August 19, 2014
By Andrew Vanlaningham
TrackingPoint announced an addition to their Precision Guided Firearm (PGF) lineup earlier this year following the success of the XS Series PGF bolt-action rifles, featuring the flagship XS1 .338 Lapua Magnum .
TrackingPoint is now adapting the PGF system for the AR platform and will be releasing three rifles, chambered in 5.56, 7.62 and 300 Blackout, in the new AR Series beginning with the entry-level TP AR 556 in October.
Built on a customized Daniel Defense M4, V7 AR-platform chambered in 5.56 NATO, the TP AR 556 features a mil-spec lower and upper, Modular Float Rail 12.0 rail system, 1:7 twist 16-inch cold hammer forged barrel with a low profile gas block and three, three-inch modular Picatinny sections that can be moved based on shooter needs and weighs just over 10 pounds with the scope.
For the precision-guided mechanics to function properly, the TP AR 556 uses specially toleranced 69 gr. Barnes MatchBurner or 70 gr. Barnes TSX XactShot ammunition. The TP AR 556 comes with two Magpul 30-round magazines and includes three batteries and chargers, instruction manual and cleaning kit.
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Like the XS Series, the TP AR 556 is equipped with TrackingPoint's precision-guided Networked Tracking Scope with a parallax free zoom 2-14x optic and integrated guided trigger. Utilizing TrackingPoint's Tag.Track.Xact (TTX) system for making long-range shots with impressive accuracy, the TP AR 556's PGF system is ranged for 500 yards.
The Networked Tracking Scope is much the same as the XS Series. However, the two lithium-ion batteries have been transferred from directly beneath the scope into the buttstock. Doing so allows TrackingPoint to better balance the rifle as well as reduce recoil to negligible levels. Another difference is the TTX range has been reduced from 1,200 yards in the XS Series to 500 yards in the TP AR 556.
The scope's Heads-Up Display (HUD) features a 25mm objective lens that displays information on a 14.6 megapixel CMOS image sensor streaming at 54 frames per second. The TTX system is capable of tracking targets moving at speeds up to 10 mph.
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Inside the networked tracking scope, sensors and gyroscopes measure temperature, barometric pressure and relative humidity. The internal Measurement Unit determines cant, inclination and yaw; while four three-axis gyroscopes, a single three-axis accelerometer and a single three-axis magnetometer comprise the internal components.
The networked tracking scope supports wi-fi connectivity and streams live video to smart eyewear like Google Glass , as well as Android and iOS smart phones and tablets.
The suggested retail price of the TP AR 556 is $9,995 and will begin shipping in October.
Specially Toleranced Ammunition For the precision-guided mechanics to function properly, the TP AR 556 uses specially toleranced 69 gr. Barnes MatchBurner or 70 gr. Barnes TSX XactShot ammunition.
Play the Wind Wind is the only environmental variable you'll need to adjust for with the PGF system.
Look Ma! I'm Not Lookin' The TP AR 556's PGF is compatible with smart eyewear like Google Glass.
Integrated Guided Trigger The trigger on the TP AR 556 is fully integrated with the PGF system. While in advanced mode the rifle will not fire until the reticle is perfectly lined up with the target. However, in manual mode, the rifle acts as a normal AR and will retain the information from the previous tag.
Mark the Target Tagging targets is as simple as the press of a button. Half a press of the button switches the reticle, while a full press marks the target.
Batteries Operate it All The buttstock in the TP AR 556 has been beefed up in large part due to the relocation of the PGF's two lithium-ion batteries. This not only better balances the rifle, it also reduces recoil to very mangable levels.
Networked Tracking Scope Like the XS Series, the TP AR 556 features an integrated Networked Tracking Scope equipped with parallax-free zoom, gyroscopes, barometer and rangefinder.
It's the Scope The PGF system is hardwired into the integrated trigger.
500-Yard TTX The TTX in the TP AR 556 is ranged and effective out to 500 yards.
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