Several years ago as a fairly new member to M4C I wrote a brief piece on Vltor Weapon Systems of Tucson. I wanted to highlight a local Arizona company and especially one that makes products that I use.
In that spirit I wanted to give M4C members some insight to Centurion Arms with whom I was able to spend a couple of days with as I had the privilege to travel to Indiana to teach the Semper Paratus Arms 2 Day AR15 Armorer Course. The course was hosted by Centurion Arms in Morgantown, IN. Our class consisted of some local LE officers, and civilians some of whom drove several hours from out of state to attend. In addition, we had some employees from Centurion Arms to include the owner Navy SEAL Chief (Ret.) Monty LeClair.
For the record I own several rails from Centurion Arms as well as other products, and have used their gas blocks as well. While I was out there, I was even able to build a pseudo MK12 upper receiver group and install a CMR rail on one of my Colt 16” uppers.
While I was there, I had the opportunity to take a look behind the scenes of Centurion Arms and see some of the products I was already familiar with as well as new stuff that I was in the works. There were lots of projects happening to include rails for a large OEM manufacturer for an overseas military contract, Centurion Arms designed Aimpoint Micro Series Mounts (which allows for absolute co-witness or lower 1/3) and an upcoming MK11 7.62 rifle. I was able to test fire one on site and I was instantly a fan.
Having never seen the Centurion Arms MK12 barrel assembly, I was really interested in seeing how the gas block was installed. Monty had no issue firing up the machines, drilling the gas block/barrel and setting it up for install. The inspiration for it came from Monty’s experience with the HK416. It was simple and yet ingenious at the same time. As an added bonus the barrel assemblies will be sold with the gas block pre-drilled and include a pin for pinning the gas block.
I was also able to check out some cool things you don’t see every day such as a Colt LMG marked USMC, Serial No. 2 that were entered into USMC Weapons Trials.
Almost all work is being done in house with a small dedicated team and I am eagerly looking forward to seeing the final production of the MK11 rifles. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see Trijicon MRO series mounts coming out in the future as well. Picture 2 is the Vortex Crossfire Red Dot which was recently sent to me by G&R Tactical for winning Moderator of the Year in the Centurion Arms Aimpoint Micro Mount. (Thank you to those who voted).
It was great being able to speak with a manufacturer who actually understands firearms and especially the AR family of weapons, who has also been an end-user and puts that knowledge into his products.
Monty LeClair of Centurion Arms, LLC is a decorated combat veteran with over 20 years of Special Operations experience with Naval Special Warfare. During his service he deployed with SEAL Teams 4, 5, and 7. He worked at the Naval Special Warfare command in combat system development and operational test and evaluation. He spent three and a half years as a CPO Instructor at the Naval Special Warfare Sniper Course. He has been an avid gun enthusiast and builder for over 25 years focusing on the; AR15/M4 in all configurations, AR10/SR25, bolt action sniper rifles, and 1911 handguns. As the primary designer and product developer for Centurion Arms he draws on years of Special Operations combat experience to bring the best possible product to the end user.
