By: Friedrich Seiltgen
Copyright © 2024
ABOUT BILSON ARMS
Based in Broussard, Louisiana, Bilson Arms aims to improve the AR platform while providing safe, efficient, and reliable rifles. Recently, they have been concentrating on their new forward charging system and adding it across their product line.
THE FORWARD CHARGING SYSTEM
Bilson Arms states that when a standard gas AR weapon fails to fire, you can either attempt to clear it by cycling the charging handle or transition to your sidearm, both of which take up time. This is not the case when using their forward charging system. They created the forward charging system so that when the standard charging system of an AR pattern weapon fails, it can be put back into action without taking your hand off either the handguard or trigger, which destabilizes the shooter’s aim.
THE RECEIVER & FURNITURE
Starting with a solid foundation, the receiver is made from 6061-T6 billet aluminum, finished with flat dark earth Cerakote with custom colors available. It’s fitted with a mil-spec trigger. The furniture includes a B5 Systems buttstock and pistol grip, and the forend is free-floating with M-LOK/Picatinny rail attachment points.
THE BOLT & BARREL
The 16-inch stainless steel barrel is made from 4140 nitride chromoly with a 1:10 twist, ½ x 28 threading, and an A2 Birdcage muzzle device.
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: Forward Charging, Semi-Automatic, Blowback
Caliber: 9mm
Magazine Capacity: 32 Rounds
Sights: None, Full-length Picatinny Rail
Barrel Length: 16 Inches
MSRP: $1,550
URL: www.bilsonarms.com
THE VERDICT
The BA-9FC is a unique weapon with its forward charging system. Bilson believes in their product and is going forward with designs of an actual pump action AR rifle for those living in states where even semi-automatic “assault” rifles are prohibited.
I believe this weapon has a place in the firearms world alongside the standard gas impingement and piston-driven systems.
I would suggest that Bilson update their video on the operation of this Pistol-Caliber Carbine. It appears that the weapon has jammed when it shows how easy it is to clear a malfunction using dummy rounds.
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].