Valkyrie Armament has developed a belt-fed system for AR-15 rifles. Any mil-spec AR-15 can be converted to make use of the system. The company sells AR-15 rifles already converted, although most customers prefer to supply a rifle for conversion.
The design is an improved version of the Stoner 63 early AR-10 belt system. A M249 SAW ammunition box is held in place by an adapter that fits into the AR-15 magazine well. To switch feeding from a belt to a standard AR magazine, all that needs to be done is to open the rifle by the rear take down pin, push the mag release, pull the belt feed tray out of the top and close the rifle.
Video of the Valkyrie system in action.
Valkyrie with carry handle.
A similar concept to the Valkyrie is the Ares Shrike system. It is a belt-fed upper receiver for the AR-15 that, unlike the Valkyrie, uses its own proprietary gas piston and barrel attachment system.
UPDATE: The owner of Valkyrie Armament told me that the conversion price is $3,300 is you provide your own rifle.
I did not know that the Cougar Magnum is a real type of gun ...
However, what a lot of people don’t realize is that the Cougar Magnum was in fact a real gun. During the halcyon revolver days of the late 70s and early 80s before the wondernine revolution, there was a popular cottage industry that mated Colt Python barrels to Ruger Security Six revolvers or Smith & Wesson frames, with the resulting creations being referred to as “Cougar” or “Smolt” revolvers.
Accurate Shooter reports ...
On October 10th, John Amos Nosler, founder of Nosler Inc., passed away from natural causes at his Oregon home. Considered a true pioneer in bullet and ammunition design, Nosler developed the famous Partition bullet in the 1940s. Born on April 4, 1913 in Brawley, California, John built his business from scratch. He founded his bullet company in 1948, and was considered to be one of the great generational icons whose designs literally created the premium bullet category and influenced ammunition and bullet manufacturers worldwide.
Hell in a Handbasket discusses the Krag-Jorgenson rifle.
The weekend begins on 10/22 (22nd October), which is the perfect excuse to take out your Ruger 10/22 rifle, along with a friend of family member, and head out to the range and have some fun! If you don't own a 10/22, now if the perfect time to buy one, you won't regret it1 
[ Many thanks to David for pointing out the date and suggesting this post. ]
The Last Samurai remains one of my favorite movies, although Tom Cruise's antics in recent years make me cringe every time I see him on tv or in a firm. AIM Surplus is selling the 11mm Mauser M1871/84 rifles used in the movie. After being used on location in New Zealand, they were shipped back to the US and have been stored in studio warehouses for the past five years. Who knew Warner Bros. had their own antique arsenal!
The guns are selling for just under $400 and come with signed certificates of authenticity.
More information about them can be had at the Weapons Cache Forum.
[ Many thanks to Matt for emailing me the link. ]
The Azerbaijani government are now manufacturing a .50 BMG version of their monster semi-automatic 14.5mm IST-14.5 "Istiglal" rifle. The IST-12.7 was on display for the first time at the Africa Aerospace & Defense expo 2010.
This photo is of the 14.5mm version. I don't have any better photos on hand.
The IST-12.7 magazine holds seven rounds, two more than its big brother. The 43" barrel is not detachable for transport, unlike the IST-14.5. It has a slightly different stock, kind of resembling an M4 stock, and a receiver length rail for optics. I think these two changes have been added to make the gun more appealing to the export market.
[ Many thanks to Peter and Rolf for the information. ]
Barnes has developed a new .308 caliber TAC-X bullet. The 30 SBR 110 grain TAC-X is designed for maximum expansion at lower velocities than the regular TAC-X bullets. This makes it perfect for short barreled .300 AAC Blackout, .300 Whisper, .30 Remington AR firearms and .308 Win. guns such as the DS Arms FAL pistol.
The bullets are selling for $31.65 / per 50.
Now this is a nice gun! Oleg has good taste.
