Industry News French Military Purchases 90,000 Hornady Rapid Rack Devices Patrick Roberts June 7, 2018 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More The French Military has signed a contract for 90,000 Hornady Rapid Racks to be used with the newly adopted Heckler & Kock HK 416 rifles. The Ministry of Defense has asked Hornady to provide a model for the troops with a black handle rather than the standard red. There is no indication in the press release as to how the Rapid Rack devices are to be employed by the French, but I imagine that there will be a lot of “gripping and ripping” of the device. Hornady released the following: (Grand Island, Nebr.) Hornady® Manufacturing Company has struck a deal to sell more than 90,000 of its Rapid Rack® empty chamber indicator / load-assist devices to the French Ministry of Defense through the company’s French distributor, Sidam SAS. The French Ministry of Defense will purchase a customized Rapid Rack, sporting a black handle rather than the standard red, to accompany 93,340 new Heckler & Koch HK416 rifles. The French armed forces have chosen the HK416 to replace the long-running FAMAS, nicknamed the Bugle for its distinctive shape, as their standard assault rifle. “This purchase confirms that Hornady is recognized throughout the world as a supplier of not only top-of-the-line ammunition but also innovative accessories,” said Steve Catlett, International Sales Manager. “We’re just as proud to help the French armed forces defend their nation as we are to help U.S. law enforcement agencies stay cruiser ready with our Rapid Rack.” Not only an empty chamber indicator, the Rapid Rack® also operates as a load-assist device, allowing law enforcement officers or military personnel to keep their long guns ready with a fully charged magazine and a visibly empty chamber. The user inserts the cartridge-shaped portion into the chamber, leaving the lever protruding from the gun’s ejection port, and then closes the bolt and inserts a loaded magazine. Grabbing the lever and pulling straight back allows the Rapid Rack to fall to the ground so the fully charged bolt springs forward to feed a round into the chamber. Founded in 1949, Hornady® Manufacturing Company is a family owned business headquartered in Grand Island, Nebraska. Proudly manufacturing products that are made in the USA, Hornady® Manufacturing is a world leader in bullet, ammunition, reloading tool and accessory design and manufacture. For further information regarding Hornady® products, visit the company web site at http://hornady.com. Explore RECOILweb:Minimalist Knife: Hardpoint Equipment MantiCudaSheriff of Baghdad Tactical Introduces the MFQD Swivel B-SlingReactor Tech's Fusion Module Rifle Intelligence SystemPreview - The Handgun Skills Triad - Pistol Fundamentals NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.