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Stickman
27 August 2007, 15:46
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The Noveske N-4 Light Carbine is a new contender in the realm of serious carbines. While long known for extreme accuracy barrels, this weapon shows that John Noveske has taken a large step forward, and quite possibly set a new standard for AR15 heavy use and duty weapons.

Let’s examine the weapon starting from the front. The flash suppressor (FS) is the well known Vortex. This 5.56 FS is generally regarded as the most effective flash suppressor available. The forked device is easily identifiable, and has gone through a few different evolutions over the years. While there are many muzzle devices that claim to be "as good as", or "similar to", the Smith Enterprises Vortex takes a back seat to no other flash suppressor. Noveske Rifleworks has pinned and welded this FS into place on the standard 14.5” barrel. The weld is left exposed so there is no question that it is a BATF legal 16” overall length. The Vortex is one of three options regarding muzzle devices right now. The other two will be the new Advanced Armament Corporation (AAC) M4-2000 three prong flash suppressor, and the Surefire 556K. I’ve been told that the AAC unit will outperform the Vortex, but I’ve can’t verify that at this point.



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Stickman
27 August 2007, 15:47
Moving up from the muzzle, we see the barrel clearly stamped as "MP 5.56 NATO 1/7". That sounds good, but we need to delve past the markings, and look at what the barrel actually consists of. John Noveske wasn't looking for a barrel that would be as good as someone else's current offering, he was looking to take a leap past the current market, and into the future of barrel development. This isn't a shock to those readers who are already familiar with the Noveske name. John Noveske is considered one of the premier barrel makers, and the man to go to if you are looking for a serious use barrel for duty or combat use. The company gives the following as its barrel specs:

14.5" Cold Hammer Forged Barrel, 1 in 7" twist, 5.56mm
--Made of Mil Spec M249 Machine Gun barrel steel, with heavy M249 Chrome Lining,
(appx. 2 times as thick as an M4 or M16)
--Extended Feed Ramps
--Mil Spec Phosphate finish
--Same weight as M4 barrel, 1 lb, 9 oz, but improved contour for maximum
rigidity, no M203 notch
--MP HP tested with certification
--Carbine length gas system
--Flash suppressor available permanently installed for non-NFA use (standard option), or removable on SBR and select fire models (call in all NFA weapon orders).

The 5.56 chambering allows for both .223 and 5.56 ammo to be fired, and with Noveske there is no chance of getting a .223 chamber on an improperly stamped barrel, which is something I’ve personally seen happen more than once with other companies.

In talking with John I discovered that there is more to the “cold hammer forged” label than the idea that the barrel was literally hammered into shape over a mandrel under massive pressure from hydraulic hammers. These barrels are the only ones currently made for an AR15/ M16 in the United States. Additionally, they are made to the M249 TDP specs in both process and materials. A friend who was the NCOIC for the Desert Warfare training center told me that M249 barrels used for training would go up to 40,000 rounds of full auto fire. Granted, these barrels were utterly trashed at that point, but 40,000 rounds of belt fed short and long bursts heat up a barrel a lot more than I’m able to do, even running off a full auto lower.

Proof Firing and Magnetic Particle inspection are a comfort to those people who are aware of the military requirements for all M16s and M4s to have this done. Having done this shows there are no corners being cut in this weapon system. Proof firing is a process is which the weapon is loaded with a single overpressure round, and then fired. This verifies that the weapon will not explode, or is not of substandard quality. The components are then examined through a Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) to check for microscopic cracks, flaws or damage.


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Stickman
27 August 2007, 15:47
The Bolt Carrier Group (BCG) has often been referred to as the heart of the AR15/M16. Initial viewing of the bolt shows clean, even edges, and quality machining. The extractor is machined from bar stock unlike other extractors which are often made through castings. Novekse Rifle Works has taken a slightly different, yet highly successful approach to extraction. Many companies, police departments, government agencies, and military units utilize a plethora of specialty parts to enhance the extractor in an effort to ensure their weapon perform on demand. There is no doubt in my mind that successful extraction is more important than the name of any of the parts used. John Noveske chose to use standard parts, consisting of a standard extractor spring, blue extractor insert, and high temperature Vitron ring. Highly functional, yet basic parts allow for routine care and maintenance at small cost to the owner of the weapon system.

While running a recent course, I observed a fellow instructor fire a 30 round magazine from a standing unsupported shooting position. All empty casings were ejected to the four o’clock position of the shooter, and landed touching each other, or within a three inch circle. This is strong testament to both the abilities of the instructor, as well as the weapon.

The bolt carrier itself is a M16 chrome lined carrier, with a well staked carrier key. The bolt carrier group slid freely without binding inside upper receiver. The charging handle was strong and free of lateral flex when twisted by hand pressure.


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Stickman
27 August 2007, 15:48
The upper receiver is a dead match for color and texture when viewed with the lower receiver. There is often a lot of fan fare made regarding fit and finish on a weapon, and the Noveske N-4 Light Carbine sampled ranks with the best of what I have viewed. The laser engraving is clean and clear on the upper receiver, and matches the laser engraving on the rail, back up iron sights and lower receiver. Enhanced feedramps, also commonly known as M4 feedramps are present on the upper receiver, and blended nicely with the cutout on the barrel extension. The forward assist has full range of movement, and locked the bolt carrier group forward nicely when checked manually.

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Stickman
27 August 2007, 15:48
Lower receiver inspection shows a well machined piece free of dings, dents or other cosmetic blemishes. Standard .155 fire control pins are used, which allow for free interchangeability of aftermarket triggers if you choose. The Noveske logo is laser engraved to be halfway on both the upper and lower receiver. This quickly identifies who has a Noveske factory complete weapon. The usual A2 pistol grip has been changed out to the Tango Down Battle Grip, which allows for waterproof internal storage of items. Continued inspection of the carbine showed the magazine catch to be flush and positive in its release without any sticking or catching in its travel. In much the same attention to detail, the safety clicked with a nice positive feel back and forth between “fire” and “safe”.

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Stickman
27 August 2007, 15:48
Receiver extensions are something often overlooked, but since there are two types, its worth pointing out that the Noveske N-4 is complete with the Mil-Spec receiver extension (commonly called the buffer tube). While the visual difference is small, the threads in a Mil-Spec tube more fully engage the lower receiver. The commercial tubes are usually made from extrusions, and the Mil-Spec tubes are not. Working our way down from the tube, the castle nut is clearly staked. The staking prevents the parts from loosening, and is also part of the specifications that the military requires on their weapons. Inside the receiver extension there resides a “H” buffer. The “H” buffer is a slightly heavier buffer than what many carbines come with, but is also what specified by the military.

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Stickman
27 August 2007, 15:49
The stock is another area that is an obvious upgrade. Instead of a traditional ribbed stock, Noveske Rifleworks has chosen to go with a Vltor Modstock. This stock gives a quick detach mount, as well as battery compartments to hold either “AA” batteries, or the CR123 batteries that most weapon mounted lights are now using. The battery storage compartments extend out, and give an increased cheek weld. The compartments are waterproof, and can be removed without removal of the stock. Built into the stock are ambi-quick disconnect mounts to allow for any QD equipped slings to plug in.

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Stickman
27 August 2007, 15:49
The extended rail is a new upgrade to the Novekse lineup. The rail is built for Noveske Rifleworks, is 1913 spec, and continuous, with no gap or riser between the rail and upper receiver. The grooves are standard 1913, and fit all Vertical Fore Grips (VFG), optics, bipods, light mounts, and rail covers that I tried. There are multiple QD mounts built into the rail, both towards the receiver, and at the midpoint of the rail. The rail is of Free Float (FF) style, which keeps the rail from contacting the barrel and allows for greater accuracy. The gas block is pinned in place, but the extended rail coverage of the gas block gives absolute protection against impact.

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Stickman
27 August 2007, 15:49
With the above documentation, the end question becomes, "How does it shoot"? The answer to that becomes more than a matter of reliability, round count, accuracy, or any other tangible features. However, in order to understand that the sum more than equals the parts, its worth pointing out that 900 rounds were put through the weapon without cleaning, and there were no malfunctions. Reliability remained consistent through the testing and evaluation process. Nine hundred rounds is not a long haul torture test, but I do believe that it is a healthy start to showing reliability of a weapon. Several types of ammunition were used, but it was primarily 55 grain full metal jacket and soft point ammo, with a mix of M855 and M856 used as well. The elusive accuracy is an answer that I'm not willing to give. The ammunition involved, and the style of shooting would not be conducive to an honest assessment. I understand that most reviews give a magic MOA answer, but I also understand that without proper testing, a flawed number can be given, and I'm not willing to do that. I will say that while verifying zero from the 25 yard line, all rounds were touching.

As of this point, there are over 1000 rounds through the weapon, and every thing has been as glamorous as a prom date. The fit and finish are good, the balance is good, the rail has a nice slim feel, and reliability has been at 100%.

The only downside I can think of is that it’s not available with a sling. That isn't a big deal, and most of us are already firm believers in the sling we carry daily, but for departments that are filling out purchase orders, Noveskerifleworks.com carries everything else needed to make for a street ready carbine. The addition of a sling would make it one stop shopping.

The highest praise I can give an item is to say that I would use it for duty, or recommend it to squadmates. This carbine is one that I would carry into harms way without hesitation.

Stay Safe



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Eric
28 August 2007, 17:05
The Noveske N4 Light Carbine isn’t just another “me too” M-4 style carbine that everyone and their brother cranks out. What really sets the N4 apart from most carbines is the barrel, which does not have the usual notch forward of the front site. Let’s face it; most of us won’t be attaching an M203 grenade launcher to our weapons. The barrel thickness appears to be a bit more substantial than a lightweight barrel, but obviously less than an HBAR. The 14.5” barrel is cold hammer forged with chrome lining that is reported to be twice as thick as standard chroming. No other manufacturer has this configuration. The Vortex flash suppressor is pinned and welded in place to get it just over the 16 inch required minimum.

Noveske uses an M4 style barrel extension with feed ramps milled into the upper. The feed ramps appeared to be somewhat less pronounced than some, but they are properly anodized, unlike many manufacturers that simply grind away with a Dremel.

Noveske has assembled the N4 Light Carbine with a TangoDown Battlegrip and Vltor buttstock. Troy flip-up front and rear sights are in place.

The barrel is freefloated with a slick handguard rail system that covers the gasblock. The 10” rail has two quick release mounts on the left and one on the right. Rail positions are numbered. The finish is a perfect match to the rest of the weapon and machining is clean. This is one nice rail.

Both the upper and lower receiver are uniformly finished and cleanly machined. “Fire” and “Safe” markings appeared on both sides of the lower. The Noveske logo is engraved on the right side straddling the upper and lower receiver. This proof mark clearly indicates that it is a factory weapon and no one pieced together. The receiver extension plate is properly staked in place and a mil-spec type extension is used.

Looking inside I found that an M16 carrier is used and the gas key is solidly staked in place. The bolt is marked MP and the extractor has an o-ring in place. The trigger resembles that of a typical military weapon; heavy and not the smoothest.

I tried a variety of magazines (USGI 20 and 30, P-Mag, Thermold, C Product SS) and found that all fit and dropped free without binding.

If you haven’t figured it out yet, the Noveske N4 Light Carbine is built for heavy use and that’s what I planned on doing. Prior to hitting the range, I gave the N4 a thorough cleaning and lubrication, using the new Weapon Shield CLP. I then topped it off with an EOTech 512 optic.

Ammo used consisted primarily of 55 gr ball. Also included was some M855, 55 gr soft point and 64 gr soft point. I started out at 25 yards and dialed in the EOTech with 5 rounds. I then confirmed my zero at 50 yards. All brass was clearly ejected about 6 feet out at the 5 o’clock position. .223 and 5.56 both functioned without issue.

My plan was to get the N4 dirty and hot, then see if it would still keep going. I’m not a benchrest shooter by any stretch of the imagination and most of my shooting was at 50 yards and closer. Such distances are more realistic for law enforcement engagements.

At about the 300 round mark, I decided I needed to do some mag dumps. I unloaded 4 full thirty round mags as fast as I could. I then loaded them up again and did some more quick shooting. Needless to say by that point, the weapon was getting rather hot and uncomfortable to hold. I did several more mag dumps later in the testing as well. I fired exactly 1020 rounds (34 thirty round mags, all loaded to capacity). There were ZERO malfunctions. Accuracy was similar or better than my other AR15 type weapons. I didn’t observe any point of impact shift as the weapon heated up.

There was only one odd thing that cropped up during the testing. Some of the finish on the inside of the upper receiver flaked off, not from wear but from poor adhesion. This had no affect on the functioning of the weapon at all. The tested N4 was a prototype and I have learned that this has already been rectified and is a non-issue. It would not prevent me from buying one.

The bottom line is that the Noveske N4 Light Carbine is a first rate fighting weapon. It’s apparent that a lot of thought was put into the configuration and parts that were used. All the user needs to add is a sling and optic. I wonder if anyone would notice if I “forgot” to return it.

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