Knight’s Armament Company has a consistent theme to all firearm product lines: optimized performance for the individual user through evolutionary design. This commitment is recognized in the major categories: performance, reliability, adaptability, ergonomics, and weight. KAC was one of the first companies to implement ambidextrous controls on production firearms, and we continue to evolve and perfect user-interface points to promote safety, confidence in manipulation, and intuitive application. The evolution of operating systems and major force-bearing parts in KAC firearms provides the user with unparalleled system life and extended reliability and operational robustness. As one of the original creators of accessory mounting and modular interface systems, KAC continues to improve the ability of the user to configure their system to best match the mission, expectation, and application of the firearm. KAC is committed to providing an “out of the box” optimized product for the most critical tasks.
The M110 Semi-Automatic Sniper System (SASS) and its SR-25 based variants are current program of record 7.62mm NATO sniper and sniper support rifles across the US Armed Forces and with our international allies. First fielded experimentally in the early 1990s as the SR-25, and quickly refined into the Mk 11 Mod 0 for adoption with SOF units, these systems were combat proven to be highly effective and efficient. Almost immediately, systems optimized for specific tasks were developed to meet the changing face of sniper and precision marksman employment; from 14.5” barreled 7.62mm battle rifles to even more task-specific 20” barreled precision systems. Current M110s are available in multiple barrel lengths, with multiple signature reduction device integration options, and with several options for improved user-interface. KAC’s constant pursuit is reduced weight, optimized length, and improved performance of the platform; based on user feedback, defined needs, and robust testing. Every M110 offered has been designed and refined for a specific requirement not otherwise available on the market, evaluated and validated to be suitable for the conditions of modern combat.
Since the advent of maneuver warfare, effective high volume sustained fire has been the single most decisive factor in enabling small unit movement during the assault, and denying opposing maneuver during counter-assault and consolidation. Numerous weapon types have been used in this role, ranging from traditional light machine guns to heavier versions of standard rifles and carbines. Each of these failed to achieve optimal results, most commonly due to excessive burden, lack of sustained fire capability, or insufficient platform lifespan. Recognizing the unique needs of the assault element, and learning from the deficiencies of past efforts, Knight’s Armament Company has designed and developed unique solutions to meet the needs of a highly mobile element. The family of Assault Machine Guns delivers the needed sustained volume of fire to an assault element at the lowest possible weight to leverage speed of movement as a tactical advantage. With low cyclic rate and optimized operating systems, they are immediately more controllable than other similar, significantly higher weight machine guns. The optic mounting rail is integral to the receiver, rather than the feed-tray cover, improving consistency in optic mounting, and simplifying common basic manipulations. Classic machine gun features such as a quick-change barrel, compatibility with linked ammunition, and ammunition drum attachment are standard. Available in common calibers such as 5.56mm and 7.62mm NATO, as well as alternate intermediate calibers such as 6.5mm Creedmoor and .260 Remington.
The SR-16 line of 5.56mm NATO rifles have a proven lineage of unsurpassed performance. The heart of the product line is the E3 bolt, a proprietary design with a 20,000+ round lifespan. The “Mod 2” gas system efficiently controls gas delivery to the operating system, enhancing reliability, simplifying suppressor integration, and improving felt recoil due to the precise use of system pressure. The SR-15/16 line features built-in ambidextrous controls, allowing left-handed users the same manipulation advantages and providing both with enhanced alternate manipulations. The drop-in two-stage full- or semi-auto match trigger has a clean and consistent 5lb second-stage break for precision or rapid multiple-shot engagements. KAC Flip-up micro back-up sights, modular ambidextrous selectors, and QDC suppressor mounting compatible flash hiders are standard accessories. When it comes to 5.56 carbines, KAC has an optimal solution to specific requirements, as well as single solutions for multiple applications.
The SR-25 series of rifles is the end result of decades of improvement and refinement to the AR-10 type rifle platform. While each model is oriented to a specific precision role, they all share the same high reliability, long critical part life, and intuitive ambidextrous controls. The SR-25 has been tested and validated by the harshest combat conditions; proving time and again to perform as required. Barrel and bolt life are significantly increased, reducing the need for part replacement and extending maintenance cycles.
The SR-15 E3 Mod 2 line represents the pinnacle of the unique and revolutionary Stoner-designed operating system. The Mod 2 line features a proprietary mid-length gas system that increases reliability and durability, while also reducing felt recoil. This minimizes leakage, ensuring more consistent operation in harsh conditions, with or without an attached sound suppressor. The Mod 2 gas block is secured with a locking ring, which results in a more rigid barrel due to the elimination of taper pin grooves. This removes the need for individually fit gas blocks.An improved E3 round-lug bolt design enhances function and increases bolt life far beyond the industry standard. The URX4 handguard reduces weight through use of negative-space mounting systems and an integral barrel nut. An ambidextrous bolt release, selector and magazine release offer left-handed users the ergonomic advantages inherent to AR-15 based controls, as well as giving right-handed users alternative methods of manipulation to increase efficiency of movement. (options may vary based on model)
The SR-30 is built on the advancements of the SR-15, but takes advantage of the .300 Blackout cartridge, allowing shorter than commonly accepted effective 5.56mm barrel lengths. The SR-30 has 99% parts compatibility with the SR-15, requiring only a dedicated barrel and muzzle device. Widely available subsonic ammunition can be used to provide a significantly reduced firing signature with a suppressor, while providing superior terminal performance than subsonic 5.56 or pistol caliber options. Supersonic ammunition out-performs other rifle-caliber ammunition types in short barrels, providing for a considerably more transportable and maneuverable firearm.
The integration of suppressors and contemporary small arms is a natural progression for the professional user. Recognizing the balance needed to ensure reliability in both suppressed and unsuppressed configurations, without the use of regulated gas systems in our rifles, Knight’s Armament designs, develops, and tests suppressors and their hosts concurrently. Relying on suppressor design and production experience beginning in the 1970s, KAC Signature Reduction Devices are created to meet the requirements of strenuous use; with durability, consistent and minimal impact shift, and reduction of shooter signature being the core considerations. Knight’s Armament has delivered tens of thousands of suppressors to the US Military, from the extremely durable QDSS NT-4 to the M110 suppressor. Current QDC suppressors are in service with both government and military users. KAC supports optimized suppressor and muzzle device applications from 5.56 NATO to .300 Winchester Magnum.
Knight’s Armament has been at the forefront of user interface improvements for small arms since the mid 1980’s. While watching the televised events unfolding during Operation Urgent Fury, Reed envisioned a better solution than the hose clamps and duct tape that service members were using to attach flashlights and other enablers to their rifles. This concept would evolve into the Rail Interface System and Rail Accessory System replacement handguards for the M16 and M4, originally a SOCOM initiative, and later refined for widespread general issue. The RIS and RAS brought MIL-STD-1913 “Picatinny” accessory mounting rails to the fore-end of every M4 and M16 in the US Armed Forces, revolutionizing individual customization and fitment of the individual rifle/carbine. The market was soon flooded with 1913 rail accessories for use on the KAC RIS/RAS and other similar products, from vertical foregrips and sling-swivel attachment points to clip-on inline night vision devices and infrared lasers. The age of individual configuration had begun. KAC continues to develop and improve the method by which the individual user interacts with their firearm.
Reed Knight accomplished what was previously considered impossible when faced with the challenge of providing precision shooters with a method of target acquisition and precision engagement under limited visibility lighting conditions while using the aiming reference of the user’s usual day optic, but without incurring a shift in the point of impact. With the creation of clip-on in-line night vision devices that adhered to these requirements, so too was born Knight Vision LLC (KVC), a division of Knight’s Armament Company that sits at the cutting edge of night vision technology for the precision shooter. From the PVS-22 to the PVS-30, KAC is the current program of record holder for several sniper night sights and thermal imaging devices.
KVC’s line of upgrade options for common headborne monocular devices brings unparalleled versatility and modularity to previously underutilized systems, and allows for integration with new technologies. The ability to effortlessly move optics from a lightweight dual-device helmet bridge to a weapon mount for use in conjunction with a mounted day optic, and back again, enables the user to switch from an active emission targeting system to a passive aiming solution, while reducing the need for multiple devices. Finely controlled tolerances and clearances, along with device fitment adjustment, eliminate distracting wobble and the need for external tensioning methods. These accessories and upgrades are specifically crafted to enhance the use of night vision devices for the most demanding applications.
The Knight Vision line of Image Intensified sights set the standard for low-light operations. Our systems are in constant use throughout the world with a wide array of customers. Several layers of patented technologies produce optics that have high battery life, excellent retention of day optic zero, and combat proven durability. The line allows for versatility from short to long range applications. Regardless of rifle type, provided it has a 1913 rail, KVC can provide a solution for low-light operations.