Drake Associates Athena Rifle System - SHOT Show 2020

Published on January 27, 2020
Duration: 11:56

The Drake Associates Athena Rifle System is a monolithic chassis platform for AR-15 and AR-10 receivers, designed to significantly enhance accuracy by bedding the upper receiver into the chassis, similar to precision bolt-action rifles. This design eliminates contact with the barrel nut, barrel, and gas system, achieving true free-float capability. The system offers a wider forend with sand relief cuts for improved stability and multi-discipline use, a recessed Picatinny rail to prevent snagging, and a barricade stop. Testing demonstrated substantial accuracy gains, with groups as tight as 0.18 MOA with a cut rifle barrel and 0.7 MOA with a button-cut barrel, compared to standard free-float systems. The Athena is positioned as a high-quality, precision semi-automatic rifle available at an accessible price point, with an introductory offer of $1776.

Quick Summary

The Drake Associates Athena Rifle System is a monolithic chassis platform for AR-15 and AR-10 receivers, designed to achieve bolt-action levels of accuracy. By bedding the upper receiver directly into the chassis, it creates a true free-float system, eliminating contact with the barrel and gas system. This design, combined with features like a wider forend and integrated barricade stop, has demonstrated sub-MOA accuracy, with groups as tight as 0.18 MOA.

Chapters

  1. 00:05Introduction to Drake Associates Athena Rifle System
  2. 00:14Athena Rifle System: Chassis Platform Explained
  3. 00:41Monolithic Chassis for AR-15 and AR-10
  4. 00:52Bedding Upper Receiver into Chassis for Accuracy
  5. 01:04True Free Float: No Barrel/Gas System Contact
  6. 01:16Demonstrating Forend Removal and Free Float
  7. 02:23Forend Attachment and Sand Relief Cuts
  8. 03:03Wider Forend for Stability and Multi-Discipline Use
  9. 03:41Recessed Picatinny Rail and Barricade Stop
  10. 04:21Magazine Relief Cut for Handling
  11. 04:54Barrel Options: 16, 18, 20 Inch
  12. 05:14Fab Defense Buttstock and Cheek Engagement
  13. 05:41Extensive Accuracy Testing and Data
  14. 06:07Button Cut vs. Cut Rifle Barrel Accuracy
  15. 07:151062 Yard Shot with 18-inch Barrel
  16. 08:05Ransom International Test Sled Usage
  17. 08:2424-Month Development and Patent Work
  18. 08:37Fab Defense RAPS Buttstock
  19. 08:56Liberty's Defense Suppressor Cover
  20. 09:08Athena Rifle Pricing and Value Proposition
  21. 10:10Introductory Price and Features
  22. 10:26Color Options: Olive Drab, FDE, Burnt Bronze
  23. 10:43Availability and Production Timeline
  24. 11:01Contact Information and Website

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Drake Associates Athena Rifle System?

The Drake Associates Athena Rifle System is a monolithic chassis platform designed for AR-15 and AR-10 receivers. It aims to significantly enhance accuracy by bedding the upper receiver into the chassis, creating a true free-float system that eliminates contact with the barrel and gas system.

How does the Athena rifle system improve accuracy?

Accuracy is improved by bedding the upper receiver directly into the monolithic chassis, similar to precision bolt-action rifles. This design ensures the barrel, barrel nut, and gas system are free from any contact, preventing external pressures from affecting the barrel's harmonics and point of impact.

What are the key features of the Athena rifle's forend?

The Athena's forend features sand relief cuts to prevent debris buildup, a wider bottom profile for increased stability when shooting off surfaces, and a recessed Picatinny rail to avoid snagging. It also includes a barricade stop and a magazine relief cut.

What kind of accuracy can be expected from the Athena rifle system?

Extensive testing has shown impressive accuracy, with groups as tight as 0.18 MOA with a Saturn cut rifle barrel and 0.7 MOA with a Saturn button-cut barrel. This represents a significant improvement over standard commercial free-float systems.

What is the price and availability of the Drake Associates Athena Rifle System?

The Athena rifle system is positioned as a high-quality, precision firearm at an accessible price. The introductory price for the complete rifle in the chassis is $1776, with production ramping up for 2020 availability.

More from ARFCOM News

View all →