http://www.theoutdoorwire.com/image_archive/2286291.jpg> Taken down for the trigger change, this carbine features the off-set selector the Axiom pistol grip and adjustable stock, the universal single point sling adapter and part of the STORM sling.

It's been nearly a month, but a group of media attendees recently traveled to Montana with BLACKHAWK! looking at the company's new apparel line, among other products. The clothing was innovative and more will follow about it. What struck me though was the increasing line of AR accessories.

Now we're not supposed to dwell on the fact that BLACKHAWK! is part of Vista Outdoor – they are – but among others supporting their efforts in displaying their AR wares was Federal Premium Ammunition and Bushnell, both part of the aforementioned Vista Outdoor. Now that the corporate stuff is out of the way, let's look at the goodies.

I'm not a real supporter of putting crap on an AR and making it weigh-in within ounces of a loaded and slung BAR from the early 20th Century. Starting with the rifles, they were the Palmetto State Armory PA-15 "Freedom" model 16" carbines. The barrels are marked for 5.56, with a twist rate of 1:7", quick enough for heavy bullets. Since we were using American Eagle 55 grain FMJ, the modern military rate of twist wasn't relevant. The gun was stock, with the "F" marked front sight base, the carbine gas system and the mil standard size buffer tube. We turned to the additions.

http://www.theoutdoorwire.com/image_archive/2286293.jpg> The first order of business with the carbines was to confirm zero. They'd been bore-sighted and it was short work to get the piece ready to go.

Starting at the front, the BLACKHAWK! crew is making a Quad Rail forend – in the era of Keymod and the M-LOK. Waiting for the dust to settle in terms of new front attachment points and using something with currently broad applicability makes sense. BLACKHAWK! makes low-profile rail covers to add some comfort to the rail space that's left empty. A rail mount thumb rest/barricade stop will appeal to some, as will their sling mounts. The Quad Rail Forend has the push-button sling swivel attachment points at the rear on either side – a very smart move if you like two-point slings and I do. As I've had to go to shooting left side when using irons to see the front sight, I'm spending more time using long guns "wrong handed."

They have a vertical grip that fits on the rail. In the package are two caps, one long and one flush-mounted making a shorter grip. I'm all about minimizing bulk and snag potential so I discarded the long cap. An off-set flashlight mount for 1" diameter flashlights and a rail mount front sling adapter rounds out the gear for the front end.

Moving back, we have the BLACKHAWK! Off-Set Selector. This is an interesting gizmo. A member of the BLACKHAWK! design team noted that, ergonomic as the AR-15 controls are, a better move was to add material to the selector. The thumb rides higher as the lever is built-up and simply closing the thumb as when making a fist presses the lever up to "fire." It's a nice touch and takes little getting used to – I find it impinges a little on the top of the trigger finger but it doesn't interfere with firing. They have their Off-Set Selector in a bilateral ("ambi") version, which I'm now trying out. Being newly moved to the "wrong side," I find it nice to have a selector on each side.

http://www.theoutdoorwire.com/image_archive/2286295.jpg> Frank Borelli, Officer.com, confirms the PA-15/BLACKHAWK! carbine he's using is properly zeroed. The BLACKHAWK! gear didn't add lots of weight and it all served a purpose: making the rifle better to use.

BLACKHAWK! has a new AR trigger. In a world where we're apparently surrounded by trigger snobs, we have to have lighter crisper triggers and this company is no exception – except they moved toward durability long-term more than a feather-light target and competition rig. The AR BLAZE trigger is cut to approximate the duty style mil standard trigger in terms of geometry. The surface technology they used, boron concentrated into the surface of the steel, makes it slick without added lubrication. The harder surface is helpful in minimizing wear. The trigger has a crisp break, less creep in a smoother press. They have two spring set-ups, one for duty and the other for target. As they passed out the reduced power spring, I asked them to keep mine – I stick with the duty spring weight.

To all this, they added the new – and not yet available Knoxx Axiom A-Frame AR Stock and the Axiom AR Pistol grip. The stock includes Knoxx Gen III enhancements, with the new recoil pad and ambidextrous QD sling mounts. Available in four colors, it's a nice modern adjustable stock.

The pistol grip features an improved grip angle – closer to vertical – and a nicely done palm swell. The gripping surface is textured for improved hold and there are four color options to match the Axiom stock. These new enhancements are made here in the states. The universal single point adapter, attached to the rear of the lower, and the STORM single point sling completed the rifle enhancements.

Bushnell provided the AR Optics 1-4x24mm rifle scope with BDC reticle. This reticle is coarse but easily seen, as befits its mission as a close to moderate range optic. The zero magnification setting works quite well when using it as a reflex sight and it can be quickly adjusted to its maximum power setting to enhance target identification.

The PA-15 rifles consumed a large amount of American Eagle ball ammo and were, at times, shot very quickly. As expected, they ran without surprises. I can testify that the one I shot easily outshot me. The new pistol grips and stocks were simply terrific in handling. The off-set selector was a neat addition and I'm looking forward to adding them to other carbines.

I was asked by a local gunshop licensee if BLACKHAWK!/Palmetto State Armory would offer a carbine set up in the way these were: new stocks, pistol grips, selectors, forends, BLAZE triggers, slings – the works.

How about that BLACKHAWK! and Palmetto State?

BLACKHAWK! isn't sitting still. They continue to innovate and excel at product development while they increase the amount of their gear made stateside – all the while, identifying and executing improved manufacturing techniques.

For more information, see their http://blackhawk.com/Home.aspx>website.

-- Rich Grassi