Issue link: https://let.epubxp.com/i/473011
www.officer.com March 2015 Law Enforcement Technology 35 Beretta ARX 100 I also got to shoot the Beretta ARX 100, a 5.56 platform that is completely ambi- dextrous. The ARX 100 is a short stroke piston gun that is mostly polymer. It can be switched from a right-handed user to a left-handed user in about 30 seconds, without tools. This switch includes the charging handle and ejection, a feat that would leave many engineers scratching their heads. Users can even swap bar- rels quickly. I found the fact that the controls are within easy reach and the system is well integrated. This is a well executed design. Armalite M-15 Tactical (M15TAC16) Armalite released an octagonal profile key mod AR-15 with MAGPUL furniture at a very reasonable price. It comes in 16 inches (1/7-inch)and 18 inches (1/8- inch) barrels. I handled the 16-inch and decided Armalite has really produced a great patrol rifle here. LaRue MBT-2S Trigger I've heard that Mark LaRue is on a quest for accuracy, and while I was looking at the new SIETE Interceptar, a long range 300 Win Mag bolt gun, Mark talked me through it. This was designed to be a 1,200-yard gun, using a LaRue Action and 22-inch free floating barrel on an Accuracy International chassis. I did not get to shoot this, but I plan to get it downrange. What I can talk about firsthand is the LaRue MBT, that is Meticulously Built Trigger. Mark told me they took it on as a challenge to create a two-stage trig- ger with crisp and reliable engagement. The MBT is made of S7 tool steel plates and is a drop in upgrade to the AR-15 platform. After checking out the booth I got a chance to try an installed MBT on the range. There are plenty of trigger products out there. However, most of them address a need for sports users. First, a two stage trigger, which uses a spring loaded cou- pling instead of the front of the trigger assembly for engagement, produces a reliable feel for each shot. Second, this trigger breaks at a consistent 4.5 pounds (2.5+2.0) with a smooth reset. This duplicates the stock product, with a better locking action. What I'm saying here is that the LaRue MBT just became the answer for agencies using DLA (Military Surplus) guns and the drop in upgrade for most law enforcement AR-15s that any armor- er can install. Mark LaRue's a character all right. He just upped the ante for the entire industry. HPF Wraith I did not get a chance to shoot the Houlding Precision Firearms Wraith, but since they are only a couple of hours away, I plan to visit and run a few rounds through one. As everyone knows, I have a Houlding upper on my favorite AR-15 platform and my presence is noted up to a half kilometer away with it. The HPF Wraith is an ideal tool for 3-Gunners, but we have to look at the innovation this way: The racing industry At Left: Badger Ordnance Tactical Titanium parts stand out on a black frame. Although the parts were designed to shave weight on performance guns, titanium also has wear capabilities that might enhance reliability. Below: Speer's Gold Dot G2 is an upgraded version of the Gold Dot with record solid performance in law enforcement. I am curious how the base product could be improved. If Speer says it is better, it must be an overachiever. The elastomer filling should improve its performance in soft barriers at the very least. a H o u l d i n g u p p e r o n m f o r 3 - G u n n e r s , b u t w e h i n n o v a t i o n t h i s w a y : T h Houlding Precision Firearms' lightweight HPF Wraith, a 6.5-pound AR-15, uses high quality carbon fiber extensively. I'm looking forward to shooting this one. The C191GP JaniSong from SpyderCo is probably the most coveted of the balisong-type knives that will not be available in the U.S., which means everyone, including me, will be scrambling to get one. Michael Janich designed it and he talked me through it at SHOT. Its patented mechanism has a rotating inner handle that operates in a similar manner, but is safer. The steel is flat ground S30V stainless and the scales are G10.