The Dark Storm Industries MFR, or Modern Fighting Rifle, is the true definition of a battle-ready firearm. Our goal from the start was to create a platform that incorporated both new and innovative features as well as those found on rifles at a much higher price point. Designed from the ground up to incorporate features that are well thought out and with the shooter in mind. No detail has been overlooked, from the sourcing of the highest-grade American materials and finishes to the addition of full ambidextrous controls; we have succeeded in producing a truly reliable platform for a price point that cannot be matched. The end result far exceeds our initial expectations, as we are sure it will be yours.
Starting at the muzzle, you will notice our W.T.F. Flash Hider. Developed to reduce muzzle flash, testing has shown it reduces the visible light signature by over 20% when compared to a standard A2 Flash Hider.
The 15-inch Free Float handguard has M-Lok where you need it, and we have left material where you don’t. This reduces radial flex and provides a stable platform to mount the optics and lasers of your choice. It is mated to the upper with a robust barrel nut that doubles as a heat sink, increasing heat transfer from the chamber area of the barrel and prolonging the service life of the rifle. The MFR handguard also incorporates our “Chainlink” handguard to upper tether, eliminating any chance of lateral or forward movement. As a failsafe, we have included two removable stainless dowels between the upper and handguard, not only for indexing but also to remove any chance of movement.
Under the handguard, you will find our sub-MOA 16” SOCOM profile barrel. Machined from MIL-Spec 4150CMV steel, it features a black nitride heat treatment for durability and corrosion resistance. The barrel is chambered in 5.56 NATO to CIP headspace specifications. It is button-rifled with a 1 in 9 twist that is optimized for M193 ammunition. It is a carbine-length, direct impingement gas system that features a robust gas block pinned in place for long-term hassle-free operation.
No design feature or upgrade was ignored in the development of this rifle. The 7075 forged upper features a serviceable steel pin for the ambi charging handle to latch onto, as well as a countersunk E-clip for peace of mind when running this rifle hard. It also includes an additional rear Picatinny rail slot to accommodate backup sights with optics that have shorter eye relief.
The low shelf 7075 forged lower features ambidextrous controls for both the offhanded and downhand shooter. The ambi bolt catch locks back and drops the BCG with ease as the dual ejectors pitch your brass in a consistent and repeatable pattern no matter how fast you run the investment cast two-stage trigger with its 4.5lb total pull and short reset. No matter what hand you use, changing the mag is a breeze with the ambi mag release. Faster mag changes keep you in the fight. The bolt carrier group features an advanced nitride DLC finish from ArmorLube, which was developed by the US Army Research and Development Engineering Command. It provides an 80% reduction in friction and 15x reduction in wear compared to CLP lubricated manganese phosphate/hard chrome based on ARDECOM testing.
The Magpul SL stock is adjustable to 6 positions on our milspec buffer tube, which has the SOCOM drain holes and triple rear vent holes for proper expulsion of gas and water should the fight take you there. It also pairs nicely with the matching high angle Magpul K grip.
With full attention to detail, we clear anodize the upper, lower, and handguard in type III undyed hardcoat, and finally, finish it off in an attractive graphite black cerakote gen 2 IR signature reduction coating which vastly reduces the rifle's signature under night vision when exposed to infrared illumination.