Update: The ATF has now advised that the settlement with Franklin Arms does not extend to Antithesis models shooting .223/5.56, and Franklin Arms has notified customers that have already purchased the weapons to return them. (See this video from Mr Gunsngear).
Original Post:
I've seen a couple videos about this firearm and still couldn't figure out what made it special. But after looking at Franklin Armory's website, as best as I can tell is that they have found a loophole in the NFA and 1968 Gun Control Act where, because the firearm was designed to shoot both shot and bullets but it is rifled, it does not qualify as a short barrel rifle or shotgun. Thus, it is a "firearm" and, therefore, not subject to the NFA restrictions. That makes it easier to own, use, and transport.
I could not find any information on what the difference is between it and a standard AR rifle, but the models offered all have 1:7 twist rifling in the barrels, and it otherwise appears to be a standard AR style weapon. It is offered in 12.5, 12, and 7.5 inch barrel lengths, with or without binary triggers. The MSRP seems to be just over $1,000 for the 7.5 and 12 inch versions, and almost $1,500 for the 12.5 inch version; the addition of the binary trigger adds another approximately $150 to $200 depending on the model. I'm not sure why the 1/2 inch extra of barrel for the 12.5 inch version adds so much to the cost.
The key to this loophole is that the weapon can fire multiple projectiles at the same time. I had, the other day, posted a link to an article about new ammunition that a Russian company had introduced for the 5.49 mm Russian rifle that shot a string of shot in order to allow troops to engage drones. The Franklin Armory solution appears similar, except that instead of a discarding steel sabot to contain the shot, Franklin Armory's "Antithesis™ Multiple Projectile Assemblies" appears to use a plastic sabot. However, I did not see anything about what size of shot it uses. The Russian ammunition used standard .177" BB and it would not surprise me if the Franklin Armory Assemblies used the same size shot.
Franklin Armory sells the Assemblies in packs of 10 for $19.99, but you have to load them yourself into a .223/5.56 case. I didn't see any loading data, but the total weight is 40 grains. I presume that at some point factory loaded ammunition will be available, but that is just my own speculation.
I would be interested in the accuracy and spread of the shot rounds. It could have potential for use on small game where the meat would be destroyed if you used a high-velocity .223 round. It could, in essence, function like a combination gun, except switching ammunition instead of switching between a rifled barrel and a smooth bore barrel.
Given the barrel lengths and the small bore size, what would make this a better weapon would be versions in .300 BLK, although you would not be able to suppress it because the shot rounds will not function through a suppressor.
The Rus projectiles (only) were intended for replacing the boat-tail slug extant to a 7N6 5.45 round, using the factory powder load. Those 'ant-drone' BB projectiles have an -expected- .55 cent ea. price tag. If you've got an AK-74 that is a stellar deal for multi-projectile ammo. Factory loaded cartridges are an alternative to 'load-your-own'.
ReplyDeleteI would like to order some, but I would guess that they would be subject to the trade restrictions/sanctions imposed on Russia and, therefore, not available to American consumers. But if they were available, they, too, would have potential as a small game round.
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