Shrike 5.56 by ARES Defense Systems Finally Makes it to Production.

Defense Reviews (.com) ^ | 12 August 2004 | David C.

[45Auto]

The Shrike 5.56 LMG(Light Machine Gun) upper, by ARES Defense Systems, LLC, is in production and currently available for pre-order(both in select-fire and semi-auto-only configurations), and the ARES Defense Systems site is up and running. If you remember, DefRev reported on the Shrike 5.56 and ARES Defense Systems some time ago.

If it works as advertised, the Shrike 5.56 just might throw the Squad Automatic Weapon(SAW)/LMG market right on it's ear. When fitted to a standard M16 or M4 lower, the Shrike, coming in at about 8 lbs, turns said weapon into a lightweight SAW/LMG that is supposedly every bit as or more reliable than...

its much heavier competition in the "squad automatic weapon" category. The FN M249 Minimi for example, currently in use by our armed forces, is significantly heavier and more cumbersome, even in its new MK46 MOD 0(for the Navy SEAL's) or M249SPW configurations. "SPW" stands for "Special Purpose Weapon", by the way.

The MK46 MOD 0 and M249SPW both weigh 12.6 lbs. The Shrike 5.56 set-up even appears to be about 2.5 lbs lighter than the universally-acclaimed Ultimax 100 LMG/SAW, made by ST Kinetics of Singapore, and roughly 7 lbs lighter than the Israeli Negev Commando LMG/SAW, made by IMI(Israel Military Industries). Only time will tell if the Shrike's performance under harsh battlefield conditions can equal that of either the Ultimax or Negev, both of which are supposed to be highly reliable and durable under adverse conditions. Again, ARES Defense Systems is taking orders right now. Both full-auto and semi-auto(pre-ban and post-ban) uppers are available. I believe this product will prove to be a very big deal in the small arms/tactical firearms market, if it works as advertised, and is reliable and durable. I've spoken with the designer on a number of occasions, and have been waiting a long time for the Shrike 5.56 to be available to the public. It should be noted that DefenseReview.com has no financial stake or interest in the Shrike 5.56. We just really like the concept and significant promise the system has demonstrated.

[45Auto]

[Echo Talon]

pictures?

[45Auto]

Ares Defense Systems

[45Auto]

[WakeUpAndVote]

5.56 is too light.

Haven't we learned any thing from the battle field over the past 40 years?

[Little Pig]

So now you can "rock-and-roll" on that prarie dog town, or take out that squad of rabbits invading your garden.


For all the money spent to create a light machine gun (that, incidentally, fires a round that the Army no longer considers adequate), they could have redone the 'Sixty (which fires a round that anyone in their right mind considers adequate). Yes, the 'sixty is heavier, but not by much, and it has a far more serious reputation.

[Darksheare]

That thing loaded with 5.56 green tip would have been perfect for Advance Party security sweeps.

[Echo Talon]

I would rather get shot with a 7.62 thasn a .223...

[45Auto]

Well, this is the surrent M249 SAWS which also chambers the 5.56. I have no argument with the 7.62 in its many guises; special ops teams use the AR 10 and the M 14.

[RicocheT]

Link belt fed, now we're talking mean! Sure the 5.56 is a pea in a pod, but we have warehouses of them that need to be lit off in the direction of some ugly guys with head scarves on.

[WakeUpAndVote]

7.62 are the numbers.

Yes, it is a heavy one. But, just think of the urban stuff our guys are going through now. Nice short barrel for getting around tight spots and a spring bi-pod.

Have a special pack that has the belts loaded that can be removed with one arm off the back. Pop the top, feed, slam and you are now covering your buddy like a jimmy hat.

Was there every a weapon that was designed by a solder?

[45Auto]

The Shrike reminds me of the Stoner A63, seen here set up as a medium machine gun. It could be configured in several ways, including as a sling carried weapon using a 100 round box magazine:

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The issue of these LMG's really comes down to the ability to put automatic, suppressive fire down at a range beyond the capability of the squad/platoon's rifles. The M60 - modeled after the WWII German MG42 - does a very good job of that, and, as you point out, isn't all that heavy (19 lbs). The 5.56mm round has ballistic issues at longer ranges, and therefore should not be used for a LMG.

[t_skoz]

7.62 bump

[Centurion2000]

yeah 7.62 ... but those are wimpy 7.62 rounds .... give me 30-06 any day. (7.62 X 63 [M-1 Garand] versus 7.62 x 39 [AK-47])

[Echo Talon]

My father was in the Navy back in 50's he was a weapons guy and working on a new Rifle... My dad was so pissed off when they chose the M-16! He believed the Stoner should have gotten the contract. The Stoner was modular, could be clip fed or belt fed. And he said in test it was very reliable. He says that the Colt decision was one of the worst decisions the military has ever made.

Stoner.Machinegun

[Sax]

that analogy really broke me up!! not too often you get a chance to drop a jimmy hat reference. hahaha

[Joe Brower]

This thread has just added to the FreeRepublic "bang list" (firearms interest list) by adding the keyword "banglist".

Any time a firearms-related thread is created on FreeRepublic, please be sure to add the "banglist" keyword to it so that interested FReepers don't miss it.

Let Freedom Ring,

Click the pic to go to the Gun Facts v4.0 download page!

[Joe Brower]

Happiness is a belt-fed weapon.