FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
| A: | "Gen1" refers to the initial "pre-production" product we designed and made in 2017/2018 for our prior licensee F&D Defense LLC. These were machined from billet, though nearly indistinguishable from the "Gen2/Gen3" products which are now made from much stronger forgings. "Gen1" utilized Key-Mod rail slots and "Gen2/Gen3" uses M-Lok. Other than minor machining tolerance improvments, these are the major differences. In September 2019, we released the 2020 "Gen3" models with our new adjustable gasblocks (previously non-adjustable gasblocks supplied by Faxon Firearms) and added a paracord pull-lanyard to the locking leverfor easier lever disengagement. |
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| A: | In addition to the folding barrel interface, FoldAR is the inventor of the SHUT feature, which creates tension between the upper and lower, and when pinned together removes all wobble between the two assemblies. The trick is to squeeze the upper and lower together towards the back with one hand, then the rear takedown pin will disengage by normally pressing with the other. Reverse this process when assembling. |
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| A: | Our chambers are headspaced for optimal accuracy while retaining loading/ejection reliability. Even though FoldAR does not guarantee a particular accuracy warranty for individual shooters, FoldAR rifles are designed to achieve 1-MOA after a break-in period, operator and ammo experimentation. For maximum precision, customers can spec out a custom barrel that is hand lapped and profiled with a reputable barrel-maker. FoldAR is in the process of developing match-grade barrels as an added option. Contrary to some current gimmickry marketing trends, we don't recommend any cold-hammer forged barrels for precision applications. If your gunsmith is experienced in finishing-out performance AR barrels, you can have him orient your bore curve and gas port to TDC. For such applications we can provide barrel extensions for your gunsmith or custom barrel maker, simply contact us for parts. See TEEX FoldAR testing results here averaging approximately 1.0 MOA. |
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| A: | The short answer is, Yes! Rigorous in-house and independent third-party testing during the past two years and numerous field rifles show a consistent return to zero when the rifle has folded and deployed hundreds of times and over the course of different temperatures and operating conditions. We have never had any measurable POI shift over thousands of rounds! Note: shooting the rifle until hot, disengaging the locking mechanism, then immediately reconnecting and continue firing will relieve the pressure on the connection and the tapered parts will microscopically expand under the existing heat. Reconnecting while hot could potentially result in a very slight POI shift. Obviously this is not a practical example because there will never be a need to fold and deploy the rifle in the middle of rapid-use sessions. In any case, even if the FoldAR was operated in such an impractical manner, we have found that POI settles back in after firing just a few rounds! See TEEX FoldAR testing results here finding a return-to-zero capability of approximately 0.05 MOA. |
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| A: | The 223 Wylde chamber is designed to safely produce accurate results with both 223Rem and 5.56x45 ammunition. Just run any of your standard 223Rem or 5.56 ammo for even better performance and reliability than you will get from the standard chamber designs! |
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| A: | In addition to the folding barrel interface, FoldAR is the inventor of the SHUT feature, which creates tension between the upper and lower, and when pinned together removes all wobble between the two assemblies. The trick is to squeeze the upper and lower together towards the back with one hand, then the rear takedown pin will disengage by normally pressing with the other. Reverse this process when assembling. |
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| A: | No! 2020 models include a pull lanyard for easy lever release. For all models, you can also use the rim of a live or spent cartridge to cam-over and release the locking lever. Once cammed-over, use your fingers to leverage the mechanism out. |
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| A: | When folding the FoldAR platform, simply pull the charging handle rearward a couple inches which releases the bolt from the barrel extension, allowing the rifle to be folded. Use the same technique for deploying the FoldAR platform. We recommend leaving the bolt in the forward position while the firearm is folded. |
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| A: | FoldAR has engaged with TEEX in order to develop testing standards and approvals for safety, ergonomics, and operability validation of FoldAR's claims.
About TEEX: "Testing is our core strength, and we specialize in developing customized tests to meet the needs of your technology. We leverage TEEX facilities and other Texas A&M University System resources with the engineering expertise of the Texas Center for Applied Technology to ensure your product is ready and reliable when entering the market. The TEEX TESTED® mark is our latest offering for designing and executing testing for disruptive and innovative technologies, and is a sign that a technology performs reliably as intended under acceptable, repeatable and real-world conditions." |
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| A: | We have a Lifetime Warranty with all our FoldAR products! Upon approval of warranty claim, the customer will pay for shipping to FoldAR. Once the product is fixed, FoldAR will pay for shipping back to the customer. |
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| A: | Our patented technology adds less than 2 ounces to the overall weight compared to a standard non-folding AR-15. This amount of added weight is negligible for all practical purposes. |
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| A: | Yes! The FoldAR platform was built around maintaining as much standardization with "mil-spec" components as possible and is compatible with most of your standardized AR-15 parts. The only proprietary operational parts are the upper receiver, forearm, barrel extension, gas tube, and locking lever. We offer parts for individuals, gunsmiths, and OEM’s who wish to assemble or turn their own barrels for acceptance into the FoldAR platform. |
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| A: | Yes and No! While FoldAR did invent, design, and manufacture F&D's XAR Invicta (FoldAR's Gen-1 product), many upgrades and design enhancements throughout the FoldAR platform have been incorporated since, making the FoldAR (Gen-2 product) a much higher quality and robust system than the XAR Invicta. At the same time we have brought the costs down substantially from the XAR Invicta production line.
We are the original inventors and patent holders for this amazing technology (US Patent Number 9,995,556). However, in late 2017, F&D was provided conditional licensing rights (by FoldAR's parent company) to the technology but F&D failed to meet its basic contractual obligations. This resulted in termination of the license. As a result of this experience, we realized that the only company who could bring this product to market correctly would be us, which led to the birth of the FoldAR brand. Coincidentally, the FoldAR parent company has been in the business of designing and manufacturing high-end AR’s for over a decade, so this venture is no new territory on the manufacturing side. FoldAR maintains exclusive ownership to all manufacturing equipment, processes, and intellectual property rights to produce the folding firearm products. As of January 15, 2018 F&D no longer had any rights to manufacture or sell the folding firearm whatsoever. Any continued sales by F&D beyond Jnauary 15, 2018 constituted patent infringement by F&D. With all rights and capabilities being in control of FoldAR, we are able to bring a higher level product to the market for a much lower price. And this will be our continuing objective and commitment to the consumer. On December 10, 2019 litigation relating to the folding AR between FoldAR and F&D concluded. F&D has been ordered -along with a substantial monetary award- to cease all its activities relating to the folding AR and to return a substantial amount of tooling, parts, and technical data to FoldAR. Coincidentally, F&D has permanently lost its Federal Firearms License as a result of seprate (but related) illegal activity with regards to the manufacture of firearms and is no longer allowed to manufacture or sell firearms. |
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| A: | The AR-10 version (short action) of the FoldAR platform will be released at some point in the future, which will initially be chambered in .308 Win and 6.5 Creed for you longer-range guys! Be sure to subscribe to keep up with all the latest news and updates! We already have these prototyped and in field testing, and have shown the same flawless functional attributes as the AR-15 platform. FoldAR intends to develop long-action versions (338 Lapua Magnum, 300 Win Mag) in the future as well. |
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| A: | Yes! FoldAR does have plans to develop folding uppers for a variety of well-respected AR manufacturers who incorporate proprietary dimensions and features (particularly in the various AR-10 platforms). So if you have a specific request, please submit them through our contact form for consideration! We are excited to begin offering FoldAR configurations for these OEMs and bust open the marketplace for this extremely versatile technology. |
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| A: | The FoldAR cuts the upper receiver assembly overall length by 8” when in the folded position, allowing a much more compact rifle than a traditional AR-15, even when a folding stock is utilized. This allows the operator many options (otherwise unavailable) for a more discreet carry, ability to store a full size rifle on duty where space is limited, or just the convenience of being able to travel without the need of a long conspicuous case. In additional to the significant length savings, and as opposed to "disassembly" solutions, the FoldAR remains fully assembled and ready to go at all times; thus no need for keeping up with loose parts and awkward assembly and stowage techniques. |
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| A: | As opposed to other folding firearms in the marketplace, the FoldAR platform is a true AR firearm suitable for various calibers, some of which have an effective range well beyond 1,000 yards.
Other “takedown” models built around the AR platform either have a bulky design, awkward takedown/assembly process that is unreliable and takes time, or requires two (or more) separate pieces to keep track of and pack when separated. With the FoldAR platform, your firearm is always together and fully assembled. Deployment and stowage only takes a matter of seconds and is an extremely simple and reliable process. Also note the ease of cleaning the bore and star chamber! |
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| A: | FoldAR has formed a strategic partnership with Dead Foot Arms LLC in promoting the “double folding” version of the FoldAR using Dead Foot’s patented folding stock. We will be working closely with Dead Foot in further developing folding stock products. |
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| A: | Maybe! We have no (and are not actively pursuing any) third-party licensees, but may entertain non-exclusive OEM or private label licensing opportunities with reputable manufacturers who are interested in contacting us. |
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| A: | None! In fact, the FoldAR platform can be set up as either a folding barrel or fixed barrel configuration. To fix the barrel, simply install four mounting screws and remove the pivot pin and locking lever. Because any added weight from the folding mechanism is negligible, no additional safety concerns exist, and the price is comparable to any quality standard AR, there is no reason to avoid making the FoldAR platform your new AR standard! |
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| A: | Very unlikely. The purpose of developing the FoldAR was to allow packaging of high performance ballistics into the smallest of packages. Offering a 9mm in the FoldAR package is effectively a waste of the AR platform since the 9mm sees its maximum ballistics potential from a typical 5" barreled handgun (which is much more compact than the FoldAR platform, even in its double-folding configuration). |
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