Back from the SHOT Show and I found these firearms to be this year's hot items. The Colt CM901 did not disappoint, it was designed as a multiple caliber carbine that can switch from 7.62mm NATO to 5.56mm NATO calibers by exchanging the uppers. The 7.62mm NATO upper is a direct impingement type while the 5.56mm NATO upper sports the new Colt piston gas system. New features on this carbine are the ambidextrous controls for the mag catch/release and bolt catch/release. As the video shows, it's finished in flat dark earth anodized finish, which adds to the aesthetics of it.
Next is the ARX160 from Beretta. Although announced and present at last year's SHOT Show, for some reason it did not grab any attention, it just sat there quietly, which I believe it was overshadowed by the the FNH SCAR and Bushmaster's ACR. This year the buzz at the show was all about the Beretta ARX160 as not too many manufacturers brought out new designs. Also, in comparison to the SCAR and the ACR, the ARX160 is surprisingly more appealing. Why? because it has features that the SCAR and ACR lack individually! For example, in comparison to the SCAR the ARX160 has ambi mag and bolt catch/release and it has a quick detachable barrel. As for the ACR? Well, the ACR had a lot of problems and negative publicity since it's intro, deservedly or not. Therefore, it turned a lot of people off. So going back to the ARX160, it also helped that it was accompanied by the new GLX160 grenade launcher. Both systems were designed to complement each other and it shows.
Finally, how can anybody overlook the updated M107A1 .50 cal long range rifle? Specially with the suppressor. This thing is a beast! The new version is lighter and quieter thanks to upgraded materials like titanium and carbon fiber. Other than those changes, it retains all the awesomeness of a .50 cal killing machine!
