Ranger Regiment soldier shows off UK military's new KS-1 assault rifle

[@ghostwriter2031]

MOD actually getting something right for once. This and the Sharpshooter rifle are the best buys in years.

[@richardhasler6718]

Maybe they did it twice. The new Boxer APC/IFV platform looks very good and already in use in Germany, Netherlands and Lithuania and Australia, so easy to share training, logistics and experience.

[@G3LDY]

this wont be for normal units it will be for marines and rangers

[@geezerp1982]

Cilvilan sharpshooter rifles are in good UK GUN SHOPS as well

[@kaicurrie1875]

@@G3LDYthe kit the ranger is wearing is planned on being issued to regular soldiers

[@robinette4363]

Rangers are hats

[@kpb96m]

I'm speechless. The UK now using an AR platform. I'm so happy for this change. The benefits to the soldier are huge compared to what they were using.

[@pd5156]

Thier SOF is using AR15 pattern rifles since 60s. There's nothing new here, previously they were using L119 variants.

[@jeevestherobot]

tard

[@bigmike-]

What's ironic is that the US is *finally* moving away from the AR platform with the new Sig XM7 platform (the XM7 is essentially a modernized, modular AR-18-style upper assembly on an AR-15-style lower) -- also a new cartridge (6.8x51mm / .277 Fury) for the new rifle platform. Only *now* are various ally countries moving to adopt AR-pattern weapons... which is highly unfortunate for those countries, because they're going to be pressured into adopting the new cartridge -- and at that point, they might as well adopt the new weapon system. Super bad play by the UK MOD.

[@AmazonWebService98]

@@bigmike- They're moving away from the AR platform, and then you mention Ar-15 style lower. It's a AR platform , so no they're NOT moving away from the Ar platform. And the US is not adopting a new cartridge for main stream US army buddy, please stop spreading nonsense, the m4 platform is and will be the main service rifle for years to come

[@G_Diddler]

@@bigmike-the sig mcx is still AR platform

[@freeshipping4569]

As an American, I am very happy to see our cousins abroad using this weapon system. While the SA80 served well and has saved countless lives, I think that the UK is doing themselves a favor with this transition.

[@jessesimmons4503]

Should of been using the AR-15 platform from the start. Increase accuracy while in a lightweight and modular platform.

[@charekuu]

@@jessesimmons4503 should have

[@rimacalid6557]

You German or something?

[@Srfs777]

@@jessesimmons4503something called pride. Brits have been known to bring about their downfall due to pride alone. Look at history.

[@AthelstanKing]

smugly correcting language while using an inferior weapon system. peak british @@charekuu

[@Geezah1]

The fact it is made by Knights means you are getting a quality product.

[@JammyDodger45]

It's not being made by them, it's being manufactured in the UK.

[@LRRPFco52]

​@@JammyDodger45KAC has the contract for the carbine. Vortex has the contract for the LPVO. Aimpoint has the MRDS. Magpul makes the furniture and magazines.

[@Osprey1994]

IF KAC got the contract, then they are making the parts or someone is paying them for the equipment and tooling.@@JammyDodger45

[@JammyDodger45]

@@LRRPFco52 - they may have for the US but the UK production weapons are going to be made by Edgar Brothers in Macclesfield.

[@LRRPFco52]

@@JammyDodger45 Edgar Brothers are the Prime Contractor for the UK as an importer, not manufacturer. They arrange for all the carbines, optics, scope mounts, magazines, blank firing adaptors, simunition kits, protective gear, and all associated items to be bundled, then delivered. In their own words: "As the Prime Contractor and UK Distributors, Edgar Brothers will be utilising a range of battle-proven products from suppliers from around the world to deliver the chosen solution." Edgar Brothers is acting as a privatised military procurement agency, not a manufacturer of weapons. They have no ability to manufacture KAC weapons, Vortex optics, LAMs, etc.

[@cathoderay305]

With an M-Lok fore end, Magpul furniture, suppressor, and improved sighting systems, the UK has definitely upped the game for their Rangers. I wish them much success with deployment and operation of this platform. I hope it brings them the advantage necessary to bring each soldier home safely if a conflict demands its use.

[@pablo4yu]

I NEED those dnc magazines. I hate the brits but they have impeccable drip

[@Man_fay_the_Bru]

@@pablo4yudon’t worry, we think you’re all vapid& really really gauche to boot🤷‍♂️

[@giddy9052]

@@pablo4yu Why do you hate us??

[@campsitez2355]

the UK can't develop their own firearms because they decimated the firearms industry in their own country. this is the price they pay for their gun bans. now they have no choice but to look for other countries to supply their military because the expertise simply does not exist in the UK because they don't allow it to.

[@jamessullivan6047]

​@@giddy9052hes just busting our balls mate

[@akforge]

Hello from the US, out of the plethora of AR manufacturers KAC (Knights Armament Company) is considered by many the top tier of the AR world. 👍🏻🇺🇸🇬🇧

[@campsitez2355]

because places like the UK don't allow the development of firearms since the secondary industry there, the private gun development industry is dead in the UK over the gun bans. The UK in theory should be buying their guns from the Russians considering their socialist gun control and speech control measures in place right now. I totally understand now that the Royal Family wanted to lower their security costs but... a full gun ban goes way too far. Just look at the special operations in Canada, the Portapique shooting... if you don't think that wasn't an inside job because prince harry and megan wanted canadians to pay for their security lmfao.... it's going to be a lot cheaper now that the AR-15 and handguns are banned..... all so the royal family can save a few dollars on security, you sacrifice your own security for them. Good deal? GREAT!!!

[@eillswim]

I'd like to think so for 10k a piece lul

[@thehum1000]

Dam straight bro

[@benedictearlson9044]

@@thehum1000 Yee ha cowboy.

[@MyScotty7]

About time the UK government listened to our soldiers. Spend my tax money on the best kit and toys for our fantastic armed forces!

[@Mike_The_Hog_A_Nator]

Russia is destroying the Ukraine Forces at a 5 to 1 ratio. Putin has been launching satellites while we were at war with the Middle East. He knows where everyone is located on the battlefield. Why he's showing restraint is beyond me. He's about to slaughter Ukraine..

[@wardy6224]

@foSoTNobody cares for what some US general has to say

[@RyleKittenhouse]

They would rather spend it on foreign people

[@anthonylocke3366]

@@RyleKittenhouse true

[@ezchannelclap]

The L85 A3 is pretty good as there's just not enough of them

[@frankhernandez188]

I am a retired US Marine and I privately owned any an AR15 I think it's the best weapon system out there, when I was in service I never had a problem with it and very accurate. I am so happy my brother in the British military are finally getting them.

[@MasterControl-MCP]

🇬🇧🤝🇺🇸

[@pulëeskuqurdheshalqi]

If you used your AR in combat (which I doubt you have since you think it's the best) you will know its not reliable with sand flying around into the chamber. I saw a mud test done today and it was super reliable but that was a pick and choose what works test, sand it's the enemy of the AR platform. The SCAR, BREN are far superior rifles all around and now the tavor and other bullpups are surpassing it which is why the M4 is being phased out of the U.S military.

[@RedSkin92]

@@pulëeskuqurdheshalqi tell mme you know nothing about guns some more

[@pulëeskuqurdheshalqi]

@@RedSkin92 mmmmmkay SME, tell me more about your REAL world exp in the civilian world or at the FOB!

[@MissionaryForMexico]

@@pulëeskuqurdheshalqi well if you were in the Marine Corp like me. You know the inherent issues with AR from extensive training before any combat engagements. You thoroughly clean and lubricate your weapon every day! It's called being able to sustain a fight, engage the enemy, and over power then! I met your same type in Iraq ! Some of the guard and active duty army. I went to inspect there weapon's and every one had a filthy weapon! Should have joined the Marine Corp.

[@2bNIKEt1]

Its crazy to think the US Civilian market could singlehandedly be responsible for how this rifle is setup. Because I went to the range the other day and saw maybe 5 rifles that looked like this.

[@bandolando3265]

Yep, pretty much every AR setup video on youtube recently is very similar to this. LPVOs took the civ market by storm and its great to see militaries using them in large numbers.

[@LAXERJK]

American civilians know best from our years of drunkly magdumping into range trash.

[@bigchigga8671]

I mean the American populace generally is willing and sure can spend more for gucci'd gear. Also, there really has been a massive movement in the domestic market for gears in general since the pandemic. Everyone is either running, trying, or saving up to a full set of gear includes plate carriers radio. I mean I wanna get some NVGs but I'm lowkey broke. At the mass scale for military gears usually reliability and marginal costs are the biggest issue, not performance. Some rifles you see these kids at the range have are some real state-of-the-art crafts.

[@outis7080]

The civilian market is usually ahead of the military, e.g. LPVOs were prevalent in competition circles long before its widespread adaptation by the military.

[@Chaddlee]

The US civi market spends more on weapons annually than the rest of the world combined. Mass counts.

[@mikewinston8709]

I loathed the SA 80; as did my colleagues. We all loved the FN SLR though. Thank goodness for Belgium.

[@hugonongbri8100]

why??

[@mikewinston8709]

@@hugonongbri8100 Solely the ‘bull pup’ design. Nothing actually to do with reliability….that came later and is separate.

[@bountyhunter_5150]

The only good thing from Belgium.

[@daveg202]

​@@bountyhunter_5150 what the only good thing!!!! What about, chocolate, waffles, hi power pistol, gpmg(FN MAG), 1910 pistol, beer and of course Tin Tin shame on you 😂😂

[@codyhearne932]

Both had major flaws

[@XSpector88]

My guess is anyone who's used to the SA-80 will likely forget that rifle ever existed 5 minutes after they pick this up.

[@AthelstanKing]

definitely. The whole "manual of arms" myth has never been proven with any data. It's like saying if you use a fork you'll forget how to use a spoon or vice versa. Learning to use an AR is so intuitive people generally learn it extremely fast as you say, regardless of prior weapon experiences.

[@ZacharyReaper]

So happy to see our brothers across the pond finally use this system!

[@brenton9492]

Eugene Stoner was a brilliant man!

[@andrewsills8963]

high-end rifle, a great piece of kit.

[@shadypark78]

The AR platform has been used for over 60 years. The HK 416 is the best example, but this KA weapon is a great weapon. This rifle will be a great piece of kit for the Brits.

[@fredblogs]

Pity they didn’t increase the calibre.

[@TheStig505]

"The HK 416 is the best example" Lol no

[@JohnZ556]

​@@TheStig505Give him a break, he's referencing HK416 and calling Knights KA instead of KAC. Obviously not a firearm guy.😂

[@alex-ragnarson3482]

​@@JohnZ556What's the problem with the HK416 ? It's a fine weapon

[@verysmallcats1374]

​@@alex-ragnarson3482Its biggest drawback is that it weighs a lot. It is not a general purpose rifle, it's used to fill a niche. An HK416 already weighs 3.1kg bare minimum empty- add a full mag, laser aiming device, suppressor, optics like this gun has, and a flashlight and you're easily looking at 5kg of weight. That's not something you'd want to take anywhere that isn't door kicking.

[@armorers_wrench]

That's definitely one of the nicest AR15 based setups in military use. Those Knights guns run very well suppressed. Just curious though, will that LAM hold zero mounted on the side of an mlok rail like that? Even with a bit of pic rail seems like you'd lose zero pretty easily.

[@fredted1611]

And where on gods earth would you mount it? I would love to hear this answer.

[@Kaotix_music]

If thats a knights rail? Id assume so. I believe one of my buddies has one on his Knights SR-15 and his laser holds zero, but his is top mounted. Im not exactly sure if that makes any difference when it comes to MLOK. I still prefer beefy pic quad rails and run a MK18 for my SBR but i run the Giessele Mk8 Rail on my 14.5 inch set up and thats never lost zero with my laser on there

[@henryliu1046]

what side you mount on has no effect on how well a laser maintains zero, that's all about how rigid the rail locks up and knights rails have some of the best designs out there when it comes to maintaining laser zero, usually if its side mounted its because of either ergo or balance reasons

[@fredted1611]

@@henryliu1046 Exactly I have a Pec15 mounted zero issues in 3+ yrs

[@Bisley1]

⁠@@fredted1611 you’d mount it on top, obviously. It wouldn’t matter if this was a quad rail, then you could mount it anywhere. But seeing how this rifle only has one solid rail at 12 o’clock and the side / bottom rails are MLOK attachments, it would be safest to mount the laser on top. @kaotix_music in this case it does make a difference because of the reason stated above. Handguard rigitity also plays an important role, but if the pic rail it’s mounted to isn’t rock solid, you can have the most rigid handguard in the world and it won’t matter. As for getting in the way of the scope, it won’t. Above 3x magnification you’re barely going to see the laser, above 4-5x you won’t at all and since you have the Aimpoint ACRO on top, that is clearly higher than the laser, you have very little reason to use the scope at 1x at all because the red dot will always beat it at 1x

[@SKEPGFX]

What a beautiful weapon system. Looks the part, works the part. Finally a move in the right direction.

[@StinkyGoblin]

probably not doubt it will see wide use, aint as good as sa80 in general terms

[@rockymun]

The mechanics and the attachments are becoming more efficient year over year. good for the Brits to get on the AR platform.

[@swdiosdiosdado]

Awesome, it’s about time they give you guys something that can be completely customized to suit almost every situation and your individual needs. 🤙 America’s rifle

[@jamesconner-myers4375]

I found the optics stack the most interesting. Very cool to see the Vortex 1-10 with a top dot get military adoption.

[@dt8694]

UK is finally adopting a KAC! Nice that they are coming around to the modern AR platform we have been using for decades in the US

[@lynchetts]

UK staying with 5.56 when the US has changed to 6.8mm. 5.56 will not penetrate bidy armour or have the range for fighting China etc. NATO will be forced by the USA to adopt 6.8mm which is far superior - we should have stayed with 7.62mm and the SLR LOL

[@markturner6755]

⁠@@lynchettsthere’s more than a 5.56 option and this is only one configuration.

[@markturner6755]

Some of us in the UK have been using AR platforms for decades as well.

[@jbuckley2546]

So have we in limited numbers.

[@lynchetts]

@@markturner6755 Whats the other configurations ??

[@christopherjurban2979]

Finally, we now have an M4!

[@JohnWilliams-fk3hb]

About time we had some quality gear. Had to be either this or the H&K . Customisation is a big factor as well.

[@oso1165]

That is some quality kit wow. Good choices made for every single part of this rifle/setup

[@PowermadNavigator]

This is a smart move, it's just that 10 000 rifles over the next ten years for that price is kinda slow, I'd say...

[@mrsniff3676]

Very slow

[@wylnd]

Damn, this thing looks like a civilian rifle in all the best ways. Less "lowest bidder" vibes and more quality

[@andrewclodfelter3782]

That is who has tested this setup for the last 10 years. LOL

[@CheekRunner]

@@holdfast5332clearly have no idea what you’re talking about

[@Kaotix_music]

Even the US military is moving away from "lowest bidder" because they learned from that mistake from the new Army Handgun program. The sig and the glock were promising equally and Glock actually was about to win the contract, but its not confirmed, but someone at SIG got inside info on what Glock was pricing the glocks for the army and SIG lowered their bid to the Army, so obviously the army chose the SIG due to price....but look what happened. Premature firing and all sorts of problems. Theyre fixed now, my buddy is issued one and trusts it with his life but that was a lesson learned. The stuff the US Army is precuring now is pretty revolutionary in my opinion

[@USN1985dos]

@@holdfast5332 Sure, buddy

[@Wh1stle_03]

@@holdfast5332the future is now old man

[@Tom-zy6ke]

Well I guess when you consider the UK Army was around 155,000 strong in the mid 1980s when the SA80 was introduced, and it's now only 79,000 strong the MOD only has to buy half as many. Of course they won't have to pay H&K to re-engineer them all as they did with the SA80. Just think, in 20 years time when the Army is only 10,000 strong what magnificent kit they will have!

[@CaptDestro]

For the price they spent on these they could get a FNH M4/AR in the same configuration for 155,000 men lmao. The KAC is the cream of the crop hands down, but I don't think the juice is worth the squeeze imo. The FNH is nothing to sneeze at however. Quality rifle, their cold hammer forged barrels are praised. They make the M249 so they have a ton of R&D done on barrels/etc.

[@tomhenry897]

Let’s see how well their manufacture makes them

[@kanejakejimmy]

@@CaptDestro Yeah I bet even the URGI is half the price of this. And I mean with throwing in a milspec lower with and A5 buffer tube and a Larue trigger. No need to spend this much.

[@rogerrees9845]

Amazing piece of kit... Roger.... Pembrokeshire UK

[@pierret.5304]

Amazing news for our fellow UK comrades ! Nicely done ! From France 🇬🇧🇫🇷

[@alexisdetocqueville9964]

So that's why Acros were so hard to get for so long lol. Very interesting they are using separate IR and white lights with a standalone laser versus something like a PEQ/Raid LAM. I'm playing around with a similar setup because some newer LED IR lights are MUCH more powerful for the money than any civilian LAM. Kiji and Z Bolt in particular.

[@verysmallcats1374]

The fancy workaround LEDs and VCSEL (Kiji head isn't LED) modules are pretty interesting, gotta love the FDA for bringing us this innovation. :/ unfortunate that both have bigger signatures than their laser cousins, even the FP ones.

[@user-qn7ui7sb1q]

Makes me proud the Brit’s adopted this American weapon. God speed boys stay safe.

[@joeynyesss1286]

Only the royal marines and some special forces units are adopting it, the standard british army rifle and RAF rifle will still be the L85a2/a3.

[@KristijanRisteski-zp7bx]

Guess it's time to do more "press-ups"@@joeynyesss1286

[@MoSportsUSA]

Huge plus: There are limitless accessories for every soldier to, if allowed, customize their piece to what works best for them. Excellent choice.

[@MERC905]

lmao you are delusional thinking like that hahahhaha

[@BedfordViking]

Cue some old sweat whining about getting rid of SLR's... Wish we had these when I was in. Good looking piece of kit.

[@ImStillWoody]

So basically the UK is just getting an M4A1 Rifle with some small differences. The UK is keeping up there trend of getting gear they claim is "new" whilst everyone else in NATO has had it for decades.

[@MedicalTape_xX]

For anyone wondering (as I was) that laser unit is the Rheinmetall Vario-Ray LMM

[@Kaotix_music]

thanks for that, i was actually curious what it was. Surprised they didnt go with something like the L3 NGAL or something

[@Osama-Bon-Jovi-01]

*LLM, also curious as to why there's another torch on the other side too 🤔

[@valiant545]

@@Osama-Bon-Jovi-01Because the LLM’s white light output is comparably weak. Would rather it just have the separate light and the non integrated unit

[@Kycirion]

Bless your heart.

[@al28854]

@@Kaotix_music Budget, the UK mil. chose the AIOs. Unlike the UK/Euro market the Americans have a sizable market for accessorizing when it comes to the endless add-ons. The main light and laser/IR aiming modules should be kept separate to avoid the 'all your eggs in one basket' scenario, in case of physical damage during combat.

[@stephengoodwin9150]

Loved the SLR, didn’t hate the SA80 A1 but didn’t help being left handed. Least with the FN when you hit 7.62 they stayed down wasn’t quite as good with 5.56.

[@DarkShroom]

get tar 21 then

[@Its_the_Coops]

Some loved it when we had bows and swords too i bet.

[@Brucey865]

We just need this for the entire armed forces now

[@syscoord195]

No we don't, can't defeat body armour at 300m. The money would be better spent on more range time, or training.

[@DarkShroom]

get tar 21 then, longer barrel

[@derek6579]

@@syscoord195at 400 metres call in the artillery, or wait!

[@Jonathan-mk1ju]

All 50 of us 😂

[@Brucey865]

@@Jonathan-mk1ju 😂😂😂

[@josephprendergast771]

As a lefty, I see this as an absolute win. Great purchase with Knights.

[@stevetheduck1425]

The discussed need for a larger calibre is being done with another rifle? The sharpshooter mentioned? Range has been shown to be a problem for most assault rifles. Have the numbers been crunched, or is this an expensive attempt to save money like all before it?

[@RM-xl1ed]

The SA80 seems like an absolute monstrosity of a rifle. I served in the USMC some years ago and I used to think my M16A4 was heavy to lug around....but it's a whole 4 lbs lighter than the SA80. Glad the brits are getting on board the AR platform train

[@hoilst265]

"You must have very clever soldiers" - Mikhail Kalashnikov, upon seeing an SA-80 (allegedly...)

[@Chaddlee]

Its actually alright to use on a regular basis. Yes it's heavy but its accurate and super reliable (now). What more could you ask?

[@quakethedoombringer]

Why is the SA 80 so heavy though compared to other 5.56 rifles. It's like the rifle was supposed to be designed with a much higher ROF and caliber in mind

[@Chaddlee]

@@quakethedoombringer I tihnk it is just the construction. Its made of stamped sheet steel, everywhere except the pistol grip. It was designed in the 80's and was meant to be easy to manufacture, which it was really. Its very well balanced though when loaded so it shoots well.

[@supremeovernerd]

Also being essentially a bullpup AR-18, the receiver is maybe.. around twice the length? so that's almost twice the amount of stamped steel just for the receiver

[@davidli3582]

You guys were not messing around when it came to selecting this rifle. Thank you for contributing to my local economy. Hello from the Space Coast!

[@moredistractions]

It's interesting how everyone is switching to the Armalite system, even the French and Germans too. Eugene Stoner had it right all along apparently back in the 1950s when he invented this system. Random statistic: It's estimated that about 16 million Americans own an AR-15.

[@heladas90]

Not enough!

[@gregkollaeg2365]

The German G36 is basically an AR18. The HK416 is a M4 with the gas system of the G36. But I know what you are saing.

[@irvan36mm]

Glad to be one of those 16 million Americans

[@thelordofcringe]

​@gregkollaeg2365 the 416 is thus basically an ar18 lol.

[@Leon1Aust]

Dude the US army is ditching the AR system for the 6.8mm

[@hk_brit_fisher]

It does look like a flow-through can, nice

[@Kaotix_music]

Flow-through cans are sweet especially on parts for the rifle, but please correct me if im wrong, dont flow through cans require some maintenance and most only lasting between 8k-10k rounds?

[@alexgaras1573]

Sure I can guess but did he forget to mention the caliber!? 😐

[@Cedar23]

Can anyone tell me what those gloves where that he was wearing, many thanks

[@Gasher82nd]

Looks the biz as my brother used to say. Hopefully improve hits also, not sure about all the add on's they must make it front heavy as grip is way back. Suppose as this soldier says retraining will help. Great for new recruits though. Hopefully it will be available to all areas of the military not just marines as news was saying. 10k being purchased doesn't seem way enough.

[@chappie__]

I think one of the other benefits of it was the reduced weight of it so hopefully it should all ballance out and help us put the Great into Britain!

[@davewarrender2056]

Still gonna die if hit with a .50 cal round. All that stuff , like to see them run 6.5 mile In under 70 mins wearing it

[@winkiiiie]

"All these adds on" = the most compact supressor on the market, a peq, a flashlight and a foregrip... its pretty much the very basic right now for any soldier. Welcome to the real world. This rifle is handguard isnt crowded at all...

[@samseven5260]

Ranger Regiment, Stoner rifle, multicam, kit…. all very flattering. Do they also memorize the Ranger Creed?

[@jameslyddall]

creed....brings back memories of the band

[@davidmanning7912]

Doubtful, but since Rogers was a British officer, not altogether impossible

[@ericconnor8419]

It looks like a nice rifle, lovely optics. The suppressor looks a bit bulky but I guess it works well. We should definitely just buy kit from the Americans instead of trying to reinvent the wheel ourselves.

[@mitchdaytonam3]

The suppressor is tiny… it’s the newest and smallest KAC make. 🤨

[@MrEsphoenix]

The issue with that is it's going to cost a lot more, and we already have issues with military funding

[@mrfunswitch]

There's a suppressor cover around the suppressor which is attached to the handguard. The actual suppressor is much not as fat.

[@daeclipse03]

Weapons manufacturers add alot of good paying jobs to there local economy I'm sure they would rather invest there $$ domestically when and where they can. I say this as an American.

[@brianrich7828]

Knights is the cream of the crop. Wish they’d put more effort into the civilian market however. They’re expensive asf and hard to get. So we opt for what I would say are equal for less money like EWS or LWRCI. And they’re actually obtainable. But to have a knights would be a fine addition to anyone’s collection.

[@Rekaert]

As a UK tax-payer, non military, I'm more than happy for our troops to get the best equipment. They absolutely deserve it.

[@rascalmatt6713]

This set up looks great but is this 5.56? and what barrel length ? 1-10x is great for reaching out to about 1,000 yds but with 5.56 and that barrel length, that won't really be a thing, even with 77 grain OTM's. Don't get me wrong... the set up looks great. Height over bore for that red dot is definitely following current trends however, it's so small and so far forward that i wonder if it will slow guys down in the heat of the moment trying to find that dot. Going to take a lot more practice to become fluid and 2nd nature, that's for sure. Need that repeatable muscle memory for cheek placement on the stock and thousands of "ready ups" to get it right during stressful situations. Everybody in these government acquisition programs seems to want a one size fits all set up. There is no such thing. I don't like "go betweens". I think a 16" barrel should be the minimum for theaters like Afghanistan. Now if we want to upgrade to a 6ARC caliber and FN has their own caliber and rifle now... i think you can get away with a shorter barrel. Even 6.5 Grendel is nicer than 5.56 but the military is the military. I know... i served in SOF. Hey WTH ever happened to 6.8 SPC .... LOL ... now we have too many calibers honestly. Gotta tic the boxes for Barrel life, Ballistics, Bolt life, Reliability, Accuracy, Size, Weight and Recoil.

[@boots7859]

Thing is, the era of urban warefare/CQB type engagements are seemingly fading away from the past 20-25 years. Expected engagements with China primarily most likely means a return to longer ranges, body armored opponents, etc, so a larger caliber and longer barrel will probably be required for more of the front line troops. X5/7 looks big, ungainly and heavy, glad I'm not humping one.

[@lukedogwalker]

This guy's got a lot of nice kit all over him. I wonder how many complete sets will be bought and how many troops will can be equipped to this standard simultaneously (that is, without having to share gear around between on and off duty).

[@LRRPFco52]

Off the top of my head, the contract is stated to be for over 10,000 carbines and associated systems.

[@viper-fw2st]

​@@LRRPFco52i think commandos are being prioritizrd

[@maxie706]

They’re going to special forces, rangers, commandos and SFSG, so anyone who would have had an AR variant before plus rangers

[@jpcrichton2280]

They’re not going to SF, they are under a very different procurement process. This weapon is for 3 Cdo Bde and the Army Special Operations Bde. The remainder of the UKs Armed Forces will continue to use the SA80 until it is replaced under Proj Grayburn.

[@CoffeeFiend1]

@@viper-fw2st If we assume then that they're going to SF and Commandos that would honestly be not that far off 10k. Royal Marines have what about 6000? Not looked into figures in a long time, combined SF has always been well under a thousand but then we've got the new Rangers which seem to be getting setup in bulk 2500 minimum if they're really going for battalions worth, still skeptical on that one myself.

[@MrLense]

Finally everyone is using the AR pattern, John browning is smiling from Gun heaven

[@markbooth1117]

Also left-handers can use it too with no problem, unlike the SA-80.

[@AnvilAirsoftTV]

Eugine Stoner…

[@rsmac11]

I think we may be mixing up our firearms designers. Also, technically the SA-80 is a variation on the AR-18 platform. Eugene Stoner oversaw the design of both.

[@f0rth3l0v30fchr15t]

@@markbooth1117Left handers can use the SA80 no problem, as long as they use it right-handed. The almost complete absence of a gun culture in the UK means hardly anyone comes into the Armed Forces needing to be trained out of those habits. The the SA80's handedness problem affects everyone who uses it when trying to fire around cover.

[@MrLense]

@@rsmac11 Ah yes my bad

[@colinmelling6369]

Come along way since the SLR . The real widow maker.

[@BarghestOne]

Freedom comes in 308 baby!!!

[@garagenigel]

I think the west side boys made more widows using the slr than the whole British Army!

[@BarghestOne]

@@holdfast5332 come on now. Dont play coy with the a.r platform, it's superior to the Kalashnikov due to modularity weight and even in a lot of cases can withstand most weather conditions on par with the ak and still operate just as functionally. I'd rather run around with a 9 pound rifle instead of an 11+ pound sa80 or the SLR. But i mean i agree in some degree, But even the hardest men are going to struggle having long durations of direct combat with 308. 5.56 or even 6.8 would be alot easier to keep up all night long, focused and on target compared to higher cals. Do you hate your shoulders or something? 😂

[@LRRPFco52]

​@@holdfast5332SAS have been using ArmaLites since 1965 at the latest. They also used SLRs, but you saw them use them less and less in favor of AR-15s. For the desert, they used Hk G3s, then went to a mix of M16/M203s and FN Minimi LMGs, with GPMGs mounted on vehicles. During GWOT, you saw the LMT 7.62 NATO Designated Marksman Rifles in the mix alongside Diemaco Colt Commandos. When you look at SAS and SBS, they can choose whatever they want, and have favored some type of ArmaLite carbine for almost 60 years now.

[@BarghestOne]

@@holdfast5332 ahahaha what a delusional tankie what on earth are you banging on about? Please go and spend 10,000 rounds of 308 in the firing range while carrying an extra 90kg on your back and don't forget your squats and burpees inbetween reloads. Come on now big feller think logically you're not john wick.

[@Savage_Carlos]

American Bald Eagle: “Hold my beer”

[@nick7602]

At last, superb bit of kit

[@TheRogueElement]

Quality choice. No shade intended here, but as an American civi 🇺🇸 I know that this rifle is on par with what most regular civis can bring to the fight. A Stoner pattern rifle with variable magnification optic resides in most American households. It’s a ubiquitous platform in the states. This isn’t a “game changer” by any means, but your government did pick a quality platform and configuration.

[@kanejakejimmy]

Don't you love that?! You see what top tier military units are all a-twitter about. And then you look in your gun safe... and you go... Meh... Damn Groovy!

[@SprikSprak]

I'm genuinely curious - why do you have the same pattern of rifle in civilian households that is issued to military units here? What is the benefit vs. the obvious risks?

[@garyholmes5670]

@@SprikSprak it’s a great rifle for mass killing children every home needs one

[@kanejakejimmy]

Because we can.@@SprikSprak

[@yuritarted984]

@@SprikSprak so we don't get cucked by our government

[@GuacIsExtra99]

Anybody have a link to the dnc mags 😬

[@danielhardingham]

Laundry bag and some spray paint

[@eric2685]

I hope it is rugged and reliable . I suspect it will come in for a lot of use very soon . I hope I'm wrong on that latter point - but things do seem to be deteriorating globally . Best wishes to the British Armed Forces .

[@ShimomuraTakezoWong]

From SLR>Bullpups>AR the biggest hassle would be marching drills similar to SLR/M16A1>Steyr Aug A1>M4A3 not only the reloading & stoppages drills as while as the sighting systems/optics... nevertheless one's proficiency in the ability to operate any platform within an instant of picking up the weapon is a generic skill in the profession of arms.

[@anthonyburke5656]

Knight generally make nice gear. But I was disappointed that the innards of the weapon weren’t shown. I want to know about the size and shape of the lugs on the bolt, the corresponding machining of the breech face, I’d like a good look at the gas system. I’d like to know the scope mounting and zeroing procedure, ditto the red dot. The butt didn’t look that versatile? The suppressor internals need to be shown. The number and twist of the lands? Chrome lined?

[@setituptoblowitup]

Jesus and Eugene got together and that is the PERFECT rifle🤫

[@ninjadave1970]

YEP! When your life is on the line... Only the Finest will do!

[@netchemica]

Eugene had just as much influence on KAC's line of AR15s as he did on the original Colt AR15. No part of the changes that KAC made to the AR15 platform had anything to do with Eugene Stoner.

[@setituptoblowitup]

@@netchemica nope cept Mr. Knight and Stoner were good buddies🍊🐊

[@TESTA-CC]

Finally something positive for our forces.

[@williamhornabrook8081]

1-10x magnification on the sight is very impressive. A bit fidly, but the little red dot sight on top means there's always a usable sight.

[@martinmiller1087]

By definition, a battery powered sight is not always usable.

[@bradcolby1]

Finally! -A Yank 🇬🇧🤝🇺🇸 (I love the Uk and have visited 5 times)

[@user-qd7yl2fr1y]

Pity we can't make our rifles in the UK.

[@rascalmatt6713]

You could if you had a 2nd Amendment..... just saying.

[@jbloun9118]

Being an island beta and technologically inferior must be hard 😂

[@grosyewq28]

@@jbloun9118eating drug filled chicken and microplastics must be hard too

[@hourbee5535]

Americans can buy these at the store but we cannot.

[@JammyDodger45]

Americans also kill 50,000 fellow Americans with firearms every year. Which do you think is the better option?

[@WWCephas]

You mean 'Muricans!

[@ASqdrnDA]

This particular model from Knight's, I find hard to see anyone even pictures let alone discussions about it. Closest is the SR-15 and that has 1 main difference from the lower receiver, the KS-1 seems to have an ambidextrous bolt catch and release, while the SR-15 only has a bolt release.

[@MrTangolizard]

No they can’t these are fully automatic with moderators u can’t have fully auto in the USA unless it was built before the 1960s and you have to have a tax stamp and permission for a moderator

[@wardy6224]

Why would you even want to?

[@archmagosdeciuskronen1501]

I think the SA80 is a fine weapon for general use in it's refitted and modernized configuration. This rifle however, I think will find fantastic use in the hands of fireteams and more specialized units who demand a more flexible weapon system for their tasks.

[@thatsreality5184]

Here in America,will call it an everyday carry platform 😅

[@lengendaryblackmgmt438]

I live in Titusville Fl and right down the road from knights, it’s amazing to see your home city on weapons used by elites across the Atlantic 😊

[@1JamesZ]

Its about time we start to adopt arguably the best platform out there

[@squaddiepete]

"All the guys at Batallion are looking forward to trying to break it...."

[@StinkyGoblin]

isnt gonna be hard tbh

[@jimbo_dilly1675]

Wow! The British army is only about 20 years behind....

[@spirit_miku]

classic case of if its not an AR15 its bad right here

[@jimbo_dilly1675]

@@spirit_miku nope, not at all.

[@will16320]

good value for money, exceptionally well built, makes strategic sense to be standardising on an AR style platform similar to our allies.

[@WMW-82]

I think it a long overdue upgrade and a very good choice.i like how versatile and adaptable it is for whatever scenario

[@alanstillwell4644]

Can anyone confirm that suppressor cover is a KAC? I know the suppressor is coming from them but didn't hear if the cover is also theirs. Can't find anything on the KAC website as well.

[@JackSmith-gv5yw]

It really is a kick in the balls for the UK armed forces. It should be replacing the SA80 completely....not just certain units. It's like saying it's not worth spending the money.

[@mr31337]

i imagine if the new weapon is successful & popular more units will eventually get it, but looks like the yanks are moving to 6.8, so this might be an interim move for special units we may soon see an entirely new weapon in 6.8 to replace the SA80 in a few years when the data is in from the yanks on the success of their new 6.8 weapons guess we'll see, but no point changing everybody from the SA80 *mk3* (which ain't _too_ shabby) until the new data is available

[@BS3RED]

Look up project grayburn. Thats the current project for replacing the L85a3. This was Project Hunter.

[@trident1314]

Not at 9k a pop!

[@Villain1874]

The SA80 is due to be replaced in the near future Google “Project Grayburn“ Hope that helps

[@MasterCheeks-2552]

@@mr31337 we havent made a good rifle since the lee enfield so lets just use what the yanks are using from now on

[@carlwatkiss4252]

I had the pleasure of using all 3 SA80’s it had its benefits but it had a lot more negatives . I wish I had a AR platform when I served for 20years

[@yamarlon123]

Would love to see those royal guards with these

[@lachlanchester8142]

You won’t, not soon, it’s only for rangers and Royal Marines

[@christopherjones6607]

They'll keep the new sa80 for drill and ceremonial I'd emadgon..16 air assault brigade will get them guards and para combined..not the guards regiment for a couple of years

[@smudgekenobi7126]

Good to see the change from the bullpup to an AR platform, is this universal across all service branches?

[@Huwberts_Emporium]

Looks like a decent setup, squadies are gonna be happy with this change.

[@timb8970]

Sadly another rifle I wont be able to afford, or even be able to find because Knight’s releases about 5-10 rifles per year to the civilian market!

[@TheAlexagius]

At least you have that problem, no one in the UK could even own it had they the money.

[@Kaotix_music]

idk why knights is like that. I wanted to buy a new can and wanted to try out their new suppressor....to find out its not even on the civilian market. Like what the heck?

[@yuritarted984]

They would make alot more money if they did more for the civilian market I dont know why they aren't tho there is a huge demand for ka rifles

[@notme3184]

​@@TheAlexagius Blame your ancestors for willingly giving up rights to the government for a false sense of security.

[@opinionatedpossum1945]

It's disturbing that British industry has lost the ability to design and field a good infantry rifle.

[@tylergmorales17]

Well thats been gone for a while, but they don’t need to. Our American rifles are mass produced (due to bustling civilian market), cheap, available, and excellent platforms. This change is long long overdue. Good for the brits on this one.

[@Gangster88232]

We need to abolish military. Once and for all.

[@MasterCheeks-2552]

probably best to buy an american rifle considering firearms are a religion over there.

[@tylergmorales17]

@@MasterCheeks-2552 Can't argue with that

[@tylergmorales17]

@@Gangster88232 Now thats just stupid

[@CochinKerala]

Does the UK produce any arms of its own anymore? What would they do without the cousins across the pond?

[@michaelhart895]

Go back to the long bow , pretty much all we have left .Thanks to our politicians.

[@Retrosicotte]

The UK is one of the larger arms industries on the planet. They make Sniper Rifles, ATGMs, carriers, frigates, destroyers, logistics vessels, boats, nuclear submarines, fighter jets, jet engines, missiles of all sorts, MRAPs, various AFVs, refuelling pods, combat engineering modules, thermal sights, radars, pilot helmets, howitzers, bombs, helicopters, landing craft, SAM batteries, anti-air gun platforms, drones, loitering munitions, target drones, USVs, VIP Transports, vertical launch silos, sonar, nuclear warheads, nuclear reactors, gas turbine engines, tank armour, satellites, cyber-systems, radios, camouflage, body armour... the list goes on.

[@CochinKerala]

​@@Retrosicotteand yet cannot manufacture a good rifle for its own use.

[@mikewinston8709]

We’ve always used Belgian and German too. They just make better guns than us.

[@majesticface3631]

@@CochinKeralaif you can build a nuclear powered ballistic missile submarine, you can easily make your own guns. It’s easier to buy reliable, off the shelf weapons than set up a new line and go through intensive trials on a newly designed rifle that does the same thing.

[@rhodesc1]

We should have had a m4 style rifle years ago I cannot believe it has taken this long for them to change our battle rifle and don’t get me wrong when I was in the sea cadets and I went down to hms Raleigh for the weekend and got the chance to shoot the l85 lsw I even though a righty didn’t like the lsw

[@jubear1493]

You are surprized how long it took the MOD to 'do' something?! Mate, geriatric snails run faster than the MOD takes to make a decision and implement it. It's been that way since the MOD became a thing.

[@TexanApollyon]

What a massive upgrade

[@gav_Azato]

Your rear sling mounting point is on the wrong side and it will get in the way

[@MrRezoner]

But then it would get in the way of showing the gun off to all these sutes walking around!

[@MrEsphoenix]

It's a display piece, I'm sure they can work out which side they want the strap on in the field lol

[@ThePhilipoconnor]

Clearly doesn’t for him. Loads of guys run their slings like that because thats how they prefer it including me. Sling attachment location is purely personal preference.

[@ffrederickskitty214]

£15m for 1600 rifles. Someone is being ripped off; the British taxpayer most likely

[@BroadHobbyProjects]

This comes with various optics, suppressors, mags, spare parts. Etc

[@SCscoutguy]

The Vortex scope if bought on the US civilian market is $3500 US. I am not sure what the MOD is paying for them with a volume of scale contract but they are probably still very expensive.

[@mrfunswitch]

That's not too expensive when you consider the prices of the firearm itself, the aiming laser, scope, red dot sight, suppressor, suppressor cover, spare parts and most likely also some training instructions for the troops.

[@biunzRS]

@@SCscoutguy where are you seeing the lpvo for sale? To my knowledge its not available to anyone commercially yet. Its a shortened 1-10.

[@SCscoutguy]

@@biunzRSThey did a press release in April saying it should be available in the first quarter of 24 at a MSRP of $3,499. I found it in a reddit post when I googled it. I was just posting mainly as a reference as to how expensive these optics can be.

[@ModernTacticalShooting]

Anything is better than a SA80, a sharp stick for instance

[@zogon89]

Brits finally following their smarter sibling when it comes to weapons

[@iFryTube]

It looks incredibly light weight. very impressive looking

[@rorybrown9750]

At last MOD procurement actually got it's act together for once. We should have moved from the SLR ( which I loved ) to a tried and tested platform back in the eighties. The SA80, although improved out of all recognition at great expense from the original model was arguably never fit for purpose. A hold over from the day's when contracts were given to the lowest bidder and soldiers needs and lives were of secondary importance, anyone remember DMS boots, woolen gloves, and the fact we were not even issued with wet proofs.

[@stubrown3735]

Basically, you’ve talked this up by covering all the additional bolt on extras that can be fitted to an SA80, But first you mention the collapsible stock.. on a weapon about 50% longer than the SA80 🤷🏼‍♂️ It’s a bit like swamping in the sea. I’m not saying the SA80 is any good, but you’ve not stated anything about the actual KS-1 that is an improvement. BTW, it’s a selector lever not a safety catch. Ranger Regiment.. Pretend Commandos

[@JammyDodger45]

More wannabe than pretend

[@ThePhilipoconnor]

Its not about overall length but length of pull.

[@JT-yz4rj]

From a walnut and steel rifle guy: how many hundreds of times are the AR guys going to reinvent the same gun and call it different?

[@MaxFromDk]

How many times are people gonna reinvent the car and call it different? Kind of the same thing. There's always room for improvement.

[@Mv10101]

Don't fix something that isn't broken?

[@JT-yz4rj]

@@Mv10101 well, no one said it was broken. The comedy is that we’re “showing off the new KS-1 assault rifle” like it’s a state of the art piece of technology when it’s really just the exact same 60 year old rifle like it is in every one of the other 1,000 combinations of colors of plastic and ambiguous names.

[@jb76489]

@@JT-yz4rjfudd spotted

[@JT-yz4rj]

@@jb76489

[@Justice_The_Nutritionist]

Good improvement here..

[@malcolmreid2977]

It’s not just the rifle.It’s the man behind it

[@campsitez2355]

a 22 is a 22 regardless of whoever is behind it

[@stalydude]

Am I to understand it’s only a very small percentage of the UK military that’s going to receive these new weapons ??? If that’s the case then it’s not necessarily a massive game changer if 70-80% of the British armed forces are still using the outdated SA80

[@isaachemming972]

true, but its for the ranger reg so it will be a force multiplier for small unit operations

[@SCscoutguy]

It could be that this will be a sort of de-facto large scale test of them. It everything goes well maybe they will start to replace the SA80/L85 at some point.

[@MrEsphoenix]

That's nothing unusual. You don't just replace every gun in one swoop. You roll it out in sections for both logistical and trialling purposes.

[@nickjohnson710]

But only specialist units are getting it.....

[@f0rth3l0v30fchr15t]

@@MrEsphoenixIIRC the US hasn't put their new bangstick into operational testing yet, and the planned purchasde of 100k-odd units (enough for combat arms, but support will retain the M4) is still dependent on performance there.

[@dirtdiver2389]

60 years late to the party.

[@ej_22]

Not really, UK sof been using ar15 s since the 60s

[@dirtdiver2389]

@@ej_22 AR-15?

[@ej_22]

@@dirtdiver2389 yes, it's the same thing

[@dirtdiver2389]

@@ej_22 Same time? They issue rifles that aren't select fire?

[@ej_22]

@@dirtdiver2389 I meant same thing. It's literally an ar15 that can fully auto capability.

[@fixento]

For the record the Armalite rifle was released as small varmint rifle to the public three years before the military picked it up and made it into the M-16

[@ViktoriousDead]

2.23/5.56 was developed for military trials

[@LRRPFco52]

I don't know where you heard this, but it's simply incorrect. The AR-15 was specifically developed for the Army's Small Caliber High Velocity Rifle concept, competing against submissions from Winchester and Springfield. It was not intended for civilian hunting or varmint use, though it is well-suited for that. The AR-10 came first, chambered in 7.62x51mm, then was scaled-down to .222 Remington, the .222 Remington Special aka 5.56x45mm, which was later commercialized as .223 Remington. SAS acquired many early production Colt 601 AR-15s and used them in the guerilla war in Borneo.

[@opinionatedpossum1945]

Not true. Maybe you're confusing the Armalite .22 with the Armalite 5.56 mm?

[@tomhenry897]

Wrong 223 was for civilians 5.56 was for the army

[@boots7859]

@@tomhenry897 According to wikipedia, 223 was developed by Stoner and Armalite for US Continental Command. "In July 1962, operational testing ended with a recommendation for the adoption of the ArmaLite AR-15 rifle chambered in .223 Remington.[8] In September 1963, the .223 Remington cartridge was officially accepted and named "Cartridge, 5.56 mm ball, M193". The following year, the ArmaLite AR-15 was adopted by the United States Army as the M16 rifle" "In the spring of 1962, Remington submitted the specifications of the .223 Remington to the Sporting Arms and Ammunition Manufacturers' Institute (SAAMI)." July 1962 Recommened for adoption for USCC Sept 1963 Officially accepted as 5.56mm 1964 AR-15 adopted as M16 Rifle by US Army Dec 1963 Remington introduced first .223 consumer rifle

[@truthmediarebel5816]

The bolt on the back means it has carbon build up problems that can jam the rifle. Too technical go back to a 303 Enfield.

[@eater_of_garbage_]

Fr, they need to go back to the Brown Bess.

[@beateengelhardt8064]

... and the safety gloves are that cool 😎

[@TinyBearTim]

So it’s just an American gun

[@jbloun911]

Obviously, the best most technologically superior weapons are from Uncle Sam arming Redcoats 😉