We saw already a few items from EDIC Caracal at IDEX back in February, and again the UAE based company plays at home in ADIHEX. In this hunting oriented event, the German subsidiary Merkel was part of the Caracal booth as well, with some high-end models.

While Merkel products were definitely fitting in the traditional vision of hunting models, Caracal was mainly showing their military line. Yes, you could definitely go hunting with an MSR, but most of the models shown by Caracal were in their original select-fire configuration.

Compared to what we saw at IDEX, there were no new products, although we’ll see some interesting prototypes. A Company representative, from the R&D department, hinted that EDIC Caracal is working hard on new developments and they may soon release interesting news. However, nothing is available yet for public release.

[Apologies for the colors of some photos, they’ve been edited to reduce the warm yellow note of the lights of the booth, but the result is still far from perfect.]

Caracal CAR 816 & 817

No news on this front, although it looks like the Company is really keen in promoting the 7.62 CAR 817 in DMR role.

CAR 816, the SBR on top is piston driven with adjustable gas port; the bottom model is DI.

CAR 817 DMR in several configurations.

Caracal CMP9

It’s already a few years that we’re being teased by this submachine gun, which definitely looks cool and is available in several configurations. Unfortunately, there is still no word on the release of a civilian model, which would look like a missed opportunity as the American market seems pretty hungry for good 9mm PCCs.

CMP9 in different configurations.

CMP9 K with collapsed stock.

CMP9, view of the “blast shield” style muzzle device.

CSR 308 & 50

A few details on the smallest and the largest of the Caracal Sniper Rifles.

CSR 308 with stock hinge disengaged.

CSR 50, note the red pin poking out of the back of the bolt to show that the rifle is ready to fire.

CSR 50, note the AR-style grip and safety and the smooth outer sleeve of the bolt.

CSR 50, the bolt has 3 sturdy lugs.

CSR 50, wrong side view of the 4-chamber muzzle brake.

CSP: Caracal Special Projects

The most intriguing panel of the booth was showing a few prototypes and a line of suppressors. Over the years, at events like IDEX and ADIHEX, Caracal has shown several new models which then made it for a limited time, or never, to the catalog. For example, they have shown hammer-fired pistols and also their own version of the immortal 1911. While most major manufacturers are rather conservative, it’s interesting to see that Caracal appears to leave some freedom to their R&D department. Indeed it seems that they have their own “Skunk Works” division: Caracal Special Projects.

A short-barreled Caracal CC10 (discontinued) together with a prototype with a different stock. While not strictly a bullpup, the sand-colored chassis places the magwell through the grip, reducing overall length by about 4 or 5″. Maybe the CC10 is coming back?

Suppressor prototype on the CC10 prototype.

Selection of Caracal rifle suppressors. Top two have QD connection, bottom ones are threaded.

A CAR 817 and a bolt action rifle. The muzzle cover on the bolt action, also seen on other firearms in the booth, is simply a way of making the rifle inert for the exhibition.

The reason why the CAR 817 is part of the CSP line.

Merkel

Merkel had several “not for mere mortals” models at the show. From the technically intriguing Helix straight pull bolt actions, to more traditional combination guns.

An engraved Helix model with exceptional wood stock. The rifle allows for barrel and caliber change.

Details of the engravings and bolt head of previous rifle.

Another Helix, with an engraving seemingly celebrating the ties between UAE and KSA.

A Merkel O/U Combination Gun, possibly a 313E model in front of an Anschutz for rimfire BR competitions. It’s not clear to the author if Anschutz have ties with EDIC Caracal or the UAE company is just the distributor in the region.