small arms procurement, and this time it was a military vehicle focus for many vendors. ST Engineering from Singapore was after the Grenade Machine Gun AGL fulfillment, but had their best foot forward on vehicles in their display. Similar focus could be seen at other booths.

UKROBORONPROM, Ukraine’s state agency, and the State Kyiv Design Bureau “LUCH” presented a number of gun-launched anti-tank guided missiles in many standard calibers. Shown: models in 90mm “Falarick-90;” 100mm “Stugna;” 105mm “Falarick-105;” 120mm “KONUS;” & 125mm “KOMBAT.” www.luch.kiev.ua

RUAG’s ammunition display showcased their entire military line including sniper ammunition up to 12.7x99. www.ruag.com

“Darussalam” means “Abode of Peace” and Brunei is in fact a peaceful and prosperous nation, but once again the underlying theme of BRIDEX was that while peace is a good thing, one must be prepared to defend it. His Majesty, Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, is the 29th of his line, which dates back to the fourteenth century. Aside from his normal interest in having a highly trained military, His Majesty has taken a special interest in the success of this show, and many country leaders answered the call to add their support. After the opening ceremony of BRIDEX, which was in the new exhibition center, the show was filled with official delegations, ambassadors, buying groups, and other qualified personnel.

SAAB Bofors Dynamics Switzerland, Ltd. presented the “MAPAM” advanced mortar systems. They have achieved a 30% weight savings by using an aluminum skin and fragmentation embedded in an epoxy matrix, as shown in the cutaway examples. Increase in the “lethality area” is claimed as 2-2.5 times the area. www.saabgroup.com

A note for SADJ readers who attend a lot of shows to meet customers; something unusual happens at BRIDEX that is worth mentioning. The Sultan not only attends the show, but he and his entourage go row by row through the entire exhibit area, and His Majesty personally greets and looks at the products from every single booth. (At the SADJ booth we presented His Majesty with our magazines and a copy of the second edition of AK47: The Grim Reaper, which he accepted in a serious manner. We then presented him with some of our Machine Gun Coloring Books and that brought a smile and a bigger thanks).

Spanish company EXSPACE (Expal, MAXAM) presented an integrated system; a drone that appeared as a bird from a distance, combined with a mortar fire control system “Techfire” and the actual modernized mortar, to create a complete intelligence gathering and fire control system for artillery and small mortars such as their 81mm. www.expace.es

This author has seldom seen the amount of VIP time that happened at BRIDEX. The attendees from the Sultan on down were very hands-on and attentive to every booth. Whether that translates into business for the attendees depends on the presentation and products of the attendees, of course, but BRIDEX management pulled out the stops in getting that VIP time for exhibitors, and everyone we spoke with was appreciative of this. (Read the Manroy Engineering sidebar for another interesting view on this.) We were very impressed with the quality of the visitors and the interest exhibited by them, and for vendors who travel the world and go through the international bureaucratic maze and jet-lag haze to try to reach their end users, well, there’s no higher praise for a show. We will definitely be back to Brunei Darussalam for the next BRIDEX event in 2015.

Manroy Engineering’s “Manroy 5.56 LMG” belt fed light machine gun in 5.56x45mm. The parentage is the Israeli Negev, with Manroy’s development.

Manroy Engineering: A Study in Success
Manroy Engineering has been around for a long time, producing .50 caliber machine guns and the British GPMG (MAG58 variant L7) as well as mounts and many other products. Manroy recently opened in the U.S. and has had some good success there. But about two years ago they decided to start going to some of the smaller, regional shows around the world, looking for non-traditional customers for their growth. It’s been this author’s lifelong experience that potential buyers appreciate that you’ve taken the time to come to their country and visit with them, and this has proven to be a wise course for many.

Manroy M2QCB .50 caliber machine gun, with spare quick change barrel, tripod, mount, and kit, as purchased by the Brunei military after winning the competition.

Mark McCaughran, Regional Sales Director, Far East Operations, Manroy Engineering, explained that his company had been considering investing in travel to regional military shows, and had read about the BRIDEX show in Small Arms Defense Journal. Mark said that they attended and exhibited at the 2011 BRIDEX, and connected with the Brunei military and were invited to compete in the Heavy Machine Gun tender due to showing their products at the show. As a result of winning the competition, Manroy sold 56 sets of their .50 caliber M2-QCB with spare barrel, soft mount, and lightweight tripod that fits into the heavy duty transport chest, and they were running a loop film of the heavy firing being done at the range in Brunei with these heavy weapons. They had high hopes of follow-on sales for other groups in Brunei’s military, as well as expanding their pallet of weapons sold to the military here. This was a textbook case of “How it’s supposed to work,” and while there are never any guarantees that traveling to shows will yield sales, not being there can certainly shoot down your chances of even knowing about the opportunities. www.manroy.com.

Throughout the industry there are numerous combination tools for the AR-15/M16-series rifle. Most of them are not what you would consider to be armorer combination tools. They are mostly combination tools for cleaning such as the eFECT maintenance tool, Multi Tasker and the Samson Field Survivor to name just a few. These will often contain sight adjustment tools, firing pin retainer pin removal tool, carbon cleaning tools, punch, scraper and screw driver for optics. Some also will come with a broken shell extractor as well as cleaning brushes and or cables. None of these were intended for repair but just field cleaning.

At the 2013 SHOT Show a new and unique tool was debuted by designer John Horne of Space Age Weaponry out of Los Alamos, New Mexico. He showed his D-CAT or Deployable Compact Armorers Tool. So what makes the D-CAT different from the ones previously mentioned? This is a complete field armorer tool that is capable of repairing anything on the rifle that does not require a vise and even some things that do if you have someone help and hold onto the rifle. The tool’s main component is manufactured from 303 stainless steel and the torque handle is manufactured from 6061 T6 aluminum. The bits and punches are manufactured from H13 tool steel.

The D-CAT tool comes with an optic/detachable carrying handle tool. This makes for easy install and removal of these type of locking nuts.

Beginning with the torque handle, there are several capabilities. In the rear of the handle is a bit storage magazine with a rotary retention gate for 4 hex bits (flat, 9/64, 1/8, front sight tool) and a 1/8 inch punch. The opposite end has two roll pin starters and a rifle receiver extension wrench. There are two extra compartments, one of which can hold items such as hammer/trigger pins and the other can hold an additional 1/8” punch. The main body has holes to accept the tool for use as a handle in its various configurations.

The tool has multiple capabilities. These include a hex driver, magazine lip gauge, rear sight tool (A1 field sight), hammer/trigger pin punch, optics screw driver, bolt carrier carbon scraper, receiver pin driver, punch holder, magazine lip adjustment, cleaning rod attachment and gas tube wrench. Stored on the inside of the hex driver body of the tool is a roll pin starter, 0.093 and 0.0625 punches. The retainer pin, which holds the torque handle and tool together, is also used as a receiver pivot pin installation tool. Also with the tool comes a rubber cover that also serves as a muzzle cap that can be safely shot through.

The hex driver end also serves as a magazine lip gauge.

In looking at the capabilities of the tool we will start with the two main configurations. The torque handle serves as the host for the inner tool sub-assembly. The rear of the torque handle has an impact area for use with a hammer or rock (i.e. field expedient hammer). The opposite end has multi purposes. First it is a wrench for an M16-series rifle receiver extension. By placing the inner tool transverse in the rear of the torque handle, it is used for a T-handle to rotate and tighten the receiver extension. Next there are two roll pin starters. One is for the 3/32” bolt catch roll pin/extractor pin and the other is for the 5/64” roll pin and forward assist roll pin. The 1/16” pin punch can be used to install and remove the rear sight roll pin, ejector pin and gas tube roll pin installation/removal.

Depending on which way the tool is inserted into the torque handle there is either a punch end or a hex bit end. The punch end is magnetized to retain the various punches and the hex ends uses a spring retainer to hold the bits in place. The end of the punch end also serves as a bolt carrier scraper. This is designed to remove built up carbon from the back of the bolt carrier. The inside of the hex driver body near the threads houses six compartments that hold up to six pin punches or a combination of punches and smaller springs and detents such as the receiver detent and detent springs. When using the pin punches, by placing the 1/8” punch in the tool, the tool can be used for removal/installation of the trigger guard pin. When inserting the flat blade screwdriver end, the tool can be used for installation and removal of the pistol grip screw as well as the tightening and removal of the buttstock screw at the end of the buttplate. A 3/16 hex driver is also included for weapons that have a socket head cap screw to retain the pistol grip instead of the conventional straight blade fillister head. The flat screwdriver may also be used for field staking of the carrier key screws. The front sight adjustment tool can be used for removal of the firing pin retainer pin as well as a sight adjustment. The 1/8” hex bit can also be used for the lifting and removal of the magazine floorplate. The tool is held by the torque handle. At the end of the tool there is a slit used for bending magazine feed lips.

The D-CAT comes with a feature to easily make sight adjustments on the field sight for the fixed carrying handle M16/M16A1 rifles.

The spring clip assembly is a dual purpose assembly. When the spring is attached, it is used to secure the torque handle to the tool. When removed it serves as a front pivot pin installation tool. The spring is removed from the pin. The large end of the pin is slid into the gateway in the lower receiver until the hole on the end lines up with the hole in the receiver. The spring and detent are inserted into the face of the pin. With the 0.093” punch push inward on the detent/spring and rotate the pivot pin tool. Remove the punch. Now slide the pivot pin in from the left side and rotate until the detent engages the track on the pivot pin.

Separating the two sides of the inner sub-assembly reveals additional capabilities. The punch side on the opposite side provides both a takedown/pivot pin punch as well as a hammer/trigger pin punch as well as an alignment punch for the same. On the side of the tool is a large optic screw driver. This can be used for the locking nuts on a detachable carrying handle or any optic that uses the same interface.

Insert the receiver starter pin in from the right side with the narrower end facing left. Align the hole in the right side with the hole in the receiver. Insert the detent spring followed by the detent. With the 0.093 punch, push the detent into the receiver. Once it is in, rotate the receiver pivot pin 30°, then slide the front pivot pin through the receiver and rotate the pivot pin until the detent engages the track on the front pivot pin.

The hex bit end also has multiple uses. With the installation of the front sight adjustment bit, the front sight post can be adjusted or removed. The flat portion of the end of the hex bit end has a A1 Field sight adjustment tool. This makes easy adjustment of the sights without the use of a cartridge tip. The 9/64 and 1/8 hex bits are used also for removal and installation of the carrier key screws. If the carrier key screws are staked in place they may need to be too difficult to remove or may even well need to be ground. The very end of the hex bit end is also used for a magazine lip gauge; the bullet tip should align on the retention spring.

With the tool assembled it acts as a gas tube removal tool. The pin punch end has a groove cut into the tool which matches the gas tube. On the other end a rotating jaw is installed that mates with the other side of the gas tube. The hex end is tightened which closes the gas tube tool on the gas tube making for easy removal of the carbon froze gas tube.

The roll pin starter on the face of the torque handle being deployed to start the bolt catch retainer pin in place.

Currently the tool is focused on the AR-15/M16 market at large. This includes military, law enforcement as well as commercial. Tools have made it out to several military units as well as the law enforcement community. John Horne is a police officer and has got them to several in the law enforcement community. The Los Angeles Police Department has purchased some of the tools. The biggest challenge facing Space Age Weaponry and the D-CAT is getting a good size inventory before the big push begins for sales. The D-CAT is U.S. Patent pending and awaiting an ITAR ruling. Once that is dealt with the D-CAT will see international marketing.

The D-CAT is unique to the industry. Based on this author’s research there is nothing like it on the market today. The D-CAT is a new product with only a few hundred units in circulation. However, with a new manufacturing partner and more exposure to the industry the D-CAT has a place in any military or law enforcement armorers tool box. The merits of this tool would be invaluable to an armorer in the field in a military unit. This small compact tool can fix most any issue that may come up in the field without having to lug around a heavy armorer kit. Many malfunctions and small part replacements could not be done in the field due to the inability to carry a big kit where the D-CAT could be used to conduct most any needed field repair. The tool is currently available direct from Space Age Weaponry at www.spaceageweaponry.com and through Brownells. This tool has an excellent future with all walks of the industry.

The key to reliability with any auto loading firearm is the feeding device whether it is a magazine, clip, belt or whatnot; the buck stops at the feeding mechanism front door. Over the last several years the industry has produced many different magazines for the black rifle. With the popularity of the rifle there simply wasn’t enough to go around as the demand was overwhelming. On the other side, there have been numerous attempts and some successful endeavors to improve greatly upon the standard aluminum GI magazine. Though not the first to produce a polymer AR magazine, Magpul has revolutionized the way we feed the black rifle. Earlier attempts to make a durable polymer magazine met with disaster. Magpul’s introduction of the PMag set a new standard, not only for polymer magazines but for the AR magazine in general.

There are numerous magazines available today at good prices and many manufacturers have come out with durable and reliable magazines. This article will look at the most popular ones. Surely there will be some magazines left out either intentionally or unintentionally. The ones featured represent the best of the lot based on testing not only by this author but in the field whether by military or law enforcement. Some of the magazines, little to no rounds were fired due to the still scarceness of 5.56mm ammunition. The basic weapons systems the magazines were tested in were the LMT, Aero Precision, Colt rifles and a lower receiver manufactured by Mega Arms.

The Generation 3 PMag manufactured by Magpul. From bottom to top is the 40, 30, 30 Maglevel and 20-round versions.

The Magpul Generation 3 PMag
This is the newest generation in the evolution of what this author believes is the best magazine available anywhere for this platform. The new magazines have a flat floor plate allowing easier stacking in a magazine pouch. The new M3 features a stainless steel magazine spring, four-way anti-tilt follower, pop-off Impact/Dust Cover and tool-less disassembly for cleaning. The low profile ribs and aggressive front and rear texture provide positive control of the magazine thus helping with compatibility of double and triple magazine pouches. The easy to disassemble standard flared floor plate provides drop protection and aids extraction from the magazine pouch. A paint pen dot matrix has been added to the bottom panel of the magazine body for easy marking by the end user for magazine identification. The geometry of the M3 makes it compatible with not standard M16/M4-type magazine wells including the HK416, M27 IAR, British SA80 and FN SCAR. The M3 incorporates a new material technology and manufacturing process that increases strength and durability in critical areas. This magazine was tested with 300 Blackout with no issues.

Lancer Systems AWM or Advanced Warfighter Magazines. These are the more recent versions/updates to the original L5 variations. They are offered in both 20- and 30-round variations as well in a variety of colors as well as translucent options.

The Lancer Advanced War
Fighter Magazine
This author has been quite active in tracking the progression of the Lancer translucent magazines going back to their joint effort with Diemaco in the early 2000s. As recalled, the magazines were always top notch and blew away the Thermold magazines the Canadians had been producing for some time. The testing only showed one real weakness and that was if the feed lips were covered with DEET (bug spray) it would break down the polymer and the feed lips would separate and the bullets would come flying out the magazine. Around this time is when Colt Defense purchased Diemaco and now renamed it Colt Canada. Colt Defense later decided to drop out of the partnership and the project. Lancer, knowing they had a real product that was durable, reliable and could compete with any magazine in the market decided to take it on their own and develop the magazine. In 2007, Lancer introduced to the industry their L5 translucent magazine. Some of the major changes included a change from green to smoke color translucent color and got away from the solid plastic floor plate for a rubberized one. Additionally, through a couple generations, they went from the standard green GI follower to a better one. The magazines were an instant success. They would go on to make a 20, 5 and 10-round magazine as well. They also coupled two magazines together producing a 48-round competition magazine.

In 2011, Lancer launched their next generation magazine: the L5AWM (L5 Advanced Warfighter Magazine). There were many improvements to this new magazine. To solve the DEET issue they completely re-designed the feed lip portion of the magazine utilizing a much larger steel feed lip that is mechanically attached to the polymer body. The new feed lip design provides sufficient support to the top of the magazine to allow the L5AWM’s body to be molded from non-translucent polymers. Using a new stainless steel spring, the magazine has a constant curve design to improve feeding as well as a more aggressive texture making them easier to use in adverse conditions. The floor plate is now removable by sliding off and is made of a more impact resistant polymer. The geometry of the magazine has been changed so it can be used in non standard magazine wells such as the H&K 416, SA80 and Beretta ARX-160 rifle as well as standard M16-series rifles. The magazines are now offered in smoke, brown and black translucent configurations as well as opaque black, foliage green, olive drab and flat dark earth color. This magazine was tested with 300 Blackout with no issues.

The Hera magazines offered exclusively through Lan World are the newest to market. These German made polymer magazines are very well built and show excellent workmanship. These were extensively tested and are as reliable as any tested in this project.

Hera Arms
Perhaps the newest entry into the marketplace is the Hera Arms H3 and H3T magazines. There are two variations offered by Hera Arms: the first is the H3 magazine that is a solid version without a window and the H3T version that has a viewing window. The window on the H3T magazine is positioned along the rear spine of the magazine allowing the operator to easily visually identify the approximate number of rounds remaining while the weapon is in use. The H3T is a fiberglass filled polyamide body with an anti-tilt follower. The round-count window is made out of transparent and 5% tinted polycarbonate. The window is an over molded part to increase the strength and stability of the construction of the magazine. The magazine spring is made out of stainless steel and pre-coated for rust protection. There are two holes placed in the rear of the window – the top is placed over the 20th round and the bottom one is placed on the 30th round allowing a very accurate way to tell how many rounds are in the magazine. The inside of the magazine is made out of a glass-polished mold to provide smooth travel for the follower and shot column. The H3 variation shares all the same specifications but without the window. Furthermore, the magazine can be fully seated with the bolt closed with a full 30 rounds in the magazine.

Both the H3 and the H3T are offered in black, olive drab and flat dark earth colors. The quality of the mold is quite nice and the appearance of the magazines is flawless – what you come to expect from Germany as they place just as much emphasis on cosmetic appearance as they do on functionality. Maintenance is quite simple. The magazine comes apart rather uniquely compared to the norm. There is a locking tab on the bottom that is pushed out with a cartridge tip, knife or any other suitable tool. The floorplate cams out and is unhooked from the rear of the magazine and the magazine spring and follower may be removed from the magazine body for cleaning. All in all, the magazine is very solid. These magazines have been tested thoroughly by this author conservatively saying 4 to 5,000 rounds in half dozen rifles. No malfunctions were experienced, all dropped free in all the rifles tested and locked the bolt back on the last round.

Heckler & Koch has been in the magazine business for the black rifle since their work with the British Army on improving/fixing their SA80 rifles. The High Reliability steel magazine (left) has also seen extensive use with their HK416 family of weapons as well as sold separately. The new polymer magazine (right) is very new to the industry. Testing was limited though what was done was flawless.

Heckler & Koch
Designed for the British SA80 as a reliability enhancement and later adapted to the HK416, the High Reliability magazine is made of steel instead of aluminum and coated with a special maritime finish to keep it from rusting as well as having self lubricating properties in the inside of the magazine that aid in feeding. The feed lips have the same strengthened design as the standard 30-round magazine. The profile of the magazine is somewhat different from the standard magazine, opposed to the standard magazine with two bends. The magazine has a constant curve to it, which H&K claims is another improvement in the reliable feeding of the magazine. The follower is 100% anti-tilt inside the magazine body and is made of steel. H&K uses this magazine with their HK416 weapon system. Additionally, a rubber plug was inserted underneath the magazine behind the floor plate. The purpose of this plug was to prevent unintentional release of the floor plate when firing the M203 grenade launcher without any rounds in the magazine

Without doubt the “Cadillac” of the magazines available anywhere – but along with that goes the price. They are normally three times more expensive than the standard magazines. You do get what you pay for. However, is it worth it? In an ideal circumstance, this would be the best combination but when the funds are not there, the standard magazines are just as reliable when used as intended, just not as durable over the long haul and rough handling. H&K provided two of these excellent magazines for testing. More than 5,000 rounds have been fired by this author over the course of 3 or 4 years with this magazine and never experienced any kind of failure that could be traced to the magazine.

The H&K Polymer Magazine
Recently introduced, H&K has entered the polymer AR magazine market. It has a striking resemblance to the G36 magazine. It is translucent (smoke) and has a rather interesting profile. Below the mag well, the magazine gets significantly thicker. To disassemble, the center of the magazine is pinched right above the floor plate and slid out. The follower is anti-tilt. This is a very robust magazine. The floorplate is low profile making them easily inserted into a standard mag pouch. The magazine is drop, crush and impact resistant. Currently these are only sold on the H&K webpage. Being so new to the market there is not much data out yet. But H&K is known to have their products thoroughly tested prior to release. The T&E sample was fired with 90 rounds (same magazine) with no malfunctions at all. This will be a very popular magazine as time goes on.

C Products Defense magazines are of high quality and in use by several OEMs. They are manufactured in both steel and aluminum in capacities of 5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 rounds. Their 30-round LE magazines are manufactured from steel and are their flagship for reliability and durability.

Tapco offers 5- and 30-round polymer magazines as well. Though limited testing, these magazines showed no reliability issues. They are very robust in design.

C Products Defense
At SHOT Show 2013, C Products Defense introduced their newest generation of M16/M4 magazine called the Mil/LE magazine. This does not mean that it is for sale to Military or law enforcement customers only. It is merely to identify the new standard in C Products magazines. The magazine, according to C Products Defense, is the strongest magazine on the market manufactured from 400 series stainless steel body and a 17/7 Mil-Spec stainless steel spring. There is 40,000th more interior room resulting in increased room for clearing debris. The magazine features an orange high visibility anti-tilt follower.

The manufacturing process is done by robots with 14 independent robotic welds allowing for more consistent welding, location and insures the weld’s heat and depth are the same each time. The magazine sports a new anti-glare finish that the OEM claims is the most resistant finish on the market. Each magazine is marked with a LOT code that allows tractability and identifies the manufacturing date. Every magazine comes with a Lifetime Warranty against manufacturer defect and is 100% made in the USA. The magazines were tested in a LMT Guardian and they fit perfectly and dropped free when the magazine catch was pressed. The bolt locked open on the last round without failure.

The Surefire 60- and 100-round magazines are without a doubt the most unusual of the lot. Although by far the most expensive, they are also among the most reliable. The 60-round magazine had been tested numerous times with 100% reliability. This is a very practical magazine that does not affect the portability of the rifle. Marginally longer than the standard 30-round magazine, the additional weight does not affect the balance of the rifle. The 100-round magazine, although just a reliable, is just too long for any tactical application. Nevertheless, very fun to shoot though.

Surefire
In August of 2008, Surefire went to work to develop two reliable high capacity magazines. Traditionally, the largest capacity that was not a drum was 40 rounds. They were very long and often not reliable. To go over that would require a drum magazine, which was heavier, bulkier and even more unreliable.

The concept is a magazine with four columns instead of two columns of cartridges. For example a standard 30-round magazine has two columns each holding fifteen rounds. The Surefire magazine has four columns of fifteen rounds each giving sixty rounds. Although the magazine is wider, not much length is added and the fully loaded magazine balances well in the center of the rifle making it an excellent primary magazine and it will fit in a double GI magazine pouch. If you do sixty rounds, why not one hundred rounds. They did that to with four columns of twenty five rounds each. The original concept was by L. James Sullivan, the designer of the 100-round Beta drum magazine. The actual patent is assigned to both L. James Sullivan and Robert (Bob) Waterfield. These magazines work and are reliable. The 60-round magazine has been tested in numerous rifles and reloaded countless times with no malfunctions. Much of that fire has been on full automatic. The 60-round magazine is a very practical magazine; not too long and the center of gravity with the rifle make doesn’t make it awkward. The same cannot be said for the 100-round magazine. Although just as reliable, the magazine is far too long and heavy to be used in a practical situation. Going prone is out of the question. Again, mechanically excellent but not practical. These magazines are pricey but worth it. This is the first time somebody has really got a true high capacity magazine to function as reliably as the Mil-Spec standard.

ProMag has been around for quite some time offering metal magazines and more recently they have got into the polymer market. Both the 30- and 20-round magazines were tested on a limited basis during the research of this article. Well manufactured and no malfunctions.

ProMag
ProMag is known industry wide as a magazine manufacturer for many different rifles and pistols and for years they have manufactured both aluminum and steel magazines for the AR-type rifles. Their high capacity magazines went back in production immediately following the sunset of the Clinton assault weapon ban. The current production polymer magazines are the 2nd generation, which revised the exterior contours along with the interior design. The magazines have anti-tilt followers as well as grooves to allow the use of a GI stripper clip guide with capacities of 5, 10, 20 and 30 rounds.

The Troy Battle Magazines have been around for a while and have proven themselves to be top notch. Some of the local SWAT teams in my area use these as duty magazines and had nothing but positive remarks. The handle on the bottom of the magazine is optional. Each magazine comes with the flat floor plate with the handle base plate included. If the operator wants the handle he may assemble it onto the magazine.

Troy Industries Battlemag
The Troy Battlemag is a very well built and reliable magazine on par with the PMag and has been put through much of the same testing. They also feature an anti-tilt magazine follower and polymer body. They have a good texture (snake scale) that makes them easy to handle even with muddy or sweaty hands. They are offered in 10- and 30-round capacities. There are several color options including black, flat dark earth, olive drab green and tan. This is a universal magazine that will work in nonstandard magazine wells including the H&K 416 and SA80. These magazines have been used extensively by this author with thousands of rounds and the author has never had any malfunctions attributed to the Battlemag.

CAA offers three different options of magazines. These are very durable Israeli made magazines. They are offered in a standard solid polymer magazine (left), window version with line for indication of how many rounds remaining as well as a button that sticks up on the floorplate when fully loaded and a magazine with a window that tells exactly how many rounds remain in the magazine (right).

CAA Command Arms
CAA magazines are one of the top quality polymer magazines available. Three models are offered in this fine Israeli manufactured magazine using polymer construction with a non-tilting follower with the universal contour to fit non M16/M4 magazines. There is a groove allowing the use of a GI striper clip guide. The first model is the standard MAG. This is a standard, no frills polymer magazine that comes in black, green and Khaki. Next is the CDMAG or countdown magazine. There is a window on the bottom of the spine of the magazine that contains a color coded background to indicate how many rounds are in the magazine. A number appears in the window to tell exactly how many rounds are in the magazine. The color coding tells you the condition. Green is 21 to 30 rounds in the mag, yellow is 20 to11 and red is 10 to 0 rounds remaining in the magazine. The third variant is there MAG17 or their Clear Action Mag. Built on the same body, this magazine has a window on each side of the magazine with numbers 8, 15, 20, 25 and 28 round indicators. There is a large white indicator that points to how many rounds remain in the magazine. There the magazine is full the white indicator is not visible and a full magazine button indicator pops out on the bottom of the floor place. These magazines were tested with 90 rounds through each with no malfunctions and the bolt locked back. They were tested and dropped free in the LMT, Colt, Aero Precision and Mega lower receivers they were tested in.

Tapco Intrafuse Magazines
Tapco AR magazines have also been around for quite some time. They have released a Gen 2 magazine making some very important updates. Changes have been made to the interior components to improve the overall functionality of the magazine including manufacturing the magazine spring from 17-7 stainless steel and redesigning the shape of the magazine to make it smoother, quieter and easier to load all 30 rounds. The magazine spring tension was cut back to reduce the stress of the magazine body when fully loaded. The anti-tilt follower has been redesigned to allow more dirt and debris to pass thorough to help eliminate failures to feed. The Gen 2 also does away with the drop free issues experienced by the first generation Tapco magazines. The rib pattern on the magazine body makes it easy to grip even under extreme conditions. The Tapco magazine is quite sturdy. This magazine had limited rounds tested – only 30 rounds – but without malfunction. The bolt held back after the last round and the magazine dropped free from the Mega Arms rifle. They magazines are offered in black and flat dark earth.

Tangodown magazines are certainly one of the more unique of designs and proved to be reliable in the limited testing. Tested were both the 30- and 20-round variations of the magazine. The follower construction was well thought out given the multiple cuts to allow water to pass through to drain.

Tangodown
The Tangodown ARC magazine has also been available for quite some time. Though there were some issues early on, the new MK 2 magazine has been released and there have been no problems since. The magazines tested were the MK2 and you can tell by the MK2 marking on the left side bottom of the magazine. The magazine body is made of two pieces. The top portion is a much stronger polymer making the feed lips more durable. The shape of the top piece of the magazine permits it to fit in all non-standard magazines wells such as the HK416 and the SA80. The bottom of the magazine is bonded to the top and the magazine cannot be taken apart for cleaning. The bottom is a 5 sided box with no floor plate. This is a less durable polymer due to it not needed to be as strong as the feed lip area. The follower has several holes in it to allow debris to exit by inverting the magazine and pounding on the follower. The magazine is cleaned by flushing it out with water. The magazine follower dummy round is on the left instead of the right side. With 30 rounds loaded in the magazine, the magazine is easily placed in the rifle with the bolt closed. The magazines dropped free and held the bolt back on the last round with LMT, Colt, Aero Precision and Mega Arms lower receivers.

The MWG polymer 40-round magazine developed by Ivan Kolev has found some champions in SOCOM. This magazine has been extensively tested over the last couple years and has proven to be reliable and durable.

MWG Magazines
This magazine has been out for a few years and was in this author’s opinion the first reliable 40-round magazine put on the market. This magazine was developed by Bulgarian Arms designer Ivan Kolev of a durable, steel reinforced polymer construction. He chose the traditional Bulgarian waffle-type pattern to make the magazine more ergonomic and easier to grab with wet and slippery hands. The first magazine rereleased was the 40-round magazine and then a 30-round version was released. The follower is stable and level. The follower/spring and floorplate assembly look more like that of an AK magazine than that of an AR. The magazine dropped free in all the receivers it was tested in and with 40 rounds was able to insert into the receiver on a closed bolt. The author has had this magazine for at least 3 years and has run it extensively in a wide assortment of rifles and has never had any malfunctions of any sort. That testing has been both semi as well as fully automatic fire. Word has it that there are some champions for this magazine at SOCOM.

As you may see, there are many options available when looking to procure magazines for the black rifle. There are certainly some that have been left out for one reason or another. This does not mean that they are not of good quality. There is only so much room for this article in the magazine. The magazine is the heart of the reliability of the rifle, more than 95% of all malfunctions with the rifle will be magazine related. If you start out with a good magazine, the chances of having a reliable combat rifle go up exponentially.