This just in: The Shrike 5.56 LMG(Light Machine Gun) upper, by ARES Defense Systems, LLC, is in production and currently available for pre-order(both in select-fire and semi-auto-only configurations), and the ARES Defense Systems site is up and running. If you remember, DefRev reported on the Shrike 5.56 and ARES Defense Systems some time ago. If it works as advertised, the …

We don’t have one of these for testing yet, but have it on pretty good authority that the L.U.L.A. is a pretty useful little accessory for AR-15/M16 and CAR-15/M4 owners and users. Using the LULA, one can load a 30 round AR-15 mag in about 35 seconds. The LULA is compact and lightweight, and is currently in use by the …

by David Crane david@defensereview.com The following article was written and published in June, 2002. It’s no secret that the performance of both the M4 Carbine and it’s 5.56x45mm caliber have, so far, been somewhat less than outstanding in the war against Al-Queda forces in Afghanistan. In short, the enemy hasn’t been dropping quickly enough when they are hit. Apparently, the …

My name is Kevin Donell Vance. In June, I will have been in the United States Air Force for eight years. I hold the rank of Staff Sergeant. I am currently married with two children, ages four and two. I was born on 3 September 1976 and am currently 25 years old. I entered into the USAF eleven days after …

Ya’ just gotta’ give it up to someone that can invent a better mousetrap. Rich Fitzpatrick of Magpul Industries Corp. appears to have done just that. Fitzpatrick is an ex-Marine who’s never much liked the M4′ carbine’s collapsible buttstock. He’s always felt it’s a bit too flimsy, doesn’t offer quite enough adjustment, and generally sucks ergonomically, thus providing a less-than-ideal …

I got to handle the hell out of this one at Knight’s booth at Shot Show, and it is trick to the extreme. I only wish I could have put it through the ringer at the range. It’s a KAC SR-15 M4 that’s been modified for 7.62x39mm. The new gun incorporates a longer than normal receiver and takes AK mags. …

Rock River Arms out of Cleveland, Illinois has come out with their own version of a LETC(Law Enforcement Tactical Carbine), and it’s called the LAR-15 LE. Features include a rather interestingly designed flattop receiver with full-length Picatinny rail, redesigned safety/fire selector lever, M4A1 double heat shield handguards, and match grade two-stage trigger. Barrel is heavy with 1:9" twist. Click on …

by David Crane david@defensereview.com Pete Kokalis has written an article in the latest issue of SAR(Small Arms Review) on a new rifle that’s designed to be sort of a quick-fix for the Colt M4 carbine. Anyone intimately familiar with the M4 carbine knows that it has some serious problems. These include reliability problems which involve gas system blow-outs, barrels wearing …

By David Crane defrev (at) gmail (dot) com November 17th, 2002 Every once in awhile, as the editor of Defense Review, I have the rare and somewhat distinct pleasure of handling and firing a firearm that is not only brand spanking new, but actually manages to knock my socks off. Please keep in mind that I did not expect Heckler …