|
ADDAX TACTICAL GPU featured in the September 2009 TACTICAL WEAPONS Magazine: Tactical Life Article
A funny thing happens at a wind chill of 80 degrees below zero: Guns stop working. That trustworthy AR you bet your life on in the 120-in-the-shade deserts of Iraq faces a whole new set of problems when the mercury drops back into the Ice Age.
So if you’re the Police Chief of the Hooper Bay, Alaska Police department, where the average snowfall is more than 75 inches a year, you need a patrol rifle that can shrug off cold that threatens normal operation. That’s why after exhaustive testing, Chief James Hoelscher turned to the much warmer climes of Southern California and the fine gas-piston upper made by Addax Tactical. Hooper Bay, Alaska, is the largest Yupik Eskimo village in the state, with 1,300 residents living on a peninsula south of the Yukon, on the coast of the Bering Sea. Chief Hoelscher’s small department is not only responsible for keeping the peace in the city, but also ensuring the safety of the Hooper Bay Airport, for animal control, EMS response, and did I mention they mostly comprise the city’s Volunteer Fire Department? “Out here you have to wear many hats,” Hoelscher explained, “All of my officers are certified Emergency Trauma Technicians.” While major cases like homicides and sexual assaults are referred on to the State Police and their greater resources, dealing with the crimes in Hooper Bay is up to the local PD, “We are the first to arrive,” he continued, “so we have to be prepared to face anything.” Image Building With the new look came a new mission statement, “To work in partnership with our citizens to create safer communities and preserve our unique way of life.” Hooper Bay is a community with more than 90% Yupik Eskimo population, and Hoelscher, a lifelong resident and half Yupik himself, knew that along with advanced training, his officers needed the best equipment to protect themselves and the citizens. Patrolling year-long in ATVs and snow machines, the department personnel are issued Remington 870 12-gauge shotguns and .40-caliber autoloading pistols. The department will approve any .40 that proves reliable, but Hoelscher favors the S&W 99, their version of the Walther P-99. He’s tried other .40s but finds it draws better from the Safariland 070 holster beneath his parka. That’s a leather holster, by the way, because plastic holsters get brittle under the constant cold.
Loaded for Bear or Belligerents Bears are covered, but the human threat in towns of any size these days comes from the drug dealers that migrate in from large cities to sell their wares in Hooper Bay. “We’ve had several drug busts working in cooperation with neighboring jurisdictions, so we needed a reliable semi-automatic rifle.” For the department’s patrol rifle Hoelscher had originally chosen the Bushmaster 5.56mm Carbine, but quickly discovered that normal direct-impingement gas system AR rifles, which require a lot of lubrication for reliable functioning, would not work in the harsh climate of Alaska.
He explained, “At below 20 degrees a lot of these gun lubes will solidify. Also, the rifle is in my heated truck as I drive to the call. Soon it’s outside where it’s below zero. Then back into the car, or the suspect’s house. The change in temperature causes condensation inside the action, and combined with the sluggish lube, the gun locks up.” Hoelscher heard about the new gas-piston systems, which offered reliability without excessive lubing. By now the gas piston operating system conversion for AR-15 style rifles is well known to TW readers. It replaces the direct-impingement system of the original AR design and exchanges the long gas-tube running from the gas block under the front sight with a short-stroke piston. As used on the FN SACR and HK 416, gas-piston actions don’t send burning gas and fouling back into the receiver. This leads to a cleaner AR, as fouling around the bolt carrier group is all but eliminated. The Chief did some research and decided on the Addax GPU—a modified PWS gas piston upper receiver made by Chris Haddadian’s Addax Tactical in Chatsworth, CA. Chris is one of the premier builders of AR-15 gas-piston upper assemblies and also a dealer/distributor of AR-series weapon parts, accessories and tactical gear. A family operated business since 2007, the Addax Tactical team comes with more than 40 years of family experience in military and government service, plus more than 20 years in firearms collecting and shooting. It was Chris’ total confidence and knowledge about his product that convinced Hoelscher to try out the GPU. “That Chris knew what he was talking about is what made his system work for my needs.” Addax is not a manufacturer, per se, but they don’t just slap an existing PWS conversion kit into their uppers. “We are a builder, and we are building our own dedicated gas piston upper called the GPU.” Haddadian explained, “We’ve worked extensively with PWS over the last two years and this relationship has enabled us to successfully incorporate their efficient AR piston system in to the Addax gas-piston uppers.”
Ongoing Advancements It was this hands-on approach that impressed Chief Hoelscher. He custom-ordered the Addax Upper’s YHM 14.5-inch barrel chambered for 5.56mm with a 1:9 twist. Most ARs these days come with 1:7 barrels to get better performance out of heavier 60- to 70-grain bullets, but Hooper Bay PD issues Remington 55-grain Pointed Soft Point and American Eagle 55-grain XM177 Tactical FMJs. The upper was built on a Milspec 7075 T-6 receiver with a Bolt Carrier Group by Young Manufacturing. The rifle’s quad rail is the fine A.R.M.S. 50MCV, the flip up BUIS are from PRI and the flash suppressor/muzzle brake is the Addax Bulldog made for them by PWS that Chris says gives the best performance with his upper. The Chief said Haddadian’s claims were borne out by his own testing. When the upper arrived, Hoelscher installed it on his Territorial Gunsmiths lower and took the rifle out into the snow. “I took it right out of the box and let it sit outside in zero degrees for several hours.” Chief Hoelscher recounted, “Then I brought it in to see if I could get condensation, then took it back out into the cold and fired it. It performed flawlessly.” Now he will begin getting the rest of the department qualified through patrol rifle training. “Addax is a great system. I have already ordered their 6.8 SPC GPU upper for long-range work.” The best news is that Chris and Addax have developed in improved GPU with PWS that will be available by the time you read this. The Addax GPU Gas Piston Upper is not just for those who are full-auto shooters, or for LE and military—the GPU is a great choice for the AR owner who wants increased reliability with reduced maintenance. They back all of the components in their builds with a five-year limited warranty, in addition to the limited lifetime warranty from PWS on the gas-piston system components. For current AR-15 owners who want a rifle that proved itself in the frozen Yukon tundra, that is cleaner and more reliable, the Addax GPU is worth a shot! For more information visit www.addaxtactical.com. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ State of Vermont
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ MILITARYMORONS.COM REVIEW OF THE ADDAX ATAC 8/7/09 - The Addax ATAC (Advanced Tactical AR Carbine) GPU (Gas Piston Upper) from Addax Tactical is a new gas piston AR upper that utilizes a long stroke piston system, with the piston attached to the bolt carrier rather than the short stroke piston of the earlier PWS system. This was originally developed for the shorty 7" Diablo upper by Primary Weapon Systems (PWS) but is also available for longer barrels.
PWS offers the long stroke system on three different uppers - the diminutive 7" Diablo, the DC-10 with 10" barrel, and the DC-16 with 16" barrel. Addax Tactical is a certified PWS gas system conversion installer with a semi-exclusive on the new piston system, and offers both the short-stroke and long-stroke PWS systems on their GPU builds, which are available in many more configurations. The long-stroke ATAC system is aimed at users who want a virtually maintenance-free upper - almost like having an AK on an AR. Initial Range Report - The first time I shot the ATAC was actually when Chris stopped by a range session to drop it off. It was brand new, still shiny with oil. The pics below were taken at the initial range session, before I had set the upper up. Slapped on a T-1 Micro from another upper to give me an approximate aiming point and started shooting. After going through the first mag on slow fire, to allow the brand new parts to 'settle', we then put about 250 rounds through it on rapid fire, slow fire, with most of them double taps. It didn't feel any different than the GPU upper I had - recoil impulse is close to that of a DI gun, and noticeably less than an LWRC or HK 416. With the long-stroke piston and more reciprocating mass moving with the carrier, I expected to observe some increase in muzzle jump or recoil, but I didn't. Neither did anyone else who tried it. Also on hand was an SBR ATAC with the PWS CQB_556 compensator, which directs all the muzzle blast to the front and was pretty sweet to shoot.    No malfunctions of any kind were experienced with the ATAC at the initial range session. Granted, it wasn't many rounds, but it was a good start. It was hot that day, and I had been shooting my Addax GPU for the first part of the morning. The gas block on the GPU gets very hot after a couple of mags have been put through it, but the free float hand guard doesn't conduct the heat to the shooter's hands as it doesn't contact the gas block. Since the rails on the ATAC are attached to the gas block, heat transfer was one of my concerns. Speaking to Chris, and examining it for myself, the top rail does heat up more than the side rails, as it's attached to the gas block with more surface area contact, and surrounds the gas piston tube. That's why it has the extra holes on top and slits on the side. The side and bottom rails got hot, but not as hot as I expected they would, and not uncomfortably so with rail panels on. Rail panels are recommended, since the gap between them is wide enough to allow a stray finger tip from sliding between them and contacting the barrel. The ATAC comes with the Magpul XTM rail panels that cover the side and bottom rails. Cleaning - When I got home, I removed the carrier and piston from the upper to see how dirty it got. The piston had a bit of carbon baked on at the front, but that scraped off with a finger nail. All other carbon on the sides of the piston rod easily wiped off the Melonite QPQ finish. The bolt and carrier were practically clean, except for primer residue on the bolt face. No carbon, of course. I ran a bore snake through the bore, wiped everything down, and was done cleaning it. The big difference between the ATAC and the GPU was that the ATAC long stroke piston was much easier to remove, and there were no other parts to clean besides the piston head. It's the closest thing to an AK system for the AR. It is not recommended to stick anything down the piston tube. If something gets stuck, there's no easy way to get it out. 2nd Range report - This time I sat down at the bench to check out the accuracy. I used 55gr Prvi Partizan ammo, but in retrospect I should have brought more accurate (match) ammo instead of the cheap FMJ military stuff. But, my thought was to test it with ammo that it's more likely to be used with. This particular upper was built more as a hard-use carbine than an SPR/precision rifle. I used a bipod and rear beanbag rest, and a 3-9 power scope. Wind was probably around 5 mph. The results from two 100 yard targets are shown below. I had hoped for a little better, but speaking with Chris afterwards, he's had very good results with better quality ammo, and Prvi Partisan M193 isn't known for its accuracy. On target one, I fired 25 rounds. The max distance between holes is 3.576", which is 3.415 MOA. Average distance to the center of the group (radius) is 1 MOA. Target 2 had 15 rounds on it, for a max of 2.534 MOA and an average distance to center of 0.899 MOA.   _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
"I just wanted to tell you that I have never enjoyed shooting an AR more than I do now. Addax Tacticals piston system not only runs cleaner but allows me to recover from recoil faster and allows me to deliver more rounds down range due to the gas being diverted through the handguard area instead of coming back through the weapon and into my face. Being the co team leader of our SWAT team I have the opportunity to shoot with a "can", silencer, the piston system allows the weapon to stay cleaner and makes it more reliable while shooting suppressed, also it allows sub-sonic ammo to function due to the gas regulator of the system. This is the greatest accessory that I have ever put on a weapon. Thanks again for the fine workmanship and the attention to detail." Great Job, CPL David Baker APD SWAT _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
"Im a Special Agent with a large Agency that is under the Department of Homeland Security’s umbrella. One of my duties in this Agency is a firearms instructor. I have shot, trained and carried numerous types of submachine guns, carbines and battle rifles. In December of 2008, I was interested in purchasing a Gas Piston Operated, M-4 Carbine style, upper receiver, chambered in 5.56 mm for personal use. After researching several manufactures, I narrowed my choices to three companies. Addax Tactical was one of the three. I spoke to representatives from the three separate companies. When speaking to Chris Haddadian of Addax Tactical, I was impressed by the knowledge and enthusiasm he displayed about the Gas Piston Upper (GPU) Platform that Addax Tactical offered. Chris explained which manufacturer’s parts he used in his GPU builds and why he selected those manufacturers. From this conversation and based on my needs Chris recommended the Addax Combat Mid-Length 5.56mm. This GPU is a 16" Gas Piston Upper with a fluted Sabre Defense 16” stainless steel parkerized barrel with a 1 in 8 twist. I also added Troy Industries front and rear battle sights for my BUIS system. After my GPU was built, Chris personally test fired it for function and accuracy. I received my GPU within two weeks of ordering it. After ordering my GPU, Chris updated me during the build and an email with the tracking number was sent the day my GPU was shipped to me. When I received my GPU I was impressed by the workmanship, finish and tight tolerances of the components. After attaching my GPU to my Rock River lower receiver. I headed off to the range for a test fire session. Chris had noted how accurate my GPU was when he test fired it and that was no joke. The Troy BUIS mounted on my GPU were mechanically zeroed and did have to be adjusted for windage to produce under half-inch groups at the fifty yard line where my initial zeroing was performed. Since my initial zeroing, I have shot my GPU out to 300 yards with equally good results. Another benefit I noticed immediately was the lack of recoil pulse. This allowed me to take faster follow up shots. After a follow up call to Chris, he explained the FCS Bulldog compensator was responsible for the decrease in muzzle climb. After shooting my GPU the bolt carrier group and chamber are clean and cool. My cleaning time is easily cut in half. All in all, my GPU is by far my favorite rifle and the best weapon in the AR15 platform that I have ever shot. After shooting over 1500 rounds through it, my GPU has yet to fail and is extremely accurate. From the pre sale to after the sale, Chris and Addax Tactical have been a pleasure to work with. I plan on converting my other M-4 into a GPU. I highly recommend them." Sincerely, Craig _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
My Team and I originally set out to find a more reliable, gas-piston version of the Special Purpose Rifle for the kind of Special Operations we conduct all over the world. From experience with Direct Impingement platforms failing at extreme temperatures or from the elements at the worst possible moments, we knew this had to take top priority. I called Chris at Addax and explained the problems we were facing and gave him a huge list of specifications to deal with. It had to be dead on reliable, no matter what we threw at it. It had to be completely modular, built from the best parts that can be gathered from the industry. It had to be multiple suppressor compatible with a low light signature when unsuppressed. Finally, it had to be Cerakoted in USSOCOM Flat Dark Earth to protect it against corrosion and to standardize it as being “Ours.” We demanded a match grade barrel and accuracy that exceeded even some of the current platforms in service with USSOCOM today. That means SUB-MOA out of the box. When I asked Chris what the piston system would do to the inherent accuracy of the SPR, he conceded that some accuracy could be lost to the trade off of all the benefits you get with a GPU. I asked specifically what that meant and he explained that he typically does not like to put out an “accuracy guarantee” to customers because of the problems this can cause. Not all shooters are created equal, after all. He did make me a promise though; “If you are not satisfied with how it performs in any way, send it back to me and I’ll make it right.” While “accuracy guarantees” are thrown around in the industry a lot, I can assure you that statements like that one are not. After range testing the SPR Upper and breaking in the barrel, it deployed with us in support of the GWOT for more serious field testing. On the range and in the field I can say that in a 5.56 platform of any kind, I’ve honestly never fired anything better. It handles everything from M855 in an emergency to the heavier 77gr. MK262 Mod 1 ammo with ZERO malfunctions. The accuracy using our 77gr. Match ammo has ranged from .75” groups to staggering .315” groups! It takes dust and sand and keeps coming back for more. Exactly what it was supposed to do. Not only did the SPR upper meet our standards, but it impressed us all and well exceeded them. When this Special Purpose Rifle runs suppressed, the team and I have taken to calling it by another name; “Death’s Whisper.” Since the success of that last build, Chris has allowed us to try out some of his other GPU’s and we’re still impressed. It’s not just the quality and reliability of Addax GPU’s, it’s the service that comes along with them. There are other companies out there that we’ve dealt with before and we don’t now. That’s because Chris guarantees his work where it counts. If it doesn’t work, if it breaks down, if it won’t zero, if it so much as doesn’t look cool enough; Chris WILL make it right and that will keep us coming back for more. Thanks to Addax Tactical and to Chris Haddadian for getting it right. Ft. Bragg, NC  _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I wanted to send an email and thank you for everything you did to make sure that I got my order on time. Timing was perfect, and i assembled everything and had plenty of time take it out shooting while I was on leave. I also wanted to comment on the excellent quality of the upper, I never had a malfunction of any kind and the whole rifle looked and performed exactly as I wanted it too. I know that you all went out of your way to make sure that I got my order on time and I just wanted to say thank you for it. Sincerely, Keenan Cooper _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Chris, I just wanted to let you know that I received my ATAC MK 1A in the mail last week and have thus far been extremely pleased with it. It currently sits atop a S&W lower with a set of Magpul buis, Aimpoint T-1 micro, Magpul CTR and Magpul MIAD grip. I took it to the range and followed the proper break in procedure and zeroed it at 100 yards. It groups well and has digested roughly 300 rounds with no problems whatsoever. I particularly like the way it feels in my hands. As far as piston guns go it is quite lightweight and handy. The low profile rails allow me to really get my hands on the gun which allows it to be very flick-able making movement and transitions extremely easy. I really love this gun and the work that you do. Very Respectfully, Matthew ENS USN _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Addax Tactical ATAC GPU Review
by Stuart Boyer 12-1-2009
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ THANKS I would like to thank Chris at Addax Tactical and Dan at Amelon Coatings. They truly went out of their way to assist me answering literally 20+ emails and even calling me after hours due to the time zone differences and providing me with a few pleasant surprises that I didn’t expect that I am truly grateful for. I wish them both continued success in both business and their personal lives and if there is anything I can ever do for you guys don’t hesitate to ask. You have earned my respect and a lifelong customer and supporter. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Chris, I currently have an ATAC 6.8 SPCII on order, but today was the first time I’ve actually handled one of your infamous ATAC custom builds. My friend was kind enough to let me play with his 16’’ 5.56mm NATO upper and “WOW!” doesn’t quite cover it. The gun was exhilarating to shoot. It made me feel like shooting my very first AR-15 all over again. The gas piston system performed flawlessly. Between my friend and me, we ran at least 1,200 rounds downrange in about two hours time with no misfeeds, failure to feed, etc. I’d just like to take this opportunity to thank you once again for the hard work you put into these beautifully crafted upper receivers and to let you know I am anxiously awaiting to play with my own ATAC. I also wanted to give you a little back story about myself and my excellent experience with you folks over at Addax Tactical. I am a Cadet in the [censor] ROTC program. One of my responsibilities is training my fellow Cadets in the proper function, use, and maintenance of the M16/M4/AR-15 family of weapons. At times I have even taught using personal use rifles and as such, I have worked with a variety of weapon systems made by a tried and true industry names; Colt, DPMS, Bushmaster, and Stag Arms to name a few. However, when I looked at acquiring a second personal use AR-15 I looked at the Addax ATAC gas piston uppers and I must say I was extremely impressed. When I first called and talked to you about the ATAC GPU, not only did you seem sincere in your attempt to sell me on the benefits of your product, you seemed absolutely passionate about getting your customer’s the absolute best product for the money you charge. Nowhere in our conversation did you sound like the desperate car salesmen who would lie or hide the cons of the car just to make a sale and meet quota. The hour or so we spent on the phone we discussed both the many pros and cons of a direct injection system as opposed to your gas piston upper system, you were honest, sincere, and appeared dedicated to making sure I was happy with what I ended up with, even if it was not your product. Additionally, Lale was extremely helpful logistically. When I was told you were ready to ship the upper receiver, I was in the middle of moving, but Lale worked out the logistics extremely well going so far as allowing me to split the payment up between two cards so I wouldn’t have to keep track of my bank accounts so carefully during my move. Furthermore, I was impressed by the amount of patience, time, and effort your company puts into each and every one of its products. Either you or Lale gave me a call and updated me with the situation every couple of weeks and anytime something had to be changed I was informed of my options. Thanks to you and Lale, my experience with Addax Inc. has been the absolute best among all the other companies I shop with. You have exceeded my expectations in all aspects and if I had to say something negative, it would be that my original estimate was 15 weeks and it’s been drawn out. Even so, I can’t even begin to fathom the logistical nightmare you must have with your suppliers so it is completely understandable for missing the deadline. Thanks to the great customer service I’ve seen from Addax Inc., I am indeed a happy lifetime customer and you will be the first place I turn to for my AR-15 needs. You guys are absolutely amazing! M.Z. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Chris/Lale, I finally took the gun out for a shooting session. I'm running it on a Noveske N4 and open sights for the time being. I shot 100 rounds, with a patch of Hoppe's #9 after each 10 rounds. No jams, no stove pipes, no miss fires, no nothing, but 100 rounds down range in perfect order. I ran it a bit wet except for the piston. A few guys came over to ask about it and were impressed with the quality build. So am I. I've attached my target showing 100 yard results from the bench, Ultramax 55 gr, FMJ reloads, open sights, light wind and nice sunny, 70 degree weather. Nice results. Thanks for the quality build, this thing shoots Sweet! Take Care! Mario  _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Review and Comparison of the Addax Tactical Phalanx Flash Suppressor By Stuart Boyer Lets start off with a brief overview of what the Phalanx is from an excerpt from the Addax Tactical Website: “The Phalanx is an Extremely Effective Flash Suppressor with a unique Six Prong configuration that incorporates a cone shape design on the inside of the flash suppressor prongs. The combination of both features efficiently dissipates the escaping gasses while reducing the flash signature, and providing a smooth recoil impulse. The Phalanx is coated in DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) coating, which is a very durable coating that provides Superior Erosion and Corrosion resistance over many other types of coatings.” Now that your familiar with what were talking about here is my review of the Addax Tactical Phalanx flash suppressor, at the end of my write up you will find a link to youtube.com with footage of the testing of the Phalanx along with pictures of the device in the video and below for you. To give me a basis for the review I compared the Phalanx to the two more well know flash suppressor on the market the standard A2 “Birdcage” and the Smith Vortex flash suppressor and ran no muzzle device on the test weapon as a reference point to compare all three to draw my conclusions from. I found the Phalanx to be a very well thought out design that did a very good job at flash suppression. During daylight testing even on a rapid fire 30 rounds string I had zero flash interference with my sight picture. I was also very impressed with its low light and night time flash suppression. During both of these test it easily out performed the A2 and came very close to equaling the performance of the Smith Vortex in flash suppression visible by second parties (people other than the shooter). Flash suppression from the shooters point of view during all test was a very pleasing zero. You may also note during the night fire test the A2 and no muzzle device vids seem "glitched" or off that is due to the brightness of these devices overwhelming and burning out the camera. As far as the construction of the Phalanx I was once again impressed, very clean lines and an excellent smooth even colored tough finish. The finish made it easy to clean off carbon buildup cutting down on your maintenance time. One of the reasons I noted for easier clean up was the lack of a cut in recess “shelf” by where the device meets the crown like exist on the Vortex. That spot has usually been a source of frustration for me in cleaning as its hard to reach on my Vortex without possible damage to the crown of the barrel and likes to build up carbon that will reignite later and also debris from cleaning your barrel gets pushed out and stuck there as well. Thankfully the Phalanx lacks that “shelf”. Installation required no washers though one is supplied and it fits down nicely to the barrel with a simple wrench or AR barrel tool with no alignment necessary. Aesthetically she is not what I would call pretty but it’s a scarier, meaner look to it than most pronged devices in a way that I do find pleasing. Look wise if the Vortex has the girl next door look, simple and smooth lined, not too skinny on the prong but not chubby, than the Phalanx is the hot good looking biker chick on the crotch rocket your mom wouldn’t let you date. Think Meagan Fox. The Phalanx is slightly shorter than the Vortex as well (Phalanx 53mm, Vortex 59mm) and though I have no scale that can measure low enough to tell it feels lighter than the Vortex as well. Of note also is the chisel like angle to the tips of the Phalanx prongs which I suspect would aid in being used defensively to push the muzzle into an opponent or to break glass, the latter of which I may have to borrow a junk car to test out. I also noted the Phalanx did act somewhat as a compensating device. Felt recoil compared to the other tested muzzle devices was noticeably lower and the Phalanx was easier to keep on target with quick follow-up shots. In my opinion if you want an excellent flash reduction device with, light weight, short size, lessened recoil and great intimidating looks at a low price point definitely go with the Phalanx. I like the Phalanx so much she will be replacing the Vortex on my test rifle or I might use her as a swap out part on my newest SPR/dual purpose build whenever I need to swap from my compensator to a flash suppressor. I short I am very happy with this product.  _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
After selling my gas piston upper (POF) last year, I decided to look in to another gas piston system in 2009. I had an opportunity to fire a LWRC. It seemed to be the rockstar of gas pistons at the time. As I researched and compared gas piston systems, a small, local (Southern California) company caught my eye. ADDAX built gas piston uppers based on the PWS design. I then decided to call them for more information. Chris (owner of ADDAX) took about 45 minutes of his time to answer all my questions and educated me on the gas piston system during our first phone conversation. I appreciated the time he took to talk to me, not knowing that I would ultimately purchase one of his uppers. After reading more about ADDAX, I decided to take a chance on a company operating deep in the heart of enemy territory - California, specifically within the City of L.A. I've had the ADDAX ATAC-GPU for a little over four months now. After about 5000 rounds fired through the system (including a Magpul course) , I thought that it was time to write my review on the upper. I purchased the upper from Chris at ADDAX as SPEC'd below with the addition of a set of Magpul MBUS sights. Prior to it's first range day, an Aimpoint T1, Magpul XTM rail panels, TD Stubby VFG and a weapon light were added. It has stayed in that configuration but mounted on numerous brand lowers to check fit and function. The ADDAX ATAC GPU was SPEC'd as follows: THE ADDAX GPU MK1, 16" MILITARY SPEC. 5.56 MODEL -PRIMARY WEAPONS SYSTEMS LONG STROKE PISTON SYSTEM -DANIEL DEFENSE COLD HAMMER FORGED MIL-SPEC 16" CARBINE 1:7 TWIST CHROME LINED M4 PROFILE BARREL -MICROSLICKED* MIL-SPEC FULL AUTO BOLT CARRIER GROUP -ADDAX FSC BULLDOG COMPENSATOR -PWS LONG STROKE CARBINE GAS PISTON SYSTEM (BASED ON THE PWS DIABLO SERIES). Long Stroke Piston System Specially Designed Gas Block (Pinned to the Barrel) Piston Design Enhances Dwell Time All piston parts are finished in Melonite QPQ for Improved Wear Resistance, Heat Resistance, and Enhanced Corrosion Resistance. -MIL-SPEC A4 7075 T-6 FLAT TOP UPPER RECEIVER WITH M4 RAMPS -16" DANIEL DEFENSE M4 COLD HAMMER FORGED 1:7 TWIST (4150 CHROME MOLY VANADIUM STEEL) CHROME LINED CARBINE BARREL WITH M4 FEED RAMPS, MP TESTED, FULL AUTO RATED -LOW PROFILE QUAD RAIL SYSTEM WITH 3 INTEGRAL QUICK DISCONNECT SWIVEL MOUNTS The rail system consists of 4 individual rail panels mounted to a specially designed trunnion and mounting system. The Gas Block sits under the rail, allowing the upper to have a slim profile. -MAGPUL XTM RAIL PANELS (BLACK) FOR THE SIDE AND BOTTOM RAILS -MIL-SPEC FULL AUTO BOLT CARRIER GROUP WITH MP TESTED BOLT -BOLT CARRIER GROUP FINISHED WITH MICROSLICK *Cerakote Micro Slick is a (dry) film lubricant coating that assists in reducing friction and wear, and can withstand extreme pressures and temperatures. During use, the Ceramic properties of the Microslick surface treatment are mashed and polished into the pours of the metal on the contact surfaces, which allows the action to cycle smoothly, imparting a semi-self lubricating quality to the bolt carrier group. -MIL-SPEC CHARGING HANDLE -FSC BULLDOG COMPENSATOR My experience with other AR platforms owned or Department issued are limited to the following: Various agency Colts (20" rifles, Sporters, M4's), Colt 6920, Armalite (sold), POF gas piston (sold), LMT (14.5' & 16"), BCM Mid-lengths (love them, have 2), Custom 18" JP. When the upper was first picked up, I was excited and couldn't wait for a range day.....but then again, I got excited about every other upper that I bought. The ADDAX appeared to be solidly built and well finished. The first time shooting the ADDAX GPU was definitely a satisfying experience (satisfied that my new purchase worked with no issues). I was told that it shot or "felt different" from any of my previously experienced DI uppers as well as my early model POF. It did feel a little different with a slightly sharper recoil that the DI uppers, but with the FSC Bull Dog comp, it's recoil (i felt) was better managed than my other uppers and flash hiders (A2 Birdcage, Vortex). My first session included a 50yrd BZO, followed by some drills inside of 25 yards. Day one concluded with about 300 rounds (Win Ranger 55gr Pointed Soft Point) fired without any malfunctions. The ADDAX GPU was fired as it was delivered, lubed by the manufacturer. The magazines used during day one were, Colt G.I., Pmags, TD ARC, and Lancers. They all worked well. After day one, I stayed with my preferred Pmags. An observation made during my first day's drills were that the top rail definitely got HOT. Three sides of the GPU's rail were covered with XTM panels. I was told by Chris to leave the top rail uncovered to aid in dissipating heat. The only thing on the top rail was the MBUS front sight mounted forward of the gas block. To date, the heat has not affected the polymer sight at all.  Gloves are probably a must (I usually wear gloves when training with AR's) is you don't want to get burned. As advertised, the BCG remained cooler than the DI guns. Another observation was that the FSC Bull Dog rocked! It is a little louder than the A2's but perform better in controlling muzzle rise, thus aiding in faster follow up shots for me. (On a side note: One of my BCM Middys now have the FSC Bull dog and plan on getting it on others). Although I have limited experience with the various flash hiders and compensators in the market, I really liked the FSC Bull Dog.  I disassembled the weapon for inspection after the first session. The BCG and Op-Rod are attached and link with the CH, so the whole unit has to be taken out of the upper assembly. However, it was just as easy as dis-assembling a conventional DI upper. The BCG as well as the attached Op-Rod appeared fairly clean. A quick look in the buffer tube showed no noticeable signs of wear (from the dreaded bolt carrier tilt issue). The BCG assembly with the attached Op-rod is designed to minimize carrier wear as well as carrier deflection/tilt. So far - so good. I didn't clean the upper, however, Slip 2000 was added. I know, gas pistons are supposed to run even when dry, but (lubing) habits die hard. Re-assembling the system was also simple. First, line up the the Op-Rod with the gas tube, drop the CH in it's channel followed by the BCG. For the next three months, I used the ADDAX GPU during range training sessions. I had two malfunctions that I attributed to one of my training aluminum G.I. mags with green followers. After marking and putting the offender magazines away, I experienced no more malfunctions. The upper performed admirably and better that I originally expected. I did not clean the upper but kept the BCG lubed with Slip 2000 after each ~ 1K rounds fired.    During the second week of December, I hosted a 4-day Magpul hydrid HVWM/Advanced Carbine course for my agency. I thought that this course would work the ADDAX GPU and bring out any issues with my rifle. The training days' weather were mixed with cold (lower 30's) days and rain on day 4. One of my team member's department issued rifle took a dump early. I loaned him one of my BCM's, but he also wanted to shoot the GPU. He ended up with the GPU for the last two days of class. Our experience with my ADDAX was that it was a solid performer through the whole course with NO malfuctions. The upper was not babied in any way. It was used in all the drills the the Magpul instructors set up. There were 24 shooters, with three shooting gas piston systems. There were two ADDAX GPU's and one LMT GPU. Another team member also using his ADDAX GPU throughout the experienced ZERO malfunctions with his upper. There were several weapon maufunctions (ammo, magazine, and extractor related) experienced by other shooters. The two ADAX GPU's in the class functioned flawlessly! After the Magpul course, I decided to disassemble the upper for a thorough wipe down because of the previous day's training in the rain. The BCG was fairly clean. All it required was a quick wipe with a rag. The gas piston Op-Rod had some carbon build up on it. A spray of Slip 2000 Carbon Cleaner aided in easily wiping the carbon deposit off. I ran a Boresnake through a few times, thoroughly wiped down the exterior, and called it a day I am extremely satisfied with the performance of my ADDAX GPU and look forward to many training sessions with it. Thanks to Chris at ADDAX Tactical for doing a great job on the build! M LACSD, CA 
|
PRODUCT CATALOG
- FFL INFORMATION
- FEATURED PRODUCTS
- AR PARTS & ACCESSORIES
- AR DI UPPERS
- AR GAS PISTON UPPERS
- AR LOWER RECEIVERS
- RIFLES
- SHOTGUNS
- HANDGUNS
- USED // CONSIGNMENT
- SERVICES
- ADDAX GEAR
- TESTIMONIALS
- GALLERY
- VIDEOS
- F.A.Q.
- FFL INFORMATION
- FEATURED PRODUCTS
- AR PARTS & ACCESSORIES
- AR DI UPPERS
- AR GAS PISTON UPPERS
- AR LOWER RECEIVERS
- RIFLES
- SHOTGUNS
- HANDGUNS
- USED // CONSIGNMENT
- SERVICES
- ADDAX GEAR
- TESTIMONIALS
- GALLERY
- VIDEOS
- F.A.Q.
