Defense UTM offers “Just the basics” Recoil Staff June 25, 2015 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. Read our affiliate policy. Find out more about how we test products. UTM Worldwide is now making what they call the “CTA Core Kit” available for purchase. The CTA (Civilian Training Ammunition) core kit consists of a UTM marking cartridge round bolt carrier group and CTA ammunition. This would allow the rifle owner to swap BCGs (a very simple matter) and begin shooting the UTM training rounds in moments. Says UTM, “CTA gives you the ultimate freedom with your firearm – freedom from live-fire, training and practice restrictions and the fear of catastrophic accidents and injury! The UTM RBT Civilian Training Ammunition (CTA) technology has been used by military and law enforcement agencies for over a decade and rated the safest, most reliable and accurate alternative to live ammunition – ideal for beginners, recreational and competition shooters – with full 360° firing capability at home or the range! Freedom never looked so good!” The core kit comes with a bolt carrier group, UTM suitable 5 round magazine and 50 rounds of training ammunition. You can purchase your kit here for $294. Some salient points: Bolt Carrier Group exchange only – no gunsmithing The converted weapon will not fire standard .223/5.56mm Normal weapon function, recoil and realistic & consistent cyclic rates Plastic projectile weighs less than 1 gram Average velocity of 375 fps at the muzzle Accuracy of .223/5.56mm ammunition reported as 1.18” group at 32 yards Noise level at 113db – hearing protection recommended No Ggunpowder – primer actuated systems Utilizes proprietary dual primer system and projectile driving band system. Average Muzzle Energy: Avg 2.8 Joules/2.1ft/lbs Average Muzzle Velocity: Avg 122m/sec (375fps) Accuracy: 30mm (1.18in) at 30m/32yds (mean radius) Maximum Effective Range for Training: Approximately 50m/55yds UTM advises, “RBT Civilian Target Ammunition (CTA) Conversion WILL NOT fire standard .223/5.56mm live rounds because of its offset firing pin design and that cartridge technology has over a 99% reliability as certified by the U.S. Army’s Picatinny Arsenal.” Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. 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.