There’s no end to the innovation going on in the firearms market to update or enhance classic designs, all to deliver supreme reliability and accuracy when it matters most. Ranging from classically styled AR rifles and 1911 pistols to more modern approaches to the battle rifle, these selections offer something for every type of shooter.
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Read on to see a few new and exciting offerings in today’s market.
American Defense Manufacturing UIC-10A-HR Heavy Reconnaissance
The UIC-10A-HR (Heavy Reconnaissance) is the 16-inch, contour-barreled variant of American Defense Manufacturing’s new .308 Winchester line. Weighing in at 8.37 pounds, minus its optic and magazine, the HR can be run all day on the range or on extended patrols/operations with little fatigue. The 1-in-10-inch-twist, Nitride-QPQ-finished barrels from Criterion Barrels feature M118 spec chambers and rifle-length gas systems to maximize accuracy potential with premium match loads, all while being incredibly controllable and soft-shooting. A true evolution in the .308-pattern rifle, this lighter option gives an end user the ability to carry a heavier, farther-reaching cartridge in a very manageable package. (americandefensemanufacturing.com; 262-780-9831)
Bula Defense Systems XM21
Bula Defense Systems has unveiled it innovative, new XM21 rifle system. This system is based on a Garand-style action but modernizes it completely. The receiver has integrated optics rails and employs a piston-driven gas system. The result is a reliable rifle system with the stopping power of .308 Winchester and the M4 flattop style action. Several variants are available, including a carbon-fiber model and models finished in Flat Dark Earth and pink. (buladefense.com; 216-252-7600)
Carolina Arms Group Trenton Tactical 1911
The Trenton Tactical 1911 from Carolina Arms Group is manufactured from all USA-made forged carbon steel. Offering an 8+1 capacity of .45 ACP, the Government-sized Tactical features a forged frame and slide that is hand-lapped for a smooth fit. Additional features include a Kart Precision National Match barrel, a custom chain-link-machined mainspring housing and frontstrap, a wide-ride beavertail grip safety, custom VZ grips with the embedded Carolina eagle emblem, a crisp 4-pound trigger, an extended thumb safety for better control and comfort, a machined slide stop and an adjustable aluminum trigger. (carolinaarmsgroup.com; 704-660-0017)
DS-9 Typhoon
The Dark Storm Industries DS-9 Typhoon is a 9mm AR-style rifle that accepts Glock magazines. Thanks in part to its ultra-light KeyMod handguard, the rifle weighs in at 6.5 pounds. An ambidextrous safety selector and tactical charging handle are standard, and a drop-in 4-pound trigger upgrade is also available as an option. The DS-9 Typhoon is available in standard, post-ban and featureless configurations, offering options for almost every state. Flat Dark Earth and OD Green Cerakote finishes are available in addition to standard black. (dark-storm.com; 800-963-7700)
F-1 Firearms BDR-15-3G
The BDR-15-3G from F-1 Firearms offers shooters a refined, lightweight tactical rifle that offers true precision in the field. Manufactured from 7075-T6 billet aluminum and weighing only 6.89 pounds, the rifle features an NiB bolt carrier group, a .223 Wylde chamber and a rugged hardcoat anodized finish. The rifle’s 16-inch, match-grade barrel features a 1-in-7-inch twist rate. A Magpul MOE buttstock and grip come standard while an oversized triggerguard allows for easier handling with gloved hands. (f-1firearms.com)
Hill & Mac Gunworks Sturmgewehr
The HMG Sturmgewehr is a modern interpretation of the classic StG 44 that brings together the classic function and form of the original while also making the firearm accessible and shootable in a rifle caliber. Available in a variety of different models from classic to ultra-modern, this firearm is sure to please any shooting enthusiast. The HMG Sturmgewehr will also soon have the ability to be easily converted to a variety of calibers, including 5.56mm, 7.62x39mm, 300 BLK and 7.92x33mm. Weighing 11.6 pounds, the gun uses STANAG AR-15 magazines and accepts all standard semi-auto HK-style trigger packs. Its attractive stock and grips are made from beech wood. (hmgunworks.com; 770-686-3875)
Jersey Elite Manufacturing DR15
Jersey Elite Manufacturing is known for highly accurate machining on all of its firearms. It also specializes in left-handed AR-15s, with all components made specifically for the left-handed models. The company’s AR-15s upper and lower receivers are made from 7075 solid billet aluminum. The handguards are made from 6061 aluminum. Jersey Elite also manufactures its own ambi safety. The internal safety is made from stainless steel and the two selectors are made from 7075 aluminum. The company’s higher-end guns are finished with Cerakote in a full array of colors and designs that include the American flag (DR15 Patriot), Tungsten and Bronze. All DR15 and left-handed DR15L models feature 16-inch barrels and are available in 5.56mm, 6.8mm and 300 BLK. (jemarms.com; 973-983-1844)
Trojan Firearms MPV2
The 5.56mm MPV2 model is a premium rifle with nothing but grade-A parts and components. Trojan Firearms’ goal with this model is to offer the customer the highest quality manufactured billet components along with some of the best hardware available. The rifle is available with a Type III mil-spec hardcoat black anodized finish or in a variety of Cerakote finishes, including OD Green and Flat Dark Earth. The rifle’s standout features include a free-floating KeyMod handguard, the drop-in TFA-15 adjustable trigger, a two-piece, low-profile gas block as well as a six-position Magpul CTS buttstock. (trojanfirearms.com; 602-888-4357)
Zenith MPT-76
The Zenith MPT-76 is an import-legal version of the MKE MPT-76, Turkey’s newly designed replacement for that country’s military service G3 rifles. The MPT-76 was heavily influenced by the AR family of rifles but incorporates a short-stroke gas piston system. Other proprietary changes were incorporated to create one of the most robust and reliable military rifles on the market. It is specially designed to operate in any environmental condition. The import version of the rifle is manufactured in the same production facility and to the same exacting standards as the Turkish military’s MPT-76. It will have a non-adjustable stock and the bayonet lug removed, both requirements for import into the U.S. The rifle utilizes the popular 7.62x51mm (.308 Winchester) cartridge. (zenithfirearms.com; 434-202-7790)