For anyone who coveted the US Air Force’s new M4 survival rifle, GAU-5A ASDW, Midwest Industries have answered your prayers and introduced a clone, the MI-GAU5A-P.

All the way back in June 2018, we reported that the USAF had developed a new survival rifle for pilots and aircrews forced to eject over hostile territory. We got our first proper look at the new rifle in May 2019, when the new Aircrew Self Defense Weapons (ASDW) was seen in the hands of F-22 Raptor pilots at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Alaska. The USAF Gunsmith Shop recently announced that they have completed delivery of around 2,700 ASDWs to aircrews.

MI-GAU5A-P (Midwest Industries)

MI-GAU5A-P (Midwest Industries)

Well, now you can get your hands on a clone of the GAU-5A ASDW courtesy of Midwest Industries, who have provided the forend for the Air Force’s actual rifles. The 6lb 8oz rifle has a Cry Havoc quick release barrel and a FAB folding pistol grip to create an ultra compact package. While the original rifles come with standard MILSPEC M4 stocks the clone pistols from Midwest Industries come with an SBA3 Pistol Brace.

The new GAU-5A ASDW, developed by the US AF Gunsmith Shop packaged for stowage in an ejection seat aircraft (USAF)

Here’s what Midwest Industries have to say about the weapon:

Midwest Industries MI-GAU5A-P is a pistol clone of the United States Air Force GAU-5A Aircrew Self Defense Weapon (ASDW). Equipped with the civilian version of the Cry Havoc Quick Release Barrel system allowing the pistol to be stowed for transport and rapidly assembled to use.

ATTN: THIS IS A CLONE PISTOL OF THE USAF GAU-5A ASDW, SOME FEATURES OF THIS CLONE PISTOL WILL DIFFER FROM THE USAF ISSUE WEAPON.

The clone will no doubt be a must for collectors of US military rifles or anyone looking for a slick backpack gun. Here’s the full spec list for the MI GAU-5A clone upper and lowers:

• Receiver Forged From 7075 T6 Aluminum
• Receiver Precision Machined to M16/M4 Specs
• M4 Feed Ramps
• Hard Coat Anodized Mil 8625 Type 3 Class 2 Finish
• Laser Engraved T-Marks
• 12.5 inch Government Contour Barrel
• 1/7 Twist Nitride Barrel
• Set Screw Attach Low Profile Gas Block
• Cry Havoc QRB Civilian Quick Release Barrel System
• M16 Bolt Carrier Group
• Mil-Spec Charging Handle
• MI-G3ML10 Free Float Hand Guard
• Carbine Gas System
• A2 Flash Hider
• .250 Take Down Pins
• Magpul MBUS Pro Iron Sight Set Included

• Receiver Machined From 7075 T6 Forged Aluminum
• Receiver Matte Black Hard-Coat Anodized Mil 8625 Type 3 Class 2
• Receiver Marked “CAL-MULTI”
• Low Shelf Compatible with RDIAS
• Works With Standard AR15 Components and Magazines
• Receiver Rear Takedown Pin Detent Hole Threaded for a 4-40 Set Screw
• Mil-Spec Diameter 6-Position Buffer Tube
• Standard Carbine Weight Buffer
• SBA3 Pistol Brace
• FAB Defense AGF-43S Folding Pistol Grip
• Standard End Plate

MI-GAU5A-P upper (Midwest Industries)

The full rifle is available for $1,450.00 MSRP and you can also pick up a standalone upper for $850.00 MSRP. Midwest Industries are warning that the clones are available for backorder but won’t ship until May/June due to the ongoing Coronavirus outbreak.  Find out more over on Midwest Industries’ site here.