CROM USA are the guys behind the Ruger PCC chassis and the infamous .500BLK cartridge and rifle.  This year CROM USA brought out something new, their CR-50. It is an AR-style rifle chambered in .50BMG. And they have expanded their bullet proof carbon fiber armor.

I got to check out the CR-50 just before SHOT Show. It weighs just 19 lbs. Just like the rest of their firearm line, the CR-50 will be piston driven. One of the biggest challenges they faced was how wide the barrel is. They tried to recycle their .308 handguard but had to split it and bridge the gap just to fit around the gas block and barrel. Once this technological wonder is fully operational we will follow up with some live fire tests.

No word on when it will be completed. They put together this prototype just in time for SHOT Show 2020. To make their lives easier they decided to just modify a Barrett .50bmg magazine rather than make a whole new magazine from the ground up like their CR-7 .338 Lapua Magnum and .500blk rifles.

CROM is also working on composite carbon fiber armor. The plates you see below are IIIA rated.

Rob of CROM is a police officer and one of his goals is to have a level 4 rifle rated plate that can be carried on a Steadicam style apparatus. This shield weighs 35lbs but can stop .30-06 black tips.

I am most intrigued by their ballistic carbon fiber helmet prototype. It is level IIIA rated and will stop .44 magnum out of a revolver with less than an inch back face deformation.

The camo pattern is just a carbon fiber veneer over the actual ballistic carbon fiber.

Out of the mold and high cut, this helmet weighs just 1.2 lbs.

CROM USA has a lot of interesting products along the way. The ballistic carbon fiber armor could be a contender for many. It is light weight and meets the threat levels of other brands. No mention of costs just yet but once they get manufacturing streamlined we will get prices. Check out their instagram for up to date news.