AfterSHOT: New Lantac Adjustable Buffer System and Raven Rifle

Perhaps most widely known for their Dragon muzzle brakes and enhanced bolt carrier groups (not to mention their bad ass slow motion videos), Lantac USA has rapidly expanded its product line to encompass other parts and components, as well as complete rifles.

At SHOT Show 2016, Lantac showed off the latest incarnation of their Raven rifle, which incorporates a number of slick new features and even more of Lantac's own parts. The billet upper and lower receivers are Lantac, matched with their enhanced BCG and its domed cam pin head and ports that direct gas forward. The handguard is Lantac's 12.5 inch Spada-S, with a Lantac gas block and Dragon muzzle brake attached to a 14.5 inch 1:7 Wylde-chambered melonited 416R stainless steel barrel with, notably, an intermediate-length gas system. This places the gas port farther forward on the barrel than the carbine-length or mid-length gas systems commonly found on 14.5 inch barrels. The Dragon is pinned and welded to avoid the need for a tax stamp. The AXTS charging handle and 45-degree safety selector are ambidextrous, and the 3.5-pound single stage trigger is made by CMC Triggers to Lantac's spec. Furniture is from Magpul, with an MOE+ grip and CTR stock with buttpad.

However, there's one more new component that Lantac didn't let anyone else see at the SHOT Show. They mentioned it, but wouldn't give anyone any details — until now, that is, as they've gotten their patent applications in order. So, we're pleased to bring you the first look at Lantac's new adjustable buffer system (ABS). It consists of the buffer shown below and a proprietary buffer spring. The buffer has a threaded collar that can be easily adjusted by the end user, along with a second collar that locks it into place at the desired setting. Whereas other companies have tuned the AR's direct impingement system through methods such as adjustable gas blocks, lightweight bolt carrier groups, and lightened buffers, Lantac's ABS system doesn't require any armorer-level work or swapping other parts. Adjusting the collar increases the compression on Lantac's buffer spring at rest, which results in a few things: First, it increases the pre-load and helps to increase lock time. Second, it allows you to adjust the system until the buffer no longer hits the back of the receiver extension, eliminating that aspect of the perceived recoil impulse to the shooter. The secondary recoil impulse of the bolt going back into battery does actually increase a bit, but Lantac says that the overall effect on reducing perceived recoil is quite substantial. Lantac also says their system is tolerant of different types of ammo. We look forward to being able to shake it out. For the time being, Lantac indicated that their ABS system would only be available in their complete rifle builds and not sold separately.

The base Raven Intermediate rifle will retail at $2,995. For the ballers out there, an additional $940 will net you a glistening Proof Research hand lapped carbon fiber wrapped barrel, also machined from a 416R stainless steel blank with a .223 Wylde chamber and intermediate-length gas system.  Rifles should begin shipping in April.

Here's an older video from Lantac which shows the Raven intermediate system in action with the new buffer system. Sharp eyed viewers will notice it has an earlier configuration without the Spada-S handguard and so forth. Stay tuned for more coverage on the Lantac later this year.

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What is the NSSF SHOT Show?

The NSSF SHOT Show (Shooting, Hunting, and Outdoor Trade Show) and Conference is an annual event held by the National Shooting Sports Foundation. Typically attended by thousands of people from all 50 states and over a hundred countries, it is (quite rightfully) described as the “…world's premier exposition of combined firearms, ammunition, law enforcement, cutlery, outdoor apparel, optics, and related products and services.
Imagine the Worlds' Fair, but packed with everything from mini-guns and every breed of body armor, bows and boots; from eye pro and ear pro to optics and ordnance, socks to swords…you get the idea. If you'd like to see a sampling of the companies who will be showing at this year's SHOT, there's a live map right here, though it doesn't reflect the organizations set up elsewhere, in hotel suites, etc.
View imagery from our coverage of last year's SHOT Show right here.
SHOT Show is online here; check out the videos from SHOT Show TV right here.
2016 SHOT Show
January 18 — Media on the Range (numerous shooting facilities in and around Las Vegas)
January 19–22, 2016
Sands Expo and Convention Center
Las Vegas, Nevada
Hours:
Tuesday, January 19 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday, January 20 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, January 21 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Friday, January 22 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.