Based in Olmsted Twp, Ohio, Aviator Arms has been making some noise lately with their interesting new X-1. Termed a “Bi-Axial Recoil Device” it basically replaces the buffer tube system on an AR-15 style carbine or handgun with something, well, shorter.
The pitch:
The X-1 from Aviator Arms is a recoil device designed to build a smaller, more compact AR-15 pistol. Its design removes the buffer tube, buffer, and recoil spring from the back of the lower receiver, and relocates them in a more compact form to the top of the upper receiver. The X-1 replaces only these three components and does not permanently alter the firearm in any way. The X-1 is compatible with all standard mil-spec components and most upgraded components as well.
An X-1 equipped pistol will be approximately 7″ shorter than a standard pistol build and is designed to be fired un-shouldered like any other semi-auto pistol. If additional shooting support is desired, we have had very good results using a single-point sling during our range testing.
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Use Cases For The X-1:
- Camping, backpacking, and hiking in an area with large or dangerous wildlife.
- Survival kit gun for your aircraft, boat, or RV.
- 300BLK variant is great for carrying in your glove box or center console as a backup to your normal EDC on your person. An X-1 pistol can be conveniently stored and carried in areas no other AR will fit. If SHTF, you will have the security of a high-power rifle round with its greater accuracy and superior stopping power when you need it.
- Home defense, an X-1 pistol is small enough to fit in a bedside table drawer for quick access when you need it.
- Bug-out gun. The X-1 can be conveniently packed in a single duffle bag along with all your other necessities to get out quickly. Its small profile eliminates the need to carry your weapon in a dedicated bag or case separate from the rest of your essential supplies.
- Gray-Man Style when conspicuously carrying a rifle is less than ideal. Face it, a rifle case looks like a rifle case. The X-1 can fit in a briefcase, backpack or duffle bag. If you want to be armed with a rifle-caliber weapon but don’t want to be readily noticed, the X-1 is your solution.
The video:
The downside?
It costs $395 smackers and is still so new that it should be considered in its beta test stage. Plus it looks like you could lose an eye if you weren’t too careful.
Anyway, that doesn’t stop it from being a potentially innovative idea, provided you don’t run it as a cheek pistol and wear legit eye pro.
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