We met the guys from SWORD (Special Warfare Operations Research and Development) International at the SHOT Media Range Day. First off, really cool guys - One of them a former Ranger Battalion guy and the other former Special Forces. They showed us and let us try out 2 of their weapons systems. Designed from the familiar M4 platform, these rifles have much higher tolerances because they are using state-of-the-art manufacturing processes, which lends to more reliability.
We only got to fire a few magazines at the show, but the guys are going to be sending us over a weapon to really take for a ride and beat on. From the limited rounds we fired, both Jack Murphy and myself were impressed.
Below are a few short videos of the guys talking about the Mk-15 Patrolman's Carbine and the Mk-18 Advanced Target Interdiction Rifle. Check them out and I'll post an in-depth review once we get a shiny new rifle from SWORD.
Mk-15 Patrolman's Carbine
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_TfEZ39MAQ&w=420&h=315]
Mk-18 Advanced Target Interdiction Rifle
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekvwk26IRF8&w=560&h=315]
You can check out SWORD at www.sword-int.com for more information.
Kit Up! contributor Bill Janson is a former Recon Marine and is the founder of Eleven 10, a tactical gear manufacturer.