CategoriesGun Reviews

The M&P 12 — S&W’s Latest Bullpup Blaster

Smith and Wesson got out of the shotgun game in 1985 when the Smith and Wesson assault shotgun failed to attract military and police customers. It simply wasn’t profitable even though they produced and imported a collection of shotguns for years beforehand. Imagine my shock as I, a shotgun nerd, awoke to see that the M&P line now included a shotgun. I was even more surprised when I saw that the new M&P 12 was a dual tube bullpup shotgun.

The KSG started the genre, the UTAS 15 followed, and so did the DP-12. The DP-12 did utilize a second barrel but mostly fits here. The S&W M&P 12 is more practical with a single barrel. It’s a pump-action design, and it might just be the most practical and high-quality option of these futuristic bullpup dual-tube shotguns. Let’s dive into it.

Shotgun go BOOM!

Specs and Features

This is a bulky beast. It looks like it stepped out of some sci-fi flick set in the near dystopian future. If you said this gun was from Cyberpunk 2077, I’d agree. It does the job of looking cool quite well. The M&P 12 comes in a sweet hard plastic case with two chokes, instructions, gun lock, and a choke wrench. Here are the numbers for you nerds.

  • Barrel Length: 19 inches
  • Overall Length: 27.8 inches
  • Weight: 8.3 pounds
  • Chamber: 2.75 to 3 inches
  • Capacity: 14 (2.75 inch rounds)

Fourteen rounds are nothing to laugh at, especially 14 rounds of high-quality buckshot. That second tube adds some weight to the gun, but the weight is easy to ignore since it’s closer to the body. Ultimately it’s quite small, much smaller than my Benelli M4 or Mossberg 590A1.

Inside The M&P 12

As a bullpup shotgun, the M&P 12 doesn’t follow the traditional pattern of a standard shotgun. Therefore let’s take some time to point out some of the more unique features of the M&P 12 gauge.

First, clearing malfunctions appear difficult. The bulky ammo, bullpup design, and small loading area look like it might be a nightmare. S&W saw this and designed a retractable rear plate that opens up that loading chamber. 

Smith & Wesson M&P 12 malfunction test setup
I set up a malfunction to test the malfunction defeat feature.

The extra room makes it easy to dump out jammed shells. I purposefully jammed the gun with two Snap Caps and retracted the rear plate. The two rounds dumped right out.

Retracting the plate requires the push of a button in the stock and a sharp pull. Ensure the action is locked forward when you do so.

Smith & Wesson M&P 12 retractable rear plate button
Hit that button release the stock and clear malfunctions.

Clear it, close it, and get back after it. It’s not as easy as tap rack bang or even clearing a normal shotgun. It’s one of the bullpup compromises, and I commend S&W for including it.

M&P 12 firing port open for rounds to dump out when clearing a malfunction
With the firing port opened, the rounds went loose and were easy to dump out.

In front of the chamber, on each side of the gun, there are two load-assist buttons. These make loading the gun easier and also make unloading it easy. Press the buttons, and the shell retainer hits the road. This allows you to easily load the gun and makes admin unloading quick and safe. Pressing the load assist buttons is not necessary to load it but makes things easier.

Optics and Slings

Along the top of the gun sits a long optics rail—plenty of room for a red dot, like the AEMS from Holosun. You can also mount 12 o’clock lights like the OWL from Cloud Defensive. If you want more options, there are M-LOK slots that run across the top of the gun and allow you to offset mount accessories.

S&W M&P 12 Bullpup shotgun
I love the Cyberpunk appeal.

This scope rail and mounting platform also works as a heat shield. It covers most of the barrel and will certainly protect your paws. Also, it seems to be the only place to mount a front sling point. An M-LOK sling mount is easy to attach and will work perfectly with the rear QD sling mounts. These are ambidextrous and simple to use.

S&W M&P 12 Ergonomics

S&W embraced ambidextrous ergonomics with the M&P 12. In fact, all the controls are ambidextrous. The safety is an AR-type design that sits above the thumb for easy access. In front of the trigger, we have the pump release that’s also ambidextrous. The rounds eject downward and avoid throwing hulls into your face.

Smith & Wesson M&P 12 bullpup shotgun ambidextrous controls
The controls are ambidextrous.

Swapping tubes requires the press of a button that’s integrated into the pump. It’s huge, easy to reach, and works well. According to the manual, the pump needs to be locked forward before you switch tubes. If not, you might damage the gun.

S&W M&P barrel switch button
The button to switch tubes sits on the pump.

The M&P 12 pump utilizes an integrated attached vertical foregrip. I think this is a great idea because the distance from the pump to the barrel is quite short. You wouldn’t want your hand to slip off and find its way in front of the barrel as you fire. Also, it makes it easy to fight with recoil. You can detach the foregrip. I will say that S&W did it right and ensured the pump wasn’t just reliant on a small M-LOK slot. It’s a beefy boy.

Smith & Wesson M&P 12 grip
The grip is comfortable and you can easily swap the backstraps.

The rear pistol grip is the new M&P model and allows for AR 15 compatibility. The included grip even comes with three back straps to customize the grip for you.

Smith & Wesson M&P 12 load assist button.
The load assist button makes it easy to release and load rounds.

Lastly, boy, oh boy, is the length of pull rather long. It’s a little over 14 inches. For my 6’5” gorilla self, it’s okay. With that said, I still prefer a shorter LOP. Smaller shooters should most certainly ensure they shoulder this gun and comfortably run it.

The M&P 12 At the Range

New shotguns and range days are always my favorite. I love shooting shotguns, so I went with two hundred rounds of birdshot from Estate and Federal and 50 rounds of Rio 00 buckshot, five rounds of Flitecontrol, five slugs, and 50 rounds of Suprema buckshot. Oh, and I also brought 20 mini shells.

Travis Pike shooting the Smith & Wesson M&P 12 bullpup shotgun
The Gun is straight out of a sci-fi flick.

I equipped the M&P 12 with an AEMS red dot I’m testing. I figured a shotgun’s recoil would be easy to test it with. I start zeroing the gun with some basic buckshot using the 65 MOA circle and 2 MOA dot. Once zeroed, I began blasting away first with buckshot on an ISPC target. I got a good idea of how the gun recoils.

Using a push/pull recoil mitigation technique, I was able to easily control the gun and keep the red dot on target shot after shot of full-powered buckshot. That front integrated grip makes it quite easy to apply the ole push/pull technique to its full effect. I feel I would be able to better control the gun if the LOP was a little shorter, but even so, I don’t have issues running the gun.

Smith & Wesson M&P 12 bullpup length of pull
The LOP is a little long.

The action is chunky but smooth. It’s not gritty, but not as smooth as an old Wingmaster from Remington. It slides rearward and forward with ease. The M&P 12 delivers a tactile feeling as rounds load into the chamber. You’ll feel the difference between a shell loading and not, and this helps you know when to swap tubes.

Tube Swaps

The M&P 12 allows you easily swap from tube to tube without issue. Hit that button, and bam, you are rocking and rolling with your next tube. Doing so on the fly isn’t tough to do. You can do it when a tube runs dry or swap to the second tube, which could be holding slugs instead of buckshot.

Smith & Wesson M&P 12 bullpup shotgun
The S&W M&P 12 is a smoother shooter and that foregrip helps with recoil reduction.

Swapping tubes is easy, but reloading is not. That loading port is small and makes it tough to load either tube with the weapon shouldered. In fact, it’s easier and much quicker to dismount and get the gun into action. Loading it in combat would be impossible. However, after 14 rounds of Federal FliteControl, the problem is likely solved.

Keeping this thing continually loaded like a standard shotgun isn’t possible. Shotgunners won’t like it, or at least this shotgunner doesn’t like it. I like being able to continually top off a shotgun. This is a gun that you blast away with and then go to your secondary.

Smith & Wesson M&P 12 recoil
Recoil is typical  for a pump action, but 8 pounds of gun helps soak up some of it.

Remember when I said that I had to improvise a malfunction? Well, it’s because the gun never failed when firing. After a little over two hundred rounds of various shot types, the gun ran crazy well. In fact, it ate through those mini shells without issue.

Accuracy and Patterning

The pattern is average and obviously dependent on your load and choke. The gun comes with two chokes, including modified and cylinder bore chokes. Most basic loads will pattern as you expect at 10 to 15 yards. Nothing crazy, and the group is typically around 12 inches or so at fifteen yards.

At 15 yards, Flitecontrol will make one big hole, and you’ll get all the advantages that Flitecontrol offers. Make sure you use the cylinder bore, or your FliteControl patterns might be wider.

Smith & Wesson M&P 12 target shots with slugs
Two slugs nearly kissed each other.

With Hornady slugs, I got impressive shots at 25 and then 50 yards in the offhand. I punched the IPSC target in the -0, and two slugs nearly formed one hole.

One major complaint I have is the ambi safety works a lot like the CZ Scorpions safety. With every shot, it digs into my trigger finger. If this was my gun and not a loaner, I’d take a Dremel to the safety. Why is this in the accuracy portion? Well, I found myself anticipating the pain, and I would flinch as I came to the end of my 200+ rounds.

Short and Sweet Design

I messed around shooting around cover and found the short bullpup design of the M&P 12 to be quite nice. I could ease up to the cover and feel like I’m quicker to peek and fire around corners. The 27.8-inch overall length makes the gun quite nice for maneuvering indoors. For home defense, it’s even handier.

shooting around cover
Shooting around cover is superbly simple and the bullpup design makes it perfect for CQB.

Imagine holding up in your room, calling the police, and aiming the M&P 12 at the door. It’s easy to hold the gun up with a single arm with the weight all to the rear. If someone comes through the door, it’s easy to fire that first shot, drop the phone and rack the action.

The same goes for opening doors or clearing something out of your way. Here the M&P 12 works well and allows you actively navigate an environment without the need for both hands all the time. Short shotguns are the best, and the NFA is garbage. This is the best way to get a truly short shotgun without the need for a tax stamp.

SMith & Wesson M&P 12 bullpup shotgun review
14 rounds of buckshot is no joke.

The M&P 12

The M&P 12 isn’t a perfect gun, but it’s the best bullpup pump-action I’ve ever handled. It solves the shotgun’s low capacity problem, is super easy to use, and is mostly ergonomic. The LOP is long, and the ambi safety is a pain, but other than that, it’s a well-planned out design. Reloading sucks, so better get it done in those 14 rounds. If you want a bullpup pump-action for serious use, this is the only one I’d suggest. It’s insanely reliable and suited well for home defense in most aspects.

What say you? Are you into the pump-action bullpup genre? Does the S&W M&P 12 appeal to you? Let us know below.

 

 

 

 

CategoriesGun Reviews

Mantis X10 Elite for Dry Fire Practice

Dry Fire Practice. It is something we all can be doing to improve on our firearms fundamentals. I should be doing it more often than I do. It doesn’t cost you any money in terms of ammunition and with the current market prices of ammunition, dry fire sounds much appealing than sending expensive rounds downrange. There are different methods to make dry firing even more effective, such as placing an empty casing on top of your slide with the goal of keeping it steady through your trigger press. There is also a multitude of products to help enhance dry fire practice. I have tried and used a few over the years and Mantis X is one of my favorite ones to use.

Mantis X

Mantis X is one of the higher-tech options available on the market. It uses a small electronic device that attaches to your rail on your pistol or rifle that tracks the slightest movement during your dry fire practice and instantly sends the information through Bluetooth technology to your smartphone. Downloading the application is free through the play store and it is very easy to use. Not only does it track your dry fire practice, but it can also do live-fire practice and give you tips on how to improve, depending on your results.

In the past, I used one of Mantis X’s first models and it worked well. The only downside to it was the hardware. When it came to mounting it to your rail, it used a cross-bolt very similar to some weapon lights. It was very secure. However, it required tools to install and made it a little inconvenient to have to install and remove for every practice session.

Mantis X10 Elite

The X10 Elite is the latest model from Mantis X and it improves upon the earlier model in many ways. From outward appearances, it is noticeably smaller and slimmer than its predecessor. It has a different method for mounting — a spring-loaded catch that makes attaching to the rail a quick, simple task that requires no tools. The easier it is to get going, the more training you’ll do with fewer excuses for not training.

Everything that comes with the Mantis X10 Elite.

Getting Started with the X10 Elite

Once you open the box, attach it with the charging cable and get it fully charged. While it’s charging, download the app and create a new account or sign in if you already have one.

When it is fully charged, it is time to attach it to your cleared and safe pistol. Attaching it to the frame is easy, just pull down the lever and slide it on until it is lined up with the slot, then let go. That locks it in place. It’s really that easy!

Mantis X10 Elite front view
Front view. You can see the lever, just pull down and then slide it on the rail on your pistols dust cover or frame.
Mantis X10 Elite top view
Top view of the X10 Elite.
Mantis X10 Elite on Sig P320
X10 Elite lock in place.
Mantis X10 Elite quick detach feature
With the quick detach feature, switching different platforms is easy to accomplish.
Range gear, including the Mantis X10 Elite
At the range for live fire practice with the X10 Elite.

To turn it on, hold the button at the bottom until it lights up green. Now you open the app on your phone and hit the connect button. It may need to calibrate so just set the pistol down until it is complete. Then go down the menu and choose whichever program you want to run. You can choose the make and model, whether you’re practicing dry or live, left or right-handed, etc. through the drop-down menus.

Green light on the Mantis X10 Elite
Turn on the X10 Elite by pushing the button until the green light is on.

Now you can start to practice. Make sure your pistol is safe, clear and that you have no live ammunition near you. Depending on the type of dry fire practice you are doing, it may be easier to not use any magazines at all so you can cycle the slide without worrying about it locking to the rear. I know there are magazine plugs for that but if you’re just focusing on trigger control, you just don’t need it. Also, make sure you have a safe spot to focus and target for your training. You can never be too safe when working with actual firearms.

The Mantis X app tracks and saves everything so you can see your progress.

Dry fire training at indoor range
The author shooting at the range with the X10 Elite on.

You can see live as you are practicing, regardless if you’re doing dry fire or live fire. I got to do both dry and live fire practice over the past few months. I wish I could’ve practiced a lot more than I did for the purposes of this article. I found the Mantis X10 Elite to be easy to use, accurate, and very helpful with the tips in response to how I was doing.

Mantis X10 Elite dry fire practice score screen shot
Screenshot of the app during dry fire practice.
Mantis X10 Elite dry fire training data
Plenty of options to customize your training session. Having past data helps you see where you need to improve.
Dry fire training, app screen showing movement tracking
Movement tracking.

The X10 Elite MSRP of $249.99 is well worth it. It really is like having an instructor watch what you are doing while practicing so that you actually can make improvements to your shooting performance. The quick detach feature is simple to use as well as the app. Being able to do dry and live fire practice is also an added bonus. You really need to do both, I know ammunition is expensive but live-fire practice is a must.

dry fire training practice score sheets
The results of my live fire practice. There’s always room for improvement!

Of all the products that I have had experience with over my years of using firearms, the X10 Elite is by far one of the most effective available. What I found out about myself from using this over the past few months is that I need to practice even more. I highly recommend it to everyone from all levels of experience. 

dry fire training practice score sheets
The results of my live fire practice. There’s always room for improvement!

CategoriesGun Reviews

The APC9K — The Lexus of 9mm Subguns

I love PCCs and Subguns. Something about these little fellas just makes me happy. As a kid, I loved submachines in movies and video games, so maybe it comes from that. Maybe it’s the fact that 9mm ammo is cheap. Or maybe it’s because my home range only goes out to 100 yards. I have a blast shooting them, and when I got the offer to review the APC9K, I jumped on it. 

The APC9K is the Lexus of subgun pistols, and the SMG variant won the Army’s recent SCW contest. Accuracy is spooky good with this thing.

I waited anxiously for the gun to come to my FFL. I love guns, and if you hand me a budget-tier weapon, I’m still going to have fun with it. I was so excited with the APC9K that I was checking the tracking two or three times an hour the day it was scheduled to be delivered. I already dedicated a healthy chunk of my 9mm stash to the gun and was waiting eagerly for the little fella to fall into my lap.

ACP9K brace folded
This is one of many brace options available for the APC9K.

Once it arrived, I could help but be impressed. The APC9K comes in a massive hard case, complete with foam. Sadly, it only comes with one magazine, but we also get a cleaning kit and a one-point sling. With that said, let’s break down the APC9K.

Breaking Down the APC9K

The APC9 is the standard variant of this gun, and the K model follows that European meme of applying K to the shorter models. As far as I know, this meme comes from the Germans and the MP5K. K stands for Kurz, and Kurz means short in German. APC stands for Advanced Police Carbine, which makes sense for the SMG variant, but not so much for a civilian-made pistol.

With the right lower the APC9K can use Glock or SIG mags. This image shows it with the standard B&T 30-round mag.
With the right lower the APC9K can use Glock or SIG mags. This image shows it with the standard B&T 30-round mag.

How short? Well, the barrel is a mere 5.4 inches, which is a hair longer than your standard 1911. Heck, my long slide 1911 provides more barrel than the APC9K. The overall length without the brace extended is only 13.5 inches. With the telescoping brace extended, the APC9K is 21.25 inches total.

Weight-wise it’s 5 pounds and 15 ounces. The short nature certainly makes it seem heftier. However, the gun is lighter than the CZ Scorpion and just a tad heavier than the SIG MPX. The magazine holds 30 rounds with the standard B&T magazine. Users can also purchase separate lowers to use Glock magazines or SIG P320 magazines. The upper receiver is the serialized portion, and the lowers can be ordered direct to your home.

B&T ACP9 30-round translucent magazine round count markers
The magazine is translucent and features visible countdown markers.

The APC9K packs a full-length optics rail, a smaller bottom rail, and two M-LOK slots. You can toss on various rials, accessories, and whatnot. The barrel is also threaded with a 1/2×28 pitch for adding suppressors or other fun muzzle devices.

The Wonderful World of Swiss Ergonomics

B&T absolutely kills it in the ergonomics department. Every control is perfectly ambidextrous. The safety, charging handle, magazine release, and bolt release are all represented on both sides of the gun. Heck, we even get ambidextrous sling mounts on the gun! Not only is everything ambidextrous, but it’s all large and easy to engage with.

B&T ACP9K ambidextrous controls
Ergonomics are wonderful and are completely ambidextrous.

The safety has a short throw and delivers a big lever that makes it easy to engage and disengage at will. The magazine release buttons are located in a position that’s easy to reach with a hand around the magazine well or located on the main pistol grip. The same goes for the ambidextrous bolt release.

The pistol grip is also fantastic, and if I could, I would put this grip on all my other rifles. It fits my hand, but it is still thin and easy to grasp. I do have one complaint, though, and it comes in regards to charging the weapon.

ACP9k last round bolt hold open
The APC9K features an LRBHO (last round bolt hold open)…eat your heart out MP5.

The charging handles are great! They are large but fold forward when not gripped. The downside is the amount of effort required to charge the weapon. Blowback systems do require a hefty spring and bolt, and you feel it as you attempt to charge the gun. That’s my only ergonomic complaint.

Accuracy On the Range

With a range bag full of ammo and a heart full of hope, I hit the range running. I have an Aimpoint mounted, so my first step was some slow fire to zero the weapon. I zeroed the gun at 25 yards and began my real shooting tests. First, I started with some simple accuracy testing, but from a practical starting point.

ACP9K 3-shot group
Check that 3 shot group!

Offhand, in the standing at 25 yards, I created a single shot group of three rounds with the APC9K. The trigger is superb. I would go as far as saying it’s the best trigger in the PCC market. On my trigger gauge, it comes in at a little over 4 pounds. It blows away the Scorpion and SUB 2000 and even edges out the Sig MPX and CMMG Banshee.

9mm subgun
This short fella won the Army’s recent SCW Program.

I dropped back to 50 yards and used my gong rack. I have an 8, 6, and 4-inch gong. From the standing, I moved from big to small and cut each one down in less than 4 seconds from the low ready. I experienced this consistent accuracy for round after round. It’s absurdly accurate, and I got really sick of walking downrange to unwrap the 4-inch gong from around the post. Even 9mm makes that thing spin over the top.

B&T ACP9K 9mm subgun
Man, this is a good-looking gun!

Just for fun, I moved back to 100 yards with an ISPC sized steel target bearing down on me. That shiny scum squared up with me and felt the pain. At 100 yards, 9mm has some drop, so I aimed at his head and dropped round after round into his chest. I’m not talking slow fire either, but ten shots in 8 seconds, and all ten went ding.

What About Recoil?

One of the biggest reasons people dislike straight blowback operations is due to the recoil. Recoil is often more than you’d expect and closer to that of a 5.56 rifle, which seems a fair bit much for a 9mm. However, B&T found some way to make it easier to handle and have a much lower perceived recoil than other blowback actions. Maybe it’s that pesky and extremely stiff buffer spring.

ACP9KThe blowback design has surprisingly light recoil.When the Army adopted the APC9K, I thought it was odd to choose a weapon with a straight blowback action. However, I get it now. The APC9K doesn’t have a ton of recoil and is pleasant to shoot.

Yeah, but does the APC9K Eat?

Oh, boy, does it. The APC9K doesn’t care what you feed it. Steel-cased garbage ammo like Winchester Forged creates zero issues. Neither did 124-grain +P loads or 147-grain subsonic loads. While it was costly, I fed the gun 20 rounds of JHPs, and it ate its way through them without issue.

ACP9K with brace extended
The APC9K sports a very short profile totaling 13.5 inches with the brace collapsed.

Hundreds of rounds from various companies delivered not a single issue occurred. If I pulled the trigger, the APC9K went bang. Interestingly enough, the handguard barely got past warm even after hundreds of rounds.

B&T has done a fantastic job of producing one helluva awesome subgun. Everything about the gun shows nothing but the highest quality imaginable. It’s superbly capable, accurate, and easy to shoot and control. Plus, it won’t tap out when you need it most. The downside most will face is the MSRP of $2,450 dollars. That’s an expensive pill to swallow, but it is most certainly a premium experience wrapped up in metal and polymer.

CategoriesGun Reviews

The JP5 Roller Delayed PCC — If Stoner and Hans had a Baby

Roller delayed blowback actions, and 9mms go together like extra cheese and pizza. The MP5 made it so, but since it’s not the 1980s, we’ve moved well beyond the 1911 or SMGs and PCCs. For example, we have the JP5. The JP5 is an AR-based roller delayed 9mm rifle designed with PCC competitions in mind. Obviously, JP5 sounds a lot like MP5, but JP Enterprises produces the rifle, so it’s clever marketing that happens to make sense.

If you’re not familiar with JP Enterprises, you are missing out. They build fantastic rifles that are often the cream of the crop in some competition circuits. The GMR-15 is used by something like over 20% of USPSA PCC shooters. The JP5 is a premium-grade follow-up of that rifle that tosses in a roller-delayed blowback system. Don’t get me wrong. JP Enterprises makes more than PCCs and competition guns. They have duty-grade rifles, AR 15s, AR 10s, bolt actions, 22LRs…definitely worth checking out. 

The JP5 is a full-sized rifle that is perfect for PCC competition.

Let’s get back to the JP5. There are three models of this gun, the All-Purpose, the Competition, and the Steel Challenge model. I have the Competition model that has an MSRP of $3,269 dollars. Yep, it’s an expensive gun, but it should be noted it’s not your standard PCC for plinking and range use. It’s a serious competition-grade gun and is priced accordingly.

Why a roller delayed system?

We all know simple blowback works exceptionally well and provides a reliable operating system for a pistol-caliber carbine. The downside to a blowback system is the rather harsh recoil it delivers. Don’t get me wrong. It’s not like a 12 gauge or even painful in any way. However, the recoil is excessive for a pistol caliber. Direct blowback systems also require heavy bolts, or heavy buffer springs, or a combination of the two.

roller in the bolt of the JP5 rifle
The rollers are built directly into the bolt and are the magic behind the JP5.

The JP5 uses a roller delayed system to reduce that recoil and eliminate the need for a heavy buffer spring or a heavy bolt. JP5 builds the rollers into the bolt of the weapon, and two rollers help delay the bolt from moving until chamber pressure drop to a safe enough level. It’s a neat system and compared to the Garrow Arms solutions, and it’s a fair bit simpler.

Beyond the Roller Delay

This isn’t a 3,000 dollar AR 9 packed with a roller delayed system and then a bunch of average parts and pieces. No, everything installed into the JP5 Competition rifle is premium grade. Starting at the barrel, the JP5 gives us a 14.5-inch stainless steel barrel with a massive compensator that’s pin and welded. However, it really looks like it’s a one-piece design. It’s insanely well done and installed/pinned in place well.

JP5 roller delayed pistol caliber carbine
The JP5 is a super easy-to-use weapon that’s absurdly accurate and reliable.

The handguard is this massive JP Enterprises MKIII Rapid Configuration. It’s a big aluminum tube with M-LOK slots and a number of lightening holes. The handguard comes textured heavily, is lightweight, and provides an ergonomic option for mounting accessories and getting a grip. The furniture comes from Hogue and includes an adjustable stock as well as a Hogue pistol grip.

JP5 ambidextrous rifle controls
The JP5 controls are perfectly capable for lefties and righties.

The ergonomics, in general, are absolutely fantastic. The JP5 comes with completely ambidextrous controls. The magazine release, the bolt release, and the safety come ready for right or left-handed shooters. On top of that, the charging handle is a massive Radian Raptor and makes charging and clearing the weapon easy enough. The gun comes with last round bolt hold-open device and a beveled magazine well for quick reloads.

JP5 ambidextrous controls
The JP5 features completely ambidextrous controls for easy manipulations.

At 6.1 pounds, it’s lightweight and is very handy. It’s what a PCC should be — light, easy to handle, and incredibly ergonomic. The design from the ground up is for competition, and it certainly shows. That being said, it’s tough not to say the JP5 couldn’t be adopted for home defense.

Radian charging handle
The big Radian charging handle is a nice touch.

At the Range

Holy crap, the JP5 is the lightest recoiling PCC I’ve ever handled. I tossed a Holosun AEMS on the gun, and my first few shots were zeroing the optic to the weapon. From the first shot, I was impressed by just how well the light recoiling the weapon was. It’s absolutely delightful. I was firing three rounds slowly to zero the gun, and the JP5 was also incredibly accurate.

The JP5 silent capture spring buffer setup
The JP5 silent capture spring buffer setup is very nice as well.

One three-shot group was so tight I thought I initially missed two of the three rounds until I got close to the target. Zeroing took all of 9 rounds, including my confirmation group. Once we zeroed in, it was time to light it up.

JP5 shot group
This group was made at 50 yards! The JP5 is one helluva accurate PCC.

With a variety of fun targets setup, I committed to blasting through way too much 9mm. The JP5 trigger is the JP EZ trigger, and it’s incredibly light, short, and smooth. The trigger is 3.5 pounds on the light side, and that certainly contributes to the gun’s accuracy and helps you shoot it rapidly and accurately. Dishing out rapid double taps or long strings of fire in an accurate manner is easy.

I Wanna Go Fast

I fired five-round strings as fast as I possibly could at a 6-inch gong and landed all five shots with ease over and over again. That trigger is absolutely fantastic, and running fast splits wasn’t an issue. I ran through four gongs from 10 to 4 inches and did so in slightly less than three seconds. I did snapshots at 25 yards on the head of an ISPC target in under a second with repeatable accuracy.

Shooting the JP5
Directing and shooting the JP5 is easy.

Sub three-second failure to stop drills wasn’t an issue, neither was a PCC modified Bill Drill. I shot the Bill Drill from 14 yards, starting at the low ready, and scored all six shots in the A-zone for the majority of my runs and did it right around 3 seconds for each run. With more time behind the gun, I’m sure I could trim a bit of time off of that.

JP5 muzzle device
The JP5 muzzle device is massive and makes the gun easy to control.

The reason you can go so fast with the JP5 involves the roller delayed system making it nearly recoil-free and the massive compensator that keeps the gun almost entirely still between shots. Seriously, my red dot barely rises off between shots, making it extremely controllable for fast and accurate shots on target. It’s crazy easy to control, and the JP5 is fantastic in that department.

Shooting Straight

The JP5 delivers some awesome accuracy as well. The stainless steel barrel certainly helps, as does the outstanding trigger. At 100 yards, your average 9mm PCC is challenged, but the JP5 seems to persevere. I used the AEMS reticle to elevate the dot and to compensate for bullet drop. I put the dot on the head of the IPSC target, and the rounds dropped right into his chest.

JP5 rifle handguard
The JP5 handguard allows for a natural and complete grip for maximum control.

This was from the standing, and I went five for five in under 10 seconds at 100 yards with the JP5. My time was 7.59 seconds, and I felt quite good about that time. The fact that the gun barely rises between shots makes it easy to stay on target.

JP5 magazine reload
Reloads are quick and easy with the JP5.

At 50 yards, I went against a standard paper IPSC target in a supported kneeling position and fired three rounds. All three landed in the A-zone of the head of the target, and I stopped there. I didn’t want to ruin my streak at that point. I think the JP5 is one of the more practically accurate guns for competitive use.

Pop, Bang, Pow

The JP5 is accurate, fast, ergonomic, and also reliable. I dived through four hundred rounds of 9mm without a single complaint. When I pulled the trigger, the gun went bang. It didn’t matter the ammo or the magazine. The gun worked fine with ETS, KCI, Magpul, and Glock OEM magazines.

I love this gun. It’s so easy to handle and shoot. It makes me feel like I’m a better shooter than I actually am. I feel like it’s going to be tough to go back to a standard rifle after handling the JP5. It’s superbly sweet, and I can see why it demands such a high price point.

CategoriesGun Reviews

DEFCON Creative’s Compact Red Dot Showdown

Gone are the days when red dot sights (RDS) were thought of as gimmicks for competition shooters or aiming aids for handgun hunters. Today, they’re used by everyone, including gun owners who carry handguns for self-defense purposes.

As with any purchase, sorting through all of the details and features can be daunting when you’re trying to decide which is the best one for you. It helps when there are side-by-side comparative reviews, and for that purpose, Nick at DEFCON Creative reviewed three compact pistol red dots in a video series. While usually opting for concealed carry of a full-sized pistol, Nick says he carries a compact pistol during the summer. Thus, the appeal of the smaller optic for a smaller pistol. He wanted to see the different options available and see what worked best for him.

I want to take a deep dive into each of the most popular/widely available Red Dots for compact handguns and come up with my recommendation for the best all-around option to put a dot on a slim gun.

The sights he reviews in this series are the Springfield Armory HEX Wasp RDS, the Trijicon RMRcc, and the Holosun 507K X2.

Which one is best? Here are the three video reviews with notes, followed by the final video with Nick’s conclusion.

Review: Springfield Armory HEX Wasp RDS

By Kat Ainsworth

In this first video review, DEFCON Creative checks out the Springfield Armory HEX Wasp RDS, covering its performance, usability, and various thoughts on RDS.

DEFCON Creative reviews the Springfield Armory HEX Wasp RDS. (Photo credit: DEFCON Creative)

Why would you want a pistol red dot?

There are a lot of benefits to running your carry gun with an RDS:

  • Rapid target acquisition
  • Broader field of view
  • Low-light use
  • Accuracy
  • Co-witness with iron sights
  • Faster follow-up shots

What do you need to know about the HEX Wasp RDS?

SAS II Viper with Springfield Armory HEX Wasp red dot sight
The Springfield Armory HEX Wasp RDS. (Photo credit: DEFCON Creative)

DEFCON Creative gets into a fairly lengthy review of this red dot, which is fantastic for viewers. They had the following to say about a few of its features and its overall performance:

“The dot is a 3.5 MOA red dot. [Springfield Armory] claims a two-year run time. I’ve only had this gun for maybe six months…and obviously, the dot is still working. [The website] says it is IPX7 waterproof. I don’t get wet…often, but it’s super nice to have.”

He also mentions that the brightness adjustment is auto-dimming and Springfield says it’s a parallax-free lense. “I thought most dots…would be parallax-free. There would be distortions, but I don’t see a lot of…parallax in a single lens red dot.”

The magnification is 1X and that is always on. MSRP is $299.00.

Running the Springfield Armory HEX Wasp RDS at the range.
Running the Springfield Armory HEX Wasp RDS at the range. (Photo credit: DEFCON Creative)

Performance

Getting into his experience with the HEX Wasp, he points out some features.  

The lens isn’t super-big. There isn’t a gigantic field of view like on a Trijicon SRO or even a standard-sized RMR, because it is more compact. It does, however, seem to have even more tunnel vision than some of the other compact options.

Still, he says it’ is acceptable, especially for a compact gun. He points out that the engagement distance needs to be taken into consideration. It’s unlikely that you’re going to try and shoot this gun at 50 yards. You could, but that’s not really the purpose of a compact gun.

“This is the gun I carry in a fanny pack when I go running. [So] it is compact, but it is enough to be able to reach out and see at…closer engagement distances….I have no problem picking up the dot and actually seeing the target”

Watch the full review:

HEX Wasp Features

Springfield Armory lists the HEX Wasp RDS features as the following:

“Designed for low-profile, direct mounting, the HEX Wasp is perfectly suited for compact applications like today’s concealed carry pistols and offset rifle mounting.”

  • 3.5 MOA Dot, Red
  • .5 MOA Adjustment (90 MOA Windage and Elevation)
  • CR2032 Battery Included – 65,000 Hours
  • Glass Lens, Scratch Resistant / Anti Glare Coating
  • Springfield Micro Footprint (Shield RMSc)
  • 6061 T6 Hardcoat Aluminum Housing
  • Always On, Auto-Dimming
  • IPX7 Waterproof
  • .95″ W x .86″ H x 1.6″ L
  • 0.7 oz
  • (2) sets of screws included
  • Operating temperature certified from -40F to 158F”

Trijicon RMRcc Pistol Red Dot Review

By Patti Miller

In his second video review, Nick was able to get his hands on a Trijicon RMRcc and with the help of a borrowed Sig 365, he ran it through its paces to get a better picture of it.

Nick from DEFCON Creative wanted to see what options were available for his compact carry. The Trijicon RMRcc seemed to check the boxes and he likes the optic despite its price tag.
Nick from DEFCON Creative wanted to see what options were available for his compact carry. The Trijicon RMRcc pistol red dot sight seemed to check the boxes and he likes the optic despite its price tag.

Key specs of the RMRcc

  • Specifically designed as a concealed carry option, essentially a baby version of the RMR Type 2
  • Two options for the red dot – crisp 3.25 or 6 MOA
  • Up to a 4-year battery life
  • Snag-free design that’s designed to be beaten up

Positives

According to Nick, the RMRcc overall is a smaller version of the Type 2 RMR with the most durable open emitter dot optic. With a narrow body, it can be mounted on a 1911 or 2011, as well as on compact pistols. He is also impressed at the different brightness and night shooting modes. Even though he doesn’t find the brightest setting particularly bright, he did say that it was bright enough to handle the Texas sunlight. Additionally, the optic has two different button lockout options so you won’t go accidentally mess up your settings when you are carrying.

Trijicon RMRcc micro red dot sight reticle
The RMRcc pistol red dot boasts many different brightness levels, including one that seemingly is bright enough for the Texas sunlight, according to Nick at DEFCON Creative.

The RMRcc is meant to be used for shots less than 25 yards because it is a concealed carry model. But if you require a bit more from it, it has a tactile 3MOA adjustment per click that doesn’t use a proprietary tool to adjust for homing your shots with ease. The exterior is also a familiar shape so, worse comes to worst, you can use the top notch of the optic for an approximate last ditch back up sight. Essentially, if you like the RMR Type 2 optic, you’ll like the RMRcc.

Negatives

There are a few things that Nick doesn’t really like about the RMRcc pistol red dot sight. For one, it uses a proprietary footprint, which is also different from the RMR full size. In order to mount the optic, you’ll need to mill the slide or use an adapter plate. Also, because of the size of the optic and how the slide has to be milled to accept the optic, you won’t be able to co-witness with the stock sights. Nick goes on to mention that the actual shape of the window itself is not great for shooting out over 25 yards.

Trijicon RMRcc mounted on pistol slide
One negative that Nick talks about is the optic’s proprietary footprint that requires either an adapter plate or the need to mill the slide.

Another feature of the pistol red dot that he’s not thrilled with is the bottom mounting battery. To swap out the battery you have to unmount it, replace the battery, re-Loctite the screws, remount, and rezero. With the 4-year battery life, it might not be a big deal to most, but because he swaps out all batteries in his optics every year on his birthday, it’s time-consuming.

Nick’s last negative for the RMRcc is the price, at a $695 MSRP. He says that while that price is pretty normal for a Trijicon, it can easily end up doubling the overall price of your pistol in the end.

In conclusion, Nick likes the Trijicon RMRcc. He says it is a very good pistol red dot option for a compact concealed carry optic. In his opinion, it’s worth the price tag but just know you’ll have some extra work that comes along with it.

Review: Holosun 507K X2 Red Dot

By Kat Ainsworth

In part three of this micro RDS review series, Nick goes over the Holosun 507K X2 RD. If you’ve ever wondered about the Holosun brand of optics, now’s your chance to learn.

Holosun 507K X2 red dot sight
Holosun 507K X2. (Photo credit: DEFCON Creative)

What do you need to know about the Holosun 507K X2 RDS?

This RDS has a lot of nice features like a 50,000-hour battery life and 12 different brightness settings. In fact, it’s even night vision compatible in two of those settings. Holosun designed the 507K X2 as a purpose-driven optic, and that purpose is defensive use in all light settings. Unlike some red dot sights that are restricted one way or the other, this one appears to be versatile and tough.

DEFCON Creative reviews the Holosun 507K X2.
DEFCON Creative reviews the Holosun 507K X2. (Photo credit: DEFCON Creative)

So, what does DEFCON Creative have to say about it?

Quite a bit, here are some of the highlights:

Durability

Nick says, “I did not expect this to be durable but I have had zero issues with this in the same round count [when reviewing others like the Trijicon] RMRcc…this housing is very, very durable. I don’t go dropping it over 500 rounds, but it has done the job for me.”

The Reticle

The Holosun 507K X2 has a 2 MOA dot and a 32 MOA ring, and it comes in red or green. Nick notes that the green has a lower battery life, saying, “I just don’t like green dots. The red is what I go with [which is nice] because the ring…gives you something easier to pick up.”

For example, if you are brand new to red dots and this is your first dot on a gun, you might have some difficulty finding the dot at first. With the extra ring around the dot, you’ll be able to see the top of the ring if you’re a little low, and then you can bring it up. 

What else did Nick have to say about the Holosun 507K X2? You’ll have to watch the video to find out.

Bottom line?

The Holosun 507K X2 was Nick’s favorite of the trio of brands they tried out for this particular RDS series. Is it right for you? The only way to find out is to try it. It can take some time to learn how to use an RDS instead of iron sights. Remember, you can always get RDS-height irons and co-witness, but it’s worth the investment of time and effort. Having a good RDS in your collection is a great idea for any dedicated shooter.

Holosun 507K x2 red dot sight review
Running the Holosun RDS on the range. (Photo credit: DEFCON Creative)

Specifications

  • MRS: Circle Dot; 2 MOA Dot; 32 MOA Circle
  • Up to 50,000 Hours Battery Life (Setting 6)
  • 12 Brightness Setting: 10 DL & 2 NV Compatible
  • Convenient Tray Battery Compartment
  • Parallax-free & Unlimited Eye Relief
  • Designed for CCW
  • IP67 Waterproof
  • Shake awake
  • Multilayer reflective glass
  • Light Wavelength: 650nm
  • Reticle Color: Red
  • 1X Magnification
  • CR1632 Battery
  • Window Size: 0.58″ x 0.77″
  • Dimension:1.6″ x 0.98″ x 0.95″
  • Weight: 1 ounce
  • Housing Material:7075 T6 Aluminum
  • Surface Finish: Anodized
  • Adjustment per Click: 1 MOA
  • Storage Temperature: -20℃~65℃
  • Working Temperature: -20℃~51℃
  • Submersion: IP67
  • Vibration: 5000G

Compact Red Dot Showdown: Which one wins? 

By Kat Ainsworth

To conclude the series, this final video summarizes all three hands-on reviews, objectively breaking it all down by category.

DEFCON Creative review of three compact red dot sights
Trying to choose a red dot? DEFCON Creative is here to help. (Photo credit: DEFCON Creative)

Which Red Dot Sight is Best?

DEFCON Creative tried out a number of RDS to find out which worked best for them. He assigns a winner to each categories, finally calling out one of them as the best.

DEFCON Creative comparison chart of compact red dot sights
The chart used by DEFCON Creative to compare the various RDS. Which one do you think won? (Photo credit: DEFCON Creative)

Here’s the lowdown on their initial impressions of the first two factors, usability and battery life:

Universality

He points out that there aren’t a lot of guns that come from the factory pre-milled for a red dot. However, it is becoming more common.

I think within the next two years, every gun is going to come with at least the option for milling.

In the Universality category, the [Springfield Armory] HEX wins because it uses the Shield RMSc footprint which is compatible with several platforms including the Springfield Hellcat, Sig Sauer, and Bul Armory 2011s.

The Shield RMSc is, up to this point, the most universally-used footprint. So the HEX Was is going to be the most universally fit dot.

The Holosun almost made it, being very close to the RMSc footprint, “but you’re still going to have to get a plate because they’ve changed it just enough to make it aggravating. You’re either going to have to get an adapter plate or you’re going to have to get your slide milled.”

As for the RMRcc, “Trijicon just said [forget you all]…just like they did with the RMR, the RMRcc uses its own footprint. [Right now] I don’t know of any guns that have the RMRcc [milled] standard. So you’re going to have to use an adapter plate, or if you have a Glock with the MOS system, get an MOS plate for [the RMRcc].”

The first point goes to the Springfield HEX.

Battery Life

Things get a little wonky in this category when you take in factors like low vs. high settings, and the differing phrases the companies use to describe how long the battery is going to last.

Springfield says the HEX Wasp will run over 65,000 hours on its lowest setting, but “In the real world…it’s going to be like 17,500 hours….[approximately] 2 years on this, in real-life applications.”

Trijicon says the RMRcc battery offers 4 years of illumination, but “I don’t know what brightness setting that’s going to be on. It comes out to [about] 35,000 hours.”

Ultimately, Holosun wins in this category, because the company says the 507K X2 RDS will run up to 50,000 hours at brightness setting Six.

So how does the rest of the chart fill out, and which Compact Red Dot Sight is the winner? You’ll have to watch the final video in the series to find out!

Which red dot sight is best for you?

Bottom line? Red dots serve a purpose, and odds are good they’d be useful for you. As with any gun or gear, choosing the best RDS for you comes down to your needs. It has to serve the specific purpose for which you intend to use it, whether that’s for your everyday carry gun or for range use, and it has to fit your gun.

 All aftermarket plates are not being made for every gun and RDS out there. There are quite a few factors to take into consideration. There are a lot of RDS on the market, though, so it’s a good idea to do your research. In order to narrow it down it’s a great idea to watch videos like this one from DEFCON Creative.

Do you have a favorite RDS? Tell us about it in the comments below.

CategoriesGun Reviews

SCAR Mags — What Are the Options for the SCAR 17S?

The FN America SCAR 17S is, in the opinion of many, one of the best battle rifles out on the market. It fires a 7.62×51 cartridge but the recoil is oddly soft for a rifle chambered in .308 Winchester. The short-stroke gas piston system allows the gun to keep remain effective in all manner of conditions. Even though it only has a 16.25 in. barrel with 1:12 twist, it is accurate out to 800 meters. So about SCAR 17 magazine options…which SCAR 17 mags should you choose?

Let’s take a look at the options.
SCAR mags ready to go loud on the range.
SCAR mags ready to go loud on the range.

FN SCAR mags — What are the Options?

FN offers magazines in two different capacities. 20 rd mags or 10 rd mags. The SCAR 17S magazine (those discussed in this article, as of this writing) is actually a modified FN FAL magazine. The SCAR 17S and FAL magazine bodies are the same. FN just cut a mag catch notch into the side of the mag body, removed the front notch, and changed the feed lip shape a bit. Then they added a plastic bumper to the base plate.

Edit: Now, long after this article first ran, there are several more options of SCAR 17 magazine to choose from!

SCAR 17 mags from FN
SCAR 17 mags from FN.

These mags are great but they are a bit pricey and they weigh a lot. Empty, the factory 20 rd mag weighs 8.6oz.

FN SCAR 17 magazines.
FN SCAR 17 magazines (factory, 20 rounds).
FN SCAR Magazine, 10 round capacity
FN SCAR 17 magazines (factory, 10 rounds).

For a lighter option, there are aftermarket polymer magazines.

One of the first to come to market was Molon Labe Industries.

They made a universal polymer magazine that they can cut to different lengths and have different capacities. Regardless of size, the magazines are all the same price.  They come in 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 rd capacities. I have had some issues with reliability with the 25 round mags. Fail to feed. Also when loading the rounds into the magazine, the magazine tends to swell a bit and does not drop free if you need to fix a malfunction. They are lighter than the factory magazine though. A 20 rd mag weighs 6.1oz and the 25 round magazine weighs 8.1oz. 

Scar 17 magazines
One thing nice about the Molon Labe Industries magazines is their giant base plate. It is perfectly flat and a little wide so it acts like a monopod.

Another contender in the polymer category is Moses Mag.

They started off by making polymer magazines for FAL pattern rifles. And since the FAL magazine is not that different from a SCAR magazine, it was not that difficult to alter the mold and make a polymer magazine for the SCAR 17S. The magazine is the lightest of all the SCAR17S compatible magazines. Empty, it weighs a mere 4.6oz. That is almost half the weight of the factory FN magazine. The Moses Mag SCAR-H magazine holds 21 rounds of .308 Winchester. However, if you load it to a full 21 rounds, you will have a difficult time inserting it on a closed bolt. So it is best to leave it at 20 or open and lock the bolt for the full 21.

SCAR 17 mag
The Moses Mag is the lightest of all the SCAR 17S compatible magazines.

The final magazine is basically an extended metal magazine similar in design to the FN magazine.

ASC makes this long metal magazine and it holds 25 rounds. Weight wise it is not that bad at just 8.1oz. Still lighter than the factory magazine. Both the ASC magazine and the Moses Mag magazine have sloped base plates. While you can monopod the rifle on the magazine, all the weight is concentrated on that one narrow section of the magazine. Both magazines are equally priced at below $30 each.

ASC magazine
ASC makes this long metal magazine and it holds 25 rounds.

Save your Thumbs with the Maglula FN SCAR 17S Lula Magazine Loader

Gonna be doing a lot of shooting? Check out this FN SCAR mag loader.

maglula loader
The simple, spring-action lever loads/unloads one round at a time without tearing up your thumb or damaging your magazine’s feed lips.
FN SCAR magazine loaded up
FN SCAR magazine loaded up in author’s SCAR 17S.
 magazine loaded up in author's 17S.
What are your favorite SCAR mags?
Re-assembled rifle
This re-assembled FN SCAR sure is a beaut.

FN SCAR 17S

Specs

  • Caliber: 7.62x51mm
  • Operation: Short-stroke gas piston
  • Mag Capacity: 10 or 20 Rd.
  • Weight: 8.0 lb.
  • Barrel Length: 16.25″
  • Twist Rate: 1:12 RH

General Specifications

  • Semi-auto only
  • Rotating, locking bolt

Receiver

  • Hard-anodized monolithic aluminum
  • MIL-STD 1913 accessory rails at the 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock positions
  • Adjustable folding front and folding/removable rear iron sights

Barrel

  • Hammer-forged, chrome-lined, fully free-floating
  • Compensator

Stock

  • Telescoping side-folding polymer stock
  • Adjustable cheekpiece
  • A2-style pistol grip

Operating Controls

  • Ambidextrous safety lever and magazine release
  • Charging handle may be mounted on right or left side
  • Enlarged trigger guard for easier access when wearing gloves
  • Composite polymer trigger module

Magazine(s)

  • Steel or aluminum body
  • Low friction follower

SCAR 17S Review

Looking to learn more? You may want to read NRA’s Steven Buis review of the SCAR 17s on American Rifleman:

“For me, practical ergonomic characteristics are critical to the success of a firearm’s design and very often 7.62 mm rifles come up a bit short in that category. With this system, however, the safety selector, magazine release, and charging handle are conveniently located, the buttstock is stoutly built and comfortable, and the weight is evenly distributed across the length of the rifle. One shortcoming relating to practical ergonomics is the SCAR’s short rail system, which leaves a large amount of exposed barrel. For many, this is not an issue. For me, I prefer to be able to extend my hand farther out, supporting 70 percent of the rifle’s weight with my off hand and 30 percent with my shooting hand.”

 (SCAR Heavy) Magazine Options

CategoriesGun Reviews

SCAR Mags — What Are the Options for the SCAR 17S?

The FN America SCAR 17S is, in the opinion of many, one of the best battle rifles out on the market. It fires a 7.62×51 cartridge but the recoil is oddly soft for a rifle chambered in .308 Winchester. The short-stroke gas piston system allows the gun to keep remain effective in all manner of conditions. Even though it only has a 16.25 in. barrel with 1:12 twist, it is accurate out to 800 meters. So about SCAR 17 magazine options…which SCAR 17 mags should you choose?

Let’s take a look at the options.
SCAR mags ready to go loud on the range.
SCAR mags ready to go loud on the range.

FN SCAR mags — What are the Options?

FN offers magazines in two different capacities. 20 rd mags or 10 rd mags. The SCAR 17S magazine (those discussed in this article, as of this writing) is actually a modified FN FAL magazine. The SCAR 17S and FAL magazine bodies are the same. FN just cut a mag catch notch into the side of the mag body, removed the front notch, and changed the feed lip shape a bit. Then they added a plastic bumper to the base plate.

Edit: Now, long after this article first ran, there are several more options of SCAR 17 magazine to choose from!

SCAR 17 mags from FN
SCAR 17 mags from FN.

These mags are great but they are a bit pricey and they weigh a lot. Empty, the factory 20 rd mag weighs 8.6oz.

FN SCAR 17 magazines.
FN SCAR 17 magazines (factory, 20 rounds).
FN SCAR Magazine, 10 round capacity
FN SCAR 17 magazines (factory, 10 rounds).

For a lighter option, there are aftermarket polymer magazines.

One of the first to come to market was Molon Labe Industries.

They made a universal polymer magazine that they can cut to different lengths and have different capacities. Regardless of size, the magazines are all the same price.  They come in 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 rd capacities. I have had some issues with reliability with the 25 round mags. Fail to feed. Also when loading the rounds into the magazine, the magazine tends to swell a bit and does not drop free if you need to fix a malfunction. They are lighter than the factory magazine though. A 20 rd mag weighs 6.1oz and the 25 round magazine weighs 8.1oz. 

Scar 17 magazines
One thing nice about the Molon Labe Industries magazines is their giant base plate. It is perfectly flat and a little wide so it acts like a monopod.

Another contender in the polymer category is Moses Mag.

They started off by making polymer magazines for FAL pattern rifles. And since the FAL magazine is not that different from a SCAR magazine, it was not that difficult to alter the mold and make a polymer magazine for the SCAR 17S. The magazine is the lightest of all the SCAR17S compatible magazines. Empty, it weighs a mere 4.6oz. That is almost half the weight of the factory FN magazine. The Moses Mag SCAR-H magazine holds 21 rounds of .308 Winchester. However, if you load it to a full 21 rounds, you will have a difficult time inserting it on a closed bolt. So it is best to leave it at 20 or open and lock the bolt for the full 21.

SCAR 17 mag
The Moses Mag is the lightest of all the SCAR 17S compatible magazines.

The final magazine is basically an extended metal magazine similar in design to the FN magazine.

ASC makes this long metal magazine and it holds 25 rounds. Weight wise it is not that bad at just 8.1oz. Still lighter than the factory magazine. Both the ASC magazine and the Moses Mag magazine have sloped base plates. While you can monopod the rifle on the magazine, all the weight is concentrated on that one narrow section of the magazine. Both magazines are equally priced at below $30 each.

ASC magazine
ASC makes this long metal magazine and it holds 25 rounds.

Save your Thumbs with the Maglula FN SCAR 17S Lula Magazine Loader

Gonna be doing a lot of shooting? Check out this FN SCAR mag loader.

maglula loader
The simple, spring-action lever loads/unloads one round at a time without tearing up your thumb or damaging your magazine’s feed lips.
FN SCAR magazine loaded up
FN SCAR magazine loaded up in author’s SCAR 17S.
 magazine loaded up in author's 17S.
What are your favorite SCAR mags?
Re-assembled rifle
This re-assembled FN SCAR sure is a beaut.

FN SCAR 17S

Specs

  • Caliber: 7.62x51mm
  • Operation: Short-stroke gas piston
  • Mag Capacity: 10 or 20 Rd.
  • Weight: 8.0 lb.
  • Barrel Length: 16.25″
  • Twist Rate: 1:12 RH

General Specifications

  • Semi-auto only
  • Rotating, locking bolt

Receiver

  • Hard-anodized monolithic aluminum
  • MIL-STD 1913 accessory rails at the 3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock positions
  • Adjustable folding front and folding/removable rear iron sights

Barrel

  • Hammer-forged, chrome-lined, fully free-floating
  • Compensator

Stock

  • Telescoping side-folding polymer stock
  • Adjustable cheekpiece
  • A2-style pistol grip

Operating Controls

  • Ambidextrous safety lever and magazine release
  • Charging handle may be mounted on right or left side
  • Enlarged trigger guard for easier access when wearing gloves
  • Composite polymer trigger module

Magazine(s)

  • Steel or aluminum body
  • Low friction follower

SCAR 17S Review

Looking to learn more? You may want to read NRA’s Steven Buis review of the SCAR 17s on American Rifleman:

“For me, practical ergonomic characteristics are critical to the success of a firearm’s design and very often 7.62 mm rifles come up a bit short in that category. With this system, however, the safety selector, magazine release, and charging handle are conveniently located, the buttstock is stoutly built and comfortable, and the weight is evenly distributed across the length of the rifle. One shortcoming relating to practical ergonomics is the SCAR’s short rail system, which leaves a large amount of exposed barrel. For many, this is not an issue. For me, I prefer to be able to extend my hand farther out, supporting 70 percent of the rifle’s weight with my off hand and 30 percent with my shooting hand.”

 (SCAR Heavy) Magazine Options

CategoriesGun Reviews

Paul Harrell: Ruger 57 vs FN FiveseveN

It’s always easy to talk about the specifications of a pistol, but how does it perform especially against a pistol that has been around for a while. And how much do you know about the relatively new Ruger 57 pistol? Paul Harrell decided to take on both the Ruger 57 and put it head-to-head against the older FN57. How do you think it did?

The Ruger 57 in 5.7×28 made its debut in 2019. For this review, Paul wanted to directly compare the Ruger to the FN Five-seveN, which has been around for a few decades. Each pistol was shot with the same ammunition and at the same set of targets as the Ruger.

Paul Harrell set out to do a full comparison between the older FN57 and the newer Ruger 57 pistols. He put both through the tests and came out with the Ruger 57 slightly above the FN.

For the first test, he wanted to shoot each pistol at the same distance with targets that were side by side. For the Ruger, the shots were a good group, if a bit low. The FN, on the other hand, was high and out of the center circle. The main reasoning, according to Paul, is that the Ruger has adjustable high visibility and fiber optic front sights, but his FN has non-adjustable sights.

 Paul Harrell comparison of Ruger 57 vs FN Fiveseven
Paul stated the Ruger 57 has high visible sights with a fiber optic front sight that supposedly helps you get on target faster. In this test, he did say that the Ruger did get on target faster but not at any great amount.

He further elaborated on the sights saying that his FN originally had adjustable sights when he received it. But after many trial and error rounds, the sights would never hold zero once it was repacked. His solution was to swap out the sights to non-adjustable sights, which obviously cannot be adjusted on the range. The Ruger sights, on the other hand, didn’t seem to lose zero even when hit with his hand repeatedly.

In talking about the Ruger sights being highly visible, he said that this would be helpful for getting on the target faster. He set up two targets side by side and shot both pistols from 7 yards switching between the left and right targets. He said that given the shots, the Ruger was only slightly better, questioning is it “enough of a difference to make a difference?” Ultimately it comes down to what you think about that test.

Ruger 57 and FN FiveseveN disassembly, Paul Harrell
The Ruger 57 pistol has a retention pin for disassembly whereas the FN requires the hammer to be forward (that also needs to have the mag safety engaged before it will come forward) before the slide can be removed. But Paul states that both pistols are easy to take apart.

Paul then went on to talk about the disassembly of both pistols. The FN needs to have the internal hammer forward, and to get it forward you need to have a mag to trigger the magazine safety. Once the hammer is forward, the small button disengages the slide, and it comes apart. The Ruger, conversely, doesn’t need a magazine for disassembly as it has a retention pin to remove the slide. It only has a few extra steps and it’s pretty negligible as both are pretty easy to take apart.

He also talked about the relative triggers for the pistols. Both have a single-action autoloader system, a considerable amount of creep, and what he refers to as slop before a round will fire. He actually calls out a lot of different synonyms for crappy before settling on abysmal. But at least both pistols are the same in that regard.

Later, Paul tested both pistols in a chronograph and found that both median readings were within a few numbers of each other. So, he turned his attention to what he called his meat test.

Ruger 57 meat target
One of the things that probably didn’t need to happen, according to Paul, is shooting a meat target. The test fully showed that that the 5.7×28 round isn’t as impressive as other rounds.

He used pork ribs, chips, grapefruits, another set of ribs, t-shirt material, and fleece backing to see how the round behaves. He found that while he had good penetration of the round, the overall performance was not as impressive as rounds such as 45ACP.

In the end, Paul says the discussion comes down to two important points:

  1. Cost
  2. Reliability

With the FN57 coming in with a price tag over $1,000, the Ruger is considerably cheaper. In regard to reliability, Paul did say that he only had around 200 rounds through it but has yet to have a single malfunction, something that the FN never achieved. Which for a new pistol, is pretty impressive.

Like many commenters said, the video was extremely well done and informative, even with the distraction of watching him pull pistols and magazines out of his pockets like some gunpowder fueled Mary Poppins. 

CategoriesGun Reviews

DEFCON Creative’s Compact Red Dot Showdown

Gone are the days when red dot sights (RDS) were thought of as gimmicks for competition shooters or aiming aids for handgun hunters. Today, they’re used by everyone, including gun owners who carry handguns for self-defense purposes.

As with any purchase, sorting through all of the details and features can be daunting when you’re trying to decide which is the best one for you. It helps when there are side-by-side comparative reviews, and for that purpose, Nick at DEFCON Creative reviewed three compact pistol red dots in a video series. While usually opting for concealed carry of a full-sized pistol, Nick says he carries a compact pistol during the summer. Thus, the appeal of the smaller optic for a smaller pistol. He wanted to see the different options available and see what worked best for him.

I want to take a deep dive into each of the most popular/widely available Red Dots for compact handguns and come up with my recommendation for the best all-around option to put a dot on a slim gun.

The sights he reviews in this series are the Springfield Armory HEX Wasp RDS, the Trijicon RMRcc, and the Holosun 507K X2.

Which one is best? Here are the three video reviews with notes, followed by the final video with Nick’s conclusion.

Review: Springfield Armory HEX Wasp RDS

By Kat Ainsworth

In this first video review, DEFCON Creative checks out the Springfield Armory HEX Wasp RDS, covering its performance, usability, and various thoughts on RDS.

DEFCON Creative reviews the Springfield Armory HEX Wasp RDS. (Photo credit: DEFCON Creative)

Why would you want a pistol red dot?

There are a lot of benefits to running your carry gun with an RDS:

  • Rapid target acquisition
  • Broader field of view
  • Low-light use
  • Accuracy
  • Co-witness with iron sights
  • Faster follow-up shots

What do you need to know about the HEX Wasp RDS?

SAS II Viper with Springfield Armory HEX Wasp red dot sight
The Springfield Armory HEX Wasp RDS. (Photo credit: DEFCON Creative)

DEFCON Creative gets into a fairly lengthy review of this red dot, which is fantastic for viewers. They had the following to say about a few of its features and its overall performance:

“The dot is a 3.5 MOA red dot. [Springfield Armory] claims a two-year run time. I’ve only had this gun for maybe six months…and obviously, the dot is still working. [The website] says it is IPX7 waterproof. I don’t get wet…often, but it’s super nice to have.”

He also mentions that the brightness adjustment is auto-dimming and Springfield says it’s a parallax-free lense. “I thought most dots…would be parallax-free. There would be distortions, but I don’t see a lot of…parallax in a single lens red dot.”

The magnification is 1X and that is always on. MSRP is $299.00.

Running the Springfield Armory HEX Wasp RDS at the range.
Running the Springfield Armory HEX Wasp RDS at the range. (Photo credit: DEFCON Creative)

Performance

Getting into his experience with the HEX Wasp, he points out some features.  

The lens isn’t super-big. There isn’t a gigantic field of view like on a Trijicon SRO or even a standard-sized RMR, because it is more compact. It does, however, seem to have even more tunnel vision than some of the other compact options.

Still, he says it’ is acceptable, especially for a compact gun. He points out that the engagement distance needs to be taken into consideration. It’s unlikely that you’re going to try and shoot this gun at 50 yards. You could, but that’s not really the purpose of a compact gun.

“This is the gun I carry in a fanny pack when I go running. [So] it is compact, but it is enough to be able to reach out and see at…closer engagement distances….I have no problem picking up the dot and actually seeing the target”

Watch the full review:

HEX Wasp Features

Springfield Armory lists the HEX Wasp RDS features as the following:

“Designed for low-profile, direct mounting, the HEX Wasp is perfectly suited for compact applications like today’s concealed carry pistols and offset rifle mounting.”

  • 3.5 MOA Dot, Red
  • .5 MOA Adjustment (90 MOA Windage and Elevation)
  • CR2032 Battery Included – 65,000 Hours
  • Glass Lens, Scratch Resistant / Anti Glare Coating
  • Springfield Micro Footprint (Shield RMSc)
  • 6061 T6 Hardcoat Aluminum Housing
  • Always On, Auto-Dimming
  • IPX7 Waterproof
  • .95″ W x .86″ H x 1.6″ L
  • 0.7 oz
  • (2) sets of screws included
  • Operating temperature certified from -40F to 158F”

Trijicon RMRcc Pistol Red Dot Review

By Patti Miller

In his second video review, Nick was able to get his hands on a Trijicon RMRcc and with the help of a borrowed Sig 365, he ran it through its paces to get a better picture of it.

Nick from DEFCON Creative wanted to see what options were available for his compact carry. The Trijicon RMRcc seemed to check the boxes and he likes the optic despite its price tag.
Nick from DEFCON Creative wanted to see what options were available for his compact carry. The Trijicon RMRcc pistol red dot sight seemed to check the boxes and he likes the optic despite its price tag.

Key specs of the RMRcc

  • Specifically designed as a concealed carry option, essentially a baby version of the RMR Type 2
  • Two options for the red dot – crisp 3.25 or 6 MOA
  • Up to a 4-year battery life
  • Snag-free design that’s designed to be beaten up

 

Positives

According to Nick, the RMRcc overall is a smaller version of the Type 2 RMR with the most durable open emitter dot optic. With a narrow body, it can be mounted on a 1911 or 2011, as well as on compact pistols. He is also impressed at the different brightness and night shooting modes. Even though he doesn’t find the brightest setting particularly bright, he did say that it was bright enough to handle the Texas sunlight. Additionally, the optic has two different button lockout options so you won’t go accidentally mess up your settings when you are carrying.

Trijicon RMRcc micro red dot sight reticle
The RMRcc pistol red dot boasts many different brightness levels, including one that seemingly is bright enough for the Texas sunlight, according to Nick at DEFCON Creative.

The RMRcc is meant to be used for shots less than 25 yards because it is a concealed carry model. But if you require a bit more from it, it has a tactile 3MOA adjustment per click that doesn’t use a proprietary tool to adjust for homing your shots with ease. The exterior is also a familiar shape so, worse comes to worst, you can use the top notch of the optic for an approximate last ditch back up sight. Essentially, if you like the RMR Type 2 optic, you’ll like the RMRcc.

Negatives

There are a few things that Nick doesn’t really like about the RMRcc pistol red dot sight. For one, it uses a proprietary footprint, which is also different from the RMR full size. In order to mount the optic, you’ll need to mill the slide or use an adapter plate. Also, because of the size of the optic and how the slide has to be milled to accept the optic, you won’t be able to co-witness with the stock sights. Nick goes on to mention that the actual shape of the window itself is not great for shooting out over 25 yards.

Trijicon RMRcc mounted on pistol slide
One negative that Nick talks about is the optic’s proprietary footprint that requires either an adapter plate or the need to mill the slide.

Another feature of the pistol red dot that he’s not thrilled with is the bottom mounting battery. To swap out the battery you have to unmount it, replace the battery, re-Loctite the screws, remount, and rezero. With the 4-year battery life, it might not be a big deal to most, but because he swaps out all batteries in his optics every year on his birthday, it’s time-consuming.

Nick’s last negative for the RMRcc is the price, at a $695 MSRP. He says that while that price is pretty normal for a Trijicon, it can easily end up doubling the overall price of your pistol in the end.

In conclusion, Nick likes the Trijicon RMRcc. He says it is a very good pistol red dot option for a compact concealed carry optic. In his opinion, it’s worth the price tag but just know you’ll have some extra work that comes along with it.

Review: Holosun 507K X2 Red Dot

By Kat Ainsworth

In part three of this micro RDS review series, Nick goes over the Holosun 507K X2 RD. If you’ve ever wondered about the Holosun brand of optics, now’s your chance to learn.

Holosun 507K X2 red dot sight
Holosun 507K X2. (Photo credit: DEFCON Creative)

What do you need to know about the Holosun 507K X2 RDS?

This RDS has a lot of nice features like a 50,000-hour battery life and 12 different brightness settings. In fact, it’s even night vision compatible in two of those settings. Holosun designed the 507K X2 as a purpose-driven optic, and that purpose is defensive use in all light settings. Unlike some red dot sights that are restricted one way or the other, this one appears to be versatile and tough.

DEFCON Creative reviews the Holosun 507K X2.
DEFCON Creative reviews the Holosun 507K X2. (Photo credit: DEFCON Creative)

So, what does DEFCON Creative have to say about it?

Quite a bit, here are some of the highlights:

Durability

Nick says, “I did not expect this to be durable but I have had zero issues with this in the same round count [when reviewing others like the Trijicon] RMRcc…this housing is very, very durable. I don’t go dropping it over 500 rounds, but it has done the job for me.”

The Reticle

The Holosun 507K X2 has a 2 MOA dot and a 32 MOA ring, and it comes in red or green. Nick notes that the green has a lower battery life, saying, “I just don’t like green dots. The red is what I go with [which is nice] because the ring…gives you something easier to pick up.”

For example, if you are brand new to red dots and this is your first dot on a gun, you might have some difficulty finding the dot at first. With the extra ring around the dot, you’ll be able to see the top of the ring if you’re a little low, and then you can bring it up. 

What else did Nick have to say about the Holosun 507K X2? You’ll have to watch the video to find out.

Bottom line?

The Holosun 507K X2 was Nick’s favorite of the trio of brands they tried out for this particular RDS series. Is it right for you? The only way to find out is to try it. It can take some time to learn how to use an RDS instead of iron sights. Remember, you can always get RDS-height irons and co-witness, but it’s worth the investment of time and effort. Having a good RDS in your collection is a great idea for any dedicated shooter.

Holosun 507K x2 red dot sight review
Running the Holosun RDS on the range. (Photo credit: DEFCON Creative)

Specifications

  • MRS: Circle Dot; 2 MOA Dot; 32 MOA Circle
  • Up to 50,000 Hours Battery Life (Setting 6)
  • 12 Brightness Setting: 10 DL & 2 NV Compatible
  • Convenient Tray Battery Compartment
  • Parallax-free & Unlimited Eye Relief
  • Designed for CCW
  • IP67 Waterproof
  • Shake awake
  • Multilayer reflective glass
  • Light Wavelength: 650nm
  • Reticle Color: Red
  • 1X Magnification
  • CR1632 Battery
  • Window Size: 0.58″ x 0.77″
  • Dimension:1.6″ x 0.98″ x 0.95″
  • Weight: 1 ounce
  • Housing Material:7075 T6 Aluminum
  • Surface Finish: Anodized
  • Adjustment per Click: 1 MOA
  • Storage Temperature: -20℃~65℃
  • Working Temperature: -20℃~51℃
  • Submersion: IP67
  • Vibration: 5000G

Compact Red Dot Showdown: Which one wins? 

By Kat Ainsworth

To conclude the series, this final video summarizes all three hands-on reviews, objectively breaking it all down by category.

DEFCON Creative review of three compact red dot sights
Trying to choose a red dot? DEFCON Creative is here to help. (Photo credit: DEFCON Creative)

Which Red Dot Sight is Best?

DEFCON Creative tried out a number of RDS to find out which worked best for them. He assigns a winner to each categories, finally calling out one of them as the best.

DEFCON Creative comparison chart of compact red dot sights
The chart used by DEFCON Creative to compare the various RDS. Which one do you think won? (Photo credit: DEFCON Creative)

Here’s the lowdown on their initial impressions of the first two factors, usability and battery life:

Universality

He points out that there aren’t a lot of guns that come from the factory pre-milled for a red dot. However, it is becoming more common.

I think within the next two years, every gun is going to come with at least the option for milling.

In the Universality category, the [Springfield Armory] HEX wins because it uses the Shield RMSc footprint which is compatible with several platforms including the Springfield Hellcat, Sig Sauer, and Bul Armory 2011s.

The Shield RMSc is, up to this point, the most universally-used footprint. So the HEX Was is going to be the most universally fit dot.

The Holosun almost made it, being very close to the RMSc footprint, “but you’re still going to have to get a plate because they’ve changed it just enough to make it aggravating. You’re either going to have to get an adapter plate or you’re going to have to get your slide milled.”

As for the RMRcc, “Trijicon just said [forget you all]…just like they did with the RMR, the RMRcc uses its own footprint. [Right now] I don’t know of any guns that have the RMRcc [milled] standard. So you’re going to have to use an adapter plate, or if you have a Glock with the MOS system, get an MOS plate for [the RMRcc].”

The first point goes to the Springfield HEX.

Battery Life

Things get a little wonky in this category when you take in factors like low vs. high settings, and the differing phrases the companies use to describe how long the battery is going to last.

Springfield says the HEX Wasp will run over 65,000 hours on its lowest setting, but “In the real world…it’s going to be like 17,500 hours….[approximately] 2 years on this, in real-life applications.”

Trijicon says the RMRcc battery offers 4 years of illumination, but “I don’t know what brightness setting that’s going to be on. It comes out to [about] 35,000 hours.”

Ultimately, Holosun wins in this category, because the company says the 507K X2 RDS will run up to 50,000 hours at brightness setting Six.

So how does the rest of the chart fill out, and which Compact Red Dot Sight is the winner? You’ll have to watch the final video in the series to find out!

 

Which red dot sight is best for you?

Bottom line? Red dots serve a purpose, and odds are good they’d be useful for you. As with any gun or gear, choosing the best RDS for you comes down to your needs. It has to serve the specific purpose for which you intend to use it, whether that’s for your everyday carry gun or for range use, and it has to fit your gun.

 All aftermarket plates are not being made for every gun and RDS out there. There are quite a few factors to take into consideration. There are a lot of RDS on the market, though, so it’s a good idea to do your research. In order to narrow it down it’s a great idea to watch videos like this one from DEFCON Creative.

Do you have a favorite RDS? Tell us about it in the comments below.

CategoriesGun Reviews

TFBTV: Sig Sauer MCX in 5.56

Sig Sauer’s line of MCX pistols and rifles has attained an almost cult-like status thanks to its versatility and reliable function. The MCX Patrol in 5.56 NATO is one of the rifles of the line, and it’s the focus of this video review from TFBTV. Interested in learning more about the MCX line, or about gas piston rifles in particular? You’ve come to the right place.

TFBTV reviews the Sig MCX in 5.56 NATO. (Photo credit: TFBTV)

Sig MCX Features

It’s always nice when someone reviewing a rifle (or any firearm) gets into the details of a particular gun, and that’s exactly what’s done in this TFBTV review:

“So, the Sig MCX was actually designed in 300 BLK and intended to be used with a suppressor, so you have a setting for subsonic ammo as well as supersonic ammo.

“It’s got some pretty nice features, like an [ambidextrous] magazine release and large, oversized bolt catch/bolt release as well as [an] ambi safety and an ambi charging handle. Now, I did find the [ambidextrous] charging handle does kind of get in the way with the mount on the Sig Bravo Four optic they sent over. Now, I admit that I would like to see this [KeyMod handguard] in MLOK, but that’s just my preference; the KeyMod is just fine.

“The folding stock allows you to pack the gun in a place you would not normally be able to put an AR with a 16-inch barrel. I actually quite like it a lot. You do get a brass deflector and a forward assist but it is made out of some sort of plastic material, but I’m sure it’s fine.”

Check out the video to learn more about the Sig MCX and how it performs on the range:

What are some uses for the Sig MCX?

This specific Sig MCX is the Patrol, chambered in 5.56 NATO. Its 16-inch barrel means it is technically a carbine, not a rifle, and also means it’s going to be easier to manipulate. There are a lot of solid reasons to have a gun like this on hand:

  • Home defense
  • Truck gun
  • Hog hunting
  • Range time
  • CQB (close quarters battle) work
KeyMod handguard
The Sig MCX has a KeyMod handguard. (Photo credit: TFBTV)

Interestingly, the Sig MCX is not an AR, it just looks like one. This is a gas piston rifle with a rotating bolt, which is a bit different and preferred by some shooters. It’s proven itself to many shooters as an accurate, reliable gun – the entire MCX line has done that – so it’s no surprise it’s so popular.

Sig Sauer MCX Patrol Specifications

  • Caliber: 5.56 NATO
  • Action: Semi-automatic
  • Operating system: Gas piston, rotating bolt
  • Stock type: Telescoping, folding 5-position
  • Forend type: Alloy
  • Handguard attachment type: KeyMod
  • Safety: Ambidextrous
  • Magazine Release: Ambidextrous
  • Barrel length: 16 inches
  • Overall length: 35.5 inches
  • Folded length: 26.5 inches
  • Twist rate: 1-in-7
  • Trigger: MIL-SPEC
  • Ships with: (1) 30-round magazine
  • Weight: 6.9 pounds, empty
  • MSRP: $2199

Do you prefer gas piston rifles?

Why or why not? Tell us about it in the comments below.

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