Z-M Weapons LR-300 assault rifle / Para USA Tactical Target Rifle (USA)

Z-M Weapons LR-300-ML assault rifle, early (circa 2001) version

Z-M Weapons LR-300-SR semi-automatic rifle, late production version (circa 2006)

Para USA Tactical Target Rifle, with buttstock open

Para USA Tactical Target Rifle, with buttstock collapsed

Specifications for Z-M Weapons LR-300 rifles

	LR-300-SR	LR-300-14.5	LR-300-ML
Caliber	5.56x45 mm / .223 Remington
Action	Gas operated, rotating bolt, direct impingement
Overall length	946 mm / 37.25"	896 mm / 35.25"	820 mm / 32.25"
Barrel length	419 mm / 16.5"	368 mm / 14.5"	293 mm / 11.5"
Weigth	2.95 kg / 6.5 lbs	2.72 kg / 6.0 lbs	2.54 kg / 5.6 lbs
Rate of fire	--	--	950 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity	30 rounds

Specifications for Para USA Tactical Target Rifle

Caliber	5.56x45 mm / .223 Remington
Action	Gas operated, rotating bolt, direct impingement
Overall length, stock open (folded)	838 mm (667 mm) / 33" (26.25")
Barrel length	419 mm / 16.5"
Weigth	3.45 kg / 7.6 lbs
Magazine capacity	30 rounds

The LR-300 rifle was manufactured by the small US-based company Z-M Weapons between 2000 and 2007, when all rights for the design were sold to the Para USA, the US-based subsidiary of the Canadian pistol maker Para-Ordnance Ltd. The reworked LR-300 rifle will be sold in USA as Para Tactical Target Rifle, with first sales sheduled to "early 2009".
Original LR-300 (LR stands for Long Range) rifles were designed by Alan Zitta as an upgrade to the well known and popular M16 / AR-15 rifle. In fact, LR-300 and Para TTR both use standard AR-15-type lower receivers; only upper receivers are different and contain patented modified gas system. The key reason for tha modification was to prowide AR-15-type weapon with capability to mount side-folding stock rather than partially collapsible M4 carbine-type stock. Z-M Weapons intended its rifles mostly for military and law enforcement personnel, by offering LR-300-ML weapons with short barrels and select-fire capability. Civilian (semi-automatic only) versions also were offered to general public, but at prices well above the average price of AR-15-type rifle. It is not known yet if the new Para Tactical Target Rifles will also be offfered in military (select-fire) version or not; current Para USA advertising suggests that only semi-automatic weapons (and upper receiver conversion kits) will be offred, at least initially.

The LR-300 rifle is gas operated, and utilizes modified Stoner-type direc gas imingement system. In this modified system, the gas key is extended forward to form the tube, that protrudes forward from the receiver and into the handguard. The protruding part of the gas key tube is used to host the bolt return spring, which is placed between the front receiver wall and the collar at the front of the gas key tube. The gas tube, which runs rearward from the gas block / front sight base, is strengthened as its rear end floats freely to enter the extended gas key tube when bolt group is in the battery. That way, at least some of the hot gases from inside the gas karrier are expelled outside the receiver and into the inner handguard area, through the extended gas key tube, once it has left the gas tube during the bolt group recoil movement. Additional benefit of this system is that it allows the bolt carrier to be made twice as short compared to the standard AR-15-type bolt carrier. In turn, this results in the fact that there's no need for the recoil buffer tube, which is normally protruding backward from the AR-15-type lower receiver. Because of this feature, most LR-300 rifles are fitted with side-folding shoulder stocks, either sceletonized non-adjustableones made from metal or polymer ones, adjustable for length of pull. Otherwise the LR-300 is similar to the AR-15-type weapons and has similar trigger / safety arrangements, magazine housing and bolt stop device.

Z-M Weapons LR-300 assault rifle / Para USA Tactical Target Rifle (USA)

Z-M Weapons LR-300-ML assault rifle, early (circa 2001) version

Z-M Weapons LR-300-SR semi-automatic rifle, late production version (circa 2006)

Para USA Tactical Target Rifle, with buttstock open

Para USA Tactical Target Rifle, with buttstock collapsed

Specifications for Z-M Weapons LR-300 rifles

	LR-300-SR	LR-300-14.5	LR-300-ML
Caliber	5.56x45 mm / .223 Remington
Action	Gas operated, rotating bolt, direct impingement
Overall length	946 mm / 37.25"	896 mm / 35.25"	820 mm / 32.25"
Barrel length	419 mm / 16.5"	368 mm / 14.5"	293 mm / 11.5"
Weigth	2.95 kg / 6.5 lbs	2.72 kg / 6.0 lbs	2.54 kg / 5.6 lbs
Rate of fire	--	--	950 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity	30 rounds

Specifications for Para USA Tactical Target Rifle

Caliber	5.56x45 mm / .223 Remington
Action	Gas operated, rotating bolt, direct impingement
Overall length, stock open (folded)	838 mm (667 mm) / 33" (26.25")
Barrel length	419 mm / 16.5"
Weigth	3.45 kg / 7.6 lbs
Magazine capacity	30 rounds

Buy AR-15 rifles and accessories at Impact Guns online store

Buy Para Ordnance weapons and accessories at Impact Guns online store

The LR-300 rifle was manufactured by the small US-based company Z-M Weapons between 2000 and 2007, when all rights for the design were sold to the Para USA, the US-based subsidiary of the Canadian pistol maker Para-Ordnance Ltd. The reworked LR-300 rifle will be sold in USA as Para Tactical Target Rifle, with first sales sheduled to "early 2009".
Original LR-300 (LR stands for Long Range) rifles were designed by Alan Zitta as an upgrade to the well known and popular M16 / AR-15 rifle. In fact, LR-300 and Para TTR both use standard AR-15-type lower receivers; only upper receivers are different and contain patented modified gas system. The key reason for tha modification was to prowide AR-15-type weapon with capability to mount side-folding stock rather than partially collapsible M4 carbine-type stock. Z-M Weapons intended its rifles mostly for military and law enforcement personnel, by offering LR-300-ML weapons with short barrels and select-fire capability. Civilian (semi-automatic only) versions also were offered to general public, but at prices well above the average price of AR-15-type rifle. It is not known yet if the new Para Tactical Target Rifles will also be offfered in military (select-fire) version or not; current Para USA advertising suggests that only semi-automatic weapons (and upper receiver conversion kits) will be offred, at least initially.

The LR-300 rifle is gas operated, and utilizes modified Stoner-type direc gas imingement system. In this modified system, the gas key is extended forward to form the tube, that protrudes forward from the receiver and into the handguard. The protruding part of the gas key tube is used to host the bolt return spring, which is placed between the front receiver wall and the collar at the front of the gas key tube. The gas tube, which runs rearward from the gas block / front sight base, is strengthened as its rear end floats freely to enter the extended gas key tube when bolt group is in the battery. That way, at least some of the hot gases from inside the gas karrier are expelled outside the receiver and into the inner handguard area, through the extended gas key tube, once it has left the gas tube during the bolt group recoil movement. Additional benefit of this system is that it allows the bolt carrier to be made twice as short compared to the standard AR-15-type bolt carrier. In turn, this results in the fact that there's no need for the recoil buffer tube, which is normally protruding backward from the AR-15-type lower receiver. Because of this feature, most LR-300 rifles are fitted with side-folding shoulder stocks, either sceletonized non-adjustableones made from metal or polymer ones, adjustable for length of pull. Otherwise the LR-300 is similar to the AR-15-type weapons and has similar trigger / safety arrangements, magazine housing and bolt stop device.

FN SCAR: Mark 16 and Mark 17- Special Forces Combat Assault Rifle (USA / Belgium)

FN SCAR-L / Mk.16 rifle prototype (1s generation, late 2004), left side view

FN SCAR-L / Mk.16 rifle, 2nd generation prototype, with FN EGLM 40mm grenade launcher attached

FN SCAR-H / Mk.17 rifle prototype in CQC (Close Quarter Combat, short barrel) configuration, 7.62x51 mm NATO version

FN SCAR-L / Mk.16 rifle partially disassembled; note additional quick-detachable barrel
Image: Christopher Rohling via Charles Cutshaw

5.56mm NATO FN SCAR-L / Mk.16 rifles of current (2007/2008) production, top to bottom in Long Barrel (LB), bstandard (Std) and Close Quarter Combat (CQC) configurations
Image: FNH USA

7.62mm NATO FN SCAR-H / Mk.17 rifles of current (2007/2008) production, top to bottom in Long Barrel (LB), bstandard (Std) and Close Quarter Combat (CQC) configurations
Image: FNH USA

	Mk.16 SCAR-L (Light)	Mk.17 SCAR-H (Heavy)
Caliber	5.56x45 NATO	7.62x51 NATO basic 7.62x39 M43 and others additionally
Overall length, standard configuration	850 mm (max) / 620 mm (min)	997 mm (max) / 770 mm (min)
Barrel length	254mm/10" (CQC), 355mm/14" (Std), 457mm/18" (LB)	330mm/13" (CQC), 406mm/16" (Std), 508mm/20" (LB)
Weight	3.5 kg empty	3.86 kg empty
Rate of fire	600 rounds per minute	600 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity	30 rounds standard	20 rounds (7.62x51 NATO) 30 rounds (7.62x39 M43)

The US Special Operations Command (US SOCOM) issued a solicitation for the procurement of SOF Combat Assault Rifles (SCAR) on October 15th, 2003. This solicitation requested a new combat rifle, specially tailored for the current and proposed future needs of the US Special Forces, which are somewhat different from latest generic US Army requirements, which are being fulfilled by the newest Heckler-Koch XM8 assault rifle. The key difference in basic requirements between XM8 and SCAR is that, while XM8 is a single-caliber weapon system, tailored for 5.56x45mm NATO ammunition, the SCAR should be available in various different calibers. Initial SOF requirements included two basic versions of SCAR system - the SCAR Light (SCAR-L), available in 5.56mm NATO, and the SCAR heavy (SCAR-H), which should be initially available in significantly more powerful 7.62x51 NATO chambering, and should be easily adaptable in the field to other chamberings. These other chamberings initially include the well-spread 7.62x39 M43 ammunition of the Soviet / Russian origins, and probably some others (like the proposed 6.8x43 Remington SPC cartridge, especially developed for US Special Forces). The key idea of SCAR rifle system is that it will provide the Special Forces operators with wide variety of options, from short-barreled 5.56mm SCAR-L CQC variation, tailored for urban close combat, and up to long range 7.62x51 SCAR-H Sniper variant, as well as 7.62x39 SCAR-H, which will accept "battlefield pickup" AK-47/AKM magazines with 7.62 M43 ammunition, available during the operations behind the enemy lines. Both SCAR-L and SCAR-H shall be initially available in three versions, Standard (S), Close Quarters Combat (CQC) and Sniper Variant (SV; now it is dubbed Long Barrel - LB). All these variants, regardless the caliber and exact configuration, will provide the operator with the same controls layout, same handling and maintenance procedures, and same optional equipment, such as sights, scopes, and other current and future attachments.

Late in 2004 US SOCOM announced, that the winner for the initial SCAR contracts is the FN USA, an US-based subsidiary of the famous Belgian company Fabrique Nationale Herstal. prototype rifles were manufactured by FN Manufacturing Inc, US-based subsidiary to FN Herstal; This company will also handle series production of rifles. Starting mid-2005, first SCAR rifles went to end users in US Special Operation Forces. Since US SOCOM uses Navy-type "mark" designations, SCAR rifles were officially designated as 5.56mm Rifle Mark 16 (SCAR-L / Light) and 7.62mm Rifle Mark 17 (SCAR-H / Heavy). It is believed that Mk.16 and Mk.17 rifles will gradually replace most rifle systems now in service with US SOCOM forces, such as M4 carbines, M16 rifles, M14 rifles and Mk. 25 sniper rifles.

As it turned out, FN SCAR rifles are not based on any previous weapons but designed from the scratch. In all variants FN SCAR rifles feature gas operated, short stroke piston action with rotating bolt locking. Bolt system appears to be somewhat similar to that of FN Minimi / M249 SAW machine gun. This system apparently is less sensitive to fine sand, dust and any other fouling inside the receiver, than any system with M16-type multi-lug bolt and plunger-type ejector.
Receiver is made from two parts, upper and lower, connected with two cross-pins. Upper part is made from extruded aluminium, lower part is made from polymer. SCAR-L and SCAR-H use similar upper receivers that differ only in the size of ejection port. Other different parts include caliber-specific bolt, barrel, and lower receiver with integral magazine housing. Parts commonality between SCAR-L and SCAR-H is astonishing 90%. Barrels are quick-detachable, and held in the upper receiver with two cross-bolts. Barrel change procedure requires minimum amount of tools, takes just several minutes and there is no need to adjust the headspace after the change.
The trigger unit with ambidextrous safety-fire mode selector switch allows for single shots and full automatic fire, with no provisions for limited-length bursts mode. The charging handle could be easily installed on either side of the weapon, so the upper receiver has respective cuts on both sides. Top of the upper receiver is covered by the full-length integral Picatinny rail (MIL-STD 1913); additional Picatinny rails are mounted on both sides and under the free-floating handguards. Side-folding polymer buttstock is adjustable for length of pull, and is shaped to provide positive cheek rest with adjustable cheek support. SCAR rifles are fitted with removable, adjustable iron sights, with folding diopter-type rear sight on the receiver rail, and folding front sight on the gas block. Any additional type of sighting equipment, necessary for current tasks, including telescope and night sights, can be installed using MIL-STD 1913 compatible mounts.
Mk.16 SCAR-L rifle will use improved M16-type magazines, made of steel; Mk.17 SCAR-H will use proprietary 20-round magazines in 7.62x51 NATO chambering, or standard AK-type magazines in proposed 7.62x39 M43 chambering. Current prototypes of SCAR rifles do not have bayonet mounts, and, probably, will never have one.

Robinson Armaments M-96 and XCR rifle (USA)

Robinson Armaments M-96 rifle in standard configuration

Robinson Armaments M-96 rifle in top-feed ("Bren-type") configuration, with short barrel

Robinson Armaments M-96 RAV-02 assault rifle (selective-fired), version chambered for 7.62x39mm

Robinson Armaments XCR rifle, caliber 5.56x45mm, with open sights (detachable and folding).

Robinson Armaments XCR rifle, caliber 5.56x45mm

Robinson Armaments XCR rifle, caliber 6.8x43mm Remington SPC, with Trijicon ACOG telescope sight

Data for RobArm XCR rifle
Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO; also 6.8x43mm Remington SPC and 7.62x39 M43
Action: Gas operated, rotating bolt
Overall length: 959 mm (stock open), 696 mm (stock folded)
Barrel length: 407 mm (other lengths available)
Weight: 3.4 kg
Rate of fire: n/a
Magazine capacity: 30 rounds

American company Robinson Armament Co introduced its M-96 Expeditionary Rifle in late 1990s. It was basically a semi-automatic only modular weapon, patterned after famous Stoner 63 weapon system. It was available in several configurations; in about 2002, Robinson Armament also introduced a military / police only RAV-02 rifle, which was based on same design but added selective-fie capability. Over that time, M-96 series rifles were no more than limited production items, sold mostly on civilian US market. Unlike original Stoner 63 design, no belt-fed versions were made in M-96 line.
In about 2004, Robinson Armament unveiled a new design, which, while retaining basic modular concept, stepped out of Stoner pattern in several aspects. The new XCR rifle was submitted to SCAR special forces rifle trials, which were won by FN Mk.16 and Mk.17 SCAR rifles. Since mid-2006, RobArm XCR rifles are sold on civilian US market in semi-automatic only versions; selective-fired versions are available only for government buyers.

RobArm M-96 rifles were built on single, universal receiver, made from stamped steel. These receivers hosted quick-detachable barrels and basic gas-operated actions with long-stroke gas piston and rotary bolt locking. Receivers had mounting points for trigger units on "top" and "bottom" surfaces, and feed unit mounting points on "bottom" side only. In standard rifle configuration receiver is put with gas tube below the barrel, and magazine and trigger units mounted on the underside of weapon. In the "Bren-type" configuration, receiver is turned upside down so gas tube lies above the barrel, and magazine inserts from the top; the trigger unit is installed on the opposite, "bottom" side of weapon. Both trigger unit and magazine feed units also were made from stamped steel. Barrels with appropriate front sight mounts were used for every configuration, and rear sight block was attached to the mounting points on receiver, opposite to trigger unit. Guns were fitted with detachable, solid polymer stocks, and detachable plastic forends / handguards. In "standard" rifle and carbine configurations, charging handle was located at the left side of receiver, and ejection was to the right. In the "Bren-type" configurations, charging handle was on the right, and ejection was to the right (because the receiver was turned "upside down").

RobArm XCR rifle is quite different from M-96. Most important, it abandoned the idea of single receiver with detachable units, that can be turned upside-down. XCR rifle reverted to the more common upper / lower receiver configuration, in which upper receiver hosts removable barrel, gas system, and basic action with rotary bolt locking. Gas system features traditional gas piston, and four-position gas regulator. Bolt has three locking lugs and locks into the barrel extension. Lower receiver hosts trigger unit and pistol grip, and has an integral magazine housing. Manual safety (which doubles as fire mode selector in "military" versions) is located on lower receiver, above the pistol grip, and can be located on left side only or both sides of receiver. Bolt catch release button is located at the rear of magazine veil, just ahead of trigger guard. Cocking handle is located at the left side of upper receiver, and can be used to assist the bolt closure.
XCR rifles are fitted with side-folding skeleton buttstock. Top of receiver is shaped into integral Picatinny type accessory rail, with three additional rails located around the barrel at 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions. For more convenient use, these rails can be covered with special polymer panels, that form rifle's forend / handguard. There are no standard sighting equipment "as is", but any compatible open or telescopic and night sights can be installed using Picatinny rail.

Alliant Techsystems / Heckler-Koch XM-29 SABR / OICW assault rifle (USA)

The XM-29 SABR OICW (Objective Individual Combat Weapon) in its present configuration (2002)

Some of the early OICW configuration alternatives (late 1990s).
1 - combined 5.56mm rifle and 20mm launcher (present configuration);
2 - 20 mm launcher with detachable 4.6mm HK PDW submachine gun;
3 - 20mm launcher in the standalone configuration

the left side view on the XM-29 OICW, showing its controls on the sighting unit

the major components of the XM-29

XM-29 OICW ammunition - HE (High Explosive) ant TP (target practice) rounds for 20mm unit and KE (Kinetic Energy) 5.56mm NATO round

Caliber: 5.56 mm NATO (KE) and 20x85mm (HE)
Action: Gas operated, rotating bolt (KE), unknown (HE)
Overall length: 890 mm
Barrel length: 250 mm (KE) 460 mm (HE)
Weight: ca 5.5 kg empty; ca 6.8 kg loaded
Magazine capacity: 20 or 30 rounds box (KE) and 6 rounds box (HE)

The history of the one of the most ambitious projects in the history of small arms, known as the OICW, or the Objective Individual Combat Weapon, began late in the 1986, when the US Army Infantry School at Ft. Benning published a military paper, named "Small Arms System 2000" (SAS-2000). Despite the current trends towards the caseless and fleschette ammunition and appropriate weapons, researched and developed under the ACR program (see HK G11 and Steyr ACR entries for some details), this paper stated that the conventional small arms already reached its technological peak, and the only way to increase the hit probability in the small arms is to introduce a weapon that will fire explosive and fragmentation warheads, combined with the smart fusing and sighting / aiming technologies. While the most small arms research during the late 1980s in the USA was conducted under the ACR program, the idea first developed in the SAS-2000 was supported by another US military paper, published in 1989 by the US Army TRADOC (Training & Doctrine) center. This paper, called "The Small Arms Master Plan" (SAMP), requested for a family of infantry "Objective" weapons, namely the Objective Individual Combat Weapon (OICW), Objective Personal Defense Weapon (OPDW), and the Objective Crew Served Weapon (OCSW). The SAMP stated that such weapons must utilize the latest developments in computers and visual technologies, as well as in the small arms, and combine both high explosive warheads and traditional bullets fire capabilities in a single weapon, that should be fielded circa 2000. Of cause, the timelines and most of the weight and cost requirements set in this paper looked unrealistic from the start, but the development of the Objective weapons began in the early 1990s.

During the early stages of research and development in the mid-1990 one out of the two teams was selected as a winner for further development contract. This team is lead by the US based Alliant Techsystems corporation (ATK), with the Heckler-Koch (Germany), Brashear and the Omega companies (both of USA) as the other team members. The ATK is responsible for system integration, and also develops the 20mm Air Burst munitions; HK is responsible for both the 5.56mm rifle and the 20mm grenade launcher; Brashear works on the sighting equipment and Omega provides the training means. The resulting weapon was type-classified by the US Army as the XM-29 circa 2002, and is scheduled to enter the service during the year 2008 in limited numbers. It will be then consequently upgraded with the new technologies then available. Present plans for fielding the M-29 are to issue four units per one infantry squad of 9 men. Early in the 2002 the XM-29 test weapons were successfully tested with the newest 20mm HEAB (High Explosive Air Bursting) munitions, which will be a major "kill factor" for the M-29 weapon. At the same time the "kinetic energy" part of the XM-29 was type-classified as the XM-8 light rifle, and, in the near future, could possibly replace the current Colt M4 carbines as a standalone compact conventional small arms.

XM29 status update (September 2005): following the increase of caliber of OICW grenade launcher component from 20 to 25mm, in 2004 it has been decided to split the OICW system into two separate weapons, the 5.56mm XM8 modular assault rifle (OICW Increment 1), and the 25mm XM25 airburst assault weapon / grenade launcher (OICW Increment 2). Development of the complete XM29 (OICW Increment 3) system has been shelved, and will be resumed in the future only if all current problems with OICW Block 1 rifle component are solved, and weight constraints of entire system are met.

XM-29 OICW Description.
The XM-29 is a combination weapon, which has the 20mm semi-automatic, magazine fed grenade launcher as its primary part, and the 5.56mm compact assault rifle as its secondary part. Both parts are assembled into the single one-man portable unit, with the addition of the target acquisition / fire control system (TA/FCS), which is an essential part of the whole system. The XM-29 will become an integral part of the future Land Warrior system, capable of communicating with the other parts of this system, including the tactical computers and helmet-mounted displays.

The grenade launcher is capable to fire in semi-automatic mode only, and is gas operated. It has a bullpup layout with the detachable box magazine located in the butt of the weapon. The rifled barrel is used to launch the 20mm grenades up to the 1000 meters range with good accuracy. In the standard configuration most of the fire controls for the grenade launcher part are located on the rifle part, including the single trigger for both firing modules. It is quite possible, however, that the separate stock will be developed for the grenade launcher part, so it will be possible to use it without the rifle part attached. The launcher has the provisions for the TA/FCS system to be mounted on its top, and the appropriate interfaces, so the data provided from the TA/FCS can be used to program the 20mm grenade fuses. These fuses, used for the 20mm HEAB ammunition, has multiple mode of detonation, including the direct impact mode and the Air Burst mode. In the latter mode the fuse is pre-programmed to explode the warhead at the preset range, which is calculated during the flight by counting the number of the grenade rotations. This allows do defeat targets without the direct impact, using the blast and fragmentation effect of the high explosive warhead. This is a major advantage over the present small arms, which in most cases require the direct hit on the target to be effective, as it allows for greater aiming errors, and also makes possible to defeat targets in defilade, like the trenches and so. The high explosive warhead also has the advantage of not being dependent on its velocity to be effective, so unlike with the bullets, its effectiveness does not decreased with the increase of range. The disadvantages of this system is the extreme complexity of the electronic fuses, which results in the high price of a single round of ammunition. The present plans stated that the one HEAB round must cost about US $25, and it is still to be seen which will be an actual price when the M29 system will be fielded. It is interesting that the present design of the HEAB ammunition actually has two small HE warheads at the front and at the rear of the projectile, with the electronic fuse module located between them. While the HEAB is considered a primary round for the 20mm grenade launcher, it is entirely possible do develop a low cost, direct hit only anti-armour 20mm round with Shaped Charge warhead, which will be effective against lightly armored vehicles (APC, MICV and alike) and various hardened targets.

The rifle, or "kinetic energy" part of the XM-29 system, on the other hand, is a fairy conventional, short-barreled assault rifle, derived from the Heckler-Koch G36 assault rifle. The basic "rifle" part of the XM-29 has no buttstock and no own sights, and thus can be used separately from the whole system only as emergency, personal defense weapon. While being mounted to the whole system, it can be used for a close quarters work, both defensive or offensive (the 20mm grenade launcher has it minimum range of fire of about 50-100 meters), or as an low-cost, low intensity medium range offensive weapon. Most of the XM-29 system controls are built into the "rifle" part, around the trigger guard.

The target acquisition / fire control system (TA/FCS) is the most expensive and complicated unit of the whole system, since it must combine day and night vision capabilities, laser rangefinding unit, ballistic computer and various interfaces to the grenade launcher and external systems. It is used to find the targets in any light and weather conditions, determine the range to the target, calculate and display the aiming data, so the grenade or bullet could be fired to the desired point of impact, and then supply the data to the grenade launcher, so the range could be preset into the grenade fuse. In the case of damage to the TA/FCS the 20mm grenade launcher still can be used in the direct impact mode, as well as the rifle part of the system.

The current research and testing showed that the XM-29 can be up to 500% more effective than the present small arms, but it is still to be seen if all the requirements will be met in the resulting system, especially regarding to the reliability of electronic components, weight, and, at last but not at least, the unit price.

XM8 Lightweight Assault Rifle (USA)

XM8 rifle in basic infantry configuration, as displayed in January, 2004, at the ShotShow-04 in USA

XM8 rifle in "automatic rifle" (light machine gun) configuration. Note longer barrel and folded bipods under the forearm

XM8 rifle in "sharpshooter" (parasniper) configuration. While sight looks similar to red-dot, mounted on other variants, it is of 3.5X magnification; spare magazine is clamped to the right side of the magazine inserted into the rifle.

XM8 rifle in Compact (SMG / PDW) configuration, with shortened barrel.

Author of this website is posing with XM8 at the ShotShow-2004, Las Vegas, USA.

Caliber: 5.56x45 mm NATO
Action: Gas operated, rotating bolt
Overall length: 838 mm in basic configuration, butt extended
Barrel length: 318 mm in basic configuration; also 229 mm in Compact and 508 mm in Sharpshooter and SAW versions
Weight: 2.659 kg empty in basic configuration
Rate of fire: ~ 750 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity: 30 rounds (STANAG) or 100-rounds double drum in Automatic Rifle/SAW role

The development of the XM8 Lightweight Assault Rifle was initiated by US Army in the 2002, when contract was issued to the Alliant Techsystems Co of USA to study possibilities of development of kinetic energy part of the XM29 OICW weapon into separate lightweight assault rifle, which could, in the case of success, replace the aging M16A2 rifles and M4A1 carbines in US military service. XM8 is being developed by the Heckler-Koch USA, a subsidiary of famous German Heckler-Koch company. According to the present plans, the XM8 should enter full production circa 2005, if not earlier, several years before the XM29 OICW. The XM8 (M8 after its official adoption) should become a standard next generation US forces assault rifle. It will fire all standard 5.56mm NATO ammunition, and, to further decrease the load on the future infantrymen, a new type of 5.56mm ammunition is now being developed. This new ammunition will have composite cases, with brass bases and polymer walls, which will reduce weight of the complete ammunition, while maintaining compatibility with all 5.56mm NATO weapons. Along with 20% weight reduction in the XM8 (compared to the current issue M4A1 carbine), this will be a welcome move for any infantryman, already overloaded by protective, communications and other battle equipment.

The XM8 will be almost similar to the "KE" (kinetic energy) part of the XM29 OICW system, being different mostly in having a telescoped plastic buttstock of adjustable length, and a detachable carrying handle with the sight rail.

As of mid-2004, XM8 now is undergoing wide-scale testing in several units of US Army, and is receiving a positive feedback.

XM8 status update (September 2005): Following several complains about non-competitive procurement of the XM8 system from Heckler-Koch USA, US Army first opened the bidding for contract to other companies, and then, in the July 2005, suddenly suspended the entire OICW Increment 1 program to re-think the entire set of requirements for the possible replacement of current M16 rifles and M4 carbines. These requirements will be re-viewed as Joint Services effort. At the present time, it seems that development of HK XM8 is suspended; it may be resumed if XM8 suit the new US Joint Service Requirements for a new assault rifle system; or, it may not. We will watch this process closely and update this article when new information will be available.

Technical description.
The XM8 is a derivative of the Heckler-Koch G36 assault rifle, and thus it is almost similar to that rifle in design and functioning. XM8 features a short piston stroke, gas operated action, with rotating bolt locking. Barrels are quick detachable, and planned to be available in several sizes, ranging from 229 mm (9.5 inch) for Compact/PDW version, 318mm (12.5 inch) in Basic version, and two 508mm (20in) barrels, one for Sharpshooter/Sniper version, and heavier one (along with bipod) for Squad Automatic Rifle role. The entire construction is modular and built around the polymer receiver with bolt group; Magazine housings could be easily swapped for compatibility with various types of magazines; various buttstocks could be installed in a second for various roles (standard buttstock is a telescoped 5 position adjustable one). Top of the receiver is fitted with proprietary sight rail, which can accept illuminated red-dot (collimator) sight, or any other type of sighting equipment. Detachable forend will be available in various sizes, and could be replaced with XM320 40mm grenade launcher (the improved HK AG36).

Ambidextrous fire controls are mounted on the trigger unit, integral with pistol grip and triggerguard, and in basic configuration are planned to deliver single shots and full auto fire. The G36-type ambidextrous charging handle is located at the top of the receiver, below the removable carrying handle.

SIG 716 tactical rifle (USA)

SIG 716 Patrol rifle with EOTech red-dot and back-up iron sights, as displayed at ShotShow 2010

	SIG 716 Patrol	Sig 716 Precision Sniper
Caliber:	7.62x51 NATO / .308 Winchester
Action	Gas operated, short stroke piston, rotary bolt locking
Overall length	? mm	? mm
Barrel length	406 mm / 16"	504 mm / 20"
Weight, less magazine	? kg	? kg
Rate of fire	n/a	n/a
Magazine capacity	10 or 20 rounds

The family of SIG 716 Tactical rifles is a most recent product of the US-based branch of the international arms maker SIG-Sauer. This family reflects current resurrection of the interest toward 7.62mm NATO / .308 Win weapons among US and other NATO troops, currently operating in Afghanistan and Iraq. It also targets to US domestic LE and civilian markets, as the SIG 716 family of rifles includes both Selective-fire (LE/Military only) and Semi-automatic (Civilian legal) guns. The SIG 716 Tactical rifles are closely patterned after the Ar-15 / M16 family of rifles, but are somehow bigger due to the bigger and more powerful caliber, and with certain improvements, such as piston-operated gas action with adjustable gas regulator. The SIG 716 Tactical rifles can be considered to be bigger brothers to the very similar family of SIG 516 tactical rifles, which are chambered for 5.56mm / .223 caliber ammunition. Obviously, it also will compete against such 7.62mm rifles as HK 417, FN SCAR/H Mk.17 and a variety of other 7.62mm Ar-15 / M16 knock-offs. The rifles shown here are prottypes, and it is believed that production rifles will begin to appear on US market not earlier than 2011.

The SIG 716 Tactical rifles are gas operated weapons that use Ar-15 / M16 configuration, with aluminum alloy upper and lower receivers assembled by two captive cross-pins. The basic Ar-15 / M16-style rotary bolt gas operated action is enlarged and strengthened to work with more powerful 7.62mm / .308 caliber ammo and improved with addition of the short-stroke gas piston that runs inside handguards, above the barrel. The gas block is equipped with manually adjustable gas regulator. The trigger unit, manual safety and feed system (magazines, bolt release etc) are also similar to the Ar-15 / M16. The SIG 716 Patrol rifles feature shorter 16 inch barrels and adjustable M4-type buttstocks. The SIG 516 Precision Sniper rifles have longer 20-inch heavy profile barrels and adjustable 'sniper' stock. In either version, barrels are chrome-lined. The sighting equipments is installed using integral Picatinny rail on the top of the receiver and on the additional 4 rails on the forend.
Military / LE only selective fire versions feature full-automatic and/or 3-round burst firing modes, civilian SIG 716 rifles will fire only in semi-automatic mode. SIG 716 rifles are compatible with current Armalite AR-10 Gen.2 magazines, which are available in 10- or 20-round capacities.

SIG 516 tactical rifle (USA)

SIG 516 Patrol rifle

SIG 516 Precision Marksman rifle

	SIG 516 Patrol	Sig 516 Precision Marksman
Caliber:	5.56x45 NATO / .223 Remington
Action	Gas operated, short stroke piston, rotary bolt locking
Overall length	920 ... 947 mm	914 ... 1003 mm
Barrel length	406 mm / 16"	457 mm / 18"
Weight, less magazine	3.3 kg	3.5 kg
Rate of fire (for MIL / LE versions only)	750 - 900 rounds per minute	n/a
Magazine capacity	30 rounds

The family of SIG 516 Tactical rifles is a most recent product of the US-based branch of the international arms maker SIG-Sauer . Intended primarily for the US markets, this family of weapons included two basic semi-automatic versions, intended for civilian and Law Enforcement markets. The same family also includes selective-fired "assault rifles", strictly intended for Government (LE and Military) use. The SIG 516 Tactical rifles are closely patterned after the Ar-15 / M16 family of rifles, but with certain improvements, such as piston-operated gas action with adjustable gas regulator. It is possible that select-fire version of the SIG 516 rifle will also compete for replacement of the current US Army's M4 carbine.

The SIG 516 Tactical rifles are gas operated weapons that use Ar-15 / M16 configuration, with aluminum alloy upper and lower receivers assembled by two captive cross-pins. The basic Ar-15 / M16-style rotary bolt gas operated action is improved with addition of the short-stroke gas piston that runs inside handguards, above the barrel. The gas block is equipped with manually adjustable gas regulator. The trigger unit, manual safety and feed system (magazines, bolt release etc) are also similar to the Ar-15 / M16. The SIG 516 Patrol rifles feature shorter 16 inch barrels and adjustable M4-type buttstocks. The SIG 516 Precision Marksman rifles have longer 18-inch barrels and adjustable 'sniper' stock. In either version, barrels are chrome-lined. The sighting equipments is installed using integral Picatinny rail on the top of the receiver and on the additional 4 rails on the forend.

Armalite AR-18 assault rifle (USA)

original AR-18 assault rifle, made by the Sterling Armaments of UK

the "reincarnated" AR-180B of recent manufacture. Semi-automatic only and with plastic lower receiver with integral pistol grip

Schematic view of the AR-18 (from the original Armalite patent, issued in 1968)

Caliber: 5.56x45 mm (.223 Remington M193)
Action: Gas operated, rotating bolt
Overall length: 940 mm (738 mm with folded stock)
Barrel length: 464 mm
Weight: 3.09 kg with empty 20 rounds magazine
Magazine capacity: 20, 30 or 40 rounds

The AR-18 rifle had been developed by the Armalite company (USA) by the George Sullivan, Arthur Miller and Charles Dorchester in the early 1960s. This rifle was designed for the international military market as a replacement for the AR-15 project, which had been sold to the Colt in 1959 by the Armalite's parent company, Fairchild Aircraft and Engine Corp. The AR-18 was designed as a competitor to the AR-15, which could be made at much less expenses and on simplified machinery, with the view to sell the manufacturing licenses for AR-18 to the third world countries. The AR-18 was a really successful design from a technical standpoint, but it come out too late to compete with both officially accepted and adopted AR-15/M16 rifle of American origin and already widespread AK-47 rifle of the Soviet origin. The Armalite company by itself made very few specimens of this rifle. The manufacturing license was consequently sold to the British company Sterling Armaments Co and to the Japanese company Howa Machinery co, but all three companies produced hardly over 20 000 rifles total, and the production of the AR-18 was ceased circa 1979 for some 20 years. It was originally available in the military AR-18 (selective fire) and AR-18S (selective fire, with short barrel) versions, and in AR-180 semi-automatic only version. But in the year 2001 the Armalite company resurrected the AR-180 design, in somewhat modified form. New rifle, intended mostly for the civilian and law enforcement markets, featured the same AR-18 layout and action, but discarded the stamped steel lower receiver and replaced it with the plastic lower, with AR-15-compatible magazine housing and AR-15-type trigger unit, which allowed for wider spare parts availability. The original folding buttstock and flash suppressor are replaced with the plastic fixed buttstock of the same shape and the muzzle recoil compensator, to comply with the current US firearms laws. The price of AR-180B is slightly lower than of the similar basic AR-15 type rifle, and the available user reports about AR-180B are generally quite positive.

The most interesting point about the AR-18 is that, while being a commercial failure, it served as a platform for some further development, which took place in various countries. First, the AR-18 design obviously served as a starting point for the ill-fated British SA80 / L85 bull-pup assault rifle, which can be loosely described as a bullpup-ed and weakened AR-18. Second, the AR-18 served as a starting point for the Singapore SAR-80 assault rifle, designed by the Chartered Industries of Singapore with the help of the George Sullivan (who designed the AR-18 itself). And third, the relatively new German Heckler - Koch G-36 assault rifle bears a lot of similarity internally to the AR-18.

Technical description.
The AR-18 is a gas operated, magazine fed, air cooling selective fire rifle. The gas action features a short piston stroke, rotating bolt locking mechanism. The gas chamber and piston are located above the barrel, and the piston has the cupped head and its own return spring. The square-shaped bolt carrier is mounted inside the receiver on two guide rods, with each rod carrying its own return spring. Both rods are linked by the special end plates so the whole bolt / bolt carrier / return springs / guide rods assembly can be removed from the rifle as a single unit, which greatly simplifies the field maintenance. The rotating bolt is somewhat similar in construction to the AR-15 bolt, and is rotated by the bolt pin, which is engaged in the curved cam track, cut in the bolt carrier. The charging handle is fixed to the right side of the bolt carrier and reciprocates when gun is fired.

The receiver is made from stamped sheet steel and consists of two parts - upper and lower. Both halves of the receiver are hinged one to another at the front of the receiver. The upper and lower parts are interlocked by the rear ends of the bolt carrier guide rods. AR-18 is field stripped by pressing the guide rods forward by the special lever at the rear of the receiver, then by the folding the lower receiver down and forward.

The controls consist of the trigger, safety - fire mode selector at the left side of the receiver (similar to one found on AR-15 / M16 type rifles), and the bolt stop. The available fire modes are single shots and full auto, or only single shots in AR-180 and AR-180B.

The forearm, the pistol grip and the buttstock are made from black plastic. The buttstock folds to the side to save the space, if required, and AR-15 can be fired with butt folded. The sling attachment points are located on the barrel, just ahead of the forearm, and at the butt of the pistol grip, so the sling position is not affected by the position of the foldable buttstock.

The sights consist of the hooded front post and the "L"-shaped flip-up diopter rear, also protected from sides by large "dog ears". Each AR-18 also was fitted with the scope mount at the top of the receiver by standard.

Ruger AC-556 assault rifle / Mini-14 GB rifle (USA)

Ruger AC556 assault rifle with 30-round magazine. Note the fire mod selector at the rear of receiver, above the trigger

Ruger AC556F assault rifle, with short barrel, 20-round magazine and stock opened

Ruger AC556F assault rifle, with stock folded

Ruger Mini-14/GB "paramilitary" rifle, less magazine

Ruger Mini-14/GB-F "paramilitary" rifle with folding stock, full-length barrel and 30-round magazine. Note lack of fire selector on receiver

Ruger Mini-14 rifle, original version (1980's production) with aftermarket magazine

Ruger Mini-14 "Ranch" rifle of pre-2005 production. Note receiver with integral scope mounts and folding rear sight

Ruger Mini-14 rifle, current version (as made since 2005). Note different front and rear sights and polymer handguard which covers most of the operating rod;

Ruger Mini-30 "Ranch" rifle of current manufacture, with polymer stock

Caliber: 5.56x45mm NATO (.223 Remington); also 7,62x39 M43 in Mini-30
Action: Gas operated, rotating bolt
Overall length: 943 mm (851 / 603 mm for AC-556F)
Barrel length: 470 mm (330mm for AC-556F)
Weight: 2,9 kg empty
Magazine capacity: 5, 10, 20 or 30 rounds detachable box magazines
Rate of fire: 750 rounds per minute (for AC-556 only)

Bill Ruger, one of leading US arms designers of post-WW2 period, began development of a new semi-automatic rifle circa 1970. The rifle was intended for either civilian and para-military use; it was patterned after current US issue military rifle, the M14, and was chambered for relatively new 5,56x45mm (.223 Remington) ammunition. Since its commercial introduction in 1973 the Ruger Mini-14 rifle found wide acceptance among both civilian shooters and a variety of police and security forces around the world. For government users, Ruger produced two specialized versions of the basic rifle - the Mini-14GB and AC-556. The former is still a semi-automatic only weapon, but is fitted with protected front sight, flash-hider and a bayonet lug. The latter is a selective-fired weapon, and thus can be classified as a true assault rifle. All weapons in the Mini-14 family share same basic design, although there are differences in certain parts; for example, AC-556 rifles had slightly longer receiver, which hosts the fire mode switch at its rear part.
The first major modification to the Mini-14 family appeared in 1978, when Ruger introduced an all-stainless version of the basic rifle. Until now, all Ruger Mini-14 rifles are available either in carbon or stainless steel versions. In around 1982 Ruger introduced its next civilian modification of the Mini-14, known as the "Ranch" rifle. This version was optimized for use with telescope sight, and thus was produced with integral scope bases on receiver. Ejection mechanism was changed to eject spent cases to the right side, clear of the scope, and rear sight was fitted on the folding base. In 1986, Ruger introduced a Mini-30 rifle, which was same basic weapon but adapted to 7,62x39 M43 ammunition of Russian origin. The last change in the Mini-14 line-up appeared as late as in 2005, when Ruger company introduced a new version of the Mini-14, which incorporated integral scope bases of the earlier "Ranch" rifles with protected front sight and non-folding diopter rear sight, which has smaller mount that of previous rifles.
In general, Mini-14 rifles are known for their good reliability and durability. Accuracy is usually quoted as somewhat inferior to AR-15 (M16)-type weapons, which are very popular in USA; however, Mini-14 rifles are accurate enough for most purposes, and are excellent weapons for hunting, home defense, and general plinking.

Ruger Mini-14 is gas operated, semi-automatic only weapon which uses Garand-type rotary bolt with two lugs. Action is operated by the long-stroke gas piston, which is located below the barrel and is concealed within forend of the stock. The gas piston has cup-shaped head, and is linked to the bolt via Garand-type operating rod which runs at the right side of the weapon. Manual safety also patterned after M1 Garand or M14 rifle, and is located at the front of the triggerguard. The selective-fire AC-556 hosts fire mode selection mechanism at the rear of the somewhat lengthened receiver. Fire mode selector is a separate switch on the right side of receiver, behind the ejection port. It has three positions - for single shots, 3-round bursts and full automatic fire.
Standard stock of the Mini-14 is of single-piece type, with semi-pistol grip and separate heatshiled above the barrel. Early Mini-14 rifles had wooden heatshiled which exposed operating rod; military-type Mini-14GB and AC-556 rifles, as well as current production civilian guns, feature polymer heatshields which over most of the operating rod. Over the time, Ruger also produced a folding-stock versions with wooden stock, plastic pistol grip and side-folding metallic shoulder stock. Ruger also makes "all-weather" polymer stocks for Mini-14 and Mini-30 rifles. It also must be noted that there are many aftermarket stocks for Mini-14 rifles.
Standard sights consist of a blade-type front and adjustable diopter-type rear sight; "Ranch" type rifles also had integral scope mounts on the receiver, which will accept proprietary Ruger scope rings.
Original magazine capacities for Mini-14 rifles were 10 or 20 rounds, but since infamous American "Assault weapons ban" of 1994 Ruger offered civilian Mini-14 rifles with magazines containing only 5 rounds; however, some magazine makers produced aftermarket magazines for Mini-14 and Mini-30 in capacities of up to 40 (box) and 90 (snail-drum) rounds.

Bushmaster M-17s rifle (USA)

Bushmaster M-17s rifle, left side view

Bushmaster M-17s rifle, right side view, with installed Red Dot sight

Caliber: 5.56x45 mm (.223 Remington)
Action: Gas operated, rotating bolt
Overall length: 760 mm
Barrel length: 546 mm
Weight: 3.72 kg empty
Magazine capacity: Accepts all M16/AR15 magazines, standard capacity 30 rounds

This interesting weapon started its life in around 1982, when a small Australian company Armstech decided to develop a new assault rifle for Australian army trials. Prototype weapons were produced in a very short amount of time, but Australian army eventually selected for adoption an already established foreign weapon, the Austrian-made Steyr AUG. Nevertheless, Armstech kept developing and produced a series of interesting weapons, all in bullpup layout (and some firing caseless ammunition of indigenous design), but neither went past prototype stage. In around 1990 Armstech went belly up, and rights to the rifle that fired conventional ammunition was sold to another Australian company, known as Edenpine. Further development at Edenpine resulted in SAK 30 prototype, but company found that there's no market for such weapon in peaceful Australia. Therefore, in early 1990s Edenpine found an American company, Bushmaster Firearms Inc, which finalized the prototype and put it into production in 1994, just before the infamous "Assault weapons ban". Bushmaster designated new rifle as M17s and produced it in somewhat limited numbers up until 2005, when it was dropped from Bushmaster products line. It must be noted that demise of Bushmaster M17s was caused mostly by general preferences of American gun market, which is rather shy on bullpups; therefore, Bushmaster company decided to concentrate on much better selling rifles, patterned after Ar-15 / M16 or M4.
The M17s is a self-loading rifle, and thus cannot be classified as a true "assault rifle". Nevertheless it could make a very good paramilitary of home defense weapon; it is also good plinker and all-around compact rifle in .223 caliber, combining rifle-length barrel with carbine-style short overall length.

The M17s rifle is gas operated weapon that uses short-stroke gas piston, located above the barrel. Locking is achieved by rotary bolt with seven lugs; bolt is hosted in massive Ar-18-style bolt carrier, which rides on dual guide rods. The charging handle is somewhat unusual as it forms the rear part of the integral carrying handle, and therefore it is fully ambidextrous. The cocking handle slot on the top of receiver is covered by sliding dust cover. The receiver of weapon is a composite affair, consisting of extruded aluminum upper part and polymer lower part. Upper part houses barrel, gas system and bolt group. Lower receiver is made integral with pistol grip and houses trigger unit and magazine housing. Upper and lower receivers are connected by two push-out cross-pins. Ejection port is made on the right side of the weapon only, and there's no provisions for left-hand ejection. Nevertheless, weapon is more or less ambidextrous in regard to controls, as push-button safety (located at the front of triggerguard) and magazine release buttons are made ambidextrous too. M17s will accept all M16 / Ar-15 type magazines. The top of the carrying handle is fitted with Weaver-style accessory rail which will accept any compatible scope mounts, and also hosts a rudimentary backup open sight.

TRW LMR - Low Maintenance Rifle (USA)

TRW LMR (Low Maintenance Rifle) in its final shape, right side, with attached M6 bayonet

TRW LMR (Low Maintenance Rifle) in its final shape, left side, with 30-round magazine attached

Caliber: 5.56x45mm M193
Action: Gas operated, locked by rollers
Overall length: 870 mm
Barrel length: 493 mm
Weight: 3.63 kg loaded
Rate of fire: 450 rounds per minute
Magazine capacity: 20 or 30 rounds

The Low Maintenance Rifle project was initiated by US Army as a result of field experiences, gained through Vietnam war. The standard issue M16 rifle was found to be very sensitive for improper maintenance, and it was decided to look for an infantry rifle, which could work with much less attention paid to routine maintenance, cleaning and lubrication. The one possible niche for such weapons was the "insurgency weapon" for various pro-US (or anti-communist) movements in the third world countries. Development of the LMR project was handled to the US company Thompson-Ramo-Wooldridge (TRW) Inc, and work commenced in 1971. Several prototype rifles were built between 1971 and 1973, when US Army decided to stop funding for LMR, as the Vietnam war was over, and M16A1 rifle was considered to be mature enough.
It must be noted that at least one LMR prototype was built for 5.6mm XM216 ammunition that fired saboted sub-caliber flechette projectile. However, most of LMR rifles were built for then-standard 5.56x45 M193 ammunition.
Required "low maintenance" was achieved by using new and improved corrosion-resistant coatings for all metallic parts, as well as thin layers of dry lubricants applied to all moving parts. The number of parts was also decreased, compared to the M16 rifle. TRW LMR was simple in use and could be disassembled and re-assembled without any tools.

TRW LMR is gas operated weapon that uses long-stroke gas piston, located at the right side of the barrel. Gas port is located near the muzzle, and gas block serves as a base for front sight. The barrel is enclosed in tubular metallic handguard with oval cooling slots. TRW fired only in full automatic mode, and from open bolt. Locking is achieved by a pair of rollers, that engage respective cuts in the barrel extension when in battery. Unlike most other roller-locked designs, LMR bolt had rollers at the top and the bottom, not at left and right. Charging handle was attached to the gas piston rod, and when turned down, locked the bolt in forward position for added safety. Trigger unit and pistol grip were borrowed from US M60 machine gun; manual safety was located at the left side of pistol grip. Magazine (of standard M16 pattern) was inserted horizontally from the left; empty cases were ejected to the right through the ejection port, which has dust cover that opens and closes automatically as gun is fired. Since the LMR was built into so called 'straight' or 'inline' layout, open sight were put onto high bases. front sight was of post type, rear sight was a flip-up diopter with two apertures. LMR combat capabilities could be further enhanced with addition of light, removable bipod and M6 bayonet, which was attached at the top of gas cylinder, to the right of the barrel axis.