To improve portability and storage, folding buttstocks on AR-15 rifles and pistols have been all the rage for several years. FoldAR takes that compact storage level to a much higher plane.
The Double FoldAR folds not only at the stock but also where the upper receiver meets the handguard. This makes the overall length with the 9-inch barrel a mere 10 ¾ inches, and only 5 ¾ inches wide. FoldAR sells both single-fold and double-fold AR pistols and rifles.
A Dead Foot Arms Modified Cycle System (MCS) is used on the brace end of the FoldAR to accomplish that fold. The MCS uses a modified bolt carrier, plunger and spring system to allow folding and still allows the FoldAR to be fired while the brace or stock is folded.
The magic of the Double FoldAR is the mating of the proprietary upper receiver and forearm assembly. The folding hinge is reinforced on both parts to provide a rock-solid foundation for the mating of the barrel and receiver. When folded, the handguard is secured in place by a detent to the upper receiver.
FoldAR testing has found that return to zero is typically less than 0.05” at 50 yards, so that equates to maybe a 1/10 of an inch at 100 yards, that’s pretty awesome. A steel hook and lever provide locking of the barrel to receiver.
Alignment of the barrel to the receiver is accomplished through the use of mating cones. This provides for precise horizontal and vertical positioning in the receiver.
The gas tube is connected with mating cones as well. The gas flow is controlled by a FoldAR adjustable gas block to allow shooter adjustment to match load.
Both of the folding joints of the Double FoldAR pistol add weight, but even then with a 9-inch barrel it is very compact when folded and tips the scales at only 6.2 pounds.
It doesn’t take long when handling the FoldAR to get the hang of unfolding and locking everything in place, but the guys working the booth at SHOT were doing this in about 5 seconds from the included nylon carry bag. The FoldAR also comes with three 20-round magazines which keep the size of the stowed weapon small.
The handguard can also be bolted in place to the receiver by using the threaded holes in the mating surface. I can’t think why I would want to do that but obviously someone needed it.
Specifications
- Caliber 5.56 (223 Wylde) or 300 Blackout
- Barrel 9”
- OAL 25 ¾ “unfolded
- Folded 10 ¾”
- Weight 6.2 lbs
- Barrel twist 1-7
- Barrel 4150 Melonited steel
- BCG MCS modified
- MSRP $2399
The FoldAR upper is available as a unit if you want to build your own lower. The 9-inch FoldAR upper is $1,599. Folding rifles are also available.
For more information on this and other FoldAR products visit them Here
I too have a FoldAr. The construction is great. I give it a 10! As for reliability I give mine a 3. I cannot shoot a full magazine. The BCG fails to fully engage every time. I like it but its an expensive 3 to 5 shot extremely portable AR.
I feel this is an incomplete article. Where’s the photos of the lever mechanisms as I see the one with the hook, but does it lock, is the lever stowed away so there is zero chance of snagging and popping open the action? Also the proprietary BCG and assembly of the entire system would be great as that’s what I’m wondering about since once BCG are shortened and weights messed with there is almost always some sort of malfunctions like broken extractors being the list common I’d guess as well as broken buffer detents.
I’ve been carrying one of these in my travels for a year now and it is extremely well made. The weapon is very accurate as well. I can deploy it quickly from a bag that doesn’t look like I’m carrying a weapon in a rifle caliber. The fact that it’s made here in my great state of Texas is the icing on the top. They aren’t cheap, but quality like this never will be. It also fits perfectly in my Harley saddle bag for road trips. This would make a great weapon for motorcycle officers on duty.