BPM CQB Pistol, a handful of wicked

BPM CQB Pistol, a handful of wicked

About a month before the official release of the Barnes Precision Machine CQB pistol to the public I was offered to beta test one of the prototypes with a 7 1/2″ 5.56 and 300 Blackout upper.  Well, how in the hell could I turn that down?

My first experience with Barnes Precision Machine was a review of their CQB Patrolman’s Carbine, which can be found by following this link.

The BPM CQB Pistol can be had with either or both a 5.56 x 45 and 300 Blackout . You will also have options on barrel length.

Initial Range Trip

I spent an entire Friday night loading up several boxes of 5.56 and rounding up several different factory rounds to begin trying to break (in) the prototype.  I started off with the 5.56 upper and would devote my first trip to wringing it out. Perceived recoil was not much different than a carbine in the same caliber BUT be sure to bring hearing protection with you as the pistol is pretty dang loud. The Magpul pistol grip has a small storage compartment and I can suggest you use it to keep some spare ear plugs in.

After a few magazines to get the pistol warmed up we stepped off to the twenty-five yard line and using factory and reloaded rounds we shot from a rest to check accuracy. Once that was all wrapped up and the targets checked we then loaded up thirty round magazines, both Magpul and Colt, and then really went to work. Controllability is nice and with the extended buffer tube you can get a great sight picture with the Magpul flip up sights and Sig Brace, follow up shots were fast and on target. I do recommend the Magpul angled foregrip though as it is a short pistol and the angled foregrip improved comfort.

After my ammunition supply was exhausted and Brian and I had really worked the CQB pistol into quite a lather, I was satisfied with it’s reliability. When the day was done we had gone through about 300 rounds using two different types of magazines without issues.

3 shot groups at 25 yards

As you can see this pistol is as accurate as a quality carbine at 25 yards I had to try out the Hornady Superformance at 100 yards from a rest to see what it would do. I was satisfied with the groups at 100 yards as that is about as good as I can shoot.

My reload consisted of a 55gr V-MAX Hornady bullet with 23.5gr of IMR 4895

Here you see the velocity loss from a Federal 62gr FMJ from a Colt 6920 carbine 16″ barrel to the BPM CQB 7.5″ barrel. I realize that is quite a bit of velocity loss but before we all begin to wonder how much of a difference that will make, keep in mind the 5.56×45 gets plenty dangerous at lower velocities so instead of a clean through and through there is much more of a chance to tumble. We all know how much damage a tumbling 5.56 bullet can do.

The BPM CQB pistol balances well

Notice the M4 type feed ramps, enhancing feeding reliability.

The Nickle Boron coated bolt carrier group.

Magpul pistol grip, just enough traction to keep a good hold on the pistol

As mentioned the Magpul pistol grip incorporates a storage compartment, this is a great place to keep some ear plugs.

The Barnes Precision Machine flash suppressor did a nice job on keeping the fireball down.

The top of the upper incorporates a full length Picatinny rail.

Flip up front sight post with elevation adjustment by Magpul

Flip up rear sight aperture adjustable for windage by Magpul

The hand guard with provisions to attach a quick release sling and for attaching Picatinny rail by threaded fasteners

The trigger broke clean with very little take up just under 6 pounds with almost no overtravel. The safety engaged firmly and stayed where you put it. The safety and bolt release are serrated for traction.

You can see here where I have added a Picatinny rail on the bottom and right side of the hand guard.

I did not need the forward assist during the review but it is still there and a comfort to many. The magazine release is also serrated in a circular pattern which is important in keeping traction when dropping a magazine with wet or gloved hands.

Conclusions

Is this really a pistol? According to the ATF (and their opinion is what matters) yes it is. The Sig Brace is designed to wrap around your arm and be held fast with the Velcro strap. I have tried it in that fashion and it does help to stabilize the pistol but I prefer to use it as a stock and according to the ATF incorrectly using the Sig Brace does not reclassify the pistol as a SBR. The compliant letter can be found by following this link. Using this pistol in this matter, it becomes an easily wielded firearm that gives you the accuracy and capacity of an AR-15 but the size and weight of an short barreled rifle without the NFA hassle and cost.

With such a short barrel you do loose some velocity with the 5.56 x 45 cartridge (see above chart) but at the distances you would be using this firearm that is not as big of a deal as you may think. I can see this firearm bridging the gap of defensive firearms between a sidearm and carbine, incorporating the best features from both.

As it is classified as a pistol, depending on your local concealed carry laws, you may have the option to legally conceal the BPM CQB pistol but check your local laws as I am not an attorney. With that said, this pistol is not one I would want to carry concealed on my person, but you could have it in your vehicle concealed, if the law allows, to keep prying eyes away but have it available if needed. I realize the call for a defensive firearm with such firepower is not something you would need often but I imagine there are places or events one could be caught in that such a defensive firearm is ideal. Or, it is plenty accurate for local matches and a helluva lot of fun to shoot. The CQB pistol will be available in a few finish options (such as FDE) and other options to consider when you are looking at buying your first one.

Look for the BPM CQB pistol at your local gun store and if you can’t find it get in touch with the man that builds them at jsmith@barnesprecision.com

Next up is the 300 Blackout upper on the BPM CQB receiver.

Acknowledgments

Barnes Precision Machine

Hornady

Brian Hehl

Gabriel Nelson f/stop grooves photography