HISTORY OF THE COLT MINI ASSAULT RIFLE SYSTEM
The Colt MARS (Mini Assault Rifle System) was designed and patented by retired Vietnam-era Green Beret, LTC Mike Harris. Mike approached Colt with the idea, and they purchased the patent from him to further develop the system. The concept was to make a very short, lightweight version of the AR platform that still had enough power to be a combat-effective weapon. It would be able to replace all MP5, handguns, and full-size M4 type rifles on the battlefield. The 5.56x30 will launch a 55gr projectile at 2600fsp with an effective range of over 400 yards, making it far superior ballistically to the 9mm sub gun, 9mm or 45cal pistol, and 5.7 cartridges. The MARS is lighter in weight when fully loaded than the MK5K and P90. It is also far more lethal on the battlefield, with far higher range and hit probability. The system also reduces the cost of training since the weapon pattern is the same as the M4 in assembly and end user function. MARS integrates into the already established supply chain easily, from integration with optics, lights, and lasers to ammunition packaging. The system, to the best of our knowledge, was not put into production because Colt, the owner of the patent, decided they had recently spent a lot of money on developing their 9mm sub gun and were not interested in releasing a product to compete with an existing SKU.
For more information, check out this article by Chris Bartocci.
CENTURION ARMS MINI ASSAULT RIFLE SYSTEM “RETRO REBUILD”
Our intent on these builds is to make them as close as we can to the original Colt prototypes. To our knowledge there were only three that were ever made. To make these, the upper and lower receivers are cut and rewelded using plasma or laser welding. The bolt carriers are cut and rewelded along with the magazines. Several other parts are modified to make it all work. We plan to build these RETRO REBUILDS in the same fashion with all the same imperfections. We are currently working on having brass forming dies made OR possibly will be forming existing brass for this project. We are also planning on having forming and reloading dies made so that the end user, at least, has the option to make their own ammunition. We will keep people posted as to what direction this all goes for the ammunition and possibly future for magazines, but the initial firearms are currently planned to have two magazines with them, made in the original fashion. We plan on running several small batches of these and releasing them as they are completed. These firearms will be sold as pistols with braces or can also be done as an SBR.
SPECS
We will keep this page up to date with any new information or changes as the project progresses.
