IWA 2009

Written by Jason M. Wong Sunday, 22 March 2009 00:00

2009 might as well be listed as the year of the 22lr rifle.

Kestrel
German Sport Guns announced the release of two new 22lr firearms. As reported in Small Arms Review issue Month, Year (issue Volume XX, Number XX) German Sport Guns has licensed the Kalishnikov name to manufacture a 22lr version of the venerable AK47 battle rifle.
According to Aric Burton of American Tactical Imports, the 22lr AK-47 looks, feels and weighs the same as the main sized battle rifle. Equipped with either a 24-round or 10-round magazine, the rifle is available with either a wood stock, or polymer stock. Aric also notes that the wood used for the stock is sourced from an Italian tree farm, and is ecologically friendly.

The polymer version of the rifle is available with tactical accessories, including Picatinny rail systems, a folding stock, and front foregrip. Both versions have an available scope mount for fun and accurate plinking. Retail price on the wood stock version is $599, while the polymer rifle is available for $549. Both versions should be available on the market now.

German Sport Guns also announced the release of an MP5SD model, complete with dummy suppressor. From all outward appearances, the latest MP5 from German Sport Guns appears to be a full sized suppressed MP5 carbine, albeit chambered in 22 lr. The latest GSG5 rifle is scheduled to be on the market by the time this article goes to press.

German Sport Guns also announced the release of an inch pattern 1911 pistol chambered in 22lr. The GSG-1911 allegedly has 80% parts commonality with its full sized brethren chambered in 45 ACP. No additional information was available as to pricing or when it might be available for sale.

Colt
Although the rifle was announced at the 2009 SHOT show in Orlando, Colt and

2 basic models, with 2 variations of each: M4 and M16.
M16 SPR with rail system, anodized rail
M4 with rails.
Fully functional just like full sized rifle
30 rd and 10 rd magazines available.
Full metal contruction.
Non-standard 22 rifles; dedicated system, not intended to be switched with full sized AR15s.
Of immediate note – pin holes are different – rear pin is moved to the rear to prevent
Sear pin appears to be present – but not operational nor functional.
Semi-auto only.
Price – basic m16: $699
M4: $599
M4ops $649
M16: $749

Colt M4 Carbine

• 16″ Barrel
• M4 collapsible style stock
• A4 flat top upper recoever
• detachable carry handle
• A2 flash hider
• A2 pistol grip
• 30 round magazine
• Weight: 5.95 lbs
•  

Colt M4 OPS (includes the following extras):

• Rear BUIS (Backup iron sight)
• Free floated aluminum picatinny rail handguard

Colt M16 (includes the following extras):

• 20″ barrel

Colt M16 SPR (includes the following extras):

• 20″ barrel
• Free floated aluminum picatinny rail handguard
• Flip up read and front sights

Law Enforcement Int’l
Law Enforcement International debuted its dedicated L85 rifle chambered in 22lr. Shown with a Bingham 22lr magazine, the final version will reportedly come standard with a 30-round polymer magazine, similar to that of the L85 battle rifle. All major dimensions (including weight and length) are reportedly the same as the full sized battle rifle. No information regarding pricing was available.
As this articles goes to press, Small Arms Review has been informed that samples of the rifle have been submitted to ATF technology branch for a determination as to importability into the United States. Assuming the design is deemed legal for the U.S. market, expect to see these rifles in the U.S. market soon.

Verney-Carron
Verney-Carron displayed its 44mm Flashball less lethal system. Uniquely French in design, the system was originally intended for the French civilian market. As the design proved successful, representatives from Verney-Carron discovered that French law enforcement was using the less lethal systems in escalation of force situation in lieu of live ammunition. The system is now reported used by the Brigades Anti-Criminalité, Groupes d'Intervention de la Police Nationale, and Recherche Assistance Intervention Dissuasion.
Designed with an oversized 44mm chamber, the system cannot chamber live 40mm ammunition commonly found on the international market. Designed with dual barrels, the design is distinct in appearance and function
Four ammunition loads are available – a single ball projectile, buckshot, a dye marker round, and a CS-filled round. Effective range is reportedly 50 meters depending on the angle of fire and the resistance of the target. Verney-Carron representatives also reported that the rounds have sufficient energy to penetrate a building windows, the internal doors, (presumably hollow-core doors) or the side window of a vehicle.

Heckler and Koch MR308
Heckler and Koch displayed its civilian version of the HK417 rifle. Similar to the HK416 rifle, there are slight changes made to the system to prevent the upper receiver from being used on lower receivers from other manufacturers.

Evo-shield
The EvoShield Recoil Protection System is the world’s first and only custom-forming recoil protection pad based in a moisture wicking compression shooting shirt. It’s most value-adding features are that:

• It reduces the felt recoil by more than 80%; and
• It improves shooting accuracy.

It achieves the massive reduction in recoil because the patented fibreglass resin is designed to disperse the energy of an impact across all of its layers.

Accuracy will be improved because it is possible to mold a rifle stock in a preferred shooting position into the EvoShield Recoil Pad as it is hardening within the first 20 minutes of being exposed to air. Even if you choose not to do this, your accuracy should still be improved because you should no longer have to move your rifle or gun around to avoid a painful recoil spot on your shoulder.

The EvoShield Recoil Protection Pad is made of thin, lightweight composite material and is covered in a breathable mesh top and soft polymer backing. The hard shell is sturdy and durable, but also lightweight and very comfortable.

The shooting shirt which it is housed in is a polyspandex compression shirt which has a moisture-wicking performance. The combined EvoShield Recoil System comes in a wide range of sizes and in left and right.

To fit it, the EvoShield Recoil Pad is taken out of the foil pack, placed into the shoulder pocket of the shirt. Work your natural gun set into the shield for 5-10 minutes. After 20 minutes, the EvoShield Recoil Pad will be permanently formed to your shoulder and natural gun set.

Glock 22: new grip and slide serrations

Wolf Ammunition – 5.6x39