POF Renegade + Offers A New Look At The Gas Gun Concept

When the M16 was introduced to the world in the mid-twentieth century, it had several flaws that were eventually remedied to make it one of the longest serving military weapons in history. Now, with a properly maintained and operated AR-15, this civilian version is a reliable gun used for many purposes including competition, hunting and self defense. But one feature of the gun has been criticized by many since the beginning – directing combustion gas into the receiver to operate the gun. Without proper maintenance that hot, dirty gas can cause a stoppage.

To eliminate the problem, several manufacturers use a gas piston system. One of those is Patriot Ordnance Factory, which until recently, manufactured semi-automatic ARs employing only a piston system. That changed when POF introduced a line of direct gas guns with the latest offering being the Renegade +.

Many retailers carry ARs, often both direct gas impingement and piston guns, but for the retailer who wants to offer something a bit different, the POF Renegade + bears a close look. This isn't another version of the typical DGI AR with a different handguard or buttstock. POF has made design modifications to address many features that have been criticized as weak spots over the years.

The gun has an adjustable gas system, but the Renegade's Gen 4 lower receiver is where most of the design changes have been made. Some are subtle and others are quite obvious, like the KNS Precision stainless steel anti-walk pins to reduce the chance of the hammer and trigger pins becoming dislodged.

The changes that are perhaps more useful to the shooter are fully ambidextrous controls. Not only is the safety selector ambidextrous, but POF has designed a bolt hold open button located in front of the trigger. Push up on it when the bolt is retracted, and the bolt locks to the rear. To release the bolt, the familiar toggle on the left side, or a button on the right side, can be pushed. Additionally, the magazine can be released from either the left or right side of the gun. And to aid in fast magazine changes, the magazine well is generously flared.

Not only is the safety selector ambidextrous, but POF has designed a bolt hold open button located in front of the trigger.

Another feature of the Renegade + Gen 4 lower is two set screws that can be adjusted to eliminate wobble between the upper and lower receivers. This wobble, if not corrected, can rob accuracy.

The bolt carrier group (BCG) has also received the POF touch. Coated with Robar's NP3 to increase corrosion resistance, the plating adds lubricity which should be especially helpful in a DGI gun. POF also replaces the bolt-on gas key with one that is actually machined into and is integral to the BCG. This eliminates the possibility of the gas key coming loose. There are no gas key bolts to be staked, something that is not done correctly by all manufacturers.

POF also replaces the bolt-on gas key with one that is actually machined into and is integral to the BCG which eliminates the possibility of the gas key coming loose.

The common bolt cam pin with its rectangular head has also been replaced with a pin having a roller head. POF says this makes for a smoother running gun and eliminates the wear sometimes seen on the inside of AR upper receivers.

To make the Renegade + more accurate and reduce stress and wear, POF designed and installed an oversize heat sink barrel nut. This is a massive nut compared to a standard nut and pulls heat away from the barrel and chamber. It also improves lock-up between the barrel and receiver making for a more accurate gun. In fact, the test gun printed a number of sub-minute-of-angle groups.

The Renegade + handguard has smooth contours sporting M-LOK attachment points that are supplemented by a short Picatinny rail at the bottom front and a full length rail that runs to the back of the receiver. Furniture includes a pistol grip with a water tight storage compartment and front and backstraps that can be changed, along with a buttstock that grips the buffer tube snugly to eliminate wobble.

The POF Renegade + with an MSRP of $1,899 is loaded with special features giving the retailer carrying it an AR for customers who want something a little different.

SPECS:

• Caliber:                            5.56 NATO
• Barrel length:                   16.5 inches, 1:8 twist
• Overall length:                 33.5 inches collapsed
• Weight:                            6.4 pounds empty
• Stock:                               Mission First Tactical
• Sights:                              sight ready
• Action:                             direct gas impingement, semiautomatic
• Finish:                              black type 3 hard coat anodized
• Capacity:                          30 + 1
• Price:                                $1,899

For more information, contact Patriot Ordnance Factory, 623-561-9572, www.pof-usa.com.