Years ago, a company called GSG made MP5 clones in .22LR. They were sweet little guns, but HK took offense and sued the company, so GSG had to heavily modify the rimfire .22s and rerelease them once more under a different name. The GSG 9 takes that same approach. It’s vaguely MP5, and a number of features look and act like an MP5, but ultimately it’s not an MP5. First, it’s a 9mm, but also a straight blowback system. The charging handle is MP5-like and can even be locked open and closed with the HK slap. The safety and receiver have some MP5 styling, and the magazine release matches the button release on the MP5.
The GSG 9 – Not an MP5
The GSG 9 does feature a full-length optic rail across the top of the receiver and a simple set of peep sights made from polymer. The front of the gun rocks an M-LOK handguard, and the rear of the gun has a 1913 rail for attaching a variety of compatible stocks or braces. The muzzle device is a big aggressive thing that certainly stands out.
When it comes to magazines, you can use either Glock or SIG P320 magazines. The magwell isn’t modular, and you don’t have to choose one or the other. Instead, you get a pair of adapters that attach to the magazines. One adapter works for SIG P320 mags, and the other attaches to Glock mags. They lock in place, and you can toss either in the gun. ATI plans to sell additional adapters so you can equip more magazines with adapters for reloads.
It’s not nuts to think that ATI couldn’t produce additional adapters to work with additional magazine patterns. I’m not sure how well this system will work, and part of me thinks dedicated magwell for each mag type would be a better, simpler option. I’m willing to be wrong, though, and hopefully, we can get a GSG 9 in to test and review.
I am a self-confessed wool-a-holic. Every sock in my drawer for the last 8 years has been wool – even office socks. I use summerweight wool tank tops as camisole under-layers in the winter – especially at the office. I am even transitioning over to wool pajamas. Thus, my visit to Minus 33 was fortuitous.
This New Hampshire company has been “doing” wool for over 100 years in various iterations of a family business. I found them at SHOT 2023 in the Law Enforcement and Military section, but they cater to the general outdoors community as well. I suppose sitting in the cold on a stake-out can be just as frigid as sitting in a duck blind. The needs are similar, it’s only the quarry that differs.
Leave your fingertips free to feel the trigger.
Minus 33 carries a dizzying array of wool products – from shirts and socks to balaclavas and blankets. There are traditional base layers, but also boxers, bikini briefs, tank tops, and hoodies.
Lightweight hoodie, with blanket in the background.Socks made in USA.
Wool is the original performance fabric. It is fire resistant and resists odors as well. Yes it can keep you warm, and wool retains its thermal properties when wet, but thinner versions can wick well to keep you cool. For this reason Minus 33 carries products in four weights – micro, lightweight, mid weight, and expedition.
Multiclava unfurled.
One product at the booth which I was particularly attracted to was the “multiclava”. This is a long tube of the micro weight fabric, which can be worn as a hood, a beanie, a headband, a face mask, or a full balaclava. This would be great for the deer stand or duck blind where conditions can change with the shift of the wind. Wear it into your site as a beanie, reconfigure it to a balaclava if it gets colder, or roll it into a headband if the temps rise with the sun – all from the same garment. This is a huge plus when you tend to overload your daypack for the “what-ifs” like I do. This would be a great addition to a go-bag as well when you need to be ready for gawd-knows-what.
I am already a wool convert so I am hoping to be able to try out several items from Minus 33 – from the multiclava, to a hoodie, and maybe even a blanket. Stay tuned for reviews!
When it comes to organizations such as Law Enforcement or specialized Military Units the need for targetry within shoothouses is large. This targetry needs to be realistic, light and transportable, and not expensive. Government money, you know? Located in the Law Enforcement area of SHOT Show, Target Nation gives us all of that with their 3D target kits.
The Targets
The targets that are offered by Target Nation are 3D and made of cardboard. This means that they can be realistic without the added cost of realistic parts.
Main Features
Due to being 3D these targets can be angled, resembling a normal human engagement due to enemies not always being front facing. As they teach in shoothouses, shooters should be aimed center of exposure, not center of mass. Angling Target Nations targets offers that realistic side to engagements.
Vital organs can also be added to the targets. Made by target nation, these fake plastic vitals can be placed inside of the targets. Once engaged, shooters and instructors can walk to the center and verify if the vitals have actually been hit or not.
Additional items such as different facial expressions, arms, and weapons can be purchased to add onto this target. This will add to the training. While there may be a male target there, if he has a mean facial expression but a phone, is he really a threat?
Qualification targets, as most organizations have, can be slid into place behind the target nation target. This will show who is actually qualifying with a real life scenario instead of just shooting a front facing qual target on a flat indoor range.
These targets will fit all target stands but can come with a cardboard stand from target nation if the organization does not want to haul around their own target stands.
All of these items can be purchased to add to the targets. These include weapons such as knives or pistols and the arms to hold them.
Tech Specs
Strong enough to withstand over 500 rounds of 45ACP shot on the move from 130-degree angle at 7 yards yet is still useable by replacing the VOICE.
Strong enough to withstand dozens of 12-gauge 00 Buckshot and slugs as shown in our field testing.
Tender enough to be used with UTM and Simunition rounds, or BBs to where the Vital Organs will effectively mark.
Sturdy enough to withstand a few stormy days, nights outdoor, and still be useable.
Simple enough to assemble in less than a minute without tools, staples, or tape.
Versatile enough to fit any stand, and even accommodate angle shooting from a static lane with its 45-degree left and right anchor.
Pricing and Purchase Options
A sampler set which is a smaller portion of targets to evaluate if it will work for your organization or not will run you $53.99 on targetnation. This includes 2 torso’s, 2 legs, one accessory board, and 14 photorealistic accessories.
Vital organs in the amount of 5ea will run $39.00
If buying a large amount or if you are within a large department be sure to contact Target Nation for special pricing.
If onsite at shot show, be sure to visit target nation at booth #62511.
Show of hands for anyone who owns AR platform rifle(s) that you are prohibited from using for hunting in your state? Yeah, me too. The state where our family hunting property is located has not yet joined the 21st century when it comes to hunting firearms. I use a lever gun when I hunt deer up there.
All of which means that the gun which I have customized exactly to my liking and have the most practice on is NOT the one I can take into the field every fall. That makes zero sense. Why should I have to hunt with a gun that I sight-in once a year, is heavy to drag around, AND has a stiff trigger to boot, when I already have an AR platform rifle which I built myself, customized to my LOP, and which has a nice precision trigger? Mind boggling, isn’t it?
Maybe some of you are blessed to not have this problem, but what if you have a stock and trigger set-up to really fit your needs, but you want an option for a bit more precision and long range than you can get from your semi-auto upper?
This is where Uintah Precision comes in. This company from Duchesne, Utah manufactures (in the USA) true bolt action upper receivers compatible with LR-308 and AR-15 platform rifles which pin right on to your existing lower. They utilize your existing magazines too. Uintah Precision also builds complete rifles, but I’m more interested in the upper that they can ship right to my door which doesn’t have to go through an FFL. I’m all about flexibility and multi-use.
I first found and wrote about this company at SHOT four years ago when I was preparing to build my own Aero Precision AR-308. I completed that task and took it on a successful hunt in Texas. Texas loves AR’s. But before I could branch out into getting one of Uintah’s uppers and trying it out in the home state, we had the C-virus and resultant lock-downs and every other inconvenience and PIA known to humanity. In all the kerfluffle I frankly forgot all about it.
But I’m back at SHOT this year and stumbled right across Uintah Precision again! How fortuitous!
They’ve expanded their offerings a bit in the interim. They now offer left-handed versions in addition to the standard right-handed bolt, and (if I understand correctly) virtually any caliber which is compatible with the two lower types. This means I could have a 300BLK version for my AR and a .308 version for my Aero. Or maybe even 6.5 Creedmore?! According to their website you don’t have to remove the buffer and spring, and you can even run a Law folder if you want. This is giving me ideas!
To quote from UP’s website, “From hunting to long range precision, or even compliance within heavily regulated states, the Uintah Precision UPR can fill all roles.”
Heck, I don’t think this is upping the game so much as rewriting the entire playbook.
Anyone who has ever struggled to use the same travel case foam for different long guns will tell you that it is a giant pain. But it’s either that, or buy different foam for every firearm and then cut it individually to fit- which ain’t cheap – especially when it’s “only” foam.
But especially if you are flying, there isn’t a lot of choice if you don’t want TSA gorillas destroying your prized gear. I’ve personally had this problem several times – trying to make an AR-308 fit into the foam originally cut for an AR-15 – and vice versa.
But Magpul has changed the rules with the innovative Daka Grid case organizer. The idea is that there are individual lego-like foam blocks which interlock into almost unlimited configurations to allow you to completely customize how you want your firearm and gear to fit into your hard-sided case. But once that’s done, it’s not permanent like it is for picking or cutting foam. You can put your steak knives away. This system is able to be endlessly recustomized and reconfigured for what ever gear or accessories you’ll be taking along, and wherever you are going.
See? Legos!Fits right in!
The rep informed me that for now the inserts will be available for various Pelican cases, but Magpul’s own cases are in the pipe for this. Additionally, even more foam accessories are coming soon to even further individualize your storage and travel preferences. This system is pure genius and I wonder why no one has thought of it before.
Easier to see than to explain.
I will likely be pretty far down the list for a professional demo, but I’m telling you right now this is something I will be spending my own money on and I’ll be raving about it until I do!
So you have a pistol with a red dot, great right? Now, what about about the rear irons. Often on handgun slides there is no place for rear irons unless the user buys an already milled slide for irons ahead of the optic/the rear of the optic, or sends the slide to a proper gunsmith to mill it. That takes time and money. The user will also have to buy taller height sights to see over the optic in the rear. Now there is a different option that involves no milling of the slide. This option is Optic Irons from X Nihilo. (a mouthful I know)
Note: This item was found in the New Product Center at SHOT before heading into their booth. If you are on-site head over to the center to see the newest items at the show.
X Nihilo has a small booth at booth #40308. Go check them out, they were very happy to chat. Or, visit the website below https://xnihilo.us/
What is it?
Optic Irons are simple. Made from machined aluminum these rear iron sights simply screw onto your optic using the same screws that are used to mount the optic.
Perfectly cowitnesses with the front sight and no rear drift due to being mounted by two screws.Two different length screws will come in the Optic Irons package for different type of mounted optics and mount styles.
The Benefits to Optic Irons
Due to the iron sights being mounted on top of the optic, the sights are standard height. No more taller sights to see over the optic.
No snagging of tall iron sights due to the sights being hidden by the optic. This means no adjustments to holsters will be needed.
The rear iron sight will always be centered due to being machined center and mounting the same way each time. No sight drift.
The Iron Sights will come in black. These shown are prototypes. The prototypes are made in silver to stand out from the optic it is mounted on. Total SHOT Show marketing.
The only negative that I could think of is that the right sight is not adjustable anymore. Some may not find this as a negative due to many not adjusting their rear sight in the first place. To each their own.
Specs
These sights are made from machined aluminum making them pretty durable. The package will come with two sets of screws, one set in standard and one set in tall. This is for the height differences between mounting directly to the slide or using a plate, also the different heights in sights.
Optic Irons are slated to in full production cycle shortly and are expected to be $40 dollars MSRP. Check back onto their website for information on shipping dates.
Note: I am aware of another company making a different type of iron sights that mount to your optic. However, these are mounted using screws in the drainage holes and more expensive than Optic Irons. They also are a smaller machined piece and may not be as durable as Optic Irons from X Nihilo. I have not used them myself though and am not sure of what their specifications are so take my word for what it is worth.
Many consider the Beretta 1301 to be the best tactical shotgun currently on the market. If it has a problem, it’s the price point. At well over a thousand dollars, the Beretta 1301 can be an intimidating purchase. Beretta wisely figured out that a shotgun that’s a little cheaper could go a long way. If it’s made in America, it can also not need to worry about 922R and the cost of upgrading your gun. This brought us to the A300 Ultima Patrol shotgun. This semi-auto, 12 gauge shotgun offers you an out-of-the-box tactical option for less than one thousand dollars.
The A300 Ultima Patrol is a gas-operated shotgun that features a 19.1-inch barrel, and it holds seven rounds of 2.75-inch buckshot. Alongside the sorter barrel and higher capacity, we have a number of tactical features. This includes enlarged controls, an M-LOK handguard and barrel clamp, and a 13-inch length of pull.
Across the top sits a set of ghost ring iron sights, with a high visibility front sight and an optics-ready rail. The sights sit high enough to allow for cowitnessing with a standard mini red dot. The side of the receiver comes ready with the loop part of hook and loop to attach a side saddle too. At 7.1 pounds, the Beretta A300 Ultima patrol is a light and handy gun.
The A300 Ultima Patrol – A New Type of Shotgun
The A300 Ultima Patrol is seemingly taking aim at the latest Mossberg series of shotguns. The 940 Pro Tactical offers shooters a sub-1000 dollar shotgun that comes complete with an absolute ton of features. I have one, and admittedly it’s a fantastic firearm.
At this price point, the A300 Ultima Patrol is hitting the sweet spot of affordability for a defensive or duty shotgun. I’m curious to see how the gun handles and how the gas system holds up to extensive abuse. I have nothing but high hopes and can’t wait to get a real hands-on with the A300 Ultima Patrol.
Zastava, the exclusive importers of Serbian AK rifles, is bringing underfolding stock options to the AK market. Not only are they producing rifles with the underfolding stock, but they are also releasing a no gunsmith required folding stock setup for AK rifle platforms. These bolt-on under folding stocks only require a hex wrench to install. This allows you to convert your NPAP rifle to an under folding design without the need for an underfolding trunion.
Fold It with and Underfolding Stock
The MSRP of the no gunsmithing stock is 229, but they have an introductory price of 199 for the time being. It’s a neat kit that gives you that classic underfolding design. The stock will fold over a 30-round magazine without issue. Let’s be real, underfolding stocks have a lot of issues, and they are far from optimum.
Zastava advises that you cannot use a scope mount with the underfolding stock. They offer a craptastic cheek weld and don’t sit in your shoulder well. A wood stock does give you a much more robust, supportive, and comfortable stock all around. But…under folding stocks look so darn cool! That’s the only real point of an underfolder these days. With that said, if you SBR’ed an M92, you could have a very compact package all around.
Speaking of, you’ll need to do some gunsmithing to add this underfolder to a pistol, but it is possible. The stock kit won’t fit all AKs, and according to Zastava, they will fit the ZPAP M70, the PAP M90 OS, and the OPAP with 1.5 mm thick receivers.
On top of selling, the Zastava will be producing rifles with underfolding stocks as well. This includes your classic M70 and a new model of the shorter ZPAP92. This ZPAP92 will have a pinned and welded barrel extension that looks a bit like a suppressor.
If you already have an NPAP or ZPAP rifle, then you’re set to add an underfolding stock to your rifle, and these stocks are available now.
Premier Armor is one of my favorite body armor companies. They make some of the most innovative armor systems out there. While plate carriers and ceramic armor are great, they do a ton of more practical products for everyday use by the average person. They famously produce the Everyday Armor T-Shirt. This year they have a number of new products that have caught my attention.
Fieldcraft Survival and Premier Armor Kit Up
Fieldcraft Survival has put together a Survival Mobility Duffel Bag that offers a low-profile but high-quality option to carry a ton of goodies. These bags come in various sizes, are modular, and are easy to store. Premier Armor teamed up with Fieldcraft Survival to produce an IIIA armored panel that attaches to the top of your Survival Mobility Duffel Bag and provides you protection from most common pistol calibers and even up to 12 gauge.
This panel attaches directly to the duffle bag and blends in seamlessly. If you have one, you might as well have the other.
Premier Armor and Viktos Team Up
Viktos released two new chest rigs last year, the Low Key and Taculus. These were stock standard, low profile, affordable, and easy-to-use chest rigs.
They are also quite affordable, and as the owner of both, I can’t help but think they are fantastic options for a chest rig. This year Premier Armor and Viktos produce an armor solution for these low-profile chest rigs. The design is very compact.
One panel sits on another via velcro. When they need to be deployed, you pull one panel apart from the other and let it hang. These two panels overhang a bit and allow you to have total protection from top to bottom. It’s IIIA soft armor, so you’re protected from most pistol calibers and shotguns.
The Shield
Premier Armor also introduced a shield designed for home defense. It’s a mini ballistic shield that is rated up to most intermediate rifle rounds. It’s huge but also fairly light at around 15 pounds. It straps to the arm and provides you a torso’s worth of protection. I really want one just to paint a Captain America theme across it.
Armored Up
SHOT is mostly about the guns, but armor, knives, and more are all on the table as well. Premier Armor seems to be bringing a number of new products to meet its already large catalog of practical, tactical armor options.
Last year was all about the Hi-Power. FN, Springfield Armory, and Girsan all released numerous models and took on the Hi-Power. That’s scaled back a bit at this show, but we do have a new Hi-Power. Girsan is delivering a new model of the MCP35 PI. This takes the Hi-Power and trims it into a compact package. The PI stands for private eye or detective model. It’s trimmed some weight, thinned things out, and delivered a solid little pistol design that has me excited.
The MCP35 PI – A Baby Hi-Power
The MCP35 PI features a 3.88-inch barrel and a total length of 6.25 inches. It reduces weight from 1.8 to 1.6 pounds and doesn’t short out when it comes to ammunition capacity. The MCP35 PI uses a standard-length grip and a 15-round magazine. It’s surprisingly compact, and it’s budget-priced to provide a cheap and novel Hi-Power option.
I got my hands on the MCP35 PI at Range Day and found myself suitably impressed. I expected the standard hammer bite but was relieved to find none. The Hi-Power grip ergonomics are absolutely awesome, and that translates to this budget-friendly compact Hi-Power. The MCP35 PI delivers low recoil and muzzle rise. It handles just like any standard Hi-Power with a little less barrel. I’m fairly excited to see this gun hit the market.
While it’s not on the website, SHOT Show had an optics-ready model on the floor, which is an interesting option. The gun comes with what appears to be a rather cheap optic that I would replace instantly. Sadly I can’t tell you what optic footprint the MC P35 PI is using. Hopefully, it’s something standard and easily replaceable.
There is also an SKU going around mentioning a rail, but I can’t find that at SHOT Show or any actual pictures. Girsan might be producing an OPS version of the MCP35 PI, which is exciting too.
IWI’s big release at SHOT is their new US assembled Carmel, that is far from the whole story out of PA however.
IWI’s under acknowledged excellence in factory ARs with the Z-15 line is getting several additions. The Z-15 was originally introduced humbly in two formats, a standard 16″ rifle and a 12.5″ barreled SBA3 braced pistol. Both featured modern freefloat M-LOK forends, B5 furniture, proper buffering, and simple control schemes.
It is a high functioning utilitarian approach to the AR-15.
The first addition is a simple one, they’re offering factory SBR 12.5″ guns now.
The second addition is too, FDE anodizing.
We tactical dirt afficenados thank you.
But the best is the addition of the Z-15 SPR.
The SPR expands on the extreme commitment the Z-15 line has for functional (and frugal) utilitarianism. It’s still an everything you need, nothing you don’t, design but with the focus shifted to an accuracy and distance tuned rifle.
The first day of SHOT 2023 has been recorded on the soles of my feet and on my pedometer – 7.4 miles in one day and the week is just getting started!
Allow me to share a few tidbits of what I saw on my first pass of 2023. Although I haven’t caught sight of a ton of way cool new stuff so far, there are some product drops/presentations happening later in the week.
The first two companies I visited are in keeping with my preparedness and food theme of years past.
ReadyWise is a familiar name in the long-term food storage game. But this is their first appearance at SHOT. Their tasty-looking freeze dried meals are available in a variety of formats from individual “Adventure Meals” to buckets containing hundreds of servings of shelf stable food. They even offer an “Emergency Survival Backpack” which in addition to food also contains water pouches, a small stove, a cup, a flashlight, matches, and a first aid kit. If you don’t have the time or energy to build your own emergency bag, this may be a viable option for you or a family member. ReadyWise is also licensed to carry the American Red Cross logo, so their quality is well-recognized.
Buckets O’ Food
Drip Drop is a brand of ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) which I found in the LE/Military section at SHOT. Unlike a lot of sports drink solutions out there, this one reports that it meets World Health Organization standards for ORS. That means that it meets the specific ratios of water, glucose and electrolytes required by the body to properly absorb water from the gut in cases of mild to moderate dehydration. Because of that, I would trust this brand over some of the other water additive products that I’ve seen lurking around and making wild claims about their ingredients. The Drip Drop rep gave me some samples, so I’m going to give it a try. I’m not enough of a drinker that I would need it for hangover relief this week, but I know some people who might – LOL!
WHO approved oral rehydration
In addition to those items in the consumables department, I also looked (briefly) at a company I won’t name which was marketing scary-looking shelf stable meat sandwich looking things which looked vaguely like hot pockets. I wasn’t brave enough to go there, so I’ll spare you that one. But you find all kinds of things at SHOT. One guy tried to hard-sell me a handheld personal massager – no, not THAT kind! LOL.
While on the show floor I also checked out Gun Tote’n Mamas, which produces high quality carry purses and bags. I personally haven’t carried a purse for over 20 years, but I was looking at their carry fanny pack bags which looked promising. These reportedly are constructed of luggage quality leather and are RFID protected. I am normally not a huge fan of off-body carry, but I recognize that for some women this is the only way that carry is going to happen. I am looking into this further and will hopefully have a better, longer report at a future date.
From GTM’s website
On my list for tomorrow is looking at the new releases from Buck Knives and Minus33 which is a merino wool company. Later in the week I’m planning to hit up VooDoo Tactical and TUFF Products , plus whatever my might strike my fancy along the way. So stay tuned!
When it comes to eyewear, Revision Military and Fast Metal are two brands that always deliver. Revision Military has been at the forefront of protective eyewear technology for years, constantly striving to create the best ballistic protective lenses. Fast Metal, on the other hand, has been busy crafting top-quality aluminum sunglasses made in the USA. Now, these two companies have come together to unveil their newest collaboration. The companies have released an official press release, and now it’s time to see what they have to say.
A Perfect Pair
This is an example of the I-Vis Technology and not the Speed Demon frames
Revision Military, a leading producer of protective eyewear, has spent years developing best-in-class ballistic protective lenses. Similarly, Fast Metal and its founder have spent that time developing premium made-in-USA aluminum sunglasses. With this collaboration announcement, the two companies have combined what they are truly experts in to create the Revision Speed Demon metal sunglasses with Revision’s new I-Vis lens technology. These sunglasses bring together state-of-the-art lens technology with a sleek, stylish frame.
Fast Metal was built on over 35 years of experience in manufacturing the highest quality metal sunglasses by its founder, Ken Wilson. As the pioneer of the aluminum sunglass industry, Ken created the first patented 27-step procedure for manufacturing high-quality aluminum frames. Today, Fast Metal is proud to offer the world’s first and best aluminum sunglass and eyewear protection system featuring field-replaceable lenses.
History Of Revision Military
Over the past 20 years, Revision has become the proven supplier of military protective eyewear to NATO forces worldwide. This new partnership with Fast Metal is a powerful relationship combining military and tactical industry expertise with the best aluminum sunglass design. The goal – is to create an eyewear protection system that customers not only need but want.
“At Revision, we believe in the power of partnerships and collaborations in bringing new and exciting technology to end-users quickly,” said Revision CEO Amy Coyne. “Our new I-Vis lens technology delivers enhanced visual performance, and we needed an everyday sunglass platform to offer protection, style, and performance. We believe this collab is just the beginning of our partnership with Ken and the Fast Metal team.”
Speed Demon Specs
So what’s so special about these new Revision Military Speed Demon Sunglasses?
Well, first, the frame is entirely made out of aluminum 7075 allow, which provides ANSI Z87.1 protection.
Second, it is available with Revision’s new I-Vis lens technology. This technology is an advanced dye formulation process resulting in a new series of lens tints that markedly enhance visual performance. More than a single solution, I-Vis lenses are available in six tints, each optimized for use in a different environment. Each tint is designed to increase contrast and elevate color recognition in specific geographic regions, doing so without the negative effects associated with traditional monochromatic lens tints. These Speed Demon lenses also come with Revision’s OcuMax anti-fog and scratch coating and are field replaceable.
Finally, all frames and lenses are made in the USA; frames are made by Fast Metal in Yuma, Arizona, and lenses are made by Revision in Essex Junction, Vermont. The product is available for sale today at www.revisionmilitary.com and coming soon to Revision’s network of dealers and distributors around the globe.
Sometimes during SHOT, you find something that is just cool. It might not be completely practical or totally useful, but it just stands out for being unique. My pick this year for just cool is the JR-15. The JR-15 is an AR-15 clone or replica, or, you know, I’m not sure what to call it. Wee 1 Tactical produces the JR-15 and what they did was simple. Take your typical rimfire AR design and scale it down. It’s scaled down to accommodate younger shooters who might be too small for anything else. It’s basically an AR 15 build kit gun.
The JR-15 – The Cutest Gun of Shot
The JR-15 features all the normal AR carbine goodies. This includes an M-LOK rail, an optic rail, and collapsing stock. However, it weighs only 2.49 pounds in total. It’s so small and cute and optimized in every way for a youthful shooter. The gun is not optimized for a six-foot-five-inch tall gorilla like me, but I still had fun with it at the range. The JR-15 is scaled down by about 20% when compared to a normal AR.
It’s your typical straight blowback operated .22LR. The JR-15 is only an AR-15 in appearance and functions like any other rimfire AR rifle. It’s just optimized for inexperienced, younger shooters. Some of the modifications include an interesting safety that would be difficult to turn off accidentally. You have to pull a knob up and rotate it.
Wee 1 Tactical also produces three magazine sizes. You have your typical 10-round magazine, as well as a 5-round magazine, but you also have a 1-round option. To me, that’s great for shooters who may turn excitedly on the range. Should they do so, the gun is empty after firing the first and only shot in the mag. I will also go ahead and say the magazines are adorable. They are just miniaturized magazines that are identical to actual AR mags.
At range day, they just had the JR-15, but at their booth, they also had an upcoming mini AK series. It’s scaled down, in .22LR, and has the most adorable little magazine. With an MSRP of about 500 bucks, these offer an affordable rifle with that tactical appeal that might speak to modern kiddos.
A rifle that originally popped up on the Brazilian branch of IWI’s media channels as a military/LEO export project, the Carmel intrigued US gun audiences immediately and it is no surprise why. The US has been awash in NextGen carbine hype since the FN SCAR and Magpul Masada. We’ve been seeking a ‘better’ rifle than the AR-15. We were promised an AR-15 successor.
We’ve been promised much and left underwhelmed, unless price was no object. But let’s be honest, price is always an object when it comes to logistics. I may be able to afford the latest high dollar super gat at a moment it releases and I may not, that’s subjective to my tastes and preferences. What doesn’t make sense from the cold calculations of performance vs logistics is getting a $3,500 rifle in the same performance envelope as at $1,500 rifle.
That era is ending.
Specs:
16” 5.56 NATO CHF Barrel.
2-position adjustable short stroke gas piston (suppressed/unsuppressed).
Free float M-LOK forend.
Continues top 1913 picatinny rail.
Ambidextrous controls; bolt catch, magazine release, and 45° safety selector.
Gun cannot eject left side, only right side.
Non-reciprocating switchable charging handle (left or right side)
Two-stage trigger (proprietary)
M4/AR15 style pistol grip.
Folding buttstock with adjustable length of pull and adjustable comb height.
MSRP: $1,799
Freefloat M-LOK HandguardAdjustable Gas, 2-PositionAmbidextrous Fire ControlAdjustable Length of Pull and Comb, Folding ButtstockFolds to the right
The consensus of GWOT and post-GWOT seems to be that… there isn’t really a better rifle than the AR-15, not significantly better and not cost effectively better. Especially if we are considering one of the ambi-receiver designs that we see out of KAC, BG, FCD, LMT, LWRCi, Geissele and so on, the AR continues to hold its own just fine. .
But if there is one rifle type that seems to be emerging as the next weapon, because it is better in an objective performance sense, it’s a modern variant of the AR-18/AR-180. I’ll even include piston drive AR designs like HK, PWS, and LWRCi in this category. The modern modular takes on the AR-18 short stroke gas piston design are in most of the dominant modern rifle designs.
But price has controlled the NextGen market space more than any other factor. $2,000 gets you a fine selection of options in the AR-15 market, with top shelf materials and quality control. It hasn’t touched the NextGen carbines until now.
A keen eye and a good memory will note that the US version of the Carmel doesn’t match the original we saw from years back. The rifle has been upgraded in several respects for the highly discerning and prone to modify US Market.
We like longer handguards and M-LOK, we got those
We like the ability to utilize our preferred grip, we got that too.
Several small PIP type improvements from the US and International teams were incorporated into this latest version
The Carmel is entering a now aging field of NextGen 5.56 systems, but it is doing so with a stronger feature set than most of those rifles launched with. Notably, it’s trigger puts to shame most stock AR and NextGen rifle triggers. Better than stock SCAR, MCX, and mil-spec weight ARs, especially if you prefer a 2-stage. I do.
It’s greatest selling point however is the price, and given the market we are seeing emerge in 2023 new rifle owners looking for performance will notice when its sitting in parallel with high performance AR brands like BCM, Daniel Defense, and SOLGW.
From the company that brought to market the Masada, it’s just a fine 9mm, this rifle inhabits the spiritual succession of the Magpul Masada rifle concept. Fully featured and competitively priced.
I have no word on non-5.56 calibers at this time, we could potentially see .300BLK and SBR variants of the gun if the 5.56 does well. I suspect it isn’t going to be too difficult to turn into a ~14.5″ with a barrel chop and gas system tune-up either, a popular SCAR mod.
At the end of the day it’s just another 5.56x45mm offering, but we’re a 5.56x45mm hungry market and the Carmel hits so many of the quality and feature marks at just the right market price.
