Crossfire MkI: A Creature from the AWB Lagoon

Published on December 21, 2016
Duration: 10:47

This review of the Crossfire MkI, presented by firearms expert Ian McCollum, details its unique combination of a 12-gauge shotgun and a 5.56 rifle. McCollum critically analyzes its design, born from the 1994 Assault Weapons Ban, highlighting its operational quirks, poor ergonomics, and the explicit warning against user disassembly found in its manual. Despite its historical context, the firearm is deemed a practical failure due to its numerous flaws.

Quick Summary

The Crossfire MkI is a combination firearm with a 12-gauge shotgun over a 5.56x45mm rifle barrel, designed during the U.S. Assault Weapons Ban. Despite its unique concept, it suffered from poor ergonomics, complex mechanics, and a high price point, leading to its failure as a practical weapon. Its manual also warned against user disassembly.

Chapters

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Crossfire MkI?

The Crossfire MkI is a unique combination firearm featuring a 12-gauge shotgun barrel positioned above a 5.56x45mm NATO (.223 Remington) rifle barrel. It was designed during the U.S. Assault Weapons Ban era and produced by Crossfire LLC and Special Service Arms Mfg. Inc.

What were the main design challenges of the Crossfire MkI?

The Crossfire MkI faced significant design challenges including poor ergonomics, a complex pump-action system, a difficult-to-operate slide release, and an extremely long length of pull. Its user manual also warned against user disassembly, indicating potential mechanical complexity and fragility.

Why was the Crossfire MkI developed?

The Crossfire MkI was developed partly to circumvent the restrictions of the U.S. Assault Weapons Ban of 1994. Its pump-action design allowed it to bypass limitations placed on semi-automatic firearms, though it retained other features that made it less desirable.

What is the historical context of the Crossfire MkI?

Introduced around the 1989 SHOT Show as the Model 88, the Crossfire MkI didn't reach the market until 1998 and production ceased in 2001. Its development occurred during the 1994-2004 Assault Weapons Ban, influencing its design choices.

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