The Zenith ZF-56 – The Unholy Lovechild Of AR & HK33
Today Luke C is back on the SHOT Show 2024 floor with Zenith Firearms to talk about their wild roller delayed rifle, the ZF-56. This new rifle combines a lot of the handling characteristics and features of the much-loved AR-15 platform with the theoretically more robust roller-delayed blowback system. The ZF-56 will be available in both 5.56 and .300 Blackout upon initial launch, and of course, that means that the ZF-56 will be compatible with all standard AR magazines.
[SHOT 2024] Blackout Defense Releases Improved Quantum DTL Barrel Nut Design and More
Blackout Defense, a firearm manufacturer known for its innovative designs, announced rollouts and improvements across its product line, including new caliber options for their Quantum DTL rifles, a barrel nut upgrade, and an innovative non-rotational gas block system. These announcements come in addition to their commitment to creating and shipping firearms adherent to various state compliance rules, including California, Maryland, and New Jersey.
[SHOT 2024] Sylvan Arms Launches New Steel Folding Stock Adapter
Sylvan Arms has once again demonstrated its commitment to quality with the release of a new steel folding stock adapter. This latest Magnum Opus marks a significant departure from the company’s previous adapters, which were primarily fabricated from aluminum.
A Compact 6mm ARC: The Battle Arms Development Dark 6
James Reeves is at Battle Arms Development to discuss the new Dark 6, an ultra-small, ultra-light 6mm ARC AR platform. Check out today’s video to see why this peculiar setup might meet your needs.
[SHOT 2024] The Kitty Kat Is Back At DPMS
After a long wait, the famed “Kitty Kat” is making a grand comeback at DPMS, a subsidiary of the PSA family of companies known for its top-tier firearms. Best identified by its 7-inch barrel and pistol-length gas system, the re-emergence of the Kitty Kat has stirred excitement among firearm enthusiasts.
[SHOT 2024] Wraithworks Announces A 5lb AR-15 – The WARP-15
At SHOT 2024, Wraithworks made a bold entry into the ultra-light AR-15 market with its announcement of a truly unique firearm model, dubbed the WARP-15. Evidently, the pursuit of this project was primed with a specific goal: to cut down weight as much as feasibly possible without sacrificing the firearm’s durability or its reliability.
Bushmaster's "New" Retro AR-15s
Step into the spotlight with us at SHOT Show 2024 as we bring you an exclusive glimpse of Bushmaster’s thrilling new release – the Retro AR-15s, featuring the iconic M16A2 and M4A2. Join us for a quick tour around the Bushmaster booth, where we highlight the key features, design elements, and nostalgic appeal of the M16A2 and M4A2 models. Perfect for enthusiasts and collectors, this video is your gateway to experiencing the revival of two of the most legendary rifles in military history. Whether you’re a history aficionado, a firearm enthusiast, or someone captivated by the art of retro weaponry, this video from SHOT Show 2024 is your perfect quick guide to what Bushmaster has in store with their Retro AR15 series.
[SHOT 2024] Anderson Manufacturing Adds Frontline AR-15 And Carry Handle Models
Anderson Manufacturing announced the expansion of their AR-15 product line with the introduction of new models featuring the A2 carry handle. These additions come as part of their retro series, broadening the variety for aficionados of classic firearm designs. In addition to the retro series enhancements, Anderson Manufacturing revealed their new line of premium AR-15 rifles and pistols under the Frontline name.
[SHOT 2024] Magpul TMAG Translucent AR-15 MAG, Steel AMAX Magazine
Magpul Industries recently launched the Magpul TMAG 30 AR/M4 GEN M3, a translucent addition to their GEN M3 magazine series. This new magazine offers a translucent body with an olive drab tint, accommodating 30-rounds of 5.56×45 NATO/.223 Remington caliber ammunition. Magpul also announced the 9mm stainless steel AMAG for SIG P320 pistols.
[SHOT 2024] Hydra Weaponry Has Survival Pistol and Modular AR Components
At the SHOT Show this year, Hydra Weaponry, based in Gorham, Maine, presented their latest advancements in modular firearm components. The company, previously known as MGI, showcased its innovative AR lower featuring quick-swap magwells. This design provides shooters the flexibility to easily switch to another magwell suitable for virtually any type of magazine, including rare varieties such as the M3 Grease Gun or the Suomi M31 drum magazine. Priced around $500, their caliber conversion kits are designed to be universally compatible with AR pattern components from various manufacturers.
[SHOT Show 2024] NEW Aero Precision PRO Lowers & Handguards
Oh, snap it’s another Hop and Crazy Kirk crossover episode! New for 2024, Aero Precision is expanding their PRO Series to include a fully ambidextrous lower receiver and a redesigned handguard. The new M4E1 PRO lower is a further enhancement to the already enhanced M4E1 with mirrored magazine release and bolt release controls. The MOD4 handguard is a bit heavier and a bit stiffer than Aero’s own Atlas and is designed to reduce flex for use with laser aiming modules.
LMT's Ultra-Compact .300BLK Monolithic PDW
James is at LMT to talk about their .300 BLK PDW – an ultra-compact, lightweight AR-type rifle built from the LMT MRP platform. Check the video for more details.
The NEW "Budget" Battle Arms Workhorse Rifle
James Reeves is at Battle Arms Development to see the new more-economically-priced $799 MSRP Workhorse LT. According to BAD’s press release:
[SHOT 2024] Bushmaster Firearms Debuts New Carry Handle Rifles
At SHOT Show 2024, Bushmaster Firearms introduced two rifles, marking a resurgence of classic designs that evoke an era of trusted and proven firearms. The newly released models include the M4A2 Patrolman’s Rifle and the XM15A2 rifle, both of which pay homage to their respective historical precedents in form and functionality.
[SHOT 2024] FIMS Firearms Releases Entry Level AR-15
FIMS, best recognized for their bullpup-style rifle, the SPBP, along with a range of high-end AR-15s, announced a more affordable rifle option intended for consumers wishing to sport the FIMS brand. This announcement comes as an addition to their expanding arsenal yet the new firearm has not yet been updated on the FIMS website.
[SHOT Show 2024] NEW H&R 9mm DOE AR
In this episode of TFBTV, Hop checks in with Mike from H&R and NoDakSpud to take a look at the new 633 style 9mm “DOE” AR. H&R has been expanding its lineup of retro and “clone correct” AR builds for the last few years to include 9mm ARs using the Colt stick magazine pattern. The H&R DOE 9mm will be a mostly faithful reproduction with a few subtle tweaks to make it more appealing to shooters.
An Inexpensive Plastic AR-15? The Wraith WARP-15
In this episode of TFBTV, James Reeves is at SHOT Show 2024 looking at the Wraithworks WARP-15. The Wraithworks WARP-15 is an affordable polymer-receiver (upper and lower) AR with a pencil barrel, weighing just 5 pounds and coming in at less than $500 complete.
[SHOT 2024] Black Talon Tactical's Drop-In AR Triggers
At SHOT 2024, Black Talon Tactical introduced their latest range of drop-in triggers, intended for AR-15 pattern rifles. The company is expanding its offerings this year, focusing on a trio of adjustable triggers that have garnered attention for their precise calibration and user-centric design.
[SHOT 2024] Rogue Ops A-10 and RO-21 Rifles
Three noteworthy products introduced by the Medford, Oregon-based Rogue Ops caught the attention of industry enthusiasts. The products in question are the lightweight A-10 rifle, which was recently selected by a law enforcement client for use as a marksman’s rifle for the department’s SWAT team, as well as their RO21 offerings in 6mm ARC and 300BLK calibers.
[SHOT Show 2024] NEW Daniel Defense PCC
New for 2024, Daniel Defense is bringing their first-ever pistol caliber carbine to market. Hop dropped in on a rain-soaked Daniel Defense range day to shoot it and get the details. The aptly but boringly named DD PCC is built around the readily available 9mm CZ Scorpion magazine pattern and has fully ambidextrous controls mirrored on both sides of the receiver. Recoil is mitigated by a hydraulic buffer system from Kynshot. Most of the other parts are standard to the AR platform. The Daniel Defense PCC will be available initially with a 16″ barrel or as a factory SBR with an 8.5″ barrel, both paired with the Daniel Defense MFR M-LOK handguard.
Step by Step: Building A Precision AR-15 Upper Receiver
Just as it is with power tools, each type of firearm has its own purpose. With the modularity of platforms like the AR-15, one type of gun can be configured in many different ways, covering different kinds of tasks. In my personal collection, I have a shorty AR for close range, a standard 16” do-it-all gun, and a large void that needs to be filled with a long-range, precision rifle. Adding the word “precision” to anything basically triples the cost of an off-the-shelf gun, so I decided to build one instead and gather parts over time. Join me on this journey, as I put together an AR-15 upper, part after part, expletive after expletive.
B&T to Release ARs Based on Hodge Defense MOD1 and MOD2 Guns
Hodge Defense Systems has become a hot-ticket name in the AR-15 world in recent years. Their rise to popularity brought with it an air of exclusivity, as their products created enough demand to sometimes necessitate “drop”-style releases that would sell out in minutes. B&T has dabbled in AR-style and similar firearms before, including a prior collaboration with German manufacturer C.G. Haenel. Now the vaunted Swiss firm is set to enter a new partnership, this time with Hodge, to offer a new AR series. It will be called the BT-15 HD, based on Hodge’s extant MOD 1 and MOD 2 designs. These new B&T/Hodge ARs are estimated to be slated for a mid-2024 release and should be offered in either 11.5″ or 16″ variants.
Springfield Armory Announces 20″ California-Compliant Hellion 5.56mm
If you happen to live in one of the most restrictive states in the US, have not escaped yet, and also oddly love your firearms, then we have some good news for you by the way of Springfield Armory and a new variation of one of their most popular rifles. Springfield Armory is pleased to announce a 20″ California Compliant Hellion in 5.56mm NATO for all of the residents of Golden State.
Geissele Super Duty Rifles Win LAPD SWAT Contract
Geissele Automatics announced today on Instagram that the Super Duty rifle won an LAPD contract for the SWAT and Tactical Surveillance Teams. LAPD SWAT has used the HK416 for several years, but it seems those days are ending. Let’s see what this new gun has to offer.
Magpul Announces New DT Carbine Stock
Magpul’s latest addition to their vast array of firearm furniture is the DT Carbine Stock. It is an A-frame design for standard mil-spec buffer tubes. And possibly best of all, it only costs $64.95.
Bundeswehr Using Haenel MK556s to Train Ukrainian SOF
The Haenel MK556, despite having been rejected by the Bundeswehr following a patent infringement, has recently been seen put to use training Ukrainian special forces operators. The 5.56x45mm short-stroke piston carbines were once poised to replace the German Army’s G36s, now they’re helping Ukraine’s operators prepare for operations on the frontline.
SILENCER SATURDAY #308: Barrel Lengths and the SureFire SOCOM556 RC3
Good afternoon everyone and welcome back to TFB’s Silencer Saturday brought to you by Yankee Hill Machine, manufacturers of the new YHM R45 Multi-Host Suppressor. Last weekend we started off with an introduction to the latest SureFire rifle suppressor, Today we compare the SureFire SOCOM556 RC3 to the venerable SureFire SOCOM556 RC2 on different barrel lengths of gas operated carbines. Is SureFire’s next generation suppressor quieter than the RC2? Does barrel length matter? I think we all know the answer to that… but let’s dig in anyway.
New JARD J-ARBA Bolt Action Rifle
Sheldon, Iowa-based JARD Inc. is venturing into the market of AR-style bolt guns with the release of their new bolt action rifle called J-ARBA (AR Bolt Action). The J-ARBA rifle utilizes a mil-spec AR lower receiver which means it has AR controls and is fed from AR magazines. Being a bolt gun, the rifle is a more efficient suppressor host, has a cleaner action compared to a gas gun, and can be retrofitted with a folding stock as it does not require a buffer and buffer tube to function.
Young Manufacturing Variable Mass Bolt Carrier Group
There are a ton of ways that people have attempted to tackle the issue of having a properly tuned AR-15 rifle. The Young Manufacturing Variable Mass M16 Bolt Carrier Group is one new solution in addition to things like adjustable gas blocks, that can help the user get their rifle quickly tuned to work with different types of ammunition, suppressors, and even different cartridges and subsonic loads. The new Variable Mass BCG will come in two different variants with one featuring a chrome finish for better durability and lubricity.
TFB Review: Anderson Manufacturing Dissipator
Anderson Manufacturing has been upping its game lately. Once known as one of, if not the cheapest AR maker on the scene, they have branched out to new product lines and noticeably improved their quality control. I recently reviewed their A4 Short Rifle, essentially an M-16A4 clone but with an 18” barrel. Well, that kind of design aesthetic has continued and they now make a “true” Dissipator. Is there such a thing as a “true” dissipator, and why would you want one? Let’s find out.