Take-Down AR-15: The Head Down Products "Deceptus"

Nathan S
by Nathan S

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.
Nathan S
Nathan S

One of TFB's resident Jarheads, Nathan now works within the firearms industry. A consecutive Marine rifle and pistol expert, he enjoys local 3-gun, NFA, gunsmithing, MSR's, & high-speed gear. Nathan has traveled to over 30 countries working with US DoD & foreign MoDs.The above post is my opinion and does not reflect the views of any company or organization.

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  • JT JT on Mar 26, 2014

    So deceptive it come in a f***ing gun case!

  • Austin Austin on Mar 28, 2014

    this thing is stupid, i can get a standard ar for less than half the price,
    if you want to carry this with you there are plenty of "covert" cases you can use
    but if you really want a smaller package- ar pistol with a brace
    or file for a sbr
    its stupid to justify $1000 for a barrel nut that i can tighten down with my hands and a proprietary handguard that helps tighten it down (so i can't ever change a handguard)

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