Manta Rail Guards / M2 Barrel Cover Performance Test

Manta Rail Guards / M2 Barrel Cover Performance Test

July 28, 2014
The Manta rail-guards and M2 barrel covers worked remarkably well in harsh range conditions. Special Tactical Services LLC, put the rail guards through a stress test to check the heat and wear of the product over the course of two range evolutions. The rail guards were assembled on four M4 receivers and went through extreme firing conditions during a six hour time span. The weapons consumed 5,000 rounds each with a total of 20,000 rounds combined. The method of fire was switched between magazines; one magazine semi-auto and one magazine full auto. This was done continuously between five magazines, and each set of five magazines were spaced five minutes apart. This same test was performed again at a later date.

STS performed two additional tests with the M2 barrel covers; a combined 20,000 rounds. Each range had 10 barrels with an M2 barrel covers placed immediately forward of the barrel support. By the end of each day the barrels had consumed 10,000 rounds. Method of fire was short and long round bursts for the duration of 100 rounds. At the end of each 100 rounds fired a barrel change would be conducted. The assistant gunner only had to use a normal glove (not an asbestos mitt) to utilize the M2 barrel cover in order to take the barrel off. All 10 sleeves were cycled continuously throughout the day with minimal time periods in between barrel changes. The M2 barrel covers were assessed after the shoot. The conclusion from the post fire inspection showed no damage to the barrel covers. They performed impressively during both range evolutions and their thermal insulation properties were amazing. We have seen several very serious burn injuries over the years with students either coming in direct skin contact with a hot barrel or steam injuries from the use of wet asbestos mitts on a hot barrel and we are very pleased to see a definitive solution to this problem.

Both products from Manta exceeded our expectations. Your products perform flawlessly and we highly recommend them to our colleagues, friends and students.

**Total 5.56 x 45mm rounds fired between both tests: 40,000 rounds.
**Total 12.7 x 99mm rounds fired between both tests: 20,000 rounds.