The company has a fascinating background and an even more compelling development history for their pistols, rifles, unique piston-driven CAR816 platform, and more new products rolling into the U.S. market. With 15 years of experience as an internationally recognized small-arms manufacturer, Caracal has earned a reputation for engineering high-precision, battlefield-proven firearms that exceed NATO and other military standards. All Caracal products are built for military procurement and pass the Test Operations Procedure (TOP) 3-2-045 Small Arms - Hand and Shoulder Weapons and Machine Guns and destructive testing. This includes sand, mud, saltwater, dust and humidity tests, bore-obstruction tests, 20K-round semi-automatic and fully automatic fire, with shock cooling and ambient air cooling sequences. This testing is for all military and LEO models as well as civilian models. Caracal has a very well-earned reputation of premier quality.

For engineering and product design, they also were fortunate to have Chris Siroi lead many of the initial product designs. Chris is widely recognized as the same engineer and designer of the legendary and epically reliable HK416, Sig 516 (Sig’s update to the HK416), MPX, MCX and many other notable products. He then moved on into the Caracal division of EDGE Weapons Group and developed many cutting-edge firearms, including the latest revision of the HK416 design, the Caracal CAR816 and a DMR 7.62 version, CSR precision bolt-action sniper rifles, and the upcoming CMP9 pistol caliber carbine. According to Spalding, “We were able to leverage the extensive experience from Chris’ previous designs into significant design advancements with even higher reliability and more user friendly ergonomics.” 

Caracal’s focus has been to deliver premier-tier quality firearms with innovative features. The sales success and growing customer base is proof that this strategy is working with their rifles and rifle caliber pistols, SBRs, and 9mm handguns line already, but they’re also expanding the U.S. market offerings with their bolt-action rifles and a new CMP9 - PCC. Tactical Retailer had an opportunity to see the on-site production, handle the new PCC and extensively test the Patrol Carbine, Enhanced Pistol, CAR 816 pistol and rifle, and the new CSR 308 precision sniper rifle system.

CSR: Caracal Sniper Rifle 308

The newest rifle in the Caracal lineup is the CSR 308. The CSR is Caracal’s answer to long-range tactical and precision shooting, and based on our testing, it is an epic level of refinement paired with premier-tier accuracy. The CSR’s preferred 175-grain Federal SMK ammo printed consistent .12-MOA groups at 100 yards. Though we ran out of this ammo before making the jump out to the 300-yard range, the CSR still consistently delivered five-round .75-inch 300-yard groups with 168-grain PPU SMK budget-friendly match rounds. Delivering 1/4-MOA groups at 300 yards is inspiring, considering this was very good quality, but not premier-tier ammo. The out-of-the-box accuracy is extremely impressive, matching 1/4-MOA accuracy of legendary sniper guns like the FN SPR A3G. 

Part of that accuracy is the 1:11 twist match-grade .308 barrel mounted via a unique shoulder-less barrel to bolt design with just a locking ring between the barrel and barrel extension. This design allows for extremely tight head spacing and tolerances to squeeze the most from the barrel and fully adjustable two-stage adjustable trigger. Though the trigger can technically be adjusted lower, Caracal states the factory adjustment range is 3-5 pounds. Trigger adjustment can occur without disassembly inside the trigger window, including changing the length of the first stage to the point of converting to a single-stage trigger. Fully ambi controls deliver the intuitive familiarity of AR-15 control placement.

Caracal’s CSR delivers a full shooting system complete with a hard Pelican-style waterproof roller case, Atlas bipod, integrated rapid-deploying monopod with fine and coarse adjustments, integrated bag slider and secondary monopod Picatinny rail, folding four-position stock, and receiver-mated key-mod handguard is just the start. The buyer needs nothing other than an optic, mount and ammo to start shooting. The CSR feeds from a standard Magpul SR25/LR10 magazine, offering the shooter a wider variety of capacities. Operationally, the 60-degree three-lug bolt throw is buttery smooth with a tool steel extractor to assure positive extraction in the harshest of conditions. 

The patented stock is specifically designed to provide single support-hand adjustment of every stock adjustment without removing the firing hand from the grip. Having laid, swatted, sat, stood and kneeled behind a significant amount of precision rifles attempting to make adjustment between positions, this stock is game-changing as the fastest and simplest I have ever used. The folding stock locks open and closed and is jump-certified; however, sadly, I was unable to jump-test this feature. An additional plus is the 11.2-pound weight, which, when loaded with an optic, delivers a rifle that is light enough to still be maneuverable while having enough heft to deliver stable precision shots.

The $2,800 MSRP may seem steep when compared to a multitude of competing platforms in the $2,000-$2,500 MSRP range; however, the CSR delivers a level of refinement that standard restocked field guns cannot match. Considering the complete shooting solution package with case, Atlas bipod and integrated monopod and a class-leading stock, the CSR system lacks nothing. The premium is worth the price for proven out-of-the-box sub-1/4-moa accuracy. Caracal will also be releasing a .338 Lapua version as well.

• Caliber: .308 Winchester
• SPECIFICATIONS* CSR 308
• MSRP: $2800
• Caliber .308 WIN
• Barrel length 24”
• Barrel twist 1:11
• Operating principle Bolt Action System
• Modes of fire Safe and Fire
• Buttstock 4 position, telescopic, foldable
• Trigger 2 Stage adjustable precision trigger
• Grip Black, polymer storage compartment
• Width 75mm
• Height 190mm
• Length (extended/folded) 1160/890mm
• Fast adjustable stock features
• Integrated monopod
• Uses aftermarket SR25/AR10 magazines
• Lightweight - 11.2 pounds

Caracal Enhanced Pistol CEP - 9mm

There are many unique striker-fired pistol designs the industry has offered; however, the Caracal Enhanced Pistol’s design is so different that it takes a moment to really appreciate the concept. The CEP is sized slightly smaller than a Glock 17, but with an increased 18+1-round capacity. The design also features an extremely low bare axis for reduced felt recoil, fully ambi magazine release, NATO drop-tested certified for safety, lower profile/low mass slide, front and rear cocking serrations and Picatinny rail. Barrels are fully SAAMI proof tested for +P ammunition. The toolless disassembly is a simple Glock-style takedown process. Metal parts receive QPQ nitriding with an enclosed post-oxidizing surface treatment to protect against rust and wear and increase durability. As with all Caracal products, the CEP has passed the U.S. and international military testing standards.

What buyers will notice first is the unique sight configuration of the Quick Sight CEP models. Caracal offers several versions of the CEP with standard front and rear sights, suppressor-height sights on their tactical threaded barrel models, and the unique featured Quick Sight model with forward-placed rear sight. I personally did not understand the Quick Sight system until handing the gun, and immediately it made sense why this system delivers faster first shots than traditional sight systems. 

The Quick Sight system does deliver a faster point-and-shoot option in my testing. Though a longer sight base can increase accuracy, at defensive distance, this theoretical advantage is trumped by speed on target. Through the 500+ testing rounds, we experienced no malfunctions of any kind with performance and accuracy similar to other similar striker-fired competing pistols. Notably, we found the CEP was more comfortable and ergonomic to shoot for extended periods of time than a Glock 17. Though this Quick Sight system may seem different, it works, and the extra capacity, size and features of the CEP make this an attractive competitive option to traditional military handguns and LEO contracts. 

• Trigger shoe, trigger safety, and trigger bar combine into a one-piece multi-function unit (MFU) designed to create an extremely intuitive pistol for shooters of all skill levels.
• Optional night sights.
• Select from Black, OD Green, and FDE colors.
• Caliber: 9mm
• Frame: Polymer, ergonomically designed for superior grip
• Barrel Length: 4.1 inches
• Magazine Capacity: 18+1 rounds

CAR816 A2 Piston & CAR 814 A2 Patrol Rifle Features

Caracal is building a reputation comparable to other top-tier military-grade firearms like FN, Sig, HK and IWI, surpassing standard mil-spec M16 or AR-15 rifles in features, design, engineering and durability. All Caracal firearms have passed all global military trials, and their AR platforms have passed additional rigorous tests, including bore obstruction, over-the-breach safety, and a 20,000-round torture test combining fully automatic and semi-automatic fire testing. 

The 7075 forged aluminum upper and lower receivers are strengthened and ergonomically improved, yet remain backward-compatible with mil-spec components. Extras include a powdered metal tungsten buffer for smoother cycling and enhanced reliability with standard mil-spec parts, Hiperfire EDT Sharpshooter 5.5-pound trigger, a stakeless PWS end plate with an integrated QD mount, ambidextrous selector, Strike Industries bolt catch and latchless charging handle. 

The uppers feature a 1:7 twist 4150 CMV barrel chambered in 5.56x45mm NATO, QPQ coating, and a unique modified lightweight M4 profile tipped with a standard A2 flash hider. Handguards feature M-Lok handguards, integrated QD points, and a unique anti-rotation locking design secured to the receiver. The bolt carrier group is QPQ coated, with a Carpenter 158 bolt housed in an anti-tilt carrier.

Caracal offers several series in their AR line that span the 816 piston, 814 DI Patrol and MOE models, plus a competition model. The 816 piston, 814 DI Patrol and MOE models are offered in 16-, 14.5- and 11.5-inch barrel lengths, with all shorter-barrel models available in both SBR or braced pistol formats.

Specific Features of the CAR 816 A2 - Piston

The CAR 816 is the pinnacle evolution of the legendary HK 416 short-stroke piston rifle. Caracal’s 816 has evolved this design with overall lower weight, a low-mass carrier, updated piston design and tuned gas pressure to deliver an extremely soft-recoiling rifle even when suppressed. A three-position gas valve ensures a clean and cool operation even after 1,000 rounds and offers suppressor, normal and adverse settings. Disassembly for field cleaning is toolless, designed for prolonged fire in harsh environments. The system includes a small o-ring seal for enhanced durability and reliability. Experience with testing both the 16-inch featuring a Primary Arms 1X Prism and 11.5-inch versions with Bushnell 1-6.5 SMRS delivered sub-MOA accuracy with 68-grain match rounds and flawless functioning with a variety of ammo over 5000+ rounds. To date, neither gun has been cleaned, and functionally, they’re still perfectly reliable.

Specific Features of the CAR 814 A2 - Patrol

For customers and LEO agencies who want an affordable yet premium direct impingement rifle, the CAR 814 A2 offers class-leading proven durability, features, accuracy and build quality with a very reasonable MSRP range of $1,300-$1,489 for their Patrol models. Most models are offered in 5.56 NATO or 300 AAC (Blackout). This Patrol series offers a lot of features for the price, considering military testing criteria plus the MLOK handguard, free-float barrels, ambi controls, improved lower receiver ergonomics, Strike accessories, and Hiperfire EDT trigger upgrades. Our 11.5-inch DI Patrol pistol was exceptionally well made and light. We mounted an EOTECH holographic sight, and the rifle delivered flawless function over the 2,000 rounds of tactical course testing. According to Jeff Spaulding, “The CAR 815 A3 Patrol line have been fantastic sellers for dealers who service state and local LEO agencies. Our testing criteria, quality and features set our Patrol series apart from other rifles on the market while still delivering a value price point that officers can afford.”

Caracal USA continues to establish itself as a leader in firearm innovation by producing weapons that combine cutting-edge technology with proven performance. Whether for professional duty or recreational use, Caracal firearms provide reliability, precision and versatility, meeting the highest standards expected by users. Their diverse range of products caters to various needs, ensuring precision and reliability are delivered regardless of the most harsh operational environments.