The model AXR is an AUG based rifle that uses M16 or AR-15 magazines are being currently produced and tested by Tactical Product Design (TPD) in Oregon and will be available sometime in June this year.
The AXR test rifle by TPD shown in 16" barrel and will also be availabe in 18" and more lengths after the initial production
AXR barrel extension
Bolt group
Gas piston
Gas adjustment knob
Barrel assembly with TPD designed vertical grip
AXR’s barrel are fluted under the stock and lighter than the non fluted Steyr AUG
Barrel assembly quick release button shown behind the VFG same as the original AUG
Rear magazine release lever, note there is a second mag release button located at the left side of the mag well
Safety button
CAD drawing of the rail for the original AUG A2 receivers, these will be out with the rail for their reciever which mounts differently. This mounts from the front rather than from the rear. PAT PEND
Edited to add this pic: Magpul and TPD R&D are working on developing a clear PMAG version, these are just clear test articles, the final product will be black smoke and green tinted.
Added 5/06/07 - In the photo you will see two barrels one the TPD way and one the way it can be installed and is typically installed.
The foreground gas block and barrel is the way TPD does it.
Material cell structure is well maintained, and color.
The background barrel is installed in a way that is less desirable per TPD’s humble opinion.
Added 5/06/07 “Here is a picture of our TPD-PMAG. Magpul manufactures these for us. It is their design their mold we simply brought to them a material we hoped would work in their mold.”
“Things look good so far, but we have more testing to do. They will come in a smoke tint as well. VERY good price point I might add.” - stated by Kent of TPDUSA.com.
Added 5/19/07 - AXR FDE (Flat Dark Earth color) stock
The AXR rifle is different from the other American made AUG style rifle which is the STG-556 by M.S.A.R., the AXR uses the Steyr AUG M16 NATO conversion stocks which uses M16 and AR-15 magazines, it will not take the standard Steyr AUG or the STG-556 magazines.
The AXR rifles will initially use the original Steyr stock conversions but will be following it up with US made stocks with a more improved and stronger materials.
TPD is currently developing clear magazines with Magpul Industries which is the same as the PMAG but will be clear smoke and clear green tint colors.
The estimated selling price will be under $2K and will include a hard case, it will be available in more than three colors which I will update this info at a later date when it get finalized.
Tactical Product Design’s website is currently under construction but will be on-line in a very short time from now, I’ll post it here when available.
The basic AXR model will be the Liberty series which will not include sights, the user may accessorize as the user sees fit.
It will also be available with other upgraded model series which will include sights and other accessories, I’ll update this thread for more info.
ADDED from TPD info:
Tactical Product Design - TPD
Type of firearm: Bull pup Rifle, semi automatic
Operation: Gas operated rotating bolt, short piston
Caliber: 5.56 (.223) or 6.8mm SPC
Rate of Fire: S/A 150 RPM
Barrel Groups: 16” chrome lined, 18” chrome lined 41L40 chrome moly steel, stainless steel
Overall Length: 26.25”, 30.25”
Sights: Any optics with mil picatinny interface, folding open sights standard
Stock: High impact synthetic black or range of color options
Safety: Two position slide lock
Magazine type: TPD-PMAG translucent, NATO spec M16
This is a faithful representation of the original AUG™, with some significant material and design upgrades.
As was standard with the original the barrel is quick removable in a few seconds, fluted option folding fore grip
Rail optics interface is removable and several options available including an extended rail with picatinny rails at the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o’clock positions
Adjustable gas system
Original forward assist configuration
Last round hold open
Secondary magazine release in optimal position for quick magazine changes
Receiver fully machined on cutting edge CNC equipment
Tolerances held to above industry standard, 356 T6 series aluminum
OEM cleaning kits
Fully supported spare parts system and training systems available for the AXR™
You will not find a secondary bolt release on the AXR. This feature was investigated and it was decided to leave it off the AXR™. This feature was not originally available on the AUG™, and we felt that a more faithful rendition of the rifle was the right choice.
The AXR can release the bolt as the original; a quick draw of the non-reciprocating charge handle will release the bolt, as originally designed and integrated.
No other existing firearms parts have been integrated into or onto the AXR™, the design was and still is sound.
What has changed on the AXR™ are the materials used to manufacture the rifle. This is a thirty year old design, yet today it is still unmatched and unrivalled in performance, reliability, and durability.
What T.P.D. has done is simple yet effective:
Crucial springs are now made from Inconel™ a super alloy, rather than music wire or other low grade materials.
Superior finishes are used to coat the metal parts of the AXR™. Both Teflon filled and ceramic filled finishes are used given the performance demand of the part.
The most significant change to the original will be the use of the NATO standard magazines rather than a proprietary magazine configuration. This will give the user both an ample supply of existing magazines and compatibility with other users in the field.
We at Tactical Product Design have taken every step to insure that this faithful recreation will be every bit as durable, reliable, field able, and accurate as the original. In fact we are convinced that we have manufactured a product that in many ways is superior to the original.
Note: All info added are directly from Kent Luttrell T.P.D. LLC.
http://www.tpdusa.com/index.php
Added TPD USA website link 5/02/2007
Added gas block and clear PMAG experimental mags photos 5/06/07
Added AXR FDE stock photo 5/19/07
