The Firearm Blog » Tactilite

Zel Custom Tactilite T1 .50 BMG Recall

Steve — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:51:14 +0000

If you have a Tactilite T1 .50 BMG that has a bell-shaped handle with 3/16" threading and a roller (as shown below), there is the potential for an out of battery detonation and very serious injury, up to and including death. Do not fire your weapon and contact us immediately.

We have found that some of these handles can be over-tightened so as to bind the firing pin. If you have a unit that fits this description, regardless of whether you have fired it safely in the past, we ask that you contact us immediately to arrange for replacement components.

We are not aware of any incident of an out of battery detonation or any injury. However, we have been able to make this happen in controlled conditions and out of caution we ask that customers contact us immediately to arrange a free replacement.

At Zel Custom Mfg. we are dedicated to providing high quality, American-made products at a great price, and the safety of our customers is paramount. Again, we ask that regardless of whether you've used your unit safely in the past, please contact us immediately to arrange a free replacement of components.

Tactilite Gen-3 and .338 Now on Sale

Steve — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:34:13 +0000

Two months ago I blogged that Zel Custom would soon be selling an upgraded 3rd Gen version of their Tactilite AR-15 upper. The Gen-3 receiver is now the standard receiver across the Tactilite product line and available in .338 Laupa as well as .50 BMG and .416 Barrett.

I also noticed on their website that they will be unveiling a new "Tactilite T3" at SHOT in January. I am looking forward to seeing it.

Zel Custom 3rd Gen .50 BMG AR-15 Upper

Steve — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:29:53 +0000

Zel Custom are just about to put their 3rd generation Tactilite .50 BMG / .416 Barret AR-15 Upper into full production.

Gen-3 Upper

The new Gen-3 receiver is CNC-machined from a single piece of steel. It includes an integrated picatinny which is machined into the receiver.

Zel are also working on a quad rail system for the Gen-3 upper (see photo below).

Shown without coating on the rails

Zel Custom .416 Barrett Tactilite AR-15 Upper

Steve — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 11:10:47 +0000

Zel Custom Mfg. have developed a new model of their Tactilite AR-15 Upper Receiver chambered in .416 Barrett. Like the .408 Cheyenne Tactical that I mentioned yesterday, the .416 is also a long range sniping round that sits between the between the .338 Lapua Magnum and .50 BMG. Over the .50 it offers greater energy past 1000 yards and is California compliant (it is fortunate that the Cali legislators do not understand ballistics).

The .50 BMG version with custom finish.

You can read my coverage of the Tactlite .50 BMG AR-15 Upper and listen to the Gun Nuts Media podcast that features an interview with Michael Brendzel, owner of Zel Custom Mfg.

Tactilite .50 BMG AR-15 Upper

Steve — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:21:31 +0000

Zel Custom Manufacturing recently purchased the Ultralite50 line of .50 BMG AR-15 Uppers. They have just released an improved version of the Ultralite50 called the Tactilite.

As you can see above the Taclite is a single shot bolt action that sits atop an AR-15 lower. Because the lower is considered a firearm by the BATFE, the Tactilite is legally an accessory not a firearm, a fact that I am sure would freak out certain elements of society if they ever found out!

It features a free-floating barrel and is available in barrel lengths 18.5″, 22″, 29″ or custom lengths up to 30″. There are three main models. The Ultralite is the budget model that has a Mossberg barrel. The Duty is next step up and is the basic law enforcement / military model. It features a Lothar-Walther barrel. The Super Match is the competition-grade model featuring a Lothar-Walther Super Match barrel.

TactLite UltraLite Defender with custom finish.

They also sell a variety of packages. One of the packages they sell is the ultra-short 18.5″ barrel UltraLite Defender. It is designed to be fired from the shoulder (as opposed to a bi-pod) and is packaged with a set of back-up iron sights (BUIS) and sling. I don’t think a single-shot .50 BMG is ever a good choice for self defense, as the name suggests, but it could be popular with hunters wanting to carry something exotic during their next hunt. While it would have the power for African dangerous game, civilian ownership of military cartridges are banned in many African countries where hunting is popular.

Pricing starts at $1550 for the most basic model.