Pre-SHOT SHOW 10 rumors, guesses, hopes, etc.

[Army Chief]

... carrying forward from the same topic last year, let it begin. =]

AC

[Bushwacker4]

... carrying forward from the same topic last year, let it begin. =]

AC

I for one would like to see a version of the Magpul Cheek Riser compatible with the AR-15. Or, does anybody know of an additional cheek rest for the MOE/CTR that doesn't include an old towel and duct tape?

[caporider]

ACR pricing and availability, along with shipping feature set;

HK MR556 and MR762 pricing and availability, along with working prototypes;

Several new Magpul products (I would love to see polymer mags for additional platforms and calibers, a Magpul light mounting solution that works with their AFG, a midlength MOE handguard, and the overmolded MOE pistol grip);

A Larue Tactical rifle sound suppressor (at least in prototype form);

New suppressor designs from Surefire and AAC, along with new muzzle devices;

First-article production units for the LMT MRP308;

New scope designs from IOR and Vortex;

A boatload of new or revised KAC 7.62 guns available for civilian purchase.

[Army Chief]

Since it is sure to make the list again this year, a bit of updated speculation on the Magpul/Bushmaster/Remington Masada/ACR is probably in order. I was recently discussing this with a member from Germany, and he reminded me that we've walked this path before (in our pre-SHOT 09 thread, for example). A year later, we're still trying to figure out a commercial release date, and we're really no closer to having an answer.

While I remain a proponent of the weapon in both conceptual and practical terms, the fact that we've yet to see a production variant fielded surely tells us something, and I can't believe that it is entirely related to military trials or anything of the sort. Given the amount of time that the rifle has been in development, the only logical reason for its market absence is that it simply isn't production-ready.

There could be any number of reasons for this, though I know -- and was recently reminded -- that under Remington's watch, the grip module in particular has become a significant point of interest. In this, we may yet see some substantive materiel/design changes before the weapon is released for full-scale production. Obviously, we all want Remington to do whatever takes to get it right the first time, so I wouldn't pretend to second-guess the status quo; that said, the underlying point here is that there is a very good reason that only one ACR has made it into private hands thus far (from the AAC Silencer Shoot raffle): the rifle is still in a development phase -- however "final" that might be.

Whatever the case, here we are a year later, still on hold, and still maintaining a cautious enthusiasm for the realization of Magpul's original vision. Here's hoping that 2010 is the year that things finally progress from pending to production. My guess? Whether this year or next, it will have been worth the wait.

AC

[Army Chief]

Good point on the suppressor/design issue. I'm curious if perhaps we might see something surprising come from AAC, given the recent ownership change, and presumably, an influx of new captial. I've no insider knowledge here; it just seems logical to elevate our expectations in view of these developments.

AC

[Optimus Prime]

A light mount from Magpul that works well with the AFG wouldn't surprise me since I ordered a light and mount for my carbine last week... would be par for the course for something better to come out after I dropped the cash. (Got a stubby Tango Down grip with no home now...)

Some news on the ACR would be nice... like how much money I need to stash for it...

.22lr semi-auto pistols along the lines of the full size rifles would be nice (I saw some mumbling of an M&P .22lr pistol on the interwebs yesterday... that could have potential). And ones that didn't cost $600+ like the Sig 226 .22lr. Mag cap. of more than 10 would be welcome as well in this category.

[Uglyduck]

.22lr semi-auto pistols along the lines of the full size rifles would be nice (I saw some mumbling of an M&P .22lr pistol on the interwebs yesterday... that could have potential). And ones that didn't cost $600+ like the Sig 226 .22lr. Mag cap. of more than 10 would be welcome as well in this category.

+1 on the M&P. I also hope that Spikes Tactical announces that their matching Billet receivers are available. And as always, still holding my breath for the ACR.

[Stickman]

My guesses...

ACR and HK release

minor can stuff

rumors of new mags (don't think only Magpul)

new AK components

new high end optic mount getting ready to emerge (more about this shortly)

pistol(s)

Continuation of .22 components and weapons due to ammo pricing

7.62x51 weapon(s)

new lights

new rails for AR15 and AK

more polymer components for AR from new sources

several redesigns as the military looks at optic mounts

a few new optics (as usual)

new stock(s)

more billet uppers and lowers for the AR15 crowd

[bigcoastie]

I'd personally love to see some more affordable offerings in the AR10 and bullpup category. I really just can't justify paying the 3k + price range that LaRue, KAC, and LWRCI are at the moment on the AR10 side. On the bullpup side the only thing I can justify purchasing is an MSAR E4, the FN PS90 and F2000 and the Keltec RFB seem overpriced (guess I need to make more money or stop complaining about prices)



As for plinking I love the new Keltec PMR30 http://www.kel-tec-cnc.com/images/pmr-30.pdf, if they could only release something in a .22lr instead of .22wmr it'd be great.


More ACR news is always welcome as long as it isn't going to have the price or availability of the SCAR when it was released.

More true 1x-3,4,5 or 6x scopes that have daytime illumination and good reticles.

Finally I'd love to see Bobro come out w/ a T-1 mount, some light mounts, and a full line of ACOG mounts. I really think they are ahead of everyone when it comes to mounts at the moment and their only downfall is availability and that they don't offer mounts for everything yet.

[Army Chief]

Finally I'd love to see Bobro come out w/ a T-1 mount, some light mounts, and a full line of ACOG mounts. I really think they are ahead of everyone when it comes to mounts at the moment and their only downfall is availability and that they don't offer mounts for everything yet.

Hear, hear.

I realize that quality takes time, and that his present production capacity is limited, but Bobro is an innovator who seems destined for exponential growth.

AC

[SilentType]

I think it's important to look at the development progress of the ACR and compare it to other rifles.

The ACR was first presented to the public as the prototype Magpul Masada at the 2007 SHOT Show. The Bushmaster deal with Magpul wasn't announced until 2008. It hasn't even been two full years at Bushmaster yet for the ACR.

The FNH SCAR was in development for about five years. The Robinson Arms XCR was in development for about two years before its first release.

[Stickman]

Release of the ACR was sidetracked for development into military trials. I think we all understand that extends things a bit. I look forward to getting my ACR to keep this year.

[Stickman]

I'd personally love to see some more affordable offerings in the AR10 and bullpup category. I really just can't justify paying the 3k + price range that LaRue, KAC, and LWRCI are at the moment on the AR10 side.

I would like to see Remington license the Massoud, that weapon is impressive and has a great overall feel to it.

KAC is a battle proven weapon system with real world military contracts, I can see their quality and costs both being high.

[wortman]

I also would like to see some more happenings with the AR10 platform. I agree with bigcoastie on the price issues, hope to see something. I think if a manufacturer starts with a precision, commercial priced AR10 platform it will sell tremendously well

[Stickman]

I think there will always be a limitation on the .308 platforms because of ammo prices. With that in mind, I would still love to see a few decent options out there.