ARSENAL® JSCO, BULGARIA

MG-1M

The 7.62x54mm ARSENAL MG-1M machine guns are powerful automatic weapons, used as armament against enemy troops and firing points. The MG-1M design is specially intended and allows operation of the weapon in heavy climatic conditions, which are typical for the regions of the Middle East, Southeast Asia and Africa.

arsenal-bg.com

Caliber/Bore: 7.62x54mm
Barrel Length: 605mm
FFL Status: For American manufacturer
Type of Links: Integrated via joint springs
Rate of Fire: 650 RPM

ARSENAL® JSCO, BULGARIA

MG-M2

The 7.62x51mm ARSENAL MG-M2 machine gun is a powerful individual automatic weapon designed to be used against enemy troops, light armoured targets and aerial targets by firing in single and automatic fire mode.

arsenal-bg.com

Caliber/Bore: 7.62x51mm
Barrel Length: 545mm
FFL Status: For American manufacturer
Type of Links: Disintegrating metal belt, M13 type
Rate of Fire: 650 RPM

DILLON AERO

M134D 7.62×51 Minigun

The Dillon Aero M134D 7.62×51 Minigun is renowned worldwide for its reliability, speed and accuracy. With low recoil forces, a firing rate of 3,000 rounds per minute (RPM) and an effective range of 1,200m, the M134D’s offensive and defensive capabilities are unmatched in air, land and sea applications.

dillonaero.com

Caliber/Bore: 7.62x51mm
Barrel Length: 18in to 22in
FFL Status: Importer/Exporter
Type of Links: M13
Rate of Fire: Up to 4,000 RPM

DILLON AERO

503D

Dillon Aero introduced the 503D, our new .50-caliber Gatling gun. Weighing 84 pounds, firing 1,500 rounds per minute (RPM) with increased resistance to internal component damage, the 503D has applications on air, sea and land platforms. The 503D is lighter, faster and smarter than other .50-caliber Gatling guns.

dillonaero.com

Caliber/Bore: .50 BMG
Barrel Length:
FFL Status: Importer/Exporter
Type of Links: M9
Rate of Fire: Up to 1,500 RPM

FIGHTLITE INDUSTRIES

MCR® Dual Feed Upper M-LOK® (MCR-060)

The MCR® (Mission Configurable Rifle) belt-fed, upper receiver assembly is designed to interchange with standard AR/M4-type uppers and readily fits any MIL-SPEC lower receiver without permanent modification to the host lower and is rearward-compatible to AR-15/M16 models produced as early as 1963. Once installed, the patented MCR® upper receiver system can be user-configured in seconds without tools to adapt to virtually any mission profile. Standard features include: gas-piston operation for extreme reliability in adverse conditions; a 16.25-inch quick-change (3 seconds) barrel system; and a MIL-STD-1913 co-planar handguard with a rail-interface system for the mounting of optics and modern accessories. Spanning the capability range from the optic-ready carbine to a lightweight support rifle, the MCR® accepts standard box-type AR-15/M16 magazines or M27 linked ammunition.

fightlite.com

Caliber/Bore: 5.56x45mm NATO
Barrel Length: 16.25in quick-change barrel
FFL Status: N/A
Type of Links: M27 linked ammunition
Rate of Fire: N/A

FN AMERICA

FN® MK 48 MOD 1

The FN® MK 48 MOD 1 brings the extended range and greater penetration of the hard-hitting 7.62x51mm round in a lighter, more compact platform. The light and compact MK 48 MOD 1 incorporates improved receiver pins, a new gas block and a vented handguard with improved heat shield and three MIL-STD-1913 rails. The MK 48 MOD 1’s cold hammer-forged MIL-SPEC barrel has a hard-chromed bore for longer life and improved accuracy and serves as the mounting point for the carry handle. The receiver is formed steel and is equipped with a top-mounted MIL-STD-1913 optical rail. A hydraulic buffer greatly reduces recoil, helping the operator keep more rounds on target. The crossbolt safety and curved trigger help enhance operator control. Includes one spare barrel.

fnamerica.com

Caliber/Bore: 7.62×51 NATO
Barrel Length: 19.75in
FFL Status: N/A
Type of Links: NATO standard disintegrating link belt-fed
Rate of Fire: 730 RPM

FN HERSTAL

FN MINIMI® 7.62 MK3

The FN MINIMI® 7.62 Light Machine Gun is now of 3rd generation and ensures improved ergonomics and improved mobility.

fnherstal.com

Caliber/Bore: 7.62
Barrel Length: 16.61in
FFL Status: N/A
Type of Links: N/A
Rate of Fire: 800 RPM

GENERAL DYNAMICS

Lightweight Medium Machine Gun (LWMMG)

The next generation Lightweight Medium Machine Gun (LWMMG) gives warfighters a distinct advantage in both extended and close-in fighting. Eliminating the gap between 7.62mm and .50 caliber weapons, the LWMMG utilizes the highly efficient .338 Norma Magnum cartridge to offer increased accuracy and lethality while extending the battlespace out to an impressive 1,700m. At 1,000m, the LWMMG is capable of defeating Level III body armor and incapacitating soft-skinned vehicles by delivering over 1,900 foot pounds of energy to the target—more than four times the terminal effect of the 7.62mm NATO cartridge.

gd-ots.com

Caliber/Bore: .338
Barrel Length: 24in
FFL Status: N/A
Type of Links: N/A
Rate of Fire: 500 RPM

HECKLER & KOCH

MG4

The MG4 is a lightweight, compact machine gun of high firepower, with a goal of being carried by one soldier and guarantee full mobility in difficult terrain and also in the urban environment. The MG4 offers the latest technological advances and provides unmatched performance characteristics: Due to its low recoil, the shot is readily controllable, giving high-target precision. Its great combat effectiveness and range, optimal rate of fire and simple handling makes it a weapon unlike any other.

heckler-koch.com

Caliber/Bore: 5.56mmx45
Barrel Length: 450mm
FFL Status: N/A
Type of Links: N/A
Rate of Fire: 830+120 RPM

HECKLER & KOCH

MG5

As the successor of the MG3, the MG5 opens a new era of universal belt-fed 7.62mmx51 machine guns. The gas-operated MG5 offers an intelligent and contemporary build standard, with numerous technical and ergonomic innovations. The mounting interface of the MG5 is compatible with MG3 mounts and tripods already in service. The universal MG5 can be used by dismounted infantry in the ground role, as well as for air defence or as a vehicle mounted/co axial machine gun.

heckler-koch.com

Caliber/Bore: 7.62mmx51 NATO
Barrel Length: 550mm
FFL Status: N/A
Type of Links: N/A
Rate of Fire: 680 / 740 / 800 RPM

IWI–ISRAEL WEAPON INDUSTRIES

NEGEV 5.56 LMG

The 5.56x45mm NEGEV is a robust and reliable Light Machine Gun (LMG), deployed by the IDF in Israel and by military entities worldwide. The NEGEV has a powerful target acquisition and accurate performance for the modern battlefield. It is exceptionally lightweight (less than 8kg) and can be operated safely under adverse and extreme environmental conditions.

iwi.net

Caliber/Bore: 5.56x45mm
Barrel Length: 460mm (18in) or 330mm (13in)
FFL Status: N/A
Type of Links: Fed by belt, assault drum or by NATO magazine
Rate of Fire: 850–1,050 RPM (magazine/belt) / 950–1,050 RPM (belt)–extreme conditions

IWI–ISRAEL WEAPON INDUSTRIES

NEGEV NG-7 LMG

The NEGEV NG-7 is the only 7.62x51mm LMG weighing less than 8kg with a semiautomatic mode enabling its safe use in Close Quarter Battle (CQB). The NG-7 is a powerful LMG with superior features such as precision, accuracy, reliability and enhanced human ergonomics and is battle-proven under adverse and extreme environmental conditions.

iwi.net

Caliber/Bore: 7.62x51mm
Barrel Length: 508mm (20in) or 420mm (16.5in)
FFL Status: N/A
Type of Links: Fed by belt, assault drum or by NATO magazine
Rate of Fire: 600–750 RPM (position 1 & 2)

OHIO ORDNANCE WORKS, INC. (OOW)

OOW240P (Patrol)

OOW manufactures light (249), medium (240) and heavy (M2) machine guns for customers in 43 countries worldwide. Our newest “Patrol” models of our “240” product line feature reduced weight while allowing more operator customization and greatly increasing the ability to accurately fire these weapons from the shoulder.

oowinc.com

Caliber/Bore: 7.62mm
Barrel Length: 19.5in
FFL Status: Type 10/11 Manufacturer/Importer/Exporter
Type of Links: M13
Rate of Fire: 650–750 RPM

OHIO ORDNANCE WORKS, INC. (OOW)

OOW249P (Patrol)

OOW manufactures light (249), medium (240) and heavy (M2) machine guns and has customers in 43 countries worldwide. Our newest “Patrol” models of our “249” product line feature reduced weight while allowing more operator customization and greatly increasing the ability to accurately fire these weapons from the shoulder.

oowinc.com

Caliber/Bore: 5.56mm
Barrel Length: 13in
FFL Status: Type 10/11 Manufacturer/Importer/Exporter
Type of Links: M27
Rate of Fire: 750–1,000 RPM

SIG SAUER, INC.

MG 338

The SIG SAUER MG 338 machine gun is a belt-fed, lightweight medium machine gun weighing under 20 pounds, chambered in .338 Norma Mag. The MG 338 features a short-stroke, gas-piston system and a proprietary recoil mitigation system, with a free-floating, quick-change barrel; ambidextrous controls; switchable feed tray; charging handle that can be alternated to either side depending on operator preference; and as a modern, multi-caliber, modular system, the new SIG MG 338 is easily convertible to 7.62×51 caliber.

sigsauer.com

Caliber/Bore: .338 Norma Magnum
Barrel Length: 20in
FFL Status: N/A
Type of Links: Disintegrating metal links
Rate of Fire: N/A

SIG SAUER, INC.

NGSW-AR MG 6.8

The primary objectives set forth by the U.S. Army for the NGSW-AR was a weapon with the firepower and range of a machine gun, coupled with the precision and ergonomics of a rifle. The SIG SAUER NGSW-AR 6.8mm submission is an ultra-light, medium-caliber machine gun with AR ergonomics and is chambered in 6.8mm hybrid ammunition. Features include quick-detach magazines, side opening feed tray, increased available 1913 rail space for night vision and enablers, folding buttstock and a suppressor.

sigsauer.com

Caliber/Bore: 6.8x51mm Hybrid, 7.62×51 NATO
Barrel Length: 16in
FFL Status: N/A
Type of Links: M13 disintegrating link
Rate of Fire: N/A

ST KINETICS

STK 50

The STK 50 machine gun fires from an open bolt, eliminating “cook-off” of ammunition. It has semi- and fully automatic firing modes, selectable from a push-type selector at the trigger module. Left or right feeding allows quick change-over of ammunition type, and the quick-change barrel with fixed headspace allows the barrel to be changed within seconds without adjustment of headspace. The STK 50 is designed for easy maintenance without the need for special tools.

stengg.com

Caliber/Bore: 12.7mm
Barrel Length: 1,141mm
FFL Status: N/A
Type of Links: Disintegrating M15A2 link belt
Rate of Fire: 400–600 RPM

S&T MOTIV

K12

S&T Motiv’s K12 7.62mm machine gun is easily converted from aircraft mode to infantry mode. It uses an open-bolt operation, is belt-fed with a quick change barrel and has a gas-operated and rotating bolt locking system for greater reliability. The K12 can be mounted to a bipod, tripod or aircraft. The machine gun has multiple integrated MIL-STD-1913 mounting rails for optics, lights and laser devices and is fully automatic only.

sntmotiv.com/eng

Caliber/Bore: 7.62mmx51 NATO
Barrel Length: 22in
FFL Status: N/A
Type of Links: N/A
Rate of Fire: 650–950 RPM

U.S. ORDNANCE 

M2A2

The U.S. Ordnance M2A2 machine gun is an air-cooled, belt-fed machine gun that fires from a closed bolt and operates on the short recoil principle with fixed headspace and timing. It is capable of both sustained automatic and accurate single-shot fire. It can be mounted on a vehicle, boat, helicopter or other aircraft. Ammunition may be fed from either the left or right side of the gun, making it suitable for use by both infantry and in armored vehicles. The M2A2 weapon system has been tested to well over 50,000 rounds. Its single-breech lock system allows for field rebuild, eliminating the need for depot-level maintenance during its lifetime and thereby greatly reducing logistical support.

usord.com

Caliber/Bore: 12.7mm
Barrel Length: N/A
FFL Status: N/A
Type of Links: N/A
Rate of Fire: N/A

ZID (OPEN JOINT STOCK COMPANY “V.A.DEGTYAREV PLANT”)

Pecheneg 6P41

The 7.62mm 6P41 Pecheneg machine gun is intended to engage hostile manpower, fire means and aerial targets. The whole range of rifle cartridges is used to fire from the machine gun. The gas regulator ensures the reliable operation of machine gun automatics in various operating conditions. The high degree of commonality with the PKM machine gun and similar layout of its automatics action ensure the reliability of the Pecheneg machine gun in any operating conditions. The 6P41 Pecheneg incorporates some design novelties aimed to increase the effectiveness of barrel cooling, which has allowed a spare barrel to be eliminated from the machine gun set.

zid.ru/eng

Caliber/Bore: 7.62mm
Barrel Length: N/A
FFL Status: N/A
Type of Links: N/A
Rate of Fire: 600–800 RPM

We have seen great strengths emerge from the two legacy organizations and are beginning to harness these… in a way that will allow us to operate in a much more agile, proactive, market-oriented way that we hope will really benefit our customers immediately and in the years to come.” Mark Cherpes, FN America
President and CEO

The “legacy organizations” that Cherpes notes are U.S. firearms industry powerhouses FNH USA and FN Manufacturing. Following a merger finalized in October 2014, they are now a single entity under the name FN America, LLC.

The receiver body of a Mk19 grenade launcher undergoing high precision robotic welding operations at the FN Manufacturing plant in Columbia, South Carolina. Computer controlled machining and welding devices are key components of the facility’s well-deserved reputation for highest quality fabrication. (FNH USA/FN America)

While this might seem to be of only passing interest to the legions of admirers and users of the highly respected Belgian firm FN Herstal’s distinguished line of military, law enforcement and sporting arms – many of which have long been in production in the U.S. at FN Manufacturing and all distributed in North America by FNH USA – Cherpes sees significant benefits for the new company and its customers.

“Consolidating our operations in the U.S. has created a unique opportunity for us to gain efficiencies and has opened the door to some exciting new opportunities for growth and profitability,” he said. “This merger will ensure a stronger, more agile organization that is better poised to meet current and future U.S. market challenges.”

Cherpes, elevated to the top position at the new FN America, brings years of experience as FNH USA’s Vice President of Military Operations. He foresees multiple benefits for distributors, dealers and consumers, including streamlined development and production of existing and new products and services.

An indicator of current and future benefits to consumers from this consolidation can be seen in an announced $100 cut in MSRP for a popular model of the striker-fired FNS Pistol line, long being made by FN Manufacturing. Other price reductions are likely.

September 2012, Afghanistan. A U.S. soldier, armed with a compact version of the M249 Squad Automatic Weapon during operations in Kandahar province. The M249, made by FN Manufacturing, features a cold hammer-forged steel barrel for enhanced accuracy and long life as well as a hard chrome-plated bore and chamber for greater corrosion resistance. (U.S. Army)

Also, of particular importance to major military, law enforcement and commercial firms, Cherpes points out that the merger will also enable the company to better manage the complete product and customer care lifecycles.

Herstal Group

While FN America, its U.S. operation, is a distinct entity, it is a subsidiary of Fabrique Nationale Herstal. FNH is known worldwide for 125 years as a leader in the development and manufacturing of reliable, innovative, high-quality firearms for military, law enforcement and commercial customers. A pioneer in innovative firearms technology since the days of John M. Browning, FN supplies a variety of products to customers in more than 100 countries worldwide.

FNH itself is part of the Herstal Group, along with FNH USA, Browning North America (Morgan, UT) and Browning International (Herstal, Belgium). FN Herstal also has manufacturing facilities in Viana, Portugal and Miroku, Japan. The Herstal Group employs more than 2,500 people worldwide, of which more than 1,000 are in the U.S.

FNH USA’s FN 15 Rifle, built by FN Manufacturing, is almost identical externally to the Army’s current-issue M16A2. While most of the M16 family of weapons has been made for the U.S. Armed Forces by Colt, U.S. based FN Manufacturing is now making and supplying the American military’s M16 and M4 family. (FNH USA/FN America)

Its new FN America, operating in four U.S. locations, employs approximately 500 people, offers customers in the U.S. a portfolio of products, training and support services under the well-established FNH USA brand name.

Headquarters, Development and Manufacturing

In addition to its headquarters in McLean, Virginia, FN America also has a Development and Technical Center (DEVTEC) in Fredericksburg, Virginia and manufacturing operations in Columbia, South Carolina.

Its sprawling, state-of-the-art, ISO 9001 certified manufacturing complex produces a wide range of small arms for the U.S. military such as Mk19 grenade machine guns, M249 SAW, Mk46, Mk48, M240, M240C, M240D, M240E1, M240H, M240B, and M240L machine guns, as well as M4/M4A1 carbines and M16 rifles.

May 2007, Iraq. USMC Sergeant Christopher Mc Cabe fires his M16A4 rifle during monthly range training at Camp Korea Village. FN underbid Colt to take over production of M16 series rifles in 1988, becoming its sole supplier to the U.S. Armed Forces. (USMC)

Particularly noteworthy from the listing above are two metaphorical earthquakes that shook the world of U.S. military rifle makers. Way back in 1988, FN underbid Colt to take over production of Uncle Sam’s M16 series rifles, and in 2013 got the M4 series carbine contract. Since then, hundreds of thousands of these U.S. military standard infantry shoulder weapons have rolled off the production lines at FN Manufacturing.

Consider how there is little doubt that this figures into the somewhat belated but now most welcome decision for FNH USA to recently begin offering semiautomatic versions of these for civilian sales such as the new FN 15 Carbine.

In addition to making small arms for the U.S. military, FN America’s South Carolina plant builds FN’s commercial handguns including the FNX series of hammer-driven pistols, the FNS line of striker-fired pistols, and the FN 15 Rifle and Carbine line of modern sporting rifles. All of these made and marketed under the FNH USA brand.

Its U.S. warehousing, warranty department and repair facility is located in Arnold, MO.

A technician at FN Manufacturing performs final assembly operations on an M240 machine gun. The company makes all versions of this well respected and ultra reliable weapon for the U.S. Armed Forces. (FNH USA/FN America)

Cold Hammer Forged

Carrying forward FN’s more than a century of arms manufacturing experience; FNH USA has long since perfected the cold hammer forging process to ensure accuracy and durability.

Current US M-series machine gunners enjoy the extreme durability and long range accuracy of FN’s cold hammer forged barrels. Now, civilian AR owners who covet these tough, precision barrels can have this wish come true.

“With the addition of this new AR-15 commercial barrel line, FN customers now have the option of upgrading their standard AR-15 barrel to an FN,” said Ken Pfau, Senior Vice President of Commercial and Law Enforcement Sales. “This will allow shooters to customize their AR-15 platforms with top-notch components that give them a great return on investment both on and off the range.”

FN AR-15 barrels are hammer forged using the same proprietary high-grade Chrome Moly Venadium steel used in FN’s venerable machine gun barrels produced to handle the punishment of sustained fully-automatic fire.

FN Manufacturing makes the full line of 7.62 NATO caliber M240 machine guns, including the remarkable M240L (Light), incorporating titanium construction and alternative manufacturing methods. At 21.8 pounds, the M240L short barrel variant is 5.4 pounds lighter than the M240B. (U.S. Army PEO Soldier)

After forging, each barrel is magnetic particle tested to ensure that it is free of micro-stresses or flaws, resulting in consistency and quality in every barrel shipped from the factory. The bore and chamber are chrome lined to help resist corrosion and provide resistance to heat erosion, which greatly improves barrel life and reliable chambering/extraction.

The M4 style feed ramp and barrel extension provide consistent feeding and the matte black Manganese Phosphate finish resists external corrosion and oxidation.

Available in popular lengths and configurations from 14.5 to 20 inches, MSRP ranges from $349 to $379.

March 2009, Camp Atterbury, Indiana. A U.S. army soldier, training for overseas deployment, fires a 40mm Mk19 automatic grenade launcher at derelict target tanks. FN Manufacturing makes the Mk19 for the U.S. Department of Defense. (U.S. Army)

Team FNH USA

Success in shooting competitions underscores what the company calls its all-around “Distinct Advantage.” The goal of Team FNH USA is to enhance the company’s products during competition and promote sportsmanship, integrity and respect for the shooting sports.

Comprised of some of the world’s best competitive shooters, members include police officers, state troopers, FNH USA employees and stay-at-home moms. All bring a love of the sport, appreciation of our Second Amendment rights and dedication to grow shooting sports for old and young alike.

The full line of products from FN Herstal and FNH USA are available to military, government and qualified law enforcement entities. Certain weapons and accessories are available for commercial sales to individuals through authorized dealers nationwide.

The website at www.fnhusa.com provides detailed information. Or telephone (885) 5-FNHUSA (Virginia, Eastern U.S. Time Zone).

February 2004, Fallujah, Iraq. Armed with a first generation Colt M4 carbine, this 82nd Airborne Division radioman monitors message traffic. The new FN 15 Carbine is based on this combat classic, serving the Army since 1994 and still going strong in updated versions. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Charles Johnson)

FN 15 Carbine: Live Firing FNH USA’s First M4 Clone

by SADJ Staff Writer

“The new FN 15 product line of modern sporting rifles incorporates all of the best features and benefits FN has developed over the last 125 years of our history and expertise in building high-quality and reliable firearms that are well-known around the world. We are pleased to bring this new line to our customers looking for the latest in FN technology to add to their collection. With this addition, FN now offers our customers robust and affordable products in all categories, whether they are looking to purchase a product for personal defense or use in the pursuit of sport or competitive shooting activities.” FNH USA news release

An AR-15 type semiautomatic rifle and carbine are the first two versions in the new FN 15 product line, unveiled in 2014 and likely to be offered with upgraded options at the 2015 SHOT Show. Both weapons closely resemble their current U.S. military, selective-fire counterparts that were originally made by Colt but are now in production by FN under U.S. Department of Defense contracts.

Seen here in the hands of a currently-serving U.S. army soldier in simulated convoy security battle drills, the FN 15 Carbine is identified by its forward hand guard that is rounded like first generation M4s. Light, compact and fast handling, it is well suited for urban warfare and motorized combat operations. (Robert Bruce)

The light and handy 5.56mm NATO caliber FN 15 Carbine version is the focus of this hands-on evaluation, featuring a 16-inch chrome-lined, alloy steel, military profile barrel. Its textured polymer forearm and butt stock are both matte black, and the stock is collapsible into six positions for individual preferences, making the total length 31.9 inches at its shortest and 35.2 inches
at its longest.

The FN 15 Carbine also features an A2-style compensator and a 1:7-inch RH rifling twist rate. It comes with fixed A2-style front sights, a removable M4-style rear carrying handle with adjustable sight, and one GI pattern 30-round aluminum magazine.

The FN 15 Carbine, immediately identified by its large, laser-engraved FN logo on the magazine well, accepts all GI pattern magazines including the 30-rounder seen here. Green tips indicate the ammunition is current issue 62 grain M855 cartridges, ballistically matched with the weapon’s 1 in 7 inch rifling twist. (Robert Bruce)

A Close Look

FN America, the new consolidation of U.S. operations of Belgium’s FN Herstal, provided a sample FN 15 Carbine on loan for our evaluation. The weapon arrived in the usual heavy cardboard shipping box along with standard accessories including a 30-round magazine, removable carry handle and operators manual.

Our overall impression of the weapon was favorable, with points awarded for workmanship, fit and nicely matching satin black anodized finish on the upper and lower receivers. Its matte black phosphate protected barrel is made in the familiar M4 contours with a distinctive recessed collar for mounting an M203 grenade launcher. At the necessary 16 inches for conventional civilian legal purposes, it is only slightly longer than that of its military counterpart.

The very large, laser-engraved FN logo on the right side of the magazine well jumps out at the observer in raw aluminum-silver color against the black background. While a notable departure from the military versions, it is, no doubt, a selling point for many of us who are attracted to FN’s long and distinguished line of weaponry.

Left side view of the FN 15 Carbine allows a careful evaluation of the weapon’s M4 inspiration. Most notable are the telescoping buttstock, flat top receiver with detachable carrying handle, rounded hand guard, short barrel with indentation for grenade launcher attachment, and “birdcage” flash suppressor. (FNH USA/FN America)

Field stripping the carbine is done in the traditional manner as taught to countless soldiers, marines and others beginning with the Vietnam War. In the process, observations and commentary for this feature were provided by a gunsmith from Virginia-based Freedom Forge Armory with extensive experience with both civilian and military versions of the AR-15.

This exercise gave us the opportunity for a close look at the all-important internals, principally the bolt carrier group. No surprises here; a sturdy and well machined assembly, strictly conforming to Eugene Stoner’s innovative multi-lug, rotating, direct gas operated AR-15 pattern that runs the entire M16 family.

Its nicely machined and aligned M4 type feed ramps at the junction of the barrel extension and upper receiver are important details to assist with reliable feeding in fast semi-auto fire from a wide variety of magazines.

The ability to clamp on supplementary sighting devices like this Aimpoint Patrol Rifle Optic is an important advantage of AR platforms with flat top upper receivers. (Robert Bruce)

While the lower receiver closely resembles its military brothers, selector settings are marked on both sides for SEMI and SAFE only, with civilian-legal parts inside. The “high shelf” internal cavity is narrowed at the top rear to block drop-in installation of most “auto sear” devices for illegal-when-unregistered automatic fire.

Crisp CNC machined markings indicate the serial number, nomenclature and the surprising designation of caliber as MULTI. This might be because it is an early version receiver, interchangeable for the rifles and carbines, marked with an eye toward calibers other than standard 5.56mm NATO.

The FN 15 Carbine’s field-strip parts layout is familiar to all who have experience with any version of the AR-15/M16.

Clarifications, Please

In the process of close examination of the FN 15 Carbine some questions arose that were conveyed to FN America’s press office. Here’s what we asked and what we got in the way of answers.

The FN 15 Carbine features M4 style feed ramps that extend as needed into the upper receiver. This facilitates reliable, high cycle cartridge feeding from both top positions in standard GI staggered double column magazines, even with weak springs. (Robert Bruce)

SAR: Why “button broached” rifling in the barrel instead of FN’s signature “cold hammer forging ?”

FN America: FN America produces the button broached (barrels) used in the FN 15 Carbine and Rifle. It was selected because the original M4 contract specified a button broached barrel.

SAR: Why a smooth and ribbed handguard instead of the more popular (and more “M4ish”) quad rail type that FN is making for the current U.S. Army M4A1 contract?

FN America: The FN 15 series was built as a basic, entry level AR platform that provided the user the most bang for his/her buck coupled with the ability to add their own aftermarket upgrades.

SAR: Noting hints in sales literature for the product line, what changes or “improvements” to the FN 15 carbine and rifle are under consideration?

FN America: Future FN 15 variants will be offered with extended rails, cold hammer-forged barrels and other options. There will also be AR-15 barrels and upper/lower receiver options sold as accessories to the FN 15 line.

SAR: Having noted a small, distinctive “keyhole” icon cast in the upper and lower receivers, is FN making these?

FN America: (no reply).

SAR: Is FN making the bolt carrier group?

FN America: (no reply).

A digital gauge shows that the single stage trigger “breaks” at 7 pounds, 12 ounces, following the usual military standard of 7 to 8 pounds of pull. (Robert Bruce)

On The Range

Assisted by a currently-serving U.S. Army NCO with recent combat experience carrying an M4, we put the FN 15 Carbine through a live fire evaluation on a local range. Steps included “zeroing” the weapon and then firing it from various positions and distances with green tip M855 ammo.

We also fed the carbine with a variety of different 5.56mm cartridges including some old type M193, soft point hunting loads and steel cased Russian ammo. It all worked fine.

The sergeant pronounced it “good” in handling, performance and accuracy, while saying he missed having full automatic capability… Our turn confirmed his observations, with the practical note that a semiautomatic weapon can be legally owned by most American citizens with no expensive permits needed.

Bottom line is the FN 15 Carbine is a worthy entry in the increasingly crowded field of M4 type weapons from dozens of manufacturers. While others may be priced lower or higher, those who have a particular affinity for the FN line will want one.


What’s Next?


Recognizing that many customers want something that looks and performs closer to the Army’s product improved M4A1, in production by FNH USA, we look forward to seeing what changes or improvements to the FN 15 Rifle and Carbine might be showcased at the 2015 SHOT Show.


(Special thanks to Freedom Forge Armory, New Kent, Virginia, for handling the transfer, for sharp eyed technical evaluation, and for combat experienced, hands-on performance testing of the FN 15 Carbine sample. Find Freedom Forge Armory LLC on Facebook. Email freedomforgearmory@comcast.net).

Pull the rear disassembly pin from left to right and it will remain captive in the lower receiver. Pivot the upper receiver open, pull the rear pin out and separate the assemblies. (Robert Bruce)

Pull rearward on the charging handle and remove the bolt carrier group. (Robert Bruce)

The FN 15 Carbine’s bolt carrier assembly is essentially the same as that of all other AR-15 series weapons. Notches on the side engage with the forward assist plunger. (Robert Bruce)

The FN 15 Carbine’s bolt carrier assembly is essentially the same as that of all other AR-15 series weapons. Notches on the side engage with the forward assist plunger. (Robert Bruce)

The buffer and its coiled spring are housed in the tubular extension at the rear of the upper receiver. It arrests rearward movement of the bolt carrier on firing and sends it forward to chamber another round. (Robert Bruce)

Although semiautomatic only, the lower receiver of the FN 15 Carbine is nearly identical to that of the military version. (Robert Bruce)

One notable exception in the lower receiver is this narrowed opening at the top. This blocks installation of commercially made “auto sear” devices for full automatic fire. (Robert Bruce)

Removing the hand guards reveals the stainless steel gas tube that channels propellant gas into the bolt carrier assembly. (Robert Bruce)

Removing the hand guards reveals the stainless steel gas tube that channels propellant gas into the bolt carrier assembly. (Robert Bruce)

The FN 15 Carbine’s field strip layout is the same as the military M4. (Top to bottom, left to right): Carrying handle/rear sight assembly, upper hand guard, charging handle, upper receiver and barrel group, buffer assembly, bolt carrier assembly, lower hand guard, telescoping buttstock, lower receiver assembly and 30-round magazine. (Robert Bruce)