by David Crane david@defensereview.com Back in September, DefenseReview provided its readers with a quick "heads-up" on the new Robinson Armament XCR Modular Weapon System (MWS). The Robinson Armament XCR Modular Weapon System (MWS) was specifically designed and developed to compete in the USSOCOM SCAR/SOFCAR program. The purpose of the SCAR/SOFCAR program is to adopt a select-fire multi-caliber modular weapon system …

by David Crane david@defensereview.com This just in: DefenseReview has been told by one of its sources that FN Herstal’s/FNH USA, Inc.’s SCAR/SOFCAR (Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle) program competition winner utilizes an updated/upgraded FN FNC upper receiver w/M1913 Picatinny rail system, mated to a modified M4/M4A1 Carbine-config/type lower receiver. Supposedly, the M4/M4A1 Carbine-config/type lower features an HK M4 (a.k.a. …

by David Crane david@defensereview.com Robinson Armament Co. competed recently in the SCAR (a.k.a. SOFCAR) competition for USSOCOM. Basically, SCAR/SOFCAR was a competition to produce an adaptable/modular multi-caliber weapon system for SOCOM (Special Operations Use). The goal was to achieve a weapon system that you can quickly configure to an operator’s mission-specific needs, including caliber (6.8x43mm SPC, 7.62x39mm, 5.56x45mm, etc.). "Coincidentally", …

by David Crane david@defensereview.com United States Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) is in the process of adopting the FN MK 48 MOD 0 7.62mm Lightweight Machine Gun (LWMG) as it's new 7.62x51mm machine gun. Basically, the MK48 MOD 0 is a beefed-up version of the FN MK46 MOD 0 5.56 LMG/SAW (Light Machine Gun/Squad Automatic Weapon), a MK46 MOD 0 on …

by David Crane david@defensereview.com This one appears to be a rather sweet piece of tactical problem-solving equipment. The Arms Tech Ltd. Tactical Takedown Rifle Model 50 (TTR-50) is a .50 BMG anti-materiel/long-range interdiction (sniper) tool you can take apart, pack up, and carry with you. At 26 lbs empty (unloaded), it’s roughly 6 lbs lighter than the standard McMillan .50 …

by David Crane david@defensereview.com Anybody who’s been keeping abreast of small arms and ammo develpments in the USSOCOM arena should already be aware fo the 6.8x43mm SPC a.k.a. "6.8mm Remington SPC (Special Purpose Cartridge)" cartridge concept. The 6.8x43mm Special Purpose Cartridge (SPC) was conceived and designed with the help of members of the U.S. Army 5th Special Forces Group as …

by David Crane Kimber appears to have copied the Caspian Integral Light/Laser Rail Mount with their new integrated "Tactical Rail". This, of course, is good news, as an integral rail is always preferable to a screwed-on rail. However an integral rail doesn’t solve the reported reliability problems caused by Kimber’s Series II Safety system, which the author believes can potentially …