Jump to content

Bushmaster ACR: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Kungfu2187 (talk | contribs)
1,366 edits
m May be known as Remington ACR.
Line 27: Line 27:
The original Magpul Masada design represents an amalgamation of several recent rifle designs, incorporating what is considered by its designers to be the best features of each in a single, lightweight, modular rifle platform.<ref name="defensereview.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.defensereview.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=975 |title=MagPul Masada Adaptive Combat Weapon System (ACWS) Makes Its Debut |publisher=Defense Review |date= |accessdate=2010-03-08}}</ref> Design features from the [[Armalite AR-18]] ([[Gas-operated reloading#Short stroke|short-stroke gas system]]), the [[FN SCAR]] (upper receiver, charging handle location), the [[Heckler & Koch G36]]/[[XM8]] (liberal use of [[polymer]] components), the [[M16 rifle|M16]]/[[AR-15]] (trigger pack), and the [[M16 rifle|M16]] ([[barrel]], fire control group) are clearly prevalent. The rifle also includes several features developed by [[Magpul]], such as a quick-change barrel/trunnion system, adjustable gas regulator, non-reciprocating charging handle, and storage compartments located in the stock and grip.<ref>Magpul Industries [http://www.magpul.com/Masada_inside.pdf Masada Marketing Flyer]</ref> Just prior to the deal with Bushmaster, Magpul made additional changes to their design&mdash;the most obvious of these is the relocation of the ambidextrous operating handle to a forward position (somewhat similar to the [[Heckler & Koch G3]] and [[Heckler & Koch MP5]] series of weapons). Experts from Magpul Industries have on several occasions mentioned that depending on the barrel length of the weapon, the rate of fire is estimated to be in the range of 600-800 rpm (this is an estimate; specifics have not yet been verified).
The original Magpul Masada design represents an amalgamation of several recent rifle designs, incorporating what is considered by its designers to be the best features of each in a single, lightweight, modular rifle platform.<ref name="defensereview.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.defensereview.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=975 |title=MagPul Masada Adaptive Combat Weapon System (ACWS) Makes Its Debut |publisher=Defense Review |date= |accessdate=2010-03-08}}</ref> Design features from the [[Armalite AR-18]] ([[Gas-operated reloading#Short stroke|short-stroke gas system]]), the [[FN SCAR]] (upper receiver, charging handle location), the [[Heckler & Koch G36]]/[[XM8]] (liberal use of [[polymer]] components), the [[M16 rifle|M16]]/[[AR-15]] (trigger pack), and the [[M16 rifle|M16]] ([[barrel]], fire control group) are clearly prevalent. The rifle also includes several features developed by [[Magpul]], such as a quick-change barrel/trunnion system, adjustable gas regulator, non-reciprocating charging handle, and storage compartments located in the stock and grip.<ref>Magpul Industries [http://www.magpul.com/Masada_inside.pdf Masada Marketing Flyer]</ref> Just prior to the deal with Bushmaster, Magpul made additional changes to their design&mdash;the most obvious of these is the relocation of the ambidextrous operating handle to a forward position (somewhat similar to the [[Heckler & Koch G3]] and [[Heckler & Koch MP5]] series of weapons). Experts from Magpul Industries have on several occasions mentioned that depending on the barrel length of the weapon, the rate of fire is estimated to be in the range of 600-800 rpm (this is an estimate; specifics have not yet been verified).


Bushmaster Firearms, with the help of Remington Arms (a sister company in the Freedom Group, Inc portfolio that includes Bushmaster, Remington, Marlin, and DPMS Panther Arms brands) has also made some design changes based on extensive environmental and functional testing specifically to meet the emerging requirements of the US military in both the carbine and subcompact weapon versions of the ACR family. The ACR is currently offered to military and civilian personnel in .223 Rem/5.56. Bushmaster expects to have kits available soon to switch the caliber of the rifle to 6.8mm Rem SPC and 7.62x39mm just by replacing the barrel, bolt carrier, and magazine.<ref>http://www.bushmaster.com/acr</ref> Other calibers are also being considered.<ref>http://www.bushmaster.com/faqs.asp</ref> It is also expected that the ACR will have barrel length options of 10.5&Prime;, 12.5&Prime;, 14.5&Prime;, 16&Prime; (commercial), and 18&Prime;. Among options for the ACR include Fixed Adjustable (in terms of length of pull and check weld), folding adjustable, and a sniper stock based on the Magpul PRS stock, and four handguard options including long and short polymer handguards with heatguard and attachable rails, aluminum Trirail and, on the Remington model, a five sided aluminum handguard that can be user configured with Mil-std-1913 rail elements. A Model of the ACR manufactered by [[Remington Arms|Remington]] has been offered as part of the Army's [[Individual Carbine]] competition<ref>http://www.armytimes.com/news/2010/09/army-competitors-tested-in-carbine-competition-092510w/</ref>
Bushmaster Firearms, with the help of Remington Arms (a sister company in the Freedom Group, Inc portfolio that includes Bushmaster, Remington, Marlin, and DPMS Panther Arms brands) has also made extensive design changes based on intensive environmental and functional testing specifically to meet the emerging requirements of the US military in both the carbine and subcompact weapon versions of the ACR family. The Bushmaster redesign was led by Charles Hodgdon(Enineering Manager), Thomas Rotroff(Design),Peter Card II(Test and Development), Marlin Jiranek(Material Scientist), and Luke Wilkinson(Mechanical Engineer). The ACR is currently offered to military and civilian personnel in .223 Rem/5.56. Bushmaster expects to have kits available soon to switch the caliber of the rifle to 6.8mm Rem SPC and 7.62x39mm just by replacing the barrel, bolt carrier, and magazine.<ref>http://www.bushmaster.com/acr</ref> Other calibers are also being considered.<ref>http://www.bushmaster.com/faqs.asp</ref> It is also expected that the ACR will have barrel length options of 10.5&Prime;, 12.5&Prime;, 14.5&Prime;, 16&Prime; (commercial), and 18&Prime;. Among options for the ACR include Fixed Adjustable (in terms of length of pull and check weld), folding adjustable, and a sniper stock based on the Magpul PRS stock, and four handguard options including long and short polymer handguards with heatguard and attachable rails, aluminum Trirail and, on the Remington model, a five sided aluminum handguard that can be user configured with Mil-std-1913 rail elements. A Model of the ACR manufactered by [[Remington Arms|Remington]] has been offered as part of the Army's [[Individual Carbine]] competition<ref>http://www.armytimes.com/news/2010/09/army-competitors-tested-in-carbine-competition-092510w/</ref>


The magazine conceived for the 5.56mm version of the ACR rifle is called the [[Magpul Industries|Magpul PMag]], a high-impact, 30-round polymer magazine claimed by Magpul to be significantly more resistant to wear, shock, and harsh environments than other counterparts on the market. The PMag is [[STANAG 4179]]-compatible, as it will readily fit any STANAG magazine firearm, including the [[M16 rifle]] family.<ref name="defensereview.com"/>
The magazine conceived for the 5.56mm version of the ACR rifle is called the [[Magpul Industries|Magpul PMag]], a high-impact, 30-round polymer magazine claimed by Magpul to be significantly more resistant to wear, shock, and harsh environments than other counterparts on the market. The PMag is [[STANAG 4179]]-compatible, as it will readily fit any STANAG magazine firearm, including the [[M16 rifle]] family.<ref name="defensereview.com"/>

Revision as of 00:40, 26 April 2011

Bushmaster/Remington Adaptive Combat Rifle
File:Bushmaster normal.jpg
Bushmaster ACR
TypeAssault Rifle
Place of origin United States
Production history
DesignerRichard Fitzpatrick, Mike Mayberry, Drake Clark, Brian Nakayama, et al.
Designed2006-Present
ManufacturerRemington Arms, Bushmaster
Specifications
Mass3.175 kg (7 lb) (14.5" barrel no mag)
Barrel length266-508 mm (10.5 to 18 in)
CartridgeCurrent: 5.56x45mm NATO
Future: 6.8 mm Remington SPC, 7.62x39mm
ActionGas-piston, rotating bolt
Rate of fire600-750 RPM
Muzzle velocity792-990 m/s (2600-3250 ft/s)
Effective firing range300 m
Feed system30-round detachable box (5.56 variant) magazine, staggered-column magazine (STANAG compatible)
SightsRear: none included (Picatinny rail); front: integral flip-up, adjustable post

The Bushmaster Adaptive Combat Rifle or Remington Adaptive Combat Rifle (ACR) is the production name for an updated version of the Masada Adaptive Combat Weapon System. In late January 2008, Bushmaster entered into a licensing agreement with Magpul whereby Bushmaster would take over production, future development and sales of the Masada.[1] It is a patent pending self-loading rifle platform designed by Magpul Industries of Erie, Colorado. The rifle was initially developed over a period of four months, completely independent of government funding. Prototypes were displayed at the 2007 SHOT Show in Orlando, Florida. Originally scheduled for release in the second quarter of 2008, Bushmaster announced on May 16, 2008, that the consumer release would be delayed until Q1 2009, due to a focus on military projects.[2] On November 18, 2008, Bushmaster released a statement saying, "The ACR is being redesigned to be a superior offering to compete for the next generation US Army infantry carbine and subcompact weapon requirement and will be available to select customers in 2009."[3] The ACR was one of the weapons displayed to U.S. Army officials during an invitation-only Industry Day on November 13, 2008. The goal of the Industry Day was to review current carbine technology prior to writing formal requirements for a future replacement for the M4 Carbine.[4][5]

Design

File:Magpul masada 16fde.jpg
Magpul Masada, the design origin of the Bushmaster ACR

The original Magpul Masada design represents an amalgamation of several recent rifle designs, incorporating what is considered by its designers to be the best features of each in a single, lightweight, modular rifle platform.[6] Design features from the Armalite AR-18 (short-stroke gas system), the FN SCAR (upper receiver, charging handle location), the Heckler & Koch G36/XM8 (liberal use of polymer components), the M16/AR-15 (trigger pack), and the M16 (barrel, fire control group) are clearly prevalent. The rifle also includes several features developed by Magpul, such as a quick-change barrel/trunnion system, adjustable gas regulator, non-reciprocating charging handle, and storage compartments located in the stock and grip.[7] Just prior to the deal with Bushmaster, Magpul made additional changes to their design—the most obvious of these is the relocation of the ambidextrous operating handle to a forward position (somewhat similar to the Heckler & Koch G3 and Heckler & Koch MP5 series of weapons). Experts from Magpul Industries have on several occasions mentioned that depending on the barrel length of the weapon, the rate of fire is estimated to be in the range of 600-800 rpm (this is an estimate; specifics have not yet been verified).

Bushmaster Firearms, with the help of Remington Arms (a sister company in the Freedom Group, Inc portfolio that includes Bushmaster, Remington, Marlin, and DPMS Panther Arms brands) has also made extensive design changes based on intensive environmental and functional testing specifically to meet the emerging requirements of the US military in both the carbine and subcompact weapon versions of the ACR family. The Bushmaster redesign was led by Charles Hodgdon(Enineering Manager), Thomas Rotroff(Design),Peter Card II(Test and Development), Marlin Jiranek(Material Scientist), and Luke Wilkinson(Mechanical Engineer). The ACR is currently offered to military and civilian personnel in .223 Rem/5.56. Bushmaster expects to have kits available soon to switch the caliber of the rifle to 6.8mm Rem SPC and 7.62x39mm just by replacing the barrel, bolt carrier, and magazine.[8] Other calibers are also being considered.[9] It is also expected that the ACR will have barrel length options of 10.5″, 12.5″, 14.5″, 16″ (commercial), and 18″. Among options for the ACR include Fixed Adjustable (in terms of length of pull and check weld), folding adjustable, and a sniper stock based on the Magpul PRS stock, and four handguard options including long and short polymer handguards with heatguard and attachable rails, aluminum Trirail and, on the Remington model, a five sided aluminum handguard that can be user configured with Mil-std-1913 rail elements. A Model of the ACR manufactered by Remington has been offered as part of the Army's Individual Carbine competition[10]

The magazine conceived for the 5.56mm version of the ACR rifle is called the Magpul PMag, a high-impact, 30-round polymer magazine claimed by Magpul to be significantly more resistant to wear, shock, and harsh environments than other counterparts on the market. The PMag is STANAG 4179-compatible, as it will readily fit any STANAG magazine firearm, including the M16 rifle family.[6]

Availability and Recall

File:Bushmaster-acr-cropped.jpg
Bushmaster ACR prototype, 5.56 mm, 12.5-inch barrel

The ACR is stated to be available in the 2nd Quarter of 2010 for military, government and commercial customers. The ACR will be available in greater quantity (tens of thousands) in the commercial marketplace in 2010.[11] According to an official press release from Bushmaster, the rifle will have suggested retail price between $2,685–$3,061.00[12] – twice as much as early price quotes of "around $1500," causing public outcry and dismay of the rifle from a large portion of the firearms fraternity and potential civilian end-users. Semi-automatic versions will be available to the commercial market from Bushmaster, and selective fire versions available for military and law enforcement under the Remington name.[13] As of April 2010, civilian market rifles are available for sale.[14]

On October 15, 2010 Bushmaster issued a recall of all ACR rifles instructing users to "Please immediately discontinue the use of your ACR rifle" along with instructions to contact customer support for an RMA. Bushmaster stated that the recall was issued due to "a possible firearms performance issue that may develop with a small number of ACR rifles" and goes on to state that "Bushmaster discovered a design flaw which could result in multiple rounds firing continuously when the trigger is pulled". Bushmaster has stated that it will cover all of the costs associated with the repairs to the recalled rifles.[15]

Miscellaneous

The rifle was originally named after the Siege of Masada. Magpul company literature about the rifle states that, "Magpul Industries is not Jewish owned or Israeli backed, however Magpul has always found the story of the Masada as a bold example of defiance."[13] When production rights were signed with Bushmaster, the Masada name was dropped from the product.

See also

References

  1. ^ Bushmaster press release: Bushmaster and Magpul Team to Bring Advanced Rifle to Market
  2. ^ "Bushmaster ACR Update". Bushmaster.com. Retrieved 2010-03-08.
  3. ^ AR.15.com Bushmaster Industry Forum November 18, 2008 "ACR UPDATE 11/18/2008" http://www.ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=2&f=28&t=165873
  4. ^ "Army considers options in replacing the M4 - Army News, news from Iraq". Army Times. Retrieved 2010-03-08.
  5. ^ "Military Photos: military images, military pictures, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines". Military Times. 2007-02-16. Retrieved 2010-03-08.
  6. ^ a b "MagPul Masada Adaptive Combat Weapon System (ACWS) Makes Its Debut". Defense Review. Retrieved 2010-03-08.
  7. ^ Magpul Industries Masada Marketing Flyer
  8. ^ http://www.bushmaster.com/acr
  9. ^ http://www.bushmaster.com/faqs.asp
  10. ^ http://www.armytimes.com/news/2010/09/army-competitors-tested-in-carbine-competition-092510w/
  11. ^ "Doc Title". Bushmaster. Retrieved 2010-03-08.
  12. ^ "Product Catalog". Bushmaster.com. 2010-03-01. Retrieved 2010-03-08.
  13. ^ a b Magpul Industries; Masada Press Release, January 2007
  14. ^ http://www.bushmaster.com/acr
  15. ^ http://www.gunblog.com/bushmaster-acr-product-safety-notice-urgent-to-all-acr-owners/
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bushmaster_ACR&oldid=425925911"