By: Friedrich Seiltgen
Copyright © 2024
ABOUT PRIMARY WEAPONS SYSTEMS
Based in Boise, Idaho, Primary Weapons Systems was formed by firearm enthusiasts in 2008. PWS started by producing muzzle devices and tested their compensators on different types of rifles—from M4s to AK-47s. After using both types of rifles in testing with high round counts, the difference in maintenance needed between a piston system and gas impingement was astounding. From that essential realization, the PWS long-stroke piston operating system was created. PWS kept the core design of the AR-15 while also lessening the need for maintenance in high-volume fire situations and adverse conditions.
THE UXR
The new UXR rifle is a game changer. PWS created the Xchange system, which enables the shooter to change between calibers on the same serialized platform by simply swapping out the barrel, bolt head, and magazine well. Initially, the UXR will be available in .308 WIN, 300 BLK, and .223 Wylde, with more caliber options coming in the future.
THE RECEIVER & FURNITURE
The single-piece receiver is forged and anodized, with a separate, interchangeable trigger housing that features an adjustable 2.5- to 5-pound, single-stage trigger from TriggerTech. It features a reversible, non-reciprocating charging handle that folds for snag-free operation, a reversible bolt catch/release, an ambidextrous safety selector, and a large button ambidextrous magazine release. There’s an interchangeable magwell for 5.56 NATO STANAG, 7.62 NATO, and 7.62×39 magazines. The adjustable side-folding buttstock is ambidextrous and can be configured to either the left or right side and adjustable. It’s mounted using a 1913 Picatinny rail. The UXR is fitted with an M-LOK handguard that can be replaced with shorter ones depending on the caliber used.
THE BOLT & BARREL
The PWS Barrel Xchange System enables users to switch between calibers and barrel lengths, such as .223 Wylde, 308 WIN, and 300 BLK. The medium profile barrels are manufactured from 41V50 steel. The .308 and .223 barrels are 16 inches, and the 300 BLK barrel is 14.5 inches with pin and welded FRC compensator. The bulge you see on the barrel is the Bore Evacuator which directs propellant gases away from the shooter and down the barrel. It features a 3-position adjustable gas system with settings for normal, adverse and a dedicated suppressor setting.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Semi-Automatic, Long-Stroke Piston Operating System
Caliber: .308 WIN / .300 BLK / .223 Wylde
Sights: 18-Inch STANAG rail
Barrel Length: 16 Inches / 14.5 Inches with pinned and welded muzzle device / 16 Inches
MSRP: $2,650 for rifle / $575 for conversion kits
THE VERDICT
The Primary Weapons Systems long-stroke piston operating system is in a class of its own. If the UXR is anywhere close to the reliability and accuracy of other PWS lines, and I’m sure it is, this system is a winner.
That’s all for now, folks! Please keep sending in your questions, tips, and article ideas. And as always – “Let’s Be Careful Out There.”
Friedrich Seiltgen is a retired Master Police Officer with 20 years of service with the Orlando Police Department. He conducts training in Lone Wolf Terrorism Counterstrategies, Firearms, and Active Shooter Response. His writing has appeared in RECOIL, Soldier of Fortune, The Counter Terrorist Magazine, Off Grid, American Thinker, Homeland Security Today, and The Journal of Counterterrorism & Homeland Security International.
Contact him at [email protected].