The Firearm Blog

Mossberg and Taser have teamed up to produce the X12 23 guage shotgun that can only accept non lethal rounds such as the TASER XREP (Extended Range Electronic Projectile), a wireless taser like projectile that fires from a 12-gauge shotgun.

I think a regular shotgun loaded with a couple of XREP projectiles followed by shot makes more sense for cops. That way if the fancy electronic projectiles fail they have a backup.

The video:

Introducing the TASER XREP – the eXtended Range Electronic Projectile. XREP is a self-contained, wireless projectile that fires from a standard 12-gauge shotgun. It delivers the same Neuro-Muscular Incapacitation (NMI) bio-effect as our handheld TASER X26, but can be delivered to a distance of up to 100 feet, combining blunt impact with field proven TASER NMI.

The press release:

TASER International, Inc. (Nasdaq:TASR), a market leader in advanced electronic control devices, today announced it will debut the new TASER X12 LLS Mossberg(r) shotgun during the 2008 SHOT Show in Las Vegas to be held February 2-5, 2008. The TASER X12 Less Lethal Shotgun (LLS) is a fully integrated less-lethal platform manufactured by Mossberg that has been optimized for the TASER eXtended Range Electronic Projectile (XREP), while providing for integration of the TASER(r) X26 electronic control device (ECD) for close-in engagements. The TASER X12 LLS includes TASER Radial Ammunition Key technology (patent pending) to prevent the system from accepting lethal 12-gauge rounds in order to remove the possibility of end users loading a lethal round in a less-lethal system during high stress situations.

TASER International will be in booth number 22117 in the Gold Hall outside of the Las Vegas Convention Center this weekend. Mossberg will be in booth number 4751 in the central exhibit halls (C1-C5.1).

“In speaking with our customers and law enforcement experts, we found that many law enforcement agencies would prefer dedicated 12-gauge systems for less-lethal use only,” commented Rick Smith, Chief Executive Officer of TASER International, Inc. “However, none of the systems on the market today actually prevent the operator from inadvertently loading a deadly round of buckshot or slugs. The TASER X12 LLS is designed with the important safeguard of precluding the possibility of lethal accidents through round mis-identification.”

The TASER X12 LLS provides a dedicated less-lethal platform based on the proven Mossberg 500 shotgun which is the only 12-gauge system to attain Mil-Spec certification.

In addition to the TASER Radial Ammunition Key system, the TASER X12 LLS also provides the following features:

* A high twist, rifled barrel system that is optimized for the lower velocities of less-lethal projectiles. Whereas standard Mossberg rifled barrels have a twist of 1 in 36 inches, the twist ratio for the TASER X12 LLS is 1 in 18 inches This higher twist rate provides enhanced projectile stability at the lower velocities used for less-lethal projectiles such as the TASER XREP projectile.

* A Picatinny Rail system with the X-Rail mount pre-installed. The X-Rail mount allows the user to mount a standard TASER X26 ECD to the system. Together, the TASER X12 LLS with TASER X26 ECD integration gives the operator the ability to engage subjects across the full range of engagement distances, with the TASER X26 ECD optimized for engagements within 20 feet, and the TASER XREP projectile for subjects beyond 20 feet.

* TASER-Yellow coloration of the stock and fore-end of the shotgun for immediate identification as a less-lethal system

* A ghost ring sighting system

* Collapsible tactical stock

“We are very excited to be partnering with TASER International on the manufacturing and development for the TASER X12 LLS system,” said A. Iver Mossberg, Jr., CEO for Mossberg. “Teaming Mossberg’s vast array of product knowledge and experience with TASER International’s pioneering less-lethal technology will only enhance our continuation as the market leaders in firearms innovation.”

TASER International will begin training the agencies involved in the pilot programs in February and will release the TASER XREP into pilot programs by the end of the first quarter. The TASER XREP is a wireless Neuro Muscular Incapacitation projectile designed for a 12-gauge platform. The XREP which contains miniaturized TASER technology as well as groundbreaking flight stabilization and microprocessor-controlled intelligent electrode selection technologies, weighs only 14 grams, or half an ounce, and has a maximum range of 65 feet or 20 meters.

TASER expects to complete pilot programs and release the TASER XREP product and the TASER X12 by the end of 2008, pending results of the pilot programs.

Photos and video of the TASER XREP and TASER X12 are posted at www.TASER.com/XREP.

Check out the latest Magpul creation. It is a folding carbine. Similar to the Ares FMG and PP-90. It appears to use some glock parts uses the Glock action, magazines and laser systems.

A couple of video demostrations:

Some photos from GlockTalk.com:

It looks very cool!

Compare with other FMG type firearms

The original Ares FMG which was designed by Eugene Stoner:

the PP-90, designed by the KBP design bureau in Tula:

the Ukrainian Goblin

And although very different the Kel-Tec SUB-2000 (this folds for storage, not rapid deployment).

I will update this page as more information becomes available.

UDPATE:

According to this thread, it is called the FMG9 and Magpul do not have plans to put it into production, at this point it is just a prototype… although I am sure James Bond will get his hands on one for his next movie!

UPDATE

Another video demo

UPDATE: From ar15.com:

The advantage to the FMG9 over previous versions are…

1. One button, spring loaded action.
2. Light weight, color coded plastic (can be molded as a non gun color)
3. Closed bolt, safe action (others were open bolt SMGs, ours can be carried with a round in the chamber).
4. Proven Glock action with stock Glock factory magazines and laser systems.

Hat Tip for the update: Cryptic

Hot on the heels of the new SR9 Ruger has released the LCP .380 Auto Lightweight Compact Auto. It is good to see Ruger waking up and addressing customer demand. It will sell for $330.

The 9.4 ounce LCP pistol has a capacity of 6 + 1 rounds of .380 Auto. With a height of only 3.6 inches and a width of .82 inches, the small, lightweight LCP pistol is a reliable back-up or carry pistol. The high-performance, glass-filled nylon frame is topped by a through hardened blued slide. The Ruger LCP features a 2.75 inch barrel and an overall length of 5.16 inches. When size and weight savings count, the Ruger LCP pistol is a natural for personal defense carry, in a purse, briefcase, or inside hiking gear.

Specs:

Caliber: .380 Auto
Capacity: 6+1 Rounds
Finish: Blued
Grip: Glass-Filled Nylon
Barrel Length: 2.75″
Groove: 6
Twist: 1:16″ RH
Overall Length: 5.16″
Weight: 9.4 oz
California Approved: No
Massachusetts Approved: No
Front Sight(s): Fixed
Rear Sight(s): Fixed
Suggested Retail Price: $ 330.00
Miscellaneous: One 6-Round Magazine Included.
The Press release:

Ruger enters a major new market with the introduction of the Ruger LCP (Lightweight Compact Pistol), a .380 autoloader that offers legendary Ruger reliability and quality in an ultra-light, compact carry pistol. Following quickly on the heels of the successful introduction of the Ruger SR9â„¢ 9mm pistol, the LCP is the latest addition to the Ruger Hard-Râ„¢ line of products, and it demonstrates a firm commitment by the Company to respond to customers.

In fact, “The development and introduction of the Ruger LCP is in direct response to customer demand,” said Ruger President, Stephen L. Sanetti. “We have not been part of this market, but the growing number of states authorizing the licensed carry of pistols for personal protection by law-abiding citizens, and continued demand by law enforcement for quality back-up guns, cannot be ignored. The Ruger LCP is a .380 Auto pistol with superior ergonomic design and handsome styling. It incorporates state-of-the-art polymers, aircraft quality aluminum alloys and high-grade precision steel components engineered for strength and maximum weight savings.”

The LCP is compatible with the following holsters:

Don Hume:
• J966630R - Black Leather J.I.T. Slide

Fobus:
• KT2GA - Tactical Elite Ankle
• KT2G - Tactical Elite Paddle

Uncle Mike’s:
•Any Size 10 Holster

Some more photos:

More info here.

UPDATE

The video

A round fires out of battery throwing the dust cover off and giving the security contractor a scare. A good example of why shooting glasses should always be worn!

Iran is one of those countries who are not happy when they are not copying weapons designed by other countries. The irony is that they have copied an Israeli weapon.

These grainy photos were taken from a video (see below).

There are a few parts that look different to the CornerShot such as the bottom of the front and the hinge. A lot of it looks the same. Compare with the original:

More Photos of the original at israeli-weapons.com.

This youtube video is very bad quality. The original, in WMV format, is here.

The chinese also developed a corner shot type weapon, the HD66, but it looks very different to the Israeli and Iranian weapon. It is really a QSZ92 pistol mounted on the end of a submachine gun.

From the theonion.com (a satire site):

After a shocking new study finds U.S. children lag far behind their international peers in subjects like rifle assembly and mine defusing.

“An average Sudanese child can field strip a Type-81 assault rifle by the time he is in seventh grade. An American child could not until he enlisted in the military”

These Varmint Grenade, made by Barnes are amazing. I am going to have to try them out in the near future

In the below video they fire one of them into a grape and the bullet completely disintegrates.

Barnes makes these in .243/6mm (62 gr), .22 (36 - 50 gr) and .204 (26 gr) caliber.

More on the bullet here.

A clip from the U.S. Army’s International Sniper Competition.

I missed this. If any one recorded this please let me know.

An interesting comparison between a suppressed .308 FAL vs. an Unsuppressed FAL.

The unsuppressed shot comes right at the end of the video.

They were using a AAC Cyclone 7.62MM Suppressor:

The CYCLONE is a thread-mounting silencer for 7.62mm bolt action and semi-automatic rifles. Constructed entirely from welded 300 series stainless steel, the 8.38″ Lg x 1.50″ diameter CYCLONE is the most compact and durable 7.62mm rifle silencer on the market. The computer optimized baffle stack of the CYCLONE delivers a substantial frequency shift, and the resulting muzzle report is indistinguishable from the ballistic crack of the projectile in flight. The weapon’s flash signature is completely eliminated, and recoil is reduced to the extent the shooter can actually see bullet impact through the scope. The slight added weight of the CYCLONE will assist in reducing barrel harmonics which can equate to a significant increase in accuracy with many host-weapons.

More on the suppressor here

CMMG have announced an .50 Black Powder AR-15 Upper!

To fire, the powder charge and bullet are loaded via a ramrod. Using a standard magazine with a single shot follower, an unloaded 5.56 case is loaded into the mag, inserted in magazine well and loaded just like a standard rifle.

Once the rifle is fired, the empty brass is ejected manually and then reloaded.

…

It is a modified .223 case that uses a 209 primer. Currently .50 cal. Should have pricing and other specs tomorrow.

Interesting! As one commenter said

Can you imagine the face of an unsuspecting
game warden the first time he runs across these..

They have yet to announce pricing.

UPDATE

This isn’t a loaded case, it is a 209 primer in a piece of .223 brass. There is no way a live round or a blank will load into the “chamber”.

UPDATE

A video of it in action. Actually, it looks pretty good.

More at AR15.com

Hat Tip: Freedom Sight

A couple of cool youtube videos on using the AK-74 (called AK-47 on youtube).

Apparently from a series called “Kadochnikovs martial arts”

Tactical magazine changes.

Hat Tip: MilitaryPhotos.net

Atlantic Firearms will be getting in the MP5 pattern .22LR GSG-5 Sport rifle (although I would call it a carbine).

Specs:

Caliber: .22LR
Action: Semi-automatic
Length: 855mm
Height: 207mm
Width: 53mm
Barrel Length: 414mm (16.3″)
Weight (without magazine): 2930g (6.45 lbs)
Magazine weight: 115g
Magazine capacity: 22 rounds ( 10 and 22 will be available in the future)

It also comes with a fake suppressor.

Apparently MP5 accessories and furniture is compatible with the GSG-5

Atlantic Firearms will be selling if for $499 and they are expected to arrive in January or February 2008.

Some more photos:

A video of the GSG-5 in action

Looks like fun!

UPDATE

Some more photos from American Tactical Imports

DEMIGOD has written a review:

Is the GSG-5 anything other than a plinker? For shooters who need to use an MP5 “for work”, the GSG-5 may be a viable training platform since the controls are identical. In addition, a suppressed GSG-5 may have some law-enforcement applications.

According to Tony at Amchar, the first shipment to the U.S. will contain 1320 rifles and should be heading out to dealers around the country and the end of February 2008. GSG’s production plans for 2008 include 10,000 GSG-5s.

Filmed at Special Ops Expo 2007, this video shows the SCAR system being stripped down with clear explanations, and also the process to attach the grenade launcher.

Yuri posted this beautiful video:

My favorite would be the apple and water bottle.