Franklin Armory XO-26

XO-26 courtesy Franklin Armory.

Franklin Armory (Morgan Hill, CA) has an interesting new product called the XO-26.

As many industry insiders are aware, the addition of a secondary vertical grip to a pistol creates a class of firearm called an “AOW,” or any other weapon and requires an NFA tax stamp.  Franklin Armory management made the argument to ATF that the XO-26 configuration above is not readily concealable and therefore should not be classified as an AOW even though it has a secondary grip.  ATF agreed.

On March 14, 2011, the Chief of The Firearms Technology Branch of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, authorized the sale of the above configuration without the need for any NFA permits!  What is shocking is that it was also defined as a non-pistol.  The 4473 would only need to be filled out with “other” checked off.  Franklin Armory is proud to be the first company in the nation to be able to shepherd this project into fruition.

California residents will find that 12001 PC will still define this firearm as a pistol, but thankfully there is not an analog to the AOW classification in state law.  California buyers will have to be at least 21 years of age, and the DROS form will require one to check “Pistol.”

The classification (or lack thereof) of this gun will likely spawn other companies to produce similar products. I really like the idea. I think anytime someone builds a gun to fit into a loophole, it undermines the NFA as a whole. I believe this helps to symbolize the arbitrary and pointless existence of national (and California) gun laws.

XO-26b courtesy Frankiln Armory.

I have no idea why handguns with a forward vertical grip are considered Any Other Weapons (AOW). Maybe some self-righteous legislator somewhere thought they were dangerously over-gripped? Or maybe legislators just don’t want Americans to personalize their guns? Regardless, I’m glad these guys are able to navigate around the senseless categories that the NFA created and build something consumers can legally buy.

Franklin Armory’s website notes that they will also build the gun in other calibers like 6.8mm Remington SPC, 6.5mm Grendel, or .450 Bushmaster.

Barrel:

Chambered in 5.56 NATO or 7.62×39

Salt Bath Nitride Finish (60 Rockwell Hardness)

11.5″ Barrel Length

4140 Chrome Moly Steel Construction

1/7 Twist for 5.56 Nato

1/10 Twist for 7.62×39

Low Profile Gas Block

YHM Phantom Flash Hider

Upper Receiver:

A4 Flat Top with Full Picatinny Rail

Forged 7075-T6 Aluminum

YHM Specter Length forearm Quad Rail

Pop Up Front and Rear Sights

Hard Coat Type III Anodized Black

Forward Assist

Young Manufacturing Bolt Carrier Group

Lower Receiver:

Forged 7075-T6 Aluminum

Hard Coat Type III Anodized Black

Specialized Tension Screw

JP Enterprises Hammer, Trigger, & Disconnector Springs

Lightly Polished Hammer & Trigger Surfaces

Franklin Armory Single Stage Tuned Trigger

Bullet Button™ Magazine Release installed on XO’s sold where required.

Standard Magazine Release installed on XO’s sold where legally eligible.

Delrin Magazine Well Plug*

Magpul MIAD Grip

Padded Buffer Tube

Additional Features:

Thorough Safety Manual and CA Certified Lock

Mil Spec Upper/Lower Components

Tactical Soft Side Carrying Case

Weight: 6.9 Pounds

Length: 27.8 Inches