Dark Storm Industries Non-NFA Firearm Variant 1 Shooting Impressions

Published on July 20, 2019
Duration: 10:24

This review of the Dark Storm Industries Variant 1 non-NFA firearm highlights its unique legal classification and performance. The firearm features an all-billet receiver set, a 12.5-inch barrel, and a factory-installed vertical foregrip, allowing it to bypass NFA regulations. Shooting impressions indicate good accuracy at 50 yards with various ammunition types, and the reviewer tested compatibility with ten different magazines, noting most performed well. The firearm's design, particularly the foregrip placement and Dark Storm's proprietary brake, contributes to manageable recoil.

Quick Summary

The Dark Storm Industries Variant 1 is a non-NFA firearm designed to bypass regulations by exceeding 26 inches in overall length, featuring a 12.5-inch rifled barrel, and lacking a stock. This allows for the legal inclusion of a vertical foregrip, enhancing control. Testing showed good accuracy at 50 yards and compatibility with most popular magazines.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction & Overview
  2. 00:15Billet Receiver & Magwell Design
  3. 00:45Magazine Compatibility Test Setup
  4. 01:06Accuracy Testing Setup & Ammunition
  5. 01:18Accuracy Results Analysis
  6. 01:48Shooter Impressions & Comparison
  7. 01:53Non-NFA Classification & Foregrip Legality
  8. 02:06Foregrip Placement & Safety Awareness
  9. 02:11Recoil Impulse & Muzzle Brake
  10. 02:18Final Thoughts & Overall Impression

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Dark Storm Industries Variant 1 a non-NFA firearm?

The Dark Storm Industries Variant 1 is classified as a non-NFA firearm because it exceeds 26 inches in overall length, has a 12.5-inch rifled barrel, and lacks a stock. This configuration bypasses NFA regulations, allowing for features like a vertical foregrip without requiring special tax stamps or registration.

How does the billet receiver affect magazine compatibility on the Dark Storm Variant 1?

While billet receivers offer builders more design freedom, they can sometimes result in slightly different tolerances compared to forged receivers. The Dark Storm Variant 1 was tested with ten different magazines, and most performed well, though minor fit variations were noted, with one magazine not dropping free.

What kind of accuracy can be expected from the Dark Storm Variant 1 at 50 yards?

The Dark Storm Variant 1 demonstrated good accuracy at 50 yards with a 3.5x optic. It effectively stabilized various ammunition types, including 55-grain to 69-grain loads, indicating reliable performance for its barrel length and configuration.

Is the vertical foregrip on the Dark Storm Variant 1 legal?

Yes, the vertical foregrip on the Dark Storm Variant 1 is legal because the firearm is classified as a non-NFA item. If it were considered a pistol, adding a vertical foregrip would classify it as an 'Any Other Weapon' (AOW), requiring a $200 tax stamp and registration.

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