The SL-8 rifle was first presented to the public at IWA-98 show, and manufacturing commenced late in 1998. This rifle was designed by famous German arms-making company Heckler und Koch GmbH on the basis of its 5,56mm NATO G36 assault rifle, which is a standard issue rifle of German and Spanish armies. SL stands for (Self-Loading in English or Selbst-Lade in German), 8 is the consecutive index of civilian rifles made by HK. HK SL-8 rifle can be used for hunting small game, but it is also suitable for para-military training, security and self-defense use, and practical sport shooting. Because of modular design, SL-8 can be modified to a number of variations, which will accept reduced 10-round capacity or standard 30-round capacity magazines, various handguards, sighs etc. This rifle is accurate, comfortable to use and very reliable, but also somewhat expensive, like most other products of Heckler und Koch.

Heckler-Koch SL-8 rifle is gas operated, semi-automatic weapon. It uses patented short-stroke gas piston system, located above the barrel, which is very reliable and requires minimal maintenance. Barrel locking is achieved by rotary bolt with seven radial lugs, which engages barrel extension and thus relieves polymer receiver from most of the firing stress. Cocking handle design is copied from G36 assault rifle, and when not in use, folding cocking handle lies in line with the gun at the top of receiver. For cocking, it can be swung to either side, and once released, it will straighten itself back automatically. Feed system has bolt hold-open device. Polymer stock is of modular design, and forearm and magazine housing can be easily replaced; basic disassembly requires no special tools. Manual safety is ambidextrous and is conveniently located above the grip. Shoulder stock is of thumb-hole design, has adjustable cheek rest and can be adjusted for length of pull using special rubber pads. Standard sighting equipment includes a detachable sight rail, attached to the top of receiver. In basic configuration, this rail hosts protected front sight and fully adjustable flip-up rear sight. A variety of optional optical sights can be installed on the rail between front and rear open sights. Alternatively, a raised Picatinny-type rail or G36 / G36E carrying handle with integral sights (red-dot, low-magnification telescope or both) can be installed in place of standard sight rail. Feed is using detachable box magazines. Because magazine housing is detachable, rifle can be easily adapted for a variety of magazine types – proprietary 10-round magazines, G36-type 30-round magazines or Ar-15 / M16 type 30-round magazines.

HK SL-8 rifle with white stock and standard sight rail

HK SL-8 rifle with black stock and raised sight rail

Armalon PC carbine, developed in around 1997 by British company Armalon Ltd, follows the general idea of the Spanish “Destroyer” carbine, which was developed between two World wars for use by Spanish Guarda Civil. Basically, it was a shortened and lightened conversion of the standard bolt-action rifle to significantly less powerful pistol ammunition, which resulted in much shorter effective (and dangerous) range, as well as in decreased recoil and noise. Armalon carbines also produced with idea of short-range weapon which can be fired accurately at ranges beyond capabilities of most pistols. these carbines are suitable for security, training and self-defense purposes. Being manually operated, such weapons are more tolerant to variations in power of ammunition used, but practical rate of fire will be of cause slower, compared to semi-automatic carbines in same caliber, such as Ruger PC9 or others like that. On the other hand, in some countries civilian ownership of semi-automatic weapons can be limited by law, and bolt-operated pistol caliber carbine might be a good choice there.

Armalon PC carbine is based on famous Short, Magazine, Lee-Enfield No.4 (SMLE No.4) rifle action, with manually operated rotary bolt. The basic action and bolt are highly redesigned for better work with short pistol cartridges. Original barrel is replaced with shorter one, in appropriate caliber. Original magazine is also discarded and a magazine adapter is installed, which will then accept pistol magazines in appropriate caliber. In “semiautomatic pistol” calibers, such as 9mm, 10mm or .45ACP, Armalon carbines use Tanfoglio pistol magazines in respective calibers. In “revolver” calibers (.357, .44) and in .50AE, these carbines use modified IMI Desert Eagle pistol magazines. Armalon carbines are produced in two basic versions, with adjustable iron sights or with no iron sights and with proprietary scope rail, which is removably attached to the top of receiver. Standard stock is three-part walnut, although an alternative polymer stock is also available.

Armalon PC carbine with iron sights

Armalon PC carbine with polymer stock and optical sights

Beretta CX4 Storm carbine is the first in the new line of Beretta’s “xX4 Storm” firearms, which now also include PX4 pistol and RX4 semi-automatic rifle in 5,56mm/.223 caliber. CX4 carbine first appeared in 200x, with intent to provide civilian shooters with compact and handy sporting and defensive weapon in all major pistol calibers. In developing this weapon, Beretta’s designers paid a great attention to both aesthetical and practical aspects of weapon. CX4 Storm carbine has elegant appearance and is comfortable to use; it can be easily adapted for right- or left-hand use (requires a disassembly and probably a visit to gunsmith – at least it is recommended so by manufacturer). Beretta also provides a number of useful accessories for this weapon, such as user-installable Picatinny rails, stock extension pads, etc. Like any other pistol-caliber carbine, it can be fired accurately to ranges of up to 100-150 meters, especially if fitted with low-magnification telescope or red-dot sight. All in all, it is a versatile short-range carbine, with minimal recoil and excellent handling characeristics.

Beretta CX4 Storm carbine is blowback-operated, semi-automatic weapon which fires from closed bolt. Bolt is of wrap-around type, with most of its weight being located in front of he beech face, around the barrel. Cocking handle can be installed on either side of the gun and extractor and ejector can be set up for left- or right-side ejection (gun has ejection ports on either side). Receiver halves (upper / front and lower / rear) are made from impact-resistant polymer and assembled using one cross-pin, located in front of the trigger guard. Trigger is of single action type, with internal hammer and a number of integral automatic safeties which prevent firing if gun is bumped or otherwise handled roughly. Manual safety is of cross-bolt, push button type, located above the trigger and can be set up for left- or right-side operation by any competent gunsmith. Gun is provided with bolt hold-open device which can be engaged or disengaged manually through the lever above the grip. Magazines are inserted into pistol grip, and magazine release button also can be set up on either side of the weapon. Beretta CX4 Storm carbine uses Beretta pistol magazines, either of Beretta 92 / 96 type (in 9mm and .40SW respectively) or Beretta 8000 / 8040 / 8045 type (in 9mm, .40SW and .45ACP respectively). Type of magazine used is determined by special grip inserts. Standard sights include front sight, adjustable for elevation and windage (for zeroing) and flip-up rear sight of diopter type. If user desires to install a telescope or red-dot sight, an optional Picatinny rail shall be attached to the top of receiver. Up to three optional short accessory rails also can be installed at the front of receiver, at 3, 6 and 9-o’clock positions. CX4 Storm carbine also is provided with sling swivel studs.

Beretta CX4 Storm carbine in basic configuration, right side

Beretta CX4 Storm carbine in basic configuration, left side

Beretta CX4 Storm carbine accessorized with optional Picatinny rails, forward grip, red-dot sight and tactical light

Type / action	semi-automatic, blowback operated carbine
Caliber(s)	9×19 Luger / Parabellum, 9×21 IMI, .40SW and .45ACP
Weight unloaded	2,57 kg / 5,7 lbs
Length	755 mm / 29,7″
Barrel length	423 mm / 16,6″
Magazine capacity	10 -20 rounds, depending on caliber

]]> http://fire-arms.info/archives/beretta-cx4-storm-carbine/feed 0 http://fire-arms.info/archives/heckler-koch-sl-6-sl-7 http://fire-arms.info/archives/heckler-koch-sl-6-sl-7#comments Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:11:45 +0000 Megan http://fire-arms.info/?p=128

The SL-6 and SL-7 rifles were developed by German company Heckler & Koch during early 1980s as a para-military weapons for training reservists and possibly arming police. Those rifles, which differed only in calibers / ammunition used (5.56mm for SL-6 and 7.62mm for SL-7) were based on hunting rifles from the same company, the HK 660 and HK 770 respectively, sharing same roller-delayed blowback action and general layout, but featuring shorter barrels and military-type sights and furniture (sling swivels, steel buttplates etc). Due to high price and German gun laws limitations, overall production of SL-6 and SL-7 rifles was limited and now those weapons are collector’s items.

The HK SL-6 and SL-7 rifles use roller-delayed blowback action, similar to that used in HK G3 rifle. Chamber is fluted to assist extraction. The cocking handle is located on the right side of the receiver (as opposed to HK G3), and folds forward when not in use. Manual safety is located on the left side of the stock, above and in the front of the trigger. Feed is from proprietary detachable box magazines, holding 3 (flush-fit) or 10 (extended) rounds. Stock is made of wood, with additional wooden handguard (ventilated on SL-7) and steel buttplate. Standard sights include hooded front post on the barrel and drum-type diopter sight (similar to that used on HK G3), with settings from 100 to 400 meters in 100-meter increments. Receiver is fitted with mounting points for proprietary HK scope mounts.

7.62mm / .308 Heckler-Koch Model 770 hunting rifle

5.56mm / .223 Heckler-Koch SL-6 rifle with 10-round magazine

7.62mm / .308 Heckler-Koch SL-7 rifle with 10-round magazine and telescope sight

	HK SL-6	HK SL-7
Type / action	roller-delayed blowback
Caliber(s)	5.56×45 / .223 Rem	7.62×51 / .308 Win
Weight unloaded	3.6 kg	3.8 kg
Length	1010 mm	1010 mm
Barrel length	450 mm	450 mm
Magazine capacity	3 or 10 rounds	3 or 10 rounds

]]> http://fire-arms.info/archives/heckler-koch-sl-6-sl-7/feed 0 http://fire-arms.info/archives/australian-international-arms-m10-rifles http://fire-arms.info/archives/australian-international-arms-m10-rifles#comments Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:15:38 +0000 Megan http://fire-arms.info/?p=103

The M10 line of bolt action rifles was developed in Australia by Australian International Arms Pty, a small company dedicated to produce quality rifles for civilian use. Initial intent was to produce bolt-action rifle with high capacity, detachable magazines. Starting with time-proven design of the famous SMLE No.4 Mk.2 rifles of British origin, AIA engineers developed new and improved version of the venerable “Rifle, Short, Magazine, Lee-Enfield”. The AIA rifles feature all-new components machined from modern steel and quality wood. First prototypes of the AIA improved No.4 mk.2 rifles appeared in 1998-99, and since then company has produced several versions of the basic design, of which most notable are M10 rifles and carbines, chambered for popular 7.62×39 M43 Russian and 7.62×51 NATO / .308 Win ammunition. The 5.56×45mm / .223 Rem version of the same design was planned but apparently is still not in production at this time.AIA M10 rifles are manually operated, bolt action rifles with rotary bolt of Lee-Enfield type. Bolt design is improved by utilizing only one size of non-rotating bolt head (as opposed to original design that relied on several sizes of bolt heads to maintain proper headspace on different rifles). Bolt is locked into newly manufactured receiver using dual locking lugs at the rear of the bolt. Feed is from detachable box magazines, and, in 7.62×39 version, M10A1 / M10A2 rifles will accept high capacity AK / AKM type magazines holding 20, 30 or even 40 (RPK-type) rounds. Manual safety is of lee-Enfield type, located on the left side of the receiver. Standard sights include L-shaped flip-up diopter rear sight, adjustable for windage and set for 100 / 300 (M10A 7.62×39) or 200 / 400 (M10B 7.62×51) meters range. Receivers are pre-machined to accept Picatinny type rail which is used to install various telescope sights. Stocks are made from teak timber, in variety of shapes and sizes.

AIA M10A1 rifle, 7.62×39 caliber

AIA M10A2 rifle, 7.62×39 caliber

AIA M10B1 rifle, 7.62×51 / .308 Win caliber

AIA M10B2 rifle, 7.62×51 / .308 Win caliber with optional bipod and Picatinny rail

	M10A1	M10A2	M10B1	M10B2
Type / action	manually operated bolt cation
Caliber	7.62×39 mm Russian		7.62×51 / .308 Win
Weight unloaded	3.8 kg	3.5 kg	4.1 kg	4.97 kg
Length	1048 mm	950 mm	1125 mm	1200 mm
Barrel length	508 mm	410 mm	560 mm	640 mm
Magazine capacity	10 rounds	10 rounds	10 rounds	10 rounds

]]> http://fire-arms.info/archives/australian-international-arms-m10-rifles/feed 0 http://fire-arms.info/archives/safir-arms-t15-rifle-and-carbine http://fire-arms.info/archives/safir-arms-t15-rifle-and-carbine#comments Mon, 27 Jul 2009 23:55:56 +0000 Megan http://fire-arms.info/?p=79

The T15 rifle, as made in Turkey by Safir arms company, is a copy of the famous American Ar-15 rifle in its semi-automatic version. The T15 is intended for civilian and police use, but Safir arms also makes selective-fire version of the same design, known as T16, which is intended for military use. For countries that prohibit civilian ownership of semi-automatic firearms, a manually-operated version of T15 is also manufactured. Both T15 and T16 rifles are available in different configurations, with fixed or telescoping buttstock, and with fixed “M16A2-style” carrying handle or flat-top “M16A3-style” upper receivers. Carbine versions of both rifles also available with same modifications, and with any reasonable barrel lengths according to customer preferences.
Another interesting feature of the T15 is that it can be easily converted to 36 gauge semi-automatic shotgun with installation of the T14 shotgun upper receiver, made by the same company.The T15 rifle is gas-operated weapon that uses Stoner direct impingement gas system, in which hot powder gases are fed from the barrel and via steel tube into the bolt carrier body, where they expand to operate the action. The bolt group is also of Stoner design, with 8-lug rotary bolt that engages the barrel extension. Receiver is made from two halves, upper and lower, both manufactured from aircraft-grade aluminum alloy and connected by two cross-pins. Barrels are manufactured using cold hammer forging process, which ensures long service life and good accuracy, yet maintaining affordable price of the entire gun. Manual safety (which also works as a fire mode selector in T16 rifle) is located on the left side of the receiver. Overall, controls and design of the trigger unit are similar to that of Ar-15 rifle, and include bolt stop release button and T-shaped cocking handle above the buttstock. In standard configuration, T15 and T16 rifles feature M16A2-style adjustable sights, with diopter-type rear sight built into the carrying handle, although ‘flat-top’ models with Picatinny rail instead of the carrying handle can be produced upon request. Standard furniture is black polymer, with fixed or telescoping buttstock (the latter also features no-slip rubber buttplate). Magazines are same as used in Ar-15 / M16 rifles, and a number of other accessories, compatible with Ar-15 / M16 rifles also can be fitted to T-15 and T-16 rifles.

T15 ‘Classic’ semi-automatic rifle

T16 ‘Classic’ selective-fire rifle

T15 ‘Classic S’ rifle

T15 ‘Compact’ carbine

T15 ‘Compact S’ carbine

Data for T15 ‘Classic’ rifle

The AXR (Advanced eXtensible Rifle) weapon was developed by US-based company Tactical Product Design (TPD) Inc. The AXR is based on the famous Austrian Steyr AUG assault rifle. Manufacture of this clone became possible because original patents for Steyr AUG have expired, and the demand for civilian version of this weapon in USA was not covered by import of original Austrian-made rifles. TPD designers created a faithful copy of Steyr AUG, so most parts are interchangeable between the AXR and AUG.Prime differences between AXR and its prototype are in materials (TPD claims to use most modern metals and polymers in its design, which are superior to those available 30 years ago in original Steyr rifle) and use of STANAG / M16 type magazines rather than proprietary magazines. Optional caliber conversion kit allows to upgrade the AXR from 5.56mm / .223 to more potent 6.8mm Rem SPC caliber. At the present time AXR is offered only in semi-automatic version, for civilian and police use.TPD AXR rifle is gas-operated semi-automatic weapon of bullpup configuration. The receiver is made from aluminum alloy, the stock / housing is made from impact-resistant polymer. Barrels are quick-detachable, with barrel lock incorporated into the gas block / forward grip base. Adjustable gas system features short-stroke gas piston, located to the right of the barrel. Bolt group rides on dual guide rods, and different user-replaceable multi-lug rotary bolts are available for right- or left-hand ejection. It must be noted that current polymer stocks of AXR rifle does not permit easy change of the ejection direction, as ejection port is made only on one side of the stock. AXR is equipped with bolt hold-open device; bolt catch can be deactivated by pulling the charging handle. The original Steyr AUG-type bolt closure device is incorporated into the design, in the form of the button on the charging handle. Normally non-reciprocating charging handle is located also on the left side, in front of the receiver; push on the button locks the handle to the bolt group, allowing to use it for manual bolt closing. AXR rifle accepts any M16 / Ar15-type magazines; magazine release buttons are located below the stock, behind the magazine housing, and on the left side of the stock, above the magazine. Manual safety is of cross-bolt button style, located above the pistol grip. No sights are installed by default on AXR rifle; instated, each rifle is equipped with Picatinny-type rail on the top of receiver, which permits installation of any type of sighting equipment using appropriate mountings.

TPD Inc. AXR rifle, left side

TPD Inc. AXR rifle, right side

Type / action	gas operated, rotating bolt
Caliber(s)	5.56×45 mm / .223 Rem, also 6.8×43 mm Rem SPC
Weight unloaded	3.2 kg
Length	667 mm / 26.25″ (with 406 mm / 16″ barrel)
Barrel length	406 mm / 16″ or 457 mm / 18″
Magazine capacity	30 rounds standard, any M16/Ar15 compatible magazine will fit

]]> http://fire-arms.info/archives/tpd-axr/feed 0 http://fire-arms.info/archives/ruger-sr-556-semi-automatic-rifle http://fire-arms.info/archives/ruger-sr-556-semi-automatic-rifle#comments Fri, 17 Jul 2009 18:00:45 +0000 Megan http://fire-arms.info/?p=16
Ruger SR-556 semi-automatic rifle is the most recent product of the famous American arms-making company Sturm, Ruger & Co. Ruger company previously manufactured 5.56mm / .223 caliber semi-automatic Mini-14 rifles, which were known for excellent durability and reliability, but the SR-556 is the first step of this company into the one of most lucrative segments of American rifle market, the “Ar-15 niche”. Following the general trend, Ruger, however, developed an improved version of the basic weapon that has many factory-standard features which, otherwise, are considered as expensive aftermarket options. Most important of these features are short-stroke piston-operated gas action (as opposed to original direct impingement gas action of the classic Ar-15 rifles), cold-hammer forged barrel with flash hider, as well as quad-rail forend, folding detachable iron sights and quality 30-round magazines. This rifle is obviously intended for civilian and law enforcement markets.Ruger SR-556 semi-automatic rifle utilizes gas-operated action with short-stroke gas piston, located in the gas block above the barrel. The piston is linked to the bolt group through the separate push rod that runs inside the handguards and has its own return spring. Gas system features manual gas regulator with 4 positions, from “0″ (gas system shut off for manual cycling) through “3″ (for firing when rifle is heavily fouled up or when using relatively low-power ammunition). Normal gas regulator position is “2″. Gas piston and gas regulator plug are chrome-lined. Bolt group is similar in design to the standard Ar-15 bolt group except that instead of the gas key it has a lug which interacts with the pusher rod. The bolt, bolt carrier ad barrel bore are chrome lined as well. Combined with gas-piston system that keeps powder residue out of the bolt group and receiver, this will result in enhanced reliability over prolonged firing sessions. The upper and lower receivers are made from aluminum alloy and connected via traditional cross-pins. All controls (manual safety, bolt stop release, magazine release, cocking handle, bolt forward assist) are of typical Ar-15 pattern. Feed is from standard M16 / Ar-15 type magazines, and as of now each rifle is shipped from factory with three 30-round polymer PMag magazines. Standard furniture includes quad-rail forend (supplied by Troy Industries), Hogue pistol grip and M4-type collapsible buttstock with 6 positions. Standard sights, as shipped by factory, include Troy industries iron sights on folding bases, with flip-up diopter type rear sight, adjustable for windage, and protected front sight, adjustable for height. Top of receiver features integral Picatinny rail, so any type of red-dot or telescopic sight can be fitted using appropriate mountings.

Ruger SR-556 semi-automatic rifle

Ruger SR-556 semi-automatic rifle