KKF Ultra Light Tactical .223

Boasting accessories galore, it's TOPS in flat-tops!

by Paul Markel

With its myriad of clones, the AR-15 is obviously here to stay. The "Black Rifle", as many of its fans like to call it, is now to the rifle community what the 1911 is to pistols. An entire cottage industry revolves around Mr. Stoner's creation.

     Rather than waning in popularity as it's grown older, the AR design is now more popular than ever, particularly with law enforcement. The .223 Remington cartridge was once considered "too powerful" for the close quarters environment that police SWAT teams operate in. However, field use has proven just the opposite, especially when modern ballistic tipped ammunition is used in place of GI ball. The .223 now routinely stops dangerous felons without the gross over-penetration that once had been feared.

GUN DETAILS

     For this review I obtained a new custom creation from Kurt's Kustom Firearms of Bushnell, Florida. The Ultra Light Tactical, or ULT, is a .223 carbine that combines a number of popular features.

     Starting with a Bushmaster lower receiver, Kurt Wala combined a number of custom details to make the Ultra Light Tactical carbine. When first discussing the project with Kurt, I had specifically requested a retractable stock, flat top receiver, fold-down iron sights, and single point sling from The Wilderness combined with a sling plate from GG&G. Kurt was left to add anything else he thought would improve performance and handling.

     An example of one performance enhancing item is KKF's proprietary hand guard/heat shield. With Weaver-style/Picatinny mounts on the top, bottom, right, and left, any number of accessories can be readily mounted to the gun. Numerous ventilation holes are provided to cool a 14 1/2" barrel, which has a 1:9 right hand twist.

     Onto the flat-top upper receiver Kurt attached folding front and rear sights. This combination allowed elevation to be adjusted with the front sight post and windage to be adjusted with the rear peep. Shortly after its arrival, I would affix a Meprolight Reflex sight to the rail. As many readers may be aware of, Meprolight Reflex sights are exclusively imported by Kimber.

     Onto the hand guard I mounted an M3 Tactical Light from Streamlight along with a remote pressure switch. Like a veteran Leatherneck, I used a fair amount of black duct tape to firmly secure the switch in place. Previous experience had convinced me that the M3 light would provide ample illumination in close quarter environments.

SHOOTING IMPRESSIONS

Prior to installing the Reflex, I wanted to get a feel for the fold-down Ironn sights. Engaging a paper bullseye target at 100 yards, I found the only windage needed adjustment, the elevation was right on.

     Depending on the ammunition used, I tested 6 different factory lods; the ULT gave consistent three-shot groups in the one to two inch range. With the iron sights dialed in, I mounted the Meprolight Reflex sight.

     The Reflex sight is a luminous, non-electric (no batteries required) rifle sight designed to give one an instant aiming point. The sight was easily mounted and zeroed for 100 yards after only a few rounds. While it's not made for long distance precision, I was able to achieve groups that rivaled the iron sights.

     With my chronographing and zeroing chores complete, I worked with the ULT in its preferred environment, close quarter battle. The ULT is truly light, tipping the scales at only 5.5 pounds. From standing, kneeling, and prone, as well as over and around cover, the carbine handled like a dream.

     Having carried the M-16A2 for a number of years, particularly in the tight working environment of an aircraft carrier, I was able to appreciate its exemplary handling characteristics. The four-position retractable stock allows one to shorten it up a notch to compensate for thick body armor or take it down completely for easy carry or storage.

     Naturally, the ULT will accept 10, 20, or 30-round magazines designed for the AR family. I had on hand a number of old 30-round magazines. This was a good opportunity to work with Bushmaster's Magazine Rebuild kits. One must supply the magazine body, while the kit provides a new spring, follower, and base plate. The rebuilt magazines worked without flaw in the ULT.

LONG RANGE WORK

     In addition to close quarter work, I took the opportunity to mate a Wilson Combat Tactical Scope Mount to the ULT, for a Redfield 3x9 Widefield scope.

     Testing the Black Hills and Hornady ammunition for accuracy, I benched the rifle. From one hundred yards I fired 4-shot test groups measuring the best three to account for human error. The results were very good with the 55-grain Hornady TAP taking first prize. Three rounds of this load formed a nice 1/2-inch triangle.

     Taking the ULT afield, I was again able to appreciate the usefullness of the single-point sling set-up. The sling allows one to carry the gun "at the ready" without difficulty. When one or both hands are needed, the shooter simply lets the carbine hang down in front of the body or sweep it back out of the way under the right arm.

     On one outing I loaded up the ULT the the 60-grain TAP load. Topping a small hill, I caught sight of a varmint in the grass. The Hornady ballistic tipped load dropped the critter like a stone. The measured distance for the offhand shot was 78 yards.

     In addition to working with the carbine, the test period gave me the opportunity to work with a number of tactical tools. From BlackHawk Produccts I had their new Omega Phalanx tactical vest, their HydrStorm water pouch, and two sets of gloves, the SOLAG and Naval Gunner designs.

     The Omega vest proved to be infinitely useful in the field, carrying not only rifle and pistol magazines, but a set of compact binos, a Magellan GPS unit, cellular telephone, and a large folding knife as well. The HydraStorm unit includes shoulder straps but also fit comfortably into a large open pouch in the back of the Omega vest.

     In addition to the ULT test, I took the BlackHawk gear with me to the field while working on numerous other projects for more than three months before penning this review. I can honestly recommend these items based on their quality and durability.

FINAL NOTES

     Whether using iron, luminous dot, or optical sights, the ULT would seem to be up to the task for extreme close quaters battle and medium to long range carbine work. The gun consumed hundres of rounds of .223 of various bullet weights and cam away hungry for more. In the end, the user-friendly characteristics and ease of handling are the real selling points. If a "black rifle" is on your list of wants or needs, the ULT has a lot to offer.