ACR Update

Thought some of you fellows might be interested in this.  In a recent e-mail, Bushmaster announced:

"The ACR testing and analysis programs are running right on schedule. We are running it through every imaginable scenario to ensure that it’s absolutely ready to be released. Each day brings us closer and closer to the official launch, which is tentatively in the first half of 2010."

Note that the e-mail comes from Bushmaster, but Remington is the company with the pictures and gun specs online.  I don't know what to call this thing anymore . . . Magpul/Bushmaster/Remington Masada/ACR.  Some guys online are saying that Remington will handle the military contracts, Bushmaster will take care of the civilians.    

By the by, I just checked Bushmaster’s webpage, and they have updated the “ACR Product Update” tab to include the above statement with a new picture of the ACR that looks like it’s straight from Remington’s Military site.  So far as I know, this has been done fairly recently - within the last week or so, maybe two.    

Anyhow, it's an interesting rifle, a bit less novel now than when Magpul first announced its development at SHOT way back in 2007.  One of the main distinguishing characteristics of Magpul's original design was the capability to fire either 5.56x45 NATO or 7.62x39 "Commie" ammo with just a few parts swaps, and the very neat ability (as I understand it) to utilize standard Kalashnikov magazines, rather than the NATO modified type of the sort used in most 7.62x39 AR-15 style rifles.  

I don't know that Remington/Bushmaster will retain this intriguing function, but I will definitely be looking forward to the ACR release nonetheless.    

A brief history in pics:

"Bagman" promo from SHOT 2007.  This was based on the 5.56/7.62 concept originally developed by Magpul.  According to a Discovery Channel "FutureWeapons" episode featuring the (then) Masada, the idea was that US operators or their allies could leave a very "light footprint" in hostile territory by using the enemy's ammunition.  No 5.56 NATO brass laying around means it is much easier to "blend in" to your surroundings and remain anonymous - thus becoming a sort of "bagman."  For some reason, Picasa inverts the colors - weird, but I think you can get the general idea.

Poster by Magpul comparing the Masada to the other primary competitors of yesteryear - the M4, the SCAR, and the XM8.  The HKXM8 is no more; but the M4 and the SCAR are definitely out there.  PDF files won't upload to blogger, but go here and you can see it.

A pic of the Masada.

Very neat folding stock.  

Note the rail system.  The Magpul Masada originally had a forward handgrip that reminds me of the MOE - doesn't come with rails, but you can attach them yourself.

The Bushmaster flyer for what had become the "Bushmaster ACR"

The current flyer for the "Remington ACR."  Whereas the Masada had different forward grips for different configurations, the ACR apparently has a one-size-fits all grip.  Integral rails come standard.

Some action shots

Here's hoping the ACR will finally come to fruition.  

"The Chart"

I found this about a week ago while searching 'tier 1' AR-15s on Google.  Basically, it is a chart that compares M4 type rifles from a number of manufacturers, including BCM, Noveske, Colt, Armalite, Bushmaster, S&W, Daniel Defense, and several others.  A lot of the information is not readily discernible from a catalog ad or "I have a buddy" stories.

Perhaps more importantly, there is a list of desirable features to look for in an M4/M16 type rifle, with excellent descriptions and links to some very good pictures and explanations on M4carbine.net forums.  Very enlightening!

I highly recommend all of you interested fellows to take a look.  I can't get blogger "insert link" to work at the moment, but if you'll scroll down to my "Sheepdog Resources" links, you'll find it listed as "The M4 Chart"

Whoo-hoo! Remington ACR

I've been watching for this for some time now. Finally, Remington has released something definite regarding the Magpul/Bushmaster Masada/ACR.

Check this out: Remington's ACR Page

Apparently, it is to be released in 5.56, 6.8 SPC, and, glory be: 6.5x39, popularly known as the "Grendel."

There is a rumor on the internet that when released for public sales, the price will be somewhere $1,500. Time will tell if the ACR is indeed released to the general public, and if it will released - as Magpul originally planned - in 7.62x39.

At the risk of sounding very stage-drama-melodramatic, I quote the Remington website: "This changes everything . . ."

Army Considers Options in Replacing the M4

This is "old news," but I don't think very many folks know about it. Read the article HERE.

If you don't do anything else, just look at the multi-media comparing the potential replacement weapons. Notice how many of them are piston operated (or modified impingement). Notice also that Colt has essentially done nothing (that I can see) to upgrade the M4, other than adding folding battle sights and a few other little doodads.

I also found it interesting that several of the carbines are offered in non-5.56 calibers: 6.5 SPC, 6.5 Grendel, 7.62x39.

I'll be curious to see what comes of this. SOCOM has already adopted the FN SCAR, and SOFD-D (Delta) has claimed the HK 416/17 system - both of which are piston operated systems.