Machine Guns

Shrike 5.56 by ARES Defense Systems Finally Makes it to Production.

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 …

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Weapon/Ammunition Problems in Afghanistan: The Kalashnikov Solution.

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 …

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Russian AEK-971 and AK-107/108 Recoil-Balanced Assault Rifles.

The Russians have been doing some very interesting things for the last number of years with assault rifles while our own infantry soldiers are still saddled with a rifle that’s now over 40 years old(yes, the M16). The Russians’ focus seems to be in the area of higher hit probability, promulgated by some rather ingenious recoil-reduction mechanisms. DefRev has already …

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Maxim Machine Gun Shoot on it’s Way.

The Hiram Maxim Historical Society will be hosting its 7th annual Hiram Maxim Northeast Military Shoot & Expo, a.k.a. Maxim Machine Gun Shoot, from July 19-21 in Dover-Foxcroft Maine. For more info on the event, just click on this link, and then click on "Upcoming Events" on the left hand side.  

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New SA-80 A2 Infantry Rifle.

Well, everyone knows that the SA-80 infantry rifle has been a total disaster for the British Armed forces. Basically, the British took a proven design, the AR-18, and modified it until it no longer worked. Amazingly, they then went about distributing the SA-80 to their main line troops. Well, after dealing with years of whining and complaining by disgruntled soldiers, …

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PK-Series Machine Gun Gets Product-Improved.

The PK(Pulemet Kalashnikova) machine gun has been the standard Eastern Bloc 7.62mm machine gun since 1961. The upgraded PK machine gun, manufactured by Tznitochmash of Klimovsk, has been designated as the 6P41 Pecheneg. The 6P41 has reportedly already seen action in Chechnya, which is not exactly known as a fun place. Apparently, the upgrade consists of a new heavy barrel …

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MK46 Mod 0 and M249 SPW Developed for U.S. Special Operations by FN Herstal.

The MK46 Mod 0 and M249 SPW(Special Purpose Weapon) LMG’s are basically modified, shortened, and lightened M249 SAW’s(5.56x45mm) that have been developed specifically for use by U.S. Special Operations. On both, the M249’s forearm has been replaced with a rail system, although the SPW’s and MK46’s rails are of different configuration. Also, their buttstocks differ from each other in that …

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Sako M95 Assault Rifle. Is it the last of its kind?

The Sako M95, standard rifle of the Finnish armed forces, might just be the best assault rifle in the world(besides the Russian AN-94, AK-107, and AK-108, which are all not yet really in production). Available in both 7.62x39mm and 5.56x45mm, the M95 is basically an updated Kalashnikov, or rather, a Kalashnikov taken to its ultimate conclusion. Preceded by the M90 …

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