Five Decent Rifles That Failed Commercially

Published on March 18, 2015
Duration: 11:26

This entry analyzes five rifles that, despite decent designs, failed commercially. TFB TV's Alex C. and Patrick discuss the Bushmaster M17S's poor ergonomics, the Armalite AR-180's competitive pricing issue, the Bushmaster ACR's MSRP and unmet promises, the Benelli MR1's user interface flaws, and the Egyptian Rashid's dangerous gas tube design. The analysis highlights how design flaws and market missteps can doom even promising firearms.

Quick Summary

Five rifles—Bushmaster M17S, Armalite AR-180, Bushmaster ACR, Benelli MR1, and Egyptian Rashid—are analyzed for their commercial failures. Despite decent designs, issues like poor ergonomics (M17S charging handle, MR1 magazine release), high MSRPs (ACR), unmet promises (ACR caliber kits), and dangerous flaws (Rashid gas tube) led to their market downfall.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction: Failed Commercial Rifles
  2. 00:25Bushmaster M17S: Bullpup Ergonomics
  3. 02:24Armalite AR-180: Influential Design, Commercial Failure
  4. 05:15Bushmaster ACR: MSRP & Unmet Promises
  5. 07:18Benelli MR1: User Interface Issues
  6. 09:18Egyptian Rashid: Dangerous Gas Tube

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the Armalite AR-180 fail commercially despite its innovative design?

The Armalite AR-180, while featuring an influential short-stroke gas piston system and stamped steel receiver, failed commercially primarily because its price point was too close to the more established and preferred Colt AR-15 (SP1).

What were the main reasons for the Bushmaster ACR's commercial failure?

The Bushmaster ACR, originally the Magpul Masada, faced commercial failure due to a high MSRP of $2,000, significantly exceeding its promised price, and the manufacturer's inability to release promised caliber conversion kits, disappointing potential buyers.

How did ergonomic issues affect the commercial success of the Benelli MR1 and Bushmaster M17S?

Both rifles suffered from critical ergonomic flaws. The Benelli MR1 had an inconvenient magazine release requiring a grip change, while the Bushmaster M17S featured an awkward charging handle and a short sight plane, hindering usability and market appeal.

What safety concern was noted with the Egyptian Rashid rifle?

The Egyptian Rashid, a scaled-down Hakim variant, had a dangerous design flaw where its exposed gas tube could burn the shooter's fingers during reloading. This significant safety oversight limited its practical application and commercial viability.

More Reviews Videos You Might Like

More from TFB TV

View all →