Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
GunsAmerica was on-site at Shot Show Range Day 2024, and the weather wasn’t playing nice – it was raining on us. Nevertheless, we were there with Dan from Franklin Armory, a company known for pushing the boundaries with innovative products. They were unveiling a new rifle, and at first glance, you might be tempted to think, “Oh no, another AR-15.” But hold on, this one is different.
Meet the OPS 16R, a complete rifle featuring Franklin Armory’s Osprey Defense low-profile gas piston system. What sets this gas piston system apart is its ability to seamlessly switch between suppressed and unsuppressed fire without requiring any adjustments.
SEE ALSO: Stribog Can Now Identify as ‘Binary’ — SHOT Show 2024
Dan explains the engineering magic behind this feature is the unique piston shape and optimal balance between gas pressure and piston surface area that somehow create a self-regulating system.
It’s a piston system with a difference, eliminating the need for adjustments when transitioning between suppressed and unsuppressed shooting. As a guy who shoots a Suppressed SCAR, I know that this is a big achievement.
The OPS 16R comes with a traditional trigger and retails for $1,349. For those seeking a bit more excitement, Franklin Armory offers the OPS 16R with their binary trigger for $1,569. Additionally, they provide the option of a complete upper at $849.
Addressing some confusion in the firearm community, Dan clarifies that Franklin Armory’s binary trigger for AR-15s is still ATF-approved. It doesn’t accelerate the rate of fire and leaves the shooter in control, reinforcing its legality.
While showcasing the OPS 16R, we demonstrate both suppressed and unsuppressed firing in the video above. The recoil feels surprisingly light, making it comparable to a direct impingement (DI) gun. The OPS 16R effortlessly handles both suppressed and unsuppressed configurations without any hiccups, proving the efficiency of Franklin Armory’s innovative gas piston system.
One notable feature is that the gas piston system operates without piston springs, resulting in fewer parts and potentially cooler operation due to reduced friction.
For those intrigued by this latest addition to Franklin Armory’s lineup, check out their website for more details.
*** Buy and Sell on GunsAmerica! All Local Sales are FREE! ***