ARES Defense SHRIKE 5.56 Advanced Weapons System

ARES Defense Systems has released the SHRIKE 5.56 Advanced Weapons System, which is designed to fit any MIL-SPEC AR-15/M16/M4-type lower receiver.

In addition to providing semi-auto fire on all standard AR-15 lowers, the SHRIKE is capable of being configured to accept belt-fed ammunition when attached to fully automatic military lowers, providing compatibility to meet the needs of any military mission with the firepower (625 to 800 rounds per minute) of a U.S. M249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW) at nearly half the weight of the current SAW.

The SHRIKE 5.56 features a quick-change barrel that allows users to swap barrels quickly, and a design that allows users to perform most operations without having to remove their hand from the pistol grip. It also has a self-regulating gas-piston system, co-planar hand guard and MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny Rails on the top cover for mounting optics and accessories.

“We have spent countless hours refining and perfecting the SHRIKE design, ultimately leading to the unique offering available today,” said Geoffrey Herring, president of ARES Defense Systems, Inc. “Our research and development team is confident that the mission-configurable SHRIKE 5.56 delivers on our promise of an innovative weapons system that will exceed the performance standards required by users in the field.”

Built of American-made materials on CNC machinery, the SHRIKE is compatible with a variety of rifle and ammunition feeds without requiring modification to the lower, and features an anodized, non-reflective finish that resists wear and corrosion, providing a system that lasts for years.