USAF's new "Takedown Survival GAU-5A"

[Slater]

This is a little confusing. So they're using the same "GAU-5A'" designation for this new rifle as the older GAU-5 models?:

https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/...nters-service/

[chef8489]

GAU-5a is the new rifle.
"Back in June 2018, we reported on the US Air Force’s new survival/self-defence weapon – the GAU-5A. The GAU-5A is an upgrade to the M4 which allows it to be stowed in the survival kit of US Air Force fighter jets. "

[Renegade0100]

Interesting to see Midwest's flattop rail being used. I always thought the detachable-barrel concept was silly (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XkmwLtl2ze0), but I guess it found a use after all.

[Slater]

GAU-5a is the new rifle.
"Back in June 2018, we reported on the US Air Force’s new survival/self-defence weapon – the GAU-5A. The GAU-5A is an upgrade to the M4 which allows it to be stowed in the survival kit of US Air Force fighter jets. "

The GAU-5A/A designation has been in use since the late 1960's (or thereabouts).

[Yojimbo]

Takedown AR15’s seem like an answer in search of a problem. Why not just split the upper and the lower normally by using the takedown pins?

[Renegade0100]

Takedown AR15’s seem like an answer in search of a problem. Why not just split the upper and the lower normally by using the takedown pins?

The rifle was designed to fit in a kit under the ejection seat; simply splitting the receivers was still too long.

[RVTMaverick]

Hey Yojimbo,... IF You have never seen it before, it's worth checking out... The reason is because, You can Pack the AR into a smaller pack vs the takedown pins.

Takedown AR15’s seem like an answer in search of a problem. Why not just split the upper and the lower normally by using the takedown pins?

[titsonritz]

https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread...et-modified-M4

https://www.m4carbine.net/showthread...highlight=usaf

[RAM Engineer]

Interesting to see Midwest's flattop rail being used.

Any idea which Midwest rail that is? It doesn't appear to match any pictured on their website.

[Renegade0100]

Any idea which Midwest rail that is? It doesn't appear to match any pictured on their website.

No idea- they may make it exclusively for USAF. It's definitely Midwest though, as I don't know of any other manufacture with the scallop cuts adjacent to the M-LOK slots.