Customize Your Grip with the Command Arms UPG16 AR15/M16 Pistol Grip

CAA USA’s AR15/M16 pistol grip, the UPG16, offers shooting enthusiasts and tactical operators a versatile grip solution that enhances user comfort and control. Not a “one-size-fits-all” pistol grip, the UPG16 comes standard with six easily interchangeable rubberized grip inserts; three front and three rear, allowing the user to completely customize their choice of finger grooves, palm swell and contoured backstraps for better control and more comfort. Customization of the firearm’s pistol grip reduces the user’s hand fatigue by improving control, which increases the overall handling and accuracy of the firearm.

Each of the interchangeable front and rear rubberized grip inserts mount securely in place with no gunsmithing required. The UPG16 pistol grip also has a capped storage area for small items or an optional cleaning kit.

Command Arms UPG16 Specifications:

Part Number:  UPG16
Fits:  AR15/M16
Materials:  Polymer-Rubber
Weight:  3.7 ounces
Width:  1.375 inches
Length:  2.25 inches
Height:  4.5 inches
Color:  Black
MSRP:  $36.75

For more information on CAA USA, visit www.commandarms.com. Join the conversation on Facebook.

American Built Arms Company: Provider of Quality Firearms Parts to Manufacturers, Dealers, Distributors and MSR Enthusiasts

American Built Arms Company (A*B Arms), a leading provider of American-made, unparalleled firearms parts and accessories, offers precision engineered proprietary polymer parts and Swiss machined internal metal components to firearms enthusiasts, dealers, distributors and firearms manufacturers that demand optimum performance from their modern sporting rifles.

A*B Arms, a Veteran-owned, privately held company, formed in 2010 with the mission to become the preeminent manufacturer of firearms parts and accessories for the defense, law enforcement, security and the sporting goods markets. Building on the founders’ military experience combined with years of firearms, manufacturing, sales and marketing knowledge, A*B Arms strengthened their offerings by focusing on developing new products using the most technologically advanced materials on meticulous Swiss CNC machines. A*B Arms capabilities extend from initial product consultation and design to rapid prototyping using 3-D printing methods, manufacturing, testing, custom laser engraving and etching and includes the applications of NiB, phosphate and other coatings.

A*B Arms manufactures polymer and metal products for end-users, dealers, distributors and the industry’s leading manufacturers utilizing their own molds and tools. The polymer offerings include the ergonomic A*B Arms A*B Pro Hand Guard, a two-piece design that accommodates gas piston or direct gas impingement AR-15/M16 style rifles. The A*B Pro hand guard is made from a proprietary polymer formula of heat stabilized nylon reinforced with high-strength fibers and an upper and lower heat shield that provides for maximum cooling during high volume shooting.

The A*B Pro flat top hand guard weighs only 4-ounces and is available in Black, Flat Dark Earth, MULTI-CAM, and OD Green (MSRP starts at $40.99). The A*B Arms MOD1 Hand Guard features all the same benefits as the Pro and includes an integrated MIL-Spec Picatinny rail on top for accessory customization. (MSRP starts at $40.99).  The A*B Arms MIL-Spec Picatinny rails come in 4, 5 and 7 slot configurations with integrated hardware molded directly into the part to add strength and durability. A*B Arms will be launching other innovative polymer products throughout 2014.

A*B Arms hand guards are also available through their OEM program, allowing firearms manufactures to private-label these ergonomic polymer hand guards with their own logo. Manufacturers can choose between the available three colors and two styles and as an added benefit to becoming an A*B Arms OEM partner, receive distributor discounts off of other polymer and metal parts from A*B Arms.

A*B Arms AR-15/M16 metal parts are precision manufactured and finished on state-of-the-art Swiss CNC machines to meet exacting tolerances for individual operators to leading firearms manufacturers. A*B Arms 5.56 MIL-Spec+ bolt assembliesmade with MPI tested, Carpenter 158 steel heat treated and shot peened to MIL-Spec requirements and then coated with nickel boron or phosphate. A*B Arms produces bolt assemblies, 5.56 bolt carrier groups, gas rings, extractors, ejectors, firing pins, bolt carriers and cam pins. All products must pass the rigorous testing and quality control that A*B Arms customers have come to recognize and appreciate.

“American Built Arms Company is 110% committed to product and service excellence,” A*B Arms President and Founder, Jason Combs said. “Nothing goes out our door that doesn’t carry our company DNA in it, ‘Honor, Service, and Integrity.’”

For more information on American Built Arms, their products or programs for manufacturers, distributors and dealers visit, www.abarms.com. Follow A*B Arms on Facebook.

American Technologies Network Corp. Introduce the THOR Series Thermal Weapon Sight System

New, ATN, Featuring Made in the U.S.A.

State-of-the-Art, Thermal Sensory Technology

American Technologies Network Corp., makers of military, law enforcement, security and outdoor night vision and thermal applications, introduce the THOR Thermal Weapons Sight System.

The new Thor thermal weapons sight series have been designed to meet the needs of individuals to aid in ground-based night operations at an affordable price. The THOR is a multi-purpose system using the latest in miniature thermal sensor technology combined with the new OLED display providing a superior stable image in the smallest package available on the market today.

ATN THOR Series

Three new THOR Thermal Weapon Sights are available to fit the mission and the weapon: the THOR 100 mm (Heavy), the THOR 30mm (Light) and the THOR 50mm  (Medium).  The THOR Heavy offers basic sighting features such as a digital retical with 5 colors and 5 patterns and windage and elevation adjustability.

The THOR Light is designed for small caliber weapons such as the M4/M16. The THOR Light Has a 30mm lens with a 15-degree field-of-view that allows for 2x magnifications and up to 8x digital magnification.  The very compact THOR weighs just 25 ounces and is 6.75 inches long by 2.90 inches high and 2.75 inches wide.

The THOR Medium is designed for larger caliber weapons such as the 7.62 and .308. This slightly larger but still compact sight has a 50mm lens with a 10-degree field-of-view that provides 3 x magnifications and Up to 12x digital magnification.

The THOR Heavy is a rugged sight with a highly accurate FLIR sensor behind a 100mm high precision lens. Built for the use and abuse from light to medium machine guns and large caliber sniper rifles, the THOR  Heavy offers a 5 degree field of view that has a 6x optical magnification and up to 24x digital magnification available.

All of the THOR Basic Kits include an ARMS #17 Weapon Base, eyecup ring, shuttered eyeguard, type 123 battery module, 3-each batteries, objective lens cap, lens tissue, demist shield and operator manual with the THOR thermal weapon sight of choice in a hard, portable storage case. MSRP ranges from $5,699.00 to $11,199.00 for the 640×480 resolution models.

For more information on American Technologies Network Corp, visit www.atncorp.com. Visit Facebook to stay up to date on new products, images and promotions.

 VISIT ATN AT THE 2013 SHOT SHOW – BOOTH 14973

 

MasterPiece Arms Introduces New MPAR 556 Rifle for 2013

MPAR 556 Rifle

MasterPiece Arms, manufacturers of the MPA MAC Line of semi-auto submachine pistols and carbines, is pleased to announce the new MPAR 556 Rifle, which will be unveiled at the 2013 SHOT Show in Las Vegas, Nevada and made available for purchase in the first quarter of 2013. This feature heavy design has been under development throughout 2012 and will feature some serious upgrades, including a short stroke piston design and a lightweight, free floating, two piece aluminum handguard with user located picatinny rails. It will also include an innovative front handguard cap to keep debris out of the internals of the handguards while providing strength and stability to the assembly. The MPAR 556 Rifle will also contain a side folder 6-position polymer buttstock, locked bolt action, and a side charging-handle with forward-assist. The MPAR 556 Rifle is compatible with AR15 / M16 magazines.

The MPAR 556 Rifle will be phosphate / hard coat anodized depending on the material. Disassembly will be very user friendly, both for access to the internals of the weapon, as well as the piston assembly housed in the front handguard. This gun is American Made and offers the MasterPiece Arms Lifetime Guarantee. MSRP is $959.00.

Visit MasterPiece Arms at Booth 2716 at the 2013 SHOT Show, held at the Sands Expo & Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV January 15 – 18, 2013.

PARABELLUM ARMAMENT, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ARMA DYNAMICS, DEBUTS NEW LINE OF AMBIDEXTROUS CHARGING HANDLES FOR M4/M16/AR15 WEAPONS

Parabellum Armament Company, a veteran owned and operated company specializing in the manufacture and distribution of USA made products for military, law enforcement and responsible citizens, in partnership with Arma Dynamics is proud to announce the new line of Ambidextrous Charging Handles for the M4/M16/AR15 weapon system family. Designed and intended for the military environment, the new line features two variants- The URL (Universal Release Latch) and ADF (Ambidextrous-Dual Functioning) models.

Both models share a common, ergonomic shape which is wider than the standard USGI charging handle and designed with contoured ergonomic grasping surfaces to assist in charging handle operation. This patented shape is the result of a human, form-factors study and is unique within the industry. No other M4/M16/AR15 charging handle has ever been designed as specifically around the human movement.

Both the ‘URL’ and ‘ADF’ charging handle products share an identical shape and have 80%+ parts commonality.

1. ‘URL’ Model Charging Handle- The Universal Release Latch model offers a large push tab on the rear of the grasping surface which goes beyond ambidextrous activation by making it universal. No matter what hand is used, an intuitive and normal grasping action is used to operate the mechanism. Closing the thumb and fingers together in a natural grip from any side or angle will compress the rear mounted latch release button, thereby freeing the latch simultaneously as the hand begins to withdraw the charging handle. The ‘URL’ charging handle provides the most intuitive and natural function possible based upon the normal physiology of the thumb and fingers naturally closing together during the gripping motion.

   Installation of the ‘URL’ charging handle converts any M16/M4-based weapon system into a universal platform. No longer will any attention need to be paid to strong or weak side operation of the charging handle as the same completely intuitive and normal central grasping motion is instead utilized for every charging event and is equally available from either side or any condition. Weapon charging becomes a smooth, controlled and highly efficient operation that requires no re-training of muscle memory as the natural gripping action required is inherent in human physiology. Off-side, weak-side and non-traditional charging and weapons handling drills and exercises become a thing of the past as the ‘URL’ model charging handle allows the exact same grasping location, inherent feel, and tactile activation from all contact angles. There is no longer any need to switch techniques during these weapon manipulations as the centrally located rear operated activation button operates the same in all situations.

2. ‘ADF’ Model Charging Handle -The Ambidextrous-Dual Functioning model appeals to the operator who prefers the advantages of ambidextrous activation, combined with aggressive activation during rapid-action scenarios.

   The ‘ADF’ charging handle is engineered to eliminate the traditional weakness found in normal charging handles when certain modern charging techniques, such as “blading”, are used to rapidly and forcefully open the latch and charge the weapon. Under such techniques the full direct force of the operators actions are directed into the very small and weak latch retaining pin area, an area that was never designed to accommodate such forces.

   The revolutionary ‘ADF’ activation mechanism design completely eliminates that pathway of force transmission. With the new design there is NO direct contact, or force transmission, into the latch pivot pin itself along that pathway, eliminating any chance of breaking the pin or tearing apart the charging handle at that location. Instead, this design offers right and left side activation levers that provide initial contact to begin opening the latch, but then the force transmission pathway immediately re-directs all rearward forces back into the structure of the charging handle itself, removing any shock and stress to either the individual activation levers or the retaining latch itself. By this mechanical force pathway management, a direct, rapid force can be applied to the charging handle at its strongest, most massive, location while removing any chance of damage to the activation levers or latch system.

   Further, the dual activation levers feature true balanced-force activation such that activation of the handle using either lever results in a smooth, light and easy, opening of the retaining latch with no drag or hesitation. With this ambidextrous design, each activation lever moves independently of the other, biased only by a unique ultra-light spring force and not interconnected to the other lever or latch itself. Other designs mechanically interconnect the separate levers which cause drag, excessive opening force and wear to the components.

   The ‘ADF’ design offers the traditional look and feel of forward mounted activation levers but adds the capability of utilizing newer manipulation techniques without fear of damaging the latch or handle. This greatly reduces the chance of damage to the host weapon’s internal components such as bolt, bolt rings, and bolt carrier as can happen when a conventional charging handle is overstressed and fails.

Both models are currently in limited series production and professional deployments. Pricing and availability have not been determined.

Review: MGI Rate and Recoil Reducing Buffer

I recently had a package show up at my door from the good people at MGI. Inside was one of their most exciting products… their Rate and Recoil Reducing Buffer (RRRB). MGI produces a wide variety of parts and accessories as well as complete weapon systems… but this one particular product has greatly intrigued me from the first time that I had heard about it.

Their Rate and Recoil Reducing Buffer is designed to reduce the perceived recoil of your rifle by reducing the rifle’s cyclic rate. As a result, it helps make rapid fire shooting much more accurate. Its a simple, drop-in unit that replaces the original factory buffer in your M16/M4/AR-15. It works in both carbine and full length rifles and will work with any of the countless AR calibers that are out there.

The unit requires no tools and no additional modifications to the firearm. It simply fits inside the factory buffer spring and then is reinstalled just like the factory part would be. Most importantly, the RRRB is a completely mechanical unit and is not built around a hydraulic setup like other brands are. This contributes greatly to the overall reliability and consistency of this unit.

I installed the RRRB in a Stag Arms Model 1 Carbine with a 16″ barrel and took it out to the range for a little testing and evaluation (ammo used was 55gr Wolf FMJ). Now, I dont have access to full auto weaponry, high speed cameras, or a shot timer so I can’t give you any specific hard numbers on the reduction in the rate of fire that I was able to get from this unit. I can, however, testify to the fact that this thing works exactly as advertised… and it is impressive!

Compared to a standard carbine buffer, recoil was without a doubt reduced significantly. Felt recoil was definitely smoother and not as “sharp” as it is with the standard buffer. Muzzle climb and movement off of the target were also substantially reduced resulting in faster recovery times and more shots on target. The difference this buffer makes is actually pretty amazing. Shooting a carbine with the RRRB installed is (in my opinion) darn close to shooting a hot .22 lr. The controlabilty of the gun is greatly increased, and I think it would be safe to say that the RRRB would nearly completely eliminate felt recoil and muzzle rise in longer barreled precision 5.56 rifles.

If you want actual hard numbers, in MGI’s own testing they were able to achieve the following results:

With an 11.5″ M16 with a cyclic rate of nearly 1,100 rounds per minute rate of fire was reduced by their buffer to 754 rounds per minute (thats a 31% reduction!). They also tested the unit in an M16 with a 20″ barrel that was cycling at 771 rounds per minute. It dropped to 585 rounds per minute (thats a 24% reduction).

Probably the greatest testament that I can give to the RRRB’s effectiveness is that of what happened when one of my shooting buddies gave it a go. I told him that the rifle had a new buffer in it, but with him not being an “AR guy” that really didn’t mean much of anything to him. He shouldered the rifle on the firing line and squeezed off three shots, stopped and exclaimed “There’s no recoil!”  To which I responded, “Its that new buffer I put in it.” He then re-shouldered the gun and dumped the rest of the mag… he came off the line giggling like a school girl and said, “Wow! Thats awesome!”

MGI’s RRRB does exactly what they say it does. You don’t need fancy high speed cameras to realize that there is a significant reduction in the cyclic rate of the firearm, and that felt recoil is drastically decreased. Reliability was also 100% for the time that I have spent on the range with it. Also included in the box that MGI sent me was their D-Fender D Ring which I am sure also aided in the reliability of the entire package. The D-Fender is just a simple rubber gasket, but it aides in eliminating extraction problems by increasing the extractor spring force by 4 times… pretty cool. Overall, this is a great package and one that every AR owner should consider including in their setup. It completely lived up to the lofty expectations that I had going into this trial, and I think that it will live up to yours as well.

*MGI also has a couple of videos on YouTube (here and here) if you want to see how the RRRB effects full auto fire.

MGI Rate and Recoil Reducing Buffer for M16/M4/AR15 Platforms

MGI RRR Buffer, the self-adjusting mechanical buffer that keeps rifles on target for over 1 million rounds!

MG Industries (MGI) President, Mack Gwinn, Jr. developed the MGI Rate and Recoil Reducing Buffer to cut recoil from AR style rifles while increasing the shooter’s hit ratio. With law enforcement agencies, military and competitive shooters demanding a more comfortable recoil reduction platform, Mack adapted a technology originally from Counter Poise. The resulting MGI patented buffer is a self-adjusting, completely mechanical buffer with fewer parts to fail and none of the leakage associated with the common hydraulic or pneumatic buffers currently used. It is not uncommon for systems employing the MGI buffer to easily put over one million rounds through a single rifle without a rebuild doing nothing more than routine cleaning and lubing. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Training center is one of many LE agencies using the MGI buffer system for demonstrations and training. So impressed with the simplicity and ease of the system, their SWAT Team members now use the MGI buffer system as well.

The MGI buffer is a simple, drop-in unit that automatically adjusts to the individual rifle and decreases the rate of fire as it increases accuracy.
The MGI buffer does not give the shooter that “first round” struggle when pulling the carrier to the rear, as is common with other competitive buffers. With no springs in the MGI buffer system to interfere with feed reliability, more rounds successfully hit the target with greater control and accuracy.  The muzzle climb is drastically reduced which allows the shooter more control to stay on target under single, semi or full auto. The MGI buffer is the choice of law enforcement, military units and competitive shooters who expect their rifles to perform under duress whether battle driven or during competitions without fail.

A D-fender D-Ring also comes with the MGI buffer that virtually eliminates extraction issues and can increase extractor spring force by four-times. The MGI Rate and Recoil Reducing Buffer is available at www.mgi-military.com for $165.00(MSRP). For full-length stocks, MGI offers the Rate Reducing Buffer Rifle Stock adaptor for only $19.95 and for .308 rifles (AR-10) the Buffer Adaptor is available for just $19.95. Interested Dealers, please call 207-817-3280.

BLACKHAWK!® EXPANDS LONG GUN ACCESSORY LINE

BLACKHAWK! expands the current line of long gun accessories to include bipods, grips, sling adaptors and rail forends and covers for tactical rifles. The new BLACKHAWK!® AR-15 Carbine Quad Rail Forend (2 Piece, MSRP $204.99) and  BLACKHAWK!® AR-15 Rifle Quad Rail Forend (2 Piece, MSRP $154.99) provide a slim profile for a more comfortable, handguard-like feel. Both models replace handguards with no modifications to the weapon. A unique vent-hole design helps dissipate heat while reducing weight. The interlocking halves are secured using four screws for extra strength and stability. The limited rotation push-button sling swivel attachment points are incorporated on left and right sides.

Visit BLACKHAWK! at SHOT Show 2011 in Las Vegas, NV January 18-21, 2011 at Booth 11971/12271 Level 2.

Read the full article to learn about the full line of long gun accessories.