Company Issue, Pt 1: The Contractor Service Rifle

All photos courtesy of Match Grade Media

Tom's note: All of the guns and gear you read about in my books are real. They're chosen thoughtfully because they're either aligned with current trends in military and law enforcement special operations, or because it's kit that I used, or wish I could have used, when working overseas myself. This is the first of a multi-part series detailing Windsor Kraft's "company issued" equipment - those brands and tools who are specified by name in Windsor Kraft novels. I hope to provide you not only an inside look to the real-life gear, but also put it into deeper context within the W-K universe...

All Contractor Service Rifles are equipped with Bolt Carrier Groups (BCGs) from Walker Defense Research.

Windsor Kraft’s Contractor Service Rifle, Mark 2 (CSR Mk2) is standard issue for the company’s entire Field Operations Regiment. Developed in parallel to similar initiatives by US Army Special Operations Command, the Mk 2 is built around an 12.5” barrel length for general purpose use. For contractors who are company certified Designated Marksmen, an additional upper receiver is available for issue built around an 18" high-precision SPR (Special Purpose Rifle) barrel.

CSR in Designated Marksman configuration with 18" SPR barrel and EOtech Vudu 3.5 - 18x scope. Shown with 5.11 RUSH Sierra 1 precision rifle deployment bag.

The CSR Mk2 is built for Windsor Kraft by Cobalt Kinetics, based on their CK-PRO carbine platform. The 416R stainless steel barrel, manufactured by X2 Dev Group, is finished in black salt bath nitride and features a proprietary gas system optimized for suppressor use while minimizing felt recoil and over-gassing. The buffer system is also proprietary to Cobalt platforms, based on proven COTS technology from VLTOR Weapon Systems with springs and buffer weights tuned to the unique “Carbine + 1” gas system. The system is capable of consistent hits out to 650 meters.

The muzzle brake evenly redirects muzzle pressure to assist in recoil control, as well as provides a mounting hub for the included Scrambler Suppressor - a compact, lightweight 3D-printed titanium that offers superior signature reduction for low-light and clandestine operations. Rise Armament triggers offer an incredibly clean, lightweight trigger press with little take-up, a crisp break, and fast reset. This trigger excels at both precision distance fire under duress as well as rapid volley fire in assault or counter-ambush situations.

Individual operators are permitted to accessorize their rifle to preference based on mission needs, with EOtech optics being the primary choice issued by company armorers. Possible optics configurations include:

-Low-Powered Variable Optic (LPVO) with offset reflex sight:

-Holographic weapon sight with or without magnifier:

-Red dot reflex right with or without magnifier (not shown)

Optics may be height-optimized for use with night vision goggles or chemical protective masks through the integration of Unity Tactical optics mounts.

All CSRs are issued with the EOtech On-Gun Laser (OGL) which offers both infrared and visible aiming lasers as well as adjustable infrared illumination. High-candela weaponlights from Surefire are also standard issue. Unity Tactical remote switches provide fast, tactile activation of illuminating peripherals even under adverse conditions.

Other accessories such as buttstocks, grips, cover panels, and tool management, are left to indivudal preference. The CSR's shown in these photos include various accessories such as: Walker Defense Research NILE panels, Arson Machine wire guides, Multitasker NANO tool in an Emissary Development MLOK caddy, and B5 Systems furniture.