There are a lot of accessories out there for the AR-platform of rifles, but I'm sorry to say that most of them are not practical for the real-world use, but more for a "tacticool" look. When looking at most of these accessories such as rails, optics, mounts, slings, barrels, etc.…, the products are being designed by an engineer in an office who has never used a rifle in the real-world military or law enforcement.
What truly makes the products of Centurion Arms (SAS discount codes at the end of article) stand out is the fact that they are designed by a Navy SEAL for use by Special Operations, regular Army and Law Enforcement. LeMonte LeClaire has had a very honorable 25-year Navy career with 20+ years of that being a Navy Seal. Having served in Iraq and many other hot spots, Monty also worked at the Naval Surface Warfare Center as the "Navy voice" on requirements, operational testing and evaluation for small arms (rifles, pistols, machineguns, ammunition and associated accessories). While being on the teams, Monty has had the opportunity to look at the equipment he was being issued and to see if there was a better way.
As a designer, how could he make the equipment simpler, more durable, reliable and useful? One of the first products he looked at was the backup iron sights on his M4. He felt the existing sights lacked durability, reliability and the simplicity that it should. Being fond of the diopter rear sight of the HK MP5 and other associated HK weapons, he went on to develop a diopter sighting system that could be adapted to the M16/M4. This would become the first product to be offered by his newly formed company Centurion Arms in 2008 for an MSRP of $225. As of this writing, the diopter rear sight and HK-style front sights are still in his product line up. His logo is the tip of the spear which went nicely with whom his intended customers were.
The second product was his C4 rails. Being all too familiar with the various KAC RIS and RAS systems which did have their issues, Monty wanted to make it better. The RIS and RAS were in fact drop in units with quad Mil-STD-1913 rails. But they were also heat conductors. This aluminum rail system transferred heat from the handguard cap right back to the aluminum upper receiver. When you added accessories, the barrel took all the weight which impaired barrel harmonics and hampered cooling. Obviously, accuracy was affected. He designed a rail that would clamp to the barrel nut in two halves and would also attach toward the end of the handguard resulting in a rigid, lightweight (6061 aluminum) and free-floating handguard. This increased accuracy by being free floating as well as aided in barrel cooling. Now when accessories were added, the barrel would not be affected.
Plus, the other goal was for the rail to stand up to the hard use of a combat rifle. The C4 rail was originally offered in quad Mil-STD-1913 rails, but later in MLok, 12” and carbine length cutout; and front sight pocket handguard options. The colors available are black and flat dark earth. The use of heavy accessories and vertical pistol grips would not affect the integrity of the rifle. This product would go onto being the flagship of the Centurion product line. In fact, Monty had installed one his M4A1 carbine he carried as an operator, his C4 carbine front cut C4 rail. The MSRP range from $229.95 to $350 depending on model and finish. The C4 carbine cutout model is Centurion Arms #2 seller.
Now is where it gets interesting. How does an active duty Seal run a business? From 2008 till his retirement in 2015, Centurion Arms products were built by subcontractors and the daily operations were handles by Monty’s wife, Corrie. She handled the orders, delivery and so forth. Upon his retirement in 2015, Monty opened up shop in Morgantown, Indiana and began in-house production.
Plus, the other goal was for the rail to stand up to the hard use of a combat rifle. The C4 rail was originally offered in quad Mil-STD-1913 rails, but later in MLok, 12” and carbine length cutout; and front sight pocket handguard options. The colors available are black and flat dark earth. The use of heavy accessories and vertical pistol grips would not affect the integrity of the rifle. This product would go onto being the flagship of the Centurion product line. In fact, Monty had installed one his M4A1 carbine he carried as an operator, his C4 carbine front cut C4 rail. The MSRP range from $229.95 to $350 depending on model and finish. The C4 carbine cutout model is Centurion Arms #2 seller.
Now is where it gets interesting. How does an active duty Seal run a business? From 2008 till his retirement in 2015, Centurion Arms products were built by subcontractors and the daily operations were handles by Monty’s wife, Corrie. She handled the orders, delivery and so forth. Upon his retirement in 2015, Monty opened up shop in Morgantown, Indiana and began in-house production.
In 2012 came his next major product release, the CMR rail system. As of this writing the 13inch CMR rail is his #1 seller. This has a custom barrel nut and comes in lengths of 9, 9.5, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15 inches in length and are adaptable to both AR15 and AR10 platforms. Like the C4 RAIL, the CMR is offered in black and flat dark earth. These were originally offered in KEYMOD but now also in the MLOK configuration. The MSRP of the CMR rail ranges from $225 to $255 depending on length, model and color.
Both rails have been well received by OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers), which would include Colt and BRAVO Company. The Los Angeles Police Department and NYPD have approved the use of C4 rails. In fact, NYPD has 200 Patrol Rifles equipped with the CMR 12in and all 400 of the NYPD ESU/SWAT rifles are Colt rifles equipped with CMR rails. There have been various LE and Military contracts with Colt as well.
Both rails have been well received by OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers), which would include Colt and BRAVO Company. The Los Angeles Police Department and NYPD have approved the use of C4 rails. In fact, NYPD has 200 Patrol Rifles equipped with the CMR 12in and all 400 of the NYPD ESU/SWAT rifles are Colt rifles equipped with CMR rails. There have been various LE and Military contracts with Colt as well.
Another really incredible product line offered is the Centurion Arms MK12 Mod1 upper receiver. Monty has had significant operational experience with MK12 Mod1 and it had become a success story everywhere it was deployed. In 2010, Centurion Arms began producing both complete rifles as well as MK12 Mod1 uppers. Monty had built exact replicas using all the same materials as the SOCOM rifles. His rifles have gone on to be purchased by the US State Department (exact military configuration) and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department SWAT team (use Centurion rail instead of KAC). I happen to own the military version of this and have been very pleased with the sub-MOA accuracy the Douglas barrel has with the Black Hills Ammunition MK262 Mod1 5.56mm 77gr OTM ammunition. The MSRP for the government model is about 1350.00 depending on options and with the Centurion CMR rail MSRP of around 1200.00 depending on options.
Additional product lines include lower receivers and barrels. Centurion mil-spec lower receivers come stripped for $125 and complete lower receiver assemblies for $220. Stripped upper receivers sell for $105. The barrel line is cold hammer forged chrome plated 1/7 in RH twist, which are available in 14.5 and 16-inch mid-length and 14.7-inch carbine length gas systems. Specialized barrels such as the 18-inch, rifle length gas system Mk12 barrel with 1/7-in RH twist and Ops Inc brake and collar for $450. The other specialized barrel offered is their 14.5 or 16.1-inch 416R SS barrel for the same price as the MK12 barrel. Some additional parts to the product line are a low-profile gas block, which will fit under the C4 and CMR rail and Mil-Spec bolt carrier groups.
Additional product lines include lower receivers and barrels. Centurion mil-spec lower receivers come stripped for $125 and complete lower receiver assemblies for $220. Stripped upper receivers sell for $105. The barrel line is cold hammer forged chrome plated 1/7 in RH twist, which are available in 14.5 and 16-inch mid-length and 14.7-inch carbine length gas systems. Specialized barrels such as the 18-inch, rifle length gas system Mk12 barrel with 1/7-in RH twist and Ops Inc brake and collar for $450. The other specialized barrel offered is their 14.5 or 16.1-inch 416R SS barrel for the same price as the MK12 barrel. Some additional parts to the product line are a low-profile gas block, which will fit under the C4 and CMR rail and Mil-Spec bolt carrier groups.
New for 2019 is the complete CM4 16in 5.56mm Combat Carbine. Small Arms Solutions was fortunate to get an advanced look at this excellent carbine. With a MSRP of $995, you are getting a complete weapons system which is ready for any job you would throw at it. Whether it be military, law enforcement, target shooting, competition or personal protection this carbine is up to task. Starting with a 6.1-pound carbine with an overall length of 32.5-inches with stock closed.
From the rear, we start with a B5 Bravo stock with a Mil-Spec receiver extension and H2 buffer. The Mil-Spec lower receiver is manufactured from a forging of 7075 T6 aircraft grade aluminum and hard coat anodized black as per mil-standards. The rifle is equipped with a standard Mil-Spec trigger group and lower parts kit although options for enhancements will become available shortly.
The upper receiver is a mil-Spec upper with a 16-inch government profile, 1/7 twist with M4 extended feed ramps and a mid-length gas system. The barrel is an independently tested certified Mil-Spec 11595E barrel steel, Manganese Phosphate finished exterior with a chrome plated bore and chamber. The chamber is for 5.56x45mm ammunition and is proof tested with a 70,000-psi proof cartridge and then magnetic particle inspected to ensure against stress cracks. The muzzle device is a very efficient 3-prong flash hider. The handguard is the Centurion 13-inch CMR MLOK rail manufactured from 6061 aluminum.
The charging handle is standard Mil-Spec. The bolt carrier group is a full auto machined mil-spec bolt carrier, which is chrome lined inside the carrier and the inside of the bolt carrier key. The carrier key is staked with Grade 8 fasteners. The bolt is manufactured from Mil-Spec Carpenter 158 steel, shot peened and tested with a 70,000-psi proof cartridge, and then magnetic particle inspected to ensure against stress fractures. The extractor is made from tool steel with an enhanced extractor spring.
From the rear, we start with a B5 Bravo stock with a Mil-Spec receiver extension and H2 buffer. The Mil-Spec lower receiver is manufactured from a forging of 7075 T6 aircraft grade aluminum and hard coat anodized black as per mil-standards. The rifle is equipped with a standard Mil-Spec trigger group and lower parts kit although options for enhancements will become available shortly.
The upper receiver is a mil-Spec upper with a 16-inch government profile, 1/7 twist with M4 extended feed ramps and a mid-length gas system. The barrel is an independently tested certified Mil-Spec 11595E barrel steel, Manganese Phosphate finished exterior with a chrome plated bore and chamber. The chamber is for 5.56x45mm ammunition and is proof tested with a 70,000-psi proof cartridge and then magnetic particle inspected to ensure against stress cracks. The muzzle device is a very efficient 3-prong flash hider. The handguard is the Centurion 13-inch CMR MLOK rail manufactured from 6061 aluminum.
The charging handle is standard Mil-Spec. The bolt carrier group is a full auto machined mil-spec bolt carrier, which is chrome lined inside the carrier and the inside of the bolt carrier key. The carrier key is staked with Grade 8 fasteners. The bolt is manufactured from Mil-Spec Carpenter 158 steel, shot peened and tested with a 70,000-psi proof cartridge, and then magnetic particle inspected to ensure against stress fractures. The extractor is made from tool steel with an enhanced extractor spring.
Additionally, the rifle was provided with rail covers, sling mount point, one 30 round magazine, cable lock, USGI operator manual, along with a little additional Centurion Arms propaganda! The fit and finish are superb. The receivers are tight as can be, and the standard trigger had a clean break, which I would say was overall better than your typical military trigger.
The ammunition tested was the Black Hills Ammunition 5.56mm MK262 Mod1 77gr OTM, Sig Ammunition .223 Rem 77gr OTM and Remington UMC .223 Rem 55gr Full Metal Jacket. Magazines tested were aluminum GI, Magpul Gen 3, Lancer AWM, and D&H Tactical. Overall more than 500 rounds were fired. The best group of the day was with the Black Hills MK262 Mod1 with a .80-inch group at 100 yards. That is under 1 MOA and nothing to joke about for a 16-inch barrel!
The equipment produced by Centurion Arms is truly military grade. But I would expect nothing less from its designer - warfighting equipment designed by a warfighter. Monty has taken 25 years of operational experience and designed products he felt were better than what he was issued. His rails and other products are in use by law enforcement and military throughout the industry. Now that he is retired from the Navy, he is now designing and developing full time, creating next generation products that will set a new standard.
The equipment produced by Centurion Arms is truly military grade. But I would expect nothing less from its designer - warfighting equipment designed by a warfighter. Monty has taken 25 years of operational experience and designed products he felt were better than what he was issued. His rails and other products are in use by law enforcement and military throughout the industry. Now that he is retired from the Navy, he is now designing and developing full time, creating next generation products that will set a new standard.
We have secured you some discount codes from Centurion Arms on all your purchases. They are as follows:
Other/Misc: Code SAS10 for 10% off
Rifles: Code SASRIFLE for 3% off
Uppers/Lowers: SASUPPLWR for 5% off
Other/Misc: Code SAS10 for 10% off
Rifles: Code SASRIFLE for 3% off
Uppers/Lowers: SASUPPLWR for 5% off
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