The SAR 223 is one of two AR rifles from Turkish gun-maker Sarsilmaz which are new to American shooters. The SAR 223 serves as a standard-configuration AR carbine chambered in 5.56mm.
The SAR 223 has a foldable stock which makes the rifle shorter and it provides easier handling. The integrated Picatinny Rail allows the user to mount lots of accessories such as laser pointers, flash lights, night visions, and flip-up sights. And as an assault rifle it can be mounted with combat accessories such as 40mm grenade launchers.
Turkish-made guns have a reputation for value and quality, and Sarsilmaz has been in the gun business for over 100 years. For more information, visit sarsilmaz.com.
New for 2014, Turkish-based manufacturer Sarsilmaz has released the new SAR 109 submachine gun. Scroll down to watch a video showcasing the SAR 109.
The Sarsilmaz SAR 109 has a barrel length of 220 mm (8.6″) and is chambered for 9x19mm ammunition. In addition, it weighs 4.9 pounds and has a muzzle velocity of 385 meters (2.6 feet) per second. The Sarsilmaz SAR 109 also has a picatinny rail which makes it easy for the user to mount accessories without having to employ the use of tools. This submachine gun has an overall length of 640mm (25.1″) when folded and 740mm (29.1″) when extended. It is capable of shooting 900 to 1000 rounds per minute.
This new gun from Sarsilmaz has the look of a regular AR-15, but the frames are smaller. It is a lightweight, modular, easy-to-operate blowback action submachine gun which is available for commercial (Semi-Automatic TE 54) and tactical use.
Sarsilmaz is a leading manufacturer of pistols, shotguns, military weapons and firearms technology in Turkey. The manufacturing process takes place in the Izmir Atatürk Organized Industrial Zone (IAOIZ), which is a 100,000 square meters outdoor and 36,400 square meters indoor facility located in the Düzce province. Sarsilmaz currently exports to 72 different countries around the world, and their products are used by the Turkish Ministry of Defense and all units within the Turkish Armed Forces. The company has been around for 133 years.
AR: The letters stand for “Armalite,” but you’d be forgiven for thinking it means “America’s Rifle.” In the United States, no long-gun platform is more popular—a fact pretty well evidenced by the sheer number of ARs being made and brought to market year after year after year. And, 2014 is shaping up to be no exception, with virtually every AR maker complementing its existing product line with new releases in a wide variety of lengths, colors and chamberings. To help the AR enthusiast navigate the perhaps imposing lineup of 2014 products, we’ve assembled a list of 25 AR rifles that especially caught our eye. From 5.56mm SBRs to 3-Gun tack drivers to wooden-stocked hunting guns, we’ve run the gamut, picking an exciting array of new rifles from established AR all-stars, like Colt and Daniel Defense, and bold up-and-comers whose names you’ve perhaps never heard. ‘Til now.
Adams Arms COR Ultra Lite Adams Arms has unveiled its new COR (Competition Optic Ready) Ultra Lite rifle for 2014. This 5.56mm, AR-style carbine features a 16.5-inch, ultra-light barrel; a low-mass, skeletonized bolt carrier group; a Hiperfire 24C competition trigger; and a VooDoo Innovations Jet compensator. The COR Ultra Lite Rifle can be purchased in a Kryptek camouflage pattern.
ATI Omni Hybrid American Tactical Imports (ATI) has unveiled the Omni Hybrid, a new fiberglass-composite polymer lower receiver for a 5.56mm AR. But unlike most polymers lowers, this one is steel-reinforced with an insert. It includes an integrated enhanced triggerguard and a beveled magazine well, and weighs 0.5 ounces less than a traditional aluminum receiver. ATI also offers it as part of a complete rifle with an aluminum upper receiver and a Melonite-coated, 15-inch barrel.
Bushmaster Enhanced Crimson XM15E2 Bushmaster’s new Enhanced Crimson XM15E2 is a 3-Gun AR rifle with rather unique-looking crimson red anodized upper and lower receivers. The rifle has many extra features, including a stainless steel, 16-inch barrel, a Rolling Thunder compensator, custom carbon-fiber handguards, a Timney trigger, Magpul furniture and a PVD-coated bolt carrier group. This package represents all of the most popular upgrades for 3-Gun competition in a factory rifle.
CMMG MK4 T-Series
The new Mk4 T-Series of AR carbines from CMMG is value priced but feature heavy. Chamberings in this versatile line include 9mm, 5.56mm, 300 Blackout or .22 LR, and the rifles have 16-inch barrels in either 416 stainless or 4140 nitrided chrome-moly steel, free-floating KeyMod handguards, full-length flattop upper receivers, single-stage triggers and collapsible stocks.
Colt LE6940AE-3G 3-Gun competitions have really taken off in popularity, and now Colt is getting into the action with its new LE6940AE-3G AR carbine. Chambered in 5.56mm, the rifle has a direct gas-impingement system, an extended-length rail system and fully ambidextrous controls. The 16.1-inch barreled Colt LE6940AE-3G will not be available until late 2014.
In the meantime, please visit colt.com for more information.
Daniel Defense MK12
The new MK12 from Daniel Defense is a commercial version of SOCOM’s designated AR. This 5.56mm rifle promises to be a tack driver with its 18-inch stainless steel barrel, Geissele two-stage trigger and 12-inch, free-floated quad rail handguard. The commercial version will also feature a Daniel Defense proprietary buttstock, pistol grip (with trigger guard) and forward vertical grip, all ergonomically designed with rubber overmolding.
DoubleStar Star-10 DoubleStar’s new Star-10 is a full-billet rifle chambered in 7.62mm NATO with an enhanced mag well and an outstanding two-stage trigger. Other features include a deep blue anodized finish, an 18-inch fluted stainless steel barrel and an Ace Hammer stock. The enlarged triggerguard incorporates detailed machining.
DPMS GII .308 SASS DPMS has introduced a completely redesigned .308 AR for 2014. Three years in the making, the GII .308 AR SASS from DPMS will be a game changer. The rifle is much closer in its weight and dimensions to a standard .223 M4 than any other .308-caliber AR and is loaded with features and improvements, including a reinforced extractor, dual ejectors, a monolithic bolt carrier group, a redesigned bolt head and steel feed ramps. Most revolutionary, the GII will also accept most standard AR handguards for easy upgrades and versatility.
FNH USA FN 15 FNH USA has begun making all-american AR rifles and carbines. The FN 15 series marks the first time that a complete FN AR rifle will be available for commercial sale. These weapons are as close to the military-contract rifles American soldiers are using today.
The 5.56mm FN 15 Carbine has a 16-inch chrome-lined, alloy steel barrel and is available in 5.56mm NATO. The polymer forearm and butt stock are both black, and the stock is collapsible into six positions, making the total length 31.9 inches at its shortest and 35.2 inches at its longest. The FN 15 Carbine also features an A2-style compensator and a 1:7-inch RH twist rate. It comes with fixed A2-style front sights, a removable M4-style rear carrying handle, and one GI pattern 30-round aluminum magazine.
The 5.56mm FN 15 Rifle has a 20-inch chrome-lined, alloy steel barrel and is available in 5.56mm NATO. The polymer forearm and fixed butt stock are both black, and the total length is 39.5 inches. The FN 15 Rifle also features an A2-style compensator and a 1:7-inch RH twist rate. It comes with fixed A2-style front sights, a removable M4-style rear carrying handle, and one GI pattern 30-round aluminum magazine.
High Standard Enforcer & Crusader
For 2014, High Standard has released two new AR carbines designed to meet the needs of the tactical market without breaking the bank. The Enforcer is available in 5.56mm with a 15-inch barrel with a 1-in-9-inch twist rate and a full quad-rail handguard. It also includes standard flip-up front and rear sights, forward vertical grip, and it is also available in 300 Blackout. The Crusader model is chambered in 5.56mm, has a 1-in-7-inch twist rate barrel, a two-stage trigger and an ambidextrous safety.
JP Enterprises Always Be Ready
JP Enterprises and 5.11 Tactical have teamed up to create three new rifle models for 2014 that all feature a custom storm grey Cerakote and 5.11 Tactical logos. The “Always Be Ready” series offers three distinct models. The SCR-11 is a competition rifle in .223 or 300 Blackout. The JP-15 is a .223 perfect for military or law enforcement operators. And the LRP-07 is a .308 rifle customized for precise long-range accuracy.
Lancer L30
Lancer has unleashed its new L30 series of 7.62mm rifles. Several variations will soon be available, including the Modern Battle Rifle, a carbine-sized, full-power gun. The rifle comes standard with a 16-inch barrel, a carbon-fiber free-floating handguard, an Ergo grip, a collapsible stock and an ambidextrous rear single-point sling attachment. All L30 rifles also feature changeable magazine well extensions and billet upper and lower receivers. For more information, visit lancer-systems.com.
Top 25 AR Rifles for 2014 | LMT SLK8
LMT SLK8
The new SLK8 rifle from Lewis Machine & Tool (LMT) is specifically designed to meet the needs of 3-Gun shooters. The SLK8 features a match-grade, stainless steel barrel with a 1-in-7.5-inch twist rate and 5R cut rifling for superior accuracy (available in 16- and 20-inch lengths). The 5.56mm rifle also features an ambidextrous magazine release, a two-stage match trigger and an exclusive Ergo grip. For more information, visit lewismachine.net.
Top 25 AR Rifles for 2014 | LWRCI M6 IC PSD
LWRCI M6 IC PSD
Based on LWRCI’s Individual Carbine (IC) platform, this 5.56mm rifle combines an 8.5-inch barrel with an Ultra Compact stock (1 inch shorter than the Compact stock). The M6 IC PSD rifle is also outfitted with a patent-pending ARM-R rail system, featuring a removable top portion and a return-to-zero system that requires no tools. The carbine-length rail over the low-profile gas block provides plenty of room for adding sights and accessories. The M6 IC PSD rifle combines submachine gun size with a battle rifle cartridge and LWRCI’s ultra-reliable gas-piston operating system, offering the professional shooter never-before-realized capabilities in one sweet little package. For more information, visit lwrci.com.
Top 25 AR Rifles for 2014 | Precision Reflex Tactical Operator
Precision Reflex Tactical Operator
The rifle is available in 5.56mm NATO with either a Douglas (16-inch, 1-in-8-inch twist) or a Bergara barrel (17-inch, 1-in-9-inch twist), or in 300 AAC Blackout with the Douglas barrel. The round, rifle-length handguard is built using carbon fiber, aluminum and steel with extended rails, flip-up rear and front sights and a custom muzzle brake. For more information, visit precisionreflex.com.
Rock River Arms X-1 Series
The new X-1 ARs from Rock River Arms all feature 18-inch, fluted, stainless steel barrels, free-floating handguards, Hogue pistol grips, custom muzzle brakes, enlarged triggerguards, two-stage triggers, furniture in either black or tan and fixed or collapsible stocks. They are available in 5.56mm NATO, 7.62mm NATO, 6.8 SPC and .458 SOCOM. The 7.62mm NATO models also include an ambidextrous trigger-finger-activated bolt-hold-open. For more information, visit rockriverarms.com.
Ruger SR-762
For 2014, Ruger has introduced the semi-auto, piston-operated SR-762 carbine chambered in 7.62mm NATO. The SR-762 offers a 20+1 capacity, is lightweight and includes a smooth-sided, round handguard; a chrome-plated, two-stage piston with a four-position adjustable gas regulator; and a chrome-lined barrel with a 1-in-10-inch twist rate. For more information, visit ruger.com.
Sarsilmaz SAR109 & SAR223
Turkish gun-maker Sarsilmaz has introduced two AR-style rifles for 2014. The SAR109 is a 9mm rifle originally designed as a blowback-operated submachine gun, and the SAR223 serves as a standard-configuration AR carbine chambered in 5.56mm NATO. As expected, there are some subtle differences in the designs, but the controls and operation are all standard. For more information, visit sarsilmaz.com.
Serbu SB-15
Serbu Firearms has introduced its own AR. The Serbu SB-15 is a piston-operated rifle with a reversible charging handle. Serbu will also be releasing its new AR lower receiver as a standalone part for custom builders. For more information, visit serbu.com.
SIG516 Carbon Fiber
New for 2014 from Sig Sauer is the piston-operated SIG516 Carbon Fiber carbine chambered for .223 Rem./5.56mm NATO. While the upper and lower receivers are both aluminum, it is the handguard that is free-floated and made from carbon fiber, as is the stock. The rifle also features a four-position gas system and a two-stage trigger. For more information, visit sigsauer.com.
Top 25 AR Rifles for 2014 | SIONICS Patrol Rifle Zero
SIONICS Patrol Rifle Zero
SIONICS Weapon Systems is now offering a new entry-level AR with top-of-the-line features and performance. New for 2014, the Patrol Rifle Zero represents the company’s base model AR carbine and comes standard with a mid-length gas system, a premium barrel with a 1-in-8-inch twist rate, a nickel/PTFE-treated M16 bolt carrier group, an ALG Defense mil-spec trigger, a Vltor IMod stock and an Ergo pistol grip. For more information, visit sionicsweaponsystems.com.
Vltor XVI Warrior Carbine
Vltor is now manufacturing complete carbine-length ARs for commercial sale, along with its existing line of short-barreled rifles. The new XVI Warrior carbine, chambered in 5.56mm NATO, is loaded with Vltor accessories and comes with a 16-inch barrel, a mid-length gas system and a full-length KeyMod handguard. For more information, visit vltor.com.
Top 25 AR Rifles for 2014 | Windham Weaponry .308 SRC
Windham Weaponry .308 SRC
Windham Weaponry’s .308 SRC is the company’s first foray into .308 Winchester/7.62mm NATO ARs, and this one is sure to please. The rifle comes with a flattop upper, 20-round Magpul magazines, direct gas-impingement operation and a forged upper and lower receiver with an integral triggerguard. With a 16.5-inch barrel and a collapsible stock, the rifle stays handy, and at 7.5 pounds empty it will be easy to carry. For more information, visit windhamweaponry.com.
Top 25 AR Rifles for 2014 | Windham Weaponry Varmint Exterminator
Windham Weaponry Varmint Exterminator
Windham Weaponry is also producing wood-laminate-stocked versions of its well-regarded Varmint Exterminator rifle for 2014. The rifles all feature stainless steel, 20-inch, fluted bull barrels and Hogue grips. Three models will be available: a black anodized model with a black and gray laminate stock and handguard; an OD green anodized model with a camo laminate stock and handguard; and a tan version with a blonde laminate stock and handguard. For more information, visit windhamweaponry.com.
Firearms manufacturers want to make sure the law enforcement and military personnel who use their weapons get the very best so when a dangerous situation arises, they have the tools to get the job done.
Each year there is a large industry trade show that presents the latest cutting-edge weapons and gear for law enforcement and military personnel. SPECIAL WEAPONS FOR MILITARY & POLICE was on hand to gather some of the best 2014 weaponry for officers, operators and soldiers alike.
Adams Arms COR
Adams Arms has announced it’s COR (Competition Optic Ready) Ultra Lite Rifle. This 5.56mm, AR-style piston rifle features a 16.5-inch, ultra-light barrel; a low-mass, skeletonized bolt carrier group; a Hiperfire 24C competition trigger; and a VooDoo Innovations Jet compensator. The COR Ultra Lite Rifle can be purchased in a Kryptek camouflage pattern.
Benelli’s designers have taken the tried-and-true features of the rugged, bird- and target-busting Vinci and incorporated them into a new version called the Vinci Tactical. A pistol-grip stock, Picatinny rail and ghost ring sights contribute to the attributes tactical shooters seek: superior balance, light weight, reduced recoil and minimal muzzle climb. Featuring the In-Line Inertia Drive operating system, which, combined with the ComforTech Plus recoil-reducing system and ergonomic design, makes this an efficient, instinctive and ultra-reliable tactical firearm.
The CMMG Mk4 T-Series of AR carbines is value priced but feature heavy. Chamberings in this versatile line include 9mm, 5.56mm NATO, 300 Blackout and .22 LR, and the rifles have 16-inch barrels in either 416 stainless or 4140 nitrided chrome-moly steel, free-floating KeyMod handguards, full-length flattop upper receivers, single-stage triggers and collapsible stocks.
Crye Precision, known for its camo patterns and tactical kits, has entered the firearms market. Crye has developed the Six12 bullpup shotgun. This double-action, striker-fired shotgun holds six 12-gauge shells in a removable, rotating cartridge. The Crye Precision Six12 will also be available as an add-on option for an AR-style rifle and can be used as a breaching option with either a 12.5-inch shotgun barrel or a 10.5-inch rifle barrel for clearance. Military and law enforcement can expect the Six12 to be available in the winter of 2014, with the civilian market to follow.
DoubleStar broke into the 7.62mm arena with its new Star-10B model. The rifle goes well beyond average AR offerings in today’s crowded AR market with key build components like its 7075 billet upper and lower, BCM Gunfighter charging handle, an 18-inch, fluted, stainless steel barrel, a Samson handguard, a two-stage trigger, and an ACE Hammer stock. The rifle comes with a 40-inch tactical rifle case made by TacProGear and four 20-round magazines.
DPMS has a completely redesigned 7.62mm AR rifle. Three years in the making, the GII 7.62mm AR SASS from DPMS will be a game changer in this sector. The rifle is much closer in its weight and dimensions to a standard 5.56mm M4 than any other 7.62mm AR and is loaded with features and improvements, including a reinforced extractor, dual ejectors, a monolithic bolt carrier group, a redesigned bolt head and steel feed ramps. The GII will also accept most standard AR handguards.
The Israelis have been using ARs for the military for some time, but now they are manufacturing their own and importing them into the U.S. Gilboa rifles come in different calibers and barrel lengths with either direct impingement or gas piston operation. The company has unveiled several new rifles for 2014, including the Snake, which uses two barrels and two magazines for a true double-tap capability with no point-of-aim shift.
New from Houlding Precision Firearms is the upgraded HPF-15 Utility Battle Rifle (UBR), an AR-style rifle chambered in 5.56mm NATO. The receivers are CNC-machined from 7075-T6 aluminum billets with tight tolerances. Each rifle has been upgraded with an HPF Curse muzzle brake and a HPF-CMX key mod handguard, and the bolt carrier group is now finished with Houlding’s Super Slick coating. The UBR is a mid-length, direct-impingement system with a 16-inch barrel, a single-stage trigger and Magpul furniture.
The 5.56mm Kel-Tec RDB (Rifle, Downward-ejecting Bullpup).
Estimated to arrive in the fourth quarter of 2014, the 5.56mm Kel-Tec RDB (Rifle, Downward-ejecting Bullpup) is fully ambidextrous and, as the name implies, ejects spent casings downward. The RDB features a rotary bolt locking system, a short-stroke adjustable gas piston, and it utilizes AR-platform magazines. The RDB weighs 7 pounds unloaded and has an overall length of 27.4 inches. A full-length Picatinny top rail provides plenty of space for mounting optics, sights and accessories.
Kimber has taken its tactical rifle line one step further with the addition of the Advanced Tactical SOC for today’s most demanding shooters. Chambered for 7.62mm or .300 Win Mag, the Kimber Advanced Tactical SOC comes with an aluminum, side-folding stock as well as a Picatinny rail and additional rails for accessories. The stock is fully adjustable, and the rifle can accept detachable magazines.
New from Lancer is the company’s L30 series of 7.62mm rifles. Several variations will soon be available, including the Modern Battle Rifle, a carbine-sized, full-power gun. The rifle comes standard with a 16-inch barrel, a carbon-fiber free-floating handguard, an Ergo grip, a collapsible stock and an ambidextrous rear single-point sling attachment. All Lancer L30 rifles also feature changeable magazine well extensions and billet upper and lower receivers. For more information, visit Lancer-Systems.com.
LWRCI M6 IC PSD
Based on LWRCI’s Individual Carbine (IC) platform, this rifle combines an 8.5-inch barrel with an Ultra Compact stock (1 inch shorter than the Compact stock). The M6 IC PSD rifle is also outfitted with a patent-pending ARM-R rail system featuring a removable top portion and a return-to-zero system that requires no tools. The carbine-length rail over the low-profile gas block provides plenty of room for adding sights and accessories. The M6 IC PSD rifle combines submachine gun size with a battle rifle cartridge and LWRCI’s ultra-reliable gas-piston operating system, offering the professional shooter never-before-realized capabilities in one sweet little package.
The first in a series of tactical rifles from Midwest Industries, the Minute Man AR-15 rifle features billet upper and lower receivers, a hammer-forged barrel, Midwest’s SSK KeyMod handguard, a B5 stock, BCM’s Gunfighter grip and charging handle, and an ambidextrous safety selector. This rifle will be available sometime in February.
Rock River Arms’ new X-1 series of ARs all feature 18-inch, fluted, stainless steel barrels, free-floating handguards, Hogue pistol grips, custom muzzle brakes, enlarged triggerguards, two-stage triggers, furniture in either black or tan and fixed or collapsible stocks. They are available in 5.56mm NATO, 7.62mm NATO, 6.8 SPC and .458 SOCOM. The 7.62mm NATO models also include an ambidextrous trigger-finger-activated bolt-hold-open.
The SAR 109 is one of two AR rifles from Turkish gun-maker Sarsilmaz that are new to American shooters. The SAR 109 is a 9mm rifle originally designed as a blowback-operated submachine gun. With its modular body structure, the SAR 109 is easily accessorized and used. The Picatinny rail helps the user mount any standard accessories without using any tools. Turkish-made guns have a reputation for value and quality, and Sarsilmaz has been in the gun business for over 100 years.
For more information, visit Sarsilmaz.com.
Seekins Precision 7.62mm
Seekins Precision’s 7.62mm AR weighs in at 9.5 pounds unloaded and without optics. The company’s first 7.62mm rifle offers ambidextrous features, including the bolt release, magazine release, selector switch and charging handle. The SR25-pattern lower receiver will accept all SR25-style magazines as well as 7.62mm Magpul PMAGs. The upper receiver’s rail extends approximately 1.5 inches to allow for more optic mounting locations. The flat-bottomed 3-Gun Rail is 15 inches long and is designed to be placed on top of a barricade for a stable shooting platform.
The polymer-framed, striker-fired Sig Sauer P320 duty pistol is customizable to any sized hand with a modular grip frame and a removable fire control assembly. It can quickly be converted from a full size to a carry pistol, while the slide and barrel conversions allow the P320 to change calibers—9mm, .40, .357 SIG, and .45 ACP—as well as a variety of barrel lengths.
SIONICS Weapon Systems is offering a new, entry-level AR with top-of-the-line features and performance. The Patrol Rifle ZERO represents the company’s base model rifle and comes standard with a mid-length gas system, premium CMV 4150 barrel with a 1-in-8-inch twist, M16 Bolt Carrier Group with NP3 finish, ALG Defense Mil-Spec trigger, Vltor IMod stock and Ergo pistol grip.
SWORD International has introduced a new high-caliber, AR-style rifle for its inventory. Chambered in .338 Lapua, the Mk-18 Mod 0 Mjölnir is a semi-automatic, gas-piston-operated rifle with a 22-inch barrel, 7075-T6 receivers, a full-length, free-floating KeyMod rail, and a non-reciprocating side charging handle.
The UTS-15 Marine shotgun from UTAS has a digitized camo pattern that incorporates a specially formulated marine blue base coat over which the black and gray, non-glare digital camouflage pattern is applied. The springs used in the UTS-15 Marine have a special corrosion-resistant coating, and all exposed metal parts sport satin-nickel plating to be impervious to saltwater. All other metal parts, such as the barrel, are black chromed or similarly treated to hold up to use at sea with a minimum of maintenance. The UTS-15 was designed to meet the demands of OBS24, one of the world’s leading security companies, which provides security onboard commercial vessels passing through the pirate-infested waters off Somalia.
These days, it’sbecome pretty common for me to use less-than-typical firearms during training courses and duty qualifications. One of the perks of being retired from law enforcement is no longer having an issued weapon. And there is just something supremely satisfying about outshooting the person next to me on the range using the latest and greatest “uber” pistol or “anointed” rifle.
Too often, people choose their weapons based on emotion or superstition, which leads to tunnel vision. Firearms are tools, and no single manufacturer has a lock on building good ones, nor are they limited to two or three countries of origin.
My Sarsilmaz K2 in .45 ACP, imported by European American Armory (EAA) Corporation, is just such a pistol. It was quite the surprise to me when I originally tested it in 2011. While I’m pretty open minded, when it comes to firearms, the idea of a solid, duty-capable pistol coming from Turkey just seemed unlikely, let alone one that could be used as a tactical pistol. After a few magazines, it became clear that my skepticism was unwarranted. I used the K2 at several training schools where it drew occasional ire as it stayed with or outperformed the most common tactical pistols of the day. Revisiting this pistol recently only reconfirmed my initial findings. It remains one of the most accurate and reliable double-stack .45 ACP pistols I’ve used in recent history.
Sarsilmaz Quality
Since my initial test in 2011, I’ve toured Sarsilmaz’s factory firsthand in Turkey to confirm its state-of-the-art operations. Rivaling many of the weapons factories I’ve toured in the U.S., Sarsilmaz has some of the most advanced equipment available today. The factory, situated a couple of hours from Istanbul, is simply huge, brand new and truly cutting edge with seven CNC machines, 21st century logistics and highly skilled craftsmen. The entire plant was spotless, more like a medical supply facility than a gun factory. It was easily one of the best-looking weapons plants I’ve ever visited.
During my tour, it quickly became apparent that Sarsilmaz takes every step in its build process with the greatest attention to detail. All of its parts start from forgings—no castings. Most everything is made in-house to incredibly tight tolerances, and experienced gunsmiths assemble every single weapon. Of course, this results in some truly excellent firearms. As the supplier of pistols to the entirety of the military and police in Turkey, these are proven weapons with a long track record.
Gun Details
The Sarsilmaz K2 is a combat pistol built for the Turkish military. My test pistol was chambered in .45 ACP, though there are also 9mm versions in Turkey. The pistol is rather broadly based upon the CZ 75, one of the most prolific and proven pistols around, especially in Europe.
Picking this pistol up, it fits nicely in my large hands. The polymer grips are stippled and contoured, and the front and backstraps are grooved for enhanced control. The squared triggerguard is large with a checkered face. The beavertail is large and high-swept for a very solid grip. The K2’s design places the bore axis very close to the hand, making it very easy to control.
The slide has serrations at its rear and is fitted with an LPA adjustable rear sight as well as a fixed front sight. Both contain very bright and visible white dots. The rear sight is adjustable for both windage and elevation.
The K2 also features a Commander-style hammer and a crisp double-action/single-action (DA/SA) trigger. While dry firing, the trigger’s reset was predictable with just a bit of creep prior to breaking. Drop the hammer and run the trigger in double action and it is smooth, not terribly heavy, yet very predictable. Using an NRA-approved trigger weight, the trigger broke cleanly at 9 pounds in double action and 4.25 pounds in single action, which is very well suited to a combat pistol.
The K2 in .45 ACP also has a rail that accepted my SureFire X300 as well as a couple of other lights in my possession. Finally, it has a nice matte black finish.
Range Time
This pistol has seen a ton of use over the last several years. After its initial testing in 2011, I took it with me to several pistol schools and used it frequently as a secondary weapon during tactical and rifle training. It can be used as a DA/SA pistol, but my preference is to carry it as a single action. Its controls are almost identical to those found on a 1911. Similar to the CZ 75 and other European-style pistols, it can be safely decocked. Carried “cocked and locked,” the K2 is basically a 1911 with a second-strike capability.
For testing, I carried the K2 in a Safariland SLS holster designed for use with the SureFire X300 light mounted, which was just about perfect. The K2 also fit in my Safariland SLS rig designed for a 1911 equipped with a SureFire X400. It fit tightly at first but worked very well on the range.
This pistol’s accuracy has always been rather jaw dropping. During a CorBon pistol class a few years ago, it consistently printed 1-inch groups at 25 yards. Moving to 15 yards and shooting off hand, it just cut one large hole. My test groups this time around yielded similar accuracy, with Sig Sauer’s 200-grain V-Crown ammo clustering into a group measuring just a tad over an inch. Much of the K2’s accuracy is due to how softly it shoots; its low bore axis makes it pretty easy to control. The dual recoil spring assembly also helps to soften the recoil. There are a couple of double-stack .45s in my inventory that cost three times as much but are no more accurate than the K2.
With well over 10,000 rounds of every conceivable type of ammunition run through this pistol, it has never missed a beat. It has become a workhorse for me. The magazines are metal, and they have performed flawlessly to date. For this test, I ran the pistol through several drills, including transitions, while wearing my Survival Armor vest. Ammunition ranged from some very old PMC and steel-cased loads, to some newer Black Hills 230-grain rounds, along with a few duty rounds. The K2 just keeps on running—dirty, clean, no matter what.
As long as you are OK with white dots, these sights are excellent. The front sight is pinned in place. The LPA rear sight is dovetailed and adjustable for elevation using a screwdriver. Both dots stay visible even when dirty. Night sights are a tad controversial—some swear by them while others think they’re useless. Sarsilmaz makes them for this pistol in Turkey; time will tell if they are imported.
Mated to a tactical light and carried in single action, I would not hesitate a second to carry the K2 operationally. It’s accurate, reliable and comfortable to shoot, rivaling some of the more mainstream pistols I’ve carried over the years. In fact, this pistol is as reliable, accurate and dependable as any I’ve ever carried.
Final Notes
Is the K2 likely to see work as a department pistol anytime soon? Not likely, but not because it lacks the capability. Choosing standard-issue pistols is far more complicated than just picking one that works. Working in a small agency where personal choice is possible, it could certainly do the job.
This is no small pistol, so large hands help, and it’s all steel. In other words, it’s no lightweight. Concealed carry is possible if you are accustomed to larger pistols, but that is not its sweet spot. Home defense is another place this pistol would work well. Safely drop the hammer and you have a solid go-to pistol with excellent reliability and solid capacity using a proven round.
One thing is for sure: This pistol remains a favorite of mine to shoot, and I will continue to use it at training courses where possible.
For more information, visit eaacorp.com or call 321-639-4842.
Chambered in 9mm, this polymer-framed, striker-fired semi-auto is built for duty, competition and carry. It features a low-profile design that channels recoil straight back into the hand for recoil mitigation and fast follow-ups. The pistol also includes a 4.4-inch barrel; measures 7.5 inches in length, 5.5 inches in height and 1.4 inches in width; and weighs in at 27.1 ounces.
But the main feature SAR USA hypes in the press release is the trigger design, which the company says “does away with the terrible two-stage feel that has become the accepted norm.” The SAR 9 boasts a patented double-action-style trigger that’s “pounds lighter than traditional double actions.”
In addition, the SAR 9 comes with metal sights. It also ships out with two 17-round magazines. Touted as being lightweight, accurate and reliable, the gun boasts “all the features serious handgunners expect in a top-end 9mm pistol, except the frightening price tag,” SAR USA says.
The MSRP for the SAR 9 pistol is $449. For more information about Sarsilmaz firearms, go to sarsilmaz.com.
Building on its hugely popular SAR9 pistol platform, SAR Firearms refined the design and released the GEN3. The striker-fired pistol has been designed and engineered with sports shooters and personal defense customers in mind. For this reason, SAR enhanced it with premium features to promote enhanced comfort, handling, and accuracy.
The SAR9 GEN3 From SAR Firearms
The SAR9 GEN3 builds on a lightweight, color-infused polymer frame and is available in black, platinum, green, or bronze. In addition, the 20-degree grip angle delivers superior control for fast second-shot recovery. Likewise, the ergonomic back and side plates are interchangeable, providing 27 different combinations to dial in the perfect fit.
Riding atop the frame is the forged steel slide with a Cerakote finish, color-matched to the frame. The forward cocking serrations continue across the top and feature lightening cuts for enhanced press check manipulation and barrel cooling. Similarly, the aggressive rear cocking serrations are textured for a positive grip during manipulation.
(Photo by SAR USA)
The GEN3 comes standard with tritium night sights with a bright halo for quick target acquisition. However, the slide also features an optic cut in the RMSc footprint, allowing for the installation of popular red-dot sights. Assisting with accuracy is the state-of-the-art grip design with a high beavertail and high-cut trigger guard. As a result, this produces a low bore axis-to-grip ratio to reduce muzzle climb.
Chambered in 9mm, the 4.4-inch hammer-forged barrel features a recessed crown for increased accuracy. Likewise, a smooth, flat-face trigger enhances the shooting experience, while the trigger blade safety and ambidextrous manual safety make the pistol safe. Just forward of the trigger guard is a three-slot Picatinny rail for installing a light or laser.
The SAR9 GEN3 ships with two 17-round magazines but is also available with two 10-round magazines for prohibitive states.
Availability
The SAR Firearms SAR9 GEN3 is available now with MSRPs of $499.99 – $509.99, depending on the model. For more info, please visit SARUSA.com.
SAR USA continues to build on the popularity of its proven SAR9 series with the new SOCOM. This latest model in the lineup was designed and engineered to meet the demands of special forces in extreme conditions. As a result, comes a SAR9 that is combat-ready by design.
The Combat-Ready SAR9 SOCOM
Building on the SAR9 DNA, the SOCOM comes standard with a polymer grip module in SF (Special Forces) Green. To ensure the optimal fit, the ergonomic back and side plates are interchangeable for a multitude of combinations. Likewise, the 20-degree grip angle offers superior control, delivering fast second-shot recovery.
Atop the frame is a forged steel slide with Cerakote ceramic coating for enhanced durability under extreme use. Forward and rear cocking serrations assist in slide manipulation and press checks, even with wet hands. Likewise, four lightening cuts in the forward serrations help cool the barrel during rapid courses of fire.
Housed within the slide is the 5.2-inch forged-steel threaded barrel, chambered in 9mm, with ½ x 28 RH clockwise turn. As a result, the SOCOM will accommodate all standard-size suppressors. Correspondingly, the pistol comes standard with suppressor height tritium front and rear iron sights for fast low-light target acquisition.
In addition, the slide is cut for optics with the RMSc footprint, allowing for the installation of popular red-dot sights. Likewise, a three-slot Picatinny rail sits just forward of the high-cut trigger guard for installing a light or laser.
Providing an optimal shooting experience is a flat-faced trigger with trigger blade safety. The trigger delivers a super-smooth trigger pull with a consistent stroke, no hesitation, and excellent trigger return, according to the company. Correspondingly, a striker position indicator on the trigger shows the user whether the SOCOM is cocked or not.
The SOCOM features an expanded magwell for fast reloads without taking your eyes off the target. Likewise, it ships with two magazines, one 17-round and one 21-round.
Availability
The SAR Firearms SAR9 SOCOM is available now with an MSRP of $519.99. For more info, please visit SARUSA.com.
SAR Firearm SAR9 SOCOM Specs
(Photo by SAR Firearms)
Caliber
9×19 mm
Trigger System
Striker-Fired
Capacity
17+1
Barrel Length
5.2 inches
Overall Length
8.3 inches
Total Height
5.9 inches
Total Width
1.4 inches
Weight
29.9 ounces
MSRP
$519.99
Features
Firing pin indicator
Picatinny rail
Threaded barrel (½ x 28 RH clockwise turn)
Cooling channels
Steel slide back plate
Expanded magwell
Suppressor height front sight and rear sights
This product does not come with the red dot installed; it is sold separately
Carbine also features an A2-style compensator and a 1:7-inch RH twist rate. It comes with fixed A2-style front sights, a removable M4-style rear carrying handle, and one GI pattern 30-round aluminum magazine.
