SIG seems to have a little winner with their 552 Commando(the rifle’s full numeric designation is actually 552-2P). Just like all the other mini-assault rifles out there, the SIG 552 is designed for use in tight spots by special operators and air crew members. *Click on "Read More" below for the rest of the story.* What separates the SIG 552 …

by David Crane david@defensereview.com The highlight for me at FN’s booth was getting to handle the P90 PDW (Personal Defense Weapon) and FiveseveN Pistol. Please notice that I did not say “submachinegun”, when speaking of the P90. That’s because the FN P90 PDW fires a proprietary 5.7x28mm projectile that is really closer to a small rifle round, than a pistol …

Class III Supply, out of Hermitage, PA, is the exclusive importer of the ST Kinetics SAR-21 rifle from Singapore. The SAR-21 is a brand new state of the art bullpup assault rifle in 5.56mm, that will be going head to head with the Israeli TAR-21(Tavor) bullpup rifle, and all other modern 5.56 assault rifles on the world market. Judging by …

Tom Kivlehan used to be the chief armorer for the Marine Corp’s MEU SOC unit. In fact, Tom was in charge of building the Marine Corps’ famous MEU SOC 1911 .45’s, as well as all their sniper rifles. Since leaving the Corps several years ago, Tom has started his own company in Stafford Virginia, called Guntek, and now uses his …

Heckler & Koch has just introduced their new G36C mini-assault rifle, which incorporates an 8 ½ inch barrel and is even more compact than their G36K model. Mini-assault rifles are currently the biggest trend in tactical and special operations weaponry, as they provide much better performance(i.e. penetration) against both hard targets and body armor than submachine guns. The new gun …

The November 2001 edition of SAR (Small Arms Review) has an interesting article, written by Charlie Cutshaw, about American built Ak’s being built by Arsenal USA. Apparently, production of these rifles is being overseen by Ivan Kolev, formerly of Arsenal Bulgaria, who "holds the equivalent of a master’s degree from Tula Institute in Russia and is one of the world’s …

by David Crane david@defensereview.com A terrific gentleman by the name of Giovanni Milano(think he’s Italian?), was at the DSA booth to meet and greet everyone, and explain DSA’s .308 battle rifles. Giovanni is both a production manager and senior technician for the company. DSA Inc. makes what many authorities regard as the best FAL .308 (7.62x51mm) rifles ever made. DSA …

If you’re a fan of the Armalite AR-180 rifle (semi-auto version of the AR-18 assault rifle), guess what? It’s BAAaak!!! Armalite has just reintroduced the rifle as the AR180B, and they’ve instituted a few updates. These include a new polymer lower receiver, AR-15 trigger group, AR-15 style safety and mag release, so the gun now takes standard AR-15 magazines. One …

If your team needs to reach out and touch someone, you might wanna’ give The Hecate II .50 BMG and Ultima Ratio 7.62mm Nato a try. These are two very serious tactical interdiction tools. Both rifles are box magazine fed, and built with reliability and durability in mind. Click here to visit the manufacturer’s site and read more about them. …

Kevin McClung and Steve Morrison are now building high-end custom 1911’s and Hi-Powers for carry that they call "Hard Use" guns.