Archive for 5.56

Leupold Mark AR 1.5-4×20 Scope Review

By Richard on April 18, 2013 5 Comments

Looking for a variable-power, high-quality scope for your AR-15?  Consider the Mark AR series of rifle scopes from Leupold.  These scopes offer extremely clear optics, excellent magnification and the durability you need when taking a rifle into the field.

leupold mark ar 1.5-4x20

I had a chance to test a Leupold Mark AR 1.5-4×20 with the company’s integrated mounting system recently, and I have been pleased with its performance.

In the Mark AR series, Leupold offers four different magnification scopes:

  • 1.5-4x 20
  • 3-9x 40
  • 4-12x 40
  • 6-18x 40

The glass was extremely clear with no visible imperfections, distortions or clouding.  As a long time photographer, I have a deep appreciation for good glass.  This Mark AR scope was as clear as any I’ve ever used.

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Categories : Optics and Sighting Systems, review
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MPAR 556: New Piston Rifle from MasterPiece Arms

By Richard on December 11, 2012 6 Comments
MPAR 556

These photos are of the prototype, not production, MPAR 556 rifles.

MasterPiece Arms is releasing more information on the new MPAR 556, the company’s new piston driven AR rifle.

The new rifle sounds like it will offer a variety of features while maintaining a sub-$1000 price tag.  Considering this AR-style gun uses a short stroke piston, that price is extremely competitive.

As the name suggests, the MPAR 556  is chambered for the 5.56 NATO cartridge.  Standard AR magazines will work with this rifle.

MPAR 556 handguard

The handguard is a two-piece, floating system made from machined aluminum.  The handguard allows the user to place Picatinny accessory rails in the most advantageous places.  This allows for weight reduction, since the user can simply remove (or not install) rails in areas they are not needed.

The buttstock is made from machined aluminum and adjusts for length of pull.  Additionally, the buttstock folds to the left for compact carry and storage.

MPAR 556 muzzle brake

MasterPiece Arms has not stated the barrel length, but I would expect a 16″ barrel.  The end will most likely be threaded, and will ship with a muzzle brake attached.  Since MasterPiece Arms now makes sound suppressors, it would make sense that all of the company’s new guns would ship with threaded barrels.

MPAR 556 parts will be either anodized or black phosphate coated (depending on the part material.)

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Categories : 2013 SHOT Show, Rifles
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Amazing Article: 5.56 vs. .223

By Richard on June 22, 2012 1 Comments

Andrew Tuohy of VuurwapenBlog.com fame put together a fantastic article about the 5.56 and .223 cartridges.  Unlike most of us, though, he actually did pressure testing using differently chambered rifles and a variety of ammunition.

There has long been a debate on whether it is safe to fire 5.56 NATO rounds in a rifle chambered for the SAAMI-spec’d .223 Remington cartridge.  Thanks to the folks at LuckyGunner, where the article is published, Andrew was able to use actual pressure monitoring equipment to give a more than theoretical answer.

I highly recommend checking it out.

Categories : Ammunition
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Winchester Salvo Rifle: The Original Double Barrel 5.56

By Richard on May 16, 2012 2 Comments

The latest internet news about a double barrel AR15 isn’t nearly as exciting to me since I have seen the Winchester Salvo rifle.

The Salvo rifle was a US military design project from the 1950′s. Essentially, it used two barrels to launch 5.56 caliber projectiles to get as much lead down range as possible.

The rounds were based on the 7.62×51 cartridge that was then necked down to take a lightweight duplex load.  So, with each pull of the trigger, four projectiles launched. Click the above link to get the details on the double barrel Salvo rifle.

Feel free to send me feedback if you have additional information on this rifle.

Salvo Rifle

Categories : Military Firearms, Rifles
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SIG SAUER 551A1

By Aaron on February 29, 2012 6 Comments

SIG SAUER, Inc. combines the ingenuity of SIG SAUER GmbH in Germany and Swiss Arms AG in Switzerland. Long known for producing superior firearms, SIG SAUER has announced that it will begin production of the SIG SAUER 551-A1 as the civilian version of the SG 551 that is currently being used by the Swiss Army.

SIG 551A1 SBR

SIG SAUER 551A1 - Short Barrel Rifle version

The SIG551-A1 is a semi-auto version of the SG 551 that is American-built. The rifle uses an adjustable gas piston to operate a rotating bolt. The 2-point gas piston system allows for a cleaner, cooler shooting rifle, and promises long service life with reliable operation.

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Categories : 2012 SHOT Show, Rifles
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New Ruger SR-556C Carbine

By Richard on May 17, 2010 No Comments

ruger_sr556c_01aRuger showed off the new SR-556C carbine at last week’s 2010 NRA Meeting.  The SR-556C is similar to the original Ruger SR-556, but is shorter and lighter.  Like the original, the SR-556C is piston driven, and comes with a nice compliment of features and accessories, including a Troy Industries quad rail, Troy Industries folding sights, and three Magpul PMAG magazines.

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Categories : Rifles
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Marines May Field H&K IAR in Fall

By Richard on April 19, 2010 No Comments

hk_iar_01aThe Marine Corps Times is reporting the US Marines may field about 4100 H&K Infantry Automatic Rifles (IAR) in the fall of 2010.  The H&K IAR is in testing now after being selected from a group of other rifles to replace the M249 SAW in certain units.

The H&K IAR is a variant of the H&K416 chambered in 5.56mm and is intended to replace the SAW in infantry squads and recon scout teams.  Some in the Marine Corps consider the IAR to be more accurate than the M249, while others question if the IAR’s 30 round magazines can establish the same fire superiority the 200-round, belt fed M249 can.

The ultimate decision to field the IAR rests with the Marine Corps’ commandant who will likely make a decision later this year.

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Categories : Military Firearms, Rifles
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