The PAC15 Rifle Premiere: AR-15 Born in Radom

Quarter of a century ago the American AR-15 was an unreachable dream for Polish firearm enthusiast. Besides few dozens of M16A1 owned by Polish Army and provided by Vietnam in 1970’s (to study the weapons used by imperialistic enemy), there were no black rifles present in Poland. The 5,56×45 mm/.223 Remington ammunition was similarly scarce. Old Polish designs were the staple of the 1990’s collections. By the end of nineties cheap AKM’s, sold out by Military Property Agency (Agencja Mienia Wojskowego, AMW), Radom Hunters (semi-automatic hunting variant of AKM) and Czechoslovakian vz. 58 (in CZ-858 variant) were the most popular. Until the change of weapons ownership regulations in 2011 Polish market was rather small and even when AR-15 clones appeared, these were only the cheap German and Czech clones. Later on this was supplemented by the cheapest American black rifles usually manufactured by STAG Arms. A few years had passed and there are dozens of AR-15s in Polish shops, produced both in Europe and in USA. Armalite- or Colt-manufactured rifle isn’t difficult to get. However, until recently it was impossible to find a domestically-produced black rifle in Poland.

The AR-15 rifle was developed in 1956 by American Fairchild Engine and Airplane Corporation, branch of ArmaLite. The weapon designed for 5,56×45 mm ammunition was created by Jim Sullivan and Robert Fremont and was based on 1955 Eugene M. Stoner’s AR-10 rifle chambered in 7,62×51 mm. Due to its lack of success on the military markets licenses were transferred in 1959 to the Colt’s Patent Firearms Manufacturing Company (In 1957 a 5-year licence for AR-10 was purchased by Artillerie Inrichtingen from Netherlands). As soon as September 1959 Cold sold the first rifles to Malayans and in 1960 a first order from American Air Force (USAF) was confirmed. Modified XM16E1 and M16 rifles were purchased in 1963 by US Army and USAF. At the same time semi-auto Colt AR-15 variants started to reach the civilian market. Today it’s one of the most popular firearms, right next to M1911 and Glock pistols, and AK rifles in the USA. Nowadays, AR-15 is manufactured in countless versions, differing in things such as internal mechanisms and ammunition. However, the main round is still the 5,56×45 mm/.223 Remington.

Situation changed few years ago when Krakow-based Gunshelp company started to assemble their GH-15 weapons from purchased elements. Soon enough ambitious company started their own manufacturing process and elements such as lower and upper receivers, handguards and trigger mechanisms are still produced in small scale in the old Polish capital. The production scale is such that the weapon can only be ordered directly from the manufacturer and isn’t available for wider distribution. GH-15 is in the upper price tier. The barrels are German, from Lothar Walther manufacturer and the final configuration is decided by the buyer. AR’s from Krakow have an adjustable gas block, Lantac muzzle device and ambidextrous safety switch. Gunshelp also offer gas piston models. All those choices and additions place the GH-15 in the higher price-range group.

RPioneer Arms Corp. (PAC) is a Polish firearms manufacturer. Their production facilities are located on the grounds of old Zaklady Metalowe Lucznik in Radom. At first, the company modified and sold on American market the weapons procured from Agencja Mienia Wojskowego. Later, PAC started their own manufacturing under the AK from Radom name and produced AKM clones and short-barreled versions for 7,62×29 mm ammunition. All elements of the weapons, including the broached barrels, are manufactured by PAC and their Interarms subsidiary specializing in precision casting. In 2017 Pioneer Arms Corp. informed that work on Polish AR-15 clone is starting. The initial designation of the new weapon was PAC15. Pioneer Arms Corp. is a privately- -owned company known from its business approach to firearms manufacturing. This was a good guarantee that the project might reach its final stage. Introduction of large-scale manufacturing process is lot more complex than assembling few dozens of rifles. The delays in PAC15 introduction were somewhat expected. PAC had experience in large-scale manufacturing of the AKM weapon systems but the black rifle is different. For small-scale production, precision casting was enough. For larger quantities milling becomes a necessity. Initial plans assumed that a lot of components will be provided by subcontractors and there won’t be a need to purchase expensive CNC milling machines. PAC quickly realized that components manufactured outside of their facilities had quality issues and it would be more beneficial to expand on their capabilities while maintaining their own standards. This resulted Before shooting started, media representatives from Poland were given a chance to carefully examine the PAC15 rifles. For the presentation weapons were equipped with Holosun reflex sights in a huge expansion of their machining equipment. Thanks to this, PAC15 won’t be a niche project and the rifles will be available through not only the manufacturer but also majority of firearms retailers in Poland.

The man behind the AR from Poland, Paweł Jóźwik fires the PAC15 semi-automatic rifle

The PAC15 premiere was rescheduled quite a few times. In the end, the decision was made that the unveiling of AR from Radom project will take place on the 8th and 9th of June 2018 at the FSO range in Warsaw. First day was a closed event for media, on the second everyone could try the new weapon. MILMAG Military Magazine was also invited. During the media day, we had a chance to carefully examine the available variants of PAC15. Rifles are offered with 267 mm/10,5 inch, 368 mm/14,5 inch, 406 mm/16 inch, 457 mm/18 inch and 508 mm/20 inch barrels. The longest version was named PAC15 Classic. Static, dynamic, tactical and recreational shooters will be interested in PAC offer.

Before shooting started, media representatives from Poland were given a chance to carefully examine the PAC15 rifles. For the presentation weapons were equipped with Holosun reflex sights

PAC15 with 10,5-inch barrel was shown in its final iteration. The only difference from the commercial models was the stock. The final version of the stock was presented on the other variants of the AR from Radom firearms 18

After a quick safety briefing, MILMAG’s representatives started the best part of the premiere – the shooting. Shortest PAC15 made the best impression – very low recoil and jerk were noticeable

The PAC15 variants with 10,5-18 inch barrel are very similar. All are equipped with a correct length handguards and adjustable stocks. There are no iron sights and each has an A2 pistol grip with a pronounced ridge between middle and other fingers. Universal rail is located on the top of the upper receiver and it connects with the handguard rail. Handguard itself is fantastic: light, narrow and equipped with Magpul’s M-LOK mounting points. It’s exactly right for an AR-15. The stock isn’t so good. It’s a 6-position, L-shaped model and will have AR from Radom logo in the final version. Various colours of the stock were presented on the premiere but black will be the only available version when distribution starts. While the handguard is great, the stock isn’t. It is, however, adequate for the job and the choice of this particular stock was a business decision by PAC. It’s supposed to reduce the manufacturing costs and the final price. And obviously, stock can be replaced by pretty much anyone.

PAC15 10.5 with 267-mm/10,5-inch barrel

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PAC15 14.5 with 368-mm/14,5-inch barrel

The variant equipped with the 508 mm barrel looks a bit different and resembles the M16A4 used by the military. It has a round, 2-part polymer handguard and a large, fixed stock. Everything is coloured in black. Front sight base is fixed and doubles as a gas block. Base also has attachment points for M7/M9 bayonet and a rifle sling. Rear sight is the A2 standard, identical to original M16A4 and is integrated with a carrying handle. The handle is located on the top universal rail. Unfortunately 508 mm variant wasn’t shown at the premiere, but MILMAG had a chance to examine it before, while visiting the PAC facility in Radom.

PAC15 Classic with 508-mm/20-inch barrel

Expectations were high but the PAC15 rifles are surprisingly good. Quality of manufacturing is very high and weapons function nicely. Durability seems good as well – at least to the level we could test it while observing 1,200 rounds fired from each of four variants. Trigger mechanism is worth mentioning, it feels good and is suitable for double and multiple shots. The 267 mm/10,5-inch variant was the most interesting. Recoil and jerk were the lowest among the presented versions. According to PAC15 representatives, the shortest versions was the most developed one at the time of the premiere. It was presented in its final iteration while other versions were still undergoing development process. It’s important to mention that Pioneer Arms Corp. designed their PAC15 with cost/effect ratio in mind. Radom-manufactured AR-15 does not have ambidextrous manipulators, solid trigger guard, magazine well finger cutout, or a muzzle device. However the AR-15 from Radom can be used straight out of the box and can be adjusted to user’s requirements at fairly low cost. Also, the weapon’s weight is on the low side.

alloy steel and rifled, like the rest of Radom- manufactured, by broaching. Twist rate is the military 178 mm/7 inches. This makes the weapon more compatible with heavier bullets but should not create accuracy problems when using the typical 55-grain/3,6 g ammunition. Barrels are not chrome plated so cleaning after using lower-quality ammo is a must. PAC 15 uses the .223 Wylde standard chamber which is sort of in between the loose military chamber for 5,56×45 mm NATO round and the tight, sports chamber for .223 Remington. This solution enables the user to fire both types of ammo without worrying about possible malfunctions. All PAC15 barrels end with 5-slot, A2 type muzzle devices, resembling the model used in military M16A2/M4 rifles. The device is attached via the typical 1/2×28 TPI thread and can be easily replaced with any muzzle device.

All PAC15 barrels end with 5-slot, A2 type muzzle devices, resembling the model used in military M16A2/M4 rifles. The device is attached via the typical 1/2×28 TPI thread and can be easily replaced with any muzzle device.

PAC15 16 with 406-mm/16-inch barrel

PAC15 18 with 457-mm/18-inch barrel

In the 10,5 inch variant of PAC15, the gas block is located in the carbine position. 14,5 and 16-inch versions have the blocks in mid-length position. This is by design as the American Naval Surface Warfare Center – Crane Division judged that this location the most effective for AR-15’s with 368 mm and similar barrels. The 18 and 20-inch PAC15 variants have the gas block in rifle position and the gas tube’s length is identical to the M16A2 military rifle.

Bolt and bolt carrier, the rifle’s core, is made of 8150 alloy steel. Carrier’s interior (serving as a gas chamber and a piston) and gas key interior are chrome plated. This ensures better resistance to corrosive by-products of combustion. This feature is rarely found in the lower- and middle- price AR-15 clones. To ensure the bolt quality High Pressure Test is conducted by firing a bigger charge round. PAC also utilizes Magnetic Particle Inspection to detect potential material problems.

Bolts of ARFR rifle are tested with a high pressure round and then by Magnetic Particle Inspection

When shooting was completed internal mechanisms of brand new and used rifle were compared. There were no marks on the internals after firing off a few hundred rounds

Both these parts of PAC15 are made to resemble the standard military parts. PAC15 does not have an integral trigger guard, mass-reducing perforations or special looks to improve the aesthetics. This would only increase the price. Receivers are made of 7075-T6 aluminium alloy – probably the favourite material for AR receivers manufacturing. Parts are cut from a single block of forged aluminium so the elements are more resilient due to increased material density. When shaping is completed, parts are finished with black anodizing. The right side of the magazine well receives a laser-cut logo within an oval shield. Radom and number 11 are a direct reference to old Zaklady Metalowe Lucznik. Beneath the logo, Poland is lasered. Left has manufacturers markings of PAC15, PIONEER ARMS CORP., 5×56 x 45 mm, RADOM, POLAND and the serial number starting with PAC.

The PAC15 rifle upper and lower receiver with Pioneer Arms Corp. distinctive markings. Four out of five PAC15 variants were shown during the premiere. The PAC15 Classic (M16A4 look-alike) wasn’t available but MILMAG managed to examine it before in Radom

PAC15 rifles have a standard set of controls, identical to M16A2/M4. The safety is located on the left side of the upper receiver, just under the thumb of the grip hand. Magazine release is actuated by the right hand’s index finger. The bolt carrier release lever is serviced with left hand’s thumb after the magazine was changed. All the controls can be replaced with commercially available parts. The T-shaped charging handle is located at the end of the upper receiver. It’s also standard, with a single lever located on the left for locking in the start position. The safety itself gives a nice, positive resistance when actuated. The operations are safe and quick and there is no need for excessive force, typical for some of the even more expensive clones.

The trigger mechanism of PAC15 rifles works really well and with just right resistance. It’s not a competition trigger but wasn’t created as such

The PAC15 semi-automatic rifles will be sold with a single 30-round steel magazine manufactured by PAC. Aluminium handguard/adjustable stock models will cost PLN 4,299 (EUR 999), regardless of barrel’s length. The 20-inch barrel variant PAC15 Classic will be more expensive at PLN 4,779 (EUR 1,115). All PAC produced AR-15 clones have 12 months or 10,000 round warranty.

PAC15 rifles seem accurate, at least for a 25-meter distance when shooting from standing position. Small recoil allows for better retargeting

This article was originally published on MILMAG 03-04/2018