The definition of the modern CQB Rifle will vary depending on whom you ask and in what context the weapon would be used.
However, it can be generally agreed that the modern CQB Rifle will be a short-barreled rifle (SBR) or AR Pistol chambered in a caliber more powerful than a pistol caliber carbine.
The Maxim Defense MDX-510 is a great example of a modern CQB Rifle.
With the right setup, this rifle will give you a sense of comfort when something goes bump in the night.
Comfort and compactness, the 10.3" barrel length of the MDX-510 has always been a staple for CQB firearms. The MDX series was designed and tested to handle the fierce demands of the Tier 1 community. The right upgrades, features, and technology make sure the MDX-510 will stand up to whatever you put it through. (Photo: Maxim Defense)
Maxim Defense MDX 510 CQB Rifle
A fine example of a CQB rifle is the Maxim Defense MDX-510. Maxim Defense goes to great lengths to ensure its rifles perform every time, no matter what the conditions are. In fact, Maxim Defense manufactures the MDX-510 in a variety of calibers to meet every operator’s needs.
Comfort and compactness, the 10.3" barrel length of the MDX-510 has always been a staple for CQB firearms. The MDX series was designed and tested to handle the fierce demands of the Tier 1 community. The right upgrades, features, and technology make sure the MDX-510 will stand up to whatever you put it through.
Each MDX-510 is supplied with an SCW brace. The SCW system combines form and function flawlessly. Adding just 5.3" to the receiver when fully compact, yet extending fully to 10", you get a compact package with the full length-of-pull of standard carbine stocks.
The Maxim Defense MDX 510 is also equipped with the Maxim’s HATEBRAKE muzzle booster. This patent-pending device significantly reduces recoil, decreases the flash signature, pushes gasses and concussion waves downrange away from the operator, and improves overall performance in short barrel pistols and rifles.
If you already have a base CQB rifle platform to start with and you’re looking for upgrades to make it better, here are a few that we recommend.
Maxim Defense CQB Stock For AR-15
Like the Gen 6, the Gen 7 is a CQB stock built for comfort and durability for real-world use. No buttons to push, just pull the stock to deploy.
At its most collapsed position, this CQB stock only adds 5.35" to your AR15. At full extension, the Maxim CQB stock is the length of an extended carbine stock. And with 4 total positions, you can adjust for maximum comfort and multiple scenarios.
With rapid deployment, purpose-driven materials, and the functionality you need, the Maxim Defense CQB Stock is simply the most thought out, versatile, and durable CQB stock on the market.
Built on the same housing as the Maxim Defense CQB stock, you get the same durability and features. It’s also the perfect stock to run on your pistol while waiting on your Form 1 to clear. When that day comes, keep the same housing installed and simply swap out the arm brace for the CQB stock; the choice is yours! It’s good to have options, and Maxim Defense provides that versatility in their designs.
Perfect for CQB AR pistol builds, the Maxim Defense CQB Pistol Brace gives you the adjustments needed to shoot your AR pistol and makes your firearm more compact for easier transport.
Using advanced holographic technology, the EOTech 512 Holographic Sight is among the fastest and most intuitive sighting systems and reticles on the planet. Which is why you’ll find them on the CQB rifles of elite law enforcement professionals and military special operations units.
The non-reflective window and reticle is only visible to the shooter. There are also no mirrored or metal-coated surfaces to compromise your visual signature. This sight is engineered for CQB day or night.
The EOTech 512 holographic sight is ideal for speed and versatility. This sight is repeatable to within 1 MOA after re-mounting, waterproof, and submersible to 10 feet deep.
Aimpoint Duty RDS
The Aimpoint Duty RDS was built to meet the demands of Law Enforcement Officers, who needed a low-profile, cost-effective, and professional quality red dot sight. The Duty RDS was constructed with the latest materials, technology, and advanced electronic components. To ensure the Duty RDS could stand up to real-world abuse, the housing is constructed from hard, pressure-forged aluminum with a non-reflective anodized finish. The lenses are recessed to protect them from scratches and impact damage.
The Duty RDS offers a bright, crisp 2 MOA dot that’s ideal for short to medium-range target engagements and is powered by a single CR2032 battery with ACET technology providing over 3 years of constant-on use at daylight position 7 and even longer on the night vision compatible settings.
Flash Hider, Muzzle Brake, or other Muzzle Device
This has been an ongoing debate when building rifles for CQB. Ultimately it comes down to personal preference, but there are some valid points to bring up.
Flash hiders are great at ‘hiding’ the muzzle flash. Flash hiders such as the SureFire 3 Prong damn near eliminate the flash, but they don’t do a whole lot for recoil reduction. Given your situation, you have to weigh whether or not you want a reduced visible signature or the ability to have faster more accurate follow-up shots.
I’ve posed the question of flash hiders vs muzzle brakes to several different groups as well as some guys that have done CQB for real. I get mixed results in the online groups, but the guys who have been there and done that in real-world operations don’t hesitate with their choice. Hands down they chose the muzzle brake. Yes it may be louder and the flash is much brighter, but the muzzle brake gives you an advantage that the flash hider does not; flatter shooting and more accurate shot-to-shot placement.
Gunfights are not fought fairly, so you should take every advantage that you can to come out of it alive. For those that do this for a living; the muzzle brake is the way to go.
In addition to flash hiders and muzzle brakes, a few companies have developed ‘blast chambers’ that thread on over your flash hider or muzzle brake similar to how a suppressor threads on. These so-called blast chambers give you the best of both worlds as well as help with managing the escaping gasses to provide more reliable cycling across different types of ammunition.
Maxim Defense developed the HATEBRAKE to do all this. If you don’t plan on running a suppressor, then adding the HATEBRAKE to your CQB rifle setup is a no-brainer.
A common problem in short barrel CQB rifles with low-pressure cartridges is reliable cycling. Maxim Defense Hate Brake muzzle booster is designed to regulate firearm exhaust gases to ensure your CQB rifle cycles more reliably.
The primary design features include the redirection of gasses, decreasing the flash signature, significantly reducing recoil, and increasing accuracy.
Last, But Not Least, A Good CQB Rifle Sling
Vickers 2-Point Combat Sling
The Blue Force Gear Vickers Combat Application Sling is likely what they are most well known for. They make a wide variety of different Vickers Sling configurations for just about every use.
Developed by Larry Vickers, the Vickers Sling is versatile, durable, and effective. Made from 1.25" CORDURA webbing, this sling features an adjustable overall length, allowing you to accommodate different weapon sizes. A Quick Adjuster allows the length adjustment to be made quickly without sacrificing a secure fit.
The Vickers 2-point Combat Sling doesn’t re-invent the wheel, but certainly greases all the moving parts and makes an existing design the best that it can be.
Stay Tuned to the RE Factor Tactical Blog and be part of this all VETERAN-run website. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for exclusive content and deals.
Check out our DAILY DEALS page for industry deals and discounts.
Leave a Reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *