Tactical Innovations

Top » Catalog


	AM15 UPPER RECEIVER - AM180 DRUMS ON M16/AR15 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. How soon will my AM15 upper receiver be ready to ship? (return to top)
A full auto sample is schedule to be shipped to ATF for their evaluation the week of 11/20/06. All parts are programmed and ready to run for our 7 CNC mills and lathes. We anticipate shortly after receiving a favorable letter from BATFE.

2. After you start shipping, how will I know when mine is on the way? (return to top)
You will receive by email and / or USPS notification that your upper is ready to ship, along with an invoice for any balance due including shipping as well as a list of available options and accessories that are available at that time.

3. Will additional accessories and spare parts be available?? (return to top)
We have a long list of accessories planned for the AM15. However, our first focus is the delivery of production units. We will make additional accessories available as our development and production schedules permit.

4. Has ATF approved the AM15 as a "non-gun" yet? (return to top)
ATF HAS approved the AM15-S as a non-gun. They have not evaluated a full auto version. We anticipate that ATF will agree that the full auto AM15 is no different than a Colt LMG open bolt parts set.

5. What's included with my AM15 order? (return to top)
The AM15 Upper Receiver ships with (1) complete upper receiver with bolt and operating rod / spring assembly (2) barrel (3) 165 round drum (4) winder (5) horizontal foregrip (6) required open bolt fire control parts. An optional barrel mounted rail system is available (as pictured) for an additional $155 that will allow you to mount AR accessories on all 4 sides. The upper receiver top cover has a rail system for installation of an optical sight, such as an EOTech or comparable as pictured, which are not included with the AM15 Upper Receiver. No sights are included with the AM15 caliber conversion.

6. I already pre-ordered at a different price level...what group am I in now? (return to top)
We have had to continue to modify our pre-order process in an effort to make it as fair as possible to everyone. All pre-orders will of course remain in the group that they have noted on their receipt based on our same three group process. No additional pre-orders are being accepted at this time.

7. What configuration will I get with my pre-order? (return to top)
When you pre-order, you'll have to specify if you want semi or full auto. Semi auto versions will have a 16.5 inch barrel and full auto has a 9.5" barrel. Included components are itemized in number 5 above. Full auto configurations will require an FFL/SOT or a copy of your Form 4 prior to shipping.

8. What if I want to cancel my pre-order before you ship it?? (return to top)
The deposit is 100% refundable (less credit card fees if any) anytime before we notify you its ready to ship. After we tell you its ready to ship, 30 days later, we'll deduct $100 for our time and refund whatever the balance is with no further obligation from either party.

9. Will the AM15 work with ANY AR15 / M16? (return to top)
"Any" is an impossible guarantee... We have spec'd the AM15 upper receiver to fit a Colt small pin factory M16. Since there are undoubtedly many different combinations of receiver specifications from one manufacturer to the next, its impossible for us to guarantee it will fit for all receivers "right out of the box". If your receiver is identical to a COLT factory M16 lower, then it'll drop right on no problem. If you have an aftermarket receiver that is not an exact Colt match, you might have to make minor adjustments to the upper receiver to make it fit perfectly. As we continue to test additional lower receivers, we've been making adjustments to accomodate other receivers to the degree that the adjustments don't impact a precision fit on factory Colt lower receivers.

10. Will the AM15 work with a DIAS (Drop In Auto Sear)? (return to top)
At this time, the open bolt AM15 will only work with sear drilled M16 lower receivers. Yes we know your RDIAS exactly duplicates etc. However, it will not work. We are in the process of designing a modification that will allow the open bolt AM15 full auto upper to work with a RDIAS.

11. Will the AM15 work with a Lightening Link? (return to top)
It will not. At present, based on minimal demand and considerable design differences, we have no plans to make the AM15 operate with a Lightening Link. Other C2's may be willing to take in the project, however we are not prepared to assist in the development of that feature at this time.

12. Will Tactical Innovations be exhibiting at the Shot Show, Knob Creek, SAR etc? (return to top)
Time constraints prohibit us from being able to attend smaller local shows but we do exhibit at each of the above named nationally attended shows as part of our commitment to be responsive to our customers. Samples are on display and we're happy to answer any questions you might have (subject to any pending patent or third party negotiation considerations). Please stop by, we look forward to seeing you. .

13. What are the available barrel lengths and which come with what? (return to top)
We currently have two barrel lengths available: 16.5 inches and 9.5 inches. The 9.5" barrels can only legally be installed on a full auto or registered SBS receivers. Tax stamp or SOT documentation will be required for all NFA related purchases including barrels.

14. What accessories / options are currently available? (return to top)
Rather than include every accessory with every order, thus necessitating substantially raising the sales price, we are continuing to make additional accessories and options available based on customer input and suggestions. Accessories will be added to the webpage as deliveries continue.

15. What speed does the AM15 run? (return to top)
We have not chronographed a final version yet but estimate that it runs approx. 1500 RPM.

16. Can I get you to send me an advance unit to be a "tester"? (return to top)
Although we appreciate the offer, we have no shortage of "testers" here in the shop. All units beyond company R & D units are customer purchased units and will be shipped based on pre-order list positions.

17. What ammo do you recommend? How do you load the drums? Etc... (return to top)
Ammo suggestions, operation and loading instructions etc will all be provided with the AM15 upper receiver when shipped. Its premature at this time to devote time that could better be used for production to after delivery instructions.

18. Is the barrel threaded for a suppressor? What thread? (return to top)
All barrels are factory threaded 1/2 x 28 TPI so you can screw a suppressor or flash hider on and you're ready to blast. The barrels also come with a thread protector installed standard.

19. Are you going to make one in .22mag, 17rim, 50 BMG etc? (return to top)
Yes, some one actually asked if we thought we would ever make one in .50BMG. No we are not. Additional calibers are not planned at this time.

20. Can you email me updates and progress reports? (return to top)
Time constraints do not permit us to individually email customers with updates and progress reports. We will update the webpage as appropriate.

21. Do the AM15 parts interchange with my transferable or pre-may AM180? (return to top)
The only parts that will interchange are the ungeared winders. Barrels, bolts and feedblocks will not interchange. Drums will require a minor modification. The AM180 design was changed for the better in 1986. No production models were released as transferable units due to the May 1986 machine gun ban. Howver, the design was produced on some post-sample pieces in sufficient quantity to demonstrate its value. Our AM15 uses the improvements that are reflected in the post sample firearms as well as improvements that we've been able to additionally include.

22. Do you guarantee it to run 100% flawlessly? (return to top)
If we did, you'd be crazy to believe us. Nothing, especially .22 ammo, runs 100% flawlessly. Even though we've engineered every possible advantage into the design, we're still at the mercy of the .22 rimfire ammo rimfire primer ignition. We do guarantee it to run as well as a factory AM180, which is enough fun to put up with the occassional .22 duds that won't light.

23. Do I have to change the buffer in my AR15 / M16? (return to top)
You will need to replace your buffer with our spring tube, which is of course included with the upper receiver.

24. How hard are additional drums to get and are they available? (return to top)
Additonal drums are readily available and are inexpensive. See our webpage under Mags and Drums for listing and prices. You'll have the opportunity to purchase drums, winders, parts and accessories prior to shipping.

25. Is a similar AM180 setup available for any other firearms? (return to top)
Funny that you should ask that... We have a prototype for an M11/180 upper receiver. No pre-orders are being accepted at this time. Additional details will be posted on the webpage as available. Once we get this AM15 approved and delivered, we'll resume our commitment of time and money to complete the M11 version.

26. Do I have to modify my AR15 / M16 lower in any way? (return to top)
No modifications are required to a Colt factory lower receiver in a small pin configuration. You will have to change out the primary fire control parts for LMG parts, which are included in the kit.

27. Can a gutted AR mag be used for a brass catcher?? (return to top)
Yes. The AM15 upper receiver ejects out the bottom, through the AR15/M16 mag well. A gutted mag will work for a brass catcher. We anticipate offering a brass catcher with a "quick dump" door on the bottom to eliminate taking the mag in and out.

28. Are there any quantity prices if I get 2, 10, 50?? (return to top)
No quantity or dealer pricing is available at this time since demand exceeds our supply ability.

29. Is this the "dealer" price or the "retail" price? (return to top)
There is no "dealer" pricing on this item. All orders are manufacturer direct at this time since demand exceeds our supply ability.

30. Can I pre-order with a credit card? (return to top)
Yes, you can order on line with a credit card and there is no service charge or fee for using your card. Checks are also accepted at our mailing address below. Your card WILL NOT be charged until the unit is ready to ship.

31. Can I pre-order with a credit card and you charge it when it ships? (return to top)
You can pre-order on line. Paid position pre-orders are no longer being accepted. Although you will receive a shipping position, your card WILL NOT be charged until the unit is ready to ship.

32. I'm still in the middle of a bad pre-order experience with another company and am not sure I want to go down that road again. Can I give you my name and email and have you contact me when you have one ready to ship? (return to top)
Our pre-order list dones not require any deposit at this time. You have nothing at risk to get yourself on the list for shipping order position.

33. What is the AM15 receiver made of? (return to top)
The receiver is anodized precision CNC machined aircraft aluminum, as is the top cover. The barrel and bolt assembly are steel.

34. After ATF rules that the AM15 is a non-gun, will it be able to be shipped directly to me or will I have to go through a dealer? (return to top)
After ATF gives us the letter ruling that the AM15 is not a firearm and not a machine gun conversion device, we will be able to ship it directly to you without a dealer or any transfer paperwork required, the same as if you were to purchase an additional .223 receiver for your rifle.

35. If I have an AR15 semi, and get your AM15 full auto version, will it run full auto on my gun? (return to top)
I'm amazed at how many people have asked this question, when I'm sure they already knew the answer. OF COURSE NOT! If you have a semi lower, the AM15 upper receiver runs semi and there is no way to make it run full auto. If you have a full auto lower and order the full auto AM15 upper, then you can shoot full auto.

36. I live in a state that does not allow high capacity magazines? Does the 165 round drum that comes with the AM15 count as a high capacity magazine? Since its part of the package, can you make an exception and still ship me the drum? (return to top)
We hope you know this answer as well before you asked. Of course we will never ship or sell anything contrary to federal, state or local laws. If you live in a state that prohibits high capacity magazines, and yes a drum is a magazine, then you won't get a drum with the order. Not our idea, its the law.

ORDERING HELP
- General Ordering Help
- Order Tracking
- Problems With An Order?

SHIPPING & RETURNS
- Shipping Costs & Times
- Our Return Policy
- Firearm Shipping

COMPANY
- Company Information
- Employment Opportunities
- Security

LEGAL
- Warranty
- Limit Of Liability
- Terms Of Use