Bushmaster ACR

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Bushmaster Adaptive Combat Rifle

Bushmaster ACR prototype, 5.56 mm, 12.5-inch barrel
Type Automatic / Semi-automatic rifle
Place of origin Flag of the United States United States
Production history
Designer Richard Fitzpatrick, Mike Mayberry, Drake Clark, Brian Nakayama, et al.
Designed 2006-2007
Manufacturer Bushmaster Firearms International, LLC
Specifications
Weight 3 kg (6.7 lbs; 16-inch barrel)
Barrel length 266-508 mm (10.5 to 20 in)
Cartridge 5.56x45mm NATO or 7.62x39mm
Action Gas-operated, rotating bolt
Rate of fire TBD
Muzzle velocity 792-990 m/s (2600-3250 ft/s)
Effective range 300-600 m (328-656 yd), depending on configuration
Feed system 30-round detachable box (5.56 variant) magazine, double column (STANAG compatible)
Sights Rear: none included (Picatinny rail); front: integral flip-up, adjustable post

The Bushmaster Adaptive Combat Rifle (ACR) is the production name for an updated version of the Masada Adaptive Combat Weapon System. In late January 2008, Bushmaster entered into a licensing agreement with Magpul whereby Bushmaster would take over production, future development and sales of the Masada.[1][2] It is a patent pending self-loading rifle platform designed by Magpul Industries of Erie, Colorado. The rifle was initially developed over a period of four months, completely independent of government funding. Prototypes were displayed at the 2007 SHOT Show in Orlando, Florida. Originally scheduled for release in the second quarter of 2008, Bushmaster announced on May 16, 2008, that the consumer release would be delayed until Q1 2009, due to a focus on military projects [3].

Contents

[edit] Design

Magpul Masada, the design origin of the Bushmaster ACR
Magpul Masada, the design origin of the Bushmaster ACR

The original Magpul Masada design represents an amalgamation of several recent rifle designs, incorporating what is considered by its designers to be the best features of each in a single, lightweight, modular rifle platform.[4] Design features from the Armalite AR-18 (short-stroke gas system), the FN SCAR (upper receiver, charging handle location), the Heckler & Koch G36/XM8 (liberal use of polymer components), the M16/AR15 (trigger pack), and the M16 (barrel, fire control group) are clearly prevalent. The rifle also includes several features developed by Magpul, such as a quick-change barrel/trunnion system, adjustable gas regulator, reciprocating/non-reciprocating charging handle (depending on user actions), integral flip-up front sight, and storage compartments located in the stock and grip.[5] Just prior to the deal with Bushmaster, Magpul made additional changes to their design - the most obvious of these is the relocation of the ambidextrous operating handle to a forward position (somewhat similar to the Heckler & Koch G3 and Heckler & Koch MP5 series of weapons). Experts from Magpul Industries have on several occasions mentioned that depending on the barrel length of the weapon, that the Rate of Fire is estimated to be in the range of 600-800 rpm (This is but an estimate however, specifics have not yet been verified)

The magazine conceived for the 5.56 mm version of the Bushmaster ACR rifle is called the PMAG, a high-impact, 30-round polymer magazine claimed by the manufacturer to be significantly more resistant to wear, shock, and harsh environments than other counterparts on the market. The PMAG is STANAG 4179-compatible, as it will readily fit any STANAG magazine firearm, including the M16 rifle family.[6] The Bushmaster ACR's modular construction even allows the user to fire the 7.62x39mm round depending on the choice of parts.

[edit] Availability

Bushmaster brochure for the ACR
Bushmaster brochure for the ACR

The Bushmaster ACR is currently slated to be available in the first-quarter of 2009 with it being unveiled at the 2008 SHOT Show. It is anticipated that the rifle will have a MSRP starting at $1,500 with semi-automatic versions available to the consumer market, and selective-fire versions available for military and law enforcement.[7]

[edit] Miscellaneaous

The rifle was originally named after the Siege of Masada. Magpul company literature about the rifle states that "Magpul Industries is not Jewish owned or Israeli backed, however Magpul has always found the story of the Masada as a bold example of defiance."[8] When production rights were signed with Bushmaster, the Masada name was dropped from the product.

[edit] See also


[edit] References

  1. ^ Magpul Comments: Bushmaster ACR http://ar15.com/forums/topic.html?b=2&f=124&t=158557
  2. ^ Bushmaster press release: Bushmaster and Magpul Team to Bring Advanced Rifle to Market http://www.bushmaster.com/press_release_013108.asp
  3. ^ Bushmaster ACR Update http://www.bushmaster.com/acr_update.asp
  4. ^ Defense Review - MagPul Masada Adaptive Combat Weapon System (ACWS) Makes Its Debut
  5. ^ Magpul Industries Masada Marketing Flyer
  6. ^ Defense Review - MagPul Masada Adaptive Combat Weapon System (ACWS) Makes Its Debut
  7. ^ Magpul Industries; Masada Press Release, January 2007
  8. ^ Magpul Industries; Masada Press Release, January 2007

[edit] External links

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