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Synergy in a Tactical Carbine

NCJ Number
222971
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 35 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2008 Pages: 110,112,115
Author(s)
Lindsey Bertomen
Date Published
April 2008
Length
5 pages
Annotation
This article reports on the results of testing the SU-16A model of the Kel-Tec SU-16 rifle, which is a self-loading, gas-piston operated carbine designed for the .223 Remington cartridge.
Abstract
The testing sought to achieve a "synergism" in which various parts assembled in a particular combination would produce a superior carbine. In the case of the Kel-Tec SU-16A, the team mounted a Leupold 1x14mm Tactical Prismatic Riflescope on a Kel-Tec SU-16, which created a lightweight, compact package of a fast-handling carbine combo that is neither expensive nor complicated to fire. The testing team subjected the rifle to a month of shooting without cleaning, and included shooting the rifle in cold, soaking rain and higher than 100-degree weather. There were no failures of any kind. With the advantage of a wide field of view, two-eyed shooting, and fast handling, patrol officers can respond to armed suspects and active-shooter emergencies. The testing team suggested some minor design changes for the SU-16. First, the team liked the way the rifle folds in half, but wished it could pivot so the entire trigger guard fits better inside the magazine, which would aid in protection. Second, the assembly pin, which is removed to pivot the rifle, should protrude slightly with a ring so the user can pull it, rather than poke it through its channel. The team suggests attaching this pin to the rifle, perhaps with a lanyard. These minor design weaknesses do not in any way detract from the rifle's performance.

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