Crossfire MkI: A Creature from the AWB Lagoon

Published on December 21, 2016
Duration: 10:47

The Crossfire MkI is a unique combination firearm featuring a 12-gauge shotgun barrel over a 5.56mm rifle barrel, designed to circumvent the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban. Despite its innovative concept, it suffered from poor ergonomics, a high MSRP of $1,895, and a complex design, including a unique buttstock magazine and muzzle-mounted slide release. The firearm's manual explicitly warned against user disassembly, highlighting its significant mechanical and practical flaws, ultimately deeming it a historical curiosity rather than a functional weapon.

Quick Summary

The Crossfire MkI is a rare combination firearm with a 12-gauge shotgun barrel over a 5.56mm rifle barrel, designed during the U.S. Assault Weapons Ban. It featured pump-action operation, AR-15 magazines for the rifle, and a unique buttstock shotgun magazine, but suffered from poor ergonomics and complexity.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Crossfire MkI
  2. 01:19Mechanical Overview & Controls
  3. 01:58History and Development
  4. 02:52Design & Assault Weapons Ban Context
  5. 04:09Operational Quirks & Ergonomics
  6. 05:53Maintenance Warning
  7. 09:15Conclusion & Final Thoughts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Crossfire MkI?

The Crossfire MkI is a rare combination firearm featuring a 12-gauge shotgun barrel over a 5.56mm rifle barrel. It was designed as a pump-action weapon to navigate U.S. firearm legislation during the Assault Weapons Ban era.

What were the main design features of the Crossfire MkI?

It combined a 12-gauge shotgun with a 5.56mm rifle, both pump-action. The rifle used AR-15 magazines, while the shotgun had a unique 4-round tube magazine in the buttstock. It also featured a muzzle-mounted slide release.

Why was the Crossfire MkI considered a failure?

Despite its unique design, the Crossfire MkI suffered from poor ergonomics, including a very long length of pull. Its high historical MSRP of $1,895 and complex mechanics also contributed to its lack of success as a practical firearm.

What is notable about the Crossfire MkI's maintenance?

The firearm's user manual explicitly warns against user disassembly, stating that only factory-trained armorers or qualified gunsmiths should perform maintenance. This is highlighted as a significant red flag.

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