Robinson Arms M-96 

     Notes: The M-96 Expeditionary Rifle is a Stoner 63 assault rifle updated to virtually eliminate the sensitivity to dirt that the Stoner suffered from.  Robinson Arms made some changes that improved upon the design; first and foremost of these was a multi-caliber modular magazine well.  This allowed the weapon to be able to use either 5.56mm NATO (with M-16 STANAG magazines) or 7.62mm Kalashnikov (with AK magazines).  The quick-change barrel was another feature that was appreciated, and both these factors led to steady (though slow) sales for the weapon.  The AK-47 and AKM has, in later years, has been produced with 10-round and 60-round box magazines and 100-round drums, and the M-96 is able to use these as well.  Civilian versions do not have the capability for automatic fire, and normally do not have a flash suppressor (and cost $6 less).  Though based on the Stoner 63 series, the M-96 has been so modified from the original Stoner weapon that the only part that can be interchanged between the Stoner 63 series and the M-96 is the stock.

     The standard M-96 can be configured as a standard assault rifle with a 21.5-inch barrel, a carbine with a 16-inch barrel, or a heavy rifle/light SAW with a top-mounted magazine and a 24-inch heavy barrel.  (The last configuration is often known as the “Bren Gun” configuration due to the top-mounted magazine.)  When the M-96 is configured as a heavy rifle, the receiver is essentially inverted, and the charging handle is on the right; otherwise, the charging handle is on the left.  The front and the rear sights are well-protected and adjustable by dials.  The gas operation is also adjustable, primarily to provide the proper gas levels in the various configurations of the weapon.  The M-96 trigger is two-stage; pulling the trigger about halfway back produced semiautomatic fire, while fully depressing the trigger allows automatic fire.  MIL-STD-1913 rails are optional; these rails may be mounted above the receiver, running to a point halfway down the barrel shroud (except on the heavy rifle, which may only mount the section of rail above the barrel shroud), or on the handguards at the 3, 6, and 9-o’clock positions.

     The M-96 Recon Carbine was produced in response to the trend towards lighter, shorter assault rifles with more bells and whistles.  The Recon Carbine has a quick-change barrel for sustained fire, a MIL-STD-1913 rail on top of the receiver for optics and accessories, two more such rails on the sides of the forearm, a full muzzle brake instead of a flash suppressor, and an M-16-style fixed stock.  This weapon also comes in a civilian version, but the muzzle brake complies with Brady Gun Ban specifications.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: This weapon appeared on the scene too late to have widespread distribution; most that did appear were illegally sold to civilians in the US (illegal because they were sold with the automatic sear intact and usually with high-capacity magazines, laws that quickly became superfluous within a year of the first sales of the M-96). 

     Merc 2000 Notes: This weapon became a favorite in the hands of numerous mercenary organizations. 

Robinson Arms XCR

     Notes: The XCR is a modular assault rifle system designed specifically for the US Army’s Special Forces; it’s original purpose was to compete in the US SCAR competition; it was not chosen for that role in any official capacity, but is rumored to be in use in small number by US special operations troops. The XCR is also available in a semiautomatic version for civilian and police concerns.  (Versions with barrels of less than 16 inches are not sold to civilians.)  The “modular” part is in its caliber, which may be easily switched between its four available chamberings; in its barrels, which may also be easily switched between up to three different lengths for varying missions; and the MIL-STD-1913 rails in four positions on the handguard and on top of the receiver, which allow the mounting of a plethora of accessories and optics.  The muzzle of the barrel may also be equipped with a flash suppressor and a muzzle brake. The XCR looks basically like what it is – a combination of the M-16’s simplicity, the AK series’ durability, and the Stoner’s versatility, along with an advanced gas piston operating system.  To change barrels, all one does is screw out one barrel and then screw in and lock the new barrel.  To change caliber between 5.56mm NATO and 6.8mm SPC or 6.5mm Grendel, all one changes is the upper receiver.  The stock is a folding type made from tubular metal, and folds to the right.  The XCR is equipped with a flash suppressor for the barrel, though the design of the flash suppressor differs with the length of the barrel and the caliber being fired. 

     Twilight 2000 Notes: This weapon does not exist in the Twilight 2000 timeline.

Rock River Arms R4 Tactical Entry Carbine

     Notes: This is an M-4 clone made by Rock River Arms.  It has the flat top receiver of the M-4A1with a MIL-STD-1913 rail, and comes with a standard rear sight attached.  There is also a batter storage compartment on the right side of the rail.  The flash suppressor looks military, but complies with the Brady Gun Bill and the R4 can be sold to civilians in its semiautomatic form, if a fixed stock is used.  The collapsible stock is copied from a CAR-15.  The trigger pull is crisp and light. 

     Twilight 2000 Notes: This weapon does not exist.

Rock River Arms LAR-15

     Notes: This is essentially the civilian law-enforcement version of the M-4 SOPMOD; it is an M-4 clone with modifications similar to those of military M-4’s.  The LAR-15 was designed to meet the needs of US law enforcement of the 21^st century, where organized crime, heavily-armed gangs, and even terrorists might be encountered.  The LAR-15 was specifically designed for the DEA and ATF, but is also available to the likes of police SRT units.  The LAR-15 has a sliding stock like the M-4, a MIL-STD-1913 rail for optics and sighting gear, handguards with four-way attachment rails for more accessories, an ergonomic rubber pistol grip, a tactical weapon light (a mini-flashlight), and a forward grip for close-quarters fighting.  The handguards are longer than standard M-4 handguards, and have foam fillers for the Picatinny-style attachment rails for added comfort. 

     A civilian model of the LAR-15 is available; this does not have the fancy handguards or the sliding buttstock, and has a longer barrel with a muzzle brake instead of a flash suppressor. 

     Twilight 2000 Notes: This weapon does not exist.

Rock River Arsenal Varmint EOP

     Notes: The Varmint EOP is an extra-heavy-barreled AR-15 clone designed for both conventional hunting and as a police or military tactical sharpshooting weapon.  Essentially an AR-15A2 with a new upper and some other modifications to the lower, the Varmint EOP features that barrel, made from stainless steel, and is match-quality, free-floating and fluted.  The Varmint EOP has round aluminum handguards (the end of which has short four-way MIL-STD-1913 rails) and raised rail above the receiver with a MIL-STD-1913 rail for the attachment of optics.  No iron sights are provided.  The Varmint EOP is also built to very tight tolerances to further enhance operation and accuracy.  The pistol grip is a Hogue soft rubber type with finger grooves.  The front sling swivel doubles as an attachment point for a bipod.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: The Varmint EOP does not exist in the Twilight 2000 timeline.

Ruger Mini-14

     Notes: A weapon based on the M-14 action, but in 5.56N, the semiautomatic Mini-14 is a very popular civilian hunting weapon. There are literally mountains of Mini-14s in the US and Central America.  Note that the basic Mini-14 cannot use a bayonet or rifle grenades.  The AC-556 series are a number of militarized versions. The Mini-14/20GB adds a bayonet lug, a new fiberglass handguard, a flash suppresser, and a provision for rifle grenades. The AC-556 is a fully militarized selective-fire weapon. The AC-556SF is identical, but has a burst-control selector. The AC-556F is a short-barreled carbine version of the AC-556, and cannot mount a bayonet. The AC-556F ands AC-556K are even shorter-barreled versions, with the AC-556K replacing wood with plastic.  Militarized versions are less common, but have seen a lot of use by police forces in the US, and the occasional military use in various countries.  More common is the use of the AC-556 series by mercenaries, and on TV shows in the US.  Similar to the M-16 series, there is a thriving industry all over the world in modification kits for the Mini-14 and AC-556.

     In 1987, Ruger began producing a version of their Mini-14 rifle in 7.62mm Kalashnikov, a round which has become increasingly popular in the US and Mexico since the fall of the Iron Curtain.  Ruger calls this rifle the Mini-30 (also commonly known as the Mini-Thirty).  Most have been sold in the US, and to a lesser extent in Canada and Mexico, but some have also been sold in Eastern Europe and China.  The Mini-30 is not available in militarized versions.

     In 2005, the Mini-14 was taken off the market – sort of.  In its place is the Ruger Ranch Rifle, which is basically an updated version of the basic Mini-14.  The metalwork can be blued or stainless steel, and the stock is either black polymer or hardwood with a recoil pad on the butt. (The pad is not really meant for recoil; it’s to prevent the butt from sliding on the shoulder.)  Limited edition models are also available which have black laminate wood stocks or a striking red/black laminate finish. Unlike the curved butt of the Mini-14, the Ranch Rifle’s butt is straight.  The stock is also somewhat longer, at the request of many Mini-14 owners over the years.  It will accept most of the aftermarket accessories which have been devised for the Mini-14 over the years.  The front sight of the Mini-14 has been replaced by a blued blade (even on stainless steel versions) with protective wings on either side of the sight; this new front sight is firmly attached to the barrel and is unlikely to be jarred out of alignment or be damaged.  The new rear sight is a fully adjustable ghost ring type, also within protective wings, and also much stronger than the Mini-14 sight.  The two together make quick sight acquisition easy. 

     After the end of the Assault Weapons Ban, high-capacity versions of the Mini-14 were re-introduced.  For game purposes, these are the same as the Ranch Rifle, but can take AR-15-type magazines.  (Versions of the Mini-14 sold during the Assault Weapons Ban years use proprietary magazines and cannot use AR-15-type magazines.).  These versions are not generally found with recoil pads, but they are available upon request.

     A Tactical Series was also introduced after the end of the Assault Weapons Ban.  These versions are primarily meant for police use, but are also available to civilians.  These versions are for the most part versions wood or synthetic stocks, high-capacity capability, and with bases for MIL-STD-1913 rails and folding iron sights designed for quick target acquisition.  The Mini-14/20CF version is a more “tactical” version; it comes standard with MIL-STD-1913 rails atop the receiver and extending down to the end of the handguard, as well as the folding sights mentioned above.  Short lengths of MIL-STD-1913 rail are also found at the front of the handguards on each side and the bottom. Furniture is black synthetic, and it uses an ergonomic pistol grip instead of the pistol-grip-wrists of other most Mini-14s.  The stock is a modification of the M-4’s stock; it not only slides back and forth, it folds to the right side.  This not only allows it to be made into a small package, but allows the shooter to make length-of-pull adjustments.  The barrels of the Tactical models are shorter at 16.125 inches, and typically have flash suppressors. 

     The latest version of the Mini-14 is also called the Mini-14, but it is chambered for the 6.8mm SPC round, and first appeared on the market in 2008.  This version is a variant of the All-Weather Ranch Rifle, with a polymer stock and stainless steel metalwork. The action is essentially the same as that of a standard Mini-14 Ranch Rifle, with the appropriate parts suitably scaled up for the larger round, and it has the same barrel length – 18.5 inches.  Only 5-round magazines are available for this version

     Twilight 2000 Notes: The Ranch Rifle and Tactical Series are not available in the Twilight 2000 timeline.

     Merc 2000 Notes: As stated above, this was an extremely popular weapon among mercenary organizations.

Sabre Defence A3

     Notes: Sabre Defence is known primarily for their M-16/M-4 clones and modifications; one of these is the Sabre A3 line.  There are several members of the Sabre A3 line, but features in common include CNC machined upper and lower receivers made from 7075-T6 forgings, barrels of better than Mil-Spec quality in workmanship and materials, improved reliability in the gas system and bolt, and a modified recoil buffer.

     The M-4 Flat Top is one of the “basic” versions.  It uses oval-type handguards, a MIL-STD-1913 rail atop the receiver, an ergonomic pistol grip, folding front and rear sights, and a 6-position sliding stock.  The barrel is a special contour barrel of vanadium steel, tipped with either an M-16A2-type flash suppressor or an extended birdcage-type flash suppressor.  The M-5 Flat Top is essentially similar, but uses government-contour barrels of 16 inches only, and does not have a 7.62mm Kalashnikov option.  For game purposes, the M-5 Flat Top is otherwise identical to the M-4 Flat Top.  The M-4 Carbine is essentially identical to the standard Colt M-4A1E2 Carbine (Sabre Defence does make many M-16s and M-4s for the US military) – full auto and with a MIL-STD-1913 rail atop the receiver, and with a fixed M-16/M-4 type front sight -- but also comes in versions with longer barrels and different chamberings.  The M-5 Carbine is essentially the same as the M-4 Carbine for game purposes, other than an additional barrel length for the 7.62mm Kalashnikov chambering.  (Except for this additional barrel length, use the same entries as the M-4 Carbine for the M-5 Carbine.)  The M-4 Tactical has handguards with four-point MIL-STD-1913 rails, folding sights, and a Gill muzzle brake instead of a flash suppressor.  The stock is a more-adjustable Vltor sliding stock.  The M-5 Tactical is quite similar to the M-4 Tactical in concept, with the same MIL-STD-1913 rail setup, same sight setup, and the same Vltor sliding stock; however, barrel length is limited to 14.5 inches, and the barrel uses a special contour and is tipped with a longer version of the M-16A2’s flash suppressor.  The M-5 Tactical also is sold with an EOTech 552 reflex sight (included in the cost below).  The A3 Flat Top Carbine is identical to the M-4 Carbine in 5.56mm NATO with a 16” barrel for game purposes.

     The A4 Rifle is a Sabre Defence-built version of the M-16A3; stats are reproduced for convenience below.  The A2 National Match is a match-quality AR-15A2, with a carrying handle above the receiver, a two-stage match trigger group, a match-quality rear sight, and a heavy-contour match-quality 20-inch barrel. The Heavy Bench Target rifle is equipped with a 24-inch fluted match-grade bull barrel that is free-floating and has a target crown (and does not have a chrome-lined bore), special tubular aluminum handguards, an M-16A2-type stock, a MIL-STD-1913 rail atop the receiver, a trigger adjustable for pull weight and travel, folding sights, and a detachable bipod. 

     The Varmint is, as might be guessed, designed for small-game hunting and pest control; it features a stainless steel mid-weight free-floating and fluted 20-inch barrel, tipped with a widened muzzle that has a target crown.  The stock is an M-16A2 stock, the trigger group is match-quality, there is a MIL-STD-1913 rail atop the receiver, and it has an ergonomic pistol grip.  The Competition Extreme sort of builds on the Varmint; it has the same sort of barrel (though in three barrel lengths), but tipped with a Gill muzzle brake.  The stock is a CTR sliding stock, and the rifle includes flip-up front and rear sights, with the rear sight being in front of the receiver on the handguards instead of at the rear of the receiver (this is less accurate, but allows for quicker target acquisition).  The Competition Special is similar, but is also chambered for 6.5mm Grendel, has no iron sights (that are sold with the rifle), and uses a standard M-16A2 stock instead of a sliding stock.  The Competition Extreme is also similar, but has a Vltor sliding stock, handguards with 4-point MIL-STD-1913 rails (plus one atop the receiver), flip-up match-quality sights, and a Gill Competition muzzle brake.  For game purposes, however, the Competition Deluxe is identical to the Competition Special, except as mentioned before.

     The SPR is meant to be sort of a designated marksman’s rifle as well as a general purpose assault rifle.  The Vltor sliding stock has five positions and is skeletonized; the handguards have four sets of MIL-STD-1913 rails, as well as a MIL-STD-1913 rail atop the receiver.  The pistol grip is an Ergo ergonomic grip.  The trigger is match-quality, and SPR is equipped with a folding bipod adjustable for height and cant.  The sights are folding.  Barrels are made from stainless steel of vanadium steel, and are fluted to save some weight and improve cooling. 

     The Precision Marksman Rifle, also called the XR-15, is essentially a sniper rifle version of the A3, but I have included it here for completeness.  The PMR uses a shorter gas system than would be considered normal for this size of rifle, but this improves reliability.  The handguards have four-point MIL-STD-1913 rails, and the upper receiver is also topped with such a rail.  Iron sights are not normally fitted, but are available; the standard scope sold with the PMR is a Leupold 6.5x20x50 Mk 4 LR/T M1.  The pistol grip is an Ergo grip with a palm rest.  The trigger is match-quality.  The stock is a Magpul TRS stock adjustable in the cheekpiece and for length and angle of the buttplate.  The barrel is 20 inches, of 410 stainless steel and fluted, and tipped with a flash suppressor; like many such rifles, the bore is not chrome-lined.  A detachable light bipod, adjustable for height and cant, is fitted at the end of the handguard.

     Twilight 2000 Notes: The Sabre A3 M-4 versions and the A4 Rifle are available in the Twilight 2000 timeline; the rest are not.