NOTE: REF is a standard carbine receiver extension, it is not compatible with the Vltor A5.
REF (Receiver Extension, carbine, FCD) is a 6 position, AR15/M4 standard carbine receiver extension (NOT A5 compatible).
Made from extruded 7075 aluminum with rolled threads and dry film lubed
interior, REF differs from most carbine receiver extensions thusly:
*
Additional drain holes in the 2nd and 5th latch positions, in addition
to the TDP spec carbine RE drain hole at the end of the RE.
* Laser engraved stock latch position indicators on both sides.
* Cerakoted.
We're
not known for making modifications to TDP spec components just to be
different. Different is just that, different isn't better. REF follows
our design philosophy, function over form, form follows function. The
changes on REF are for the most part not immediately visible to users.
Colt
M4 stocks have an open portion on top the butt pad, TDP spec carbine RE
has a drain hole at the end/tip to allow water to drain. The M4 stock
can trace its origin to the early 1980s ACR trials, though they ended
without any being adopted to replace the M16, inevitably some
developments led to designs later incorporated into production systems,
one of which is the now ubiquitous M4 stocks made by Colt, and later,
SOPMOD stocks made by Crane at NSWC, LMT and B5 Systems. Stocks with
superior cheek weld and storage made by industry giants Vltor and Magpul
have long led the way in ergonomics and practicality.
Often,
these much improved stocks have integrated butt pads that close the
open end of the M4 stock. REF retains the drain hole at the tip of the
TDP spec carbine RE, but also adds two more under the stock, in the 2nd
and 5th latch positions. OTB feature may not be something a casual,
recreational shooter demands, it is our practice to incorporate combat
weapon features in our designs.
The side stock
latch position indicators (on both sides) is a twist of a feature we
have long admired from one of our favorite companies, Vltor. Vltor has
been engraving stock latch position numbers on top of its carbine REs.
For M4 and SOPMOD stocks, there is a hole on top, it is necessary for
the lock release lever's spring loaded pin installation. Vltor has made
use of it and engraved position indicator numbers below the hole, in
typical Vltor brilliance.
REF's stock latch
position indicators are located at 3 and 9 o'clock, because many of the
popular and superbly designed Magpul stocks don't use the lock release
lever found on the Colt M4 stocks and SOPMOD stocks, they therefore lack
the release lever pin hole on top of the stock body, numbers engraved
on top are visible to the users, but they no longer correspond to the
actual positions. By relocating the numbers on both sides, users can
easily and quickly identify the latch positions of their stocks.
Carbine
RE latch position grew from 2 (either completely closed or open in
early Colts carbines) to 4, it's common to find 5 or 6 positions on
standard carbine REs (our RE5F, the Vltor A5 compatible RE has 9).
While the increase in latch positions/adjustments offers the users
better ergonomics, it does make identifying the position of the stock by
tactile feedback somewhat more challenging. We would prefer if we
don't have to look at the weapon while deploying it. That said, if and
when time allows, the correct and consistent length of pull is rather
helpful.
REFs features aren't new individually,
REF is simply a carbine RE done our way. The 2 extra drain holes are
enough to facilitate rapid draining of water from the RE, it doesn't
need 6. The side stock position markings are small and discreet, large
enough to be visible, but not call attention to themselves. Fashion has
no place on duty/defense firearms.
Available in Cerakote black, FDE, Burnt Bronze, OD green and Goose Grey.
Proudly made in the USA.