Difference between revisions of "Colt MARS"
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[[File:Colt-MARS-Mini-Assault-Rifle-System-PDW-5.56x30mm-556-30-Firearm-Wiki-Firearmwiki.jpg|frame|right|A photo of the Colt MARS (Mini Assault Rifle System) [[PDW]], a shrunken down version of the AR-15 / M16 platform. It fired the [[5.56x30mm MARS]] cartridge, basically a shortened [[5.56 NATO]]. ]] | [[File:Colt-MARS-Mini-Assault-Rifle-System-PDW-5.56x30mm-556-30-Firearm-Wiki-Firearmwiki.jpg|frame|right|A photo of the Colt MARS (Mini Assault Rifle System) [[PDW]], a shrunken down version of the AR-15 / M16 platform. It fired the [[5.56x30mm MARS]] cartridge, basically a shortened [[5.56 NATO]]. ]] | ||
| − | The '''Colt MARS''' (Mini Assault Rifle System) was an experimental, scaled-down variant of the M16 rifle tested by Colt as a personal defense weapon (PDW) around 1997. It was chambered for the experimental [[5.56×30mm MARS]] cartridge, which fired a 55-grain projectile at 790 m/s (2,591.9 ft/s). Colt also experimented with a 9x30mm MARS cartridge, which was a [[10mm Magnum]] casing, necked down to accept standard 9mm Luger bullets (.355 caliber). | + | The '''Colt MARS''' (Mini Assault Rifle System) was an experimental, scaled-down variant of the M16 rifle tested by Colt as a personal defense weapon (PDW) around 1997. It was chambered for the experimental [[5.56×30mm MARS]] cartridge, which fired a 55-grain projectile at 790 m/s (2,591.9 ft/s). Colt also experimented with a [[9x30mm MARS]] cartridge, which was a [[10mm Magnum]] casing, necked down to accept standard 9mm Luger bullets (.355 caliber). |
The rifle was patented in 1998 by by Colt engineer James Taylor and Michael Harris, founder of Specialized Analytical Services (US patent no. 5,827,992). Apparently, only 3 prototype units were ever produced. | The rifle was patented in 1998 by by Colt engineer James Taylor and Michael Harris, founder of Specialized Analytical Services (US patent no. 5,827,992). Apparently, only 3 prototype units were ever produced. | ||
Revision as of 09:34, 22 March 2021
The Colt MARS (Mini Assault Rifle System) was an experimental, scaled-down variant of the M16 rifle tested by Colt as a personal defense weapon (PDW) around 1997. It was chambered for the experimental 5.56×30mm MARS cartridge, which fired a 55-grain projectile at 790 m/s (2,591.9 ft/s). Colt also experimented with a 9x30mm MARS cartridge, which was a 10mm Magnum casing, necked down to accept standard 9mm Luger bullets (.355 caliber).
The rifle was patented in 1998 by by Colt engineer James Taylor and Michael Harris, founder of Specialized Analytical Services (US patent no. 5,827,992). Apparently, only 3 prototype units were ever produced.
Specifications
- Barrel length: 10.5"
- Rifling: 1:10 twist
- Cartridge: 5.56×30mm MARS, 9x30mm MARS
- Action: Gas-actuated, rotating bolt
- Muzzle velocity: 790 m/s (2,592 ft/s)
- Effective firing range: 300 meters
- Feed system: 30-round box magazine
- Sights: 1.5x optical sight
References
"Colt's 5.56x30 MARS (Mini Assault Rifle System) Program" - An in-depth analysis of Colt's "MARS" program by Christopher R. Bartocci of Small Arms Review. Includes information on detailed changes to the AR-15 / M16 rifle platform, as well as information for the 5.56x30mm MARS and 9x30mm MARS experimental cartridges.
