The black guns lineup at this year’s National Association of Sporting Goods Wholesalers (NASGW) convention didn’t disappoint. Selections from ArmaLite, Colt Competition and Barrett were among the many premiere mil-spec-inspired rifles that were previewed. With chamberings ranging from 5.56mm to 6.8mm SPC to 7.62mm, these rifles and their designers illustrate the cutting edge in black-gun capability.
Adcor Defense’s A-556 Elite Rifle
The A-556 Elite rifle from Adcor Defense is a bit of a game changer with a list of innovative features like the gas piston design (which does not touch the barrel and free-floats), a port dust wiper with cover, ambidextrous non-reciprocating forward charging handles and a key-locked rail system. The upper and lower receivers are manufactured from a precision-machined billet of 7075-T6 aircraft-grade aluminum. Available barrel lengths include 10.5-, 14.5-, 16.1-, 18- and 20-inch. Adcor Defense has been in the defense industry for over 20 years and is AS9100 certified. Independent testing by H.P. White found zero failures in 6,000 rounds and 0.88-inch groups at 100 yards with the 14.5-inch barrel. For more information, visit adcordefense.com or call 888-612-3267.
American Tactical’s Polymer Omni Hybrid AR
The Omni Hybrid by American Tactical is an AR that uses a steel-reinforced polymer lower receiver. The steel insert reinforces the buffer tube housing and the rear takedown pin, allowing metal-to-metal contact for strength and durability. The weight savings is about 8 ounces. The lower is built with all mil-spec parts and has an inter-lock hammer and trigger pin retainment system that prevents movement of the pins when firing the weapon. The Omni Hybrid is available as a complete rifle in three civilian versions of the M4 configuration, each with a 16-inch barrel, six-position stock and flattop upper. The MSRP for the rifles range from $599.95 to $659.99 depending on the configuration. A lower receiver is also available for an MSRP of $144.95. For more information, visit americantactical.us or call 800-290-0065.
Anderson Manufacturing’s AM15-M416 Tiger
The AM15-M416 Tiger produced by Anderson Manufacturing in northern Kentucky is an optics-ready AR that sports a tiger-stripe camo finish. The 16-inch M4 heavy barrel is chambered for .223 Rem/5.56mm or 6.8mm SPC. It is outfitted with a Magpul six-position MOE stock, Hogue pistol grip and a quad rail handguard that free-floats the barrel. The Tiger is built with a 7075-T6 aluminum receiver. The gas block is low profile without a rail. Like all Anderson rifles, the Tiger goes through a proprietary RF85 treatment, which means the rifle cycles faster. For more information, visit andersonrifles.net or call 859-689-4085.
ArmaLite AR-10A Super SASS Carbine
ArmaLite’s AR-building history began with the AR-10 platform, and it continues in the new AR-10A Super SASS carbine. The SASS is chambered in 7.62mm/.308 Winchester using a 16-inch, triple lapped, 416R stainless steel match barrel. The twist rate is 1-in-10 inches. The upper is optic-ready with a full rail on the free-floated quad rail. Both the upper and lower are forged 7075-T6 aluminum. The trigger is a national match two-stage. Furniture includes an A2-style pistol grip and an adjustable M4-style stock. Total weight is about 9 pounds. A 20-round magazine is included. For more information, visit armalite.com or call 800-336-0184.
Barrett’s Rec7 Gen2 Rifle
Barrett’s Rec7 AR rifle features a piston-operated gas system that uses a one-piece piston and operating rod, allowing the rifle to run clean and cool. The Gen2 model features a new keyhole handguard that free-floats the barrel for added accuracy. Features include a Mapgul MOE six-position stock and MOE grip, flip-up sights, Geissele trigger and a Cerakote finish. The Rec7 Gen2 is chambered for either 5.56mm or 6.8mm SPC. Barrel lengths include 8- and 16-inch configurations. The rifle has a forged 7075 aluminum upper and lower receiver. For more information, visit barrett.net or call 615-896-2938.
Black Forge 300 BLK T1R Rifle
Black Forge builds AR rifles with the traditional direct gas impingent system, but the new 300 Blackout chambering is anything but traditional. The T1R is set up like an M4 except with a 16-inch barrel. It comes optic-ready with a 13.5-inch top rail and low-profile gas block. The barrel muzzle sports a Carlson Comps Impact Brake. The furniture includes an adjustable, cam-lock Rogers Super-Stoc, and either an MOE or US Palm grip. An oversized triggerguard is also featured on the lower. A 30-round magazine is included. The MSRP is $1,425. For more information, visit blackforgeweapons.com or call 407-737-7222.
Colt Competition’s CRP-16
Colt Competition designs the CRP-16 (and their other AR rifles) to provide accuracy and performance. Test targets don’t lie. The CRP-16 features a match-grade 416 stainless steel barrel with six-groove button rifling and a 1-in-8-inch right-hand twist. The muzzle is capped off with a Colt Competition “triple port” muzzle brake. The forged upper and lower receivers are precision fitted and outfitted with a Colt Competition 12-inch vented, modular, free-floated handguard, Magpul MOE grip with extended backstrap and an enlarged trigger guard. The trigger is a Geissele two-stage match trigger set to 3.5 pounds. The MSRP is $1,899. For more information, visit coltcompetitionrifle.com or call 855-308-2658.
Core Rifle Systems .30-Caliber TAC AR
Core Rifle Systems out of Florida takes three extra steps in the manufacturing process to square up the barrel to the receiver—a lot like bench-rest rifles. This means their rifles (like the new Core30 Tac rifle chambered in .308 Win) are accurate. The Core30 Tac’s lower and upper are machined from a billet of solid 7075-T6 aluminum alloy. Both receive a Type III hardcoat anodized finish. The 16-inch barrel has a twist rate of 1-in-10 inches and is threaded at the muzzle for a SureFire SOCOM muzzle brake. It also sports a low-profile gas block. It is outfitted with a Core30 V3 charging handle, Samson Star 13.2-inch quad rail and a Magpul MOE grip and ACS six-position stock. There is no forward assist. The MSRP is $2,399.99. For more information, visit core15rifles.com or call 352-401-9070.
Daniel Defense Discrete ISR in 300 BLK
The DDM4ISR (internally suppressed rifle) by Daniel Defense uses their mil-spec lower (with its flared magazine well) and mates it to an upper with a 10.3-inch barrel. It is not, however, classified as a short-barrel rifle since the suppressor is permanently welded to the gas block, bringing the barrel length to a total length of 16.1 inches, which is the legal limit. The ISR does require a National Firearms Act (NFA) tax stamp due to the suppressor. The suppressor core baffle is removable for cleaning. Subsonic 300 BLK ammo is nearly silent when fired, while supersonic ammo emits a sound signature. The ISR is outfitted with an A2-style pistol grip and a Magpul MOE adjustable stock. Weight is 7.6 pounds with a collapsed length of 31.25 inches. The MSRP is $3,199. For more information, visit danieldefense.com or call 866-554-4867.
Del-Ton’s Evolution AR
The Del-Ton Evolution is a versatile AR that is well suited for 3-Gun competition, varmint hunting and home defense. It uses 16-inch barrel that is chrome lined with a M4 feed ramp and a lightweight profile. The twist rate is 1-in-9 inches. The Evolution is outfitted with Samson parts, including the Evolution 12.37-inch free-floated rail, low-profile gas block, front and rear folding sights. The rifle’s Magpul furniture includes MOE grip and CTR Stock. The Evolution features a 5.56mm chamber and manganese-phosphate finish. The upper includes a forward assist and dust cover. The MSRP is $1,300. For more information, visit del-ton.com or call 910-645-2244.
I.O. Inc.’s Retro M16
I.O. Inc. takes genuine Colt uppers (with carry handle) and mates them to I.O.’s commercial lowers, then adds the iconic triangular handguard and A2 stock to create a retro-looking M16 that’s a dead ringer for a Vietnam War-era rifle. The rifles looks and functions—in semi-automatic only—just like original M16s with a 20-inch barrel that sports a birdcage-type flash suppressor, mil-spec-style front sight, bayonet lug and swivels. The upper has a forward assist and dust cover. It is chambered in 5.56mm/.223 Remington and comes with a 20-round magazine. The rifles are assembled in Florida. The MSRP is $899. For more information, visit ioinc.us or call 321-499-3819.
MGI .308 Hydra
The Hydra .308 configuration is the latest caliber conversion offered by MGI’s innovative, AR-platform rifles. The .308 Marck 15, also known as the Hydra, is the only .308 Winchester on an AR-15 platform. This new system uses modified M14 magazines. The Hydra features the modular lower receiver so it can be converted to fire different calibers that range from .22LR to .40 S&W using Glock magazines. The upper on the Hydra sports an 18-inch barrel. It takes about 90 seconds to swap out calibers using MGI’s proprietary system. The MSRP for the .308 Hydra is $1,299; additional conversion kits are $555, which includes a bolt, barrel and mag well. For more information, visit mgi-military.com or call 207-817-3280.
POF Anniversary Rifle
To celebrate the 10th year of Patriot Ordnance Factory (POF) being in business and recognize 100 years of Arizona statehood, the Anniversary Rifle was built. The P308 AR sports a copper Cerakote finish and 16.5-inch barrel. It is mounted with a U.S. Optics SR-8s 1-8x FFP scope and RNG-303 rings. The AR is further outfitted with a Harris bipod, EFP drop-in trigger system, Viking Tactical padded sling and two Magpul 20-round magazines. The complete package comes in a custom wood case with an Otis cleaning kit and a commemorative plate. The rifle, scope and commemorative plate all have matching serial numbers. MSRP is $9,999. For more information, visit pof-usa.com or call 623-561-9572.
PWS MK2 Mod 1 .308 Platform
Primary Weapons Systems (PWS) is building their MK2 Mod 1 AR-10 rifle chambered in 5.62mm/.308 Winchester in 16.1- and 20-inch-barrel models—the MK216 and MK220, respectively. PWS rifles use a mid-length gas piston system that was designed after the AK-47 system. The PWS features a long-stroke fixed operating rod with an adjustable gas system. The barrels are free-floated in a Vltor KeyMod System that comes with two sections of 1913 rail and a continuous 1913 top rail. It features a BCM Gunfighter charging handle and Magpul MOE grip, MOE stock, MBUS2 sights and 20-round PMAG. The 16-inch barreled rifles weigh 8.56 pounds with an overall length of 35.6 inches. All barrels have a 1-in-10-inch twist rate. The MSRP for either the 16-inch or 20-inch barrel models is $2,899.95. CA complicate models with the same barrel lengths but with bullet button release and 10-round magazine have MSRP of $2,949.95. For more information, visit primaryweapons.com.
Troy Defense PDW 14.5
The PDW from Troy Defense is a 5.56mm-caliber rifle with a 14.5-inch barrel that measures 20 inches in overall length with the six-position PDW stock collapsed. The action is semi-auto or select fire via direct gas impingement. The upper receiver is an M4A4-type flattop with a PDW 11-inch Alpha Rail handguard that has folding rear and front sights. The lower is outfitted with a BattleAx Control Grip and an oversized triggerguard. It includes three Troy Battlemags, a sling and cleaning kit. For more information, visit troydefense.com or call 413-788-4214.
Windham Weaponry Wood-Stocked ARs
Maine’s Windham Weaponry builds typical black rifles but is now offering ARs in finishes and stock configurations that are anything but black. The new wood stock ARs have handguards and buttstocks that are manufactured from laminate hardwood. The handguards are vented with slots and the buttstocks have a rubber butt pad. Laminate colors include brown, multi-color and a green/grey. Uppers and lowers are also available in different colors like OD green and bronze. These ARs are all flattops with a railed gas block so optics or irons are both sighting options. The pistol grip is a Hogue rubber unit with finger grooves. The MSRP is $1,470. For more information, visit windhamweaponry.com or call 855-808-1888.
