Blackheart International's new BHI-15 (S) carbine is an AR-style mid-length gas carbine, which has been updated with a revised hand-guard system, the company announced.

The new hand-guard system was developed by Special Forces veterans and a former Army Marksmanship Unit gunsmith to ensure reliable performance and sub-MOA accuracy and mission-specific modularity, according to the company.

The BHI-15 (S) (part number, BH-BHI15S-024) is built on BHI's proprietary solid-billet 7075 T6 aluminum CNC-machined lower receiver, which is stronger than cast receivers and eliminates the dimensional inconsistencies common to forged units, according to the company.

An oversized magazine-well lip allows for easy magazine insertion, while the hardened anodized black finish stands up to rigorous field use. The internals feature Wolff springs and BHI's exclusive hard-chromed bolt carrier group for increased operational reliability, with a Geissele 2-Stage SSA (Super Semi-Automatic) trigger assembly.

Additionally, the BHI-15 (S) comes with BHI's exclusive Titanium firing pin, which is more durable and corrosion-resistant than conventional steel pins, as well as 40-percent lighter than steel. This lighter weight allows the pin to travel faster, reducing lock time and minimizing the opportunity for shot disturbance, according to the company.

Trigger management is further assisted by the premium Stark SE-1 pistol grip, with its no-slip surface and glove-friendly trigger guard. A standard PRI Gasbuster charging handle diverts gasses away from the shooter. Backing the lower receiver assembly is a collapsible Magpul CTR stock.

The BHI-15 (S) also includes a medium-contour 16-inch chrome-lined barrel mated to BHI's MIL-SPEC A3 flat-top upper receiver. Featuring a mid-length gas system, the barrel comes with a 1:9 twist rate and is chambered for 5.56mm NATO ammunition.

Additional upper components include a Vltor low-profile gas block, Surefire flash hider/suppressor adaptor, Magpul MBUS polymer front and rear flip-up sights, as well as BHI's new AR-15 Mid-Length Hand Guard System.

The BHI Hand Guard System is the heart of the BHI-15 (S) rifle's lightweight, streamlined profile and mission modularity. Made of aluminum, this mid-length hand guard allows the barrel to "free float" for maximum accuracy and improved heat dissipation. It includes BHI's "GatorGrip."

Integrated side and bottom slots accommodate optional 2- and 4-inch Picatinny rails. A 1.5-inch front-sight rail is included, while a full-length, 10.5-inch top rail is available for scope and accessory mounting. The entire hand-guard tube and rail system has been updated to allow the top rails to co-witness to the A3 flat-top upper receiver. The hand guard also includes four (ambidextrous) built-in QD sling swivel mounting holes, so there's no need for a rail-mounted sling swivel.