This is a well produced video of the history of the carbine rifle used in the US Military. It shows off some of BCM’s products such as their new Mid-length gas system model and a mysterious BCM Comp which can be seen in the video. Travis Haley makes a welcomed appearance to make it even more exceptional. Bravo to BCM for some fine marketing material.

Israeli firearms manufacturer, Silver Shadow, will be releasing a new member of its Gilboa line with a double barrel. The Gilboa is a AR-15 based weapon system  that exchanges the buffer tube and spring for a spring mounted above the action and bolt, similar to the ZM Weapons LR-300. This allows a shorter profile for the firearm and the ability to add a side folding stock. The new double barrel AR will be shown off at the Eurosatory 2012 weapons trade show in June. I’ll be interested in seeing better quality pictures and more information about this rifle.

Hat tip to Guns and Coffee

TheFirearmBlog has shown off some cool pictures of a newly made copy of the German FG-42, but this copy is made with more modern “tactical” accessories. This will definitely not be a top seller throughout the world, but for those who love the “classics” but want some of the modern conveniences, this will be a must have. Like the writer at TFB, I have always had a love affair with the FG-42. For firearms enthusiasts one of the best places to visit is the Springfield Armory. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting twice the last couple years and one of the most exciting firearms on display is a captured FG-42 that was in near perfect condition.

Although, I am a fan of wood stocks, the polymer stock set actually accentuates the beautiful curves of this strange rifle. The German firm, Tactics Group, will be producing this clash of old and new in the original caliber of 7.92x57mm Mauser. Although, the ammunition will be more expensive, the felt recoil is said to be very similar to a .223. For those of you who haven’t seen a FG-42 before, it may seem a little odd with the magazine being fed into the side of the receiver, but it did actually have the purpose of reloading while in the prone position. This is a clever rendition of the old German classic, and I am very happy to see it rear its head with the current accessories.

Many Thanks to TheFirearmBlog for making my day.

Red Jacket Firearms, made famous by the TV Series “Sons of Guns”, will be releasing a bullpup rifle kit for the 10/22. 10/22 kits have long been popular; with many tactical style kits hitting the market over the last few years. The ZK-22 kit has a FN P-90′ish appearance which I think is very nice looking. It is compatible with both carbine barrels and .920″ bull barrels, 18.5 inches or longer. Since the bullpup reduces the length of the firearm a great deal, an 18.5 inch barrel is required as to not be considered a NFA weapon.

The ZK-22 is named to go after the popular “Zombie” firearms market that is widely popular lately. The kit possesses an ambidextrous charging handle (Red Jacket claims that the shell deflector will allow full ambidextrous use.). Also, included is a picatinny rail for attaching whatever optics you feel is best, and it is fully capable of using a wide variety of magazines including MGW 50-round coffin mag. As with most all .22lr rifles, this will be legal for use in California. Whether this set up is the “perfect” firearm for the impending zombie invasion or not, it will make a fun range gun to practice your trigger work and reloading. The MSRP is set at a reasonable $299.00 and the first 400 orders will only have to pay $229.99. Look forward to a Fall 2012 release.

For more information visit Red Jacket Firearms

Everyone in California, and most of the country, knows that it is difficult to have fun with a gun in our beautiful state. Although we may have it more difficult here, it is far from impossible. Anytime restrictive laws pass, a few individuals are able to see the big picture of a new product that will meet the regulation and still allow the public to have a blast. The Franklin Armory CSW is one such item. Made as a kit for the AR-15 platform. it replaces the butt stock and pistol grip of your rifle. Since the kit is not considered a pistol grip and the whole system is not considered a rifle, pistol, shotgun, etc; it is free to use a detachable magazine. Remember that you still can’t run a flash suppressor on your rifle, but a muzzle brake will be more useful anyway.

The “spade” grip possesses two independent triggers which are attached directly to the trigger of your AR. This feature will not increase your rate of fire, but will protect you from creating a burst fire weapon. Many of us have possessed high capacity magazines prior to the California ban, so this setup will give you more opportunities to blast away. Although, this in not ideal for home defense, or tactical training, it is a fun kit to have at a fairly reasonable price. With a suggested MSRP of $675, I’m sure you will be able to find an even better price on the street. If you pick one up, send us some pictures or a video of it sitting in the middle of your living room.

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For more information visit: Franklin Armory

Colt, after a long period of ignoring the commercial market and failing to modernize and develop their other product lines, has had a change of heart the last few years releasing more and more products for both the military and civilian markets. Here is a sneak peak of one of those new projects, the Colt M2012. Taking a page out of Remington Military’s handbook, the M2012 definitely has a striking resemblance to Remy’s XM2010 which was adopted by the US military.

Some will snicker at a copy cat product line, but it is still exciting to see an old American company getting back into the game and releasing new products. Hopefully, we will see many of these on the commercial market. $3799 is definitely not cheap, but not out of the realm of possibility for some.

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