Featured First Look: ATAC Defense Integrated Rail Platform Recoil Staff April 26, 2022 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 Find out more about how we test products. ATAC Defense Integrated Rail Platform, Taking The Flex Out Of Carbines. We've covered the premium ATAC Defense ADER both in print and video. And more recently plenty got hands-on with ATAC Defense wares at the Blade Show / Texas Gun Experience. Their latest is the new Integrated Rail Platform on their ELITE line. Available in 5.56mm and .300blk, the Integrated Rail Platform allows for a continuous, uninterrupted top rail like a monolithic system while still allowing for a traditional barrel/barrel nut attachment system. No worries about handguard flex or rotation, or concerns about bridging optics between the handguard and upper receiver. Some may get some flashbacks of the ARMS S.I.R. system but unlike the S.I.R. the ATAC does not simply attach to a normal top rail. ATAC Defense uses a machined keyway system to attach the top rail and it's further secured with fasteners. While this does add some height it's nothing drastic–because it's the same as an HK 416. Here's what they have to say about it: The Integrated Rail Platform is an ATAC Defense patent-pending system in which the upper and handguard are assembled then machined with a full-length inverted keyway down the top. A one-piece Picatinny rail is machined with a receiving keyway, and bolted down the top of the upper and handguard. This locks the handguard and upper together with a one-piece sight rail with no interruptions or breaks. This process eliminates the need for anti-rotation tabs, and eliminates the fear of twisting a handguard or breaking a barrel nut loose. It also provides a stable Picatinny platform so night vision or a thermal optic can be mounted in front of your day optic without fear of the rail twisting or moving. Other uses: Iron sights, align the front and rear sights or if you’re looking for extra eye-relief split optic rings could be utilized. For more information on the ATAC Defense ELITE rifle or their Integrate Rail System, visit them online here. 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.
