The DRD Paratus is cool, but the Head Down Products “Deceptus” takes the take-down rifle to a new, more elegant, level. The Deceptus uses a specialized barrel nut, upper, and handguard; the rifle is otherwise AR-15 compatible. The break-down design allows the barrel to be removed from the receiver in under 30 seconds without tools. The take-down system is sourced from the makers of the Paratus, DRD Tactical.

We reached out to Head Down products asking about the rifle and a few features. Interestingly, the break-down action allows the rifle to change calibers quickly and easily. Head Down mentioned that they will sell custom caliber kits so long as the caliber is AR-15 compatible (300 BLK, 6.8, 6.5, 7.62×39, 5.45×39, etc.)

Image courtesy of OMG Custom Guns of NJ showing the barrel nut. Photo is of a forged receiver (billet is included with the Head Down offering). 

The Deceptus retails for $1999.00 The rifle comes complete with a discreet case. It can fit the rifle, a suppressor, and a few standard AR-15 magazines. Head Down includes a Lancer Advanced Warfighter Magazine and warranties the rifles for life.

Until we get our hands on one for a TFB review, Sootch00 has an excellent “breakdown” of the rifle (see what I did there?):

 Caliber: 5.56 NATO

Barrel Length: 16″ HDP Profile
Gas: Carbine Length
Rate of Fire: Semi-Auto
Rifling: 1/7″ RH (5.56)
Handguard: DRD Tactical Quick Detatch Handguard
Stock: 6 Position Stock
Pistol Grip: Plastic Grip
Magazine: 1 x 30rd Lancer Magazine
Muzzle Device: A2 Flash Hider
Length (Overall Length): 36.6″
– Mil-Spec Carpenter 158 bolt carrier group HPT & MPI with properly staked gas key
– Standard Mil-Spec GI (6lb) trigger
– Phosphate & Chrome Lined 4150 Steel Barrel
– Precision milled billet upper and lower receiver
– Integral trigger guard
– Type III hard coat anodize finish
– Flared magazine well
– All of our rifles ship with Modern Spartan Accuracy Oil and Carbon Destroyer
– All 5.56mm lower receivers are marked “CALIBER: MULTI”
– Custom hard rifle case (24″x16″x10″)
– Rifle For Life Warranty

MSRP: $1999
UPC: 854303004520
SKU: DEC-556-B

Photo courtesy of C.O.P.S.