Page 25 - American Survival Guide - October 2017
P. 25

THE GAS SYSTEM IS                  SPECIFICATIONS
                                      READILY ADJUSTABLE
                                                WITH NOTHING
                                             FANCIER THAN A                 ACTION TYPE:      GAS PISTON DRIVEN
                                           STANDARD SET OF                  CALIBER:          5.56X45MM
                                                        FINGERS.            CAPACITY:         5 TO 100—TYPICALLY 30


                                                                            LENGTH:           33.5 INCHES COLLAPSED;
                                                                                              35.4 INCHES EXTENDED
                                                                            BARREL LENGTH:    16 INCHES

                                                                            STOCK/FOREND:     B5 SOPMOD BRAVO
                                                                                              STOCK; EXTRUDED 6061
                                                                                              T6 ALUMINUM FOREND
                                                                            FINISH:           CERAKOTE
                                                                            WEIGHT:           7 POUNDS, 14 OUNCES


                                                           ‹ Left: The
                                                           proprietary
                                                           Faxon Firearms
                                                           muzzle brake is
                                                           both effective
                                                           and easy to
                                                           use. A locking
                                                           component
                                                           allows the
                                                           brake to be
                                                           custom oriented
                                                           for optimal
                                                           efficiency.
                                                                        to say which one is better. The experience is not unlike driving a
                                                                        showroom-new Corvette alongside a vintage muscle car: Both
                                                                        have their own unique merits.

                                                                        RANGE REPORT
                                                                         The Faxon Firearms ARAK-21 XRS is incrementally heavier than
                                                                        a comparable AR. However, this gives the gun a more substantial
                                                                        feel and keeps it on target better, particularly in the heavier
                                                                        chambering. The front-mounted charging handle has that of a
                                                                        conventional AR beat all over the place. The charging appendage,
                                                           ‹ Far left: While
                                                           the ARAK21 uses   itself, folds flush when not in use, yet it allows the gun to be run
                                                           any standard   quickly without shifting the grip of the firing hand.
                                                           AR lower, the
                                                           recoil system is   Magazine changes are identical to those of a standard AR and set
                                                           enclosed within
                                                           the forearm.   the standard for everything else. The ARAK-21 XRS improves upon
                                                           This allows for   the AK in all respects. Recoil is dreamy—regardless of the setup.
                                                           the addition of a
                                                           side-folding stock   The ARAK-21 XRS yields fine combat accuracy out to the limits
                                                           if desired.  of the cartridges it fires. The trigger is a bit creepy, but if it offends
                                                                        you, this is rectified easily enough with a drop-in replacement. The
                                                                        meticulous attention to manufacturing detail ensures that the
                                                           ‹ Left: the   gun is reliable and straight shooting. (Before I got the gas system
                                                           Bushnell AR   tweaked, I did very nearly asphyxiate myself from blowback gases
                                                           optic offers just
                                                           the right balance   with a sound suppressor installed. The action is so powerful that
                                                           between close-
                                                           range rapid target   it ripped the rim off a defective sticky case. However, once you get
                                                           acquisition and   the gas system dialed in, the gun just won’t quit.)
                                                           mid- to long-range
                                                           precision. This   The ARAK-21 XRS is fun on the range and handy in tight
                                                           second focal   spaces. It runs as well indoors as any AR carbine and would
                                                           plane, 14x24mm,
                                                           adjustable optic   make a proper vehicle gun, should the need arise. The unique
                                                           incorporates the   manual of arms takes a little getting used to, but it remains fast,
                                                           Bushnell Drop
                                                           Zone BDC reticle.  comfortable and fun.
                                                                                 [ASGMAG.COM]  AMERICAN SURVIVAL GUIDE  25




          ASG-1710-ARAK.indd   25                                                                             7/11/17   1:08 AM
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