X7 Main Features Summary
Lower receiver – Designed and machined in-house from plate stock. The most distinctive feature is the expanded, flared mag well and rounded front face. The flare gives approximately 50% more margin of error for insertion of the magazine vs. the M4. The cavernous well makes it much easier to reach in and clear a double feed malfunction (good to practice but you probably won't ever see one). The interior guide rails and mag catch system have been tightened up a bit to retain the magazine with less chatter and wobble, however the ceramic coated well results in lower friction inserts and releases. The curved shape of the front of the receiver is intended to grip more comfortably by the support hand for those who use that grip technique.
The lower parts kit has been optimized for minimal simplicity and smooth operation and mounting holes are held to ridiculous tolerances.
Rails – All accessory rails conform to standard 1913 dimensions but are center-relieved. The top rail is continuous and nearly seamless although not monolithic. Side rails and bottom rails are optional for those can't-live-without gadgets that seem to bloom and multiply regardless of utility. We encourage a minimalist style of accessorization based entirely on the top rail in order to save excess weight and improve shooting technique. Eliminating faddish quad rails goes a long way toward improving the ergonomics of support hand gripping.
Forend - The F3115 forend is all about support hand ergonomics that result in better pointing control and low fatigue gripping. There aren't any rails or obstructions in the way of your palm or fingers except for the nicely contoured top rail. The small circumference and unique quad-lobed shape results in an extremely high leverage grip that gives the shooter better control, especially with today's common "rope grip" techniques. The length of forend intended for 14.5" and 16" barrels is 11.5".
The forend is made from a top and bottom piece of 7075 bar stock. The pieces are joined with a precision dovetail and 4x 10-32 bolts. The rigidity of the resulting frame is about twice that of typical quad rails. The forend clamps to a precision 7075 barrel nut and indexes to shoulders on the upper receiver. We believe this results in the most precise and rigid barrel and forend mount system ever in a non-monolithic platform. It is very common for people to mistake this for a monolithic.
Charging handle – BCM Gunfighter (medium latch) made by VLTOR.
Barrels - Our long-time standard is Noveske. These are 416R stainless steel, typically with heavy Afghan or Recon profiles, but lighter profiles are also available. Typical porting is mid-length for 14.5" and 16" barrels and carbine-length for shorter. Rifling is polygonal 5 lands/grooves, 1:7" twist. Accuracy is guaranteed within 1 MOA. Recommended 5.56/.223 bullet weight range is 55 - 77g.
Standard length is 14.5" with permanent compensator or 16" with screw-on compensator, but we will be happy to build your custom X7 with any barrel from any premium maker.
Gas block – stainless steel, micro gas block designed and mfg’d by NGA.
Compensator – stainless steel, designed and mfg’d by NGA; the porting angle on the 14.5" and 16" versions are specifically tuned for the barrel to achieve muzzle neutrality.
Trigger options - Any trigger from the Geissele Automatics catalog can be specified. The base option is the 2-stage SSA, which is excellent for duty use and hunting. The next most popular is the S3G, which is an exceptionally fast tactical trigger. We are especially liking the SD versions of those two triggers with their straight bows. Note that Geissele uses ultra precision EDM to machine these tool steel triggers and they use extra heavy hammer springs for the fastest possible lock time and lowest chance of light primer strikes.
Bolt carrier group - The X7 BCG is from Bravo Company USA. BCM has established the industry standard for this assembly through adherence to the Mil-Std's for the M4. The bolt is made of Carpenter 158. Each bolt is shot-peened, initially MPI tested, high pressure proof tested and re-MPI'd. NGA re-torques and adds redundant staking to the gas key fasteners. NGA ceramic coating reduces fouling, corrosion and maintenance. The extractor comes with a 4.5 turn improved spring (std from BCM) that does not need a Defender D Ring in our opinion, therefore reducing the chance of installing improperly in field maintenance, but we'll be happy to install the D ring if you prefer.
Buffer system – H2 buffer and custom heavy oil-hardened chrome silicon spring designed for millions of cycles. Additionally, you can specify the VLTOR A5 backend if you want the charging handle to be easier to pull and a smoother action. The A5 is often preferred if you can assure the use of clean, high-quality ammunition but the standard X7 buffer system is better if you want to feed anything, anytime.
Furniture - VLTOR IMOD Mil-Spec butt stock and generic Mil-Spec pistol grip.
Sling mounts – 4 stainless steel QD ports are provided at the front and rear of the forend and 1 is permanently mounted in the rear of the lower receiver.
Finish – Ceramic coated inside and out. Matte gray chassis and black equipment.
Weight: varies with the particular barrel selected from about 6 to 7lbs, no sights, no mag and no accessories
Price: $2699+ for Noveske barreled X7's and varies with options (call for price)
Sights and Optics - No sights or optics come std on the X7.
Magazines - A black Magpul PMAG with round count window ships with the X7, sized appropriately for your state regulations (30 round default).
Custom - Many things are possible. We are happy to provide optics, iron-sights, pistol grips, butt stocks, slings and many other options too numerous to list. We can often get good pricing on these items. We'll set them up professionally on your rifle and will even zero and calibrate for a nominal charge. Call the factory to discuss your personal choices (208-714-4220).