The Caracal CAR814A2 Family

Published on August 15, 2019
Duration: 20:18

This video provides an in-depth review of the Caracal CAR814A2 family of rifles, focusing on the direct impingement (DI) and external piston systems. The presenter, with extensive experience and visits to the Caracal plant, details the design origins, manufacturing differences between UAE and US-made models, and specific technical features of the CAR814A2 and CAR816A2. Accuracy tests and comparisons between different models, including the Patrol Carbine and a competition variant, are presented, highlighting the rifles' performance and adherence to NATO standards.

Quick Summary

The Caracal CAR814A2 and CAR816A2 rifles represent distinct operating systems: the CAR814A2 uses a direct gas impingement (DI) system, while the CAR816A2 employs an external piston. Both models have undergone rigorous NATO testing, meeting or exceeding all standards. Key manufacturing differences exist between UAE and US-produced models, particularly in barrel construction and handguard types.

Chapters

  1. 00:03Introduction to Caracal Rifles
  2. 00:12Personal CAR816A2 External Piston Rifle
  3. 00:19Caracal Plant Visit UAE
  4. 00:51UAE Weapons Manufacturing Capability
  5. 01:45Designers Robert Hurt & Chris Serese
  6. 02:22SIG 516 Development
  7. 02:40Hired by Caracal UAE
  8. 03:12External Piston vs. Direct Gas System
  9. 03:36CAR816A2 vs. CAR814A2
  10. 03:52US-Made Caracal Rifles
  11. 04:08UAE vs. US Barrel Differences
  12. 05:12Handguard Differences
  13. 06:07Major Differences: CAR816A2 vs CAR814A2
  14. 06:14Receiver & Buffer Differences
  15. 06:45Bolt Carrier Group Differences
  16. 06:51Front Sight Base & Operating System
  17. 07:09NATO Testing Compliance
  18. 07:27US-Manufactured CAR816A2 Details
  19. 07:37Upper & Lower Receiver Specs
  20. 07:58Barrel Specs: 1:7 Twist
  21. 08:30Magpul Furniture
  22. 08:40Caracal Pistol Grip
  23. 08:44Weight & Length Specs
  24. 08:57Trigger Specs
  25. 09:07Included Magazine
  26. 09:12Ammunition & Accuracy Testing
  27. 09:31Vortex Razor Red Dot Optic
  28. 09:47Bolt Material: Carpenter 158 Steel
  29. 09:56Extractor Guard Safety Feature
  30. 11:00CAR814A2 Patrol Carbine Overview
  31. 11:13Patrol Carbine Barrel Lengths
  32. 11:2212-inch Free-Floating M-LOK Handguard
  33. 11:29Manta M-LOK Rail Covers
  34. 11:48Free-Floating Handguard & Gas System
  35. 12:00Patrol Carbine Magazine
  36. 12:02Strike Industries Charging Handle
  37. 12:13Ambidextrous Safety & Bolt Catch
  38. 12:27QD Socket on Receiver End Plate
  39. 12:32EDT & Sharpshooter Trigger
  40. 12:53Range Test: CAR814A2 Carbine
  41. 13:31CAR814A2 Carbine Accuracy Results
  42. 14:08Range Test: CAR814A2 Patrol Carbine
  43. 14:55Patrol Carbine Accuracy Results
  44. 15:29CAR814A2 VS Competition Rifle
  45. 15:44VS Competition Rifle Features
  46. 16:31VS Competition Rifle Barrel
  47. 17:04Caracal Carbine Model Comparison
  48. 17:39Overall Impression of Caracal Rifles
  49. 17:58Reliability & Malfunctions
  50. 18:06MSRP & Pricing
  51. 18:27Functional Parts Comparison
  52. 18:41Ammunition Compatibility Testing
  53. 19:01Designed for 5.56mm NATO
  54. 19:11Ammunition Pressure Standards
  55. 19:47Preference for NATO Spec Ammunition
  56. 20:08Conclusion

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main differences between the Caracal CAR814A2 and CAR816A2 rifles?

The CAR814A2 features a direct gas impingement (DI) system, similar to many AR-15s, while the CAR816A2 utilizes an external piston system. This external piston design is often preferred for enhanced reliability in harsh environments like deserts, whereas the DI system is a more conventional approach.

How does the barrel manufacturing differ between UAE-made and US-made Caracal rifles?

Caracal rifles manufactured in the UAE typically feature cold hammer-forged and chrome-plated barrels. In contrast, rifles produced by Caracal USA in the United States use button-cut barrels with a QPQ treatment. The designer suggests no significant difference in quality or longevity between these methods.

What safety features are incorporated into Caracal rifles?

A notable safety feature is the extractor guard, a button located inside the barrel extension that covers the extractor. This mechanism is designed to prevent the extractor from blowing out during an overpressure event, thereby mitigating the risk of catastrophic rifle failure.

What kind of ammunition are Caracal rifles designed to use?

Caracal rifles are specifically designed to function reliably with 5.56mm NATO ammunition. This ammunition adheres to specific pressure standards. Using underpowered ammunition, such as some Wolf loads, may not guarantee consistent performance unless the rifle's gas system is adjusted accordingly.

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