Carbines
HeliBacon’s arsenal is an ever-growing selection of rare, unique and historic fully automatic firearms for our guests to experience and enjoy.
Certain machine guns are available to use from the helicopter during hunting operations. Many more are available during the afternoon Machine Gun Range Experience. Come to Texas and admire the sleek German engineering of our MP5s, feel the earth-shaking rumble of our M2 ‘Ma Deuce’ .50 caliber heavy machine gun, and zip off a full magazine in the blink of an eye with our Glock 18 machine pistol. Our vast arsenal has something for everyone, regardless of skill level.
HeliBacon shooting events are sure to “arm you” with a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you won’t forget.
Carbines
SCAR-L CQC (FN MK 16 CQC)
5.56×45 NATO
SCAR-L CQC (FN MK 16 CQC)
The FN SCAR-L (Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Rifle – Light) is a short-stroke gas-piston operated rifle chambered in 5.56×45 NATO. Originally developed for the U.S. Special Operations Command (SOCOM) by Belgian manufacturer FN Herstal (FNH), SCAR-L variants include a 10-inch barrel in the CQC configuration, a 14-inch barrel standard carbine model and the 18-inch barrel DMR/SPR role. In 2010 SOCOM discontinued purchase of the SCAR-L, citing insufficient benefit over existing 5.56×45 platforms to justify the cost, but continued purchasing SCAR-H models.
The FN SCAR platform, in both the Light (L) and Heavy (H) variants has been adopted by police and military units in over 30 countries. The SCAR’s lightweight, modular design, makes use of modern polymers, has various barrel length options, and embodies all the aesthetic of a 21st century combat weapon system.
“HeliBacon’s SCAR-L features a short 10 inch barrel with a suppressor attached. This CQC configuration is handy, lightweight and quiet.” – HeliBacon
SIG SG 551-2 SWAT
5.56×45 NATO
SIG SG 551-2 SWAT
Swiss Arms AG (SIG) developed the SG 550 series of rifles in the early 1980s to replace the Stgw 57. Adopted in 1983, the SG 550 (SG is an abbreviation of “Sturmgewehr” meaning assault rifle in German) is a select-fire, closed-bolt machine gun operated by a long-stroke gas-piston. Although chambered in 5.56×45 NATO, it uses proprietary 20 or 30 round magazines. The SG 550 series features several barrel and handguard length combinations to suit the needs of various military roles. The SG 550 is a full-length system with a 20.8-inch barrel, while the SG 551 sports a 14.3-inch carbine length barrel, and the compact SG 552/553 series has an 8.9-inch barrel.
In HeliBacon’s opinion, our SG 551-2 is one of the smoothest actions to operate in the entire arsenal. This model can accept optical sights and accessories such as a bipod, aiming laser, or light, and the cycle impact of the bolt carrier is tame and consistent, resulting in a soft and smooth feel when shooting this rifle.
“The correct pronunciation of Sturmgewehr is however Arnold Schwarzenegger says it. Best accent ever.” – HeliBacon
SIG SG 552-2 Commando
5.56×45 NATO
SIG SG 552-2 Commando
Swiss Arms AG (SIG) developed the SG 550 series of rifles in the early 1980s to replace the Stgw 57. Adopted in 1983, the SG 550 (SG is an abbreviation of “Sturmgewehr” meaning assault rifle in German) is a select-fire, closed-bolt machine gun operated by a long-stroke gas piston. Although chambered in 5.56x45 NATO, it uses proprietary 20 or 30 round magazines. The SG 550 series features several barrel and handguard length combinations to suit various military roles. The SG 550 is a full-length system with a 20.8-inch barrel, while the SG 551 sports a 14.3-inch carbine length barrel, and the compact SG 552/553 models have an 8.9-inch barrel.
The SG 552-2 Commando plus folding stock is an extremely company carbine. It can accept optical sights and accessories such as a bipod, aiming laser, or light, and the cycle impact of the bolt carrier is consistent. A word of caution: 5.56 NATO ammunition out of any barrel less than 10 inches is quite concussive, and a sound suppressor is certainly recommended.
“The correct pronunciation of Sturmgewehr is however Arnold Schwarzenegger says it. Best accent ever.” - HeliBacon
Ruger AC-556 F
5.56×45 NATO
Ruger AC-556 F
In 1973, Sturm, Ruger & Co successfully scaled down the M14, a full-power battle rifle, and introduced the world to the Mini-14. Featuring an investment-cast housing and numerous other engineering simplifications designed to reduce manufacturing costs, Ruger was able to supply the Mini-14 at a price point attractive to the board civilian market.
Among the many successful variants of the Mini-14 family, the AC-556 is a select-fire version intended for military and law enforcement. A selector switch on the receiver selects between semi-auto, 3-round burst, and full-auto fire. The AC-556 retains a separate manual safety at the front of the trigger guard like the rest of the Mini-14 series. HeliBacon’s AC-556 F features Ruger’s folding metal stock, a blued steel finish, and an 18.5-inch barrel.
“One of our favorite action designs. Shared by the M14 and the M2 Carbine, it makes a satisfying metallic sound when operating.” - HeliBacon
Ruger KAC-556 F
5.56×45 NATO
Ruger KAC-556 F
In 1973, Sturm, Ruger & Co successfully scaled down the M14, a full-power battle rifle, and introduced the world to the Mini-14. Featuring an investment-cast housing and numerous other engineering simplifications designed to reduce manufacturing costs, Ruger was able to supply the Mini-14 at a price point attractive to the board civilian market.
Among the many successful variants of the Mini-14 family, the AC-556 is a select-fire version intended for military and law enforcement. A selector switch on the receiver selects between semi-auto, 3-round burst, and full-auto fire. The AC-556 retains a separate manual safety at the front of the trigger guard like the rest of the Mini-14 series. HeliBacon’s KAC-556 F (K for stainless finish and F for folding stock) features Ruger’s folding metal stock, a stainless steel finish, and the 13 inch barrel option, available only on folding stock models.
“With the stock folded, this carbine is tiny. The contrast between the wood and stainless finish is gorgeous. Our favorite AC-556 variant.” - HeliBacon
FN F2000
5.56×45 NATO
FN F2000
The FN F2000 is a short-stroke gas-piston operated, ambidextrous, fully automatic bullpup rifle chambered in 5.56×45 NATO. This rifle was originally designed in Belgium by FN Herstal in 2001, and it uses a patented ejection method to expel spent brass gently out the front of the system. It’s trigger mechanism is derived from the FN P90 bullpup, with a half pull resulting in semi-auto fire and deeper pull for full-auto fire.
The F2000 features a bayonet lug on a short form factor bullpup design. This bayonet/bullpup combination seems like a relic of a contract specification rather than a practical consideration. Furthermore, the magazine well is very tight and has a shroud to prevent dust and debris from entering the action. As a result, only basic USGI magazines seem to fit, with most polymer mags too big for the magazine well. Quirks aside, the F2000 is a popular, reliable and fun to shoot system.
“It looks like a space gun and should shoot plasma or laser beams.” - HeliBacon
HK G36E
5.56×45 NATO
HK G36E
German designers Heckler & Koch created this 5.56×45 rifle in the early 1990s as a replacement for the heavier 7.62×51 G3 battle rifle. The full-size variant’s barrel is 18.9 inches and can be configured with a variety of sights. Security forces across the globe, including the United States Capitol Police, use this rifle because of the quality of its manufacture and simplicity of its ergonomics. The G36 is an excellent example of thoughtful design and practical engineering.
At HeliBacon, clients can experience multiple variations of this rifle, including the full-size G36, the G36K (K - kurz ”short”), and the G36C (C - ”Compact”).
”In our humble opinion, the G36 series of rifles are significantly underappreciated. Those Germans can build some cool stuff!” - HeliBacon
HK G36K
5.56×45 NATO
HK G36K
German designers Heckler & Koch created this 5.56×45 rifle in the early 1990s as a replacement for the heavier 7.62×51 G3 battle rifle. The G36K has a 12.5-inch barrel, shorter than its original G36 counterpart. The K stands for kurz, which means “short” in German. Security forces across the globe, including the United States Capitol Police, use this rifle because of the quality of its manufacture and simplicity of its ergonomics. The G36 is an excellent example of thoughtful design and practical engineering.
At HeliBacon, clients can experience multiple variations of this rifle, including the full-size G36, the G36K (K - kurz ”short”), and the G36C (C - ”Compact”).
”In our humble opinion, the G36 series of rifles are significantly underappreciated. Those Germans can build some cool stuff!” - HeliBacon
HK G36C
5.56×45 NATO
HK G36C
German designers Heckler & Koch created this 5.56×45 rifle in the early 1990s as a replacement for the heavier 7.62×51 G3 battle rifle. The G36C “Compact” model has a 9-inch barrel, and a slightly shorter folding stock. Security forces across the globe, including the United States Capitol Police, use this rifle because of the quality of its manufacture and simplicity of its ergonomics. The G36 is an excellent example of thoughtful design and practical engineering.
At HeliBacon, clients can experience multiple variations of this rifle, including the full-size G36, the G36K (K - kurz ”short”), and the G36C (C - ”Compact”).
”In our humble opinion, the G36 series of rifles are significantly underappreciated. Those Germans can build some cool stuff!” - HeliBacon
HK 416D
5.56×45 NATO
HK 416D
Heckler & Koch’s HK416 is an elite rifle developed in the 1990s for the United States Army’s Delta Force. Outwardly similar to the M4, it operates with a short-stroke gas-piston derived from the AR-18. The short-stroke gas-piston prevents hot gasses from fouling the system’s internals, increasing reliability and prolonging the rifle’s components compared to direct impingement systems such as the AR-15, M4, and M16. (For reference, HeliBacon’s full-auto AR-15s use the LWRC short-stroke gas-piston uppers, so we are certainly proponents of this operating mechanism.) The HK416 has been adopted by Special Operations Forces in more than two dozen countries, including some service with the United States Navy SEALs.
“Somewhere out there is the exact HK416 rifle that shot Osama bin Laden. Now that’s a one of a kind gun.” - HeliBacon
HK 33
5.56×45 NATO
HK 33
Owing to the success of the G3 rifle developed in the 1950s, H&K expanded the family of roller-delayed blowback operated firearms in the 1960s to the 7.62x39, 5.56x45 NATO and 9mm Parabellum cartridges. The 5.56x45 chambering became known as the “HK 33” and was commercially successful, but did not sell as well as the G3.
The HK 33 is a modular system, with push pins holding the stock, pistol grip with fire control group, and handguard. The firearm is easily field stripped for cleaning. Some handguards could accept integrated bipods, and both fixed and retractable stocks were produced in high quantity. The HK 33 was commonly fed by HK 25 round steel magazines, hence some trigger groups feature 0,1,25 selector position markings. Other trigger groups were S,E,F lettered while some even featured 2 or 3 round burst capability with 4 position selectors.
HeliBacon’s arsenal has several variants of the HK 33, with multiple stock and trigger group configurations available for shooting experiences.
HK33
reliable German gun
amazing carbine
haiku by HeliBacon
HK 53
5.56×45 NATO
HK 53
The HK 53 is the compact version of the HK 33. It features an 8.3 inch barrel and typically sports a retractable stock, which is thematic for this ultra compact carbine, but the modular design will allow it to also accept fixed HK33A2 stocks. The most common handguard is derived from the MP5 family of submachine guns, but the narrow style handguard model feels the best in hand. It has the same trigger group modularity and options as its big brother, the HK 33.
HeliBacon’s arsenal has several variants of the HK 53 available to shoot. In the modern era, AR-15 pistols with short barrels, pistol buffer tubes, and braces are a fad. Comparatively, the 50+ year old design of the HK 53 has no buffer tube, a collapsible shoulder stock, and an 8 inch barrel. The current AR-15 pistol fad may come and go; but for our taste, we prefer the ultra compact HK 53. Old school.
“It’s not the size that counts.” - Tyrion Lannister
Galil ARM
5.56×45 NATO
Galil ARM
The Galil is a line of Israeli-made automatic rifles designed by Yisrael Galil and Yaacov Lior in the late 1960s, and produced by Israel Military Industries (IMI). During the Six Day War of 1967, Israelis captured many AK-47s and considered this design more reliable and maneuverable than their FN FALs, which exhibited problems with the sandy and dusty conditions of the middle east. An FAL replacement was desired, with the reliability of the AK-47, but chambered in the lighter 5.56x45 NATO cartridge. Rising to the challenge, the Galil design features a gas-driven piston system similar to the Valmet RK 62, which itself was inspired by the AK-47.
The Galil ARM (Automatic Rifle Machine-gun) variant became the standard service rifle and is the largest of the Galil family with an 18.1 inch barrel, bipod, wire-cutter and carry handle. Famously, the ARM variant incorporates a bottle opener in the front handguard.
Police and military forces in 25 countries use the Galil series of firearms.
“A rifle with a bottle opener! You can tell which designs originate from practical experience.” - HeliBacon
Galil SAR
5.56×45 NATO
Galil SAR
The Galil is a line of Israeli-made automatic rifles designed by Yisrael Galil and Yaacov Lior in the late 1960s, and produced by Israel Military Industries (IMI). During the Six Day War of 1967, Israelis captured many AK-47s and considered this design more reliable and maneuverable than their FN FALs, which exhibited problems with the sandy and dusty conditions of the middle east. An FAL replacement was desired, with the reliability of the AK-47, but chambered in the lighter 5.56x45 NATO cartridge. Rising to the challenge, the Galil design features a gas-driven piston system similar to the Valmet RK 62, which itself was inspired by the AK-47.
The Galil SAR (Short Automatic Rifle) is a carbine variant with a shortened barrel (15.7 inches), piston, gas tube, and gas block; and was issued to vehicle crews, army staff, and other special forces. The bottle opener found on the larger Galil ARM is noticeably absent on the SAR.
Police and military forces in 25 countries use the Galil family of firearms.
“The SAR’s lack of an integrated bottle opener is offset by the development of the twist off bottle cap, also designed in the 1960s, an amazing decade, which featured other less noteworthy achievements, such as mankind landing on the moon.” - HeliBacon
Galil MAR "Micro Galil"
5.56×45 NATO
Galil MAR "Micro Galil"
The Galil family of firearms are Israeli made automatic rifles designed in the 1960s by Yaacov Lior and Yisrael Galil. These rifles feature a gas-driven piston system similar to the Valmet RK 62, which itself was inspired by the AK-47. Police and military forces in 25 countries use the Galil series of firearms.
The MAR, or the Micro Galil, is a smaller version of the Galil SAR that features a shortened barrel (8.26 inches), piston, receiver, gas tube and handguard.
“For a short barrel carbine, the recoil is surprisingly tame, and full auto fire is very controllable. A pleasure to shoot. With a folding stock, this is a handy little package.” - HeliBacon
Galil ACE 32
7.62×39
Galil ACE 32
The Galil ACE, produced by Israeli Weapons Industries (IWI), is a family of modern automatic rifles based on the Israeli Military Industries Galil. The ACE modernizes the original Galil design using advanced materials and manufacturing techniques to improve accuracy and reduce weight. Particular emphasis was placed on maintaining the Galil’s excellent ergonomics, ease of maintenance, and outstanding reliability in the sandy and dusty battlefield conditions of the middle east. The Galil ACE line includes the ACE 21-23 variants chambered in 5.56x45 NATO, ACE 31-32 variants chambered in 7.62x39 and ACE 52-53 variants chambered in 7.62x51.
HeliBacon is thrilled to have a factory original sample of the Galil ACE 32 for HeliBacon clients to experience and enjoy. It's made of modern lightweight polymers with excellent Galil-style ergonomics. It's a hybrid of some of the best elements of many platforms.
“Life in plastic, it’s fantastic” - Aqua
AK-47
7.62×39
AK-47
The AK-47, also known as the Kalashnikov, or simply the AK, is a Soviet-developed, long-stroke gas piston operated machine gun, chambered in 7.62×39. In 1959, the AKM variant was introduced, which solved issues with a stamped sheet metal receiver, and incorporated a slanted muzzle brake. A hammer retarder was installed to prevent out-of-battery firing during full auto.
After more than 70 years, the fundamental design of the original AK design remains intact. Reliability, low production cost, and design simplicity, make the AK-47 one of the most widely used rifles in the world. So many countries have copied the design, that according to World Bank estimates, of the 500 million total firearms worldwide, one in five (100 million) are considered to be in the AK family; and of those, three out of four (75 million) are AKM variants of the original AK-47.
“The answer to the AK vs AR debate is to have both. Preferably in full-auto.” - HeliBacon
AK-74 "Krinkov"
7.62×39
AK-74 "Krinkov"
The AK-74, chambered in 5.45x39, was developed by Mikhail Kalashnikov in the 1970s as a replacement for the AKM. A short barrel AK-74 with a folding stock (official designation: AKS-74U) is nicknamed the Ksyukha in Russia and called a Krinkov, a term of disputed origin, in America. Osama bin Laden has been famously pictured with an AKS-74U many times, but it's unclear which AK variant was recovered from his compound during the May 2, 2011 raid by US Special Operations.
HeliBacon's arsenal has a short barrel AK built on a Nodak Spud NDS-1KP receiver, with Zastava M92 components, a muzzle booster, and a triangle side-folding stock. It’s chambered in 7.62x39, but with the ‘Krinkov’ stylistic form factor.
“It makes a three foot sustained fireball in broad daylight. Our most photographed machine gun experience!” - HeliBacon
AR-15
5.56×45 NATO
AR-15
America's rifle, the AR-15 is based on Eugene Stoner's design and adopted by the United States Armed Forces, initially with the designation M16. The AR-15 / M16 / M4 nomenclature refers to a wide variety of modern rifles that share similar characteristics and design fundamentals. New generations of the AR-15 serve as the standard issue rifle for many branches of the United States military, and are in service with more than 80 nations. HeliBacon's full auto AR-15s have M16 fire control groups, in Seekins Precision lower receivers, with LWRC M6IC SPR short stroke piston uppers.
“Our primary aircraft machine gun. We select each component for specific reasons. These have been wonderful systems.” - HeliBacon
M16A2
5.56×45 NATO
M16A2
The United States Armed Forces adopted the M16A1, which reached finalized design in 1967, as the standard infantry service rifle. As excellent as Eugene Stoner’s design was, nothing substitutes for real world testing. As a result of combat experience in Vietnam the United States Marine Corps requested changes and improvements that eventually led to the M16A2 in 1982. The A2 variant incorporates a thicker barrel with 1:7 twist rifling, an adjustable rear sight, a modified flash hider, and an improved handguard with a rounded rather than triangular reshape. The new buttstock was ten times stronger due to improvements in polymers between the 1960s and 1980s. A case deflector was added to the upper receiver on A2 models. Prior to this development, left-handed shooters received a face full of hot brass from the A1 model. Certain A2 models swapped the full-auto fire capability for a three round burst setting.
Compared to modern AR-15 variants, with all the tactical gizmos and widgets, an old-school M16A2 is remarkably lightweight and handy. The fixed carry handle is perfectly functional and actually quite convenient. After spending some time with this firearm, we realize that love for an original M16 is about much more than nostalgia.
“It's not an AR-15. It's made by Colt and says M16 A2 right on the side. This is the real thing.”
CZ 805 Bren A1
5.56×45 NATO
CZ 805 Bren A1
The CZ 805 Bren is a recent development (2005 – 2011) for the Czech Republic military. 27 designs were initially submitted for Project 805, and the domestically produced CZ 805 Bren won the tender. The Bren operates with a short-stroke gas-piston, is select-fire, with a reversible, reciprocating charging handle, a side-folding stock, and contains a 4-position, burst capable, trigger pack in the 0,1,2,F format. The trigger pull is surprisingly light, and 2-round burst fire is quite enjoyable.
Fun historical fact, Czechoslovakia was the only Warsaw Pact country who did not issue Soviet AK-47s, opting instead for the domestically designed and produced Sa Vz. 58. Although the Sa Vz. 58 visually resembled an AK-47, it shared no parts commonality with the Soviet design, including the magazine. Fast forward 50 years, and the Czech military again selected a domestically produced rifle, the CZ 805 BREN, which still shares no parts commonality with an AK-47. History repeats.
“Texans have a natural affinity for the independent spirit of the Czech people. The CZ 805 Bren embodies that spirit in a machine gun. How Texan!” – HeliBacon
Steyr AUG A1
5.56×45 NATO
Steyr AUG A1
The Steyr AUG A1 (Armee-Universal-Gewehr) was designed in the 1960s by Steyr-Daimler-Puch, an Austrian manufacturing conglomerate with over 100 years of engineering expertise and manufacturing know-how. Made from advanced, lightweight materials, the AUG A1 is a select-fire bullpup design that features a quick-change barrel assembly and an integrated, extremely clear 1.5 power optical sight (manufactured by Swarovski Optic) cast into the receiver. This entire system is modular and capable of being configured as a rifle, carbine, submachine gun in 9mm, sniper rifle, and even an open-bolt heavy-barreled squad automatic weapon.
In the 1988 film Die Hard, Karl, one of Hans Gruber’s henchmen, makes extensive use of a Steyr AUG while battling John McClane, played by Bruce Willis.
“This factory Steyr AUG A1 really surprised us. It’s highly controllable under full auto fire, light weight, ergonomically comfortable and has some pretty cool features. We are definitely AUG fans now.” - HeliBacon
Steyr AUG A3 M1
5.56×45 NATO
Steyr AUG A3 M1
HeliBacon loved the iconic Steyr AUG A1 so much that we acquired a full-auto version the Steyr AUG A3 M1 as well. In 2013, Steyr Arms USA built a manufacturing facility in Bessemer, Alabama. This wholly-owned subsidiary of Steyr International manufactures the AUG A3 right here in the United States. The modern AUG A3 M1 shares the same ergonomics and awesome features of the iconic AUG A1 version, but includes a MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail on top of the receiver which allows for installation of every kind of modern optic. Another significant difference in the AUG A3 M1 is the availability of a NATO version, which comes from the factory configured to accept NATO STANAG magazines of the AR-15 / M16 / M4 type. The convenience of magazine interchangeability with other systems is a benefit that’s hard to overlook.
HeliBacon modified the stock on our AUG A3 M1 to accept AUG A1 full-auto hammer packs. The A3 in full-auto is every bit as smooth and controllable at its A1 brother.
“The white color arctic-snow camo pattern is not strictly necessary in Texas, but it looks cool. And looking cool is 90% of the objective.” - HeliBacon
Steyr AUG HBAR
5.56×45 NATO
Steyr AUG HBAR
The Steyr AUG HBAR (Heavy Barreled Automatic Rifle), also known as the AUG LMG (Light Machine Gun) features a heavier and longer barrel (24” vs 16”) with an integrated bipod. Compared to the standard AUG, the HBAR fires from an open bolt to aid with cooling and mitigate accidental cook offs. Due to firing from an open bolt, it also uses a modified bolt carrier, striker and trigger group.
The long barrel maximizes the velocity, range and effectiveness of the small 5.56mm cartridge, and the thick barrel walls allow for considerable sustained fire before heat becomes an issue. Even then, the AUG’s quick change barrel mechanism comes in handy. The bullpup form factor keeps the overall length manageable for a suppressing-fire capable system.
"The normal AUG is already extremely controllable. Adding weight and a bipod makes this HBAR variant a real dream to shoot."
- HeliBacon
M2 Carbine
30 Carbine
M2 Carbine
The M2 carbine is a lightweight select-fire version of the M1 carbine, introduced in 1944, and served the United States Armed Forces into the Vietnam War. By comparison, the .30 Carbine cartridge fired by the M2 carbine delivers approximately twice the energy of the .45ACP caliber submachine guns used during WWII. The M2 carbine offers much better accuracy, range, and penetration, and it weighs half as much as a Thompson submachine gun. The cartridge is lighter, too, which means soldiers can pack more ammunition.
“One of our favorite actions. It’s light, easy to shoot, handy, low recoil and fun.” - HeliBacon
