The ARAK-21 from Faxon Firearms is a piston-driven rifle design that takes elements of from both the AR-15 and the AK-47, the two most popular and successful tactical rifles on the market today. The upper receiver mounts easily onto standard AR lower receivers like any other upper.

The ARAK-21 upper is machined from 6061 T-6 aluminum and features a full length monolithic Picatinny upper rail. Additional rails can be attached as needed to the sides and bottom of the fore end. It incorporates a two-stage dual recoil spring system, eliminating the need for the standard AR buffer spring and associated tube. This allows the use of a folding stock.

The charging handle is non-reciprocating and ambidextrous and can be folded out of the way. The gas block has four settings for the .223/5.56 and three for the 300 BLK, one of which blocks gas flow for single shot operation. Though the ARAK-21 utilizes standard AR firing pins, extractor springs, and ejector springs, no other components are interchangeable with standard AR-15 upper receivers.

Barrels can be changed in about three minutes, with 20-inch and 16-inch barrels available in both .223/5.56 NATO and 300 BLK, all in both medium and heavy profiles. A heavy 12.5-inch barrel is also available for .223/5.56 only.

New this summer is the ARAK-21 XRS Complete Rifle. This puts a full rifle right into the hands of shooters.

“The ARAK-21 XRS is a perfect choice for any level of shooter,” says Bob Faxon, President of Faxon Firearms. “This is a completely redesigned modular rifle system based on the best from both the AR-15 and the AK-47 weapon systems. With the ability to be configured a variety of barrels, calibers and stocks the ARAK-21 XRS can fit most any mission profile.”

Faxon is evaluating several other calibers for the ARAK-21, including 7.62x39, 6.8 SPC, and .22LR. They also anticipate offering a folding stock in the near future.