SHOT Show 2018 Cry Havoc: Let Slip The QRB Tom Marshall January 26, 2018 Join the Conversation At RECOIL, we review every product fairly and without bias. Making a purchase through one of our links may earn us a small commission, and helps support independent gun reviews. Learn More We decided to make a return to the Bad Company Tactical booth this year and stumbled upon a pretty interesting AR from Cry Havoc Tactical. Cry Havoc’s Quick Release Barrel, or QRB, is an upgrade package for an AR-style rifle that allows you to break down your rifle for concealability or caliber changes. The QRB consists of a barrel plate, receiver plate, star nut and proprietary two-piece gas system. When properly installed on direct-impingement ARs, you can remove or attach your barrel/handguard in seconds without loss of headspace or zero. All you have to do is lock the bolt to the rear, unlatch the two handguard clamps and pull the barrel/handguard assembly off of the receiver. Your BCG, charging handle and upper receiver remain on the rifle. While we, unfortunately, do not have the photos on hand right now, this author has personally seen photos of a QRB rifle broken down and fit inside a Trapper Keeper binder. Of course, any backpack, gym bag or short duffel will work, as the overall package goes down to a 17.5-inch overall length once broken apart. The Dead Foot Arms folding stock assembly incorporated into this build shrinks that number even further. In addition to the concealability factor, the QRB also has potential for caliber changes. The rifle we saw on the show floor had matching 5.56mm and .300 Blackout uppers. Since the magazines and bolts are the same, all that needs to be changed is the barrel. This particular sample incorporates a few other interesting upgrades, including Bad Company Tactical’s R2S modular retention system. The R2S consists of an aluminum dovetail that mounts on any 1913 Picatinny rail and a pseudo-holster that can be worn on a belt, mounted on MOLLE or fixed to any flat surface with the right tools. There’s also the Fist Grip from Ryker USA. The Fist Grip is an interesting take on AR forward grips that positions your support hand as it would naturally sit when supporting a pistol. We’d have to spend more time with this to make up our minds about it, but it’s something we hadn’t seen before. The Cry Havoc QRB kit retails for $349 and is available directly from Cry Havoc’s website. Why you can trust RECOIL Since our founding in 2012, RECOIL remains the premier firearms lifestyle publication for the modern shooting enthusiast. We deliver cutting-edge coverage of guns, gear, accessories and technology. We go beyond basic reviews, providing no B.S. buyer’s guides, hands-on testing and expert analysis on everything from firearms and survival equipment to watches and vehicles. Our reviewers are the backbone of our operation and come from diverse shooting backgrounds: Former law enforcement, military veterans, competitive shooters, seasoned hunters and plain old firearms enthusiasts. Furthermore, we’re not just gun experts, but dedicated journalists who adhere to the strictest standards of our profession. At RECOIL, editorial independence is the foundation of everything we publish and the cornerstone of reader trust. Our editors, writers and content creators make all editorial decisions independently, free from outside influence. That boils down to: advertisers don’t dictate our coverage, the outcomes of our reviews or what we recommend in our buyer’s guides. First and always, our commitment is to our audience—ensuring every review and article is accurate, unbiased, and driven by real-world experience. Whether you’re selecting your next firearm, upgrading your gear, or exploring the latest innovations in the shooting world, RECOIL provides the trusted insights you need to make informed decisions. Learn more about our Editorial Standards and how we review products. NEXT STEP: Download Your Free Target Pack from RECOILFor years, RECOIL magazine has treated its readers to a full-size (sometimes full color!) shooting target tucked into each big issue. Now we've compiled over 50 of our most popular targets into this one digital PDF download. From handgun drills to AR-15 practice, these 50+ targets have you covered. Print off as many as you like (ammo not included). Get your pack of 50 Print-at-Home targets when you subscribe to the RECOIL email newsletter. We'll send you weekly updates on guns, gear, industry news, and special offers from leading manufacturers - your guide to the firearms lifestyle.You want this. Trust Us.
