RUAG Copper-Matrix SX: Safe Short Distance Steel Shooting

RUAG, which sells civilian ammunition under the brand name “RWS,” has a new and interesting ammunition they were showing off at NDIA. Their ammunition uses a solid copper bullet designed to shatter upon impact with a solid object such as a steel plate. RUAG claims that the minimum safe distance to target for this ammunition is “arms length.” Yes, you read that right. And that was a claim that we refused to believe until we saw it. Well, we just saw it . . .

Read more

Gun Review: MilKor M32 MGL Shoulder-Fired Grenade Launcher


When you absolutely positively have to blow something up, accept no substitutes. Opt for a shoulder-fired grenade launcher. South Africa’s MilKor produces a fine example of the breed: the M32 semi-automatic shoulder-fired grenade launcher. At the risk of losing any claim of journalistic objectivity, the moment a MilKor company rep handed me a loaded M32 was one of the happiest moments of my life . . .

Read more

Scoop Video! FNH SCAR PDW In Action

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U6DOClA_w0M FNH USA has been working on an experimental “personal defense weapon” version of the SCAR, and was showing it off at the NDIA symposium this week. With a little help from David Crane at Defense Review (who also doubled as cameraman for this video) I was able to fire off a couple shots. What … Read more

NDIA: Giggle Switches EVERYWHERE

It’s all over. The conference closing ceremonies were held this morning. Two hours later we were on the range blowing shit up. The final cease fire was called around 4:30 PM, much to the dismay of the shooters. Right now I’m sitting in the Indianapolis airport (how I got through security reeking of gunpowder and high explosives I will never know), still coming down off the adrenaline rush. I fired more machine guns than I have ever seen in my life, including a grenade launcher and a couple of experimental guns. I’ll be providing a range report for each and every one including video… first thing Monday morning. Until then, here’s some of my favourite pictures I snapped this afternoon.

Read more

NDIA: Report on the XM-25

Major Chris Connoly just presented a report here at NDIA on the effectiveness of the XM-25 Individual Semi-Automatic Airburst System in combat in Afghanistan. Major Connoly was in charge of the first Forward Operational Assessment, or FOA, of the XM-25 in Afghanistan and was present for some of the first shots fired in anger by this weapons system. He presented some interesting results of the FOA, and I thought you all might enjoy some of the nuggets from his talk . . .

Read more

TTAG at the NDIA Small Arms Symposium

The National Defense Industrial Association is holding their annual symposium on small arms systems this week in Indianapolis, Indiana. I’m flying out tomorrow morning to cover it. There’s going to be all sorts of interesting talks and events and a live fire demonstration at the nearby military base. Needless to say, there will be many pictures, much video, and salivation all around over the latest and greatest in small arms weaponry. Make the jump to see the exhibits and events I’m going to be paying close attention to…

Read more