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Australian firearms manufacturer Oceania Precision has announced a new enhanced bolt system as the company moves towards a tilt at domestic defence production.
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The NSW rifle manufacturer, which designs and manufactures firearms in Tamworth, discussed the “Inclined Radial Locking” system with Defence Connect on 7 March.
The newly developed design reportedly substantially reduces friction loading between bolt mating surfaces in initial trials and is intended to be integrated into AR/M4 firearms, according to Oceania Precision.
The enhanced bolt system will next be put into extensive testing on an M4 gas-operated rifle platform, traditionally used as the primary infantry service weapon of the United States Army and the United States Marine Corps.
It’s understood the company has already implemented the design in bolt action rifles and further plans to offer an Australian-made barrel and bolt carrier group package (M4 select fire carbine) to the US commercial and defence market.
Jeffrey Bacon, Oceania Precision managing director and lead designer, said initial testing has confirmed the system will likely pass further testing after showing “very promising results”.
“In testing we have seen a reduction of gas required to operate the system. Less gas means less fouling, less wear and longer component life,” he said.
“We have tested extensively suppressed with exceptional results, not experiencing any failure to feed or extract. The bolt always locking into battery even when heavily fouled.
“It’s been hard to fault it in any way, really.”
The new system overcomes several shortcomings in traditional designs, performs well in adverse weather/terrain conditions, and further strengthens the sovereign capability of the Australian manufacturing industry, Bacon said.
“This is an exciting project and we look forward to where this may take us,” he said.
“Australian made is known for quality and attention to detail. We will begin marketing of this platform later this year.”
The NSW manufacturer currently produces five firearm models in various calibres and configurations.
Late last month, Australian Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy officially launched the federal government’s Defence Industry Development Strategy which commits to increased funding and establishes pathways for maximising support for Australia’s defence industry.
The government’s strategy details the actions the government will take to grow that industrial base, which employs more than 100,000 Australians, and deliver a greater partnership between Defence and industry, including critical defence procurement reforms and critically, increased funding for defence industry grants programs, taking the total investment to $183.8 million, in alignment with the DIDS.
