I know there are already TWO threads in this section on this product, but this is going to be a rolling review so I didn't want to dump it in the middle of another thread.

So before we get started, let's link to the original threads:

1. FoldAR Hitting Shelves This Fall!


2. Ammo Can AR

And for any of you that want links to find out more:

• FoldAR at Brownells


• Manufacturer Web Site

OVERVIEW

This post will be part 1, an initial look at the FoldAR including description, images, and a video shot with the manufacturer. Due to length, range testing will be a separate post coming soon.

First up, you might as well watch the video as there are many questions answered there, as well as a good overview of the product:


The FoldAR is in my opinion one of the more innovative ideas to come to the AR platform in a long while. For this reason, we will spend a good amount of time talking about it here.

Let's start with the concept: the ability to fit an AR in a small space. This is ideal for storage and transport. And the unique feature here is that the AR is not taken apart in any way. There are no parts that can fall out or get lost, and deploying it is simple and quick.

So whether you are on a boat, motorcycle, or backpack when hiking, the ability to store an AR in a smaller space than is typically required can come in handy.

The FoldAR comes in two configurations, though in reality the product itself is the folding AR upper. A 16" barreled AR-15 can fit in a package that is barely 18" long, which makes it ideal for many of the spaces described above. This is what they call the "single fold."

There is a configuration that uses a 3rd party folding stock for a second fold, but this is only really applicable for an SBR or pistol using a short barrel. It allows the package to fold into 3 sections. Let's describe this one first as it is the "party trick," and then we'll dive back into the folding upper. (note: images below of a double fold are of a 9" 300BLK SBR/MG - remember all NFA rules apply)

Here is a double fold AR showing how/where it folds:



Here is that package fully folded:



And here are a couple of images of the package fully open:




This is the Dead Foot Arms DFA Modified Cycle System that allows for the second (lower receiver) fold:



And below is an image of the folding upper itself, and how the parts are mated. Note the beveled barrel extension, as well as the split gas tube:



Lastly, a quick shot of the double fold AR in a case to show how compact an entire kit and a couple of hundred rounds of ammo can be:



DEAD FOOT ARMS MODIFIED CYCLE SYSTEM

When we take a look at the Dead Foot Arms Modified Cycle System for rifle calibers, we see that it consists of 4 parts: the modified M-16 Style Bolt Carrier Group, plunger, and recoil and buffer springs. Together these work to shorten the cycle length of the AR, and unlike other folding systems, it does not depend on a folded out stock.

So looking at the components:



And when assembled, it would be in this configuration:



The key here is the modified bolt carrier, and here we can see the extent of the modification:



What you end up with is a short carrier, and then a buffer spring and buffer that are guided by the plunger/rear cap.

Disassembly of this system requires that you remove the end cap, and then the springs and buffer can come out the back, allowing the user to then open the receivers in the normal manner.

This Modified Cycle System is implemented in several products from Dead Foot Arms and is available in rifle caliber and pistol caliber versions. These include the right folding stock adaptor shown above, as well as a left hand folding version (which would not work with the foldAR product).

This product allows the user to use any stock system they want, but DFA makes a T-Rex 5 position collapsible stock (shown above) as well as a G-Rex pistol brace. The beauty of this system is that it is truly a shorter cycle, so it can be fired with the stock folded.

There is also a non-folding short cycle system which is all of the above without the ability to fold, so just a very short receiver extension.

The Bolt carrier used is a modified standard full auto bolt carrier, which they will sell with the above products, or they offer a service to modify yours.

WITH MAXIM DEFENSE PISTOL BRACE

So based on demand from this thread, below are images of the 9" FoldAR upper on a lower with a Maxim Defense adjustable pistol brace. TLDR; IT WORKS.

So let's start with the upper folded, here's what it looks like with the brace all the way in and the 9" barrel:



View from the top:



And from the bottom:



Now the hand guard does touch the QD mount on the brace as visible above. It doesn't prevent the upper from folding all the way, but there is contact. Here's a close-up:



Lastly here's what it looks like deployed:



And here it is with a human for reference:



Overall it's a good fit, and the lower is just about an inch and a half? longer than the 9" barrel. So a 12 or 12.5" barrel would be too long for this. If I were going to do a pistol build, I think this is the way to go: Maxim brace with 9" barrel. The difference between this and a Dead Foot Arms system (folding or the short pistol receiver extension) is that you are using a regular, unmodified bolt carrier group. Takedown doesn't require anything more than manipulating the takedown pin, and you don't have the thickness of a double fold version.

For comparison, here it is with a 12.5" barrel for comparison.



FOLDAR UPPER (coming shortly)

RANGE REPORT (coming soon)

If anyone has specific questions or want to see something discussed which is not here, feel free to post or IM and we'll do our best to address.

There’s a reason it’s on a full auto lower...

I will try this and post a photo of it later today...

Updated OP with the Maxim brace. It works and is a good fit for the 9" barrel.

Meant to remind everyone that they will be displaying at the NRA Show this week, so if anyone attends, be sure to check them out.

Not sure where you’re getting that from. Brownells (at link provided) lists it as in stock. Video shows black barrel.

I wouldn't recommend a 12.5" Grendel, as that caliber is best suited for 16"-20" barrels. 300BLK or 6.8SPC would be much better in 12.5".

We have a basic drawing of the barrel critical dimensions in the manual:  https://foldar.com/download.php?file_id=809 at page 38.
This is for people who wish to have a custom barrel fitted.
Unfortunately, you still have to buy the complete upper.
Existing customers will have the option to have their qualified gunsmith use the extension from the factory barrel to turn a custom barrel, or order an extension from us, given stock availability.
We wont sell extensions to prospective customers however.

Never mind. Beat me by 3 mins...

Added photo of 12.5" barrel for comparison with the Maxim/FoldAR above.

The 12.5" was almost exactly to the back of the brace, so take away the extra .5" and add 1" for a short muzzle device, and you'll be just over the lower's length.

Yeah, timing the extension will be a challenge, but if you are good for it...
Have to make sure the gas block location on the barrel you buy is set up for mid-length.

I guess you should have watched the video... those bumps are tensioners to prevent any wiggle between upper and lower. Just have to press upper and lower together...

We have started to see some of the uppers being too tight of a fit on some lowers.
We use only Aero's lowers and all our stuff fits on all their stuff.

But in these few cases of not fitting particular lowers (even when squeezing tight) here is what FoldAR suggests considering when contacting us:
-We will sell an Aero lower to our existing customers who are having a fit problem for $40 (they are normally $90). This offsets the shipping cost on an RMA that might not even be helpful.
-For customers who dont want the lower but still need a fix, we can swap the upper component with parts that are currently in production )which lowers the humps a little and lowers the rear takedown slot a little), in order to fit the other-branded tight lowers better. These wont be ready for another month or so.

I dont recommend configuring anything but a 9" into a double. But yes, the 16" barrel "single" folds to a little under 18" total.

Most are going with pistol braces for under 16" barrels.

Yes, these will fire with the stock folded.

Yes. We got these from Faxon and they changed the clamping screw thread from fine to coarse for some reason and overtightening them can cause the gasblocks to crack in half. This shouldnt have been an issue if the right material was being used, but who knows what they are doing over there. So we started tightening them less, but still enough to hold clamping position. There may have been a few units get out there with overtightened screws.
Going forward, we are going to start making our own low profile gasblocks with materials and features we can control. I am looking at integrating a gas adjustment screw in it, but no determination on that just yet.

The only off-the-shelf gasblock that will fit under the forearm rail are the low profile versions made by Faxon (that I know of), which arent adjustable.
I think some chinese source is making some similar low profile gasblocks, but I wouldnt recommend using those at all.