Tuesday, April 29, 2014
Thursday, April 24, 2014
XM8
The development of the XM8 Lightweight Assault Rifle was initiated by US Army in the 2002, when contract was issued to the Alliant Techsystems Inc. of USA to study possibilities of development of kinetic energy part of the XM29 OICW weapon into separate lightweight assault rifle, which could, in the case of success,replace the aging M16A2 rifles and M4A1 carbines in US military service. XM8 is being developed by the Heckler-Koch USA,a subsidiary of famous German Heckler-Koch company. According to the present plans, the XM8 should enter full production circa 2005, if not earlier, several years before the XM29 OICW. The XM8 (M8 after its official adoption) should become a standard next generation US forces assault rifle. It will fire all standard 5.56mm NATO ammunition, and, to further decrease the load on the future infantrymen, a new type of 5.56mm ammunition is now being developed. This new ammunition will have composite cases, with brass bases and polymer walls, which will reduce weight of the complete ammunition, while maintaining compatibility with all 5.56mm NATO weapons. Along with 20% weight reduction in the XM8 (compared to the current issue M4A1 carbine), this will be a welcome move for any infantryman, already overloaded by protective, communications and other battle equipment.
The XM8 will be almost similar to the "KE" (kinetic energy) part of the XM29 OICW system, being different mostly in having a telescoped plastic buttstock of adjustable length, and a detachable carrying handle with the sight rail.
As of mid-2004, XM8 now is undergoing wide-scale testing in several units of US Army, and is receiving a positive feedback.
Following several complains about non-competitive procurement of the XM8 system from Heckler-Koch USA, US Army first opened the bidding for contract to other companies, and then, in the July 2005, suddenly suspended the entire OICW Increment 1 program to re-think the entire set of requirements for the possible replacement of current M16 rifles and M4 carbines. These requirements will be re-viewed as Joint Services effort. At the present time, it seems that development of HK XM8 is suspended; it may be resumed if XM8 suit the new US Joint Service Requirements for a new assault rifle system; or, it may not. We will watch this process closely and update this article when new information will be available.
The XM8 is a derivative of the Heckler-Koch G36 assault rifle, and thus it is almost similar to that rifle in design and functioning.XM8 features a short piston stroke, gas operated action, with rotating bolt locking. Barrels are quick detachable, and planned to be available in several sizes, ranging from 229 mm (9.5 inch) for Compact/PDW version, 318mm (12.5 inch)in Basic version, and two 508mm (20in) barrels, one for Sharpshooter/Sniper version, and heavier one (along with bipod) for Squad Automatic Rifle role. The entire construction is modular and built around the polymer receiver with bolt group; Magazine housings could be easily swapped for compatibility with various types of magazines; various buttstocks could be installed in a second for various roles (standard buttstock is a telescoped 5 position adjustable one). Top of the receiver is fitted with proprietary sight rail, which can accept illuminated red-dot (collimator) sight, or any other type of sighting equipment. Detachable forend will be available in various sizes, and could be replaced withXM320 40mm grenade launcher (the improved HK AG36).
Ambidextrous fire controls are mounted on the trigger unit, integral with pistol grip and trigger-guard, and in basic configuration are planned to deliver single shots and full auto fire.The G36-type ambidextrous charging handle is located at the top of the receiver, below the removable carrying handle.
Caliber: 5.56x45 mm NATO
Action: Gas operated, rotating bolt
Overall length: 838 mm in basic configuration, butt extended
Barrel length: 318 mm in basic configuration; also 229 mm in Compact and 508 mm in Sharpshooter and SAW versions
Weight: 2.659 kg empty in basic configuration
Rate of fire: ~ 750 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity: 30 rounds (STANAG) or 100-rounds double drum in Automatic Rifle/SAW role
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| XM8 rifle in "automatic rifle" (light machine gun) configuration. Note longer barrel and folded bipods under the forearm |
The XM8 will be almost similar to the "KE" (kinetic energy) part of the XM29 OICW system, being different mostly in having a telescoped plastic buttstock of adjustable length, and a detachable carrying handle with the sight rail.
As of mid-2004, XM8 now is undergoing wide-scale testing in several units of US Army, and is receiving a positive feedback.
Following several complains about non-competitive procurement of the XM8 system from Heckler-Koch USA, US Army first opened the bidding for contract to other companies, and then, in the July 2005, suddenly suspended the entire OICW Increment 1 program to re-think the entire set of requirements for the possible replacement of current M16 rifles and M4 carbines. These requirements will be re-viewed as Joint Services effort. At the present time, it seems that development of HK XM8 is suspended; it may be resumed if XM8 suit the new US Joint Service Requirements for a new assault rifle system; or, it may not. We will watch this process closely and update this article when new information will be available.
 |
| XM8 rifle in Compact (SMG / PDW) configuration, with shortened barrel. |
The XM8 is a derivative of the Heckler-Koch G36 assault rifle, and thus it is almost similar to that rifle in design and functioning.XM8 features a short piston stroke, gas operated action, with rotating bolt locking. Barrels are quick detachable, and planned to be available in several sizes, ranging from 229 mm (9.5 inch) for Compact/PDW version, 318mm (12.5 inch)in Basic version, and two 508mm (20in) barrels, one for Sharpshooter/Sniper version, and heavier one (along with bipod) for Squad Automatic Rifle role. The entire construction is modular and built around the polymer receiver with bolt group; Magazine housings could be easily swapped for compatibility with various types of magazines; various buttstocks could be installed in a second for various roles (standard buttstock is a telescoped 5 position adjustable one). Top of the receiver is fitted with proprietary sight rail, which can accept illuminated red-dot (collimator) sight, or any other type of sighting equipment. Detachable forend will be available in various sizes, and could be replaced withXM320 40mm grenade launcher (the improved HK AG36).
 |
| XM8 rifle in "sharpshooter" (sniper) configuration. While sightlooks similar to red-dot, mounted on other variants, it is of 3.5X magnification; spare magazine is clamped to the right side of the magazine inserted into the rifle. |
Ambidextrous fire controls are mounted on the trigger unit, integral with pistol grip and trigger-guard, and in basic configuration are planned to deliver single shots and full auto fire.The G36-type ambidextrous charging handle is located at the top of the receiver, below the removable carrying handle.
 |
| XM8 rifle in basic infantry configuration |
Caliber: 5.56x45 mm NATO
Action: Gas operated, rotating bolt
Overall length: 838 mm in basic configuration, butt extended
Barrel length: 318 mm in basic configuration; also 229 mm in Compact and 508 mm in Sharpshooter and SAW versions
Weight: 2.659 kg empty in basic configuration
Rate of fire: ~ 750 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity: 30 rounds (STANAG) or 100-rounds double drum in Automatic Rifle/SAW role
Wednesday, April 16, 2014
SIG 516
The family of SIG 516 Tactical rifles is a most recent product of the US-based branch of the international arms maker SIG-Sauer. Intended primarily for the US markets, this family of weapons included two basic semi-automatic versions, intended for civilian and Law Enforcement markets. The same family also includes selective-fired "assault rifles", strictly intended for Government (LE and Military) use. The SIG 516 Tactical rifles are closely patterned after the Ar-15 / M16 family of rifles, but with certain improvements, such as piston-operated gas action with adjustable gas regulator. It is possible that select-fire version of the SIG 516 rifle will also compete for replacement of the current US Army's M4 carbine.
The SIG 516 Tactical rifles are gas operated weapons that use Ar-15 / M16 configuration, with aluminum alloy upper and lower receivers assembled by two captive cross-pins. The basic Ar-15 / M16-style rotary bolt gas operated action is improved with addition of the short-stroke gas piston that runs inside handguards, above the barrel. The gas block is equipped with manually adjustable gas regulator. The trigger unit, manual safety and feed system (magazines, bolt release etc) are also similar to the Ar-15 / M16. The SIG 516 Patrol rifles feature shorter 16 inch barrels and adjustable M4-type buttstocks. The SIG 516 Precision Marksman rifles have longer 18-inch barrels and adjustable 'sniper' stock. In either version, barrels are chrome-lined. The sighting equipments is installed using integral Picatinny rail on the top of the receiver and on the additional 4 rails on the forend.
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| SIG 516 Patrol rifle |
The SIG 516 Tactical rifles are gas operated weapons that use Ar-15 / M16 configuration, with aluminum alloy upper and lower receivers assembled by two captive cross-pins. The basic Ar-15 / M16-style rotary bolt gas operated action is improved with addition of the short-stroke gas piston that runs inside handguards, above the barrel. The gas block is equipped with manually adjustable gas regulator. The trigger unit, manual safety and feed system (magazines, bolt release etc) are also similar to the Ar-15 / M16. The SIG 516 Patrol rifles feature shorter 16 inch barrels and adjustable M4-type buttstocks. The SIG 516 Precision Marksman rifles have longer 18-inch barrels and adjustable 'sniper' stock. In either version, barrels are chrome-lined. The sighting equipments is installed using integral Picatinny rail on the top of the receiver and on the additional 4 rails on the forend.
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| SIG 516 Precision Marksman rifle |
| SIG 516 Patrol | Sig 516 Precision Marksman | |
| Caliber: | 5.56x45 NATO / .223 Remington | |
| Action | Gas operated, short stroke piston, rotary bolt locking | |
| Overall length | 920 ... 947 mm | 914 ... 1003 mm |
| Barrel length | 406 mm / 16" | 457 mm / 18" |
| Weight, less magazine | 3.3 kg | 3.5 kg |
| Rate of fire (for MIL / LE versions only) | 750 - 900 rounds per minute | n/a |
| Magazine capacity | 30 rounds | |
Monday, April 7, 2014
Barnett Ghost 410 Crossbow
Hailed for being a game changer and both breaking and setting records with its long anticipated release, the Barnett Ghost 410 CRT follows Barnett’s tradition of making each new iteration of their crossbow lines lighter, stronger, and faster than the one before.
The Ghost 410 improves on its predecessor the Ghost 400 by introducing Barnett’s CRT or Carbon Riser Technology in order to lighten up the crossbow by an impressive 43% dropping it to a comfortable 7.3 pounds as well as making it stronger and more compact. Keep in mind that the Ghost 410 is not for the hunter on a budget and in this review I’ll give you some information to help you determine whether or not it is the right crossbow for you given its price tag.
A modern standard in crossbow construction the quad limb design allows for a large amount of energy to be applied to the string and subsequently to the bolt being fired. The Ghost 410 improves on this design further with composite lamination which improves the tensile strength as well as the power that the crossbow can produce.
Despite its high tech feel the Barnett Ghost 410 is actually surprisingly simple to put together, nearly all customers report a very quick, straightforward assembly process that has them out putting bolts down range in less than 20 minutes.
Barnett’s proprietary technology which both lighten and strengthen the Ghost 410 in addition to shifting the balance close to the users shoulder in order to improve stability, accuracy, and comfort.
Two seemingly small features that have a significant impact on both safety and accuracy, the pistol grip with finger guard provides a comfortable grip which has obvious benefits for shooting performance. The pass through foregrip allows the shooter to have a much more firm hold on the crossbow when compared to standard foregrip designs.
A very welcome compliment to the Ghost 410’s host of features and technology these strings utilize Barnett’s custom fiber blend that has been proven to handle very high draw weights as well as the rigors of serious hunting routines in addition to significantly quieting each crossbow shot. Another handy safety feature which improves the safety and longevity of the crossbow by engaging the safety whenever it is cocked and not allowing it to disengage until a bolt is correctly loaded. This
Despite its compact and lightweight design the Barnett Ghost 410 exhibits nearly unrivaled performance and will certainly satisfy even the pickiest of marksmen. As far accuracy goes the Ghost 410 seems to have no problems hitting anything under 60 yards with extreme consistency and several reports claim nail driving precision out to 80 yards.
Based on the specs listed above you can probably already tell that the Ghost 410 is an absolute powerhouse capable of taking down any legal game that you can get in your crosshairs, and as long as you’re sighted in you can be assured that your shot will hit fast and hard each and every time you pull the trigger.
Specifications
180 lb draw weight
149 foot pounds of energy
15.375″ Power Stroke
410 FPS
22 inch arrow length
The Ghost 410 improves on its predecessor the Ghost 400 by introducing Barnett’s CRT or Carbon Riser Technology in order to lighten up the crossbow by an impressive 43% dropping it to a comfortable 7.3 pounds as well as making it stronger and more compact. Keep in mind that the Ghost 410 is not for the hunter on a budget and in this review I’ll give you some information to help you determine whether or not it is the right crossbow for you given its price tag.
A modern standard in crossbow construction the quad limb design allows for a large amount of energy to be applied to the string and subsequently to the bolt being fired. The Ghost 410 improves on this design further with composite lamination which improves the tensile strength as well as the power that the crossbow can produce.
Despite its high tech feel the Barnett Ghost 410 is actually surprisingly simple to put together, nearly all customers report a very quick, straightforward assembly process that has them out putting bolts down range in less than 20 minutes.
Barnett’s proprietary technology which both lighten and strengthen the Ghost 410 in addition to shifting the balance close to the users shoulder in order to improve stability, accuracy, and comfort.
Two seemingly small features that have a significant impact on both safety and accuracy, the pistol grip with finger guard provides a comfortable grip which has obvious benefits for shooting performance. The pass through foregrip allows the shooter to have a much more firm hold on the crossbow when compared to standard foregrip designs.
A very welcome compliment to the Ghost 410’s host of features and technology these strings utilize Barnett’s custom fiber blend that has been proven to handle very high draw weights as well as the rigors of serious hunting routines in addition to significantly quieting each crossbow shot. Another handy safety feature which improves the safety and longevity of the crossbow by engaging the safety whenever it is cocked and not allowing it to disengage until a bolt is correctly loaded. This
Despite its compact and lightweight design the Barnett Ghost 410 exhibits nearly unrivaled performance and will certainly satisfy even the pickiest of marksmen. As far accuracy goes the Ghost 410 seems to have no problems hitting anything under 60 yards with extreme consistency and several reports claim nail driving precision out to 80 yards.
Based on the specs listed above you can probably already tell that the Ghost 410 is an absolute powerhouse capable of taking down any legal game that you can get in your crosshairs, and as long as you’re sighted in you can be assured that your shot will hit fast and hard each and every time you pull the trigger.
Specifications
180 lb draw weight
149 foot pounds of energy
15.375″ Power Stroke
410 FPS
22 inch arrow length
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
SIG 716
The family of SIG 716 Tactical rifles is a most recent product of the US-based branch of the international arms maker SIG-Sauer. This family reflects current resurrection of the interest toward 7.62mm NATO / .308 Win weapons among US and other NATO troops, currently operating in Afghanistan and Iraq. It also targets to US domestic LE and civilian markets, as the SIG 716 family of rifles includes both Selective-fire (LE/Military only) and Semi-automatic (Civilian legal) guns. The SIG 716 Tactical rifles are closely patterned after the Ar-15 / M16 family of rifles, but are somehow bigger due to the bigger and more powerful caliber, and with certain improvements, such as piston-operated gas action with adjustable gas regulator. The SIG 716 Tactical rifles can be considered to be bigger brothers to the very similar family of SIG 516 tactical rifles, which are chambered for 5.56mm / .223 caliber ammunition. Obviously, it also will compete against such 7.62mm rifles as HK 417, FN SCAR/H Mk.17 and a variety of other 7.62mm Ar-15 / M16 knock-offs. The rifles shown here are prototypes, and it is believed that production rifles will begin to appear on US market not earlier than 2011.
The SIG 716 Tactical rifles are gas operated weapons that use Ar-15 / M16 configuration, with aluminum alloy upper and lower receivers assembled by two captive cross-pins. The basic Ar-15 / M16-style rotary bolt gas operated action is enlarged and strengthened to work with more powerful 7.62mm / .308 caliber ammo and improved with addition of the short-stroke gas piston that runs inside handguards, above the barrel. The gas block is equipped with manually adjustable gas regulator. The trigger unit, manual safety and feed system (magazines, bolt release etc) are also similar to the Ar-15 / M16. The SIG 716 Patrol rifles feature shorter 16 inch barrels and adjustable M4-type buttstocks. The SIG 516 Precision Sniper rifles have longer 20-inch heavy profile barrels and adjustable 'sniper' stock. In either version, barrels are chrome-lined. The sighting equipments is installed using integral Picatinny rail on the top of the receiver and on the additional 4 rails on the forehand.
Military / LE only selective fire versions feature full-automatic and/or 3-round burst firing modes, civilian SIG 716 rifles will fire only in semi-automatic mode. SIG 716 rifles are compatible with current Armalite AR-10 Gen.2 magazines, which are available in 10- or 20-round capacities.
The SIG 716 Tactical rifles are gas operated weapons that use Ar-15 / M16 configuration, with aluminum alloy upper and lower receivers assembled by two captive cross-pins. The basic Ar-15 / M16-style rotary bolt gas operated action is enlarged and strengthened to work with more powerful 7.62mm / .308 caliber ammo and improved with addition of the short-stroke gas piston that runs inside handguards, above the barrel. The gas block is equipped with manually adjustable gas regulator. The trigger unit, manual safety and feed system (magazines, bolt release etc) are also similar to the Ar-15 / M16. The SIG 716 Patrol rifles feature shorter 16 inch barrels and adjustable M4-type buttstocks. The SIG 516 Precision Sniper rifles have longer 20-inch heavy profile barrels and adjustable 'sniper' stock. In either version, barrels are chrome-lined. The sighting equipments is installed using integral Picatinny rail on the top of the receiver and on the additional 4 rails on the forehand.
Military / LE only selective fire versions feature full-automatic and/or 3-round burst firing modes, civilian SIG 716 rifles will fire only in semi-automatic mode. SIG 716 rifles are compatible with current Armalite AR-10 Gen.2 magazines, which are available in 10- or 20-round capacities.
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| SIG 716 Patrol rifle with EOTech red-dot and back-up iron sights |
| SIG 716 Patrol | Sig 716 Precision Sniper | |
| Caliber: | 7.62x51 NATO / .308 Winchester | |
| Action | Gas operated, short stroke piston, rotary bolt locking | |
| Barrel length | 406 mm / 16" | 504 mm / 20" |
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