Kaiser US is in the news again, this time in the special AR-15 issue from the publishers of World Of Firepower. The article focuses on how light the X7 Fusion Monarch rifle is, the reliability of all Polymer AR-15 system and how accurate it shoots.
Better yet, why read about it when you can buy one for yourself? Click here to view and purchase the KSP US X7 Monarch polymer AR-15
Lightweight, Durable, and Accurate – Kaiser X-7 Fusion Monarch: Polymer AR-15
By Stan Skinner
To fully appreciate the feather-light Kaiser X7 Fusion Monarch AR-15, take a look at how America’s battle rifles have evolved since World War II. Shortly after that war began, American infantry riflemen were armed with the M1 Garand. Despite being the most advanced battle rifle of the time, the Garand weighed 9.5 pounds, more than the earlier M1903 Springfield or its ‘03-A3 variant, which weighed in at roughly 8.7 pounds.
A Significant Burden
An infantryman’s basic load of ammo was two cloth bandoliers containing a total of 96 rounds of .30-06 Springfield ammo in eight-round en bloc clips. That added about 61/4 pounds to the infantryman’s burden – a total of nearly 16 pounds.
The M14 officially replaced the M1 Garand in 1959. The new service rifle was chambered for the 7.62×51 NATO cartridge. The new rifle was 0.3 pound lighter than the M1. However, with its fully loaded 20-round magazine, the M14 was atually heavier than an M1 loaded with its eight-round en bloc chip.
The M14’s tenure as the principal service rifle for U.S. military forces lasted only a few years. A new day in firearms history was looming on the horizon.
Plastic Guns
By the end of the Vietnam War, U.S. fighting men carried the M16A2, chambered for what was to be 5.56×45 – a much smaller cartridge than the 7.62×51. Much improved over the original M16 and weighing only 7.5 pounds, this rifle was a full 2 pounds lighter than the M1 Garand, but a fully loaded 30-round magazine added about a pound and a quarter – still a good bit lighter than an unloaded M1.
During the Gulf War in 1991, American troops now carried the M4 carbine, which had a shorter barrel than the M16A2, a collapsible butt stock and a Picatinny rail that replaced the M16’s distinctive carry handle.
Now, America’s principal battle rifle weighed only 6.36 pounds, fully one-third less than the venerable M1 Garand. Adding a fully loaded 30-round magazine brings the M4’s weight to approximately 7.5 pounds. Fully loaded the M4 is 2 pounds lighter than an empty M1 Garand.
But remember, that’s without sighting equipment. Depending on whether you choose an optical or iron sight, it pumps up the weight a tad.
With its 14.5-inch barrel, 7075 aluminum upper and lower receiver, along with a lightweight, collapsible butt stock, the M4 carbine has reached its full potential with little room for weight reduction. Right? WRONG.
Polymer Firearms
The introduction of the Glock 17 semi-auto pistol in 1982 sparked a new era in firearms manufacture, injection-molded polymer construction. Controversial at first, polymer firearms are now fairly common, including the Kaiser X7 Fusion series of polymer rifles.
Our test rifle, the X7 Fusion Monarch weighed in at a hair over 5 pounds, nearly 1 ½ pounds lighter than the M4 carbine issued to the U.S. military.
At the heart of the X7 Fusion is its polymer upper and lower receiver. Injection-molded from virgin (not reground) polymer and infused with long and short strand fibers, the receiver pair is match-fitted to achieve zero action movement. Combined, the receiver pair weighs a mere 10.7 ounces.
Exceptionally Durable
This polymer gives the X7 Fusion extraordinary impact and shatter resistance. Hard-anodized 7071 aluminum inserts provide further wear protection around potential high-wear points. This includes the forward and rear takedown pins, trigger group pins and buffer tube mounts.
Test rifles have fired more than 50,000 rounds with zero failures.
The titanium bolt carrier, bolt, firing pin and gas key are all NP3-coated. This gives these components a Rockwell 98 surface hardness and high lubricity, which makes them completely self-lubricating and practically impervious to wear. Weighing 7.5 ounces the KSP Ti-7 bolt carrier group is more than a quarter-pound lighter than a standard BCG and is very easy to clean.
The X7 Fusion Monarch has a 16-inch Faxon Gunner barrel. Its fast 1:8 twist, stabilizes even the heaviest .224 bullets. Instead of a standard chrome lining, the Faxon barrel has been treated in a black nitrite salt bath.
Sub-MOA Accuracy
The black nitrite finish is not a coating or plating, but a surface treatment that creates an exceptionally uniform surface for guaranteed sub-MOA accuracy. Black nitrite also offers excellent wear and corrosion resistance, along with a uniform flat black color.
The free-floated forward handguard is designed to be as lightweight as possible while achieving maximum rigidity to provide a stable platform for optics and accessories.
At less than 6 ounces, a Mission First Minimalist Battlelink six-position collapsible stock provides necessary functionality at the lightest possible weight for the X7 Fusion Monarch. The minimalist fits a standard commercial buffer tube with an upper section that provides an enhanced cheek weld for left- and right-handed shooters. The angled, non-slip rubber but pad allows fast presentation even for a shooter wearing body armor, and a quick-detachable sling mounting point is positioned conveniently for left- or right-handed shooters.
A NEMO Rapid Assault Team strap attaches about 8 feet of braided paracord to the MFT Minimalist butt stock while adding only a half-ounce of weight. Also by MFT, the Engage tactical pistol grip is textured with a groove backstrap and finger grooves to enable a positive grip even with wet or gloved hands. The hollow interior provides a secure watertight compartment.
The KSP Fusion Monarch rifle is a study in lightweight functionality and accuracy that represents a stride forward in AR-15-type rifles. Attractively priced around $1,500, it is well worth the investment.
