This is a little confusing. So they’re using the same “GAU-5A’” designation for this new rifle as the older GAU-5 models?:
https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2019/05/13/usafs-gua-5a-takedown-survival-rifle-enters-service/
GAU-5a is the new rifle.
"Back in June 2018, we reported on the US Air Force’s new survival/self-defence weapon – the GAU-5A. The GAU-5A is an upgrade to the M4 which allows it to be stowed in the survival kit of US Air Force fighter jets. "
Interesting to see Midwest’s flattop rail being used. I always thought the detachable-barrel concept was silly (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkmwLtl2ze0), but I guess it found a use after all.
The GAU-5A/A designation has been in use since the late 1960’s (or thereabouts).
Takedown AR15’s seem like an answer in search of a problem. Why not just split the upper and the lower normally by using the takedown pins?
The rifle was designed to fit in a kit under the ejection seat; simply splitting the receivers was still too long.
Hey Yojimbo,… IF You have never seen it before, it’s worth checking out… The reason is because, You can Pack the AR into a smaller pack vs the takedown pins.
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?207910-USAF-war-zone-crews-to-get-modified-M4
https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread.php?211929-USAF-pilots-to-get-ARs&highlight=usaf
Any idea which Midwest rail that is? It doesn’t appear to match any pictured on their website.
No idea- they may make it exclusively for USAF. It’s definitely Midwest though, as I don’t know of any other manufacture with the scallop cuts adjacent to the M-LOK slots.
It a G3 LWM (GEN 3 LIGHT WEIGHT M LOK)
Thanks
Troy