Looks like IWI is jumping on the piston bandwagon. They don't say if this will be released for commercial sale but I bet it will eventually. I'm curious how the caliber change is accomplished.



"HIGHLY & RELIABLE MODULAR BATTLE RIFLE

IWI ARAD Assault Rifle is designed for Infantry use, Special units and Law Enforcement units.

IWI ARAD is especially intended for all kinds of combat scenarios with it’s ability to change calibers.

IWI ARAD is equipped with a picatinny rail to enable the use of a variety of optics and other attachments. The picatinny rail is an integral part of the upper receiver of the rifle. In addition, M-LOK rails at the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions along the handguard. It includes a telescopic buttstock which allows the users to adjust the length individually for their particular needs.
The modular structure of the rifle enables the user to easily dismantle and replace the barrel. The weapon is fully ambidextrous with controls on both sides of the rifle.

IWI ARAD Assault Rifle is a short stroke gas piston operated, with a regulator which allows constant operation in all environmental conditions"

https://iwi.net/arad/

I'm willing to believe it when I see it, but so far the ability to change calibers is either a line of BS in an ad or a euphemism for "different uppers will be available". Seriously, any number of companies promise a quick caliber change capacity but I've never seen it actually offered by anyone except Windham and its $2000+ kits.

the hole by the magwell looks exactly like the one i have on my tavor for the barrel removal tool. seems like they un-bullpup'd a tavor barrel assembly to mate to an ar lower. im sure there will be some interest in it. even the gas block looks familiar. anyway..hopefully their caliber conversion is not too much worse than a tavor, and hopefully all parts set to a competitive price point.

In my opinin the only true "quick change" barrel is the Steyr AUG. I really wish they would import the STM 556, basically their AR with the AUG barrel/piston system.

Agreed, +1. Btw, Love my Tavor

quote:

Originally posted by alteon180e:
the hole by the magwell looks exactly like the one i have on my tavor for the barrel removal tool. seems like they un-bullpup'd a tavor barrel assembly to mate to an ar lower. im sure there will be some interest in it. even the gas block looks familiar. anyway..hopefully their caliber conversion is not too much worse than a tavor, and hopefully all parts set to a competitive price point.

quote:

Originally posted by Il Cattivo:
I'm willing to believe it when I see it, but so far the ability to change calibers is either a line of BS in an ad or a euphemism for "different uppers will be available". Seriously, any number of companies promise a quick caliber change capacity but I've never seen it actually offered by anyone except Windham and its $2000+ kits.

The LMT MRP system allows you to swap between 5.56 DI, 5.56 piston, .300 BO and 6.8 SPC in the small bore, and in the large bore, .308, .338 Fed, .243, and a bunch of others.

Yup and for a time Spikes was making .22 and 9mm MRP barrels, really wish I'd gotten a .22 one.

I have 16" 5.56 piston, 16" 5.56 stainless and a 10.5" 5.56 barrel for mine. Swapping takes less than a minute. That said, 99% of the time it's an SBR.

This one looks good, but the design is very mature, not sure there is much improvement or innovation to be had in the M16/AR15 space anymore.

quote:

Originally posted by alteon180e:
the hole by the magwell looks exactly like the one i have on my tavor for the barrel removal tool. seems like they un-bullpup'd a tavor barrel assembly to mate to an ar lower. im sure there will be some interest in it. even the gas block looks familiar. anyway..hopefully their caliber conversion is not too much worse than a tavor, and hopefully all parts set to a competitive price point.

I broke 2 screwdrivers before I bought the tool for the barrel lock! I lubs me some IWI, I just wish I could afford 1 of each! Or 2!

quote:

Originally posted by mbinky:
In my opinin the only true "quick change" barrel is the Steyr AUG. I really wish they would import the STM 556, basically their AR with the AUG barrel/piston system.

^^^^^^^^^^
Ditto this

I was looking forward to SiG's offering conversion kits of the XI ... I bought a 7.62x39 Pistol thinking I could get a 223/5.56 conversion. It does have a barrel nut similar to an AR which is easily accessible but it was just marketing hype.

The barrel on my Bushmaster ACR is almost as easy to remove as my AUG (in that it does not require tools) but to the best of my knowledge they never came out with anything ... I was really hoping for a 300BO
There was an individual making a conversion but it was nearly the price of a complete ACR

quote:

Originally posted by dwd1985:

quote:

Originally posted by Il Cattivo:
I'm willing to believe it when I see it, but so far the ability to change calibers is either a line of BS in an ad or a euphemism for "different uppers will be available". Seriously, any number of companies promise a quick caliber change capacity but I've never seen it actually offered by anyone except Windham and its $2000+ kits.

The LMT MRP system allows you to swap between 5.56 DI, 5.56 piston, .300 BO and 6.8 SPC in the small bore, and in the large bore, .308, .338 Fed, .243, and a bunch of others.

To me, quick caliber change means no tool required. Unless things have changed, the LMT MRP does require you to lug around their heavy Torx wrench, if you want "quick" barrel change.