Difference between revisions of "Colt MARS"
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== Specifications == | == Specifications == | ||
| − | *'''Barrel length:''' 10.5" | + | [[File:Colt-MARS-Mini-Assault-Rifle-System-PDW-Specifications-Colt-Defense-LLC.jpg|frame|right|An official specification sheet for the Colt MARS directly from Colt Defense, LLC.]] |
| − | *'''Rifling:''' 1:10 twist | + | |
| − | *'''Cartridge:''' [[5.56×30mm MARS]], [[9x30mm MARS]] | + | *'''Barrel length:''' 10" |
| − | *'''Action:''' Gas-actuated, rotating bolt | + | *'''Overall Length:''' 23.5" (stock collapsed), 27.7" (stock extended). |
| + | *'''Rifling:''' 1:10 twist. | ||
| + | *'''Weight:''' 5.4 lbs (empty), 6.2 lbs (w/ loaded 30 round magazine). | ||
| + | *'''Cartridge:''' [[5.56×30mm MARS]], [[9x30mm MARS]]. | ||
| + | *'''Action:''' Gas-actuated, rotating bolt. | ||
*'''Muzzle velocity:''' 790 m/s (2,592 ft/s) | *'''Muzzle velocity:''' 790 m/s (2,592 ft/s) | ||
| + | *'''Rate of Fire:''' 700 - 900 RPM. | ||
*'''Effective firing range:''' 300 meters | *'''Effective firing range:''' 300 meters | ||
| − | *'''Feed system:''' 30-round box magazine | + | *'''Feed system:''' 30-round box magazine. |
| − | *'''Sights:''' 1.5x optical sight | + | *'''Sights:''' 1.5x optical sight. |
| + | |||
| + | == Adoption == | ||
| + | |||
| + | '''From:''' Small Arms Review | ||
| + | |||
| + | "Unfortunately the MARS never found acceptance and never entered production. The main interest in the MARS was by the Israelis as a possible replacement for their police [[Uzi]] SMG. This was exactly the type of market the MARS was designed for. The production numbers that were discussed would have been 2,000 guns per year for a term of 10 years. Due to this low number of units versus the cost to tool up for the MARS, Colt decided against going into production. Colt had also felt that introducing a new compact firearm would hinder sales of their M16A2/M4 carbine variations." | ||
== References == | == References == | ||
'''[http://www.smallarmsreview.com/display.article.cfm?idarticles=1239 "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. | '''[http://www.smallarmsreview.com/display.article.cfm?idarticles=1239 "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. | ||
Revision as of 11:58, 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"
- Overall Length: 23.5" (stock collapsed), 27.7" (stock extended).
- Rifling: 1:10 twist.
- Weight: 5.4 lbs (empty), 6.2 lbs (w/ loaded 30 round magazine).
- Cartridge: 5.56×30mm MARS, 9x30mm MARS.
- Action: Gas-actuated, rotating bolt.
- Muzzle velocity: 790 m/s (2,592 ft/s)
- Rate of Fire: 700 - 900 RPM.
- Effective firing range: 300 meters
- Feed system: 30-round box magazine.
- Sights: 1.5x optical sight.
Adoption
From: Small Arms Review
"Unfortunately the MARS never found acceptance and never entered production. The main interest in the MARS was by the Israelis as a possible replacement for their police Uzi SMG. This was exactly the type of market the MARS was designed for. The production numbers that were discussed would have been 2,000 guns per year for a term of 10 years. Due to this low number of units versus the cost to tool up for the MARS, Colt decided against going into production. Colt had also felt that introducing a new compact firearm would hinder sales of their M16A2/M4 carbine variations."
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.
