Armalite AR-24

[Boarhunter]

I bought one last week and like the heck out of it. Very, very nice shooter. But I do have personal suggestions for improving the line, and I shared them today with the company in the following e-mail correspondence:

Dear Sir or Madame,

I recently added an AR-24 to my inventory of handguns and am much pleased with the pistol. I have been a 1911 fan for many, many years, and your newest pistol may cause me to stray! But may I share with you a short "wish list?"

I would like to see an alloy-frame option made available for both your full-size pistol and your compact pistol. The time is ripe for such a product, given the wave of concealed-carry legislation and reciprocity across the country. Your guns are excellent, but a lighter-weight version of each (retaining "cocked and locked" capability) would be wonderful for easier carry. In fact, a light-weight "Commander" version would be perfect... shorter barrel, alloy frame, full-sized grip allowing maximum round-count for carry purposes. Something to think about.

One of the most attractive aspects of the 1911 is the availability of aftermarket parts and services. Every pistol buyer wants to change out the grips, to personalize the gun, to "beautify" the gun, to make the grip girth thinner, or to make the grip girth thicker... whatever, gun people personalize their guns and bond to them with custom features. And buy more of them to personalize.

For instance, I would like to change out your factory grips for a pair of custom light-weight thin grips, but I have nowhere to turn; I like the extended, flat safeties for my guns so that I can ride the grips high with my thumb resting on the safety. But I do not know whether such is available (I assume not).

If you could identify or produce a source of aftermarket parts, I think you would greatly promote the spread of your product and better compete with the 1911. There are a lot of people, I believe, that would be attracted to the "cocked and locked" concept, coupled with truly high capacity 9mm mags in a light-weight package. (Apparently Para believes so too as they have just introduced something similar, but without the "cocked and locked" capability.)

Without the option of alloy frames and aftermarket/custom parts, you give your buyer no reason to buy more than one Armalite pistol. Give some options, and you begin cultivating a "following" of buyers owning multiple Armalite pistols (by way of example, I own 7 or 8 1911 pistols, each just a bit different, but all distinctly mine). I (and others) could do the same if given an opportunity. Just my thoughts.

mf


I will also ask you...do any of you know of custom grips for the AR-24? (CZ grips are not interchangeable). What about any other accessories? From trial and error, I have concluded that a SIG 220 holster works for the AR-24, at least from my limited tests, and I have a custom IWB leather holster and a custom Kydex holster being made for my gun (based upon a SIG pattern, albeit with a holster length slightly longer).

Anyone else further ahead than me in exploring accessories for the AR-24?

Boarhunter

 

[PPGMD]

The Armalite AR-24 is nothing more then a way for current owners Armalite to cash in on it's historic name in my opinion. It's like Kahr and the Auto Ordinance 1911s. It's produced in Turkey, and from looks someone took the Tanfoglio design and put the Armalite logo on it.

If you want options look at the EAA Witness Series, or the originators of the design CZ UB/USA. Finally you have IMI's Baby Eagle series which is licensed from Tanfoglio (how you can license a copy I have no idea).

 

[Boarhunter]

PPGMD,

All that may very well be so, but I have been much impressed by the quality, ergonomics, and accuracy of the gun. And I am hopeful that the company expands the line and creates a source of accessories.

Am I the only one who has actually purchased an AR-24? (Not that it matters, I guess; if I like it, that is all that matters to me.)

Boarhunter

 

[GunTech]

The AR-24 is just a slightly modified Turkish Sarsilmaz M2000, which is itself a copy of the CZ-75. It is currently the only machined, forged version of the pistol AFAIK.

I've look at a couple of examples and the fit and finish is outstanding - better than my CZ-75b. Like everybody that copies the CZ, they've made a few cosmetic changes. I haven't tried magazines or grips, but would like to hear from anyone who does.

I've never liked the new trgger guard on the 75b, and am glad Armalite and Sarsilmaz kept the original profile. It looks like the SIG P210 style sight hump on the AR-24 is unique to the Armalite pistols.

 

[Boarhunter]

After a week of toying with the gun, this is what I think I know about it....(beyond the fact that it is nicely made and a great shooter):

AR-24 mags appear to work in the CZ, but not visa versa. The AR mags are very slightly longer than the CZ mags.

The grips on the AR-24 and the CZ are quite different.

The AR-24 appears to fit nicely in a couple of "plastic" holsters (Ready Tactical Products and Fobus) made for the SIG 220, though the barrel of the AR-24 is longer by about .2 inch or so.

Beyond that, I am still struggling regarding the issue of "accessories."

Boarhunter

 

[tekarra]

Boarhunter,

The AR24 is made by Sarsilmaz in Turkey. The Sarsilmaz line includes several cZ75 copies. The AR24s seem to be the Klinc line which are steel framed. THe Hancer line is a light alloy framed pistol made in full size and compact models. I have already written to Armalite to import the light weight models, so add your name to the list. Maybe if enough interest is shown, they will see a market niche.

 

[lamazza]

Sharp looking gun. I was wondering when someone was going give a review.
Thanks for the report.

 

[varoadking]

I own 7 or 8 1911 pistols

I only own three 1911's, so I guess it's easier for me to remember just how many I have...

 

[Boarhunter]

varoadking,

I know it sounds funny, but keeping track of them can be a problem.

I buy them, shoot the heck out of them, then store them in my safe while I try something else. There are between 40 and 50 handguns locked away (at last count), and all of them are shooters. I figure it is as good as money in the bank.... I will let my child bride count them when I am gone.

Boarhunter

 

[homeyclaus]

My AR-24 works great with the 9mm EAA Witness mags from Mec-Gar, and those hold 16 rounds. I like my AR-24 a lot too, and it's an iteration, not a copy. From the original CZ all the way to the baby Eagle, each revision has had some improvements, tweaks, and fixes applied.

For instance, you can't engage the safety with the hammer down on a CZ-75B. The gun is safe, but how much do you want to argue with the match safety officer? Hammer down, safety on, everybody feels good. No more questions.

My AR has gone through the mud, clay dust, both hammer down and condition one, an not failed, mud and crud in the mags, and kept working. All guns should do that, but not all do.

 

[JHansenAK47]

AR-24 mags appear to work in the CZ, but not visa versa. The AR mags are very slightly longer than the CZ mags.

For compatability I would look to Tanfoglio or IWI.

My AR-24 works great with the 9mm EAA Witness mags from Mec-Gar, and those hold 16 rounds. I like my AR-24 a lot too, and it's an iteration, not a copy.

http://www.cdnninvestments.com/wi9mm16manew.html
I use these in my AR24. I don't know how many times i've posted that link, but one more won't kill me.

 

[Dobe]

The Armalite AR-24 is nothing more then a way for current owners Armalite to cash in on it's historic name in my opinion. It's like Kahr and the Auto Ordinance 1911s. It's produced in Turkey, and from looks someone took the Tanfoglio design and put the Armalite logo on it.

I always get a little chuckle when I read something like this. Generally, it's "it is just a clone of a clone". Two of my favorite platforms are clones. That would be the 1911 and the AR M-forgery. At the moment I don't even own a Colt 1911. But, I'll remedy that someday.

I have one of the AR-24's, and I have a CZ-75B. I like both. I would pick the AR-24 over the CZ. It seems to be put together a little better, almost like an improved version of the current 75-B. I've previously listed the advantages to the AR-24 in the past, so I will repost those now.

Some of the advantages of the AR-24 over the CZ 75B are:

• 1911 firing pin block, which is a lot less likely to break due to dry firing.
• A firing pin safety which releases spring tension when the trigger is pulled instead of increasing tension as does the CZ.
• To me, a more ergonomic grip. The backstrap indents to give a very comfortable hold.
• A rounded trigger guard rather than the squared on on the CZ. This is merely a personal preference.
• A more massive extractor. I like the overkill; never had a problem with the one on a CZ, but I like the more massive on the AR better.
• A forged slide and frame. A cast may be adequet, yet I feel the forge offers a little more strength. Apparently CZ does too. Their slide is forged.

All in all, I will not be giving up my CZ, but I prefer the AR-24. It is a solid handgun, which really shoots well.

 

[MechAg94]

I have already agreed to sell my Baretta 92. I figure I would eventually get another full size hi cap 9mm again. This might be an option.

How does the AR24 compare to the Beretta 92 or other steel/alloy 9mm pistols? or the Glock/XD/M&P varieties? The FNP9 was likely up there on my list also.

 

[Dobe]

The AR-24 is an all steel handgun, and it is not light. It is also a total difference between the striker handguns and the AR-24. If you are into the strikers, the ones you mentioned are good handguns. You won't go wrong with either. They will be lighter of course. I've been thinking about one of the M&P's myself. I like the 1911, and I think that is one of the reasons I like the AR-24; they both feel great in the hand, and shoot well. I think the AR-24 is one of the most underrated handguns in the last 5 years.

 

[Z-Michigan]

I'm thinking I might be interested in a CZ75 or an AR24. From what I remember of the American Rifleman test, and of Armalite's original website catalog info (since changed), both sources indicated fairly low muzzle velocities for the AR-24 compared to what ammo makes normally claim for 4" barrel 9mm guns. Is there any reason to think that an AR-24 will shoot slower than a CZ, Hi-Power, or any other typical 9mm with a 4.5" or so barrel?

Also, is there any disadvantage to the AR-24 besides the use of different magazines than a CZ?

 

[Boarhunter]

Z-Michigan,

Get a CZ. I know I started this thread and was, at the time it was first posted, extremely impressed with the AR-24 (and I still believe it has a lot of attractive qualities). But for the reasons expressed in another thread (reproduced below), I traded it for a CZ and have been pleased.

Anyway, take a look at my last report on the AR-24 from many months back:



AR-24...Going, going,...


I have finally decided (reluctantly) to trade my AR-24. And I will probably add a CZ in its place.

The AR-24 is a truly superb firearm. Wonderfully accurate. It feels great in the hand. Smooth trigger pull. Little apparent recoil. High-cap mags. I like the SA or DA capability. The gun has much going for it, but the downsides outweigh the good despite my best efforts to make it work.

First and foremost, my fixed-sight gun shoots at least 4 inches low at 25 feet. And Armalite has no replacement fixed sights nor any adjustable sights available that would correct the problem. And when I tried to find out the dimensions of the dovetail cuts in the slide in search of an after-market solution, I learned that Armalite has no idea the dimensions of the dovetail cuts in their own product (at least the product they distribute). Which is probably a moot issue anyway, because I think the sights are all but welded in place. I tried repeatedly to remove the sights from their dovetail cuts, all without success. If they are not welded in place, then certainly a hydraulic press of great strength was used to mount them at the factory.

And beyond the lack of help from the factory, there is no independent after-market support for the gun, nor any on the horizon that I can see.

So, despite being much impressed with the gun, I am moving it on down the line and will likely replace it with a CZ.

I hate it, but that is the plan.

Boarhunter

 

[Dobe]

I still have been completely happy with mine. The sights shoot POI/POA at 50 feet.

Still, the CZ is better supported for extras. It will take time before any new handgun has 3rd party add ons. I'll be getting another AR-24 after I finish rebuilding my loading tools.