The much anticipated MEGA Arms MATEN (.308) Tubular Monolithic upper receiver is finally here!  Many MATEN owners have been asking for a lightweight Tubular option to their already extremely popular Monolithic Quadrail upper and of course MEGA listened.  The new 12″ lightweight Tubular design features a true monolithic 12 o’clock 1913 Picatinny rail while the remaining area has been machined to a smooth round surface.  It’s also modular in the fact that you can add small 1913 rail sections the the handguard for mounting accessories if needed.  

I personally own a MEGA Arms lower receiver and can vouch for the quality and craftsmanship of these pieces.  If you are looking to build a .308 AR based rifle the MATEN platform is the way to go.  Check out the rest of the details and pics below. 

MEGA Arms MATEN (.308) 12″ Tubular Monolithic Upper.  Comes with barrel nut, barrel nut wrench and dust cover installed.

*Will only work with MEGA MATEN Lowers.

Features:
-  True billet monolithic design, but light-weight
-  Single Top Rail with Smooth hand guard, featuring multiple holes for modular rail attachments
-  Redesigned dust cover hinge pin for a quality appearance
-  7075-T6 aircraft grade aluminum alloy
-  Redesigned barrel nut and thread allows use of any stock barrel
-  Barrel nut and wrench included
-  QD Swivels attachment points with limited rotation
-  Deep Black Milspec anodize – Best in the Industry

You can purchase the new MEGA Arms MATEN Tubular Monolithic Upper from RainierArms.com. 

Rob from Off The Grid Concepts just emailed me a pic of their new 3X Mag Carrier for the AR-15 and it looks pretty sweet.  The 3X Mag Carrier was designed to be mounted to the front of an SKD Pig Plate Carrier but will also work with any similar Plate Carrier that offers at least 8 Molle panels on the front.  It’s mounted securely in place using Malice Clips and Shock Cord which will help it stay flush with the Plate Carrier and out of your way during use.  If you’re familiar with OTG Concepts you’ll already know that they make some pretty impressive Kydex products and I’m sure this new 3X Mag Carrier will be just as nice.  Check out the details and pic below. 

Details:

-  Fits on a SKD PIG (or similar Plate Carriers that have at least 8 Molle Panels).
-  Takes up 8 molle panels.
-  Made from .8 thick kydex and features user adjustable retention screws.
-  No need for additional bungee or flaps.
-  Very fast to index and reload as well as retain spent mags if needed.
-  Mounts via Malice clips and shock cord cables.

Available Colors:  Black, Coyote, Marpat, Desert Marpat, Tan, OD green, Pink, Clear, Carbon fiber look.

Price:  $105 – $120 depending on color option chosen.

*Currently these are ordered by calling OTGC directly at 877-226-7021 or emailing them at info@offthegridconcepts.com  Hopefully later tonight they will have them for sale on the website at OffTheGridConcepts.com. 

The NEW Battle Arms Development CASS-SA (Combat Ambi Safety Selector Semi Auto) and CASS-SA-ST (Short Throw) are finally here.  The CASS-SA and CASS-SA-ST are both beefed up versions of the very popular BAD-A.S.S. which is widely regarded as the best Ambi Safety Selector on the market. 

These new Safety Selectors are still modular but feature a dovetail design that takes all of the torque away from the assembly screws that hold the levers in place.  This means there is an even lower possibility of the screws coming loose during use.  However, with the new dovetail design, if the screw does come out the lever will stay in place and not just fall off.  The CASS-SA uses the standard 90 degree “Safe” and “Fire” designations while the CASS-SA-ST is a Short Throw selector that is designed to be used in lower receivers that have been machined with a the “Safe” and “Fire” designations in the correct locations.  If you’re are serious about having only the best parts for your battle rifle you need one of these!  Check out the details and pics below! 

Each Retail Package Comes With:

• (1) SAFETY BAR/AXIS
• (2) LEVERS - CHOOSE ANY (2) LEVER COMBINATION
• (2) TORX SCREWS
• (1) HARDENED STAINLESS STEEL SAFETY DETENT (by KNS Precision)
• (1) T10 TORX L-Key
• Precision CNC Machined from Solid Bar Stock Steel!
• MADE IN U.S.A.
• PATENT PENDING

Click HERE to purchase the CASS-SA!

Click HERE to purchase the CASS-SA-ST!

 JTECH Gear just announced a few new items to their already extensive list of Tactical Gear.  These new products are fully licensed by the United States Marine Corps and include a really nicely designed Plate Carrier called the Aegis IV which is constructed using highly durable 1000 Denier Nylon and features not only front and rear Ballistic Plates but also Side Plates as well.  They also released a new USMC Pistol Retention Lanyard and a new USMC MK-24 Sling.  I’ve personally handled some JTECH Gear and I can tell you that they don’t cut any corners.  Quite a few of their products are in use with SWAT and LE teams around the US and abroad.  If you’re looking for some new Tac Gear you should check these guys out.  I’ve included the specs and pics for these items below. 

OEM by J-TECH for JAG Precision, the Aegis IV is an exclusively produced and distributed, high quality plate carrier that is fully licensed by the United States Marine Corps. The plate carrier is made of heavy duty 1000 Denier Coyote Tan nylon and the material is made in USA. It is capable of holding standard front and rear SAPI & ESAPI as well as SIDE SAPI in the integral pockets for MILSIM / sports use. Special design and unique properties of the internal padding not only promotes ventilation and comfort but more importantly a significant reduction in impacts.

JTECH USMC Aegis IV Plate Carrier

The USMC Fully endorsed plate carrier features the following;

• 1000 Denier Nylon material made in USA
• OEM by Jtech in Taiwan, a US Ally
• Heavy duty hook and loop closure
• Fully adjustable external cummerbunds with handles
• 2″ mil-spec webbing Inner girth adjustment strap with quick release buckles.
• Side SAPI pockets for MILSIM purpose.
• 1″ Mil-spec MOLLE webbing
• Shoulder pads feature a high friction material to keep the vest in place
• Rear drag handle runs full length of the back panel to provide the maximum strength
• Shoulder straps run full length of front and rear panels
• Fully Adjustable for height and girth
• YKK Buckles for quick release
• Secure Kangaroo Pouch for documents/maps
• 2″x9.5″ Hook & Loop patch panel
• Weight: 4.35 Lbs
• Click HERE to buy!  Price:  $140

OEM by J-Tech Gear for distribution by JAG Precision, this high quality Pistol Retention Lanyard is fully licensed by the United States Marine Corps. The Pistol Retention Lanyard is a rubberized coyote brown coil cord which is invaluable during high stress activities such as airborne and maritime operations to reduce the possibility of losing the sidearm.  It is usable with any sidearm having a lanyard loop by means of a girth hitch.  The lanyard is very useful during Close Quarters Battle by also reducing the possibility of the weapon being taken away from the operator. In the event of such a situation, with adequate training, the operator may be able to recover and disarm the threat and recover his or her sidearm.  For added operator safety, the lanyard will break away in the event of entanglement at around 100 pounds of force. There is also a quick release buckle to swiftly add and remove from a belt without having to remove the user’s belt for installation.

JTECH USMC Pistol Retention Lanyard

Key Features
- Protects pistol against accidental loss or theft
- Officially licensed by the USMC, features USMC logo
- Made of virtually tough 1000D Nylon

Compatibility
- Compatible with any pistol that has lanyard loop

- Click HERE to purchase!  Price: $19.00

OEM by J-Tech Gear and distributed by JAG Precision, the high quality Mk-24 2-Point Sling is fully licensed by United States Marine Corps. The Mk-24 sling is quite possibly the last sling you will ever need to buy. This design does it all, and comfortably. The quick adjustment features allow you to secure and retain the weapon in a low ready position, keeping the rifle close by for immediate deployment. Should the need arise to present the rifle, the operator can simply pull on the release cord and lift the rifle back into firing position simultaneously. Should the need for a shoulder transition arise, the operator simply slips one arm through the sling in a quick, efficient motion. The sling is constructed of 1000D nylon and features YKK buckles and hardware.

JTECH MK-24 Sling

Key Features
- Comfortably supports rifle against the body for quick deployment
- Officially licensed by the USMC, features USMC logo
- Made of virtually tough 1000D Nylon

Product Specs:
Length: Adjustable for any personal preference
Weight: 5oz
Materials: 1000D Nylon
Color: Camel Tan

Package Includes:
USMC Licensed Mk-24 1″ Tactical Sling

Compatibility
- Compatible with any pistol that has lanyard loop

-Click HERE to purchase!  Price: $19.00

It has been a long time coming since Propper first introduced their coverall camouflage tactical shirt.  Now the TAC.U Combat shirt is available in versatile MultiCam pattern.  The popular design will still feature durable Battle Rip Sleeves and a lightweight 60% cotton and 40% polyester torso.  This material provides for a comfortable wear with moisture wicking in hot weather or during intense activity.   

The MultiCam camouflage print on the torso allows for you to wear the combat shirt on its own for full concealment, but functions perfectly in combination armor carriers, rigs, and other kit worn in tandem. With the growing acceptance of MultiCam in the law enforcement, military, and tactical community at large, we are impressed with the end product Propper is offering.  

Most sizing is in stock now and will ship immediately if in at the time of order, but given the demand over the past year for this combat shirt in MultiCam, we are setting shipping for the start of March when larger quantities arrive. Full specs and immediate ordering are now available at: PredatorBDU.com

I’ve been slowly making a few purchases to add to our 300 Blackout complete upper build.  I showed you last week that I am using a Wilson Combat RECON Match 16″ Fluted SS barrel and their Accu-Tac flash hider.  These next few items are much smaller parts but are just as integral in making this a really cool build.  It seems like everyone is talking about 300 Blackout right now so I’m going to be showing you every part I use.  That way you can either copy my build or customize the list of items so yours will look the way you want it to.  As always, feel free to email or call me if you have any questions.  Check out these cool items below.  

As I thought about having two different complete uppers (one 5.56 and one 300 Blackout) I realized that there may come a time that someone would need to be able to differentiate between the two uppers.  The 300 Blackout upper really  has no defining features that would say “Hey, I’m a 300 Blackout Upper”.  I was able to fix the problem by buying two new dust covers from Wilson Combat.

These are no run of the mill dust covers though.  These are the nicest dust covers I’ve seen.  I know you’re thinking “They’re just dust covers” but they aren’t.  These are Black Armor-Tuff Coated and have a very clean, easy to read Caliber Designation listed on the outside.  I purchased one that says 5.56 NATO and one that says 300 AAC.  I love it and now I don’t have to say “The one with the fluting is the 300 Blackout!”.    While doing some online shopping on online I also purchased one of their Carbine length Gas Tubes.  Not going to go on a rabbit trail on how awesome this gas tube is but it seems to be very nicely made. 

Another piece that I picked up was the Phase 5 Tactical ABL/CHA (Ambi Battle Latch / Charging Handle Assembly).  I wanted to go all out on the parts for this build and this is the baddest Charging Handle I’ve ever held.  One of the things they addressed with the ABL/CHA is the main weak point of the standard CH which is the roll pin.  The standard charging handle uses a .0625 roll pin that allows the latch to pivot.  This has been proven to fail during hard use which is not good when it happens.  Phase 5 Tactical tripled the size of the pin using a .1875 Coiled Roll Pin which should make this one nearly indestructible.  

I’m also a big fan of making my AR as ambidextrous as possible.  I’ve see other CH’s that use an additional latch on the ejection port side but I really like the feel of how Phase 5 Tactical’s ABL/CHA works.  If you want to charge the weapon using your right hand you place your hand in the same position as you would normally but on the opposite side, then press with your thumb on the extended lever to release the handle.  Works perfect!

This entire build will be done using AMERICAN MADE parts only!  All Wilson Combat and Phase 5 Tactical parts are 100% MADE IN THE USA!! 

You can purchase the Wilson Combat components at www.ShopWilsonCombat.com.

You can purchase the Phase 5 Tactical ABL/CHA at www.Phase5Tactical.com.

We’ve had so many people asking about the new Noveske NSR Handguard but didn’t have a whole ton of information to give you guys.  The only person that I know who has had any real experience with it so far is Stickman so I figured I would at least give you what information I could find online and share some of Stickman’s photos to drool over.    The Noveske NSR Handguard is going to be a game changer.  Its another step in the direction of eliminating the dependance on 1913 picatiny rails which will make adding/removing accessories quick and easy.  Not to mention drastically reducing not only the weight of the handguard itself but also reducing its size.  I’m really excited to see the new NSR Accessories that will be coming out soon and I’ll be sure to share them with you when that happens.  Until then, you’ll just have to check out the information from Noveske below as well as some pics from Stick.  Check it out!  

The NSR handguard was designed with the goal of being the lightest and smallest free floating forend option to the M16 family of weapons. The width of the NSR handguard before accessories have been installed is only 1.48″ The NSR handguard will be available for sale as standard equipment on our rifles and upper assemblies, as well as a separate component for sale to the public. On rifles and upper assemblies including the Vltor MUR upper receiver, the NSR handguard comes pinned to the upper receiver for perfect alignment of the 1913 top rails, and creates an anti-rotation interface with the upper receiver the same as our existing Lo-Pro offerings. We plan to offer this in 7″, 9″, 11″, 13″, and 16″ lengths.

The KeyMod inter-locking rail system is a collaboration between Vltor Weapon Systems and Noveske Rifleworks. Separately, both companies were in development of their own systems, but later realizing that both systems were similar, a standardization of the KeyMod system came to be.

The KeyMod system offers a mounting platform for a variety of (future) accessories and components. The days of the Picatinny Rail (MIL-STD-1913) are numbered. The future of the direct mountable accessory is here and now. The KeyMod self-contained components/mounting hardware index and V-block onto the platform, achieving a secured and accurate hold to the system, while separate lugs take the recoil force off the fasteners. The pass through attachment method eliminates the need for loose screws and backing plates that can easily be lost, or difficult to install. Another advantage of the KeyMod system over the 1913 system is the direct attach eliminates the need for the 1913 system as a “middle Man” thereby reducing weight and accessory off-set from the center of the handguard.

Finally, in the near future, the direct-mount KeyMod components will include items such as, 1913 rail sections, polymer covers (in various lengths and colors), hand stops, QD-Sling Mounts, bipods, K9 barricade supports and more. Also, the NSR handguard system will have an optional heat shield which installs through the front and does not occupy any KeyMod holes. Please follow our website for future KeyMod developments.

Noveske NSR Handguard Accessories

You can keep tabs on the development and availability of the Noveske NSR Handguard on NoveskeRifleWorks.com or on the Noveske Rifleworks Facebook Page.

If you are anything like me and just can’t get enough of STICKMAN’s awesome photography, you should check out Stickman’s article on Military Times – Gear Scout featuring the Noveske NSR.  You can also follow his photography work on the official Stickman Facebook Page and Flickr Account.

*Information above courtesy of NoveskeRifleworks.com.  Images are courtesy Stickman/Military Times – Gear Scout and NoveskeRifleworks.com. 

Battle Arms Development is definitely going to be one of the AR-15 Accessory manufacturers to watch in 2012.  They will not only have quite a few brand new products to announce this year but they will also be upgrading some of their current offerings as well.  Much of this can be attributed to a $500,000 investment into what they are referring to as their “Secret Weapon”.  I asked George (President of BAD) if he could expound on what items may be available this year (I’ve heard rumblings about a BAD LPK for the last year).  Read below to see George’s resonse and a video of BAD’s new “Secret Weapon” in action.  

FROM GEORGE:

“The Swiss machine is going to be making all of our safety selectors in the future as it is far more efficient and less room for error.

Our new products will be a MP15-22 version of the BAD-ASS.  We’re also looking at the ACR and SCAR versions next.

Also, many people had been asking about a Semi Auto Version of the BAD-CASS (full auto selector) with the stronger DOVETAIL lever attachment.  That will be available soon as well.

The recently Patented BAD-T1 will be machined on this new machine as well as other cylindrical parts for the LPK such as the take down pins, hammer/trigger pins, etc.

That’s all I can reveal for now.”

There it is again!  He said “…the LPK…”!  I can tell you, if their new products are half as good as their current ones we are looking at an exciting year from Battle Arms Development.  Check out the video of BAD’s new Swiss Machine (AKA Secret Weapon) in action below.

If you are unfamiliar with what Battle Arms Development has to offer you should check out BattleArmsDevelopment.com.  Their BAD-ASS (Ambi Safety Selector) is by far the nicest ambi safety on the market. 

You can also keep up to speed if you “Like” Battle Arms Development on Facebook!

More and more we’ve been getting the question “Where can I find a good quality scope for my AR-15 without breaking the bank?”.  That’s not always an easy answer but my first recommendation is always “Check out Nikon.  They make great affordable glass!”.  Well apparently Nikon wants to make sure that even more AR-15 owners can afford their awesome scopes and have come out with two new scopes designed with the .223/5.56 round in mind that will retail for less than $200.  The P-223 3-9×40 is outfitted with their BCD 600 reticle while the P-223 3×32 is features their BDC Carbine Reticle.  Both are also equipped with another nice upgrade over your conventional inexpensive scope which is the Tactical-style Zero Reset Turrets.  The “BANG” for your buck on these are going to be tough to beat.  Check out the pics and specs below! 

Nikon P-223 3-9X40 BDC 600

The P-223 3×32 Carbine is an incredibly compact optic designed specifically for fast-handling, shorter barrel ARs. The all-new, fast-sighting BDC Carbine reticle was developed specifically for the 3×32 and .223 Remington cartridge to make engaging targets quickly and accurately both in-close and out to 600 yards. With tactical-style turrets with Zero-Reset feature to simplify field adjustments, the 3×32, like all Nikon AR riflescopes, is optimized for use with Nikon Spot On Ballistic Match Technology. Spot On allows you to discover all of the exact aiming points on the BDC carbine reticle for your exact ammunition and load.

The P-223 3×32 will be available soon for just $149.95.  Click HERE to read more on the Nikon Hunting website.

Nikon P-223 3X32 BDC Carbine