About a decade ago, Patriot Ordnance Factory (POF) replaced the direct impingement system with a short-stroke gas piston system. Through the years, POF has made other modifications to improve the original design, but the most recent change, called the E² Extraction Technology system, promises to make extraction and ejection even more reliable. It is part of a new package of features on the recently introduced Generation 4 version of POF guns that are chambered for the 7.62mm NATO, 5.56mm NATO and a few other cartridges. I recently received a P308 GEN 4 chambered in 7.62mm NATO for testing.

My test P308 was equipped with a 14.5-inch barrel with a permanently attached muzzle brake to bring the overall barrel length beyond the minimum 16 inches required by the BATFE for a non-regulated rifle. So, while it may give up some energy at longer ranges, it is very effective at ranges within 500 yards. It was accurate, too. Using a Steiner 5-25x56mm riflescope, the gun printed groups of less than 1 inch at 100 yards. That’s fine performance. And during the evaluation, whether testing its accuracy from the bench or using an EOTech XPS3 holographic weapon sight for tactical drills, there were no malfunctions of any kind. With the shorter barrel, this gun is a good candidate for work in confined spaces like those encountered in structure clearing. And the muzzle brake was effective at reducing felt recoil and muzzle rise, making follow-up shots much faster and easier.

POF guns are building a loyal following because of innovation in design and quality of construction, and Patriot Ordnance Factory keeps thinking of ways to improve them. There’s no telling what will come out of the factory next.

For more information, visit pof-usa.com or call 623-561-9572