Split Personality

Adding to the list of “things I would’ve not known existed if I hadn’t seen them at SHOT” is The Firingline Arms CTMR (Combat Tactical Modular Rifle).  The Firingline Arms CTMR is a 100%  US-made hybrid of the AR and the AK.  The CTMR is caliber and magazine switchable.  The magwell and barrel are changeable.  It can be configured for AR mags and 5.56 or .300 Blackout barrels, or AK mags and 7.62×39 barrels.  16″, 14.5″, and 10.5″ barrels are available.  The bores on all barrels are nitrided, and all barrels come threaded.  Safety and magazine release are ambidextrous.  All models come with a grip from Tech that can be adjusted to 17, 25 and 33 degrees, deeding on one’s preferred gripping style.  The upper rail is not monolothic.  There is a removable dust over portion that is stabilized and secured internally and externally in many more areas than a standard AK.

The gas system of these firearms is AK-style, but their bolt does not have an integral charging handle.  Instead, the guns charge via an AR-style rear handle.  A left side charging handle is an optional accessory.  The rail system is Keymod.  These rifles are distributed by MSR and retailed primarily by K-Var corp.  A check of K-Var’s site reveals a price of (taking cover from flak) $2493.27.  Granted that is a lot of dough, but their has to be significant cost amortization going on here due to it being mostly made in-house and 100% made in the USA.  Weight on the guns ranges from 6.8 pounds on the pistol up to 8.6 pounds on the heaviest rifle.

Scorpions everywhere

Scorpion with extended handguard. Note the CTMR’s left side charging handle on the other side of the display

Seen at MSR Distributing’s area was a Scorpion EVO 3 S1 Carbine that I had to get a closer look at.  Featuring a US-made extended m-lok handguard, this Scorpion stings with a 16″ barrel.  Personally, I like the look of this one better than any with the faux suppressors.  Not listed on CZ-USA’s website, this is nevertheless retailed and available.  K-Var’s MSRP was $1099.